The brightest star of Hong Kong: 5 early films with Jackie Chan that made him famous

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In these films, the actor showcased himself in his best form.

Do you think you know Jackie Chan? Daring stunts, a signature smile, and comedic talent are just the tip of the iceberg. Before becoming the king of action comedy and conquering America, he went through the fire, water, and trials of Hong Kong cinema.

Ready to travel back in time and see how the legend was born? Let's recall 5 films that not only made famous but laid the foundation for an entire genre.
Jackie Chan smiling with his hands outstretched
Jackie Chan
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“Snake in the Eagle's Shadow” (1978)

This film, which became a kung fu comedy classic, features Chan as Chien Fu, an orphan working as a janitor at a martial arts school.

Chien Fu is a clumsy guy who constantly finds himself in ridiculous situations and is mocked by everyone. But beneath the facade of a simpleton lies an incredible talent for martial arts. Jackie here is incredibly charismatic and funny, despite the "unlucky" character image.
Young Jackie Chan stands in a fighting pose in a still from the movie 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow'
Still from the movie 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow'
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The film became a box office hit and marked the beginning of a new genre combining virtuoso fights and comedic elements.

It is worth noting that the fight choreography for the film was directed by Yuen Woo-ping himself. His father, Yuen Siu-tien, played the role of Chien Fu's teacher.
I consider this to be Jackie Chan's first truly successful film. The work allowed Jackie to move in a different direction and stop trying to become the new Bruce Lee. I would recommend this film to any martial arts fan as a must-watch. It is also a great starting point if you want to watch martial arts films in general.
Reviewer no-skyline from Imdb

"Drunken Master" (1978)

The Hong Kong action film from the late '70s features Chan as Wong Fei-Hung, a young and rebellious student mastering an unusual kung fu style – "drunken fist."

Chan is incredibly charming in this role of a disobedient hero who wins your sympathy despite his antics.
Young Jackie Chan balances bowls on his head and shoulders in a scene from 'Drunken Master'
Scene from 'Drunken Master'
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For Jackie, this role was a breakthrough and established him as a rising star. In this film, he not only continued to develop the persona he started in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow," but also showcased his full potential.
This film is often cited as Chan's earliest masterpiece. It's a more traditional kung fu movie than his later stunt projects that made Jackie famous. The fighting styles presented in the film are unique. The fights are impressive and contain no trick photography, CGI, or large-scale special effects, showcasing just how good Jackie is as a martial artist.
Reviewer no-skyline from Imdb

"The Young Master" (1980)

In this dynamic action film, Jackie Chan plays Dragon, a young man who sets out to find his brother who has become a traitor. It's a tense and captivating story of honor, duty, and brotherly love, filled with spectacular fight scenes.
Young Jackie Chan in a black vest threw his arm forward with a shoe in a strike
Scene from 'The Young Master'
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Chan, as always, showcases incredible physical form and reveals his mastery of various weapons. Moreover, "The Young Master" is the second film in Jackie’s career where he acts not only as an actor but also as a director (the first was "Fearless Hyena" in 1979).

Although Chan's role here is more serious than in previous works, he still brings his signature humor and charm to it.
He truly is a master in this film. I don't even know what else to say. The whole movie is wonderfully directed, and the fights are simply incredible. He does things with chairs and tables that no one else can replicate. As for the plot, it's not very deep, as usual, but who cares when you see Jackie Chan fighting with a fan?
Reviewer udeaasykle from Imdb

"Project A" (1983)

An adventure action film about the fight against pirates in early 20th century Hong Kong. Chan plays Sergeant Dragon Ma Yulong, serving in the coast guard.

A must-watch for those who want to see Jackie as a fearless hero battling an entire army of pirates.
Young Jackie Chan in a sailor suit ready for a fight in a scene from 'Project A'
Scene from the movie 'Project A'
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At the 4th Hong Kong Film Awards, held two years after the film's release, the movie was awarded Best Choreography. It was presented to the Jackie Chan Stuntmen Association.
This is a top-level film with excellently edited fights, great creativity, and superb humor in the Chan style. It is a showcase of the efforts of three outstanding figures in 1980s Hong Kong cinema (Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao), and any fan of Hong Kong cinema should only skip it in the most extreme cases.
Reviewer thomas-hardcastle-2 from Imdb

"Police Story" (1985)

Another film directed by Jackie Chan, in which he plays Kevin Chan, an honest and incorruptible police officer who takes on the drug mafia.
Young Jackie Chan with a gun in his hands peeks around the corner in a scene from the movie 'Police Story'
Scene from the movie 'Police Story'
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At the center of the film is a principled and elusive hero who is willing to do anything for the triumph of justice. He is brave, resourceful, yet vulnerable and capable of compassion.

In the film, Jackie showcases his dramatic talent, which stands in stark contrast to his earlier comedic roles.
Highly recommended for action movie fans or those who want to understand why Jackie Chan was one of the world's biggest superstars for two decades. This film was a huge commercial hit throughout Asia and won numerous awards, becoming one of the best films in the actor's career.
Reviewer AlsExGal from Imdb
Which modern actor, in your opinion, comes closest to the unique combination of martial arts and comedy that early Jackie Chan demonstrated?

Earlier on zoomboola.com we talked about six films starring Heath Ledger that are worth watching if you are tired of "The Dark Knight".