Detective Chinatown 1900 Review

Every time the American national anthem is sung at sporting or political events, it proclaims that America is “the land of the free.” The lyrics, composed in 1814, invite us to question just how free America truly was at the time. Slavery wasn’t abolished until 1865, and as we look to the present, we witness the erosion of rights and protections for minorities. Detective Chinatown 1900 is set during a period when the very existence of San Francisco’s now-iconic Chinatown was under threat due to rampant anti-Chinese sentiment. Especially relevant today, Detective Chinatown 1900 offers sharp commentary on equality and the importance of community while also delivering comical, light-hearted entertainment.

The film follows Qin Fu (John Cusack) daughter, Alice, along with a Native American, a crime being pinned on Bai Zhenbang (Zhang Xincheng), the son of Bai Xuanling (Chow Yun Fat). The stakes are heightened by the looming possibility of Chinatown being seized by the city, making it crucial to clear Bai Zhenbang’s name. Qin Fu is not tackling the case alone—he’s ed by Ghost (Wang Baoqiang), a Chinese man adopted by Native Americans after a personal tragedy.

Comedy is at the heart of this buddy-cop adventure, balancing precariously on a razor’s edge. We see Sherlock Holmes this case to Qin, deeming it too dangerous for his intellectual mind and dismissing it because he “doesn’t like politics.” Minutes later, Qin and Ghost fatefully meet in a chaotic sequence: Qin crashes into Ghost after falling out of a window as “Only You” by The Platters plays in the background. The film’s approach is fast, loose, and undeniably audacious. Early on, it feels like the filmmakers are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, resulting in mixed success. However, as the story progresses into its second half, the humor finds its rhythm, delivering laugh-out-loud moments.

What makes the comedy work so well is the dynamic between Qin Fu and Ghost. On the surface, the pairing might visually evoke comparisons to The Lone Ranger and Tonto; however, it’s the performances that truly bring the duo to life. Liu Haoran and Wang Baoqiang are an infectious pair, and every scene they share bursts with energy and entertainment. Additionally, Chow Yun Fat delivers a standout performance, exuding maturity and strength in his role.

The murder mystery serves primarily as a narrative framework for the film to explore racism and the political divides of the time. It reveals how anti-Chinese sentiment permeated politics and daily life, from the Irish community’s disdain for the Chinese to the devastating consequences of any association between white individuals and Chinese people. These moments are heartbreaking and remind us that such prejudices are not just relics of the past. Even in this harsh reality, the Chinese community came together to and protect one another when institutions failed them. While Detective Chinatown 1900 uses allyship and equality to address racial issues, its universal message resonates powerfully, especially when viewed through the lens of modern America, where the political erasure of LGBTQ+ and non-white histories is a growing concern.

Though Detective Chinatown 1900 begins on a rocky note, it finds its footing and evolves into an exciting, humorous, and deeply meaningful journey. By the time the third act arrives, all the pieces fall into place, leaving you eager for more adventures.