Jackie Chan receives accolade at the Locarno Film Festival, proudly proclaims, "At 71, I can still throw a punch!"
Jackie Chan Honored at Locarno Film Festival, Reflects on Career and Legacy
Legendary action star Jackie Chan has been honored with the Pardo alla Carriera award at the Locarno Film Festival 2025, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of cinema. Accepting the prestigious award, Chan took a moment to reminisce about his career and the conversations he had with his father about his fighting abilities at the age of 60.
Chan started his journey in the film industry as a stuntman, making his debut in Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury. His career took a turn when he transitioned into acting, and he reenacted his role in Lee's Enter the Dragon at this year's festival. Despite a small part in the film, Chan's performance left a lasting impact.
In an unexpected turn of events, Chan admitted that Bruce Lee accidentally hit him with a stick during a scene in Enter the Dragon. However, Chan bravely completed the take, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his craft. To this day, at the age of 71, Chan maintains that he is still able to fight.
Throughout his career, Chan has not only excelled as an action star but has also ventured into directing. Beyond his notable works such as Police Story, Police Story 2, The Fearless Hyena, and The Young Master, Chan has directed over ten films in total. Notably, he directed Who Am I? in 1998 and co-directed 1911 in 2011, which he also starred in and executive produced.
Other directorial works by Chan include Project A (1984), known for its acrobatic stunts and humor inspired by Buster Keaton, and Dragons Forever (1988), directed by Corey Yuen. Despite not directing all films he starred in, Chan's intermittent but significant directorial contributions are evident.
Chan's latest project is the sixth film in the Karate Kid franchise, Karate Kid Legends, where he stars alongside Ben Wang in the lead role. His desire to learn filmmaking from scratch continues to drive him, as he strives to push the boundaries of action cinema.
Remarking on Chan's career, Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival, stated that Chan had reinvented action films. With his unique blend of martial arts, humor, and heartfelt performances, it's hard to argue with that statement.
Chan's journey from a lazy and naughty child sent to a martial arts school by his father to a globally recognized action star and director is a testament to his determination and passion for his craft. As he continues to push the boundaries of action cinema, there's no doubt that Jackie Chan's legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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- Besides being a renowned action star and director, Jackie Chan's career also extends to the realm of television and movies, earning him recognition within the broader world of entertainment.
- In addition to his impressive body of work in sports-related films, Jackie Chan has also made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through his comedy and drama projects, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability.
- Staying updated on the latest news about Jackie Chan's career, upcoming films, and his involvement in sports-related projects can provide valuable insights into his ongoing impact on both the cinema and entertainment industries.
