Snake in the Eagles Shadow (1978)

 Snake in the Eagles Shadow (1978) ****/*****

Here it is, the movie that begins the upward trajectory of Jackie Chan and lays the foundation for  what was to come. A much more realized version of his slapstick Kung-Fu makes its bow, and several concepts and trademarks soon to be recognized as uniquely Jackie Chan make an early appearance as well.

This can also be viewed as a full scale dress rehearsal for Drunken Master which went into production almost immediately after this one was completed.

An orphan who has been raised at a kung fu school, where he is treated as little more than a dogsbody and practice target for the students, has a life-changing experience after helping an old peripatetic beggar.

FINALLY! After a bit of a rough start, we have reached where the legend begins to take shape. The first few movies really tested my ability to withstand nonsensical plot twists and poor choreography. But that should be mostly behind us now as Jackie Chan now has more control over his screen persona, and is able to become the Klown-Fu hero he wanted to be in the first place.  

Had to include this, I love it.

Comparatively speaking, this movie is a masterpiece in pacing, fights and editing. It is such a huge step up that it boggles the mind. We went from Chop-Socky to Martial Arts Masterpiece Theater in a matter of 2 movies. This is very much an essential Jackie Chan movie. You can't skip this one unless you aren't interested in a key moment in the rebirth of Hong Kong Martial Arts cinema.

I don't think I can add anything to the discourse about the movie or really shed new light on it. It's highly regarded for self-evident reasons, especially when put into the context of both Jackie's career and the overall history of the genre.

It's fun all the way through, has fantastic fights and delightful performances from the entire cast. It balances the typical revenge story with wonderful bits of comedy  peppered throughout. 

Simon Yuen makes his debut appearance late in his career as a Beggar So/Sam Seed type of role that gave him screen immortality. 

 

Jackie Chan's lovable Klown-Fu persona arrives nearly fully formed in this movie and is far more loose and relaxed in terms of body language when compared to his previous efforts. The bits of Cat's Claw fighting style are the first bits of comedy that are a harbinger of what was to come. There's also a floor cleaning scene that is hilarious.

Seemingly the entire cast is quite comfortable with the comedic overtones of the movie and as such play into it without going too far over the top. 

Okay, maybe not everybody

Dean Shek is comedy gold, and I have to award him the supporting comedy relief  MVP award. I'm fairly certain he was not paid nearly enough for what he brought to the table.

He not only understood the assignment, he went above and beyond.

Let's not forget Hwang Jong-Ri, one of the more inspired bits of acting in the movie is him playing the main bad guy absolutely straight, like he was in a serious film. It makes him unforgettable in the movie 

All the pieces fall into place and fit together making this an easy recommendation for fans of the genre or any of the primary actors.

The only thing that caught me off guard was how well Roy Horan acquitted himself in the movie, usually I hate  Caucasian actors in Asian movies. They usually can't act their way out of a paper bag and end up being extremely cringe-inducing. 

Jesus knows Kung-Fu! Who knew?

 

The only thing that might be cause for hesitancy is the cat vs cobra scene that plays a little too real for my tastes. You might be able to skip it, but it does set up the introduction of Cat's Claw style. 

As for the musical score,  it's a weird mix of original work and swipes from Hollywood movies. Not too jarring, but can be a minor distraction if you know what pieces the swipes are from. 

Before I wrap things up, I have to confess that I mistook Chiang Kam for Sammo Hung... 

Chiang Kam

Sammo Hung Kam-Bo

That's just embarrassing.

Director...Yuen Wo-Ping

Screenwriters
Ng See-Yuen
Clifford Choi Kai-Kwong
Siao Lung

Martial Arts Directors
Yuen Wo-Ping
Hsu Hsia

Producer
Ng See-Yuen

Cast
Jackie Chan ... Chien Fu
Hwang Jeong-Ri ... Master Shang Kuan Yin
Simon Yuen Siu-Tin ... Beggar, Pai Chang Tien
Dean Shek Tin ... Teacher Li
Fung Hak-On ... Master Chao Chi-Chih
Tino Wong Cheung ... Three Provinces Champ
Peter Chan Lung ... Teacher Lian
Hsu Hsia ... Su Chen
Charlie Chan Yiu-Lam ... Master Hung
Roy Horan ... Priest
Fung Ging-Man ... Teacher Chui
Chiang Kam ... Tao Kuei
Chiu Chi-Ling ... Mr. Liang

Not that it matters, I suppose, but these are the three resources I use when doing research for this series of reviews. 

Jackie Chan will return in "The Drunken Master"