Jackie Chan (Best of Inside Kung-Fu) [Paperback]

Curtis F. Wong (Author), John R. Little (Author)

Book Description

Series: Best of Inside Kung-Fu | Publication Date: December 11, 1998

If you're a fan of Jackie Chan—the world's most popular action movie star—you've got to have this book. Drawing from Inside Kung Fu magazine's exclusive archives, every page is packed with rare pictures and unique insights on this comedy-kung-fu mega-star. From Jackie's personal reflections on his childhood through the evolution of his on-screen characters and his recent box-office smash successes, you'll get the real story and get to know the real Jackie Chan—the man behind the movie star. You'll hear Jackie talk about the issues and topics that mean the most to him, including:

• Childhood and his early training
• Martial arts and street fighting
• Health and fitness
• The philosophy behind every role
• Success and stardom
• The film industry and moviemaking
• Fight scene choreography and stunt coordination

You'll also find an essential, complete filmography and Jackie's own "Top 10" list of his all-time greatest stunts. This book offers exciting insights and world-class photographs sure to entertain and enlighten Jackie Chan fans, martial artists, and action film buffs alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John R. Little is the author of The Warrior Within and Bruce Lee: Words from a Master and numerous articles on martial arts philosophy and practice. Curtis F. Wong is the publisher of Inside Kung Fu and other world-renowned martial arts magazines. He has been a close personal friend of Jackie Chan for more than twenty years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809228378
• ISBN-13: 978-0809228379
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,530,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, October 22, 2001

By 

"jcfan54" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jackie Chan (Best of Inside Kung-Fu) (Paperback)

This book is a fabulous read. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It is not a narrative, but rather a compiled series of interviews between the author(s) and Jackie Chan that have taken place over the past ten years or so. The chapters are split up into sections on his childhood, martial arts training, philosophy, health and fitness, career and film making, stunt coordinating etc. Each chapter has an introduction and then goes straight into an indepth interview with Jackie Chan himself! There is a small overview at the beginning of the book on his life (a mini "My Life in Action"!) and at the end a filmography and a chapter containing what the author considers are Jackie's ten best stunts in a short paragraph format. There is a treasure trove of pictures from Jackie's films (all black and white unfortunately), many not before seen. I consider this book belongs on the shelf with Jackie's autobiography as it is contains personal insights and comments from "The Man" himself. My respect for Jackie Chan, already high after reading "My Life in Action", has risen even higher. The man is phenomenal and makes the so-called "Hollywood Stars" shine rather pale in comparison. If the many who dismiss Jackie as "just an action actor" could only read this book, how their eyes would be opened! Highly recommended - a must read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, April 11, 2008

By 

Bo Østergaard Jepsen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jackie Chan (Best of Inside Kung-Fu) (Paperback)

This volume of articles and tidbits about the great Jackie Chan is definitely worth a read if not great. There are many fine insights into the man and the legend Jackie Chan, and indeed a lot of interesting photographs, which makes it so much the more enjoyable.

The format of the book, however, does not really agree with me. I don't like the article form, it seems cheap and mean. In my opinion it would have been better to write a uniform, coherent text based on the interviews and articles instead. The information is still there, it just seems a bit disorganized (which it really is not, it just seems that way).

It is still highly recommendable for all the information in there. Sure to please any fan.

1.0 out of 5 stars a bit boring for a big fan, December 28, 2008

By 

Tracy J. Rivadeneyra "tjr" (Columbus Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jackie Chan (Best of Inside Kung-Fu) (Paperback)

I have many Jackie Chan books and products, and this book sits on my shelf untouched. The information is dated and incorrect in some cases, and the pictures look rough. If you are a Jackie fan looking for something new or exciting, this is not for you.