Légitime vengeance

I'm not understanding the fellow reviews of other posters here, seems like the general negative consensus is that Brandon Lee didn't do enough martial arts or with the finesse of his father. Well this isn't a martial arts film, so if you were expecting the successor to Bruce Lee you'll be disappointed. Immediately push Bruce Lee out of your head. This is an overly melodramatic action film from Hong Kong, falls into the genre also known as "Heroic Bloodshed", and in that respect the movie's hokey but simultaneously keeps strong pacing and high entertainment value. This film is from 1986 coinciding with the release of John Woo's A Better Tomorrow, in which is set at the root of the new wave HK gangster genre. For being one of the first of its kind, it doesn't receive sufficient credit. This type of all-out gunplay in HK films doesn't appear until at least a year later. Brandon Lee plays a young waiter about to marry when a jealous/criminal friend purposely shatters his future. Brandon gets framed and sent to jail where he'll waste away for eight years. Luckily with some assistance from those on the outside who know the truth, he manages to escape where he wishes to find his fiancée and take vengeance on the friend who put him away. There are some twists in the story and the bullet-frenzied climax is very well done. The negative aspects about this movie are the shoddy soundtrack and dubbing, although once the plot takes off you forget about both. Lee is very charismatic in his character, and if you become attached to his story this should be a very fun ride. -7/10

"Legacy of Rage" (1986) marks Brandon Lee's debut in Hong Kong cinema, showcasing his raw talent and charisma. The film is a classic revenge story with a gritty, realistic tone that sets it apart from typical martial arts fare.

Lee plays Brandon Ma, a mild-mannered waiter framed for manslaughter by his best friend, Michael (Michael Wong), a rising gangster. Imprisoned for eight years, Brandon emerges a hardened man consumed by a thirst for vengeance.

The film excels in its portrayal of prison life, capturing the brutality and dehumanization of the environment. Lee delivers a powerful performance, conveying Brandon's transformation from an innocent man to a vengeful warrior.

The action sequences are well-choreographed, blending realistic fight scenes with moments of explosive martial arts. The climax is particularly intense, with Brandon facing off against Michael and his henchmen in a brutal showdown.

Beyond the action, "Legacy of Rage" explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the corrupting influence of power. The film's ending is ambiguous, leaving the audience to ponder the true cost of revenge.

While overshadowed by his later Hollywood success, "Legacy of Rage" remains a significant film in Brandon Lee's career. It showcases his potential as an action star and serves as a reminder of his immense talent tragically cut short.

Brandon Lee is mad as hell in this mid 80's action flick from Hong Kong. Lee and his buddy (Michael Wong) are the best of friends, that's until a strange twist of fate changes their lives for ever. Crazy action and fluid directing by Ronny Yu keeps this from turning into your average mindless chop socky flick. Bolo Yeung makes a cameo appearance (completing the circle). Hoi Mang co-stars (as well as directing the fight scenes) along with Regina Kent (A Better Tomorrow II) and Ng Man Tat. The final act of this film is definitely one-of-a-kind and it is simply mind blowing!

Highly recommended for H.K. Cinema fans!! A Factoid: Michael Wong and Brandon Lee's voices are looped by other actors.

Made by D & B Films (no need to thank me), "Long zai jiang hu" was the first movie I saw with Brandon Lee - unlike the other posters, I actually saw it when it came out - and it was ultimately nothing too special, but all of the action stars of the past and present have had to work their way up, and it was certainly better than "Rapid Fire" and "Showdown In Little Tokyo" (which was admittedly entertaining in a cheap way, Tia Carrere's obvious body double and the snuff video scene with that gorgeous blonde notwithstanding).

The action's okay, and the scene where our hero bursts a villain's eye with a garotte still makes me wince 16 years later, but the best bit is when our hero visits a wimpy friend to get some armed help; wimpy friend says "I only have these," and unveils an armoury that would give Charlton Heston wet dreams. Still, you do wonder what would have happened had Brandon lived.

"Legacy of Rage" proves that Brandon Lee had enough talent to become an action star in his own right, without counting only on his famous father's name. He is a strong, likable, handsome, assured and charismatic hero - and this is only his film debut! And when he gets angry, he is one dude you don't want to mess with. Regina Kent is adorable as his girlfriend, and Michael Wong turns in a convincing performance, as he changes from a bitter young man to a ruthless crime boss. The film itself is rather slow and unexceptional story-wise (half prison flick, half revenge flick), distinguished from similar American fare mostly by a few superb hand-to-hand fight scenes and the amount of blood in the climax. (**1/2)