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The Drunken Master (1978) – Detailed Review

Jackie Chan’s The Drunken Master is more than just a kung fu film — it’s a groundbreaking classic that redefined martial arts cinema in 1978 and established Jackie as an international star. Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, the movie combines slapstick comedy, traditional Chinese martial arts, and innovative fight choreography in a way that was revolutionary for its time.

The story follows Wong Fei-hung (Jackie Chan), a mischievous young martial artist whose antics constantly embarrass his father. After getting into trouble with the wrong people, Fei-hung is sent to train under the infamous Beggar So (Yuen Siu-tien), a harsh but wise master who specializes in the unorthodox “Drunken Boxing” style. At first, Wong resists the training, but when a ruthless assassin threatens his family and community, he must embrace the drunken style to unlock his true potential.

The film’s brilliance lies in its balance of comedy and action. Jackie Chan introduces his signature blend of physical humor — exaggerated facial expressions, clumsy antics, and playful mischief — while still delivering jaw-dropping martial arts sequences. The “drunken” movements, blending unpredictability with precision, make the fight scenes uniquely memorable and endlessly entertaining.

Key highlights include Wong Fei-hung’s grueling training under Beggar So (which mixes brutality with hilarity), the tavern brawls where Jackie first experiments with drunken boxing, and the climactic showdown against Thunderleg (Hwang Jang-lee), one of the most iconic martial arts villains of the era. The final fight is widely regarded as one of the greatest martial arts sequences ever filmed.

Beyond its action, the film represents a cultural shift. At a time when many kung fu films were stoic and serious, The Drunken Master embraced humor, making martial arts more accessible to mainstream audiences. It showcased Jackie’s unique style — not the invincible hero, but the underdog who wins through resilience, creativity, and heart.

Yuen Woo-ping’s choreography is groundbreaking, blending traditional techniques with cinematic flair. The camera work highlights every strike, fall, and acrobatic twist, capturing Jackie’s physical brilliance in full. Combined with the film’s lively score and vibrant pacing, the result is pure entertainment from start to finish.

Verdict:
The Drunken Master (1978) is a martial arts masterpiece that changed the genre forever. It introduced Jackie Chan’s iconic style, elevated kung fu cinema to new creative heights, and remains as fun, fast, and fresh today as it was nearly 50 years ago. A must-watch for anyone who loves action, comedy, or Jackie Chan at his best.

Rating: 9.5/10

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