4.8 - THE LEGEND OF DRUNKEN MASTER (1994) and Comedy Action

We continue our Martial Arts season with Rob’s favourite decade (not just in terms of Martial Arts films, nor even in terms of films…just ever): the 90s. After some reviewing, we look at Jackie Chan’s use of the world around him, the difference between Chan films and Bruce Lee vehicles, and the pleasingly anarchic quality that this movie has when it comes to other characters’ involvement.

Next Time
Our next film in the Martial Arts season is a potentially genre-defying one: DISTRICT 13 (2004). Find it here

Recent Media
MARY POPPINS RETURNS (2018): Rob Marshall, Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda
KILLING EVE (2018): Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jodie Comer, Sandra Oh

Recommendations
RUMBLE IN THE BRONX (1995): Stanley Tong, Jackie Chan, Anita Mui
SHANGHAI NOON (2000): Tom Dey, Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson
KUNG FU HUSTLE (2004): Stephen Chow, Danny Chan, Yuen Wah
A BETTER TOMORROW (1986): John Woo, Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung

Footnotes
(Apologies for the short footnotes this week: Easter-related, and it’s a busy time of year. Back on it next time!) The video about Jackie Chan’s action comedy is here. Here’s more on the hero’s journey, a trope which this film happens to avoid in large part. And finally, here’s an article about the extraordinary cultural impact of one of Rob’s recommendations this week.