Master with Cracked Fingers

Master with Cracked Fingers, released in 1973 and directed by Mu Zhu, is an early entry in Jackie Chan's illustrious filmography. The film is also known by various alternative titles, including Snake Fist Fighter, Little Tiger of Canton, and Ten Fingers of Death, depending on the region. The film blends action, drama, and humor to create a compelling narrative that showcases the versatility, charm, and physical prowess of a young Jackie Chan.

Master with Cracked Fingers introduces us to an ambitious young country boy named Jackie (played by Jackie Chan), who dreams of learning kung fu. Amidst the tranquil rural landscapes imbued with age-old traditions, Jackie's curiosity and adventurous spirit lead him to discover a mysteriously secluded kung fu master, who is humorously disguised as a beggar.

Siu-Tin Yuen, a veteran Hong Kong actor and martial artist known for his iconic role in the Drunken Master, plays this insightful master who becomes Jackie's guide into the world of martial arts. Jackie's training sequences under the tutelage of Siu-Tin Yuen form some of the movie's most engaging scenes, their dynamic brimming with humor, respect, and the raw beauty of martial artistry.

Taking into account the somewhat dangerous environment filled with local gangs and unsavory characters, Jackie's training is not purely for the sake of it. Hung-Lieh Chen, another renowned actor in the Hong Kong movie industry, is cast as a menacing gang leader who becomes Jackie's primary adversary.

Master with Cracked Fingers is as much about Jackie's journey to maturity and his understanding of the values of discipline, honesty, and courage, as it is about the thrilling martial arts showdowns. His growth from a naive, dream-filled boy into a skilled martial artist forms the emotional crux of the film.

The fighting choreography in the film is noteworthy. The fight scenes are at once intense, elaborate, and meticulously planned - a testament to the expertise of the cast and crew. There is a palpable rawness in the film's depiction of kung fu, which suits the countryside setting and the coming-of-age theme. Jackie Chan's unique blend of martial arts and humor, a trademark of his later work, is evident in this film, making the fight sequences both engaging and fun.

The supporting cast, including Qiu Yuen and Dean Shek, each bring an added layer of complexity and humor to the film. Their performances, along with the vibrant rural landscapes and authentic set designs, contribute to the overall atmosphere and cultural nuance of the film.

Though this film was made early in Jackie Chan's career, it is often seen as a foretaste of Chan's iconic martial art comedy style that would define much of his subsequent work. It also offers a glimpse into Chan's remarkable talents, both as a martial artist and as a performer who could handle action, comedy, and drama with equal finesse.

The film offers everything you would expect from a Jackie Chan movie: enchanting landscapes, an array of charismatic personalities, intense action scenes, a generous sprinkle of humor, and heartwarming life lessons. Still, it manages to provide a bit more depth and pathos to its characters and story, anchored by Chan's compelling central performance.

Master with Cracked Fingers has since become a beloved classic for fans of Jackie Chan and martial arts cinema. It is a pleasure to watch the world-renowned action star in his early years, learning the ropes of the industry. This film also starts his journey of blending martial arts and comedy, which would later become his cinematic identity and differentiate him from contemporaries in action cinema.

While the movie can be seen as a product of its time, reflecting a certain era in Hong Kong cinema, it also surpasses its period constraints with its universal themes, compelling storytelling, and indelible performances. It's an important film for any Jackie Chan fan or anyone interested in the rich and varied landscape of Hong Kong cinema.