Bruce Lee Movies
Born in San Francisco to Eurasian parents, Bruce Lee moved to Hong Kong when he was three. There, the young actor played tough juvenile roles in several films, using the professional name Li Siu-Lung (Little Dragon). As scrappy offscreen as on, Lee learned to channel his pugnaciousness into the rigidly disciplined field of martial arts while attending St. Francis Xavier College. Returning to the U.S., Lee majored in Philosophy at the University of Washington and supported himself as a kung fu instructor. While participating in a martial arts competition in Long Beach, CA, Lee was selected to play the role of faithful valet Kato on the 1966 TV series The Green Hornet. (After his death, several episodes of the series were cobbled together into a "feature film," with Lee afforded top billing over nominal Green Hornet star Van Williams.) He received his first American film role in Marlowe (1969) on the recommendation of screenwriter Stirling Silliphant, who attended Lee's kung fu classes.Having lost the leading role in the TV series Kung Fu to David Carradine, Lee decided to prove his box-office value by starring in several low-budget martial arts efforts financed by Hong Kong producer Raymond Chow. On the strength of these efforts, Warner Bros. signed Lee to star in his signature film, Enter the Dragon (1973), which made money by the truckload. He made his directorial debut in what many consider his best film, 1973's Return of the Dragon. It would be the last film that the actor would complete. While in Hong Kong filming The Game of Death, Lee collapsed on the set, apparently suffering an epileptic seizure. After taking a pain killer, he fell asleep -- and never woke up. Rumors still persist that Lee was killed by a group of kung fu experts who resented the actor for exposing their "trade secrets" to the world. Whatever the circumstances of his death, Lee's legend did not die with him. For several years thereafter, "new" films appeared composed of outtakes and stock footage from previous Lee films; in addition, audiences were subjected to scores of imitators, most of them with soundalike names (Bruce Li, Bruce Le, et al.) In a grimly ironic twist, Bruce Lee's son, actor Brandon Lee, also died under mysterious circumstances while making a film in 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Adapted from the popular comic strip by Yuen Po-wan, director Fung Fung's socially conscious slice of Cantonese realism tells the tale of a bright young orphan (ten-year-old Bruce Lee) who is taken under the wing of a petty thief. As Little Cheung struggles to do the right thing, kindly factory owner Hung Pak-ho (Lee Hoi-chuen -- Lee's real-life father) attempts to help the boy realize the benefits of honest living by teaching him how to better balance his studies with his work. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Lee, Lee Hoi-chuen, (more)
- 1967
The death of an ex-serviceman appears to be accidental, but Ironside (Raymond Burr) suspects murder when he finds six GI dog-tag numbers scratched in the dead man's watch case. It turns out that five former soldiers are desperately trying to cover up their complicity in a robbery which occurred several years before. Ironside's assistant Ed risks his job--and his life--to bring the criminals to justice. Martial arts icon Bruce Lee appears as a karate instructor in this episode, which is climaxed by a heart-pounding showdown in San Francisco's huge cable-car barn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Cahiers du Cinema favorite Phil Karlson may have directed the "Matt Helm" extravaganza The Wrecking Crew, but the only "auteur" around these parts is star Dean Martin, coasting through yet another sexy spy romp. This time, secret agent Helm must prevent a billion-dollar gold hijacking, masterminded by the unspeakable Count Massimo Contini (Nigel Green). Aiding and abetting our hero is all-thumbs Scandinavian spy Freya Carlson (a brilliant comic turn by the late Sharon Tate). Sidebar: future action-star Chuck Norris plays a minor role, while Bruce Lee served as the film's martial-arts advisor. The last of the Matt Helm films, The Wrecking Crew was sort of based on a novel by Donald Hamilton; like the other films in the series, the title bears precisely no relation to the plot. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Martin, Elke Sommer, (more)
- 1969
- PG
James Garner is so good as Raymond Chandler's philosophical gumshoe Philip Marlowe that you forget he's totally wrong for the part. Based on Chandler's The Little Sister, Marlowe involves the detective's efforts to locate the missing brother of Orfamay Quest (Sharon Farrell). He follows the clues to two men who deny any knowledge of the brother's existence. Since both men soon find themselves on the wrong end of an ice pick, Marlowe deduces that there's more to this caper than a mere missing-person case. The plot thickens as more "dramatis personae" are added to the intrigues, including TV star Gayle Hunnicutt, Hunnicutt's gangster boyfriend H.M. Wynant and stripper Rita Moreno. A pre-stardom Bruce Lee shows up as a karate-happy thug who lays waste to Marlowe's office shortly before suffering a spectacular demise. It is preferable to view Marlowe in videocassette or theatrical form; the commercial TV print cuts so much out that viewers are left with virtually nothing but protection leader and a few close-ups of James Garner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Garner, Gayle Hunnicutt, (more)
Martial arts master Bruce Lee solidifies his standing as one of the great action stars in Fists of Fury, the story of a Chinese country boy (Lee) sent to live in Thailand with his uncle and cousins. Around his neck is a charm representing his promise to his mother not to fight, a promise which is repeatedly tested when he goes to work in the local icehouse for an abusive overseer and prejudiced natives. When some of his cousins are killed after discovering the icehouse is actually a front for a heroin-smuggling operation, Lee sets out to exact revenge and eventually has a showdown with the Japanese crimelord behind the entire scheme (Han Ying Chieh). Lee's physical gifts are undeniable; the blinding speed of his fists and feet must be seen to be believed. The film was originally released in Asia as The Big Boss. Bad guys beware when that charm comes off! ~ Jeremy Beday, All Movie Guide
One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former school in early 20th century Shanghai when he learns that his beloved instructor has been murdered. While probing the man's death and seeking vengeance, Chen discovers that a drug smuggling operation, a rival school, and simmering racial tensions between Chinese and Japanese locals are factors in the nefarious dealings at his alma mater and in his master's slaying. Chen's got his work cut out for him as he takes on assassins of both races, and even a towering Russian. Variously titled The Chinese Connection and The Iron Hand, Fist of Fury features stunt work by a young Jackie Chan (who served as Lee's double). The film was remade two and a half decades later as Fist of Legend (1999), with Jet Li in the role of Chen. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
Bruce Lee makes a brief appearance in this vintage martial arts action drama, which stars his longtime friend and mentor Unicorn Chan. When a rover named Lung is befriended by a young man named Tiger, he accepts an invitation to join Tiger and his mother in their home, and stays on as their handyman. Lung enjoys the stability of his new life, but when Tiger impulsively offends Wong, the violent and short-tempered son of a notorious gangster, Lung must step forward to defend him. Lung and Tiger soon join forces with a young woman who is being pursued by Wong after he killed her partners in an acrobatic troupe, and Lung shares his knowledge of the martial arts with his new friends in order to even the score between themselves and Wong's minions. Bruce Lee helped to choreograph and direct the action sequences in Fist of Unicorn as a favor to Unicorn Chan; behind-the-scenes footage of Lee rehearsing the actors and stuntmen was edited into the film to create Lee's cameo role. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
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, All Movie Guide
One of the most popular kung fu films ever, and perhaps the peak of the famed Bruce Lee's career, Enter the Dragon achieved success by presenting a series of superbly staged fighting sequences with a minimum of distractions. The story finds Lee as a martial-arts expert determined to help capture the narcotics dealer whose gang was responsible for his sister's death. This evil villain operates from a fortified island manned by a team of crack martial artists, who also host a kung fu competition. Lee uses his skills to enter the contest and then tries to chop, kick, and otherwise fight his way into the dealer's headquarter. The story is, of course, merely an excuse for showdown after showdown, featuring masterly fighting by Lee in a wide variety of martial arts styles. Essential viewing for martial arts fans, the film was also embraced by a larger audience, thanks to a fast pace and higher-than-usual production values. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Lee, John Saxon, (more)
The legendary Bruce Lee and former NFL great Fred Williamson star in Fist of Fear, Touch of Death, which is concerned with one of the biggest martial arts tournaments in history. The movie was filmed on location at Madison Square Garden. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fred Williamson, Ron Van Clief, (more)
This symbol-laden drama explores the inner mythology of martial arts practice and is based on a Bruce Lee story idea. The original screenplay was written by Bruce Lee, with help from actor James Coburn and screenwriter Stirling Silliphant. Lee was to take on the four-in-one role of guide in his film, leaving the hero's role to someone else. Following Bruce Lee's tragic death, the film was rewritten. David Carradine stepped in to play the mysterious guides to aspiring martial arts master Cord (Jeff Cooper). Cord lives in a desert-like world where nearly everyone he meets practices or has practised a martial art. He seeks to find the place where the true inner spirit of the martial arts is being taught. In a story which is imbued with Zen maxims and Asian philosophy, when Cord finally arrives, he finds less (and more) than he hoped for. While there are many combat and fight scenes, the general tone of the film is meditative. Cameo appearances by Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, and Christopher Lee supply many of the film's highlights. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, (more)
Star Bruce Lee died before this film was completed, thus the producers were forced to pad out the running time with outtakes and alternate shots. They also lifted chunks of footage from Enter the Dragon and Return of the Dragon. The finished product finally hit the screens in 1978, five years after Lee's death. The film's finale pits Lee against such formidable opposition as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Chuck Norris. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This release is made from early Bruce Lee footage which was thought to be lost but was found among Chinese archives. ~ All Movie Guide
When a man forms a small movie production company, he doesn't plan on being foiled by the owners of several major studios, who have devised what they believe is an ingenious method of taking him out of the picture. Their plan goes wildly askew, however, when the drug they had intended to use as an aphrodisiac turns out deadly. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- 1981
Ng See Yuen directs Bruce Lee and Tang Lung in the martial arts film Tower of Death. Jim Koo's funeral service takes an unexpected turn when his coffin is stolen by a helicopter. His best friend falls to his death after grabbing onto the helicopter as it flies off. The best friend's brother tracks the bad guys down to the Tower of Death, a fortress for an evil drug ring. The identity of the drug ring's leader comes as quite a surprise to the brother. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Lee
- 1984
- R
This video is a tribute to the incomparable kung-fu master as it includes rare footage of his athletic capabilities and interviews with some of the people who knew him. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Piecing together exciting film footage of martial arts performances, Deadliest Art demonstrates the reasons for the popularity of martial arts combat in visual entertainment. The history of the art, including basics of the Eastern philosophies that govern it, provides insight along with the demonstration of various types of martial arts fighting. Touching on the skills and frame of mind necessary to perform feats of this kind, this film showcases the beauty of defense without weapons, as well as special techniques required to incorporate the use of weapons, and the ways in which the martial arts have been showcased in the film industry. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- NR
This two-part film examines the extraordinary life and mysterious death of Bruce Lee, one of cinema's most influential and popular martial arts actors. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1997
- NR
- Add The Secrets of the Warrior's Power: Kung Fu - The Fighting Arts of China to QueueAdd The Secrets of the Warrior's Power: Kung Fu - The Fighting Arts of China to top of Queue
The Secrets of the Warrior's Power: Kung Fu documents how the ancient Shaolin monks combined breathing techniques with Chi movements in order to create what the world thinks of today as martial arts. Well-known martial artists (Chan Pui, Pan Qing Fu, Bruce Lee, etc.) are shown displaying a variety of moves and answering interview questions. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Pierre Berton, a former newspaper columnist and editor, hosted his own program entitled The Pierre Berton Show from the early '60s until 1973. He regularly interviewed important artists, actors, and other public figures. Perhaps one of his most memorable segments was this interview with martial arts expert and actor Bruce Lee. Prior to Lee's early death in 1973, he provided martial arts instruction to various celebrities before beginning his acting career. He starred in such films as Enter the Dragon and Return of the Dragon. Lee speaks openly with Berton, reflecting on his acting career, his evolving views about the different approaches to martial arts, and how he chooses to live his life. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
A pair of martial arts legends do battle through the magic of 21st century technology in this documentary that dares pose the question "Who would win in a battle between Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan?" From Lee's unparalleled ferocity to Chan's cunning acrobatic comedy, this question leaves no stone unturned in the quest to find out who truly is the world's greatest martial artist. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
