Jason Maloney reviews

Distributed by

Warner Bros.

Cert:

Cat.no: S 015921

Running time: 97 minutes

Year: 1973

Pressing: 1998

Widescreen: 2.35:1

Sound: Dolby Stereo

Price: £12.99

Special Features: 1973 Behind-The-Scenes Documentary - "Location: Hong Kong With Enter The Dragon", Original Theatrical Trailer, Exclusive all-new Documentary - "Bruce Lee: In His Own Words", all-new Inroduction by Linda Lee Cadwell

Director:

Robert Clouse

Cast:

Lee: Bruce Lee
Roper: John Saxon
Han: Kien Shih
Tania: Ahna Capri
Oharra: Bob Wall
Williams: Jim Kelly
Mei Ling: Betty Chung
Braithwaite: Geoffrey Weeks

An icon even during his tragically short life, the legend of Bruce Lee lives on and his reputation is seemingly enhanced by the passing of years. Universally considered the master of Martial Arts, at least in populist terms and for the impact he had upon mainstream worldwide culture, Enter The Dragon was the last film made before his death at the age of 32.

This 25th Anniversary edition of his most famous film features an excellent letterbox presentation along with a range of added material equal in depth to many DVDs. It also restores 3 minutes of footage not included in the original US theatrical release.

Enter The Dragon is what they would now call an action thriller, and it stands the test of time surprisingly well. True, it's laced with typical early 70s stylistic flourishes and some (unintentionally?) hilarious moments.

The ADR man ought to be subjected to some of Lee's vicious high-kicks to the groin area for the terrible lip-sync job which renders a lot of the film the dubious feel of one of those old cheap, dodgy foreign flicks. The opening scene, heavy on laughably *mystical* dialogue, is the worst offender. Thankfully, the credits soon come in with Lalo "Mission Impossible" Schifrin's fabulous score immediately setting a far classier tone.

From this point on, it scarcely puts a slippered foot wrong, the fighting sequences (choreographed by Lee himself) very impressive and athletic. It's hard not to chuckle at the histrionic noises made by the fighters as body part connects with body part, and the OTT sound-effects only add to their cheesy magnificence.

There is a plot, although admittedly it's nothing too remarkable. Everything is designed to pave the way for the brooding Lee's sinewy, almost balletic physical prowess to be unleashed. Motive is provided via the need to avenge his sister's death, and opportunity comes with the assistance of an unnamed Intelligence agency who send him to an island owned by warlord Han, who is suspected of smuggling opium and running a prostitution racket.

Every 3 years, Han holds a Martial Arts tournament at his academy as a front for his operation. Lee and a handful of other contenders are shipped out for the event. Thus ensues plenty of brutal violence masquerading as combat. Leaping two-footed onto your vanquished opponent, stamping on his neck and gleefully twisting it with your foot as you grimace wildly appears to be a favoured past-time. Let's hope Arsenal's Patrik Vieira doesn't get to see this.

I'm no martial arts film connisseur and haven't seen very little of the genre, but Enter The Dragon looks tremendously authentic (save for the sound effects) and has a superbly orchestrated, visceral quality. Lee exudes an aurra befitting of his iconic status, despite the occasional facial expression that evokes mirth rather than awe.

Judging from the additional footage contained on the tape, Bruce Lee wanted to be seen as an artist and human being above all, moreso than a star (or an oriental one). His words are filled with a large dose of philosophy and mysticism which is easy to scoff at, yet the man has such a belief in himself and in his convictions, as well as an obvious intellect, it's impossible not to be drawn into it all. The phrase that keeps recurring in his conversations about his relationship with the martial arts is "being honest with yourself, to express yourself honestly". What he's on about I couldn't say, as to the uneducated eye it looks for all the world like beating the crap out of someone else, but I'll take his word on that.

All in all, this is an impressive and well thought-out package which will no doubt please Bruce Lee afficionados while also serving as a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with his work.

At the time of writing, the video has been deleted, but a widescreen DVD is available for £15.99.