Bruce Lee's Legacy, The Untold Story Behind 'Enter the Dragon'

The Legacy of Bruce Lee and His Impact on Cinema

In a shocking turn of events, Bruce Lee (also known as Bruce Li) tragically departed the world just before the premiere of his martial arts film "Enter the Dragon." Fifty years have passed since his departure, leaving an enduring legacy in the film industry. Tom Gray sat down with producer Andre Morgan to discuss Bruce Lee's legacy and the story behind his cinematic masterpiece.

It has been over half a century since Bruce Lee's transcendent martial arts epic, "Enter the Dragon," dazzled audiences with its spectacular action. With a title that suggests the film's essence, this movie might have marked the first chapter in Bruce Lee's Hollywood history, captivating audiences with his unique speed, power, elegance, and charisma.

However, he left the world after this movie, just before its release.

On July 20, 1973, at the age of 32, Bruce Lee tragically passed away in Hong Kong, never getting the chance to witness himself on the global stage he had longed for. "Enter the Dragon" was released in the United States on August 19, 1973, barely a month after his passing. The film revolves around a martial arts tournament used as a cover for drug trafficking and prostitution, with Bruce Lee infiltrating the competition where he must fight for his life. He takes on various villains, teams up with skilled American actor John Saxon (playing Roper), and collaborates with martial artist Jim Kelly (playing Williams). The central antagonist role is portrayed by Shih Kien, who delivers a memorable performance. Despite the passing years, the film continues to be adored, even being recognized as "culturally significant" by the U.S. Congressional Library's National Film Registry in 2004.

However, the making of "Enter the Dragon" wasn't without its struggles. The movie, co-produced by Chinese studio Golden Harvest/Concord and Hollywood's Warner Bros., faced challenges like language barriers, script issues, and physical clashes among the lead actors. Andre Morgan, who served as an associate producer, claimed that the film's budget was much lower than the reported $850,000, stating, "The whole budget was $450,000. Remember, it's a quote from someone who was there. I prepared the budget, and I signed it." Nevertheless, despite these difficulties, "Enter the Dragon" went on to earn astronomical profits, reportedly exceeding $100 million worldwide after its release.

Bruce Lee was a star unlike any other, as noted by Tom Gray, who worked on the Chinese production side. Gray described Lee's presence as "Others didn't matter when Bruce was in the room. Same as Steve McQueen." Indeed, Steve McQueen, a close friend and student of Bruce Lee, shared a similar status. Before achieving major success as an actor, Bruce Lee had taught martial arts to numerous celebrities.

Bruce Lee's impact on the screen was immense. His philosophy, "absorb what is useful, discard what is useless," extended beyond martial arts, encompassing his approach to life and filmmaking. He revolutionized the portrayal of fight scenes, focusing on economy of motion, simplicity, and maximum efficiency. His innovative fighting techniques blended various styles, offering a holistic approach long before the term "mixed martial arts" became popular.

Tommy Carruthers, a renowned martial arts instructor, reflected on his experience witnessing the making of "Enter the Dragon." He remembered Bruce Lee's unique approach to fight scenes, emphasizing diverse tactics like footwork, fainting, backfists, and combinations resembling boxing, integrated with influences from Japanese and Korean martial arts.

The iconic duel between Bruce Lee and Han in the "Enter the Dragon" opening scene held layers of significance. Notably, both fighters wear fingerless gloves and snug shorts, which later became symbolic accessories in the UFC. Carruthers described how the fight incorporated various techniques, explaining, "In that scene, you can see footwork, painting (movements designed to distract the opponent), reverse-fake on the knee, a four-punch combination similar to boxing, and even grappling techniques at the end."

Yet, Bruce Lee's on-screen spectacle extended beyond efficiency. He created intricate and captivating sequences that displayed his extraordinary agility and technique. Andre Morgan revealed that Bruce Lee pushed himself relentlessly, enduring physical and mental strain while striving for perfection in his performances.

As "Enter the Dragon" completed its filming in April 1973, Bruce Lee's anticipation for its success was high after viewing the initial edited version in Los Angeles. However, a sudden collapse at a dubbing studio in Hong Kong led to his hospitalization in the United States due to cerebral edema. Although he nearly lost his life, Bruce Lee's "18-year-old's body" saved him, according to the doctor's assessment.

Despite the ordeal, he returned to Hong Kong after his recovery, only to face another fatal bout of cerebral edema two months later, this time leading to his tragic demise. The exact cause remained elusive, and speculation ran rampant—ranging from suspicions of a curse due to his rumored relationship with Taiwanese star Betty Ting Pei to allegations of foul play. The enigma surrounding his death persists even after five decades.

Bruce Lee's legacy as a martial artist, actor, and cultural icon endures, leaving an indelible mark on cinema history. While his untimely death remains a tragedy, his remarkable achievements during his short life continue to inspire and captivate people worldwide.