Year: 1978
Runtime: 111 mins
Language: Cantonese
A mischievous youth lands in hot water and is forced to apprentice with a rough‑around‑the‑edges beggar who, despite his slovenly habits, imparts the lethal yet comedic art of Drunken Fist, turning the youngster into an unlikely kung fu master.
Get a spoiler-free look at Drunken Master (1978) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In bustling 19th‑century Canton, a spirited youngster roams the narrow alleys and crowded markets with a reputation for mischief that borders on legend. His restless energy and penchant for cheeky schemes keep him perpetually at odds with the expectations of a proud family whose name carries the weight of a martial legacy. The city itself feels alive, a kaleidoscope of street vendors, noisy tea houses, and hidden dojos, each echoing with the clang of wooden swords and the whispered rumors of hidden techniques.
When his playful defiance finally draws the ire of his stern father, Wong Kei-ying, the young man is thrust into a discipline he has long avoided. To temper his wayward ways, his father summons a notorious, unkempt hermit—Beggar So—whose very presence elicits both fear and fascination. This rag‑clad mentor, more myth than man, offers an unconventional path: the seemingly chaotic art of Drunken Fist, a style that disguises lethal precision behind a staggered, drunken façade. The clash of the boy’s impulsive nature with the beggar’s rough wisdom sets the stage for an unlikely apprenticeship.
The film’s tone balances slapstick comedy with kinetic martial choreography, letting humor flow as freely as the wine that inspires the fighting style. Every tumble, every slurred movement hints at deeper mastery waiting to be uncovered, while the bustling streets provide a vivid backdrop that feels simultaneously lively and unforgiving. The chemistry between the reckless youth—Wong Fei-hung—and his grizzled tutor crackles with tension, promising a journey where discipline and delight intertwine.
As the pair navigate the thin line between disorder and control, the audience is invited to wonder how far a mischievous heart can be tempered by the very chaos it once embraced, and whether the unorthodox teachings of a drunken master might forge a true kung fu legend.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:59
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Where a reluctant student learns from a bizarre but brilliant teacher.Explore movies like Drunken Master where a rebellious student is forged into a hero by an eccentric and skilled mentor. These films share a core narrative of unique training methods, humorous friction, and triumphant coming-of-age arcs, perfect for fans of action comedies and transformative teacher-student relationships.
These narratives follow a classic arc: a protagonist, often lacking discipline or direction, is forced or reluctantly agrees to learn from a master who is unorthodox, rough around the edges, or initially underestimated. The story is driven by the training process, the clash of personalities, and the ultimate test where the student proves their worth by applying their newly mastered, distinctive skills.
Movies are grouped here because they share the specific, powerful dynamic of an eccentric mentor shaping a protagonist. It's about the journey of acquiring a unique ability, the comedic and dramatic tension in the relationship, and the ultimate victory that validates the unconventional methods.
Blending intense, inventive fight choreography with slapstick humor.If you liked the blend of intense combat and slapstick humor in Drunken Master, this list is for you. Discover similar movies that mix fast-paced, inventive martial arts action with a light, comedic tone, creating an uplifting and exhilarating viewing experience focused on physical comedy and triumphant heroes.
The plots in these movies are often straightforward, serving as a vehicle for a series of spectacular and humorous fights. Character arcs are simple, typically about proving oneself or gaining discipline, but the primary drive is the joyous spectacle of combat. The narrative rhythm is built around training and escalating brawls, all infused with a sense of play.
These films are grouped by their unique tonal blend: the high intensity of martial arts action exists within a framework of light comedy. The similarity comes from the feeling of exhilarating, playful physicality and the confidence that the hero's journey will be fun and victorious, not dark or emotionally heavy.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Drunken Master in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Drunken Master is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Drunken Master, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Drunken Master. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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