Released in 1978, the Jackie Chan martial arts film Drunken Master helped propel Chan to international stardom and established himself as a master of action comedy. Even 45 years later, it remains one of the most beloved and influential films in the genre.
Groundbreaking Stunt Work
Under the direction of Lau Kar-leung, Drunken Master showcased Chan developing his own style, known as “drunken boxing.” The intense training required for the delicate, improvisational fight scenes paved the way for Chan’s innovative stunt work. His agility, comedic timing and willingness to endure pain created an unmatched style.
Breakout Performance
In one of his earliest leading roles, Chan threw himself into perfecting the drunken kung fu techniques. His vulnerability and unwavering perseverance in fights made him an underdog for audiences to root for. Drunken Master proved Chan was much more than a stuntman, elevating him as a movie star.
Cultural Touchpoints
The film popularized the term “drunken boxing” in martial arts lingo. Its training sequences and lessons on flow-like defense set the standard. References to Drunken Master now permeate pop culture, from video games to shows like Kung Fu Panda paying homage to its influence.
Box Office Behemoth
Drunken Master was a massive success upon release, breaking records in Hong Kong. It brought Chan international exposure and critical acclaim that kickstarted his rise as an A-list action star in subsequent hits like Police Story.
Lasting Appeal
Even after all these decades, Drunken Master remains wildly entertaining thanks to Chan’s once-in-a-lifetime blend of spectacle and slapstick. For fans and film scholars alike, it represents one of the pinnacle achievements of the martial arts genre – a landmark that continues finding new audiences.
The film paved the way for Chan to become one of the most popular on-screen performers ever. Drunken Master demonstrated his singular skills and established the template for others to follow. It remains cemented as one of the all-time classics of the genre and a true testament to Chan’s immense talents.
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