Drunken Master (1978), directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring a young Jackie Chan, is a groundbreaking martial arts comedy that changed the face of action cinema. Mixing high-energy kung fu with slapstick humor, it marked a major turning point for Jackie Chan’s career and established the unique style that would make him a global icon.

Jackie plays Wong Fei-hung, a mischievous but talented martial arts student who constantly gets into trouble. After angering his father, he is sent to train under the brutal and eccentric Beggar So (played by Yuen Siu-tien), a master of the “Drunken Boxing” style. Through harsh training and painful lessons, Fei-hung eventually learns to harness the unorthodox technique and must use it to defeat a deadly assassin threatening his family’s honor.

The film’s choreography is breathtaking. Yuen Woo-ping’s direction brings a blend of intricate, fast-paced fighting techniques and physical comedy that feels fresh and exhilarating even today. Jackie Chan’s athleticism, timing, and ability to turn every fight into a dynamic, almost balletic spectacle are on full display. His comedic charm turns what could have been a standard martial arts movie into something special and endlessly entertaining.

What sets Drunken Master apart is its tone — lighthearted yet intense, humorous yet skillful. The “Drunken Boxing” style, with its wild movements and unexpected attacks, gives the action sequences a playful, unpredictable energy that matches Jackie’s natural screen presence perfectly.

Drunken Master is not just a kung fu film; it’s a milestone that shaped the future of action movies worldwide. Jackie Chan’s brilliant physical comedy and stunt work here laid the foundation for his legendary career. It’s an essential watch for fans of martial arts, action, and comedy alike.