Drunken Master is one of the finest Kung Fu flicks of
the 70's. It's a favorite of many a veteran Chan fan.
This film really gave Chan the boost he needed. "Snake
in the Eagles Shadow" set it up but "Drunken Master"
knocked it down!
A huge trend of Kung Fu comedies was to spring up in
the wake of this tornado of a Kung Fu movie!


The story is about the Legendary Wong Fei Hung except
rather than the "Once Upon a Time in China" approach this
film takes the character allot less seriously.
Our hero Freddy Wong (Don't ask me where they got the
name Freddy Wong, I've always thought it sounded stupid
but I've never seen it in print until now, it's really bad ! )
Anyway, Freddy Wong is the son of a Kung Fu teacher
Robert Wong. He's basically one of the lads a bit of a
scum bag really. So whilst in town one day he comes
across "a bit of alright". He proceeds to feel her up in the
middle of the street unaware of the fact that the girls
mother spots him. The mother kicks his ass pretty badly.
All is well until she turns out to be his aunty. This does
not go down well with daddy Wong. So Freddy is
punished. The usual punishment (torture!) doesn't
work so Mr. Wong sends Freddy off to be taught by his
uncle, Sam Seed.
Sam seed teaches Freddy his "8 Drunk Gods" style by
way off torturous grueling exercises.
One year later, Freddy has mastered the Drunken style
(which by the way is remarkably quick in the martial arts
world, not quite as quick as Liu Chia Hui's 1min mastering
in "The 36th Chambers of Shaolin", but quick!.
Meanwhile back at the ranch Robert Wong is in trouble
one of his greedy neighbors who has a grudge against
him over a plot of land, sends an assassin to kill him.
This is where Thunderfoot (The Famous Hells Kicker)
comes onto the scene.
Robert Wong is an excellent fighter but no match for the
quick footed Thunderfoot.
"Arms open doors, legs break em down"
So, enter Freddy Wong to save the day. Just in case you
are unfamiliar with the pace and structure of these films
we have reached the end. Yes it's the final showdown,
on some uninhabited remote picturesque spot.
Well needless to say Freddy wins the day by way of the
"8 Drunk Gods" or rather 7 of them and one of his own.
This final fight by the way, is a classic!


Jackie Chan is possibly is in his prime here, and although
he only plays his part in front of the camera and the action
isn't as fast and furious as his own style now. He shows
his skill and strength in this film very well. There is a scene
where Jackie goes through the "8 (7 really) Drunk Gods"
technique, it really is very good !
Also, Jackie demonstrates how good he is with slapstick
comedy and lays the foundations for his own unique style
of movie making. My personal favorite non" Kung Fooey"
scene in the film is that where Freddy try's to con a
restaurant owner to pay for a meal in his own restaurant.
Hwang Jang Lee displays his Tae Kwan Do kicks to a
perfection. He really can kick and his form and accuracy
is top notch and he makes jump kicks look easy!
The final battle goes on for ages 9 mins actually.
The two martial stars pull no punches and go hell for
leather.

Once again the dubbed version adds extra hilarity to this
comedy. . . . . .
"Why so sexy" or "I'm not gonna die, but I'll help you to"


More to come, Rowan 29,Feb, 2000
check it out later this week