The 36 Crazy Fists (1977)

The 36 Crazy Fists Poster
Original Title: 三十六迷形拳

When a young man's village is destroyed by a band of thugs, he seeks help from a great kung-fu master, but his real lessons come from a drunk old man, he basically learns kung fu by accident and seeks his revenge.

Film Overview
"The 36 Crazy Fists" is a 1977 movie from Hong Kong. The movie is directed by Jackie Chan, who is likewise in a leading role. It includes a common Kung Fu drama plot combined with Jackie Chan's iconic comical style. In spite of some criticisms regarding its industrial appeal, the film was widely embraced by audiences for its amalgamation of humor and action.

Plot
The film revolves around an easy and kind-hearted male named Ah Lung who idolizes martial arts hero San Pak and imagine imitating his heroism. San Pak is portrayed by Lee Man-Tai. Ah Lung's infatuation with martial arts leads him to naively enter a brawl that contusions him awfully. Realizing his coming of age, his mom sends him to his uncle, a cook in a restaurant who also occurs to be a disguised Kung Fu Master, hoping Ah Lung would learn some real-life lessons and martial arts.

At the very same time, a regional evil autocrat is seeking powerful fighters to wander and handle conflicts in the location. The tyrant comes across Ah Lung, mistakes him for a skilled martial arts specialist, and draws him into a vicious power struggle. The story unfolds as Ah Lung handles to take on his foes through strength and pure luck instead of authentic martial arts abilities.

Efficiency and Themes
Jackie Chan's functioning as Ah Lung is notably charming and comic. Chan's physical funny skills and non-verbal humor include a distinct flavor to the movie, making it more enticing to a more comprehensive audience. The movie does a great task of blending in funny with martial arts in a way that enhances both elements.

As for the themes, "The 36 Crazy Fists" represents perfects such as withstanding autocrats, hero-worship, and the significance of effort and perseverance. Through Ah Lung's character, the film emphasizes that martial arts need to not be used for personal splendor or power, but for the advantage of society.

Vital Reception and Influence
In spite of its easy going tone and funny method, "The 36 Crazy Fists" has gotten a combined critical reception. It was not as commercially successful as some other martial arts films of the exact same duration. Still, it held influence as one of the very first movies where Jackie Chan both acted and directed, marking an important milestone in his renowned profession.

Some critics felt the movie's plot was a little too predictable and routine, while others applauded the innovative method Jackie Chan integrates comedy into martial arts cinema. Audiences, however, mostly took pleasure in the movie. "The 36 Crazy Fists" remains a significant contribution to martial arts movie theater and an entertaining entry in Jackie Chan's filmography.

In conclusion, "The 36 Crazy Fists" is a film that beautifully integrates martial arts with comedy. Although it wasn't a business hit, it represents a turning point in Jackie Chan's profession and demonstrates his special technique to infusing comedy into martial arts movie theater.

Top Cast

  • Jackie Chan (small)
    Jackie Chan
    Man in opening scene [Cameo]
  • Paul Chun (small)
    Paul Chun
    Monk
  • Fung Hak-On (small)
    Fung Hak-On
    Tai Kuang's opponent
  • Tony Leung Siu-Hung (small)
    Tony Leung Siu-Hung
    Wong Tai Kwong
  • Yen Shi-Kwan (small)
    Yen Shi-Kwan
    Mo Dung Tak
  • Lau Ga-Yung
    Shan Ho Kuan
  • Ku Feng (small)
    Ku Feng
    Tai Kuang's sifu
  • Michelle Yim (small)
    Michelle Yim
    Wong Wai Chi
  • San Kuai (small)
    San Kuai
    Head thug
  • Chan Lau
    Official
  • Chiang Cheng
    Drunkard