Enter the Dragon - Review

Review: I think I can safely say this film would be nothing without Bruce Lee. Lee's charisma was probably strong enough to carry just about any film. This was Lee's first American production after working on three previous films in Hong Kong. While not as well received in Asia as his earlier works, Lee's Enter the Dragon was certainly a success internationally. In fact Lee's untimely death just prior to the film's release fueled the Bruce Lee craze even further.
The film is highlighted by a series of battles which shine when Lee is on screen but dim when others try to match him. John Saxon, a student of Lee and Jim Kelly are examples of why martial arts in American film is mostly forgettable. Their performance is wooden and uneasy next to Bruce. Several Hong Kong stars of greater skill and notoriety do appear. Hong Kong legend, Angela Mao gets her kicks in as Lee's sister who attempts to fend off a motley gang out to do her wrong. Its a terrible shame that two future kung fu superstars in the film appear only briefly. Sammo Hung is featured as the sparring partner who gets floored by Bruce at the Shaolin monastery before the starting credits. One the best scenes sees Bruce, having infiltrated Mr. Han's underground operations, wade through a small army of hapless evildoers. A young Jackie Chan can be seen grabbing Bruce from behind before he receives a death blow.

The story as mentioned before is simple and tries to capitalize on the popularity of the James Bond franchise by casting Shih Kien as the maniacal villain, Mr. Han. Mr. Han has many qualities which suit his profession such as the absence of a left hand which is useful for attaching various slashing and blunt instruments. Mr. Han also has the requisite white fluffy cat, hidden elevators and the vanity to install a hall of mirrors, featured in the final battle sequence.
The DVD picture is clean and the sound is good, both of which were digitally re-mastered for this edition. If you can afford it and/or you label yourself a Bruce Lee fanatic, pick up the Limited Special Edition which features documentaries, commentaries, and accompanying collectible items.
Compared to later Hong Kong films featuring Jackie Chan or choreographed by Yuen Wo Ping, Enter the Dragon appears dated. Nevertheless, it remains a remarkable film for the intensity of Lee's performance and his lightning-quick martial arts skill.

given 4/5
****
Mark Pollard