The Master (1992)
The Master is a 1992 Hong Kong martial arts film written, produced and directed by Tsui Hark, and starring Jet Li, Yuen Wah, Crystal Kwok and Jerry Trimble. The project was filmed in 1989, but it was not released until 1992 when the success of Once Upon a Time in China made Li a major action star.
Plot
The story occurs in Los Angeles, where a fight between Master Tak (Yuen Wah) and Johnny (Jerry Trimble) destroys Tak’s herbal medicine store. Johnny is prevented from killing Tak when Anna (Anne Rickets) comes to save him. During his recovery he stays in Anna’s camper van. Anna is both a janitor and a student from a gymnastics school but was banned from competing and attending for physically attacking a fellow classmate. As a result, Anna ends up being fired by her coach, who is already fed up with Anna’s bad behaviour.
Jet (Jet Li) arrives from Hong Kong on the airport bus. When he arrives at Tak’s store to resume as Tak’s Kung Fu student, he finds the store shuttered and three thieves steal his bag. He chases their car on foot through the streets and eventually catches them. The thieves are so impressed with Jet’s physical skills they beg him to be their master. They take Jet to their home (an abandoned municipal building) but they’re attacked by a larger gang. Jet reluctantly steps in to defend his new friends, but their home is set on fire.
Box office, Home media
The Master earned a weak HK$8,096,542 – ( US $1.035.687) in Hong Kong. On 28 March 2005, DVD was released by Hong Kong Legends in the United Kingdom in Region 2. Four months later, The Jet Li Collection DVD was released on 25 July 2005 at 2 disc set including Hitman.RELATED
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Cast:
- Jet Lias Jet
- Yuen Wahas Chan Hou-tak / Uncle Tak
- Crystal Kwok as May
- Jerry Trimbleas Johnny
- Rueben Gonzáles as Cito
- Guy Fadollone as Ruben
- Derek Annunciation as Mouse
- Michael Burke as Oscar
- Camille Carrigan as Jeannie
- Wayne Post as Jimmy
- George Cheungas Paul
- Pamela J. Anderson as coach
- Steven Hoas Johnny’s student
- To Wai-wo as martial arts teacher
- Cheung Ching as Clerk of International Publication
- Billy Blanksas Black Thug (uncredited)
- Glen Chinas taxi driver