Another turning point in Jackie`s career. Following his successes while on loan to Seasonal Films for 'Snake In The Eagle's Shadow' and 'Drunken Master', Lo Wei allowed Jackie more creative freedom and he certainly delivered the goods!
The unequalled kung-fu skills of the young Jackie were counterpointed by the villain who was played by fellow 'Northern' exponent Yen Shi Kwan. Master Yen had worked with Jackie before in 'Dragon Fist'(and later he starred with Tan Tao Liang in one the greatest Kick Flix of all time, 'The Leg Fighters'. Much later he starred with Jet Li in 'Once Upon A Time In China'). Yen later 'complained' that he had been near to being killed by Jackie's desire for perfection. Jackie's insistence on days and days of re-takes of the most furious of the fight sequences totally exhasted Yen to the point that he could no longer stand.
'Fearless Hyena' is one of Jackie's most under-rated films it contains some his best comic moments, some of his best impersonations, some of his very best katas, some of his very best fight sequences, some of the best training sequences including an incredible 32 upside down sit ups filmed in one stunning take!
The film also contains possibly THE best choreographed weapons sequence in any Kung Fu film where the unarmed Chan fights Yan's sword weilding guards.
But it is Chan's 'Emotional Kung Fu', which he created specifically for the movie that really makes this film a classic. It is based on 'Iron Wire Technique' and allows Chan to box and bop at his most devastating and truly showcases Chan's outstanding acting abilities.