Enter the Dragon, released in theaters on August 19, 1973, is a landmark martial arts film that brought Bruce Lee to international superstardom.
The film follows Lee, a Shaolin martial artist and secret agent who is recruited by the British intelligence to infiltrate the island fortress of a reclusive crime lord named Han. Han, a former Shaolin monk himself, runs a brutal drug operation and is suspected of murdering Lee’s sister.
The island is the site of a prestigious martial arts tournament, which serves as the perfect cover for Lee to uncover Han’s secrets and avenge his sister’s death.
Lee is joined by two American martial artists who are also competing in the tournament: the smooth-talking and charismatic Roper (John Saxon), who is running from the mob, and the cool and confident Williams (Jim Kelly), who is also seeking to expose Han’s criminal enterprise.
The film builds its suspense through a series of increasingly dangerous confrontations, as Lee uses his martial arts skills and cunning to navigate the treacherous world of Han’s island.
The climax of the film is a series of legendary fight sequences, culminating in a one-on-one battle between Lee and Han in a hall of mirrors.
The film’s strength is, without a doubt, Lee’s incredible charisma and athleticism. He is a magnetic presence on screen, and his fighting style is a mix of speed, power, and precision that had never been seen before in Western cinema. His signature yells and moves became iconic.
The chemistry between Lee, Saxon, and Kelly is a highlight, and the film’s blend of espionage and martial arts makes for a thrilling and action-packed experience.
Bolo Yeung also makes an early appearance.
Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Enter the Dragon
Enter the Dragon had a budget of $850,000 and grossed over $2 billion worldwide since its release (adjusted for inflation) per the American Film Institute.
Legacy
Enter the Dragon is not just a great martial arts film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that single-handedly ignited a martial arts boom in the West.
It introduced Bruce Lee to a global audience and cemented his legacy as a legendary fighter and philosopher and the film’s influence can be seen in countless movies, video games, and pop culture references.
It remains a timeless classic, praised for its groundbreaking choreography, its iconic characters, and its pure, unadulterated entertainment value.
