Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey

The first Bruce Lee documentary that tells the real story behind one of the most fascinating men of the 20th Century. For fans of Lee or martial arts it is absolutely unmissable. There is so many awful movies/documentaries out there that take advantage of Lee's name to make some money, it's great to see a documentary that's true to the great man.

If you enjoy this, I recommend you read the Lee's biography 'Fighting Spirit', the author of which is Bruce Thomas.

This is without a doubt one of the greatest documentaries that I have ever seen. The narration is easy to follow, not too self-consciously obtuse or referential to previous films, and the piecing together is simply masterful. The only quibble is the lack of information on Bruce's early life.

Things to love about this film:

* the Game of Death sequence, fully restored, edited and soundtracked to Bruce's wishes (according to recently found production notes)

* The one finger (and a thumb) pressups - although rather short

* The one inch punch

Truly awesome and 10/10.

This is a fantastic documentary, both in terms of narration and information about Bruce, but even moreso in terms of the footage shown. More impressive than the 'new' Game of Death footage is the footage of Lee practicing at his Los Angeles home, and, most of all, his philosophical remarks in the episodes of "Longstreet". Those scenes are just incredible, such as his statement to James Fransiscus "Like everyone, you want to WIN, but you must be prepared to die", said in complete earnestness, with a very early-1970s flute playing in the background. When was the last time you heard anything like that on television or film? In any case, this is a beautiful tribute to Bruce as the complex, philosophical, extraordinarily passionate human being he was. You will not be disappointed.

Arguably the best Bruce Lee documentary available at the moment, and I've pretty much seen every one that is available. Having grown up idolising the great man and having seen all his movies countless times, when I first saw the "Curse of the Dragon" documentary I was most intrigued by an interview which was conducted with Bruce's long time friend, colleague and training partner Dan Inosanto where Bruce's original concept for "Game of Death" was brought to light. Inosanto made mention of the 5-floor pagoda idea and immediately I made it my mission to somehow find this lost footage.

Some years later I have finally been privileged as well as honoured to see the long lost footage from the final battle scenes in "Game of Death" and to see the master in action for one final time. All I can say is that the "Game of Death" footage alone is worth the price of admission and any true Bruce Lee fan will be left salivating after seeing the incredible fight scenes coupled with the philosophical undertones that Lee so wanted to convey to his students, fans and audiences alike.

The lost footage aside, the documentary is also quite solid with excellent insight into Bruce's philosophy and his incredible determination and integrity which truly made him a master in his respective trade. While other documentaries often focused on his meteoric rise to stardom and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his untimely death, this documentary chooses rather to focus on his life, his teachings, his way of thought and his remarkable achievements - all of which made him a legend.

10/10

This is a touching and compelling portrait of the legendary martial artist, humanist, entertainer and philosopher, Bruce Lee.

While interested in Lee, and entertained by his films, I have never considered myself a fan. Produced with love and care, A Warrior's Journey has helped rekindle my interest in a man whose timeless messages, and amazing physicality were lost to the world as I was growing up.

This documentary is less comprehensive than a biopic, as it really does not cover all of Mr. Lee's too-short life. Rather, it is a film essay concerning his importance as a cultural icon and his unique melding of intensely personal quasi-taoist philosophy with the practice of martial art. If you've ever wondered what the "big fuss" concerning Bruce Lee is, this film is the right choice. Interviews with Lee's friends, students and family are carefully woven together with a well-written voice-over narrative, interviews with Lee, and the ever-intense fight footage from several of Lee's films. Particularly interesting are the articulate comments of his friend and student, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, and Linda, his wife.

An added bonus, worth more than the cost of the DVD, is the complete remaining footage of Lee's last major project "The Game of Death", featuring some of the most interesting physical acting and clever martial arts photography I have ever seen.

I did not expect much from this film, but was surprised to find that once I got it rolling, I could not take my eyes off the screen.