121 reviews
Superb Character Portrayel by Jason Scott Lee
This film as a stand alone kung fu movie would be worthy of your attention, as it is very enjoyable and well made. The thing that makes it special is Jason Scott Lee's portrayal of the legend that is Bruce Lee.
He successfully captures his mannerisms, attitude and even his fighting style, extremely convincingly (a truly remarkable feat of acting ability.)
Although dramatised to heighten your viewing pleasure, the story actually follows the events in Bruce Lee's life and shows us the man behind the martial arts, covering his inner turmoils and personal struggles as well as his famous physical ability.
A great movie, befitting the legend that is Bruce Lee.
8/10
He successfully captures his mannerisms, attitude and even his fighting style, extremely convincingly (a truly remarkable feat of acting ability.)
Although dramatised to heighten your viewing pleasure, the story actually follows the events in Bruce Lee's life and shows us the man behind the martial arts, covering his inner turmoils and personal struggles as well as his famous physical ability.
A great movie, befitting the legend that is Bruce Lee.
8/10
Cult Movies 52
52. DRAGON: The Bruce Lee story (action, 1993) A re-telling of the life of legendary martial-arts star Bruce Lee (Jason Scott Lee). From his brief childhood days in Hong Kong, to his days as a dishwasher, martial-arts teacher and eventual cinema superstar in Hollywood.
Critique: The life and death of Bruce Lee has inspired many a film and documentaries since his death. Most of these accounts center around Lee's 'mysterious' death from a 'brain edema', never developing anything really new of interest, just speculations. Incredibly it took over 20 years for a film to finally put to rest the many theories and innuendo.
"Dragon" is by far the best of the legendary Lee story, not only for omitting the many death scenarios but also for giving us the closest account of the man. Apart from these welcome omissions, the film wouldn't have worked without Jason Scott Lee in the role. He gives a spirited, charismatic performance that captures the zest for life that Lee possessed. It's a long way from one of his first 'extra' roles as an Asian immigrant in the rather forgetful "Born in East L.A." (1988). Scott Lee is totally appealing here, taking on such a legendary figure and making us believe that Lee is truly up there once again on the screen.
The film's major theme of the "demon curse" Lee's family inherited, had a frighteningly real resonance when, after the movie premiered, Lee's eldest son Brandon (for whom the film is dedicated) was accidentally killed on the set of "The Crow". This would prove to be his breakout film, just the same way Lee's last film, "Enter the Dragon", made him a world wide superstar. This gives the film an added prophetic note that puts it in a category all its own.
Based on wife Linda Lee Cadwell's book, "Bruce Lee: the man only I knew", directed with skillful restraint by Rob Cohen (who also co-scripted). Randy Edelman created the unforgettable musical score (you'll be humming the tune long after you hear it).
QUOTES: Linda: "All these years later people still wonder about the way he died. I prefer to remember the way he lived."
Critique: The life and death of Bruce Lee has inspired many a film and documentaries since his death. Most of these accounts center around Lee's 'mysterious' death from a 'brain edema', never developing anything really new of interest, just speculations. Incredibly it took over 20 years for a film to finally put to rest the many theories and innuendo.
"Dragon" is by far the best of the legendary Lee story, not only for omitting the many death scenarios but also for giving us the closest account of the man. Apart from these welcome omissions, the film wouldn't have worked without Jason Scott Lee in the role. He gives a spirited, charismatic performance that captures the zest for life that Lee possessed. It's a long way from one of his first 'extra' roles as an Asian immigrant in the rather forgetful "Born in East L.A." (1988). Scott Lee is totally appealing here, taking on such a legendary figure and making us believe that Lee is truly up there once again on the screen.
The film's major theme of the "demon curse" Lee's family inherited, had a frighteningly real resonance when, after the movie premiered, Lee's eldest son Brandon (for whom the film is dedicated) was accidentally killed on the set of "The Crow". This would prove to be his breakout film, just the same way Lee's last film, "Enter the Dragon", made him a world wide superstar. This gives the film an added prophetic note that puts it in a category all its own.
Based on wife Linda Lee Cadwell's book, "Bruce Lee: the man only I knew", directed with skillful restraint by Rob Cohen (who also co-scripted). Randy Edelman created the unforgettable musical score (you'll be humming the tune long after you hear it).
QUOTES: Linda: "All these years later people still wonder about the way he died. I prefer to remember the way he lived."
- TYLERdurden74
- Jan 14, 1999
- Permalink
I'm no bastard. I'm Bruce Lee!
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story is directed by Rob Cohen who also co-adapts the screenplay with John Raffo and Edward Khmara. It stars Jason Scott Lee, Lauren Holly, Robert Wagner and Michael Learned. Music is by Randy Edelman and cinematography by David Eggby.
Based on Bruce Lee: The Man I Only Knew by Linda Lee Caldwell (Bruce Lee's widow), "Dragon" is more tribute movie than biography. A big success on release, it's a film that still causes some consternation with a number of Bruce Lee fans. The reasoning is because in true Hollywood style it tinkers with facts, misses out other notable points and has some time line issues. Yet if you can accept it as a "painted always in a positive light" homage piece more than a definitive biography? Then you find the essence of the man and his short life is there in glorious splendour.
In many ways it's an inspiring tale of a complex man, while it also plays out as a wonderful love story between two people of a different race making it work at a time when such a thing was frowned upon by the ignorant. Lee's skills as an artist and a human being are firmly portrayed, with Jason Scott Lee (no relation) proving to be admirable in his depiction of such. The fights are very well choreographed and perfectly OTT, but crucially they do not come at a cost to the story, it's the narrative that shines through even as the action appeases the action hungry hoards. While rightly there's iconography unbound, naturally.
The production value is high as regards quality of colour photography, set and costume design and recreations of famous moments. Edelman's score is a heart swelling and heroic scorcher that avoids over dosing on Oriental strains, Cohen moves it along at a nice clip and Holly is fabulous in her sympathetic portrayal of Bruce's wife. It's not all perfect, though. Away from the issues the hard core Lee fans have, the Demon that haunts the Lee family dreams is more funny than scary and the finale feels rushed and not dramatically fulfilling. It's fair that Lee's wife voices over the end and tells us it's about celebrating his life, but his death remains a key issue and skipping over it is a mistake.
In the year of the film's release, the Lee's first child, Brandon, would be killed whilst filming The Crow, aged 28. Thus as Linda Lee Caldwell helped craft a film about a husband who died aged just 32, she lost her son. There is added poignancy in that, it's something that undeniably makes Dragon even more of a moving experience, but rest assured, as a film tribute to Bruce Lee, it earns every one of its emotional and thoughtful beats. 8/10
Based on Bruce Lee: The Man I Only Knew by Linda Lee Caldwell (Bruce Lee's widow), "Dragon" is more tribute movie than biography. A big success on release, it's a film that still causes some consternation with a number of Bruce Lee fans. The reasoning is because in true Hollywood style it tinkers with facts, misses out other notable points and has some time line issues. Yet if you can accept it as a "painted always in a positive light" homage piece more than a definitive biography? Then you find the essence of the man and his short life is there in glorious splendour.
In many ways it's an inspiring tale of a complex man, while it also plays out as a wonderful love story between two people of a different race making it work at a time when such a thing was frowned upon by the ignorant. Lee's skills as an artist and a human being are firmly portrayed, with Jason Scott Lee (no relation) proving to be admirable in his depiction of such. The fights are very well choreographed and perfectly OTT, but crucially they do not come at a cost to the story, it's the narrative that shines through even as the action appeases the action hungry hoards. While rightly there's iconography unbound, naturally.
The production value is high as regards quality of colour photography, set and costume design and recreations of famous moments. Edelman's score is a heart swelling and heroic scorcher that avoids over dosing on Oriental strains, Cohen moves it along at a nice clip and Holly is fabulous in her sympathetic portrayal of Bruce's wife. It's not all perfect, though. Away from the issues the hard core Lee fans have, the Demon that haunts the Lee family dreams is more funny than scary and the finale feels rushed and not dramatically fulfilling. It's fair that Lee's wife voices over the end and tells us it's about celebrating his life, but his death remains a key issue and skipping over it is a mistake.
In the year of the film's release, the Lee's first child, Brandon, would be killed whilst filming The Crow, aged 28. Thus as Linda Lee Caldwell helped craft a film about a husband who died aged just 32, she lost her son. There is added poignancy in that, it's something that undeniably makes Dragon even more of a moving experience, but rest assured, as a film tribute to Bruce Lee, it earns every one of its emotional and thoughtful beats. 8/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- Mar 19, 2013
- Permalink
An exceptional biopic - vivid but highly entertaining, amongst other things!
Once you became a Bruce Lee addict and begin seeing and reading the numerous different biographies and biopics, you're going to realise that DRAGON has quite a bit of fiction in it - and in the bits you don't really expect it to. For example, Lee approached Raymond Chow's Golden Harvest production company to make a marital arts movie, not the other way round and Chow isn't even the guy! Also, due to Lee's 'mysterious' death, the film also doesn't really an idea of how its going to wrap it all up. Therefore, the film is the perfect example of the word 'vivid'.
However, what makes Dragon the fine film that it is is that it decides to look at the two lesser-known aspects which dominated Lee's life - his long, ongoing 'battles' with an inner-demon and of course the racism of sixties America. These are managed and brought to the screen extremely well although to be fair they aren't particularly well developed.
The highlights would have to be the performances of Jason Scott Lee as Bruce and Lauren Holly as his devoted wife, Linda. They share a remarkable chemistry together and are certainly a credit to their subjects. This review probably hasn't made Dragon sound like a very good movie. Well if that's the case, then please think the opposite.
However, what makes Dragon the fine film that it is is that it decides to look at the two lesser-known aspects which dominated Lee's life - his long, ongoing 'battles' with an inner-demon and of course the racism of sixties America. These are managed and brought to the screen extremely well although to be fair they aren't particularly well developed.
The highlights would have to be the performances of Jason Scott Lee as Bruce and Lauren Holly as his devoted wife, Linda. They share a remarkable chemistry together and are certainly a credit to their subjects. This review probably hasn't made Dragon sound like a very good movie. Well if that's the case, then please think the opposite.
- lawrence-14
- Oct 22, 2000
- Permalink
The key to immortality, is first, live a truthful life, worth remembering. I think Dragon: Bruce Lee Story, somewhat shows that.
- ironhorse_iv
- Oct 13, 2015
- Permalink
Great movie, but not a biography though
This is a great movie. Nice action scenes, nice soundtrack, nice photo...But it's not a biography of the greatest fighter of all time: Bruce Lee. I am a big fan of Bruce and I know his life from A to Z, and this is not what I saw in that movie. I could tell all the mistakes I saw in the movie but here's just a few: In the movie: he is a unique child Reality: He had one brother and two sisters and he didn't live with his father only, he had his mother. He didn't leave Hong-Kong because of the cops (what the?...) he left because he wanted to be famous. And please! What is that story of the ghost from the depts of hell?!?!?
No, if you want to make a great action movie, good, go ahead, the right way to do it. But if you want to make a bio of a true legend, please tell the true story.
7/10
No, if you want to make a great action movie, good, go ahead, the right way to do it. But if you want to make a bio of a true legend, please tell the true story.
7/10
Good as a movie, not really as a biography.
The story told in the movie is really excellent and entertaining. However it feels more like a story based on the life of Bruce Lee rather then an actual biopic of his life.
Jason Scott Lee perfectly plays Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee. Not only the way he plays Lee is impressive but also his fighting skills.
The music by Randy Edelman was also surprising good.
There are way too many fictitious and untrue things added in the movie to be considered a fair biography. But does it really matter for the movie? It's like "Ed Wood" that was also filled with altered things and false truths but still it was a movie that told us the story of an unique character and what drove him. "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" isn't much different in that way. OK it's not completely fair to compare this movie to "Ed Wood" since that was a far superior movie to "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" (what a horrible title by the way).
The fight sequence are probably the best thing about the movie and they were highly entertaining, although very hard to believe that they actually really happened that way.
It's a good entertaining movie but if you want to get to know more about Bruce Lee this isn't the best material for you to start with.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Jason Scott Lee perfectly plays Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee. Not only the way he plays Lee is impressive but also his fighting skills.
The music by Randy Edelman was also surprising good.
There are way too many fictitious and untrue things added in the movie to be considered a fair biography. But does it really matter for the movie? It's like "Ed Wood" that was also filled with altered things and false truths but still it was a movie that told us the story of an unique character and what drove him. "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" isn't much different in that way. OK it's not completely fair to compare this movie to "Ed Wood" since that was a far superior movie to "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" (what a horrible title by the way).
The fight sequence are probably the best thing about the movie and they were highly entertaining, although very hard to believe that they actually really happened that way.
It's a good entertaining movie but if you want to get to know more about Bruce Lee this isn't the best material for you to start with.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
- Boba_Fett1138
- Feb 18, 2005
- Permalink
The greatest legend ever in martial arts history
This movie was amazing. Before I saw this movie, I had an idea of who Bruce Lee was. I knew he was one of the greatest martial arts masters of all time and I knew he was in a couple of movies. But, I had know idea about the kind of man he was and the struggles he had to go through. He is, in my eyes, an amazing human being with an unimaginable amount of courage and a whole lot of heart. This movie showed me that much. The score is also one of the best I have heard in my life. All in all, this movie is an inspiring take on a legend's life. Great story, great music, great human being.... What more can I say? Amazing!
A solid 8/10
A solid 8/10
Underrated Hollywood biopic
A film which successfully manages to tell the life story of superstar Bruce Lee in an interesting, exciting way; not a bad effort considering the dozens of low-budget similarities which followed in the '70s after the death of the Chinese legend. DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY differs somewhat by including a number of purely fictional moments but these also make the story a bit more surprising to established fans of the actor who already know his life story anyway. In the end, the film admirably works as both a biopic and an action-thriller, which is no mean feat at all. The action scenes (of which there are plenty, martial arts fans will be pleased to hear) are invariably well-shot and offer maximum hard-hitting violence and cool choreography, with every punch in devastating detail and every kick captured in loving slow motion.
Jason Scott Lee), who plays Bruce, may well offer the most noticeable performance in his career; as the kung fu legend he succeeds admirably. The difference from other Bruce Lee impersonators like Bruce Li and Bruce Le is that Jason Scott Lee displays a keen understanding of the factors that made up the man and puts them to use in his performance here, and at times the realism is uncanny. Lauren Holly is also more than adequate as Linda, Bruce's wife, and although a lot of screen time is spent on the pair's developing relationship it never becomes boring. It's also nice to see a substantial and memorable role for Sven-Ole Thorsen as nightmare creature The Demon, after years of playing only supporting roles.
The overall effort of the film is to convey the good qualities of Bruce, from his physical prowess to his strong personality and his characteristics of bravery and inner strength. The negative aspects - including his dodgy death - are skipped over, but really this is no great loss. Scenes in which Lee combats racism are excellently done, and the combination of film clips, interspersed with Jason Scott Lee playing Bruce Lee in the process of making his movies, comes off well. Not the best martial arts flick out there, but definitely a commendable and enjoyable one, and perhaps definitive when it comes to Bruce.
Jason Scott Lee), who plays Bruce, may well offer the most noticeable performance in his career; as the kung fu legend he succeeds admirably. The difference from other Bruce Lee impersonators like Bruce Li and Bruce Le is that Jason Scott Lee displays a keen understanding of the factors that made up the man and puts them to use in his performance here, and at times the realism is uncanny. Lauren Holly is also more than adequate as Linda, Bruce's wife, and although a lot of screen time is spent on the pair's developing relationship it never becomes boring. It's also nice to see a substantial and memorable role for Sven-Ole Thorsen as nightmare creature The Demon, after years of playing only supporting roles.
The overall effort of the film is to convey the good qualities of Bruce, from his physical prowess to his strong personality and his characteristics of bravery and inner strength. The negative aspects - including his dodgy death - are skipped over, but really this is no great loss. Scenes in which Lee combats racism are excellently done, and the combination of film clips, interspersed with Jason Scott Lee playing Bruce Lee in the process of making his movies, comes off well. Not the best martial arts flick out there, but definitely a commendable and enjoyable one, and perhaps definitive when it comes to Bruce.
- Leofwine_draca
- Jul 3, 2016
- Permalink
What a sweet tribute
What a sweet tribute to icon Bruce Lee. I saw the bonus beginning on the DVD version, in which Lee's widow narrates a little message about the movie, set against footage and photos of the real man. She correctly states that the biopic isn't just to celebrate the martial artist, the man, or the philosopher, but instead all of those attributes. I went into the movie not knowing anything about him, except that he died young and made Enter the Dragon, so I was enormously entertained and enlightened. If I'd already read some biographies or documentaries, I might have found it predictable, but every bit of information was new to me.
Jason Scott Lee (no relation) amazingly enough didn't have any martial arts training prior to the film. Instead, he was a dancer, and the studio felt his controlled movements and dedication to his body would make a great fit. After tons of training, he looked wonderful! With every step and turn of his head, you can tell he's completely aware of the muscles in his body. Lauren Holly plays his love interest, whom he meets while teaching a martial arts class at college. You'll also see Ric Young as his father, Robert Wagner as a television producer, Sterling Macer Jr. As one of his first students, Michael Learned as his standoffish mother-in-law, and Nancy Kwan as one of his first employers. Nancy worked with the real Bruce Lee in the late '60s, so her cameo is pretty cute.
With a tearjerker theme that has subsequently been used in numerous trailers, this tv biopic is undoubtedly sugarcoated. Nothing bad happens, but isn't that nice to see for a change? I really enjoyed it, and I also appreciated all the work that went into it.
Jason Scott Lee (no relation) amazingly enough didn't have any martial arts training prior to the film. Instead, he was a dancer, and the studio felt his controlled movements and dedication to his body would make a great fit. After tons of training, he looked wonderful! With every step and turn of his head, you can tell he's completely aware of the muscles in his body. Lauren Holly plays his love interest, whom he meets while teaching a martial arts class at college. You'll also see Ric Young as his father, Robert Wagner as a television producer, Sterling Macer Jr. As one of his first students, Michael Learned as his standoffish mother-in-law, and Nancy Kwan as one of his first employers. Nancy worked with the real Bruce Lee in the late '60s, so her cameo is pretty cute.
With a tearjerker theme that has subsequently been used in numerous trailers, this tv biopic is undoubtedly sugarcoated. Nothing bad happens, but isn't that nice to see for a change? I really enjoyed it, and I also appreciated all the work that went into it.
- HotToastyRag
- Apr 20, 2022
- Permalink
Inspiring biopic of the life of Chinese-American martial-arts legend Bruce Lee in which fight scenes are extraordinary
A biographic film based on the books "Bruce Lee: The Man Only I Knew" by his widow Linda Lee Cadwell and "Bruce Lee: The Biography" by Robert Clouse who directed him. Bruce Lee (Jaon Scott Lee) was born Lee Jun Fan November 27, 1940 in San Francisco, the son of Lee Hoi Chuen (Ric Young) , a singer with the Cantonese Opera. This account deals with the gentle young Bruce Lee who begins appearing in children's roles in minor films including The Birth of Mankind (1946) . Furthermore, he worked in a close relative's restaurant . He eventually made his way to Seattle, Washington, where he enrolled at university to study philosophy and including an enjoyable romance when he meets his future wife Linda Lee (Lauren Holly) , at the same time Bruce found the time to practice his beloved kung fu techniques. Lee became associated with many key martial arts figures in the United States, including kenpo karate expert , tae kwon do , Karate and Kung Fu . Introduced to television by producer William Dozier (Robert Wagner) , the latter was keen to bring the cartoon character the Green Hornet to television and was on the lookout for an East Asian actor to play the Green Hornet's sidekick, Kato. Around this time Bruce also opened a second kung fu school in Oakland, California and relocated to Oakland to be closer to Hollywood where trained some Hollywood stars , including to celebrities as Steve McQueen and James Coburn as well as screenwriter Stirling Silliphant. .Bruce's screen test was successful, and Green Hornet (1966) starring Van Williams aired in 1966-1967 with mixed success. . His dedication was such that he insisted his character behave like a perfect bodyguard, keeping his eyes on whoever might be a threat to his employer except when the script made this impossible. Another film opportunity then came his way as he landed the small role of a stand over man named Winslow Wong who intimidates private eye James Garner in Marlowe (1969). Subsequently, he developed the series 'Kung Fu' for Warner Brothers , though he was turned down for the lead at the last moment and replaced by David Carradine . The Mystery. The Life. The Love. The Legend !.
Agreeable and entertaining biography of one the greatest legends in the film history . A fictionalized retelling of the life of the martial arts superstar , the great Bruce Lee . As the martial art sequences are magnificent , as the film packs thrilling, breathtaking and violent struggles with impressive combat sequences including Karate , Judo, Tae Kwon do , Hapkido and Wushu . There's also an intense relation with his wife well played Lauren Holly who acquits herself well , though relies heavily on their long love story. Jason Lee (no relation to Bruce) is nice as as the talented artist , exuding joy of life , bravery and suave spirit , before his mysterious brain disorder death at the age of 32 . Ironically , this release coincided with Brandon Lee's accidental death on a movie set ; as Brandon was an actor and martial artist like his father, was killed in a freak accident on the set of The Raven (1994) . ¨Dragon¨ includes appearances from some notorious actors such as Robert Wagner, Michael Learned , Michael Cudlitz , Van Williams as Green Hornet Director and important Chinese-American actors as Ric Young , Nancy Kwan , Clyde Kusatsu and Aki Aleong.
¨The Bruce Lee Story¨ (1993) deals with his life in America and Hong Kong , as his minor hit in Hollywood led Bruce to return for a visit to Hong Kong and was approached by film producer Raymond Chow who had recently started Golden Harvest productions . Chow was keen to utilize Lee's strong popularity amongst young Chinese fans, and offered him the lead role in Big Boss (1971) . In it , Lee plays a distant cousin coming to join relatives working at an ice house, where murder, corruption, and drug-running lead to his character's adventures and display of Kung-Fu expertise. The film shot in Thailand on a very short budget and in terrible living conditions for cast and crew . However, when it opened in Hong Kong the film was an enormous hit. Chow knew he had struck box office gold with Lee and quickly assembled another script entitled Fist of Fury (1972). ¨Fist of Fury¨ was previously realized to his American box office ¨Enter the dragon¨. This one was made later but released before ¨Lee's Return of dragon¨ with Chuck Norris as contender , and Lee had formerly starred ¨The big boss¨. Being his greatest success the Kung-Fu actioner : ¨Enter the dragon¨ is his last complete movie character but his next film ¨ Game of death¨ was absurdly edited after his death . Bruce Lee played a few films , most of them directed by Lo Wei and Robert Clouse until his early death at 32 . The motion picture was professionally directed by Rob Cohen.
Agreeable and entertaining biography of one the greatest legends in the film history . A fictionalized retelling of the life of the martial arts superstar , the great Bruce Lee . As the martial art sequences are magnificent , as the film packs thrilling, breathtaking and violent struggles with impressive combat sequences including Karate , Judo, Tae Kwon do , Hapkido and Wushu . There's also an intense relation with his wife well played Lauren Holly who acquits herself well , though relies heavily on their long love story. Jason Lee (no relation to Bruce) is nice as as the talented artist , exuding joy of life , bravery and suave spirit , before his mysterious brain disorder death at the age of 32 . Ironically , this release coincided with Brandon Lee's accidental death on a movie set ; as Brandon was an actor and martial artist like his father, was killed in a freak accident on the set of The Raven (1994) . ¨Dragon¨ includes appearances from some notorious actors such as Robert Wagner, Michael Learned , Michael Cudlitz , Van Williams as Green Hornet Director and important Chinese-American actors as Ric Young , Nancy Kwan , Clyde Kusatsu and Aki Aleong.
¨The Bruce Lee Story¨ (1993) deals with his life in America and Hong Kong , as his minor hit in Hollywood led Bruce to return for a visit to Hong Kong and was approached by film producer Raymond Chow who had recently started Golden Harvest productions . Chow was keen to utilize Lee's strong popularity amongst young Chinese fans, and offered him the lead role in Big Boss (1971) . In it , Lee plays a distant cousin coming to join relatives working at an ice house, where murder, corruption, and drug-running lead to his character's adventures and display of Kung-Fu expertise. The film shot in Thailand on a very short budget and in terrible living conditions for cast and crew . However, when it opened in Hong Kong the film was an enormous hit. Chow knew he had struck box office gold with Lee and quickly assembled another script entitled Fist of Fury (1972). ¨Fist of Fury¨ was previously realized to his American box office ¨Enter the dragon¨. This one was made later but released before ¨Lee's Return of dragon¨ with Chuck Norris as contender , and Lee had formerly starred ¨The big boss¨. Being his greatest success the Kung-Fu actioner : ¨Enter the dragon¨ is his last complete movie character but his next film ¨ Game of death¨ was absurdly edited after his death . Bruce Lee played a few films , most of them directed by Lo Wei and Robert Clouse until his early death at 32 . The motion picture was professionally directed by Rob Cohen.
One of the best movies ive ever seen.
Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story was a great movie. It really made you respect Bruce Lee as a person and a martial arts master. Jason Scott Lee really should have gotten more attention for his performance as Bruce Lee. It was without a doubt an Oscar Performance. Yes, maybe the truth was stretched to some extent with this film, but that doesnt matter to me. This movie was just great for all reasons a film should be and it proves that Bruce Lee was a great person and most likely the best martial artist ever.
- furiousneon
- Feb 7, 2003
- Permalink
Entertaining, but never quite justifies the claims it makes on behalf of its subject
In the early seventies the West went through a period of fascination with the Chinese martial arts. (I use that term as it is the one Westerners are most familiar with, although I am aware that some Chinese, my wife included, dislike it as sounding too aggressive and militaristic; they prefer the term "art of self-defence"). There was a popular TV series called "Kung Fu", a cartoon called "Hong Kong Phooey" (which featured a martial-arts dog) and even a pop song called "Kung Fu Fighting". In fact, it was a little bit frightening! The whole cult was memorably sent up by The Goodies, a British comedy team, as "Ecky-Thump", a Lancashire martial art which involves beating people over the head with a black pudding.
At the centre of the Kung-Fu cult was the actor Bruce Lee, a household name in both Britain and America even though he made few English-language movies. Lee was born in San Francisco, a city which is home to a large Chinese community and also produced the best-known Chinese-American film star, Anna May Wong. His family went back to Hong Kong while he was a child, but he returned to America in his teens, and went on to become a leading expert in, and teacher of, the martial arts. He became an actor on both sides of the Pacific, making martial-arts films and television series in both Hong Kong and America. His best-known American venture was the TV series "The Green Hornet" in which he played the role of Kato. His last, and best-known, film was "Enter the Dragon", filmed in English in Hong Kong, completed just before Lee's tragically early death at the age of 33.
It is a common convention in showbiz biopics that success doesn't come easily. The star can only get to the top by battling either external forces or internal demons. Or in this case, both. In this film the external force which threatens Lee is that of racism. In the sixties and seventies there was widespread discrimination against Chinese-Americans, and Asian-Americans in general; in an early scene Lee is appalled by Mickey Rooney's patronising portrayal of a Japanese in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". This discrimination affected Lee's career; he was originally to have been the star of the "Kung Fu" TV series, but television executives did not want an Asian actor in the leading role, so the character became mixed-race and a white actor, David Carradine, was cast in the part. Lee also faced racism in his personal life; in the film his future mother-in-law strongly opposes his marriage to her daughter on the grounds that she does not want "yellow grandchildren". (Lee was married to a white woman). Of course, racism can be a two-way street, and we also see how Lee faced opposition from conservative elements in the Chinese-American community who objected to him teaching fighting skills to white and black Americans.
As for Lee's internal demons, the film-makers seem to have interpreted the word "demon" absolutely literally. He is shown having recurrent nightmares in which he has to do combat with a mysterious armoured figure. Although this "demon" can be interpreted symbolically as a representation of negative emotions such as fear and anger, there are also hints that Lee actually had to battle against hostile supernatural forces.
Jason Scott Lee (no relation) makes a convincing hero, but the film's main weakness is that it is never sure what attitude to take towards its hero. The tone of the fight scenes, especially in the early part of the film, is often jokey, reminiscent of the fights in a Jackie Chan comedy. This light, comedic tone, however, does not sit well with the more reverential attitude of the later scenes. Lee's mysterious death is not dwelt on; instead, the film ends with a voice-over in which the actress playing his wife Linda announces:- "There are many people that want to know the way he died. I want to remember the way he lived". The film clearly intends that we should remember Lee not only as a good man but also as an international cultural icon of lasting significance and a figure who played a major part in combating prejudice against Asian-Americans.
Certainly, American society has become less racist, both towards Chinese-Americans and towards other ethnic minorities, since 1973; for example, Barack Obama's candidacy for the Presidency would have been virtually unthinkable 35 years ago. Whether one lone film star played much of a part in that change is debatable; the fact that Lee lost a major role to a white actor only a year before his death suggests that he did not make much headway in his lifetime. Even today, there are relatively few well-known Asian-American stars in the entertainment industry. Whether one considers Bruce Lee as a cultural icon of lasting significance largely depends on one's view of martial-arts based entertainment. "Dragon" is entertaining, both as an action film, and as a biography, but I felt it never quite justified the claims it made on behalf of its subject. 6/10
At the centre of the Kung-Fu cult was the actor Bruce Lee, a household name in both Britain and America even though he made few English-language movies. Lee was born in San Francisco, a city which is home to a large Chinese community and also produced the best-known Chinese-American film star, Anna May Wong. His family went back to Hong Kong while he was a child, but he returned to America in his teens, and went on to become a leading expert in, and teacher of, the martial arts. He became an actor on both sides of the Pacific, making martial-arts films and television series in both Hong Kong and America. His best-known American venture was the TV series "The Green Hornet" in which he played the role of Kato. His last, and best-known, film was "Enter the Dragon", filmed in English in Hong Kong, completed just before Lee's tragically early death at the age of 33.
It is a common convention in showbiz biopics that success doesn't come easily. The star can only get to the top by battling either external forces or internal demons. Or in this case, both. In this film the external force which threatens Lee is that of racism. In the sixties and seventies there was widespread discrimination against Chinese-Americans, and Asian-Americans in general; in an early scene Lee is appalled by Mickey Rooney's patronising portrayal of a Japanese in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". This discrimination affected Lee's career; he was originally to have been the star of the "Kung Fu" TV series, but television executives did not want an Asian actor in the leading role, so the character became mixed-race and a white actor, David Carradine, was cast in the part. Lee also faced racism in his personal life; in the film his future mother-in-law strongly opposes his marriage to her daughter on the grounds that she does not want "yellow grandchildren". (Lee was married to a white woman). Of course, racism can be a two-way street, and we also see how Lee faced opposition from conservative elements in the Chinese-American community who objected to him teaching fighting skills to white and black Americans.
As for Lee's internal demons, the film-makers seem to have interpreted the word "demon" absolutely literally. He is shown having recurrent nightmares in which he has to do combat with a mysterious armoured figure. Although this "demon" can be interpreted symbolically as a representation of negative emotions such as fear and anger, there are also hints that Lee actually had to battle against hostile supernatural forces.
Jason Scott Lee (no relation) makes a convincing hero, but the film's main weakness is that it is never sure what attitude to take towards its hero. The tone of the fight scenes, especially in the early part of the film, is often jokey, reminiscent of the fights in a Jackie Chan comedy. This light, comedic tone, however, does not sit well with the more reverential attitude of the later scenes. Lee's mysterious death is not dwelt on; instead, the film ends with a voice-over in which the actress playing his wife Linda announces:- "There are many people that want to know the way he died. I want to remember the way he lived". The film clearly intends that we should remember Lee not only as a good man but also as an international cultural icon of lasting significance and a figure who played a major part in combating prejudice against Asian-Americans.
Certainly, American society has become less racist, both towards Chinese-Americans and towards other ethnic minorities, since 1973; for example, Barack Obama's candidacy for the Presidency would have been virtually unthinkable 35 years ago. Whether one lone film star played much of a part in that change is debatable; the fact that Lee lost a major role to a white actor only a year before his death suggests that he did not make much headway in his lifetime. Even today, there are relatively few well-known Asian-American stars in the entertainment industry. Whether one considers Bruce Lee as a cultural icon of lasting significance largely depends on one's view of martial-arts based entertainment. "Dragon" is entertaining, both as an action film, and as a biography, but I felt it never quite justified the claims it made on behalf of its subject. 6/10
- JamesHitchcock
- Aug 10, 2008
- Permalink
Jeet Kune Don't
- dunmore_ego
- Jun 23, 2005
- Permalink
Dragon Review And General Feelings On Bruce's Death
Very Good But Horribly Inaccurate Account Of His Life
If you are watching this as someone who has no knowledge of Bruce Lee's life then this is a good fun action film but someone who knows the history and the story of his life may be dissapointed as this is not at all accurate. And knowing Bey Logan, he must cringe watching this. The film depicts Bruce's early childhood in Hong Kong, his teenage years in the US right way through to his eventual death in 1973. The element that I think drags this film down the most is the mythological side of it, if it had just been a realistic account of his life without the myths and demons, it would have faired much better. There are many innacurate scenes and occurences in this film which understandably makes the film more exciting for mainstream audiences but as a Bruce fan myself i wish they would have stuck to what actually happened. I wish there were more scenes where Bruce was on set of one of his films, like Way Of The Dragon or Fist Of Fury. There could have been more scenes with Bruce with Yip Man or Brandon. There could have been scenes of Bruce being challenged on the street in his infamous street fights, the episode of the green hornet they portrayed i don't think was an actual episode. And Bruce was not injured by the fighter at the martial arts challenge in Chinatown it was when he was weightlifting and pulled his back out. But the fight scenes are well choreographed.
Jason Scott Lee has got his portrayal of the man spot on, he brings the right amount emotion and power to the role, he's clearly done his research on Bruce's mannerism's and got himself in shape for the role as well as training for the fight scenes. Its hard to imagine anyone else who could have played the role, maybe Jet Li who at the time the film was made was 30 and roughly the right age to play Bruce, but Jet spoke very little English. Lauren Holly is equally as good in her role as Linda. The strong portrayals are in many ways successful because of the on set help of the real Linda and Shannon(who makes a cameo as a singer). The music is perhaps the film's strongest part, somehow the main score seems to catch the right emotion of Bruce's death and Brandon's death in 1993. I like the way the film captures the aura of Bruce Lee.
There will indeed never be another Bruce Lee. I find it fascinating to imagine what Bruce would have done if he had lived, the 80's and 90's would have been very different if Arnie, Stallone, Wiilis, Seagal and Van Damme had Bruce to compete with, Bruce is sometimes critcised for being a bad actor, but i disagree, if anyone has seen his episodes of `Longstreet' or `Marlowe' they will see that Bruce could convincingly carry a dramatic scene given the right script and no dubbing and he oozed charisma, and he showed glimpses of good acting in Enter The Dragon.
Being a Bruce fan i kind of wish that Jet Li would do the films that bruce did or was planning on doing, Jet's early work in Honk Kong like the Shaolin Temple or more recent stuff like Fist Of Legend(remake of Fist Of Fury) and Once Upon A Time In China was very promising and it seemed he was the successor to Bruce but instead now he's doing crap in Hollywood with DMX and Jason Statham. Strangely the mediocre Lethal Weapon 4 is Jet's best Hollywood film, Maybe Jet should do a project with John Woo, it would be interesting and they'd probably get the best out of each other.
If you are watching this as someone who has no knowledge of Bruce Lee's life then this is a good fun action film but someone who knows the history and the story of his life may be dissapointed as this is not at all accurate. And knowing Bey Logan, he must cringe watching this. The film depicts Bruce's early childhood in Hong Kong, his teenage years in the US right way through to his eventual death in 1973. The element that I think drags this film down the most is the mythological side of it, if it had just been a realistic account of his life without the myths and demons, it would have faired much better. There are many innacurate scenes and occurences in this film which understandably makes the film more exciting for mainstream audiences but as a Bruce fan myself i wish they would have stuck to what actually happened. I wish there were more scenes where Bruce was on set of one of his films, like Way Of The Dragon or Fist Of Fury. There could have been more scenes with Bruce with Yip Man or Brandon. There could have been scenes of Bruce being challenged on the street in his infamous street fights, the episode of the green hornet they portrayed i don't think was an actual episode. And Bruce was not injured by the fighter at the martial arts challenge in Chinatown it was when he was weightlifting and pulled his back out. But the fight scenes are well choreographed.
Jason Scott Lee has got his portrayal of the man spot on, he brings the right amount emotion and power to the role, he's clearly done his research on Bruce's mannerism's and got himself in shape for the role as well as training for the fight scenes. Its hard to imagine anyone else who could have played the role, maybe Jet Li who at the time the film was made was 30 and roughly the right age to play Bruce, but Jet spoke very little English. Lauren Holly is equally as good in her role as Linda. The strong portrayals are in many ways successful because of the on set help of the real Linda and Shannon(who makes a cameo as a singer). The music is perhaps the film's strongest part, somehow the main score seems to catch the right emotion of Bruce's death and Brandon's death in 1993. I like the way the film captures the aura of Bruce Lee.
There will indeed never be another Bruce Lee. I find it fascinating to imagine what Bruce would have done if he had lived, the 80's and 90's would have been very different if Arnie, Stallone, Wiilis, Seagal and Van Damme had Bruce to compete with, Bruce is sometimes critcised for being a bad actor, but i disagree, if anyone has seen his episodes of `Longstreet' or `Marlowe' they will see that Bruce could convincingly carry a dramatic scene given the right script and no dubbing and he oozed charisma, and he showed glimpses of good acting in Enter The Dragon.
Being a Bruce fan i kind of wish that Jet Li would do the films that bruce did or was planning on doing, Jet's early work in Honk Kong like the Shaolin Temple or more recent stuff like Fist Of Legend(remake of Fist Of Fury) and Once Upon A Time In China was very promising and it seemed he was the successor to Bruce but instead now he's doing crap in Hollywood with DMX and Jason Statham. Strangely the mediocre Lethal Weapon 4 is Jet's best Hollywood film, Maybe Jet should do a project with John Woo, it would be interesting and they'd probably get the best out of each other.
"The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering."
- classicsoncall
- Jun 6, 2019
- Permalink
Interesting biography movie on Bruce Lee.
This is a interesting movie the details the life and death of martial arts star Bruce Lee. Dramatic and action-packed, it is good piece of action cinema that many action fans might find fun to watch.
I thought Jason Scott Lee did a fine job portraying Bruce Lee, his moves and characteristics matching the late martial arts star's persona. Lauren Holly did an OK job portraying Linda Lee and I think she had good on-screen chemistry with Lee. Their relationship provided a strong subplot and kept the movie interesting.
This movie really gives you the impression that Lee, in addition to his love for Kung-Fu and his hyperactive attitude, had a mysterious side to him, as depicted in the sequences where he is bothered by personal and inner demons. I thought this plot element was a little confusing in the movie in some parts, and one might have to watch certain segments over and over in order to understand it. However, I think it provides intrigue into the film overall.
To cap it off, the cinematography was beautiful and the music score was uplifting. The pace of the plot is steady, and does drag in some parts. The story may not accurately detail Lee's life 100%, but it's still a pretty good action movie.
Grade B-
I thought Jason Scott Lee did a fine job portraying Bruce Lee, his moves and characteristics matching the late martial arts star's persona. Lauren Holly did an OK job portraying Linda Lee and I think she had good on-screen chemistry with Lee. Their relationship provided a strong subplot and kept the movie interesting.
This movie really gives you the impression that Lee, in addition to his love for Kung-Fu and his hyperactive attitude, had a mysterious side to him, as depicted in the sequences where he is bothered by personal and inner demons. I thought this plot element was a little confusing in the movie in some parts, and one might have to watch certain segments over and over in order to understand it. However, I think it provides intrigue into the film overall.
To cap it off, the cinematography was beautiful and the music score was uplifting. The pace of the plot is steady, and does drag in some parts. The story may not accurately detail Lee's life 100%, but it's still a pretty good action movie.
Grade B-
- OllieSuave-007
- Apr 20, 2014
- Permalink
A Decent Stylized Biography
DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (B-): As long as you go into the movie knowing that this is Bruce's Lee's life story filtered through a romantic Hollywood lens and a Hong Kong action mindset then I think there's some nice pleasures to be had here. The biggest treat here is Jason Scott Lee's big performance that ably captures the special qualities that made Bruce so magnetic and charismatic to his fans. The broad dramatic strokes (including a controversial inclusion of Eastern fantasy) of Bruce's life combined with Randy Edelman's famous romantic soundtrack score can be quite enjoyable, but they walk a thin line with being schmaltzy as well. I think they are at their best when Bruce is dealing with racism and when The Big Boss becomes a hit. If you're looking for a primer on what made Bruce a legend, this is decent stuff. If you want something deeper about Bruce Lee the man behind the legend, something beyond the charisma, action, and skeleton of his life, then this isn't it.
- PartTimeCritic
- Feb 25, 2023
- Permalink
Instant Classic
Lost track of how many times I have seen this movie. A multitude of times growing up and is still one of my favorites.
Jason Scott Lee does an amazing job of portraying Bruce Lee. An epic tail, great story, the hardships, and love, making this a great all around film.
Being an Asian male born and raised in the western world may be one of the reasons I have a certain connection to the film more than others but I can't see why others wouldn't be able to relate.
None the less, this movie has given me lots of inspiration, and recommend this film for anyone else who is seeking some great vision or just wondering who Bruce Lee was; because this film does an excellent job of displaying his life.
Jason Scott Lee does an amazing job of portraying Bruce Lee. An epic tail, great story, the hardships, and love, making this a great all around film.
Being an Asian male born and raised in the western world may be one of the reasons I have a certain connection to the film more than others but I can't see why others wouldn't be able to relate.
None the less, this movie has given me lots of inspiration, and recommend this film for anyone else who is seeking some great vision or just wondering who Bruce Lee was; because this film does an excellent job of displaying his life.
- danialpham
- Feb 21, 2010
- Permalink
Interesting...
It's interesting how a lot of the reviews state how inaccurate and exaggerated this movie is in all aspects EXCEPT for the racism. Racism apparently is never exaggerated...
- georgerm455
- Dec 2, 2020
- Permalink
A special place in my heart for this movie.
Growing up this was one of my favorite movies. Forget that it may not have depicted Bruce Lee's life to its most accurate effort and alot of things are Hollywood dramatized. It matters how it makes you feel after watching it. For me Jason Scott Lee was bang on in the lead role. He transformed his body for this movie with the utmost dedication. He looks shredded here. Early Lauren Holly just before Dumb & Dumber came out and she is dynamic in the co-lead.
An enjoyable 90s film, the fight sequences and choreography are among the best, the soundtrack has fine tunes from the 60s littered to fit the timeframe and it works. The Bruce and Linda theme by Randy Edelman still gives me goosebumps to this day, its monumental and uplifting, and my hearing it alone do I know exactly what movie it comes from.
An enjoyable 90s film, the fight sequences and choreography are among the best, the soundtrack has fine tunes from the 60s littered to fit the timeframe and it works. The Bruce and Linda theme by Randy Edelman still gives me goosebumps to this day, its monumental and uplifting, and my hearing it alone do I know exactly what movie it comes from.
- Sir-Final_Thoughts-No_Review
- Jul 26, 2022
- Permalink
Great movie about a True Legend!
This enjoyable and touching biography of martial-arts film star Bruce Lee stars Jason Scott Lee (no relation), an actor with a lively face and natural intensity, who makes every moment of this film compelling. Directed by Rob Cohen, Dragon traces Bruce Lee's slow rise over myriad obstacles--most of them race-based--to become an international superstar in films. Lee's origins are oddly set in San Francisco instead of his real home in Seattle, but then again there is plenty of artistic license going on as Cohen explores the actor's psyche through some powerful fantasy sequences. Lauren Holly is good as Lee's wife, Linda (whose book about her late husband inspired this movie). A scene involving Bruce's rescue of son Brandon (who died in a film-making accident in 1993) from a murderous spirit is plain spooky. The special-edition DVD release has a widescreen presentation, director interview, featurette, screen tests, closed captioning, optional French soundtrack, and optional Spanish subtitles
- Gunnar_Runar_Ingibjargarson
- Jun 19, 2008
- Permalink
A celebration of the inimitable Bruce Lee and what he represented
RELEASED IN 1993 and directed by Rob Cohen, " Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" stars Jason Scott Lee as the martial arts superstar, tracing his early life in Hong Kong to his fresh start in the San Francisco area where he starts a martial arts school, meets his babe (Lauren Holly) and moves on to TV and Film. He must boldly face many enemies along the way, including his childhood demon.
This is basically a rags-to-riches flick and ranks with my favorite films due to its excellent meshing of dynamism, fun and potent drama. I haven't seen too many martial arts flicks, but "Dragon" is easily the all-around best of those I've seen. It mixes real-life with Hollywood mythmaking, which is what many cinematic biographies do, e.g. "Buffalo Bill" (1944) and "Braveheart" (1995). In these types of movies the gist of the story is true, but it's mixed with numerous fictional or even fantastical elements to make the protagonist a larger-than-life hero, but also to entertain the audience because real-life is always more mundane and therefore dull. And movies are made primarily to make money through entertaining, not to relay the truth in exact detail.
Right from the get-go the film telegraphs that it's a mythmaking account when Bruce takes on the arrogant British sailors at a dance. He throws one of them and the sailor topples 3-4 other men accompanied by the sound of a bowling ball striking pins (lol). While this particular episode never happened, occasions LIKE IT did, even if it was to someone other than Bruce. The same is true with other sequences, like the fight in the gym, which never happened. But, again, events LIKE IT have.
The movie is really meant as a celebration of Bruce Lee, his phenomenal expertise in martial arts and the genre he made popular. If you're looking for an actual biography of his life check out the two biographies listed below (under "WRITERS").
Speaking of which, "Dragon" was partially based on the autobiography of Linda Lee Cadwell (Bruce's wife). Someone offered that she couldn't possibly have been happy with the film since so much of it is fiction (for instance, Bruce didn't injure his back as depicted, but via lifting weights). Actually, she was happy with the final picture. But why did she allow so many things to be embellished? Simple: Because the embellishing fed into the Bruce Lee legend from which she benefits.
In any case, there are a lot of martial arts thrills mixed with the drama with an exciting action scene occurring roughly every ten minutes. The film gives the protagonist & a few others power over time and space. Of course, one cannot do in real life many of the things these characters perform due to the restrictions imposed by Newton's Laws but, hey, it's entertaining. This factor explains why "Dragon" has been criticized for springing from one thing to the next too quickly, never pausing long enough for any strong emotion to resonate or for us to feel we really know the man beyond his proverbs. I disagree; I sensed strong emotion on several occasions, like when Bruce exclaims to Linda: "You make be believe I can do anything" or when he wildly screams at her to leave his hospital room, not to mention his outstanding meltdown later in Hong Kong (I've had a few of those in my life, so I know).
Speaking of Linda, Lauren Holly is just mind-blowing in her physical prime.
THE MOVIE RUNS 2 hours and was shot in California (San Francisco, Los Angeles & Valencia), China (Macau) and Hong Kong. WRITERS: Three screenwriters wrote the script based on the biographies by Linda Lee Cadwell (Bruce Lee: The Man Only I Knew) and Robert Clouse (Bruce Lee: The Biography).
GRADE: A-
This is basically a rags-to-riches flick and ranks with my favorite films due to its excellent meshing of dynamism, fun and potent drama. I haven't seen too many martial arts flicks, but "Dragon" is easily the all-around best of those I've seen. It mixes real-life with Hollywood mythmaking, which is what many cinematic biographies do, e.g. "Buffalo Bill" (1944) and "Braveheart" (1995). In these types of movies the gist of the story is true, but it's mixed with numerous fictional or even fantastical elements to make the protagonist a larger-than-life hero, but also to entertain the audience because real-life is always more mundane and therefore dull. And movies are made primarily to make money through entertaining, not to relay the truth in exact detail.
Right from the get-go the film telegraphs that it's a mythmaking account when Bruce takes on the arrogant British sailors at a dance. He throws one of them and the sailor topples 3-4 other men accompanied by the sound of a bowling ball striking pins (lol). While this particular episode never happened, occasions LIKE IT did, even if it was to someone other than Bruce. The same is true with other sequences, like the fight in the gym, which never happened. But, again, events LIKE IT have.
The movie is really meant as a celebration of Bruce Lee, his phenomenal expertise in martial arts and the genre he made popular. If you're looking for an actual biography of his life check out the two biographies listed below (under "WRITERS").
Speaking of which, "Dragon" was partially based on the autobiography of Linda Lee Cadwell (Bruce's wife). Someone offered that she couldn't possibly have been happy with the film since so much of it is fiction (for instance, Bruce didn't injure his back as depicted, but via lifting weights). Actually, she was happy with the final picture. But why did she allow so many things to be embellished? Simple: Because the embellishing fed into the Bruce Lee legend from which she benefits.
In any case, there are a lot of martial arts thrills mixed with the drama with an exciting action scene occurring roughly every ten minutes. The film gives the protagonist & a few others power over time and space. Of course, one cannot do in real life many of the things these characters perform due to the restrictions imposed by Newton's Laws but, hey, it's entertaining. This factor explains why "Dragon" has been criticized for springing from one thing to the next too quickly, never pausing long enough for any strong emotion to resonate or for us to feel we really know the man beyond his proverbs. I disagree; I sensed strong emotion on several occasions, like when Bruce exclaims to Linda: "You make be believe I can do anything" or when he wildly screams at her to leave his hospital room, not to mention his outstanding meltdown later in Hong Kong (I've had a few of those in my life, so I know).
Speaking of Linda, Lauren Holly is just mind-blowing in her physical prime.
THE MOVIE RUNS 2 hours and was shot in California (San Francisco, Los Angeles & Valencia), China (Macau) and Hong Kong. WRITERS: Three screenwriters wrote the script based on the biographies by Linda Lee Cadwell (Bruce Lee: The Man Only I Knew) and Robert Clouse (Bruce Lee: The Biography).
GRADE: A-
A good adaptation on the life of Bruce Lee
The plot is very good and the acting of Jason Scott Lee is excellent; I highly recommend it.
- DogePelis2015
- Jan 23, 2021
- Permalink
Haven't really learned anything about the "real" Bruce Lee
- donbendell
- Jan 24, 2007
- Permalink