Jackie Chan: Inside the Dragon (Paperback)

~ Clyde Gentry (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Jackie Chan--for more than a decade Asia's reigning superstar, whose movies combine martial arts, self-deprecating comedy, and breathtaking stunts performed by Chan himself--has finally begun to score in the U.S. Gentry traces his remarkable career, from rigorous boyhood training in the Chinese opera and early "chopsocky" film efforts to his recent Hollywood breakthrough and his newest film, Mr. Wise Guy. Even though Gentry draws on interviews with Chan and his associates as well as an impressive knowledge of Hong Kong cinema, his work still often resembles a fanzine in tone and organization (e.g., one chapter is devoted to Chan's 10 best fight scenes). But given the awe and affection Jackie inspires, such fannishness is hardly altogether inappropriate. Other and, most likely, better books on Chan, including an autobiography, are in the pipeline. Despite its shortcomings, Gentry's isn't a bad resource for the hordes of new Chan fans on this side of the Pacific. Gordon Flagg

Product Description

The first biography of this international film star, Jackie Chan: Inside the Dragon is drawn from one-on-one interviews with Chan himself and other actors, directors, and stuntmen, providing readers with all the details behind Chan's life and films. 150 photos. color insert.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (August 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878339701
• ISBN-13: 978-0878339709
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,213,802 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Operation: CHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!, June 7, 2001

By	T. Tennard (NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

To date this is the absolute best book devoted to the movies of Jackie Chan. The only negative is that the book is already out of date, a second revised edition is over due. "Inside The Dragon" was published just before "Mr. Nice Guy" was released. There is a mention of a few possible future projects which included "Rush Hour", which at this point was intended to team Chan with Martin Lawrence. A chapter devoted to Jackie Chan finally breaking through, in a big way with "Rush Hour", in America would have to be added. There are a few books devoted to Jackie Chan, however none of them are as satifying as this one. "Inside The Dragon" covers the vast majority of his films and is complimented by tons of stills from his movies as well as various movie posters. The author offers insight into most of Jackie Chan's major films. There are also sidebars devoted to a few of Jackie Chan's frequent costars such as Ken Lo and Dick Wei. Each chapter is devoted to different aspects of Jackie Chan's career, from his early Lo Wei "chop socky" films to his later collaborations with director Stanley Tong. Two great in depth chapters are devoted to Jackie Chan's ten best fight scenes and his seven "best" movies. I beleive that this book is essential to any fan of Jackie Chan. After four years I still refer to this book repeatedly.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to Chan, February 15, 2001

By	Andrew C. (State College PA) - See all my reviews

Inside the Dragon serves as a great introduction to the world of Jackie Chan. He is an insipring actor and director and Gentry covers many of his important films, though the information is very outdated. This book was written when Chinese films were prevalent on laserdisc and VCD, but not on DVD. Gentry does make some claims that I feel to be unbeleivable at times. He states that Chan did not perform many of his movie stunts. Now, any real Chan fan knows by simple oberservation that Chan uses a stunt double quite often (if you don't believe me see Thunderbolt, Dragons Forever, the Protector, etc.) but that's besides the point. What I didn't find was sufficient evidence supporting some of Gentry's claims, though you can judge for yourself. I recommend the book because of its moderate price tag, otherwise read Chan's auto biography I am Jacie Chan: My Life in Action.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Jackie Chan book ever written, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

Of all the books on Jackie Chan, this one is so indepth. It covers everything! I don't think Jackie could have covered his own career any better than this. Gentry must be a fanatic to write this enthusiastically. Way to go Clyde!