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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You'll love it, even if you're not a martial arts fan, 7 Jun 2003
Jason Scott Lee and Lauren Holly star in this wonderful biography of martial artist and action film star, Bruce Lee. The story opens in Hong Kong, as Bruce Lee is forced to flee to America, to avoid gang retribution. He meets his future wife, Linda (Lauren Holly), and their love story is quite touching. They marry, despite her prejudiced mother (well-played by Michael Learned), and have two children. A near-fatal fight results in paralysis, but Lee bravely recovers and regains his full strenghth and a wide reputation as a martial arts superstar. He starts his acting career on television as Kato in The Green Hornet, and is soon starring in Chinese action films in Hong Kong. His dream of returning to America as a star almost comes true: He makes Return of the Dragon, an American movie, filmed in Hong Kong. Tragically, he dies as a result of a mysterious coma, only weeks before the film's premiere, at the age of 32. Jason Scott Lee is so charismatic and likeable here, that you simply cannot take your eyes off of him. He is equally adept at action scenes and love scenes, and even if you don't like martial arts films, you will like this movie very much. Lauren Holly has her best role to date as Linda Lee, strong, supportive, and courageous wife and mother. The script is excellent. This is a fascinating movie about a bigger-than-life man. From childhood, he was haunted by visions of an attacking demon. He bravely faced his fears, as well as racial prejudice and jealousy in his martial arts colleagues. Most of all, he wanted to bring his culture to Americans, and that he certainly did. This is a heartwarming film about love and courage; I highly recommend it.
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