What Is Chinese Zodiac About?
The premise of Chinese Zodiac in 278 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In Chinese Zodiac, adventurer and treasure hunter Asian Hawk embarks on a globe-spanning mission to reclaim twelve bronze animal heads, artifacts plundered from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing during the upheaval of the Second Opium War. Blending the swagger of a classic mercenary with a deep sense of cultural duty, Hawk assembles a skilled team of operatives to track down the relics across five continents, weaving through black-market auctions, hidden vaults, and remote landscapes in pursuit of treasures that belong back in China.
The film moves with the rhythm of a globe-trotting adventure, balancing sleek action with a reverence for history. Hawk’s expertise in decoding old puzzles and slipping past high-security strongholds gives him an edge, but his operation is far from a solo affair. Along the way, he crosses paths with Coco, a resourceful and quick-witted Chinese student whose academic knowledge of the artifacts proves invaluable, and a sharp Parisian woman whose local insight opens doors Hawk alone cannot. The trio’s dynamic shifts from wary strangers to a tight-knit unit as their shared purpose draws them deeper into a world where every lead carries both promise and peril.
With high-stakes infiltrations, dangerous encounters, and the constant pressure of rival forces circling the same prizes, Chinese Zodiac plays like a modern treasure hunt laced with old-world intrigue. The tone is brisk and playful, yet grounded by the weight of recovering something historically significant. As Hawk darts between continents — from gilded European estates to sun-bleached shores — the film captures the thrill of the chase, the bond forged between unlikely allies, and the quiet determination of a man willing to risk everything to bring lost relics home.
What Happens in Chinese Zodiac?
The complete story of Chinese Zodiac, from the first scene to the last, in 913 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The Old Summer Palace faced destruction and plundering at the hands of a combined Anglo-French expedition during the Second Opium War, leading to the theft of numerous precious artifacts, including the twelve bronze heads representing the Chinese zodiac. In modern times, these iconic bronze heads, secured by the MP Corporation, become the focal point of an intense auction. JC, portrayed by Jackie Chan, takes on the mission from MP to locate the remaining lost bronze heads, with the promise of a $10 million bonus if he succeeds in retrieving them all, particularly the prized Dragon head.
To start his quest, JC pretends to be a reporter named Martin from National Geographic, seeking insight from Professor Guan, played by Wang Qingxiang, who has crafted twelve identical replicas of the heads for research. Utilizing specialized gloves, JC scans the original heads to ensure his organization can produce incredibly lifelike models. His next move is to travel to Paris in search of a woman named Coco, portrayed by Yao Xingtong, who may have vital information regarding the whereabouts of two of the bronze heads.
During his investigation, JC and his associates infiltrate a lavish mansion, where they uncover a top-secret vault protected by a complex security system. There, he successfully retrieves the two bronze heads, alongside a valuable painting called The Roses and other artifacts previously considered lost. However, their escape is thwarted when their actions trigger an alarm, forcing JC to instruct Coco to meet him at a boathouse while he makes a hasty exit.
At the boathouse, JC reveals to Coco his true mission — working for a clandestine organization with the aim of recovering relics for China. However, chaos ensues when guards from the mansion confront them, only to be interrupted by the arrival of the police. Fortunately, JC, Coco, and Simon (played by Kwon Sang-woo) are cleared of any suspicion and released. Shortly after, they receive a peculiar invitation to a castle owned by Catherine, played by Laura Weissbecker, unaware that the mansion’s guards are still pursuing them.
As fate would have it, it’s revealed that the captain of the Indestructible, a ship involved in the destruction of the Old Summer Palace, is Catherine’s great-great-grandfather, which strains her relationship with Coco. Amid their endeavors, JC and the crew uncover various treasures inside the castle, including the bronze head of the Rooster, while plotting their next steps for securing the artifacts.
Determined to help Catherine locate her ancestor’s remains, JC leads the team on an expedition to an uninhabited island purported to house treasures from the Indestructible. Although he advises Coco and Catherine to stay behind, both disobey and join him. Their adventurous spirit soon lands them in trouble when they find themselves tangled in the foliage, necessitating JC’s timely rescue. Remarkably, they unearth not just the remains of Catherine’s ancestor, but also the remains of the Indestructible, several more bronze heads, and an impressive cache of gold.
Just as they gather their findings, they are confronted by the guards from the mansion, only to be unexpectedly ambushed by a group of local pirates. A series of intense confrontations lead to their escape on a log equipped with a pulley system, while the guards remain ensnared in the pirates’ clutches. Back on the yacht, Coco uncovers the real reason behind JC’s mission and questions his principles, while a harrowing situation results in the sinking of a log laden with about eight tonnes of gold.
Regardless, JC and his team are applauded for recovering certain bronze heads. Disappointment ensues when they discover that the long-lost Dragon head had been in the possession of MP Corp all along, eliminating their potential to earn the sizable bonus. Tensions rise as Coco’s student group escalates protests over the auction of these national treasures, leading to chaos that captures global attention, especially after several students, including Coco’s younger brother, go missing.
Upon Coco reaching out to JC for assistance, he gains access to MP Corp’s secretive facilities, providing him with insight into the unauthorized duplication of the artifacts. In a climactic moment, he faces off against an old adversary, Vulture, performed by Alaa Safi, resulting in a tense standoff that ends without clear resolution.
In negotiations with MP Corp, JC proposes to sell The Roses at a reduced price to secure the release of the kidnapped students. However, as negotiations stall, a catastrophic furnace explosion occurs, igniting chaos within the facility and destroying much of it. In a daring exchange, JC finally secures the hostages’ freedom in return for the painting while opting not to compensate for the damages incurred.
Amid growing public sentiment against the upcoming sale of the Dragon bronze head, MP Corp resorts to drastic measures, threatening to dispose of the artifact in a volcano unless bids are received, dubbing the operation Let the Dragon Fly. When the deadline arrives with no bidders, Vulture descends with companions to execute the plan. In an electrifying airborne rescue attempt, JC bravely intervenes but sustains injuries amidst the chaotic scramble. A moment of unexpected sportsmanship emerges as Vulture hands over the coveted Dragon head to JC as an act of respect.
The aftermath reveals the arrest of MP Corp’s leaders for possessing the stolen painting. Meanwhile, JC recuperates in a hospital, reconnecting with acquaintances including Vulture and sharing a tender reunion with his wife, who visits him, thus bringing a dramatic journey full of action, intrigue, and the indomitable spirit of seeking lost treasures to a heartfelt conclusion.
Chinese Zodiac Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Looting of the Old Summer Palace” to “JC's Recovery and Reconciliation”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Looting of the Old Summer Palace
During the Second Opium War, the Old Summer Palace is looted and burned by a combined Anglo-French expeditionary force. This event results in the theft of numerous cultural artifacts, including twelve bronze heads representing the Chinese zodiac.
When:1860 Where:Old Summer Palace, China
- 2
Auction of Bronze Heads
In the present day, the bronze heads stolen from the Old Summer Palace are auctioned by MP Corporation, igniting interest in their cultural significance. JC is assigned the mission to locate the remaining lost bronze heads and is promised a $10 million bonus for their recovery.
- 3
Meeting Professor Guan
JC, under the guise of a National Geographic reporter named Martin, meets with Professor Guan. The professor shares valuable insights about the replicas he created, which aids JC in understanding the originals and their intricate designs.
- 4
Infiltration of the Mansion
JC and his partners gather information leading them to infiltrate a mansion, where they believe two bronze heads of the zodiac are hidden. After successfully decoding a secure vault password, JC finds the bronze heads and a painting called 'The Roses' along with several other lost treasures.
Where:Mansion
- 5
Confrontation at the Boat House
With the mansion's security hot on his trail, JC escapes to a nearby boat house where he meets Coco. He reveals that he works for a secret corporation aimed at reclaiming lost relics for China just before the guards catch up, leading to a chaotic confrontation.
Where:Boat House
- 6
Visit to Catherine’s Castle
JC and his team are invited to a castle owned by Catherine, unaware that mansion guards are following them. There, they learn about her ancestor, the captain of the ship 'Indestructible', raising tensions with Coco, who is upset by the historical connection.
Where:Catherine's Castle
- 7
Search for the Indestructible's Treasures
The team ventures to a deserted island believed to hold treasures from the Indestructible. Ignoring JC's orders to stay behind, Coco and Catherine join the search, leading to their entrapment in vines which necessitates JC's daring rescue.
Where:Deserted Island
- 8
Discovery of Additional Artifacts
While excavating for the great-great-grandfather's remains, the group unearths not only the remains but also the wreckage of the Indestructible and several more bronze heads, along with a great quantity of gold. The thrill of discovery quickly turns to danger as guards confront them, followed by pirates who capture everyone.
Where:Deserted Island
- 9
Escape from the Pirates
JC and his team manage to escape the pirates by using a log pulley system. In the chaos, they leave behind the guards who had pursued them, but their troubles are far from over as they face new challenges in their quest to recover the artifacts.
Where:Deserted Island
- 10
Confrontation with MP Corp
Upon returning to the city, JC learns that the Dragon head is under threat of being destroyed by MP Corp as a lesson to activist groups. The situation escalates as protestors rally against the selling of national treasures, putting pressure on MP Corp's auction strategies.
Where:Auction House
Show the other 4 events of Chinese Zodiac Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Battle to Save the Dragon Head
With no bids for the Dragon head, MP Corp decides to dispose of it in an active volcano, leading JC to intervene. In a tense airborne struggle, he is severely injured but manages to save the relic before it is lost forever.
Where:Active Volcano Area
- 12
Destruction of MP Corp Facility
A fierce showdown occurs at the MP Corp facility as JC fights to rescue hostages. A guard's mistake leads to an explosion that cripples the facility, allowing JC to negotiate the release of the captives in exchange for the painting 'The Roses'.
Where:MP Corp Facility
- 13
Arrest of MP Corp Executives
In the aftermath of the battles, MP Corp executives are arrested due to illegal possession of the painting 'The Roses'. JC emerges as a hero not just for recovering artifacts but also for battling against corruption surrounding these cultural treasures.
- 14
JC's Recovery and Reconciliation
The film concludes with JC recovering in a hospital, mending relationships with his allies, including Vulture. In a touching moment, he reunites with his wife, emphasizing the film's themes of loyalty and redemption amid historical treasures.
Where:Hospital
Who Are the Main Characters in Chinese Zodiac?
4 characters, among them Jackie / Asian Hawk (Jackie Chan), Coco (Yao Xingtong) and Catherine (Laura Weissbecker): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Jackie / Asian Hawk (Jackie Chan)
Played by Jackie Chan
JC, known as Asian Hawk, is a skilled treasure hunter and martial artist driven by a mission to recover lost artifacts. His expertise in combat and resourcefulness allow him to navigate dangerous situations. Despite his tough exterior, he shows a deep sense of responsibility for reclaiming his cultural heritage.
- 🦸♂️ Action Hero
- 🏅 Resourceful
- C(
Coco (Yao Xingtong)
Played by Yao Xingtong
Coco is an enthusiastic and determined student who becomes embroiled in JC's quest. Her passion for cultural identity drives her to confront injustices. Throughout the film, she evolves from a support character to a key player in uncovering deeper conspiracies regarding the artifacts.
- 🎓 Student Activist
- 💪 Determined
-
Catherine (Laura Weissbecker)
Played by Laura Weissbecker
Catherine is a pivotal character connected to JC's mission. Her heritage ties back to the historical context, adding emotional depth to the story. Her initial conflict with Coco over family history illustrates themes of betrayal and shared legacy.
- 🏰 Noble Heir
- 💔 Conflict
-
Vulture (Alaa Safi)
Played by Alaa Safi
Vulture is represented as a rival treasure hunter with dubious morals. His interactions with JC complicate the mission as they grapple for power and control over the lost relics. Despite his antagonistic role, there are hints of mutual respect in their rivalry.
- 💰 Treasure Hunter
- ⚔️ Rival
Where and When Is Chinese Zodiac Set?
Chinese Zodiac is set in Old Summer Palace, Paris, a Mansion, a Castle and an Uninhabited Island. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie primarily takes place in contemporary times, highlighting the modern struggles of recovering lost cultural artifacts. It also references the historical context of the Second Opium War, which dramatically affected China's cultural heritage. This interplay of past and present underscores the ongoing significance of these treasures.
Where
Old Summer Palace, Paris, a Mansion, a Castle, an Uninhabited Island
The Old Summer Palace, known for its rich history and cultural significance, was destroyed during the Second Opium War, leading to the theft of valuable artifacts. In contrast, modern-day Paris serves as a backdrop for JC's quest, culminating in a mansion hiding treasures, and a castle connected to his journey. The uninhabited island hides ancient relics, including the remains of the ship 'Indestructible' and lost treasures.
- 🏛️ Historical
- 🌆 Urban
- 🏰 Castle
- 🏝️ Island
What Are the Themes of Chinese Zodiac?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Cultural Heritage, Loss and Recovery and Friendship and Loyalty.
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01
Cultural Heritage
The film explores the importance of recovering lost cultural artifacts, emphasizing the connection between heritage and identity. JC's adventure to reclaim the zodiac heads highlights the lengths individuals will go to preserve their history. The ongoing conflict between relic recovery and modern capitalism presents a complex narrative about the value of culture.
-
02
Loss and Recovery
The theme of loss permeates throughout the film, not just in terms of physical artifacts but also personal connections and values. JC's battles are not only against external forces but also against the societal implications of losing cultural identity. His journey embodies the struggle to reclaim what has been taken, both materially and spiritually.
-
03
Friendship and Loyalty
Amidst the chaos of treasure hunting and confrontations, the bonds between JC, Coco, and their team emphasize the values of friendship and loyalty. Their collective efforts to tackle challenges highlight teamwork, even when confronting personal motivations and rivalries. This theme is central to the resolution of conflicts and the restoration of trust.
What Kind of Film Is Chinese Zodiac?
Hopeful in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A globe-trotting martial arts adventure packed with Jackie Chan's signature slapstick action and heroic set pieces, balancing lighthearted gags with high-stakes treasure hunting and tense showdowns.
- adventurous
- action-packed
- heroic
- playful
- tense
- swashbuckling
- treasure hunt
- cultural heritage
- martial arts
- heist
Content notes: combat violence, hostage situations, explosions, dangerous skydiving.
Quiz
How well do you remember Chinese Zodiac? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Chinese Zodiac
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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