Comments on: The Jackie Chan Formula

By: Nathan Seabolt

Nathan Seabolt — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:31:59 +0000

Just ran across your blog via twitter co-followers, and I’m loving it. Jackie Chan has always been my favorite HK action movie star, and I even found it in my heart to forgive his Hollywood dalliances for the kids.

Thanks for the info, advice, and cool artwork!

By: leon gittens

leon gittens — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:48:56 +0000

I agree jackie chan is a genius when it comes to choreography and just great smart action scenes loved all of jackies films except for the hollywood ones

By: Alfred Muchilwa

Alfred Muchilwa — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:04:43 +0000

I wasn’t that big on Jackie chan until I saw the documentary ‘Jackie Chan: My Stunts’, (1999). I can’t recommend it enough. I think all artists should watch it to understand the high level of dedication it takes to be that great.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:23:54 +0000

Thanks for the comments ohmgee. I follow the “messy and confusing” line of reasoning. It’s a theory that I’ve been mulling over for quite a while. While I understand the intent, I don’t think it works. I understand what it’s trying to do — realistically depict violence, but I don’t think real life-and-death struggles are confusing. Messy, yes, but if you’re fighting for your life, you’re going to have an intense concentration, and a salient clarity about the details of each strike and dodge.

Furthermore, from a practical storytelling, and pure enjoyment angle confusing fighting accomplishes nothing. It neither propels the story, nor gives you any fun. It’s just annoying and jarring.

A good example of a fight scene that is realistic and still legible is the final fight scene in Rashomon. It’s ugly, brutal and messy, but it’s never confusing.

By: @ohmgee

@ohmgee — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:13:29 +0000

great post. drunken master 2 is my favorite jackie chan film of all time! love all the fight scenes. the last one lasted forever!

in chris nolan’s defense, he wanted them messy and confusing, like a real fight. liam neeson even says “this is not a dance.”

By: Kohl Glass

Kohl Glass — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:18:00 +0000

The odd thing about the timing of your post, is that the other night rush Hour was on and Chris and I got talking about why Jackie Chang works so well. A lot of the points you made were brought up . . . though not as articulately.