Probably any movie fan will agree that Bruce Lee is rightfully one of the legendary actors. Largely thanks to him, oriental martial arts have become so popular in our country, the USA and Europe. What teenager did not want to so famously swing his legs and crush bricks with his fist? Therefore, the best films with Bruce Lee really enriched the world collection, becoming cult.
The most successful films
Bruce Lee’s career was terribly short - he died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 32. However, having been born in San Francisco in 1940, he starred in many films over his career. More specifically - in 31 films.
And in the first he starred in 1941 - he was then only one year old! Of course, the role was very minor. But the last two films were released in 1978 and 1981. Quite unexpectedly, considering that Bruce Lee died in Hong Kong in 1973. In fact, wanting to remove the final part of the series at all costs, the creators simply took excerpts from old films and carefully edited them. And they did it so masterfully that fans did not even guess about it when watching.
But in general, if you make a list of the best films of Bruce Lee, then you should definitely mention the following pictures:
- “Dragon exit”;
- "The path of Dragon";
- "The game of death";
- "Big boss";
- "Fist of fury".
This is, so to speak, Top 5. They appeared in different years, but gained popularity all over the world, turning just a famous actor into a living legend. Therefore, to tell, at least briefly, about the best films with Bruce Lee is definitely worth it.
“Dragon exit”
This film was released in 1973 and was the last of those that were completely shot with the actor. And some believe that Bruce Lee’s best film is Dragon's Way Out. Alas, the actor himself did not see the film - he died six days before his release.
It all starts with the fact that the main character - a simple Chinese young man named Li, who is studying at the Shali monastery - was in sight of Khan. This is a rather suspicious person. Once he was a student of the same monastery, but for improper behavior he was expelled. Soon after World War II, he bought an entire island. Rumor has it that not only drugs are made here, but prostitution is flourishing. Now Lee is invited to the island to participate in the tournament of the best fighters. It is not surprising that the police, having learned about this invitation, immediately contacted Lee. They desperately need their own man on the island, able to obtain evidence of Khan's numerous crimes. Of course, Lee agrees and goes to the island.
Spectacular fights, a good script and an excellent cast of actors - it is not surprising that some critics and ordinary viewers consider Dragon's Exit to be the best Bruce Lee movie.
"The path of Dragon"
This film was released in 1972. He is notable for being the first to be completely shot in Hollywood. True, the release on the big screens took place in China, nevertheless, two days earlier than in the United States. The interest of the general public was also attracted by the fact that in addition to Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris also appeared here, acting, which happens infrequently, in the role of a scoundrel.
The plot of the film begins with a regular letter. The owner of a small Chinese restaurant in Rome is attacked over and over again. Local bandits want at all costs to seize a cozy and popular institution, making it their property. Desperate, the girl writes a letter to her uncle. And he asked his friend - Bruce Lee - to come to the place and figure out what was the matter.
He immediately sets off on an unexpected journey. On the streets of Rome, the hero will have to fight with many different opponents. Well, his main test was the American martial artist - Colt, played by Chuck Norris himself. Of course, according to the laws of cinema, the hero defeats the enemy in a spectacular final fight.
"The game of death"
Some experts believe that the “Game of Death" is Bruce Lee’s best film. He appeared on the big screens in 1978. Initially, the premiere was scheduled for 1973. Alas, the main character died right during the filming. Therefore, the final scenes were shot with the help of understudies. And the film was released just five years after the date, which became a rainy day for fans of the actor.
The main character is Hoi Thien, who, of course, was played by Bruce Lee, the martial arts champion. His sister and niece were abducted by criminals from Korea. After that, they delivered an ultimatum - the hero must get an ancient treasure guarded by experienced warriors and hand-to-hand combat masters. Hoi Tien has no choice but to agree to these conditions and prepare for a dangerous battle.
"Big boss"
Perhaps, if this is not the best film with the participation of Bruce Lee, then he definitely is among those. For the first time, viewers saw him in 1971. Moreover, Bruce Lee not only played the main role here, but also acted as a producer.
The legendary actor, as it often happened, played the role of a simple village guy from the Chinese outback - Zheng. Together with his uncle, he came to Thailand, where he was promised work with a regular salary - a very tempting offer for China at that time. Arriving at the place, Zheng regularly worked at the ice factory with his brothers who had been here before.
However, over time, he realizes that ice is just a cover. In ice blocks, criminals send drugs abroad. When the Zheng brothers tried to achieve justice, they were killed. Sha Mi, the factory manager, pretends to try to figure out what is happening. However, nothing really happens. Then the hero has no choice but to take justice into his own hands. True, he has to fight with a whole gang. And in order to put pressure on Zheng, Sha Mi's assistants also abducted his sister. Well, now the hero simply has nothing to lose, and he will certainly go to the end.
"Fist of fury"
This film was released in 1972. And if we talk about the best films about Bruce Lee, then it is simply impossible not to mention him.
The main character of the film - Chen Zhen - returns from a long trip to Shanghai to take part in the funeral of his mentor. The official version - the great master Ho Yuanj passed away from ordinary pneumonia. Shortly after the funeral, the school, founded by Zheng's teacher, was attacked by Japanese criminals. The hero decides to prove that Chinese kung fu is a more perfect sport than Japanese martial arts. And indeed, in a fight he defeats enemies. But instead of triumph, a whole crowd of deadly enemies awaits him. And the police are not at all enthusiastic about such events. So Zheng has a lot to do with his fists to solve the many problems that have arisen.
Conclusion
This concludes the article. Now you know about the best films in the filming of which the legendary Bruce Lee took part. They deserve to spend a free evening on their viewing.