Robert Clouse assembles a pretty decent cast for what is essentially a 100 minute movie centered around ten or so minutes of usable footage from a film Bruce Lee was preparing before his unfortunate, untimely demise. Clouse puts together a plot about mobsters in Hong Kong who desire to ink a martial artist/movie star to a contract to participate in karate tournaments, not taking no for an answer. Colleen Camp, who I carry a major torch for, is a singer in love with Billy Lo, Ann Morris, the star mob kingpin Dr. Land(Dean Jagger) so covets, that he's willing to cross whatever lines possible to attain his services. He sends dangerous goons on motorcycles, in jump suits, not to mention his prize fighter, Carl Miller(..the towering Robert Wall, all legs), out to send a message to sign on the dotted line or else. Gig Young is a newspaper reporter and the confident/friend of both Lo and Ann, Jim Marshall, providing guidance and moral support.
Clouse does what he can to establish Lee's presence, splicing in his face and body when able. I admire his attempts, since he has such limits restraining him, I will admit to being disturbed, and feeling indifferent towards the funeral scene. And, Clouse's movie opened the door to "Brucesploitation" where look-a-likes would either carry versions of his name or imitate his fighting style and high pitch when connecting blows and flying in the air. I have to say I was impressed with the stand-ins Clouse was able to use to substitute in Lee's place, trying to set up shots where their exact faces weren't so obviously not the legend's. The whole mobsters causing Billy Lo's grief, threatening his girlfriend if both don't adhere to their cruel tactics of joining their team, is ultimately padding for the phenomenal 10 minutes where Bruce Lee moves up three levels fighting dangerous adversaries each time, ending with the superb duel with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Clouse's screenplay sets up Lo's attempts to get even after Land's henchman, Stick(Mel Novak)shoots him in the face during a movie set scene. Also, Hugh O'Brien is Land's chief, Steiner, the one with a cane which discharges a blade when warning those who will not submit what lies in wait for them.
This entire plot is treated seriously, but I must say that I was chomping at the bit to see the "game of death" with the true Bruce Lee unleashed, getting a bit antsy, yearning for the developing plot to get to this point. Before this, there are fight sequences here and there using doubles Tai Chung Kim and Biao Yuen, facing motorcycle gangs and Land's host of hired thugs(..Billy almost strangles Land when they negotiate a deal in Macau with Chinese mafia over a gambling bet for an up and coming fight regarding Carl against Lo Chen), including a memorable locker room battle with Robert Wall. But, the game itself is what I figure will grab his fans, while the other stuff follows far behind. Besides this, my favorite sequence is set in a warehouse where Lo rescues Ann, combating goons on motorcycles, conveniently securing the famous yellow jumpsuit worn by Lee during the game of death.
In this film, Clouse has the game of death set in Land's Red Pepper Restaurant, Lo moving to each level to get his hands on the architect of fear in Hong Kong. Seeing Lee using knun-chux and the large footprint left on his chest by Jabbar are two among many wonderful moments in the game of death. I HIGHLY suggest taking a look at the outtakes on this DVD to appreciate the footage not used in Clouse's movie..this was later put together and remastered for a Bruce Lee special and, if you can find it, is well worth seeking out. Footage from Return of the Dragon, featuring Chuck Norris, appears and Sammo Hung fans will find it neat, I reckon, to see him as Lo Chen, the fighter who is upended by Wall in a spirited fight before a rambunctious crowd in an arena match up.
Clouse does what he can to establish Lee's presence, splicing in his face and body when able. I admire his attempts, since he has such limits restraining him, I will admit to being disturbed, and feeling indifferent towards the funeral scene. And, Clouse's movie opened the door to "Brucesploitation" where look-a-likes would either carry versions of his name or imitate his fighting style and high pitch when connecting blows and flying in the air. I have to say I was impressed with the stand-ins Clouse was able to use to substitute in Lee's place, trying to set up shots where their exact faces weren't so obviously not the legend's. The whole mobsters causing Billy Lo's grief, threatening his girlfriend if both don't adhere to their cruel tactics of joining their team, is ultimately padding for the phenomenal 10 minutes where Bruce Lee moves up three levels fighting dangerous adversaries each time, ending with the superb duel with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Clouse's screenplay sets up Lo's attempts to get even after Land's henchman, Stick(Mel Novak)shoots him in the face during a movie set scene. Also, Hugh O'Brien is Land's chief, Steiner, the one with a cane which discharges a blade when warning those who will not submit what lies in wait for them.
This entire plot is treated seriously, but I must say that I was chomping at the bit to see the "game of death" with the true Bruce Lee unleashed, getting a bit antsy, yearning for the developing plot to get to this point. Before this, there are fight sequences here and there using doubles Tai Chung Kim and Biao Yuen, facing motorcycle gangs and Land's host of hired thugs(..Billy almost strangles Land when they negotiate a deal in Macau with Chinese mafia over a gambling bet for an up and coming fight regarding Carl against Lo Chen), including a memorable locker room battle with Robert Wall. But, the game itself is what I figure will grab his fans, while the other stuff follows far behind. Besides this, my favorite sequence is set in a warehouse where Lo rescues Ann, combating goons on motorcycles, conveniently securing the famous yellow jumpsuit worn by Lee during the game of death.
In this film, Clouse has the game of death set in Land's Red Pepper Restaurant, Lo moving to each level to get his hands on the architect of fear in Hong Kong. Seeing Lee using knun-chux and the large footprint left on his chest by Jabbar are two among many wonderful moments in the game of death. I HIGHLY suggest taking a look at the outtakes on this DVD to appreciate the footage not used in Clouse's movie..this was later put together and remastered for a Bruce Lee special and, if you can find it, is well worth seeking out. Footage from Return of the Dragon, featuring Chuck Norris, appears and Sammo Hung fans will find it neat, I reckon, to see him as Lo Chen, the fighter who is upended by Wall in a spirited fight before a rambunctious crowd in an arena match up.