Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
After getting into trouble, a mischievous young man is sent to train under a brutal, but slovenly old beggar, who teaches him the secret of the Drunken Fist.
Drunken Master is a landmark kung fu comedy that essentially defined the drunken boxing subgenre. Its novelty is exceptional — the concept of inebriated martial arts as a legitimate fighting style, blended with broad slapstick comedy and Jackie Chan's acrobatic charisma, created something genuinely singular. The plot is a familiar 'young rogue trains under eccentric master' arc but executed with great energy and charm. Chan and Simon Yuen's chemistry elevates the acting above the genre norm. The cinematography is functional and typical of Hong Kong productions of the era — serviceable but not distinguished. The ending delivers satisfying action spectacle but follows expected genre beats without surprise.