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Key Points

Jackie Chan received the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera award at Locarno Film Festival 2025. The 71-year-old legend humorously reflected on his rebellious youth and martial arts beginnings. Chan shared behind-the-scenes stories about working with Bruce Lee in 'Enter the Dragon'. The actor-director emphasized his philosophy of mastering all aspects of filmmaking beyond just acting.

Key Points: Jackie Chan Receives Locarno Lifetime Honor at 71 Says He Can Still Fight

  • Chan honored with Locarno's career achievement award
  • Recalls Bruce Lee mentorship and early stunt work
  • Jokes about rebellious youth and martial arts training
  • Stresses importance of learning filmmaking beyond acting
3 min read

Jackie Chan honoured at Locarno Film Festival 2025, says I'm 71 and I can still fight

Jackie Chan honored with Locarno's Pardo alla Carriera award, reflects on Bruce Lee beginnings and action film legacy at 71.

"I’m 71 and I still can fight – Jackie Chan"

Locarno, August 11

Actor Jackie Chan was honoured with Locarno's career achievement award, the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera, at the ongoing Locarno Film Festival 2025, reported Variety.

During the masterclass at the Swiss fest, the actor opened up about his beginnings and reenacted his role in Bruce Lee's 'Enter the Dragon'.

According to Variety, Chan played a small part in the iconic film. In the past, he admitted Lee accidentally hit him with a stick during a scene, but that didn't stop him from completing the take.

"I'm no Superman. I am scared. Before a stunt, I go: 'Am I going to die this time?" admitted Jackie Chan as quoted by Variety.

The actor also talked about his beginnings and how he developed an interest in martial arts.

"I was lazy, naughty, I didn't want to study, that's why my father sent me to martial arts school. I liked fighting when I was young. Later, he asked: 'Did you like the school?' Yes, very much. I could kick the teacher, punch someone, whatever I wanted," he joked as quoted by Variety.

According to the outlet, Chan started out as a stuntman, appearing in Lee's 'Fist of Fury', before eventually transitioning into acting following some childhood experiences on set.

The actor also admitted that he never wanted to limit himself to just acting. Ambitious, Chan revealed that he wanted to learn filmmaking from scratch.

"I do everything myself. Now, I tell filmmakers: 'If you only learn how to direct, that's not good enough'," said Jackie Chan.

The actor's directorials include 'Police Story', 'Police Story 2', 'The Fearless Hyena', 'The Young Master' and others.

On honouring Jackie Chan with Locarno's achievement award, the artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro said, "He reinvented, literally, what an action film is. There is before Jackie Chan and there's after," as quoted by Variety.

Accepting the award, Chan recalled a conversation he had with his father, back when he asked him: "I'm 60. Can you still fight when you're 60?" Chan replied: "I didn't know what to say [to him]. But now I'm 71 and I still can fight."

Jackie Chan was recently seen in the film 'Karate Kid Legends', which starred Ben Wang in the lead role. It was the sixth film in the 'Karate Kid' franchise.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Ananya R
His journey from being hit by Bruce Lee to becoming an icon himself shows real perseverance. But I do wish he'd make more meaningful films now rather than just action - he's capable of so much more depth as we saw in "The Foreigner".
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Karthik V
Remember watching "Rush Hour" with my college friends in Bangalore and laughing our heads off! Jackie's comedy timing is as good as his stunts. Deserving honor for a global superstar 👏
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Sarah B
As someone who grew up in Mumbai but now lives abroad, Jackie Chan movies were our bridge between Eastern and Western cinema. His work ethic reminds me of our Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan who also keep working tirelessly.
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Vikram M
His stunts in "Police Story" were insane! But at 71, maybe he should take it a bit easy? We want to see him healthy and happy, not risking life for movies. Health is wealth yaar!
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Priya S
Jackie Chan's humility despite his stardom is what makes him special. In India, we respect elders who stay grounded. His journey from martial arts school to global fame is like our own rags-to-riches Bollywood stories!

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