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Return of the Dragon (1973)

Return of the Dragon (1973)
Member Rating:  
Bruce Lee's pre-Enter the Dragon outing is a surprising change of pace from his usual hard-hitting action fare because it favors humor as much as it does kung-fu. It's also notable because it represents Lee's only venture as a director. For the most part, Return of the Dragon works thanks to its charismatic star. Lee shows great comic timing in the humorous set pieces in addition to the usual physical prowess he displays during the action scenes. He also manages to utilize both skills at once on occasion, the best example being a scene where he squares off with a group of mobster goons at a restaurant. It also benefits from its picturesque Italian setting (a novel location for a kung-fu film) and an impressive fight finale between Lee and Chuck Norris (making his film debut). On the down side, the film's low-budget shows and the other performers all pretty much pale in comparison to Lee. However, the real flaw with Return of the Dragon lies in its ending, which features a last-minute twist that doesn't work because it is too unexpectedly tragic for a film that had previously been so lighthearted. Despite this misstep, it remains a likeable blend of kung-fu and comedy that is likely to bring a smile to the face of Bruce Lee fans. ~ Donald Guarisco, Rovi

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Starring:
Bruce LeeNora Miao, (more)
Director(s):
Bruce Lee
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Return of the Dragon

Bruce Lee's pre-Enter the Dragon outing is a surprising change of pace from his usual hard-hitting action fare because it favors humor as much as it does kung-fu. It's also notable because it represents Lee's only venture as a director. For the most part, Return of the Dragon works thanks to its charismatic star. Lee shows great comic timing in the humorous set pieces in addition to the usual physical prowess he displays during the action scenes. He also manages to utilize both skills at once on occasion, the best example being a scene where he squares off with a group of mobster goons at a restaurant. It also benefits from its picturesque Italian setting (a novel location for a kung-fu film) and an impressive fight finale between Lee and Chuck Norris (making his film debut). On the down side, the film's low-budget shows and the other performers all pretty much pale in comparison to Lee. However, the real flaw with Return of the Dragon lies in its ending, which features a last-minute twist that doesn't work because it is too unexpectedly tragic for a film that had previously been so lighthearted. Despite this misstep, it remains a likeable blend of kung-fu and comedy that is likely to bring a smile to the face of Bruce Lee fans. ~ Donald Guarisco, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
90 mins

Complete Cast of Return of the Dragon


Director(s):
Bruce Lee
Writer(s):
Bruce Lee
Producer(s):
Raymond Chow
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Language, Violence, Not For Children)
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Charles L.

Nobody watches a Bruce Lee movie for the acting or dialogue. You watch it for the storyline and mostly for the action. Return of the Dragon in my opinion has the best action scenes of all his movies. It also has the best fight scene of all kung fu movies when Lee takes on Norris in the finale. Yes, the script is awful and the acting is so bad that it's laughable. But the fight scenes are the best of any kung fu movies. I love the way it builds with Lee fighting three gangsters for the first time and builds as he fights more formidable foes until the culmination at the end in the coliseum. If you want good acting and dialogue, rent a movie that's won an Oscar. If you want fantastic fight scenes, you will find none better than Return of the Dragon.

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William M.

Hey David...i grew up watching all of Lee's films. And yes the dubbing is crazy, my friends and i still laugh at those old lines. And Mr.Ho was just as gay, but had us laughing. But the action Lee brings out is FLAWLESS! We still laugh at that black dude that says "better cool it baby'...lol

Yes   |   No

 
Mitchell R.

The movie itself is ok, a pretty standard early 70's comedy/action film (think Roger Moore as James Bond) The dubbing is horrendous, but the final fight between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris saves the film, and is really what makes it worth watching.

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