Here's why it's a complex question:
* Jackie Chan's Signature Style: His action-comedy films are known for their humor, over-the-top stunts, and generally lighthearted tone. This usually centers his characters around heroism.
* Moral Ambiguity: While his characters are often fighting for the "good guys," they occasionally employ questionable methods or have flaws that could be considered anti-heroic.
* Examples:
* Police Story (1985): Chan's character, a police officer, uses brutal tactics and often bends the rules to catch criminals. While he's ultimately a hero, he operates outside the law.
* Drunken Master (1978): Chan's character, Wong Fei-hung, is a rebellious and mischievous young man who learns martial arts from a drunk master. His journey towards becoming a hero involves learning responsibility and morality.
* The Myth (2005): Chan's character, a Chinese general, is transported to modern times and must confront his past and reconcile his actions. His character grapples with guilt and redemption, hinting at anti-heroic traits.
Ultimately, whether Jackie Chan plays an anti-hero depends on how you define the term. While he often portrays heroes, the complexities of his characters and the occasional morally ambiguous actions make it a valid argument.