Rumble is the Bronx (1995)

Rumble is the Bronx (1995)

7/10

Starring

Jackie Chan

Anita Mui

Directed by Stanley Tong

Rumble in the Bronx is so action-packed it blows your mind. The story could use some work, but the movie itself is fun. The action, fight scenes, and comedic tone of Jackie Chan’s charm make this one of the top Jackie Chan movies to see.

This movie is a full-on action film with a slight taste of comedy, which mostly shows up in the fight scenes.

The story begins with Chan’s character, Keung, arriving in the United States to attend his uncle's wedding. His uncle lives in the Bronx and owns a supermarket there. He’s planning to leave the Bronx with his new wife and sell the store to a new owner, Elaine (Anita Mui).

Unknown to Elaine at the time, the supermarket is a well-known target for vandalism by a local biker gang. Before long, Keung finds himself involved in a problem too big for him to handle, dragging Elaine into it as well. He defends the store from being robbed by the gang and quickly becomes their number one enemy.

Keung’s troubles get even more complicated when he meets his uncle's neighbor, a woman who cares for her disabled brother. She turns out to be more connected to the unfolding chaos than she initially seems, and Keung’s involvement with her and the supermarket puts his life in serious danger.

The movie moves at a fast pace, with one problem after another piling onto Keung from the moment he defends the supermarket.

This film marks the third and final collaboration between Jackie Chan and the late Anita Mui, the first two being Miracles (1989) and The Legend of Drunken Master (1994).

Interestingly, this movie is also famous for its tales of on-set injuries. It’s the film where Jackie Chan injured his leg during a jump stunt.

When watching this movie, allow yourself to be entertained. Don’t overthink the story—just enjoy the comedic action scenes and stunts that make this movie so memorable.

Looking back, watching this movie again brings up great memories from when I was younger. My sister and I eagerly looked forward to the next Jackie Chan movie every year in the '90s.

Watching it now, I can see that some of the acting by the supporting cast needed improvement. However, the stunts are well-timed and unforgettable. I personally feel Jackie Chan shines more when working outside of the United States, but he did a fantastic job here. I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t enjoy revisiting this movie.