I love this movie, and own the video, or catch it on television occasionally. Sure, it is the Hollywood-ized version of the Bruce Lee bio, but has there ever been a 100% accurate film version of someone's life?

Jason Scott Lee stars as martial arts master, Bruce Lee, who almost single-handedly brought a widespread appreciation of the martial arts to America. I found his performance exceptional, and throughout the film, I was saddened by the early, mysterious death of such an inspirational figure. He was a seemingly kind, generous man and loving father, and admirable role model, unafraid to meet any challenge.

I watched the movie because I was interested in the Bruce Lee mystique ( as a very amateur student of martial arts ). I have hazy memories of this cult star and his odd death in '73. Some reports said he committed suicide or used heroin. The most acceptable story to emerge over the years is a brain aneurysm, brought on by a reaction to medication. But, some feel Lee was cursed, and there was some animosity toward him for teaching the arts to Americans and developing his own forms, based on what worked in any number of other martial practices.

The movie plays up the "curse" angle in a hokey way, which could have been done without. I did admire the film's insight to Lee's early struggles in the United States, as an Asian-American, who is not seen as a favorable boyfriend to future wife, Linda ( well-played by Lauren Holly ). He endeavors to share his "philosophies" with willing followers, eventually striving to break into acting. So, we have a Hollywood-ized version of his Hollywood dreams; despite some inaccuracies ( his back injury, one of the most glaring ), as a film, Dragon works quite well, and as an introduction to Bruce Lee, it is probably better than his early Kung Fu movies.

But Bruce Lee the man, is ultimately unknowable, to casual students. Only the few who had the privilege of sharing time with him ( Chuck Norris ) might know a little bit about his appeal. Like James Dean ( the icon, he supposedly admired himself ), Bruce Lee's untimely death guaranteed legend, but left many potentials unfulfilled.

Jason Scott Lee captures a little of Bruce's charisma, for the casual observer. Any yet, one only has to look at a poster of the 'real' Bruce ( as the one in my martial arts studio ), to feel the magic of the man who was as lethal, as he was loving.

Few martial arts movies have done justice to the ways of the warrior. My first recollection of exposure was probably to the schlocky classic, "Billy Jack." There always seem to be Norris or Van Damme movies on, almost none of which I have watched in their entirety. The only one really worth checking out is Lee's own "Enter The Dragon." It is quintessential Lee. Better than that, however, was Bruce Lee's biography, covered - I think - on cable's A & E channel. But I still give Dragon 4+ - a seemingly sincere effort, with some input from widow Linda Lee.




Recommended: Yes