Jackie Chan was a star in China long before he was
recognized for his talents in the US. His first attempt to break out here, THE
BIG BRAWL, did well but nothing like the box office he was doing in Asia. Parts
in both CANNONBALL RUN films helped but still no ignition. Then came RUMBLE IN
THE BRONX and his star here began to rise. It made fans look into Chan and seek
out his earlier films that were so huge in his home country. Unfortunately most
were terrible copies with washed out footage and terrible dubbing. Fans can
rejoice as two of those films make their way to blu-ray courtesy of Twilight
Time.
SNAKE IN EAGLE’S SHADOW features Chan as Chien Fu, a young
man working as a janitor at a local kung fu academy. Picked on by the students
and ridiculed by the teacher, he trains himself but not well. An old man,
secretly a kung fu master, sees what’s going on and takes it upon himself to
train Chien in the ‘snake fist’ style. While this is going on, the leader of
the Eagle Claw clan is in search of the old man in an attempt to end the
teaching of this style. Eventually Chien faces off against him and loses.
Rather than accept defeat, he begins to find a way to counter the Eagle Claw style
his enemy uses with one he creates himself.
The movie offers a story that runs through much of the
classic martial arts films, a student in need, a willing teacher who helps him
overcome his issues and a climactic battle between the good guys and the bad
guys. Tossed into the mix is a bit of humor more slapstick than verbal that
displays the acrobatic styles of those involved. It all makes for a fun film
for fans and an easy one to watch for those unexposed.
The second film here is DRUNKEN MASTER, a movie that was a
box office hit in China and that made Chan a star. This time around he’s Wong
Fei-Hung a brash young kung fu student whose father owns the school he trains
in. Disobedient and far too cocky, he father bans him from their home and sends
him to his uncle Beggar So to train. Their paths cross when Wong tries to con
his way out of Beggar’s meal not realizing who he is.
Beggar reveals himself afterwards and begins to teach Wong
his style of fighting. Taking his time to move him slowly to the level he needs
to reach, he still has issues with Wong’s attitude. Eventually he begins to
train him in his special style known as 8-Drunken Genii kung-fu. The style
incorporates the motions of a drunk and to reach this point it helps to
actually be completely intoxicated. At the same time there is a method to his
madness.
As the training progresses the head of a rival kung fu clan
creates problems for Wong’s father. He steals his students and disrespects his
school. With a new style of fighting it appears he will bring the school to an
end. Only Wong can save the day but he must first master the techniques he’s
being taught and reconcile with his father first.
The movie reunited Chan with Siu Tin Yuen in the roles of
student and teacher. While his character here was less sympathetic than in the
previous film the eventual turn makes up for that. Combining the martial arts
with acrobatic skills as well as a generous dollop of humor, especially in the
drunken fighting style, the movie is a perfect example of martial arts films
from the time.
Chan fans will be delighted to won this great presentation
of both films. Twilight Time has brought a great looking presentation of both.
Extras include isolated music & effects tracks and Drunken Master audio
commentary with film historians Ric Meyers and Jeff Yang. As with all Twilight
Time releases it is limited to just 3,000 copies so if you’re a fan pick one up
today.
Click here to order.
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