Fearless Hyena (1979), also known as The Fearless Hyena, is a Hong Kong martial arts film that marks Jackie Chan's directorial debut. The film features Chan in the lead role as Ching Hing-lung, a young martial artist who struggles with self-discipline and has a penchant for gambling. It combines elements of comedy and action, showcasing Chan's signature style that blends humor with impressive fight choreography.
The plot revolves around Ching Hing-lung, who lives with his grandfather, the kung fu master Ching Pang-fei, portrayed by James Tien. Despite his grandfather's teachings, Lung often disobeys him, leading a reckless life that includes street fighting and gambling. After losing his job selling coffins due to a series of comedic mishaps, he encounters a group of thugs who want to learn kung fu. This leads him to become involved with Master Tee Cha, the leader of the Everything Clan, who offers him a position to teach at his poorly regarded school.
However, the story takes a darker turn when Lung's grandfather is killed by the evil kung fu master Yam Tin-fa. This tragedy propels Lung into a quest for revenge, during which he undergoes rigorous training from The Unicorn, played by Chan Wai-lau. The second half of the film shifts from comedic antics to intense action sequences as Lung prepares to confront Yam and avenge his grandfather's death.
Fearless Hyena is notable for its impressive fight choreography, which includes intricate weapon battles and acrobatic displays that have become hallmarks of Chan's films. While the film starts with a comedic tone, it transitions into more serious themes of vengeance and personal growth. The blend of humor and action has been praised by audiences, although some critics noted that the initial comedic elements may not resonate with everyone.
The film was successful at the box office, grossing approximately $2.9 million and solidifying Jackie Chan's reputation as a leading figure in martial arts cinema. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent films that adopted similar comedic styles and plot structures. Overall, Fearless Hyena remains an important entry in Jackie Chan's filmography and a significant work in the evolution of martial arts films during the late 1970s.