Review of Enter the Dragon (1973) by Marcelo B — 02 Jan 2016

Martial arts film from 1973 that has gained notoriety as being the last film made by its main star Bruce Lee. Lee died just prior to its premiere.

I admit to having little exposure to the genre. My 'kung-fu' movie education has perhaps only included the Karate Kid films!

However this is a classic and worthy of everybody watching before they die.

The fight choreography by Lee is a joy. Despite some dodgy dubbing and sound effects added post - production.

I am going to have to watch other films in the genre.

The plot involves a kung-fu tournament being held on an island near the then UK controlled Hong Kong.

The owner of the island and organiser of the tournament Han is being monitored by the British for dodgy opium linked criminal activities.

Lee is invited to the tournament as a contestant and asked by the British to help capture Han with evidence to bring down his empire.

However Lee has other reasons to go for Han. Including the death of his sister and the dishonour brought to his shaolin temple by Han.

I couldn't help but spot a few similarities to the Bond franchise!

Han has a metal hand (Dr. No).

He strokes a white cat (Blofeld).

The Bond films follow this film a year later in 1974 with The Man With The Golden Gun set in Macau and Hong Kong and featuring a hall of mirrors scene that mirrors a scene towards the end of this.

A musical score is provided by Mission:Impossible composer Lalo Schifrin.

Excellent film.