Jackie Chan trades martial arts for drama chops in Unexpected Family

Putting aside his martial arts moves, Jackie Chan shows off his dramatic chops in the  family drama Unexpected Family. The film, directed by Li Taiyan, stars Chan alongside  Peng Yuchang and Zhang Jianing. 

The film opens in  Philippine cinemas on March 25, following its international rollout earlier this year.  According to Variety, the film was distributed internationally by Golden Network Asia and has already reached audiences in  China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, and Myanmar among others.

The story follows Zhong Bufan, played by Peng, a financially struggling tenant who ends up living with an elderly landlord, Dad Ren, portrayed by  Chan. 

Due to Alzheimer’s, Dad Ren mistakes Bufan for his long-lost son. As they navigate daily life under one roof, Dad Ren’s condition continues to affect their interactions, forming the heart of the story.

Known primarily for action-driven roles,  Chan, 71, takes on a more character-focused performance in this film, emphasizing family dynamics and personal relationships. 

Chan is a Hong Kong actor, filmmaker, and martial artist recognized worldwide for his action-comedy films. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has gained international recognition through movies such as Drunken Master, Rush Hour, Police Story and The Karate Kid.

The action star is widely known for performing his own stunts and blending martial arts with physical comedy, a style that has influenced action cinema globally. 

Among his accolades is an honorary Oscar awarded in 2016 for his contribution to film.