The feature documentary, Bruce Lee The Legend shows us some remarkable footage, in particular his early childhood film career, and a Hollywood screen test where he speaks about himself and demonstrates some of his moves. The extra features articulate Lee’s desire to tackle issues like racism in his films, and the need to use his skills for good, protecting the honour and welfare of his friends or family, which we see this here repeatedly – and for the remainder of his career. He owns this film both physically and morally. Whether it’s a naïve PG love scene, a brutal fight scene or some random social commentary you can’t keep your eyes off him. He can ham it up or beat the stuffing out of his attackers and its all captivating. This diversity in tone shouldn’t work, but it does, for one reason – Lee. Then he goes full vengeance in some exhilarating fights/ duels. Later he is all teeth and glasses as a Nutty Professor style telephone repairmen – all in the guise of surreptitiously gathering information from the Japanese. Demonstrating his versatility (and yen for comedy), Lee dresses up as an old newspaper seller at one point. Everybody watching this film wants to be him.Īside from the creation of this enigma, what I love about Fist of Fury is these odd humorous, almost slapstick moments that feel like they belong in another film entirely – perhaps a Pink Panther film. From his exaggerated stance to his peculiar vocal mannerisms – even his facial expressions, he comes across as this exacting master to be admired, studied and imitated. Mid fight he takes off his top with the care and focus of someone diffusing a bomb – and its treated that way by his attackers. Literally about 20 people or so – much of the fight is in one long take and its impossible not to marvel at not only his extreme fitness, but the strength of his technique. It doesn’t take long before Lee finds himself at the dojo of the offending school, defending his masters honour, and taking them all on. It’s a technique that makes the ass whipping when it inevitably comes all so sweet. Despite his ridiculous arsenal of fists and kicks, he is always (initially) held back and prevented from doling out (highly deserved) punishment due to a promise or the expectations of someone close to him. When it’s crashed by some cocky Japanese from a rival school intent on goading them into fighting, Lee is restrained by his classmates who remind him that his teacher espoused non violence. He plays Chen Zen, a martial arts student who returns home to Shanghai, arriving during the funeral of his teacher. Whilst its impossible to not have a soft spot for the naivety of it’s predecessor, Fist of Fury sees greater influence from Lee, both in terms of thematic content and the complexity of the fight scenes. Understandably the second film, 1972’s Fist of Fury had considerably more money thrown at it, and is blessed with a greater sense of purpose. Despite its low budget, flimsy plot, and lets say relatively raw approach to filmmaking it was clear that they had uncovered a star. The first of these films, The Big Boss was a huge success, breaking all Hong Kong box office records (You can read our review here). His fluidity in Kung Fu is amazing to watch, and he compresses the rage of a tormented culture into a physical art of retribution that promotes this film into a league of Asian classics.When Bruce Lee returned to Hong Kong in 1971 on a two picture deal with Golden Harvest his career was at a crossroads. “The screen presence of Bruce Lee is undeniably strong. ’Fist of Fury’ is unquestionably one of these prime examples.” – Kung Fu Kingdom But only a few have achieved the distinction of being truly groundbreaking and worthy of historical note. “In any genre, films run the full spectrum of quality – from terrible to mediocre, from good to fantastic. “Lee is decidedly an eye-catching figure as he takes on all comers, singly or in whimpering groups, in stylized, Karate-like bouts with swift, balletic moves, baleful stares, deadly flying fists and legs and, of course, all the necessary eerie shouts.” – New York Times The bullying continues, with Chen fighting back, but when he discovers the truth – that his teacher was poisoned on the orders of the dojo’s master – he sets off on a doomed mission of revenge.įist of Fury features stunt work by a young Jackie Chan (who served as Lee’s double). During the funeral, members of a local Japanese dojo show up and insult the Chinese students. Returning to Shanghai to marry his fiancée, Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee) a student of renowned martial arts teacher Huo Yuanjia, discovers his sifu has died. Bruce fights to defend the honor of the Chinese in the face of foreign aggression, and to bring to justice those responsible for his master’s death.
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