"Enter the Dragon" had something in common with "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955). With both films, the young leading actor died shortly before release, becoming a cult hero, and creating massive publicity for the film. James Dean may have made "East of Eden" and "Giant", but he's remembered for "Rebel". In the West, Bruce Lee is remembered for "Enter the Dragon", the only big budget, co-American production that was completed during his life.
Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco, attended Xavier University, and was a regular on the "Batman" knock-off "Green Hornet" television show. He was raised in Hong Kong, however, and was making martial arts films there even as a child. By the early 1970s, Lee was starring in these films, which were so successful that Warner Bros. wanted some of the action.
With the production values that came with a big studio, "Enter the Dragon" is probably Bruce Lee's best film. To ensure American interest, minor star and caucasian John Saxon became the second lead, while black Karate champion Jim Kelly was third billed. Saxon was not a martial arts expert, and Kelly was not an actor, but the casting does not hurt the film. Saxon gives a fine performance, and has a well developed supporting character. Kelly is given some of the film's best lines.
The plot is mostly formula. As expected, Bruce Lee is the most dangerous man alive, pummeling senseless an endless series of nameless bodyguards. Lee makes quite a presentation of it as well, frowning contemptuous disapproval and shrieking before delivering each blow. It may not be completely plausible, but it is certainly entertaining. The cinematography and sets aren't bad either, particularly during the big showdown with the top bad guy, which takes place in a room full of mirrors.
Han (Shih Kien) is a drug smuggler and serial killer of young women. He lives like a king on his island, where he also plays host to an international martial arts tournament, which takes place once every three years. Lee is enlisted by Interpol police to stop Han. He joins the tournament, along with Roper (Saxon) and Williams (Kelly). Roper has gambling debts that he must pay off, while Williams is a black power activist who is wanted in the U.S. Han's top man is grim Oharra (Bob Wall), who was responsible for the death of Lee's sister (Angela Mao Ying). As Lee, Roper and Williams make their way through the tournament, they also learn more about Han's nefarious operations.
The film leaves some loose ends. For example, Han has a number of lovely twenty-somethings whom he claims are both his daughters and his bodyguards. (Didn't he have any sons?) These daughters are never seen again, but they would have come in handy during later confrontations with Lee and Roper.
"Enter the Dragon" is no masterpiece. Much of the story is predictable. But Lee, Saxon and Kelly give entertaining performances, and the production values are top for the genre. (69/100)
Bruce Lee was immortalized in his films as a martial arts master and first-class entertainer. ENTER THE DRAGON was the first martial arts film that Am...More at Family Video
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