Product Description
As one of the biggest stars to burst into U.S. theaters, Jackie Chan has wowed audiences with death-defying stunts. But who really is this lightning-fast Charlie Chaplin of martial arts moviemaking? Now, in I Am Jackie Chan, he tells the fascinating, harrowing, ultimately triumphant story of his life: How the rebellious son of refugees in tumultuous 1950s Hong Kong became the disciplined disciple of a Chinese Opera Master. How the dying art of Chinese opera led Jackie to the movie business. And how he broke into Hollywood big time by breaking almost every bone in his body.
Amazon.com Review
Since his first role in 1962 at the age of 8, Jackie Chan hasappeared in more than 70 movies. For more than 20 years, he has beenthe biggest star in Asia, but in the West he remained a secret, hismovies passed around on tape and his fame growing by word of mouthalone. In the '90s, with the success of crossover movies like RushHour and the support of a new generation of filmmakers who grew upwatching Jackie Chan videotapes, his star finally rose in theWest. But where did he come from, and how did he achieve so much?

His autobiography, I Am Jackie Chan, answers those questions inan engaging, almost novelistic style. When his father moves toAustralia to take up a new job, the young Jackie is placed in HongKong's China Drama Academy under the tutelage of Master YuJim-yuen. For the next 10 years he is trained in martial arts, dance,acrobatics, singing, and comedy, while suffering extraordinaryhardships, including regular beatings and near-starvation. Yet he canlook back on this period of his life with considerable affection, notleast because it taught him the skills, and provided him with thenetwork of friends, that would sustain his film career fordecades. Chan has always earned the respect of his fans by committinghimself wholeheartedly to creating the most death-defying stuntspossible. His achievements seem even more remarkable when set againstthe struggles described in this book. In the Drama School, as a youngstuntman, in his first troubled attempts to make movies inAmerica--Chan's personality shines through, and I Am JackieChan can only enhance his reputation as one of the most likableand admirable movie stars in the world. The book also includesJackie's comments on all of his movies, lists of his favorite stuntsand fights, and an astonishing catalog of all his major injuries. Canyou imagine what it must feel like to dislocate your cheekbone?--Simon Leake ... Read more

Customer Reviews (91)

Excellent service
My granddaughter needed this for school and I could not find it locally. Ordered and had trouble getting the online issues done and was afraid it would not arrive in time. How surprised when she called to let me know her book was here with time to spare. Thanks for the save!

Even Better Than His Movies
I admit I might be a little biased on this review as I'm a bit of a Jackie Chan fan; however, you don't have to be one to enjoy this book.As one might expect from a biography, Jackie details his life from childhood in an opera academy to junior stuntman scraping by to making it in Hollywood with Rush Hour.Like his movies, Jackie Chan's life is very entertaining.The man certainly packs a lot of adventures into one lifetime.And though it may not be intended as such, but this to me is also a very uplifting and inspirational read.Many know Jackie today as the successful action movie star, but few realize the hardship that he had to go through and things he had to overcome to be where he is today.And this is where this book shines.It takes you on a ride of his life. You're there with him when he gets dumped, when he fails at acting, when he makes it big...And you'll identify with his struggles and hardships and perseverance.You'll be rooting for him to try harder to succeed. All in all a very enjoyable read.

Chans the Man
The Autobiography is very well written, and is full of classic Jackie Chan humor! His story is something so amazing it sounds like a work of fiction. After the Autobiography is done he gives a filmography of all the films hes worked on, so its a great shopping list for the Chan completest too!

If you are a fan of Jackie Chan, you must own this book.

a great read
I have read this book more than 10 times and it never gets old. The stories are incredible, told by Chan himself. Although it doesn't go as deep as a big Chan fan might hope, it is funny, smart and very entertaining. There is information about all his movies up to 1999, including great information about his stunts and filming adventures.

" So you play Kung FU"
I Am Jackie Chan My Life in Action 1998 5/5
Written by :Jackie Chan & Jeff Yang

Easily one of the best books I have ever read. This books contains 398 pages of pure joy. Seriously I read this book In one sitting . I was already a fan of Jackie Chan now I have so much respect for him. The copy I own includes a extra chapter, I would say it's worth buying again to read that extra chapter. Jackie Chan had a very interesting upbringing filled with beating and let downs. I mean he was abandoned by his parents who essentially sold him to the Peking Opera. Where they had the power to punish him up till death.

In here Jackie talks about the makings his earlier films. I really enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy his movies. Jeff Yang has said in interviews that there is works to release a second volume. Lets hope for that!
... Read more

Product Description
If you're a fan of Jackie Chan--the world's most popularaction movie star--you've got to have this book.Drawing fromInside Kung Fu magazine's exclusive archives, every page ispacked with rare pictures and unique insights on this comedy-kung-fumega-star.From Jackie's personal reflections on his childhoodthrough the evolution of his on-screen characters and his recentbox-office smash successes, you'll get the real story and get to knowthe real Jackie Chan--the man behind the movie star.You'll hearJackie talk about the issues and topics that mean the most to him,including:

• Childhood and his early training
• Martial artsand street fighting
• Health and fitness
• The philosophy behindevery role
• Success and stardom
• The film industry andmoviemaking
• Fight scene choreography and stunt coordination

Customer Reviews (5)

a bit boring for a big fan
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.

Interesting
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.

Terrific!
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!

the best
I loved this book. Anyone into the arts will love this book to. Its great and i personally like Jackie Chan.

THE GREATEST JACKIE CHAN BOOK OF ALL TIME!
This book is awesome! John Little's interview with Jackie Chan is worth the price alone. The photographs are the best, particularly the one of Jackie climbing a flag pole that looks like it has to be 50 feet off theground! I learned so much about Jackie Chan, his martial arts training, hisfitness methods and his personal philosophy. Having read all the otherbooks on Jackie, I can easily say that this is - by far - the best! A mustfor everyone who loves his stunts or have been awed by his physical talentin martial art. ... Read more

Product Description
‘The world’s most popular movie star’ — TimeJackie Chan is quite simply a movie legend, known around the world as the ultimate action hero. From his early, Hong Kong-produced hits, such as Drunken Master and Project A, to the more recent Hollywood blockbusters Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon, Jackie’s action-packed fight sequences and breathtaking, death-defying stunts have won him millions of fans.

This official companion contains exclusive interviews with Chan and many of his co-stars and colleagues, scores of rare and previously unseen photos, behind the scenes reports, articles looking at the best of his films, and even an introduction from Jackie himself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not worth much
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. ... Read more

Product Description

Jackie Chan-mania swept America when Rumble in the Bronx gave movie audiences a thrilling look at theathletic actor known for performing his own jaw-dropping stunts. The Essential Jackie Chan Sourcebook reveals everything you want to know about the dare-devil dynamo who is part Buster Keaton, part Bruce Lee, and a truly unique performer in his own right -- and whose devoted cult following is exploding into international stardom.

With straight talk about his rise from Hong Kong's hometown hero to Hollywood megastar, get to know the professional and persoanl Jackie Chan through

• His revealing biography
• A complete filmography -- from his early roles to the recent star vehicles Operation Condor and Thunderbolt
• His peak performance workout
• His "Catalogue of Pain" -- from concussions to broken bones -- and his many stunt work near misses
• His awards and accolades
• Up-to-the-minute internet news and fan club information
• And much more!

Forget Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Van Damme. There's only one Jackie Chan -- and only one complete guide to the ultimate action film phenomenon! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Really interesting, very informative.
This book is full of information of Jackie's life as a kid and adult. It has twenty-or-so black and white pictures. This book has lots of information on most of his movies. It includes all of bad things that havehappened, bones that he has broken and other ways he has hurt himself overthe years. I am a big Jackie Chan fan and found this book very interestingand imformitive.

A Great Book about Jackie!
Its not Faulkner or Shakespeare, but its a great little book about JackieChan.If you are a Jackie fan you will never get bored with this book. Its got great information, reviews, profiles, and pictures.If you loveJackie get this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Give the gift of Jackie Chan! Featuring the first four titles in our best-selling Jackie Chan Adventures series, the books come in a sturdy, convenient slipcase at a truly awesome price-you get four books for the price of three! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jackie Chan Rocks!!!
As an educator who works with beginning readers I can tell you these books will get your younger readers excited about the transition to chapter books!My son has read seven of these books and asked me to order two more.He begs me to listen to him read every night. I enjoy listening to the stories too!We read and laugh at Jackie's antics together while he gains practice reading in a story line with which he is already familiar. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Operation: CHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 wasintended 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.

Good introduction to Chan
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.

The ultimate Jackie Chan book
Wow! This book gives you real insights into Jackie Chan. I want a book like this on Bruce Lee, and I want it yesterday!

Best Jackie Chan book ever written
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!

Buy this Book!!!!!
I found this book to be entertaining and funny. Showing JAckie at his best and at what he does the most, Be funny. I hope you will like the book as much as i did!!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Try these books if your son isn't excited about reading...
Reading for my 10 year old son was always a chore, never an adventure.He read the first chapter of this book and he was excited about reading.He read the first four books in this series in five days.They don't challenge a fourth grade reader,but they did excite his sense of adventure.Now he begs to go to bed early so he can read.Yippee!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Jackie Chan never has a dull moment - after finding a rare ancient talisman with unknown powers, he is recruited by an old friend into Section 13, a secret government agency. Jackie's mission: to travel around the world, and capture the 12 magical talismans of the Chinese zodiac and keep them from the criminal group, The Dark Hand. In his spare time, Jackie must keep his young niece Jade out of trouble - but that's a full-time job in itself! Good thing Jackie, Jade and Uncle don't mind kicking a little butt to stay one step ahead of danger! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointing
Being a fan of the Jackie Chan Adventures cartoon on TV back when it aired, I was excited when I heard that they had a manga series coming out. It would have been cool to see original art showing the JCA story, but no. What's in here? Screencaptures of the TV show. Yes. If you buy this book, you're paying for a little book full of screenshots from the show. I had been prepared to buy the rest of the series, but once I opened this, I was suddenly very glad that I had not bought the entire series. The JCA mags from the UK had decent art and pictures, I don't know why they couldn't have hired a few artists here to make this so-called manga. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the teleplays The Tiger and the Pussycat by David Slack and The Day of the Dragon by Alexx Van Dyne.

What could be better than one incredible action-adventure with Jackie, Jade, and Uncle? How about two! Two all-new stories in one awesome book-an unbelievable value! Plus the book includes a collectible trading card as well as a postcard kids can send to their friends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent!
Shendu is my favorite part of the book. And would love to read more that's coming! I hope they make more!

Book Review: Day of the Dragon
I read Day of the Dragon and it is very good.In the beginning, Jackie Chan and his niece Jade eat pie to find a talisman.A talisman is a small eight-sided stone with magic powers.They bring it to Uncle's shop so he can study it.The talisman breaks and creates two Jackie!
My favorite part is when the J-team defeats Shendu, a 15-foot tall red-eyed green monster with big claws and teeth.One part that has alot of action is when the Dark Hand tries to steal the talismans for Shendu because he promised that they could have some of his lost treasure.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes action-packed books. ... Read more

Product Description
Meyers offers an "up-to-date, authoritative kick-butt book" detailing the best movies and where to find them. Color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

One Of The Best
One of the best works on the martial arts film genre. An absolute essential guide for genre buffs.

From Bankruptcy to Buyout
Well, after the original publisher going under and a new one taking up the slack, the long-promised book is finally out with the full story from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and America. As promised, the new book takes the tale full circle, from its auspicious Wong Fei Hong beginnings to the worldwide triumph of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Not just one actor, one director, and one era, but a whirlwind tour of them all, through the Venoms,Master Killer, and women warriors to Sammo, Jet, Yuen, and all the rest. There's even a color photo section with some incredibly rare images. Perfect? Well, no. I wish there had been more from the HK independant producers, the lesser known Shaw Brothers directors, an index, and a "worst of" list (to go along with the "best of" one). But considering what the book went through on the long road to publication, it held up remarkably well. Enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description
The first authoritative, A-to-Z guide to today's #1 international media icon

The "Clown Prince" of martial arts and the world's top-grossing movie star, Jackie Chan has been delighting audiences with his two-fisted, high-velocity action comedies for more than three decades. The Unauthorized Jackie Chan Encyclopedia offers you and millions of other fans a first comprehensive look at everything Jackie. This lively and informative A-to-Z reference was carefully researched by martial arts expert John Corcoran and features photographs of Jackie Chan taken throughout his career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good introduction to Jackie Chan
If you are interested in learning about Jackie Chan's films this is a good introduction.However, not enough personal data.I have read better accounts of his life. However, not bad.

Nice Guide to Chan's Film Career
"The Unauthorized Jackie Chan Encyclopedia" is a nice reference guide to Chan's prolific film career up to the year 2002. The book contains many interesting and obscure entries about Chan's career and the HK film industry in general including: Maggie Cheung, Hwang Jang-Lee, Wille Chan, Ng See-Yuen and the Shaw Brothers Studios.
The Unauthorized also includes Jackie Chan's first English language interview from 1981 and provides a musicography of Jackie's music career. There are also plenty of interesting and rare photos and magazine covers throughout the book. The only negatives are that author John Corcoran does not go into a lot of detail on many of the entries and seems to have aimed the book towards younger readers.

Overall the unauthorized Chan encyclopedia is a nice guide to the world of Jackie Chan and is recommended for die hard Chan fans. ... Read more

Product Description
Jackie’s quest to keep the 2 talismans away from the Dark Hand takes him to Istanbul, Turkey. There, Jade discovers the amazing secret hidden deep within the Sheep Talisman. Then Jackie, Jade, and the Dark Hand converge on the Galapagos Island, where the Rabbit Talisman of speed is located within the shell of a giant tortoise. It’s up to Jackie to save the day and while he’s at it, Jade has to save the Tortoise from becoming somebody's dinner! ... Read more

Product Description
Can Jackie Chan hunt down the 12 talismans of the Chinese zodiac before it's too late? Hot on Jackie's heels are the thugs of The Dark Hand, a criminal organization determined to capture the magic talismans for their own evil-doing...but Jackie will do anything to stop them! In Mexico, Jackie battles a world-famous wrestler for the Ox Talisman. When he goes after the Snake Talisman in New York City, Jackie ends up head-to-head with a jewel thief who's obsessed with its mysterious powers. Along the way, Jackie gets some sage advice from his uncle and more help than he really wants from his niece Jade. Together, they're determined to find the talismans...and save the world! ... Read more

Product Description
Jade is trapped on an island with The Dark Hand. To escape, she uses the shape-shifting power of the monkey talisman. The only problem is, she's turned herself into a monkey and now she can't change back! ... Read more

Product Description
Jackie thinks he destroyed the evil spirit, Shendu, but Shendu lives, trapped in the underworld with a clan of seven other deadly sorcerers. Shendu has a sinister plan to release them from their prison: All he has to do is take over the body of a human, and he knows just the person for the job-Jackie Chan!

Based on the teleplays written by David Slack. ... Read more

Product Description
Jackie Chan is quite simply a movie legend, ‘The world’s most popular movie star’ (Time), known around the world as the ultimate action hero. From his early, Hong Kong-produced hits, such as Drunken Master and Project A, to the more recent Hollywood blockbusters Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon, Jackie’s action-packed fight sequences and breathtaking, death-defying stunts have won him millions of fans.

Volume 2 of this bestselling Chan companion series contains more exclusive interviews with Jackie and many of his co-stars and colleagues, scores of rare and previously unseen photos, behind the scenes reports, and articles looking at the best of his films, from early in his career right up to date with Shanghai Knights and his new blockbuster, Around the World in 80 Days! ... Read more