Review of Birth of the Dragon (2017) by Jasmine T — 28 Aug 2017

I think most critics completely missed the point of this movie. It's not a biopic, it's really more accurately described as a piece of fan fiction about Bruce Lee. For chrissakes it climaxes with Bruce Lee teeming up with Wong Jack Man buddy cop-style to take on Chinatown gangsters! A zany premise, but George Nolfi has a lot of fun with it.

I laughed and cheered all the way through. Despite the silliness there is some real dramatic heft here, with Wong's contriteness over letting pride get the better of him in an exhibition match and Lee gradually realizing that his style needs to evolve if he is to truly bring kung fu to the world.

Kudos also to the cinematographer for flawlessly recreating the famous exhibition contest between Lee and a karate champion. Finally, Philip Ng comes very close at times to accurately impersonating Lee, including his mannerisms, high voice and trademark smirks.

Just a hell of an entertaining movie all around, a must see for Bruce Lee fans!