The Legend of Drunken Master (also known as Drunken Master II) is a 1994 martial arts masterpiece starring Jackie Chan that revitalised the "drunken boxing" style and is widely considered one of the greatest action films ever made.
Plot Summary
Set in early 20th-century China, the story follows Wong Fei-hung (Jackie Chan), a young kung fu master known for his brash personality and unorthodox fighting style. After being blacklisted from the martial arts community for misbehaving, Wong attempts to live a quieter life. He becomes involved in a conflict when British merchants attempt to smuggle opium disguised as valuable antiques. Wong must protect a shipment, expose the smugglers, and defend his honor, all while employing the unpredictable “drunken” fighting style—an exaggerated, seemingly impaired combat method that conceals devastating skill and timing.
A Unique Cast: The film stars Anita Mui as Fei-hung’s stepmother. Despite being younger than Chan in real life, her physical comedy and timing are often cited as the film's comedic backbone. Plot and Themes
Characters
- Wong Fei-hung (Jackie Chan): The protagonist—charismatic, impulsive, and supremely skilled. This take on the classic Chinese folk hero is more roguish and comedic than some previous portrayals.
- Beggar So / Drunken Master’s Mentor (originally from the first film mythology): Though not always central in this installment, the drunken style’s lineage is an important thematic anchor.
- Supporting cast: Includes Wong’s family members and various antagonists such as corrupt officials and foreign merchants involved in smuggling. Each side character helps move plot, provide comic relief, or elevate the stakes for Wong.
Where to Watch
III. Nationalism and Anti-Colonial Sentiment
Beneath the slapstick humor lies a potent vein of Chinese nationalism. The film was released in 1994, shortly before the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China. This context is crucial for understanding the film’s antagonist structure.
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
- YouTube (official channels)
- DVD/Blu-ray releases
When the sheer physicality of Jackie Chan’s choreography meets the digital distribution methods of sites like
A popular English dub was released for its 2000 U.S. theatrical run. Tamil dubbed versions are frequently sought on sites like for local audiences. Where to Watch Legally