Today’s quick review: Drunken Master. To straighten out his son Fei-Hung (Jackie Chan), a troublemaker with a talent for kung fu, Master Wong (Lam Kau) sends him to train with So Hai (Yuen Siu-Tin), a roving master who practices an exotic martial arts style. Through So’s harsh training, Fei-Hung learns to become a true warrior. But he faces the ultimate test of his skill when he crosses the assassin known as Thunderleg (Hwang Jang Lee).
Drunken Master is a martial arts action comedy starring Jackie Chan. Drunken Master showcases a variety of kung fu styles, culminating in the titular drunken style, which uses erratic movements to throw the opponent off guard. The movie has more of a traditional feel to it than Jackie Chan’s other work, favoring one-on-one fights over slapstick brawls. However, the shift in focus serves it well, allowing Chan to show off his full technical skill.
Drunken Master balances its story, action, and comedy quite nicely. The story has more substance than usual, telling the simple but satisfying tale of an arrogant young man who learns to toughen up. The action is among Jackie Chan’s sharpest. The fights mix classic movie kung fu with Chan’s comedic flourishes. The comedy emerges naturally from Fei-Hung’s foolish character, as well as the unconventional methods of his master So Hai.
Drunken Master is a classic of the martial arts genre that delivers impeccable stunts and a well-constructed story. Fans of the genre who are looking for something lighter should give it a try, as should anyone who’s simply in the mood for some action. Drunken Master has slightly less overt comedy than Chan’s later work, but it fills in the gap with sharp stunts, colorful characters, and well-placed gags.
For a sequel that shows off more of Chan’s drunken style, check out The Legend of Drunken Master. For another Jackie Chan period piece that balances comedy with action, try Project A or Project A 2. For a Western martial arts movie with a similar progression, try Kickboxer or The Karate Kid.
7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for excellent stunt work and a satisfying story.