Jackie Chan, born in Hong Kong April 7, 1954, is a legendary actor, martial artist, and filmmaker known for his unique style of action in the martial arts cinematic universe. Chan’s impressive skill set stems from years of rigorous training in various martial arts forms, including Kung Fu, Taekwondo, Judo, and Karate. He has seamlessly incorporated elements from these disciplines into his own style, characterized by his acrobatic fighting moves, comedic timing, and unique and daring stunts.
Chan’s unparalleled dedication to his craft has earned him international acclaim and a devoted fan base. Although he rose to fame in Asian cinema, he soon crossed over to Hollywood and became one of the biggest stars in the world. So, let’s break down his career through 6 of his most iconic movie roles.
6. Who Am I? (1998)
In the 1998 action movie, Who Am I?, Jackie Chan plays a man with amnesia and has to piece together his identity while evading the police and a group of international mercenaries. Chan’s character travels from Africa to Rotterdam throughout the film, displaying his remarkable martial arts prowess and humorous timing along the way. Who Am I? was one of the first films to fully present Jackie Chan’s abilities to a Western audience; as a result, he gained a devoted following in Hollywood and cemented his reputation as a worldwide action star. Who Am I? is still a favourite among fans of martial arts films because of its fast-paced action scenes, compelling storyline, and Chan’s innate charm.
Watch Who Am I? on Prime Video
5. Rush Hour (1998)
In 1998, the action-comedy blockbuster Rush Hour made a significant impact not only in Hollywood but also on the career of martial arts legend Jackie Chan. Hitting theaters the same year as Who Am I?, Rush Hour elevated Chan’s status in the industry and marked the beginning of his legendary career in Hollywood. The movie stands out for its hilarious dynamic between Chan and his co-star Chris Tucker, who was also gaining popularity at the time. Their mismatched partnership, along with the film’s action-packed sequences and comedic flair, captivated audiences and cemented Rush Hour as a cult classic.
This movie propelled both Chan and Tucker to new heights of fame and influenced the action genre for years to come. As a result, Rush Hour spawned two sequels in 2001 and 2007. Now, nearly two decades since the third entry, Rush Hour 4 is officially in development, with both Chan and Tucker returning to their roles.
4. The Foreigner (2017)
In the 2017 action thriller, The Foreigner, Jackie Chan portrays a grief-stricken father seeking vengeance for the death of his daughter in a terrorist attack. The plot follows Chan’s character, Quan Ngoc Minh, as he relentlessly pursues those responsible, using his military skills and determination to bring them to justice. The film marked a significant shift in Chan’s career as he abandoned his usual comedic roles for a more serious and darker character. Despite being well into his 50s, Chan performed all of his own stunts, showcasing his incredible physical abilities and proving that he is still one of the finest action stars and martial artists in the world. The Foreigner not only highlighted Chan’s versatility as an actor but also reinforced his status as a legendary figure in the action genre.
Watch The Foreigner on Netflix
3. Rumble in the Bronx (1995)
Rumble in the Bronx was released in 1995. The Jackie Chan movie follows the story of a Hong Kong police officer named Keung who travels to New York City to attend his uncle’s wedding and ends up getting caught in a battle against a gang of ruthless criminals. With its heart-pounding action sequences and Jackie Chan’s incredible stunt work, the film quickly gained popularity around the world. Rumble in the Bronx was a breakthrough movie for Chan, showcasing his talent as a martial artist and comedian, and helped him establish himself as an international action star. Its success undeniably paved the way for Chan’s later collaborations with Hollywood, including the blockbuster hit Rush Hour in 1998. With its high-octane fight scenes and charismatic lead performance from Chan, Rumble in the Bronx remains a beloved classic in the martial arts action genre.
Watch Rumble in the Bronx on Prime Video
2. The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)
The Legend of Drunken Master, released in 1994, is a martial arts classic that follows the story of Wong Fei-Hung, portrayed by the legendary Jackie Chan. The film showcases Fei-Hung’s mastery of the unique Drunken Boxing style, which he uses to fight off a group of smugglers trying to steal ancient artefacts. The film is lauded for its incredible fight choreography and Jackie Chan’s comedic prowess that serves as a thrilling take on slapstick humour, as well as his impressive physicality and stunt work. The Legend of Drunken Master is often considered one of Chan’s greatest films, as well as one of the greatest martial arts films of all time.
Watch The Legend of Drunken Master on Apple TV+
1. Police Story (1985)
Outside of the Rush Hour franchise, the Police Story series stands as Jackie Chan’s most famed and beloved movie franchise. The first movie in the series, which hit theaters in 1985, was the one that catapulted Chan to superstardom in the martial arts world. The plot follows Chan as a dedicated police officer tasked with taking down a drug lord, leading to a series of intense action sequences and long, drawn-out yet masterfully paced fight scenes.
What sets Police Story apart from other martial arts films is Chan’s ability to effortlessly blend his mesmerising martial arts skills with a nuanced range as a dramatic actor. This combination of action and emotion resonated with audiences and solidified Chan as a legend in the genre. With four successful sequels following the original, Police Story remains a quintessential representation of Chan’s talents and impact on the martial arts film industry.
Follow Us
