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Dragon Fist
Dragon Fist
Dragon Fist
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Dragon Fist
Theatrical poster
Directed byLo Wei
Written byWang Chung-pin
Produced byHsu Li-hwa
Lo Wei
Starring
CinematographyChen Yung-hsu
Edited byLeung Wing-chan
Music byFrankie Chan
Distributed byLo Wei Motion Picture Company
Release date
  • 21 April 1979 (1979-04-21)
Running time
93 minutes[1]
CountryHong Kong
LanguageMandarin
Box officeHK$1 million (Hong Kong)
246,046 tickets (overseas)

Dragon Fist (simplified Chinese: 龙拳; traditional Chinese: 龍拳, also known as Dangsang Martial Arts or The Wild Big Boss)[2] is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lo Wei, who also produced it alongside Hsu Li-hwa. The film stars Jackie Chan, Nora Miao, Ouyang Sha-fei, Yen Shi-kwan, Im Eun Joo, James Tien, Kim Young Il, Hsu Hsia, and Wu Wen-sau. The film was released theatrically in Hong Kong on 21 April 1979.

Plot

[edit]

Tang How-yuen (Jackie Chan) is a disciple of kung fu master San-thye. San-thye wins a martial arts tournament, only to be killed by evil kung fu master, Master Chung Li (Yen Shi-kwan). Tang tries unsuccessfully to fight Chung, and leaves the evil master unharmed. Tang, along with San-thye's wife and daughter head after the killer to seek revenge. When they find him, Chung has repented and has cut off his own leg as penance. The master's widow becomes ill, so Tang goes to work for a gang in order to get her medicine. However, whilst in their employ, he gets blamed for the death of a young boy, and San-Thye's widow is poisoned. Tang and the one-legged master join forces to defeat the evil lord who poisoned San-thye's widow.

Cast

[edit]
  • Jackie Chan as Tang How-yuen
  • Yen Shi-kwan as Master Li
  • Nora Miao as Zhuang Meng-lan
  • Ouyang Sha-fei as Master King's wife
  • Im Eun Joo - Zhong Qiu-ping
  • James Tien as Fang Gang
  • Kim Young Il as Nan Qing
  • Hsu Hsia as Master King
  • Ko Keung as Master Wing
  • Chui Yuen as Wing's student
  • Wong Kwong-yue as Wing's assistant
  • Chui Fat as Wing's assistant
  • Peng Kang as Wing's student
  • Wang Yao as Wing's student

Production

[edit]

Like Chan's Spiritual Kung Fu, Dragon Fist was filmed in South Korea in early 1978 but was unable to be released or produced because the studio went bankrupt and was running out of money. As a result, both Lo Wei productions only had cost-cutting measures after Chan returned from his loan deal with Seasonal Films, where he made Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master alongside director Yuen Woo-ping. During the production, Chan reportedly had his nose broken repeatedly, joking "Do you think I was born with this nose?"[3] Unlike most of Jackie Chan's early films, Dragon Fist had a more serious tone, with little in the way of comedic moments.[4]

Like many other Hong Kong kung fu films, the film was scored with various musical cues from American films, mainly Jerry Goldsmith's 1966 score for The Sand Pebbles.[5]

Box office

[edit]

The film was released in Hong Kong on 21 April 1979.[6] The film grossed HK$1,004,000 at the Hong Kong box office in 1979.[2] Overseas, the film sold 103,261 tickets in Seoul City (South Korea)[7][8] and 142,785 tickets in France (where it was released in 1982),[9] for a combined 246,046 tickets sold overseas in Seoul and France.

Home media

[edit]
  • On 15 February 2001, Seven 7 released the French language theatrical version DVD entitled Le Poing De La Vengeance, with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It contains no other language options.
  • On 22 October 2001, Eastern Heroes released the film in the UK on DVD, uncut (except for many frame cuts). However, it's poorly cropped from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1 and only contains an English dub.
  • On 4 June 2002, Columbia Tri-Star released the film in the US on DVD, in 2:35:1 with English and Cantonese language options. However, it contains a heavily edited version produced by Aquarius Releasing (roughly 15 minutes missing) and is dubtitled.
  • On 24 February 2006, Universal Japan released the film in Japan on DVD, in 2.35:1 and with a Cantonese soundtrack. This version was the first completely uncut release on DVD, however, it does not feature any English subtitles.
  • On 11 June 2007, Hong Kong Legends released the film in the UK on DVD, in 2.35:1 and uncut in Cantonese language with newly translated English subtitles.
  • In 2018, UK company 88 Films released the film on Blu-ray. It contains the original Mandarin, Cantonese, and English language tracks in mono and 5.1 DTS-HD MA formats. The Blu-ray also includes subtitles for each track option. It is uncut and remastered in genuine HD.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dragon Fist

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dragon Fist is a 1979 Hong Kong directed by and produced by and Hsu Li-hwa, featuring in the lead role as Tong Huo-wan, a young kung fu student seeking vengeance for his master's death amid a larger feud with local gangsters. The movie, originally titled Long quan (龍拳) in Mandarin, runs for 93 minutes and blends intense action sequences with dramatic elements typical of the era's kung fu cinema. Produced by Lo Wei Motion Picture Company, it showcases Chan's emerging talents in , including a notable climactic fight where he wields a crutch against opponents armed with metal tonfas. Co-starring actors such as , James Tien, and Yen Shi-kwan, the film highlights themes of loyalty, revenge, and martial prowess, one of Chan's films from his early career under Lo Wei's guidance, following his 1978 breakthrough. Released in on 21 1979, Dragon Fist received mixed critical reception but remains a favorite for its raw fight scenes and Chan's acrobatic style.

Film Overview

Plot

Dragon Fist follows the story of Tang How-yuen, a dedicated disciple of San-thye, who embarks on a quest for vengeance after his master's death at the hands of the ruthless Master Chung Li during a tournament. San-thye had emerged victorious in the competition, but Chung Li ambushes and kills him shortly after, leaving Tang and the surviving students determined to seek justice. As the protagonist, Tang How-yuen is a skilled martial artist in the Dragon Fist style, harboring deep resentment toward Chung Li. Upon arriving in a new town with his adoptive family, Tang discovers that Chung Li has repented, lost a in self-inflicted following his wife's , and now lives in isolation. This complicates Tang's , as Chung expresses and aids the family. However, the group's respite is short-lived when the master's widow is poisoned by a tyrannical local lord, Master King, and his criminal gang who control the . To obtain the cure, Tang joins the gang, navigating their corrupt operations and uncovering their leader's plot to take over the town. Betrayed by the gang's treachery, which leads to a violent and seizure of the , Tang's to his family and master's legacy is tested, emphasizing the story's exploration of unwavering duty amid deception. Ultimately, Tang forms an unlikely alliance with the reformed Chung Li, who uses his remaining abilities and knowledge to support the fight, culminating in a climactic confrontation where they defeat the evil lord and his forces. This resolution avenges San-thye's death and reinforces themes of redemption and .

Cast

The principal cast of Dragon Fist (1979) features a ensemble of martial arts performers central to the film's action-oriented narrative, led by in the lead role.
ActorRoleDescription
Tang How-yuen (also romanized as Tang Hao Yun)The protagonist, a skilled martial artist seeking revenge for his master's death.
Yen Shi-kwanMaster Chung Li (also romanized as Master Zhong Jian Jun)The antagonist who evolves into an ally, a formidable master with a complex moral arc.
The female lead (Zhuang Meng-lan)A entangled in the central , providing emotional depth to the conflict.
Ouyang Sha-feiMaster King's wife (also romanized as Master Zhuang's Wife)A key figure in the clan dynamics, representing familial ties amid the escalating rivalries.
James TienFang Gang (also romanized as Fang Kang)A prominent member whose actions drive the interpersonal tensions in the story.
Supporting roles include Im Eun-joo as Zhong Qiu Ping, a disciple involved in the master's legacy, and Hsu Hsia as Master Zhuang San Tai, contributing to the film's portrayal of martial clans and their hierarchies.

Production

Development

Dragon Fist was directed and produced by , with Hsu Li-hwa serving as co-producer. aimed to craft a serious that positioned as a dramatic in the vein of , a stark contrast to the comedic style Chan would later pioneer in his career. The script, written by Wang Chung-Pin, drew from traditional kung fu revenge tropes, centering on a young martial artist's quest for vengeance following his master's death. Development began in early 1978 under the Lo Wei Motion Picture Company, a period marked by the studio's mounting financial pressures as it struggled to maintain operations amid the competitive film industry. Production faced significant challenges, including delays stemming from the studio's near-collapse and eventual , which necessitated cost-cutting measures such as adjustments and relocating to as a more affordable production choice. These issues were compounded by Jackie Chan's contractual obligations to , stemming from prior films like (1976) and (1977), which bound him to the studio despite his growing dissatisfaction and opportunities elsewhere.

Filming

Principal photography for Dragon Fist took place primarily in South Korea during early 1978. The production was shot under the direction of for his Lo Wei Motion Picture Company, marking one of the final collaborations between the director and before financial difficulties impacted the studio. Although filming wrapped in 1978, the overall production timeline extended into 1979 due to Lo Wei's monetary constraints, which delayed and the film's eventual release. The action sequences emphasized a serious tone, focusing on authentic kung fu techniques with minimal comedic elements, aligning with Lo Wei's vision of emulating Bruce Lee-style dramas. , performing many of his own stunts, contributed to the choreography, which showcased dynamic and brutal fight scenes that highlighted precise and weapon work. These sequences featured fast-paced, realistic confrontations between rival clans and gangsters, underscoring the film's revenge-driven narrative without relying on humor for relief. Technically, the action was executed through practical effects and on-location stunts, avoiding any elaborate enhancements typical of later eras. The prioritized visible, unedited punches and kicks to convey the intensity of the fights, with Chan and supporting performers utilizing traditional kung fu forms for authenticity. This approach reinforced the film's grounded, no-frills production style amid the era's cinema conventions.

Release

Theatrical Release and Box Office

Dragon Fist premiered in on April 21, 1979, marking the final collaboration between and director before Chan's departure to Golden Harvest's rival studio. Production challenges delayed its release from 1978. Internationally, it saw releases in on March 3, 1979, and in on October 20, 1982, reflecting a staggered rollout hampered by Lo Wei's contractual disputes and the film's shelving period. At the , Dragon Fist earned HK$1,004,276 in over its one-week run from April 21 to 27, 1979, performing as a modest earner for an early Chan vehicle amid competition from his breakout hits like . Overseas, it attracted 103,261 ticket sales in , , contributing to a total of 246,046 admissions when combined with 142,785 in . These figures underscored the film's limited global penetration, attributed to distribution constraints stemming from its production turmoil, though it solidified Chan's presence in select Asian and European markets.

Home Media

Following its 1979 theatrical release, Dragon Fist became available on home media starting in the early 2000s through various physical formats tailored to regional markets. , Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment issued a Region 1 DVD in 2002, presenting a version with an English dub but featuring approximately 20 minutes of cuts compared to the original runtime. This edition, distributed by , focused on accessibility for English-speaking audiences but omitted key scenes such as interactions between rival clans. In the and , Hong Kong Legends released uncut Ultrabit DVDs in Region 2 and Region 4, respectively, with runtimes of 92 minutes in the correct 2.35:1 and optional 5.1 audio in , accompanied by English subtitles. These editions emphasized the film's original presentation and were praised for their fidelity to the source material. Other early DVDs, such as the Region 1 Platinum Series from Simitar Entertainment, mirrored the cut U.S. version at 76 minutes. Blu-ray releases began in the , expanding options for high-definition viewing. In , distributed a Region A Blu-ray on August 10, 2012, featuring video in 2.35:1 , Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, and Japanese subtitles. The saw a significant upgrade with 88 Films' uncut Blu-ray edition on December 10, 2018, including multiple audio tracks in Cantonese and English dub (both dual mono), Mandarin, and English subtitles, alongside special features like , interviews, and trailers. In 2023, Shout! Factory released a U.S. Blu-ray with AVC encoding in the original and restored audio options. More recently, 88 Films issued a 4K UHD and Blu-ray combo in the UK on February 24, 2025, utilizing a new 4K restoration from original elements for enhanced clarity, with the UHD disc in 2160p HDR and the same multi-language audio tracks; a standard DVD edition was also released concurrently. These formats include reversible artwork and collector's booklets in limited editions, highlighting the film's martial arts choreography. Digitally, Dragon Fist has been available on streaming platforms since the early 2010s, broadening access beyond physical media. It can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, with the English-dubbed version running 96 minutes. Other services include Peacock for ad-supported streaming, The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Fawesome, Plex, and Pluto TV, often featuring the original Cantonese track with subtitles where available. Select editions incorporate special features like original trailers.

Reception

Critical Response

Upon its release in Hong Kong on April 21, 1979, Dragon Fist received mixed reviews from local critics, who praised Jackie Chan's prowess and physical performance but noted the film's lack of the comedic elements that had propelled his recent successes like and . Lo Wei's direction was often described as formulaic, adhering to conventional revenge tropes without innovation, a sentiment echoed by Chan himself in his , where he described the project as having strong potential. This mixed response was reflected in the film's performance, grossing HK$1,004,276, a solid return for Lo Wei Motion Picture Company but not matching the explosive success of Chan's prior hits. In modern retrospective assessments, Dragon Fist maintains a middling reputation, with an user rating of 6.0 out of 10 based on 3,100 votes (as of November 2025), indicating general appreciation tempered by reservations about its execution. Critics and film enthusiasts often commend the authentic —supervised by Chan himself—for its brutal efficiency and old-school intensity, positioning the film as an underrated showcase of his early dramatic capabilities before his comedic breakthrough. For instance, LoveHKFilm highlights the fight scenes' fluid technicality and charm, while The Action Elite praises their coherence and superiority to many contemporary big-budget action sequences. Conversely, specific criticisms focus on the predictable plot structure and wooden dialogue, which contribute to a plodding tone lacking emotional depth or character development; Eastern Kicks, for example, faults Lo Wei's "lazy" oversight for failing to elevate the familiar revenge narrative beyond low production values.

Legacy

Dragon Fist holds a notable position in Jackie Chan's early career as the final film in his collaborations with director and producer Lo Wei, concluding a series of six projects from 1976 to 1979 that sought to establish Chan as the successor to Bruce Lee in serious martial arts dramas. Under Lo Wei's guidance, Chan's roles in these films, including Dragon Fist, emphasized stoic revenge narratives and intense fight choreography, reflecting Lo Wei's post-Bruce Lee formula from successes like The Big Boss and Fist of Fury. This period represented Chan's last sustained engagement with purely dramatic kung fu roles before his pivotal shift to action-comedy, catalyzed by the breakthroughs in Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master, both released in 1978 and marking his departure from Lo Wei's more rigid style. The film contributed to the vibrant 1970s kung fu cinema wave, a post-Bruce Lee era that popularized fast-paced action and clan rivalry stories, with Dragon Fist exemplifying the genre's focus on technical prowess and ensemble fights. It parallels other productions like Spiritual Kung Fu (1978), where Chan explored stylistic blends of traditional techniques with emerging comedic elements, helping evolve the genre toward more dynamic, character-driven spectacles that influenced subsequent action films. Though not as innovative as Chan's later works, Dragon Fist's showcased his acrobatic skills and set pieces, such as the climactic clan battles, which underscored the era's emphasis on physical authenticity over . Culturally, Dragon Fist has maintained a dedicated following in international markets, particularly in , where it circulates as a among enthusiasts, bolstered by its ties to Chan's formative years. The film's legacy endures through retrospectives highlighting its role in Chan's , including recent 4K restorations and limited-edition releases that revive interest in this transitional work amid broader appreciations of 1970s cinema.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079484/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dragon_fist
  3. https://cityonfire.com/dragon-fist-1978/
  4. https://worldfilmgeek.com/2017/11/09/review-dragon-fist-1979/
  5. https://hkmdb.com/db/movies/view.mhtml?id=5980&display_set=eng
  6. https://www.easternkicks.com/reviews/dragon-fist/
  7. https://www.avclub.com/a-pre-fame-jacky-chan-prepped-for-the-big-time-with-a-1845654510
  8. https://en.kinorium.com/73417/
  9. http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/Reviews/dragonfist.html
  10. https://www.silveremulsion.com/2013/09/05/dragon-fist-1979/
  11. https://www.avforums.com/reviews/dragon-fist-1979-4k-blu-ray-review.22533/
  12. https://horrorcultfilms.co.uk/2018/12/dragon-fist-1978/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079484/releaseinfo/
  14. https://kwakbos.tistory.com/entry/Dragon-Fist-JACKIE-CHAN-1979
  15. https://tour.baragi.net/page/movie/board.php?bo_table=movieinfo&wr_id=19790009
  16. https://boxofficestar2.eklablog.com/jackie-chan-box-office-a106293616
  17. https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Fist-Jackie-Chan/dp/B00005N91G
  18. https://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=1165
  19. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Dragon-Fist-Blu-ray/52847/
  20. https://88-films.myshopify.com/products/dragon-fist-1
  21. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Dragon-Fist-Blu-ray/326761/
  22. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Dragon-Fist-4K-Blu-ray/370339/
  23. https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Fist-English-Language-Version-Wei/dp/B0CH9XRB2B
  24. https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/movies/dragon-fist/c09f3926-704f-3a19-a6fb-52498530ffa1
  25. https://www.thorstenboose.de/en/2019/03/06/early-1979-interview-with-jackie-chan-released-on-japanese-record/
  26. https://dokumen.pub/i-am-jackie-chan.html
  27. http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/dragon_fist.htm
  28. https://theactionelite.com/dragon-fist-aka-long-quan-1979-review/
  29. https://www.facebook.com/cityonfirenews/posts/whats-your-favorite-lo-wei-era-jackie-chan-film-jackie-chan-cranked-out-7-movies/4825209887524171/
  30. https://blueprintreview.co.uk/2025/02/dragon-fist-88-films/
  31. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Fist-4K-UHD-Blu-ray/dp/B0DGDDJGG8
  32. https://cityonfire.com/dragon-fist-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-88-films-blu-ray-jackie-chan/
  33. https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=35517
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