Bruce Lee sprang forth as a comet in the Seventies, appearing as if out of nowhere becoming a Chinese martial arts film star.
He introduced to the world the phenomena of Kung Fu.
In the very moment of his world wide break through with the movie ‘Enter the Dragon’ he died in mysterious circumstances and was buried with world famous movie star pallbearers Steve Mc Queen and James Coburn carrying his coffin.
Who was this man and what was new and exciting about this craft of Kung Fu?
Part martial art and dance form Lee was the practitioner of a physical skill at odds apparently with the limitations of the human body.
Was he levitating or was it all skillful artistry?
These issues and a host of other mysteries associated with this charismatic performer are answered in this 3 hour film edit of Chinese television’s 50 episode series.
It tells the story of how a young jobbing actor with an interest in martial arts sought inner meaning from his Chinese heritage.
An eager participant in martial art competitions, he made a name for himself with his dynamism ,charisma and innovative movements.
When he found his acting feet with a role in the high profile ‘Green Hornet’ television show Lee knew his time had come and he used his newly acquired fame to push for his own version of martial art display.
In this effort Kung Fu was born with early low budget Hong Kong filmed and financed movies.
These films, and its star got noticed.
Hollywood’s money men and its stars came calling.
All of Bruce Lee’s talent and beauty came together in the cross over thriller film ,’Enter the Dragon’.
Overnight Bruce Lee was world famous and Kung Fu became the craze of the decade.
Within months however Lee was dead and a legend was born.
All of these stories and many others are told in this fast paced and handsome film.
The fight scenes are well staged and exciting becoming more complicated as the film progresses.
The charismatic actor playing Lee bears a close resemblance to the master.
Entertaining as a story and informative in content this is a very enjoyable DVD.
Critics have been sniffy about some of the details of this telling of the Bruce Lee story.
Don’t be put off.
This is good viewing fare for the general viewer and Kung Fu fan and is available from January 9th.
Bruce Lee’s daughter is involved as a producer which lends authenticity to the telling of this remarkable man’s story who in his own way changed the world.
The later premature death of Lee’s son Brandon Lee during the making of the feature film ‘Crow’ only added to the mystery of the Bruce Lee story.
This film gives us a glimpse of the man behind the burden of his mighty legend spirituality and personally .
He was and will remain a legend.