What Makes Rush Hour A Classic?

Written by: Lewis Knight

From left: Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan in Rush Hour (1998).

When watching Rush Hour, Chris Tucker’s character feels like he’s hosting a comedy show and with Jackie Chan, he brings action live to your doorstep. With each instalment, the film offers something different and new. 

Chris Tucker is known as a comedian with film and TV experience under his belt and is known for his role as James Carter in Rush Hour and his humorous and outgoing personality adding to the feeling of the film, who is a police officer for LAPD. There’s no need for an introduction for Jackie Chan as he’s well-known around the world for the films he has done.

His type of character is the type who brings the action and helps out Cater in some sticky situations the pair of them get into. He is known for being calm in most situations and is part of Hong Kong’s law enforcement. Fun fact: this was the first film where Jackie Chan spoke English. He was still learning the language whilst making this film based on Unilad. Thanks to this, it gave us viewers a memorable moment when Carter and Lee were meeting for the first time.

These two characters have the perfect contrast with each other, I would personally class them as the ‘dynamic duo’ and this is the reason why the first two instalments were a success and why this film would be a classic in terms of the buddy cop genre. The use of cultural representation, locations and the way each character’s personality helps add to the personality of the film which helps elevate the storyline and some memorable moments. In terms of cultural representation, Lee hails from Hong Kong, he’s more of a calm individual who shows respect for people and his martial arts. Carter, who’s from Los Angeles (LA), is more laid back, and loud and this sets the contrast between the two.

The film uses cultural stereotypes to help out with the comedic element - as shown by Carter not being familiar with Chinese culture and vice versa with Lee. However, this film does not use stereotypes to elevate the humour. Still, there were moments when Carter and Lee were learning from each other’s culture - as shown in Carter visiting the Chinese restaurant in one of the scenes and Lee, he is learning the American culture. Thanks to this, this made the comedic element feel natural and a joy to watch.

Would Rush Hour be considered a film which is considered as the best buddy cop of all time?

A case can certainly be made. The film did a good job of combining both action and comedy with both Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker doing a good job of complementing each other and making the film what it is today. The first film did a good job of the elements of cultural representations, locations used and how these two characters have the perfect personalities which certainly left a mark on how Rush Hour is seen by the world and it’s truly a classic.

Lewis Knight is an aspiring photographer and filmmaker who writes his thoughts from the world of film. Join him as he explains and discusses film reviews, opinions and a diverse range of topics in the world of film and anime.

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