Bruce Lee - Die Legende des Drachen

I am sick of people criticising this film for not having enough action or fight scenes! The genre of this film is biography/drama and that is precisely what it is (and a fairly good one at that).

This film was made to give people an insight to who Bruce Lee actually was aside from his fame as an action hero superstar. It shows the utter loyalty, love and respect he showed for his friends and family and the pride he took in doing so. The way Lee is presented as a, somewhat, naive teen, and the innocence and likability his character shows, is a nice contrast to the wing chun warrior in which we previously knew him. This film brings out Bruce Lee's human qualities and presents him as a common man.

The direction and cinematography of this film can be admired. The recurring glare of sunlight throughout the film present a nostalgic feel and remind us of the softer side of Lee; the side that this film portrays. However, at times the narrative can stray off topic and leave the audience wondering where the story is going. Also some may argue that some of the narrative is not factual and, hence, not true, however, not knowing a whole lot about Bruce Lee apart from his Hollywood legend status I found this film incredibly fascinating and a few false recounts here and there didn't detract from a pleasant viewing experience.

I recommend giving this film a go. It is worth diving a little deeper into a life which, otherwise, seemed fairly emotionless.

I watched this movie without reading any reviews and I have not seen any of the movies or TV series made about Bruce Lee. I trust this movie because it's based on the book written by his own brother who is still living and judged from the title, I thought I will get to see his whole life story; and curious how they will show his last 4 movies that made him a superstar and legend. More curious is who will play Lo Wei, Raymond Chow, Nora Miow, Linda and Ting Pei ? Will his rejection to Shaw Brothers' offer be shown ? I must admit I am quite disappointed that I will not get to see them but instead it's mainly focused on his family background, upbringing, his childhood movie days, friends, some romance and finally the 3 major events that brought the movie to a satisfying end; a dance competition, a boxing competition and a climatic event that caused him to leave HK to the States at around the age of 19. Overall I am happy with the movie although there is no big names in the cast but a lot of actors and actresses characters from HK black and white movies of the 50s are shown, obviously to please the elderly fans. It's a pity they did not show the role of Pak Yin, HK's most popular actress of that time who acted and danced with Bruce in his last movie before he leaves HK in "The Orphan". They only showed he was offered that movie. You will enjoy it better if you are familiar with those 50s HK celebrities. They tried to cast them as close as possible to the original people in look and behaviour; that's why at times we find these acting a little poor or weird, with the exception of the actor playing Bruce. I think we will not get a better one. We don't know if the last event that caused his father to send him away is true or not but as a movie, it's simply good although not perfect. If this movie do well in the box office(I think it will), I am sure the producers will make at least 2 sequels; "Bruce Lee in U.S." and "Bruce Lee, the superstar" which will certainly be more interesting to watch than his childhood days. I look forward to them. So Bruce Lee fans, just go and watch it. I am sure you wish to know about his earlier life.

Being a Bruce Lee fan, this was a joy to watch.

There were a few forgivable embellishments: Like Bruce lee being way too nice of a guy, strutting around like the heartthrob of Hong Kong, running amok with his stand by me rat pack, and a few doses heavy handed doses of melodrama(to appease the eastern viewer), and yes they did hire a pretty boy for the lead role.

The cinematography is stunning and the historical setting and context really paint an accurate portrayal; as if the director himself had lived through those times. Right down to playing marbles in the street, a cherry blossom tree inside the household, or the grander themes of the Japanese and British occupations. Its also very cultural at its roots, if you're not familiar with Traditional Chinese culture, some things may not make sense.

Just don't expect an action flick (although there are a few fight scenes), rather view it as a well drawn bio drama/ period piece, and you'll walk away with an enjoyable film.

I expected a lot from this film since the first time I saw the trailer,Bruce Lee is a legend, a hero to many people but this movie is different to other biopics about him...The story is based on the Robert's Lee book about his brother, for that reason here we see Bruce through the eyes of his brother instead through the eyes of a fan...Bruce lee here is Lee Jun Fan, on his teenage years, he is not a superhero, he is just an ordinary boy with the typical problems of youth...that is the great success of the movie, we know the real man instead of the legend.We also know his fiends and family, Bruce's dad is played by tony leung ka fai, probably the best of the film, his performance is powerful,honest and brilliant..I think many Bruce lee fans will feel disappoint with this human portrait of Bruce and others will love it... I am of the second one...as a Bruce lee fan i consider this one his best biopic.

Just came back from cinema, i was totally surprise and awed by this movie. Honestly i didn't have much expectation at first, because there is not much martial artist/actors to backup the cast list, so i thought this gonna be a flop like Legend of Yip man. But it turn out it was much of a biography of the famous star than we know of so well ,but we haven't really seen or heard upon the story telling regarding his life hood growing up in a large family at a nostalgic times of Hong Kong. The narrations pacing was remarkable, while the story unfolds at a very decent pace for a movie running over of 2hour 15min.

I have to be honest, i was really surprise and somewhat skeptic it was an actual Hong Kong production in the first place, where actors ,script and visual art has surpass anything i seen so far in Hong Kong movie standards.

Well i was literary awe by the visual art & style of the camera works. Props and scenery brings such nostalgic memories to the viewers, they manage to brings the audiences back to the age of innocent and wonders or yesteryears. Camera works is top notch, Lomo filter, works superb at moments of romance and brings so much emotions and story to the scenes. I felt like i was watching an MTV from a tasteful Taiwanese love song.

To conclude my experience, if u seek action ,most will be disappointed as the fight scene its done visually stylish using steady cam and action pan, but never really shows the techniques of the famous wing chun system. That being said, this movie never pretends to be an action flick to begin with, its a stylish ,romantic and touching story about the world re-known actor, martial artist, philosopher , friend and finally a inspiring 2Nd elder brothers of a family which we all love so much and yet known so little about.

Bravo! i'm booking my second viewing now.