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Title

The Chinese Connection

aka Fist of Fury

Review

Bruce Lee is Chen Zhen, a promising martial arts student set to marry his fiancee and start a new life. But when he returns to his school, he finds his master dead under mysterious circumstances. To make matters worse, a rival Japanese dojo sends a representative to insult Chen's master, their school and the character of the Chinese people. Only Chen's iron will and strict discipline keep him in check. When he discovers that this Japanese gang had a hand in his master's death, however, he can no longer stand idly by. Butt kicking ensues, Bruce Lee style.

The charisma and speed with which Lee performs his art are well worth witnessing, despite the familiar plot and the occasional clumsy stunt. Lee brought a gravitas and personal style to the screen that I'm not sure any martial artist since has matched. Lee was funny too. To infiltrate the enemy hideout, he disguises himself as a telephone repairman and plays the clown before reverting to a vengeful predator. Fans of Jackie Chan will recognize the debts he owes Bruce Lee. This movie is a classic, and a standard in the genre. For any fan of action films that emphasize hand-to-hand fighting, this is a must-see. (4 of 5 stars) ~ Paul Stenis

Review Date

Reviewed October 2010