The original martial arts film (Enter The Dragon (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Enter The Dragon (DVD)
Date:	03/09/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bruce Lee is amazing

Disadvantages: Corny in places

note: also appears in part on The Student Room and Flixster

Among the most influential and iconic martial arts ever made is Enter the Dragon, the film that made Bruce Lee famous in both the East and West, and ensured that his legacy would never become lost. Lee plays a great martial artist who is invited along to a martial arts tournament by the nefarious Han, who seemingly has more devious plans than are first apparent. Lee therefore teams up with Roper (John Saxon - the Western link in the film) and other underdogs to take down this dangerous operation, with whatever surprises it may behold.

Although it's in many ways now quite a corny film, it stands as a cinematic landmark largely because it was the first martial arts film that was created in the Hollywood system. It then opened the floodgates not only for Lee to create a plethora of films, but also that his followers, such as Jackie Chan (who is actually a stuntman in the film) and Jet Li might get an easier time trying to get martial arts films made there.

Nevertheless, the film has a very recognisable style, from its funky 70s music, to its almost cartoon-like plot, and of course, the unmistakable presence of Bruce Lee that has been imitated countless times over the years, but never bettered. Lee's superb work on the fight scenes makes the film what it is - gritty, intense, and a revolutionary work that will never be forgotten. Otherwise, you've just got a pretty cheesy film with some over the top villains and funky music.

A surprisingly dark and brutal film. Enter the Dragon has elements resembling many Bond films (the plot, the villain, the soundtrack), yet it survives such criticisms with its gritty and plentiful fight scenes, and Bruce Lee's intense performance.

Summary: Survives on Lee's amazing abilities