Drunken Master (1978) ***/*****
Here it is, the movie that signaled the arrival of the biggest Klown-Fu superstar of all time. A movie that was very clearly designed as a showcase for Jackie's inherently lovable clown like persona and physical skills.
Wong Fei-Hung is a mischievous, yet righteous young man, but after a series of incidents, his frustrated father has him disciplined by a master of drunken martial arts.
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.
Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978) ****/***** (Review copy was the 2019 edition of the 88 films blu-ray)
As far as these things go, this one isn't overly complicated,
Jackie Chan has a book everyone wants and they will stop at nothing to get it. However Jackie is actually looking a murderer and is using the book as bait.
