Jackie Chan in the cinema: a tour of his most iconic feature films

Capture of the official trailer of Police Story

Jackie Chan is a central figure in action and martial arts cinema, whose impact has extended beyond Asia to achieve global recognition. Throughout his career, Chan has demonstrated an exceptional ability to combine physical acrobatics with comedic elements, creating a distinctive style that has revolutionized the genre.

Although Jackie Chan’s career is extensive and includes numerous films that have marked his career, on this occasion we will focus on four of his most influential films. We will analyze how each of these projects has contributed to defining his legacy in the film industry and what elements have made them stand out within his vast repertoire.

Screenshot from the official trailer for Drunken Master

We begin with Drunken Master, directed by Yuen Woo-ping in 1978. The film follows Wong Fei-hung, a young martial artist who trains under an eccentric master known for his drunken-like fighting style. Through rigorous training and various tests, Wong learns to control his skills and confront his opponents more effectively.

Drunken Master is known for its combination of comedy and martial arts, notable for its innovative fight choreography. Not only did this film establish Jackie Chan as a leading martial artist and comedic actor, but it also significantly influenced the kung-fu genre. The film was so successful that it spawned a sequel, Drunken Master II, which continued to explore the first film’s distinctive style. Yuen Woo-ping, also known for his work on Kill Bill: Vol. 2 and Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978), demonstrated in Drunken Master his ability to combine action and humor in martial arts cinema.

Capture of the official trailer of Police Story

We continue with Police Story, a film released in 1985 and directed by Jackie Chan. In this film, Chan plays Chan Ka-kui, a fearless police officer who faces a ruthless drug lord while protecting a key witness. Police Story stood out for its innovative combination of action and comedy, and was instrumental in establishing Jackie Chan as a prominent figure in action cinema.

The franchise expanded with several major sequels: Police Story II (1988), Police Story III: Super Cop (1992), and Police Story 4: First Strike (1996), as well as New Police Story (2004). Each installment continued the adventures of Chan Ka-kui and brought new dimensions to the series, with Police Story III: Super Cop and Police Story 4: First Strike featuring international collaborations and an increased scale to the action scenes. Jackie Chan directed Police Story and his influence is reflected in the evolution of action cinema, while the third feature and subsequent installments were directed by other filmmakers, such as Stanley Tong (Massacre in New York). The series remains a key reference in martial arts and action cinema.

(New Line Cinema)

Third, we have Rush Hour, a 1998 film directed by Brett Ratner (Hercules). The story follows a Hong Kong police inspector, Lee, and a Los Angeles detective, Carter, who form an unlikely duo to solve the kidnapping of the Chinese consul’s daughter. Together they must take on an organized crime ring, while their contrasting styles and personalities clash.

The film stars Chan as Inspector Lee and Chris Tucker (Air: The Story Behind the Logo and The Fifth Element) as Detective Carter. The explosive pairing became a significant hit, spawning two sequels: Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007). The trilogy cemented the action formula that made the series famous and helped cement the two leads as one of the most important duos in the entertainment industry.

Screenshot of the official trailer for Shanghai Noon

Lastly, we present Shanghai Noon (known in Latin America as Shanghai Kid), an American film directed by Tom Dey (Single at Home), released in 2000. The plot follows the Chinese imperial guard Chon Wang, played by Chan, who travels from China to the American Old West to rescue a princess kidnapped by bandits. During his mission, Chon Wang meets Roy O’Bannon, a thief who tries to rob him. Despite their initial confrontation, the two form an unlikely alliance. Together, they combine their skills to confront the princess’s kidnappers and overcome various challenges in the Old West.

The film was a hit and spawned a sequel, Shanghai Knights (2003), which continues the adventures of Chon Wang and Roy O’Bannon in a new plot. Shanghai Noon also features a notable cast, including Owen Wilson (Loki, Marley and Me, Zoolander), Lucy Liu (Kill Bill: With a Vengeance, Vol. 1, Charlie’s Angels), Xander Berkeley (The Walking Dead) and Walton Goggins (Fallout).