Jackie Chan, a name that resonates with thrilling stunts, remarkable martial arts skills, and a unique brand of humor is the one who introduced Kungfu into mainstream Hollywood movies.
Chan didn’t just redefine action; he introduced a new dimension to the genre by infusing his films with humor. His unique style, often referred to as “kung fu comedy,” blended high-octane action sequences with slapstick humor and a touch of lightheartedness, creating a captivating and entertaining cinematic formula.
The Asian Action Star Aspires to be the “Asian Robert De Niro“
Jackie Chan, the international superstar renowned for pulling off his own stunts, is best recognized for fusing martial arts with slapstick humor.
The Drunken Master actor has carved out a place for himself that goes beyond being just a martial artist and stuntman; he desires to be the “Asian Robert De Niro” with the zeal of a budding actor.
“I don’t just want to be an action star, I want to be a true actor,” the Hong Kong-born star revealed. “I want to be an Asian Robert De Niro. I want to get rid of my image.”
“Action stars have a shelf life. I used to enjoy action. Now I enjoy acting. Actors go on till 70 or 80. I want the audience to know I’m not just about fighting or comedy, also I can act,” he added.
He has given several box office hits in his long career of several decades. Some of his popular films are Rush Hour, Police Story, Drunken Master, and others.
Jackie Chan: Beyond the Action Hero
While he is widely celebrated as one of the greatest action stars in history, there’s a hidden facet to his talent that often goes unnoticed – his impressive acting skills. One film that magnificently showcases this lesser-known side of Chan is The Foreigner.
For decades, Jackie Chan’s movies have been synonymous with high-octane action, martial arts mastery, and breathtaking feats of physical prowess. However, with The Foreigner, Chan chose to try a different path, opting for a dramatic role that would challenge not only his physical abilities but also his emotional depth as an actor.
Released in 2017, The Foreigner is a departure from Chan’s typical action-comedy fare. In this gripping thriller, Chan plays the role of Quan Ngoc Minh, a humble restaurant owner seeking justice for the tragic loss of his daughter in a terrorist bombing. As Quan, Chan brings a nuanced and poignant performance to the screen, showcasing a range of emotions that extend far beyond the martial arts prowess he is known for.
“I believe that after these years the audience will understand that Jackie Chan is an actor and no longer just an action star, just a kung fu star. So today I’m still working in action, and it’s not easy, but if I want to keep making movies, I have to change,” the star said.
However, he will forever be celebrated for his iconic martial arts sequences and daredevil feats.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
