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FIST
OF FURY
AKA:
The Chinese Connection ||
Fists Of Fury
Year:
1972 Reviewer: Tony
Ryan
In
1972, a film was produced in Hong Kong in a short space of
time and with little money, only to become one of the greatest
and frequently imitated martial arts movies of all time: 'Fist
of Fury'. Following 'The
Big Boss', Bruce Lee's fame, and position as a hero for
the Chinese people, was further increased on release of this
classic production, with many (including myself) believing
this to be the best of his 4 completed films.
The
basic plot is nothing extraordinary, as we see Bruce return to
his old school to witness the funeral of his master (and real
life historical figure) Fok Yun Kap. Upon arrival, he
discovers the extent to which a Japanese school are bullying
his own, later uncovering that his teacher was murdered
providing the catalyst for a display of Bruce's trademark
rage and revenge.
There
are many reasons why this film is a classic. Firstly, it was
innovative in terms of its fight choreography, taking giant
leaps from 'The Big Boss' in terms of displaying Bruce's
powerful and cinematic Jeet Kune Do. The first fight scene in
the Dojo is an all time classic and worth the DVD price alone!
Also unique at the time was the introduction of an evil
Western character as a final reel bad guy. A ploy much used in
the 80's Kung Fu heyday. In terms of direction and
cohesiveness, 'Fist of Fury' is also the most superior of
Bruce's films as it flows smoothly, at a good pace and
brings the best out of Lee's underestimated acting ability.
Notably,
many of Yu Jim Yuen's Opera School students were called in
for much of the stunt work with Yuen Wah having a cameo role
as well as playing Bruce's stunt double. (Wah performed many
of Bruce's flips in his films as a bad back prevented Lee
doing them himself). Jackie Chan can also be seen fighting in
an early courtyard scene against Nora Miao Ker Hsin, but more
importantly was the stuntman kicked through the wall in the
films finale, (ending up unconscious!)
In
all, this is the definitive martial arts movie. An all time
classic which is as good as an all round film as it as a Kung
Fu flick. Nobody who is a fan of any action genre should be
without a copy of the DVD.
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