Bleeding Steel (2017) – A Sci-Fi Action Thriller Starring Jackie Chan
Bleeding Steel, released in 2017, is a genre-bending Chinese action film that blends sci-fi, cyberpunk, and high-octane martial arts into one explosive package. Directed by Leo Zhang and starring Jackie Chan in the lead role, the movie stands out as an ambitious attempt to merge futuristic elements with classic action tropes. While not without its flaws, Bleeding Steel offers plenty of visual spectacle and fast-paced excitement for fans of action cinema.
A Story That Jumps Between Worlds
Set in a futuristic version of Australia and China, Bleeding Steel follows Lin Dong (Jackie Chan), a seasoned special forces agent. The story kicks off with Lin caught between a dangerous mission and a personal crisis—his young daughter is terminally ill, and he must choose between being by her side or stopping a bio-enhanced superhuman from stealing top-secret biotech.
Thirteen years later, Lin is pulled back into action when a mysterious woman, a cybernetic villain named Andre, and a powerful artificial heart re-emerge in a tangled web of conspiracy, memory loss, and high-tech warfare.
Sci-Fi Meets Martial Arts
What makes Bleeding Steel stand out is its attempt to fuse classic Jackie Chan-style fight choreography with science fiction themes. Expect to see high-tech armor, robotic limbs, cybernetic enhancements, and laser battles—alongside hand-to-hand combat, chase scenes, and daring stunts.
While the fusion doesn’t always feel seamless, it’s certainly unique. The film moves from gritty street fights to high-rise gun battles, and even includes a flashy showdown on the Sydney Opera House rooftop, making for some undeniably memorable set pieces.
Jackie Chan Still Has It
At over 60 years old at the time of filming, Jackie Chan proves he still has the energy and charisma to carry an action film. He performs many of his own stunts, as expected, and adds emotional weight to Lin Dong’s character—especially in scenes involving his daughter. His presence alone is reason enough for many fans to check out the film.
That said, the film leans more toward a serious tone compared to his usual comedic style. It's a more dramatic performance, with occasional flashes of humor and classic Jackie Chan physicality.
Visuals and Production Design
Bleeding Steel is visually ambitious, with cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics, futuristic labs, armored suits, and glowing technology. The film attempts a grand scale with a combination of CGI effects and practical sets. While some of the CGI can feel inconsistent, the overall look is bold and imaginative.
The action scenes are well-choreographed, and the cinematography leans into a slick, glossy style that supports the sci-fi atmosphere.
A Flawed But Fun Ride
While Bleeding Steel is visually engaging and packed with action, it struggles with coherence. The plot is convoluted, with flashbacks, time jumps, and multiple threads that aren’t always clearly explained. Some characters feel underdeveloped, and the film’s tone occasionally shifts awkwardly between emotional drama and over-the-top action.
Still, for fans of Jackie Chan, martial arts, and sci-fi, Bleeding Steel offers a fun ride—even if it’s a bumpy one.
Final Thoughts
Bleeding Steel may not be Jackie Chan’s best film, but it’s certainly one of his most experimental. It’s a bold mash-up of sci-fi, superhero tropes, and action cinema that aims high and delivers enough thrills to entertain. If you’re in the mood for something unconventional with futuristic flair and classic Jackie Chan energy, this movie might just scratch that itch.