Cast
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Kwan Chung
as John
Luh I-charn
as Sandy
Li Chien-Ping
as Jessie
Chen Hung-Lieh
as Sai-ichi
Chin Ti
as Wesley
Yuan Shen
as
Jackie Chan
as Sammy (archive footage)
Brigitte Lin
as Lily (archive footage)
Sun Yueh
as (archive footage)
David Tao
as (archive footage)
Fang Cheng
as (archive footage)
Frankie Kao
as (archive footage)
Hsu Pu-Liao
as (archive footage)
Tsai Chong-Chiu
as
Ho Wei-Hsiung
as
Crew
Director
- Kevin Chu
- Wang Chungkuang
Writer
- Yao Ching Kang
Producer
- Hsiao Yin Shen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Fire Dragon distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Kevin Chu brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Fire Dragon took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fire Dragon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Seoul, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Fire Dragon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Raging Phoenix and Taarzan: The Wonder Car explore similar territory, Fire Dragon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 2, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 14m
