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The world's most famous orphan discovers he never was one.

Traces of a Dragon: Jackie Chan & His Lost Family (2003)

family detective storyhidden historyemotional archaeology

Overview

A surprising look at the past of movie star Jackie Chan and the difficulties of Chinese families during the Culture Revolution.

Content warning

woman director immigration second sino-japanese war (1937-45)

Standout Aspects

Direction

Mabel Cheung weaves political history into intimate family drama.

Production

Archival footage spanning 1930s China to modern stardom.

Acting

Jackie's raw vulnerability when meeting brothers he never knew.

Best for:Solo: Late-night rabbit hole when you need a good cry.·Family: With relatives who never talk about *their* past.·Rewatch: After learning more about Cultural Revolution history.

Heads up:Emotional: Stories of famine, abandonment, and family separation during wartime.·Disturbing: Cultural Revolution violence mentioned in family testimonies.

Director

Mabel Cheung Yuen-Ting

ReleasedAug 22, 2003

Runtime1h 34m

StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady

Intensitymedium

Tonemixed

Feelheavy

Jackie & Willie Productions

Top Cast

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

Director Mabel Cheung pioneered docudrama storytelling in Hong Kong cinema; this film continues her obsession with Chinese diaspora stories seen in 'An Autumn's Tale'.

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