Dragons Forever is a Hong Kong action-comedy film directed by Sammo Hung and Corey Yuen, featuring Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biaoโthree legendary stars of Hong Kong cinema. Released in 1988, the movie is one of the final collaborations among the trio, known as the “Three Dragons.” The film blends martial arts action, slapstick comedy, and a touch of romance, solidifying its status as a classic.
Jackie Lung (played by Jackie Chan) is a shrewd and morally ambiguous lawyer hired by a chemical company accused of polluting a local fishery. The factory’s shady executives, led by a criminal syndicate, aim to defeat the fishery owner Miss Yip (played by Deannie Yip) in court and continue their illegal operations.
Jackie recruits his eccentric friends to help him with the case:
- Wong Fei-hung (Yuen Biao): An inventor with a fiery temper and unpredictable behavior. Despite his quirks, Wong is fiercely loyal to his friends.
- Tung Tak-biao (Sammo Hung): A small-time crook and womanizer with a penchant for chaos, tasked with befriending and distracting Miss Yip.
As Jackie begins to work on the case, he starts developing feelings for Miss Yipโs cousin, Nancy (played by Pauline Yeung), which complicates his professional and personal life. Meanwhile, Tung unexpectedly grows attached to Miss Yip, leading to an amusing yet heartfelt subplot.
As the trio delves deeper, they uncover the chemical companyโs involvement in drug manufacturing. Realizing the extent of the criminal activities, Jackie, Wong, and Tung decide to take matters into their own hands, leading to a series of explosive confrontations.
Upon its release, Dragons Forever was a commercial and critical success, praised for its action sequences and comedic elements. Over the years, the film has grown in reputation, becoming a beloved cult classic in the martial arts genre.
Legacy:
- Dragons Forever is considered one of the final great collaborations among Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao, marking the end of an era in Hong Kong cinema.
- It continues to inspire action filmmakers worldwide with its combination of innovative stunts and character-driven storytelling.
Dragons Forever has been restored and released on Blu-ray by companies such as Eureka Entertainment and Criterion. These editions often include remastered visuals, behind-the-scenes features, and interviews with the cast and crew.