Watch Drunken Tai Chi

In 1984, Hong Kong cinema witnessed the emergence of a martial arts film named Drunken Tai Chi or Nan bei Shao Lin (南北少林) directed by Yuen Woo-ping. The movie is a classic of the genre, which merged the traditional martial arts and comedic elements in a unique and captivating way. Drunken Tai Chi tells the story of Ah Choy (Donnie Yen), a young man in search of a better future, who moves to Hong Kong to live with his uncle and aunt, only to be caught in the middle of a feud between two rival kung fu schools.

The opening scene of the movie sets the tone for the rest of the movie, with lively music and vibrant colors that reflect the ambiance of Hong Kong in the 1980s. We are introduced to Ah Choy, who has just arrived from Mainland China and is eager to start a new life. Donnie Yen's performance in the movie is full of energy, charisma, and humor, which make his character very likable.

Ah Choy soon discovers that his uncle is a student of Master Chan Wai Man, a famous Tai Chi master. However, the master's school is facing financial difficulties and is overshadowed by the neighboring kung fu school run by a corrupt businessman, Master Lan (Cheung-Yan Yuen). The two schools have a long-standing rivalry, and Master Lan is determined to crush his competitor by using any means necessary.

When Ah Choy first encounters Master Lan's students, he is ridiculed and beaten up. However, he soon discovers that he has a natural talent for Tai Chi and begins to train under his uncle's guidance. As Ah Choy becomes more proficient in his skills, he attracts the attention of Master Lan's daughter, Miss Lan (Lydia Shum), who is impressed by his grace and movement.

The Tai Chi in Drunken Tai Chi is not depicted as a passive and defensive martial art, but as a dynamic and explosive fighting style. The fight scenes are choreographed with precision and elegance, showcasing the beauty of the Tai Chi moves. Donnie Yen's physical abilities and martial arts skills are on full display in the movie, as he executes violent and acrobatic stunts with ease.

One of the most memorable scenes in Drunken Tai Chi is the Drunken Boxing sequence, in which Ah Choy imitates the movements of a drunkard to defeat Master Lan's students. The scene is a classic parody of Jackie Chan's Drunken Master movie and is executed with finesse and humor. Yuen Woo-ping's direction in this and other comedic scenes is masterful, showing the influence of his father, Yuen Siu-tien, who was a famous martial arts actor in Hong Kong cinema.

However, Drunken Tai Chi is not only a comedy, as it also deals with deeper themes such as loyalty, ethics, and tradition. Ah Choy's loyalty to his uncle and his determination to protect his master's reputation lead him to confront Master Lan's malicious intentions. The movie also raises the question of the ethical boundaries of practicing martial arts, as some characters use their skills for personal gain rather than for self-defense or discipline.

The performances of the supporting cast are also noteworthy, with Cheung-Yan Yuen portraying Master Lan as a villain with a subtle sense of humor. Lydia Shum, who was mainly known for her comedic roles, delivers a convincing performance as Miss Lan, showing her character's conflicting loyalty to her father and her attraction to Ah Choy.

Drunken Tai Chi has stood the test of time and is still considered one of the best martial arts comedies of all time. The movie's success led to a resurgence of interest in Tai Chi as a martial art and a new wave of comedies that combined martial arts and humor. Donnie Yen went on to become one of the most popular and respected martial arts actors of his generation, and Yuen Woo-ping became a renowned martial arts choreographer and director, working on Hollywood blockbusters like The Matrix and Kill Bill.

In conclusion, Drunken Tai Chi is a must-watch for fans of martial arts movies, comedy, and Hong Kong cinema. The movie is a perfect blend of action, humor, and drama, with well-crafted fight scenes, memorable characters, and a timeless message. Drunken Tai Chi cemented Donnie Yen's status as a martial arts icon and Yuen Woo-ping's reputation as a creative force in Asian cinema.

Drunken Tai Chi is a 1984 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.