This narrative resonates with the keyword because it is about escapism. In 2008, audiences craved escape from the housing crisis and political turmoil. Today, in a hyper-digital world, we crave the same. The film’s aesthetic—rustic villages, bamboo forests, and the opulent Forbidden City—offers a form of visual therapy.

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: Jason Tripitikas, a Boston teenager obsessed with kung fu, discovers a mystical golden staff in a Chinatown pawn shop. He is magically transported to ancient China, where he must join a group of warriors to free the imprisoned Monkey King Jackie Chan

The longevity of The Forbidden Kingdom is also bolstered by its accessibility. The film was shot with an international audience in mind. For purists, the English audio track offers the original performances of the stars, but the availability of dual audio releases allows viewers to switch to the Mandarin dub.