Jackie Chan Research Paper

The Secrets of Jackie Chan’s Success in Martial Art Movies in America Jackie Chan, originally Chan Kong-sang, who was born on April 7th, 1954 in Hong Kong which was the breeding ground for Asian movie industry, now is a famous martial art movie actor and director. Little Jackie Chan spent half of his childhood in Hong Kong. Then his family moved to Canberra in Australia when he was six. However, the next year his parents decided to send him back to Hong Kong to attend a strict boarding school which was aimed at training students for Peking opera. So Chan left his family alone and studied acrobatics, martial arts, singing, mime and so on from 7 to 17. It has been proved that these skills benefit him a lot. They launched him into martial art

One feature of Chan’s martial art movies is multiculturalism. He talks racial politics in a less serious way, but it does not mean that he is not concerned about these issues. He focuses more on cultural diversity not fighting for their differences. Chan brings some comedic elements to martial art movies and creates Kung Fu comedy. He uses comedy to perform complex political issues, which is very brilliant and “unwittingly deconstructs the hard bodies of masculinity projected by both the Kung Fu tragedy and the American action cinema” (Yuan). Meanwhile, these comedic elements appeal to more female audiences as well as the male ones. According to research, Chan’s characters are usually middle class in speaking and behaving, which is much gentler than working class. This kind of performance gains mainstream American audiences. What is more, Chan’s movies humanize Kung Fu heroes. These characters are just like supermen, but they are humans. They are able to get hurt as normal people. They also try to run away when they are caught. They are not easy to succeed as well. Contrary to Kung Fu tragedy and American action cinema, these features make heroes become soft, which is not equal to weakness. This softness seems more realistic. Therefore, Jackie Chan’s success is inseparable from his unique movie

Under the background of prosperity of Hong Kong movie industry and decline of Hollywood movie industry, succeeded to Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan makes a successful foray into American cinema. His Kung Fu comedies focus on multiculturalism and humanize heroes in a middle-class way. His talents, diligence, and other good qualities win supports for himself. Honestly, Chan is an honourable man. He builds a career in America movies as a Chinese actor. He and his movies have inspired so many people. He is a true superstar. Now he is still active in movies even he is 63 years old. Jackie Chan’s legend is going