Dragon Blade (2015), directed by Daniel Lee, is a high-octane historical epic that combines action, adventure, and drama with a star-studded cast. The film is set during the Han Dynasty in ancient China, where the fate of the empire hangs in the balance. The story follows Huo An (Jackie Chan), a heroic and skilled commander of the Silk Road Protectorate, who forms an unlikely alliance with a Roman general, Lucius (John Cusack), as they battle a ruthless Roman villain, Tiberius (Adrien Brody).

The premise blends historical fiction with action-packed sequences, as the two protagonists must fight against both internal and external enemies while uncovering conspiracies that threaten the kingdom. Jackie Chan brings his trademark martial arts style and charm to his role, delivering fluid and exhilarating combat sequences. John Cusack, who may seem an unusual choice for a martial arts epic, brings depth to his role as a Roman general trying to navigate a foreign and hostile land.

The film’s standout feature is its ambitious battle choreography and visually stunning landscapes. The large-scale action sequences, including gladiator-style combat and martial arts, showcase Jackie Chan’s legendary stunt work, and the fight scenes are intense and beautifully shot.

However, Dragon Blade struggles with pacing, especially when it comes to developing the relationship between the characters and the more melodramatic elements of the plot. While the film offers exciting action, the narrative can feel disjointed at times, and the dialogue is sometimes heavy-handed.

Despite these issues, Dragon Blade succeeds in its spectacle, blending history, action, and a bit of humor. Fans of Jackie Chan and historical action films will find this a visually appealing, though imperfect, epic.