ENTER THE DRAGON, Bruce Lee, 1973
0
1
Bruce Lee passed away before his only English language martial arts movie appeared in theaters and it’s because of that, Lee would posthumously go on to be one of the most influential action stars of his era and beyond as a mystique has bee wrapped around him since his untimely passing as he is definitely one of the most celebrated artists who was taken away during his prime.
I, just like countless action aficionados out there, consider 1973’s Enter the Dragon the pinnacle of Action entertainment and it clearly ranks as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, action films of all time. This would unfortunately be Bruce Lee’s one and only standalone English language film and it’s the movie that made him the immense and widely celebrated worldwide icon ever. The movie also is personally responsible for creating the 70’s martial arts cinema craze. Sadly and tragically, Lee wouldn’t even see all of this or the movie because he died right before the release. Regardless, Lee is the most recognizable name inspiring generations of fans to this day.
Enter the Dragon is celebrating its 50th anniversary, so I felt it was time to finally talk about what the film means to me as I’ve seen it countless times since I was around the age of roughly six. I also need to show Lee more love on this site so two articles in a week is a fine start. Not only was this Lee’s biggest project to date with it locked and loaded with sensational fight choreography imbedded with his signature skills but the movie would also personify his philosophy making it much more than just a simple fight flick.
The film also found its strengths with its robust badass supporting cast including the late, great John Saxon and the black samurai himself Jim Kelly who were two stellar actors that also were legit and kick ass martial artists in real life. Let’s not forget that the movie also had a young Bolo Yeung who personified villainy to the max and showed audiences an early taste of what was to come.
Many film buffs do not know that the film was stocked with future action hall of camera like the legends we know as Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan. Jackie had the smallest of cameos as a henchman who had the wonderful opportunity and honor to have his neck crushed by Lee in one of the movie’s many fight sequences.
Enter the Dragon’s legacy would also influence countless video games and future movies and shows with its underground fighting tournament plot. From Mortal Kombat to JCVD’s Bloodsport, the list is endless for which this movie has a hand in shaping.
Bruce Lee just had that certain screen presence and charisma and his bravado and gravitas was evident in all his roles. No one then and since has moved like Lee when it comes to martial arts artistry and Enter the Dragon, with its more substantial budget, would be the pinnacle stage to showcase his jaw dropping skills.
Last week, Shannon Lee (Bruce’s daughter) announced that a new ANIME series called House of Lee would debut next year and it will had its teaser trailer attached to special showings of Enter the Dragon on the big screen to celebrate the occasion. Lee will live on until the end of time and this series will generate enthusiasm for more fans to enjoy.
He’s been gone for decades now but there is no denying that Bruce Lee isn’t as popular now as he was at the height of the legend making movies back in the 70’s. Lee will always be a true pioneer of martial arts and action cinema and he only made a handful of films before his untimely passing away. Other movies included Fists of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, and his final role in Game of Death which was unfinished due to Lee shelving production to do Enter the Dragon. All of Lee’s movies have always been considered as master classes as how to do martial arts action on screen the right way and Lee, even though he’s been gone, is still one of the most prolific and premiere action stars and true life artists to ever walk the earth.
Let’s celebrate the 50 years of Enter the Dragon with one of my favorite fisticuffs filled sequences from the pic. In this classic altercation, Lee takes on Han’s henchmen in a dazzling and adrenalized scene of blistering martial arts supremacy culminating with his epic display of Nunchaku knowledge. Happy Anniversary and long live Bruce Lee!
