New Fist of Fury (1976) is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lo Wei, featuring Jackie Chan in one of his early leading roles. This film serves as a sequel to Bruce Lee's iconic Fist of Fury (1972), and it is notable for being the first film to feature Chan under his now-famous stage name, Sing Lung, which translates to "becoming a dragon" in Chinese.
The plot follows a brother and sister who escape from Japanese-occupied Shanghai to Taiwan, seeking refuge with their grandfather, who runs a kung fu school. However, they soon discover that the local Japanese karate school, led by a master with ambitions of domination, poses a significant threat. The siblings are determined to reestablish their grandfather's school and confront the Japanese master, leading to a climactic showdown.
Jackie Chan plays Ah Lung, a young Taiwanese thief who initially resists learning kung fu but eventually realizes the importance of standing up against oppression. His character undergoes significant development throughout the film as he embraces martial arts to fight against the injustices faced by his people. Chan's performance showcases his physical prowess and sets the stage for his later success in the martial arts genre.
New Fist of Fury was part of Lo Wei's strategy to market Jackie Chan as the successor to Bruce Lee, although it lacks the comedic elements that would later define Chan's career. The film was released in Mandarin and had an English counterpart for international audiences. It was well-received in its time, grossing approximately HK$456,787.2 at the box office.
Overall, New Fist of Fury is significant not only for its action sequences and martial arts choreography but also for its role in establishing Jackie Chan as a leading figure in Hong Kong cinema. The film reflects themes of resistance and cultural pride, resonating with audiences during a time when martial arts films were gaining immense popularity worldwide.