Rumble in The Bronx (1995) Retrospective / Review 

I was 11 when this hit theaters and was instantly hooked. I quickly joined team Chan.

I have a high level of nostalgia for Rumble in the Bronx. Not because of the actual movie, but because on the VHS of Mortal Kombat, there was a trailer of 'Rumble' on it. That New Line Cinema logo from the 90's always takes me back too. Great video as always, Olie!

Rumble in the Bronx was what got me into Jackie Chan. I never saw his other films but this... was the starting point for me.

This was my first Jackie Chan film. Its funny how as kids we are totally oblivious to faults in movies, like I had no idea the movie was dubbed over, as children you can just plop us in front of any tv or movie and we will just consume it. Also, I thought Jackie Chan's character's name was Rumble.

"rumble in the bronx" was my first jackie chan movie and i still love it today.

Another nice review. I love it when Chris Carter shows up in documentaries going on about how the great thing about Vancouver is that it can double for anywhere. And you sit there thinking, "No it can't".

International movies often had their soundtracks replaced as part of their North American distribution deals because the studios did not want to have to pay royalty fees to composers. American composers sign away the rights to their music where composers in other countries retain the rights to their music.

This movie came out on my birthday in 96, that was a good year.

Absolutely first-rate work here, Oliver. I think this might be my favorite review you've done. The best tribute to Jackie Chan's titanic talent that I have seen. This movie is fondly remembered by me because it was the first Chan film I allowed my kids to watch with me. Prior to that, like yourself, I had already seen several of the earlier Chan classics. Once again, superb. -K

This isn't the first movie Jackie used English dialogue that was Battle Creek Brawl a.k.a The Big Brawl in 1980 from the team that made Enter The Dragon but it bombed at the box office.

Such a classic Jackie Chan flick!

The first Jackie Chan movie I ever saw as a kid. I was 10. He's been my hero ever since 🙂

I love your reviews man. The best on RU-vid by far. Keep up the great work!

Filmed in Vancouver. You can see the Canadian Rockies in the background in some shots. Still a fun movie though.

I grew up watching Jackie. As a kid from South Alabama, I remember going to the theater to see Operation Condor. I feel like a lot of younger kids have no idea who this legend is and it is a shame.

Ah, man, Anita Mui - I miss her. Always a welcome addition to any Hong Kong movie. Thanks for this, as always, Mr. Harper.

Jackie Chan was actually responsible for me seeking out movies in their original dialog also at that time I wanted to be 2 things a professional wrestler and a martial arts stuntman.

The ridiculous "street gang" in the film always bugged me. Never noticed the mountains in the background though, that's great.

Hey Oliver. Thanks for making these retroperspectives, really interesting videos! Great production values and insights!

It is hard not to love Jackie he was one of my idols as a kid and still is along with Jason David Frank

I have fond memories of this movie. Nice review, Oliver!

Fantastic review! I've always tried to get the original Hong Kong releases of Jackie Chan's films since the American releases are so watered down. So I have the original releases for many of his film, but oddly enough I don't have the original Hong Kong release of "Rumble in the Bronx." But after seeing this review I most certainly will track it down and add it to my collection.

This movie came out when I was 13. I instantly loved him and was amazed by his talents. A true Film legend

Such a funny and action packed movie!!! We all love you Jackie!!!

The video about Jackie Chan's film style from Every Frame a Painting was a really interesting look into how to properly make a martial arts film

I like Pablo Francisco's parody of Jackie Chan. He always plays "a man of peace who does not want to fight but has spent the last 30 years training in hand to hand combat."

Very good and fair review. Also did you use the Mortal Kombat soundtrack at the end? AWESOME.

I remember watching this as a child a lot. Pretty kickass movie.

I think Yuen Biao from Wheels on Meals was taking hits from Jackie at 19:10. Amazing video as always sir!

Great review as always, very happy to see some love for City Hunter. First film I ever saw Jackie in (if you don't count Enter the Dragon) and just watched it so many times (even ended up buying the rental copy i rented)

I saw it in the theaters and also have it on VHS widescreen and in Chinese with American subtitles.

It would have been funny if they had done "This looks like a rough neighborhood." "This is only Queens. We're not in the Bronx yet."

Great Review Oliver another video with your awesome editing skills, and reviewing. Yeah everyone Oliver rumbling in the Bronx

Jackie puts a smile on your face

Great review. Completely agree with you on the awkward dialogue and the skill of Jackie Chan. Good to have a comprehensive list of differences in the HK cut too, I need to get that VCD. ...By the way, wasn't Police Story III the first Jackie Chan movie to be shot in sync sound, thereby being the first Hong Kong flick to feature his actual voice (*outside of his early 80's foray into Hollywood; The Big Brawl, Cannonball Run etc...)? ...*not including theme tune vocals.

Thanks for another great video! It made me want to go back and revisit all the classic Jackie Chan films yet again. :)

Great viddy Oliver, I hope more people who are new to Jackies work from his western output will want to try his older films,They are in a league of their own! Thanks to your featuring alot of them. Keep up the Great work! ^_____^

Thanks again for these amazing reviews

Wheels on Meals and Police Story are probably my favorite Jackie flicks, would love to see you do a retrospective on either one or both Oli!

Original cut and audio seems tough to find unless I’m missing something

I love this movie for many reasons...not the least of which is how they make absolutely no attempt to hide the fact that it's all shot in Vancouver.

im 34 and this was the very first Jackie chan movie I ever saw. saw it in the theater with my best friend and loved it. got me hooked on his movies from then on.

Great review Oliver. I plan to get the blu-ray version of this film. Big thanks for showing some of the cut scenes. Yes, it would have been nice to see them in the film, but I don't mind owning the shorten version. Check out the Chinese Ghost Story films, too. They're great, have good scares and a lot of humor.

the funny part if you look where the supermarket is right next to you can make some vague guess as to where uncle met his bride to be

Classic Chan, not his best but still awesome and a great starting point for western audiences.

Great review mate, probably your best so far. Covered alot of ground but you got it spot on. I would love to see the original release as I've only seen the US dub... one day maybe.

I love watching this movie with friends just to point out all the locations in Vancouver, BC. (Since I live there.) Much like how I love pointing out all the locations for First Blood (1982) when I visit Hope with my parents.

Great review as always. I love the addition of the Mortal Kombat soundtrack at the end, it fits very well.

oliver, whats the song at 19.05?

This is still my favorite Jackie Chan movie,when I first saw this I was very impressed by the way Jackie executed the stunts its very super hero like and with that being said another excellent review Oliver : )

Great job as always! Props for including a cantonese song in the review! I really admire Jacky Chan's work... but I quickly found in my department at HKU its so hard to say anything nice about him and not get criticised (especially after his pro government comments during the occupy central movement). Many HK people think he is a sellout, and his films only serve to objectify and orientalize Chinese cinema. Needless to say, the dude was/is incredibly hard working and deserves all of his success; however, many westerners do not know that he is sort of reviled in Hong Kong, and for good reason. More asian cinema ollie!

Brilliant review as always Ollie, Rumble in the Bronx along with First Strike are probably my two fave films of Jackie Chan's. The stunts & fight choreography alone make these films really watchable even if a lot of the English dubbing is ridiculous & cheesy haha. I'm glad you mentioned the alleyway scene being more violent in the original cut too as I always remembered it to be longer more violent but when I watch it on tv about 3 years ago I thought it looked tame so I thought it was either some bullshit tv edit or it was just my young mind making me think it was more violent in the day but now I know the truth, I must of originally saw the original cut of this movie or something when I was younger :)

Originally, what I know was that J. Peter Robinson only scored First Strike, Rumble, and Mr. Nice Guy and New Line later recycled Robinson's music score from those 3 onto Police Story 1&2 in a video release not theatrically.

J Peter Did Compose the Movie Police Story U.S Release. But it was Release as Police Force.I have the copy, Also the Remastered Police Story VHS. With music reused from Mr Nice Guy and First Strike. I got the Police Force from BlockBuster Rental for $5 used. with a Non related Cover.

Proper, proper review. As a Jackie fan, I absolutely enjoyed it.

WHEELS ON MEALS

The first film of his i remember seeing of his when i was a kid. I will forever love this film. I grew up in The Bronx too ~

Amazing review, Oliver. Jackie Chan is a Legend!

Great review. I had seen many Jackie Chan movies back then, his Hong Kong work, which was infinitely superior, it was so amazing, the first being Police Story, which absolutely took my breath away. Others, like Project A and The Armour of God, equally so, but I believe this was one of his later attempts at the US market, which had so long eluded him. Now of course, he's the star of Rush Hour, which gave him the US breakthrough he wanted, but that is so long ago. Before that, Hollywood just couldn't adapt to his way of working and many of the earlier attempts were not up to his Hong Kong standards, many of them bombed. Like you, I don't believe this was a masterpiece, but it certainly seemed to give Jackie Chan a bit more control and it was a very respectable chance for him to show off his incredible physical and martial arts prowess and athletic ability, not to mention the fact that he practically laid his life on the line many times to do those stunts. (Of course, notoriously, he nearly did lose his life while filming his Hong Kong movie, The Armour of God, but thankfully, he survived). The word legend is so overused these days, but Jackie Chan can definitely be called a living legend, for being such a likeable screen presence, for all the work he put in, both in front of the camera and behind it, and because he is the little guy, with such a big heart and very fast fists.

I agree in terms in fights big brawl isn't good but I still found a certain likeability to it. I dig LALO schiffrins score and it would have been a decent introduction if it wasn't for the slow fights.

A really good movie. I bet the guy who played White Tiger did some work on animes as a voice actor. Good job as always mate.

I was born and raised in The Bronx NYC (i am an 80's child) until my early 30's before i moved to Japan, and i can say what you see wasn't far from the truth.

I rented this on Vhs at blockbuster when it was released and was my introduction as a 13 year old to Martial art movies. Besides the karate kid, the first 3 ninja turtle movies and the 3 ninja kid franchise I hadn't even thought of movies like this that blended comedy which Is my favorite genre and show me crazy martial arts and great visuals and practical special effects. I even took up Karate and made it to purple belt because of this movie! Thank you Jackie Chan!

great film, nice review and 15:19 good point. like Hillary and Ashley, you want Nancy but need Elaine lol. can you review First Strike?

Great Review and Retrospective. I became a Jackie Chan fan when I saw James Rolfe's lists of Jackie's "Best Stunts" as well as "Fight Scene". Then I watched a Jackie Chan movie here on RU-vid on my old "sfighter991" account "Meals on Wheels", and the I purchased a $5.00 DVD called "The Young Master" which stared Chan, and then a movie 4 pack, so on. Jackie Chan has become one of my favorites in the Martial Arts genre, I bet if paired him up against Chick Norris, Chan would kick his ass like Bruce Lee did in Way of the Dragon. I bought this movie at my local "Mission", along with "Jackie Chan's First Strike". I haven't seen this one yet, or at least all the way through, but I know I'll check this one out.

Both Armour of Gods movies, as well as Supercop, were released by Dimension internationally. New Line bought up Police Story 1, 2, & 4 (First Strike), and Mr. Nice Guy. Dimension bought most of the biggest and well known movies that Jackie did and released most of them straight-to-video.

Great job Oliver! I would have liked to hear you give a node to the Jackie Chan animated series that came out during the height of his american success though. Still, I thoroughly enjoy your reviews.

This was my first Jackie Chan movie. Had a sleepover at a friend's and their parents took us to see this. Was awesome

LOVE this movie. However, there were still a few things that bothered me though: Why a pretty young woman like Nancy would join a gang, commiting various crime with them (robbery, beating people up and vandalism etc) is beyond me. At one point she said to Danny, how dangerous it was to talk to strangers (probably out of fear a criminal would kidnap him). I find that kinda ironic, since she seem to be proud to be a gang member that is more dangerous than anyone else. It is good to see that Keung was able to open her eyes, eventually, I always wondered how Danny would feel if he would find out about his sister's criminal activities. He may be crippled, but he ain't stupid. He is bound to find out about Nancy's life of crime eventually. Keung also seem a bit too forgiving for my taste. As soon as Nancy apologized to Keung, he was like 'sure, no biggie'. He forgave her probably for Danny's sake, but still it just felt kinda weird to have her invite Keung, her gang's greatest enemy at that point, to her work (a nightclub, where she works as a exotic dancer/stripper) and have them even fall in love with each other...Sure, Nancy is hot, but it just felt a bit forced to me. I prefer to see Nancy and Keung talk to each other about what happened at that particular night and take it from there. It was nice to see Keung convincing Nancy to leave the gang though, but it isn't shown if that was succesful, as she still considered the gang as her friends during the 'Gang Hideout' scenes later in the movie ("Keung, a friend of mine just got murdered'). Keung also forgave Tony's gang about what happened (after he beat the living crap out of every last one of them), after the former attacked - once again - Uncle Bill's grocery store. It was awesome to see Nancy punched one her female gang members. This would indicate that Nancy has quit being a gang member and put her life of crime behind her permanently. But after Keung gave the gang his 'leave your life crime behind, or I come after you' speech, she went back to get Keung's coat and told Tony that Keung is right and that they go too far sometimes. Since she told them this in present tense, it could mean that she still wants to be part of the gang and that she still consider them friends, but they simply need to make amends and leave their life of crime behind... I also felt the movie ended a bit abruptly, as I wanted to get more closure. You see Keung, Nancy, Tony and Elaine take out the big bad, White Tiger, only to see the end credits shortly after that. Elaine also seem to be too forgiven for my taste, even hugging Nancy as soon as the latter comes on board with Tony. Also, how did Elaine get there and how did she know where Keung was? Did the cops brought her there? If so, did they also get Nancy and Tony? I also had other questions I wanted to get aswered. What happened to Tony's gang? Are they still around? If so, is Nancy still part of the gang? And what will happen to Keung, now that he is in a relationship with Nancy? Despite everything in the above...I still love the movie and despite character development and closure, it is still an entertaining Jackie Chan movie...

Always love your reviews Oliver but this was not the first film that Jackie Chan used English dialogue. The would be Battlecreek Brawl followed by The Protector.

Oliver me and some friends would love to see a Tango & Cash retrospective. It would be most interesting to hear about the on set troubles to ultimately successful endeavor.

I remember having marathon of Jackie Chan movies, late 80s or was it early 90s. We all watch them for crazy man doing crazy things. And, whne it ends, you go out with huge smile. Shame action movies now don't follow same pattern. Nice review, as always.

I saw this film at mall of America, the theater was packed, this is the ONLY movie ive ever seen in my life (40 yrs old seen alot of movies) , that when it ended people clapped ( i joined in too with nearly the whole theater)

i loved every review you made... it gives people positive vibe... thanks...

I didn't realise that is leg snap in that movie, indeed jacky is a legend. for me it was too one his first movie taht I saw when I was a teen but I didnt know about the cuts and the voice since I was watching the french dub at that time. i should try to get that movie eventually

good video. marvelous. I give your video much a of everything that showed me. 4 and the half stars. well done once again Oliver! impressive well. #37.

Love this one, thank you

So the swordsman from Shanghai knights did this review? NICE!

I really really love the Jackie Chan movies, here on Brazil many of his movies are launched home video with the original cuts, so i always enjoyed the songs that he sings. Project A, Police Story and Operational Condor are my all time favorite JC movies.

When we saw Rush Hour, we thought Jackie was just another trope kung fu stuntman, then some years later we stumbled upon Rumble in the Bronx and Supercop and we started hunting down all his movies. The Hong Kong version of this is way better than the New Line Cinema US version. I like this movie mainly because the stunts were all real, Jackie rolled his ankle, Francoise Yip broke her leg, another biker separated her shoulder, and another suffered broken ribs.

How did they get lance into bin bags after he was fed through the wood chipper!? 😂

Can't remember if my first chan movie was first strike or rumble in the bronx

Good one, dude! Keep 'em coming!

Ah man this movie was awesome still is today.

I really hope they put out a full version on blu ray one day. With both the original soundtrack and redone one.

I love jackie

I love to watch the Hong Kong version to this. It's basically the directors cut

Are you OK? NO!!!!!!

Childhood favorite

I always hated how Hollywood guys would re-cut and re-score foreign films. "Oh Jackie, we know you've been making hit films for decades, but us Hollywood bigwigs know better than you."

have you done a retrospective on thunderbolt

That was a blast from the past! I think I have the Chinese version - I bought a 40-DVD set which came from China, so they're mostly in Chinese with subtitles - a few have dubbed English which is sometimes charmingly inaccurate. I thought his first English-speaking film was Mr Nice Guy - pretty sure it's mentioned in the extras

I was expecting bit more praise on fight scenes of Rumble in the Bronx. To me, Jackie Chan delivers here one of (if not the most) creative, varied and extensive use of enviroment to fend of his opponents. Sure, some acrobatic tricks are recycled/altered/modified version of his past movies, but I feel in Rumble in the Bronx they shine brightest. Plus I can't think another movie of his where he has done so many dangerous looking (and breathtaking) stunt jumps/drops. Rumble in the Bronx is by far my personal favourite of Jackie Chan movie stunt/action scenes wise. Shame almost all thug characters are really bad/gringeworthy/overacted in their performances (as Oliver stated). Other than that, Rumble in Bronx delivers Jackie Chan fun in spades! :)

Both Rumble and Wheels on Meals borrowed from Way of Dragon (Chinese guy goes overseas to help Family) Same with Kung Fu vs mafia with Bruce Liang (works in Amsterdam chinese restaurant)

I remember this being hyped as his first big movie for the west and was excited even as a youngster. I was very disappointed as it seemed watered down from his usual stuff but it has grown on me over the years.

Jackie is so underrated he is one of the best he worked with the legendary Bruce Lee of course and he is amazing and he deserves more credit than what Hollywood is doing! Also jet li is also underrated but you know if your Asian your still like people of color you never bigger than what you are!

My first Jackie Chan movie, Twin Dragon 1998. Brooklyn, my dad took me. Best thing ever.

I thought he did his own English dialogue in "The Big Brawl" (with the actor Mako) in the 80's, and "cannon ball run" as well....

I loved this movie in the theaters. Saw it three times dragging different sets of friends to see it at Union Station in Washington D.C. Vancouver is beautiful in this movie. You mention Karate Kid, it would've been so much more appropriate to call that movie Kung-Fu kid cause audiences would've understood the references and it would be more aligned with China and Jackie Chan's style.

A ton of very recognize scenes in Vancouver in this. It’s cheesy but fun.