The Six Shooter: Fight Bruce Fight
November 27, 1940 in San Francisco, California a man was born in Chinatown that would change the way martial arts movies were done. This visionary is none other than the legend, Bruce Lee!
I think I could write about The Bruce for a good while. His life was short but impacted so many people on so many levels that 42 years after his passing many of us still think of his teachings to this day. His impact on film, philosophy and martial arts will truly last for years to come. But alas I will save all that for another blog. Today I’m gonna talk about my 6 favorite Bruce Lee fight scenes. Let do this!
6. Cheng Chao-an vs. The Big Boss (The Big Boss, 1971)
Cheng takes a vow to abstain from violence in The Big Boss. But when he discovers that his relatives were murdered he is forced to break his vow. He throws away all his earthly belongings and goes on the attack. The showdown with the Boss is one to remember, from the fancy foot work to the intense death.
5. Chen-Chen vs. The Dojo (The Chinese Connection, 1972)
I’m a fan of The Chinese Connection, in this film Chen returns home to find that his Master had been murdered. He becomes even more distraught when a rival Japanese dojo funeral proceedings giving them a sign with the characters reading “Sick men of Asia”. When Chen returns the sign things get crazy! Chen ends up taking on the entire school and we see nunchucks in The Bruce’s hands for the first time! Ends with a classic line also. One of many solid throw downs in this flick!
4. Lee vs. Oharra (Enter the Dragon, 1973)
Lee comes face to face with Oharra in Han’s tournament, the very man that cause his sister to take her own life. It’s safe to say that Lee was more then ready for this one. Oharra attempted to intimidating Lee by speed breaking a board but it was a waste of good lumber. Lee’s reply was classic “Boards don’t hit back.” From that point im pretty sure that the creators of Mortal Kombat came up with “Flawless Victory” from this fight. Lee was in the zone and Oharra just couldn’t keep up.
3. Billy Lo vs. Hakim the Giant (Game of Death, 1978)
I’m not gonna say to much about this one. Everything about Game of Death makes my mind go crazy wondering what The Bruce wanted out of that film. One can only dream of the masterpiece he had in mind. But alas the little bit that we got out of it is epic (look up the lost footage on YouTube) the yellow jumpsuit and the duel with Hakim is a great exchange between the giant and Lee.
2. Lee vs. Han (Enter the Dragon, 1973)
This classic scene has so much awesome in it! Han’s hand or lack there of, a room of mirrors and Lee takes a bit of a beating in this one. Which is kinda surprising to me because Lee is obviously the superior fighter. But you have to give it to Han for trying to use his surroundings and his intangible to his advantage. But Lee overcomes all the tricks and slaps superstition in the face to win one of the most iconic fights in cinema history.
1. Tang Lung vs. Colt (The Way of the Dragon, 1972)
Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in the Roman Coliseum, yes please. One of the best things about this fight is the anticipation of it. The warm up itself is intense on its own. The battle that unfolds is quite a ride. Tang has a difficult time when he try to fight Colt’s style. Things don’t start to turn around until he begins to flow or be like water if you will. It’s such a good fight that Tang even shows Colt respect when it is over. Side note this was the last movie filmed in the Roman Coliseum. Pretty good exit if you ask me.
Well that’s The Six Shooter of my favorite Bruce Lee battles. There are plenty of honorable mentions that I could add but I’ll leave it at this. Let me know some of your faves below. Happy Birthday Bruce! Your legacy lives on!
