Why Jackie Chan’s Epic Adventure Series Deserves More Love Than It Gets!

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It’s astonishing that only die-hard fans have caught up with one of Jackie Chan‘s movie franchises throughout cinema history, given his immense impact. Known primarily for his hilarious martial arts performances, Jackie Chan’s comedic prowess in films like the inebriated stunts in “Drunken Master II” and the endearing charisma displayed in classics such as “Wheels on Meals,” he is undoubtedly a master of slapstick comedy within kung fu. However, as his career evolved, Jackie Chan expanded into an array of genres.

It’s widely believed that among Jackie Chan’s films, the Armour of God trilogy has received less recognition than it deserves. This series, which can be thought of as a Jackie Chan-inspired take on the Indiana Jones movies, started with the first film, also called Armour of God, released in 1986. In this movie, Jackie Chan plays a treasure hunter and former pop musician known as “Asian Hawk”. He teams up with a friend to gather the fragments of the mythical Armour of God in order to rescue his girlfriend from the grasp of an evil cult.

Jackie Chan’s Armour Of God Movies Deserve To Be Bigger Than They Are

It’s Hard To Say Why So Many Gloss Over Jackie Chan As Indiana Jones

Initially, “Armour of God” garnered significant success in Hong Kong and received favorable reviews from critics. However, despite being a high-octane action blockbuster starring a major movie celebrity, it failed to gain the widespread recognition in the Western world that it arguably should have. It’s possible that its status as an English-dubbed film may have hindered its popularity, but the breathtaking action sequences and thrilling stunts, such as jumping from a hot air balloon or showcasing some of Jackie Chan’s finest fight scenes, are undeniably captivating. In essence, “Armour of God” is nothing short of visually stunning.

In truth, the movie “Armor of God” showcases one of Jackie Chan’s most perilous stunts throughout his career, a stunt that arguably brought him closer to death than any other. During a particular scene where he leaped from a great height to grasp a tree, the branch he held onto broke, causing him to fall a substantial five meters to the ground and fracture his skull. Given that Jackie Chan came extremely close to losing his life while executing these daring stunts in “Armor of God”, it’s somewhat unfair that the film remains relatively unknown.

Why The First 2 Armour Of God Movies Are Some Of Jackie Chan’s Best

Even If Their Follow-Up Isn’t Anywhere Close

The original film, Armour of God, was successful enough to merit a follow-up, titled Armour of God II: Operation Condor. In this installment, Jackie is once again thrust into action, tasked with locating a hidden trove of Nazi gold buried deep within the Sahara desert. With a new villain reminiscent of Indiana Jones and exotic settings to match, Armour of God II: Operation Condor delves even deeper into the realms of adventure, eschewing martial arts for more thrilling escapades. The sequel also boasted a diverse ensemble, featuring a philosophical Japanese woman pondering life and death, as well as a character that could very well be Adolf Hitler himself.

As a true cinema enthusiast, I must confess that the first two installments of “Armour of God” stand out among Jackie Chan’s exceptional body of work. They masterfully blend his inherent comic flair and knack for daring stunts with vibrant settings and characters, creating a springboard for his incredible acrobatics. This results in a more exhilarating and engaging experience compared to many other films featuring the martial arts legend. The allure of these movies lies in their fresh take on the adventure genre, setting them apart from Chan’s other projects which often rely heavily on his central role. Moreover, the supporting cast in “Armour of God” is both memorable and diverse, a quality that not every Jackie Chan movie can boast.

Regrettably, the third and concluding installment in the “Armour of God” series, titled “CZ12,” falls significantly short compared to the first two films. The absence of thrilling stunts, a clear narrative identity, and uninteresting supporting characters make it difficult for the third “Armour of God” movie to hold a candle to its predecessors. However, this doesn’t diminish the overall value of the series, which still boasts some exceptional action movies starring Jackie Chan. The lack of recognition given to these films is unwarranted, as they continue to stand out among the best action films in Jackie Chan’s impressive career.

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2025-05-23 14:07