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A global superstar
Jackie Chan is gearing up for Karate Kid: Legends and is celebrating his 71st birthday today. The global superstar started his career as a child actor and would become a stuntman, working alongside martial arts legend Bruce Lee. He made his debut as a leading man in the 1973 martial arts film Little Tiger of Canton. In a career spanning five decades, Jackie Chan has delighted audiences worldwide with his death-defying stunts and incredible comic timing. So, on this special occasion, we decided to look at five unforgettable movies from his extraordinary career.
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Armour of God (1989)
Jackie Chan stars as a treasure hunter who must protect an ancient relic known as the 'Armour of God' from a fanatical cult. Chan came the closest he had ever been to death while filming this movie, during what was supposed to be a routine stunt. His efforts paid off, as the movie became a blockbuster hit and spawned two sequels.
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Rush Hour (1998)
In the movie that cemented his legacy as a global superstar, Chan starred as the no-nonsense Hong Kong police officer who is forced to team up with the fast-talking LAPD Detective Carter, played by the excellent Chris Tucker. The movie would go on to spawn two sequels and is the most successful franchise of Jackie Chan's career.
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Drunken Master (1978)
One of the earliest blockbusters in Jackie Chan's career, Drunken Master is credited with revitalising the martial arts genre. Chan played Wong Fei-hung, a young man who is forced to become the student of an eccentric martial arts master. In his biography, Chan revealed that he nearly lost an eye while filming the movie.
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Police Story (1985)
In this brilliant martial arts comedy, Jackie Chan starred as police detective "Kevin" Chan Ka-Kui, who must clear his name after being framed for murder. The movie became a massive hit and is widely considered one of the greatest action films of all time. Police Story is the actor's second most successful franchise after Rush Hour.
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Wheels on Meals (1984)
This martial arts comedy saw Jackie Chan team up with Hong Kong martial arts legend Sammo Hung. The movie was a blockbuster, and the climactic fight between Chan and kickboxing champion Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez is considered by many to be one of the best fight sequences ever filmed.