Jackie Chan and The Drunken Master

There is always something in life that we did for pleasure that we spend a great deal later trying to reconstruct. Such was the case with Jackie Chan. In 1978 the release of the Drunken Master sprung Chan into fame.

The movie did extremely well at the Hong Kong box office. The film made positive critical tidal waves throughout Asia. A new martial arts genre was born. Besides its critical and financial success, it also created a new genre of action comedy.

The film was directed by Yuen Woo-ping and cost about $1 million to produce. It earned an estimated $16.5 million at the box office. It is ranked on the Game Radar’s top 50 best martial arts movies in the #3 position. The sequel, Drunken Master ll, made over $34 million.

Chan the Famous

Instead of trying to be the new Bruce Lee, Chan discovered his own style. Critics were overwhelmed by the live stunts performed by the actor himself. This left a memorable spot in history.

Yet the same movie that propelled Chan to the hall of fame also left him with a social problem. The movie presented a drunken martial arts expert who was able to use his dependence on alcohol to solve all his problems.

Dealing with Drunkenness

Since Chan did not support alcohol abuse or wanted to be associated with the social tide that the movie seemed to promote, he searched for a way to fix it. How long would it take to find a solution that would not damage fanfare or create an economic disaster?

In 1994, the studio released the sequel to the movie, Drunken master ll. In the film, the drunken master now comes to understand the negative impact of alcohol abuse. In one case he even loses a fight due to his bad habit and addiction.

He finally sees the great problems that his addiction has caused and made a vow never to return to his practice. Nonetheless, in the movie, the hero must make a sacrifice and turn to alcohol one last time.

He triumphs while fighting under the influence of alcohol but leaves no doubts that the abuse or addiction has negative effects on life.

True to Life Struggles

Chan’s strong opposition to the alcoholic role in the movie also plays on his personal battles during his younger years. Although he was able to overcome his problem, he recounts sad experiences in his memoir, Never Grow Up.

He has become one the most admired figures in our modern history and is considered one of the most influential persons. He was listed as one of the most influential movie stars of all time. He is also a UNICEF ambassador and is known for his role with charities. In 1998 he established the Jackie Chan Charity Foundation which has provided uncountable help to organizations at home and abroad,

Personal Friend

During these years of growth and fame, Chan relied on his personal manager and friend, Willie Chan. The friendship lasted for about 30 years. He was instrumental in getting Chan into the American film industry.