IMDb 6.4 2013 HD

Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon

Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon

2013
Action Adventure Crime Fantasy
134 min NR China
6.286 / 10
6.4 IMDB

Young Dee Renjie arrives in the empire's capital to join the Supreme Court as police judge of his region. He wants to become a prosecutor. Empress Wu, who…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Tsui Hark
Starring
Mark Chao / AngelaBaby / William Feng / Kim Bum / Carina Lau / Chen Kun / Sheng Chien / Lin Gengxin

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

visually stunning intriguing mystery engaging performances fantastical adventure action-packed solid storytelling uneven pacing ambitious scope epic scale enjoyable watch classic tropes

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 24, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This instalment in the Detective Dee franchise is a vibrant and energetic affair, a testament to the power of ambitious filmmaking. The film successfully marries historical setting with fantastical elements, creating a world that is both believable and…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 24, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While visually impressive, Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon struggles to consistently engage beyond its surface-level spectacle. The film boasts ambitious production design and some striking creature effects, but the narrative often feels a step behind…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 24, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A true feast for the eyes, Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon is a triumph of visual storytelling and imaginative world-building. The film masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and monster-hunting, set against a breathtakingly realised…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 24, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This entry into the Detective Dee saga offers a visually arresting, if somewhat familiar, fantasy-detective narrative. The film's strength lies in its ambitious scope and impressive visual effects, particularly in its depiction of the titular sea dragon. Mark…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 24, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon plunges viewers into a vibrant, myth-laden ancient China. The film excels in its visual grandeur, presenting a world where a terrifying sea beast becomes the catalyst for a compelling investigation.…

FAQs

Empress Wu is presented as a significant figure at the commencement of her reign. Her authority is demonstrated through her commissioning of the investigation into the sea monster menace that plagues the capital. Her involvement underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the political climate of the era, setting the stage for the detectives' crucial mission to restore order and safety.