Drunken Master (1978)

The fact that you are pretending to lose, lets you win.


In the 1978 film "Drunken Master," the legendary Jackie Chan gives an extraordinary performance as Wong Fei-Hung, the mischief-prone offspring of a revered martial arts maestro. This young man's ceaseless involvement in fights and his uncivil conduct cause his father significant distress and considerable humiliation.

In a desperate attempt to set his son straight, the father exiles him to live with his Uncle, who is famously known as Beggar So. Yet, in an ironic twist, the uncle turns out to be an even more prolific troublemaker than the nephew, which sets the stage for a series of comical escapades.

What follows is a festival of hilarious antics, interspersed with exhilarating, high-octane kung fu duels that will leave you breathless. The narrative arc of "Drunken Master," while simple, serves as an effective backdrop for the unleashing of Jackie Chan's martial arts virtuosity.

The film is a rollercoaster ride of martial arts antics, each more outrageous than the last, and expertly choreographed kung fu battles. The combination of the two results in an experience that is both incredibly entertaining and truly kick ass. "Drunken Master" is a testament to Jackie Chan's ability to blend comedy and martial arts in a way that is both engaging and visually stunning. It remains a classic in the genre, and a must-see for any fan of martial arts cinema.



You should not watch Drunken Master if...

• You are under the age of 15 - this movie is PG-15 due to its martial arts violence.
• You are not a fan of martial arts movies.
• You prefer movies with very serious themes - this movie has a lot of humor.
• You do not appreciate older films - this film was released in 1978.
• You aren't comfortable with portrayals of excessive alcohol use.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Drunken Master?"I mean, here's a movie where you become a superior martial artist by getting sloshed. It's like the complete opposite of every fitness program I've ever heard of! Can you imagine if that was how it worked in real life? "Sorry boss, I can't make it to the meeting, I've got karate class at the bar."

People who loved this movie also loved...
Ip Man (2008)

Directed by Wilson Yip, Ip Man narrates the story of the first man who taught Wing Chun, a special martial arts form. Donnie Yen's exceptional performance, combined with brilliantly choreographed action scenes, makes it a must-watch for any Drunken Master fan.

The Matrix (1999)

Lovers of "Drunken Master" (1978) will also love "The Matrix" (1999) because both films revolutionize their respective action genres with innovative choreography and storytelling. "Drunken Master," with its unique blend of comedy and martial arts, redefined the kung fu genre, much like "The Matrix" revolutionized science fiction with its groundbreaking special effects and philosophical narrative. Both films feature underdog protagonists who undergo rigorous training to develop exceptional fighting skills, providing thrilling action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Moreover, both films explore themes of self-discovery and rebellion against oppressive systems, offering depth and meaning beyond their impressive action set pieces.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Connoisseurs of "Drunken Master" (1978) will also love "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003) as both films are high-energy action thrillers that revolve around martial arts and revenge. They share a similar cinematic aesthetic with stylish choreographed fight sequences and exceptional performances from their respective lead actors. Furthermore, director Quentin Tarantino's homage to classic martial arts films, including the incorporation of elements from the 1970's Hong Kong cinema, in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" is likely to appeal to fans of Jackie Chan's Drunken Master.

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Fans of "Drunken Master" (1978) would also enjoy "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" (2004) due to both films' strong emphasis on martial arts, memorable fight scenes, and training sequences. Both films share a similar theme of the protagonist undergoing rigorous training to gain skills needed to overcome their enemies. Just like Jackie Chan's comic, yet skillful, martial arts performance in "Drunken Master," Uma Thurman's fierce and relentless portrayal in "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" adds a unique element to the martial arts genre. Additionally, the homage that "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" pays to classic martial arts films, like "Drunken Master," through its stylized action sequences and storytelling techniques, would make it appealing to fans of the latter.

The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

Buffs of "Drunken Master" (1978) will also love The Legend of "Drunken Master" (1994) because it continues the enchanting balance of humor, action, and the unique drunken boxing fighting style that made the original movie so appealing. Jackie Chan's dynamic performance stays true to the character and his comic timing and physical stunts are even more impressive. The plot is engaging, the choreography mind-blowing, and the signature blend of comedy and martial arts is preserved, making it a worthy successor to its predecessor.

Rush Hour (1998)

Both "Drunken Master" (1978) and "Rush Hour" (1998) are action-packed martial arts films that feature Jackie Chan, a renowned actor who is well-known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, and innovative stunts. In both films, Chan's unique blend of action and comedy are prominently exploited, offering viewers a mix of thrilling fight sequences and hilarious moments. Therefore, fans of "Drunken Master" would certainly appreciate "Rush Hour" for its similar style and Chan's signature performance.

Shanghai Noon (2000)

"Drunken Master" (1978) and "Shanghai Noon" (2000) showcase Jackie Chan's signature blend of martial arts and comedy. "Drunken Master," one of Chan's early films, introduced audiences to his unique style, while "Shanghai Noon" presents it in the context of a Western buddy comedy. In both films, Chan's character uses his wits, charm, and physical prowess to overcome the odds. The clever fight choreography, infused with humor, makes both films a delight for fans of action comedies.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Lovers of "Drunken Master" (1978) will appreciate "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) for its similar dedication to showcasing martial arts with an engaging narrative. Just as "Drunken Master" revolutionized the martial arts genre with its mix of comedy and action, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" also breaks traditional molds by blending martial arts with an emotional love story and breathtaking cinematography. Both movies feature stunning choreography, memorable characters, and a deep respect for the art of kung fu, making "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" a must-see for any fan of Drunken Master.

Hero (2002)

Fans of "Drunken Master" (1978) will also love "Hero" (2002) because both films excel in delivering high-quality martial arts cinematography. "Drunken Master," with its comedic and intricate kung fu scenes, is reminiscent of Hero’s breathtakingly choreographed and visually stunning Wuxia-style combat. Both films, rooted in Chinese culture, explore themes of honor, duty, and personal growth, with the protagonists overcoming adversity in their unique ways. Furthermore, Hero's complex narrative and dramatic flair add to the depth of the story, offering a compelling watch for those who appreciate Drunken Master's blend of humor, action, and compelling storytelling.

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Those who love "Drunken Master" (1978) will also love "Spider-Man 2" (2004) due to the films' shared emphasis on character development, physical comedy, and engaging action sequences. Both films center around protagonists who must balance their personal lives with their increasingly demanding roles as heroes. The physical comedy and innovative fight scenes in "Drunken Master" find a parallel in Spider-Man 2's humor and dynamic superhero battles. The combination of compelling narratives, humor, and action in both films make for a highly entertaining viewing experience.

Enter the Dragon (1973):

If you're a fan of Jackie Chan's Drunken Master, it's worth checking out this seminal Bruce Lee classic. Directed by Robert Clouse, Enter the Dragon is considered one of the greatest martial arts films of all times. The film's captivating storyline, characterized by subterfuge, deadly combat, and honor in the world of martial arts, is certain to please any kung fu aficionado.

Fist of Fury (1972):

Fist of Fury, another iconic Bruce Lee film, might be a good choice if you enjoyed Drunken Master's traditional martial arts. The film, a classic in the genre, gives Lee's outrage over the abuse and invasion of his martial arts school free rein, displaying the raw power and intensity that made him an international star.

Rumble in the Bronx (1995):

As one of Jackie Chan's biggest hits, Rumble in the Bronx showcases his talent for combining martial arts with physical comedy. It's notorious for its stunning fight scenes and daring stunts, many of which were performed by Chan himself. It's certainly a treat for fans of expressive, action-packed martial arts cinema.

Fearless (2006):

This biographical martial arts film directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li could hit the mark. The film showcases a blend of martial arts and Chinese history. Li plays Huo Yuanjia, a martial artist who challenged foreign fighters and championed the spirit of Chinese martial arts at a time when China's sovereignty was being eroded.

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