How Good Is Enter the Dragon Really? || 50 Years of the Bruce Lee Classic 

Bruce Lee was so legendary and influential in Bosnia, where I come from, that when the war broke out in the 90s people were trying to find peace and solidarity during the rough times while watching his films because they were easily pirated back in the day. That is why some talented artists in ethnically divided town called Mostar unveiled the Statue of Bruce Lee as a symbol of solidarity in the town. It was unveiled just one day before the statue in Hong Kong making it the first statue of Bruce Lee in the world. Quote from the artist: "One thing we all have in common is Bruce Lee."

Enter the Dragon is phenomenal in many ways. I saw it at the cinema last week and after seeing it 100s of times it was an absolutely amazing experience. A very odd experience because even though I knew what was coming - watching it in 4k on a cinema screen it felt like I’d be been transported to 73 watching it fresh. The screen prescribe and aura of Bruce was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal… I think he has one of the strongest screen personas / charisma in the history of cinema. The film is 50 years old and hundred percent the cultural impact was phenomenal. This was an entry film in the American market as well people forget - imagine if Bruce had lived! Wow. Pop culture classic. Bruce Lee is amazing. The impact he had on HK cinema and western cinema is unbelievable.

This is obviously his best film for many reasons but Fist of Fury AKA The Chinese Connection will always be my personal favorite Bruce Lee Film.

You should also read the American Cinematographer article on the film. They did a retrospective article on it back in July 2013 and the cinematographer talked about how they only had two Arri 35mm cameras and three Panavision lenses to make the film. Really such a frugally made film that still looks so vibrant.

R.I.P. Lam Ching Ying There was a story that Lam challenged Bruce Lee in a hotel room because he didn't believe Lee was as strong as the rumors said. Lam put a pillow over his chest and stomach,then Bruce struck the pillow and sent him flying across the room.Bruce was so impressed that he hired Lam as his personal assistant. Lam was 19 at the time. He was also prone to getting into fights. During the filming of Lee's "The Big Boss", Lam was arrested for fighting, and Bruce had to bail him out of jail.

Outstanding review Will, I really like the angle you took on it. I know more than a few people who saw this film back in the day and went on to study martial arts. Its impact cannot be understated. All said and done too, it's a banger of a martial arts film!

I do like Enter the Dragon, and can see and understand why it's so iconic, and how classic it is, 50 years too, big milestone. Plus really good cast, the fights are ok, all choreographed by Bruce Lee, good to see Bruce use the Bo Staff, Escrima sticks, Nunchucks, the end scene I always thought could be better, longer fight, Bruce I don't think does a lot, in like his films before or Game of Death, plus when Bruce sees Bolo, bet we all in the audiences wanted Bruce to fight Bolo, but it went to John Saxon, didn't think much of that fight. The fight with Bruce Lee And Shieh Khan before the hall of mirrors is not bad, wanted that to go on longer. My favourite Bruce film is Big boss, Bruce fights so well there from that ice factory and into the garden/lake to fight big boss, think Bruce's kicks, moves are better in Big boss, Fist of fury, Way of Dragon, Game of Death. I like tons of martial arts films shaw bothers, 80s, 90s, 2000s, hard to pick one, if honest, love all the great martial artists. Thanks for the video.

First kung fu movie I seen aged 7 when shown on UK Tv & it was the movie which got me into martial art movies, a bona fide classic showcasing the master at his best, Fist Of Fury is my favourite Bruce Lee movie but thiscone has a special place in my heart. Battle Creek Brawl available pre order today which I done also Magic Crystal & Jackie Chans Medallion getting October releases which I won't bother pre ordering.

Great review. I had a feeling you'd see this movie in a new light, going on your previous reviews over the last few years. I enjoyed the way you disected the movies here rather than regurgitate the same old review lines we hear for this movie. Im really looking forward to your other BL reviews, particularly the final game of death. Bruce Lee was so much more than a movie star and martial artist. The changes he made to physical fitness and nutrition dogmas back in the day, his outlook on humanity he was so far ahead of his time. We can now buy fitness drinks/supplements in a store but hed get his wife to go out and buy all the vitamins etc and blend them up! You should watch the documentary "How Bruce Lee Changed The World" its quite an eye opener. He's almost geard up for MMA in the opening of ETD!

Thanks Will - are you planning to get the ETD 4K also?

Next time you watch this movie, see how many times you can spot a lady in yellow riding around on a motorcycle. This was a deleted scene of the woman handing out the invitations to Hans Island.

I saw Enter The Dragon last week on the big screen. I was born in 1974, so missed it obviously on it’s original release.🤪 I’ve seen this film starting on VHS, then on to DVD, blu ray then finally the big screen. 😎🕺

A Bruce Lee classic! By the way, I start reviewing Hong Kong TV shows. Btw, I’m Japanese.

definitely notice the out of focus shots now it’s in 4K

Hey 👋🏻 loved this flick. The audio was great as well. Thanks for the review. Tomorrow is 50 years since the release 👏 I got the 4k steelbook from best buy 😊

Need a face lift . Remake enter the dragon. Starring Tony jaa & Adrian brodie enter the temple. Then sequel exit the temple enter the streets a Hollywood movies about Thai boxing?

This isn’t my favorite Hong Kong flick, even if its era. It’s a flawed movie yes, but it’s hugely iconic and was the entry point for a lot of fans for decades.

Great review ☺️ I too love this movie

The issue is the director, he doesn't seem to understand how fights should be framed. They should have left Bruce or Sammo in charge of the fight choreography.

What’s your letterboxd username, Will?

4 out of 5 stars is a respectful score though. I basically never give 5 out of 5 for anything, there's something that could be better. 5 out of 5 is saying something is perfection. Which doesn't exist.

It's alright, but definitely the worst Bruce Lee movie. It's only so highly regarded due to it's cultural impact and the tragedy surrounding its release. That being said, the 4K version looks and sounds absolutely amazing.