Nobody does action films like Bruce Lee, after his influence combining martial arts and cinema saw a drastic development in Hollywood through the decades. His passing in 1973 left a massive dent in the industry, with his final movie Enter the Dragon serving as the catalyst for the next generation of action movies.
As fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s masterpiece, his daughter Shannon gave her insight into the life and works of her father, as well as how the martial arts icon transformed the world of cinema through his movies.
Bruce Lee’s Daughter Shannon Discussed Enter The Dragon And Her Father’s Legacy
In an interview with Esquire, Shannon Lee reflects on the success of Enter the Dragon and the tremendous fame it brought to her father:
“It holds a special place in my heart just in terms of connecting with my father. This may sound self-serving, but I think it’s because of Bruce Lee the movie is phenomenal. He still electrifies and jumps off the screen, and is just so badass. It’s a fun movie—and he brings the fun.”
Lee said that her father’s talent was timeless, especially during the era when a bunch of other action films were being made. Enter the Dragon was a smashing hit during its release, and became one of the highest-grossing films in 1973. The legend’s daughter also praised her father’s performance in the film, claiming it was something nobody had ever witnessed before:
“What Enter the Dragon had was something nobody in the West had seen before. Nobody had seen martial arts action like that before, and certainly not in Hollywood.”
Bruce Lee was a professional mixed martial artist who specialized in various sports, such as Jeet Kune Do, Kung fu, boxing, Wing Chun, and tai chi. All of these were performed in his movies, creating eye-popping action on the screen that excited and amazed fans all over the world.
The actor’s realistic approach to showing the beauty and grace of Chinese martial arts on the screen became the anchor that guided every action film nowadays. Keanu Reeves’ John Wick would be a prominent example. Lee added:
“My father changed the course of action films all around the world. He wanted to show the strength and beauty of martial arts in an entertaining way. He invented a genre.”
Indeed, the action legend owned the movie that became his mark and legacy in show business. He even got the original title changed from Blood and Steel to Enter the Dragon because he wanted it to serve as a reintroduction of himself in Hollywood.
Will There Be A Sequel To Enter The Dragon?
The 54-year-old actress and businesswoman revealed that there has been no confirmation for an Enter the Dragon sequel. There was a plan, and it was supposed to contend against the James Bond franchise. The spy action film originally saw Bruce Lee as a British agent, but the actor asserted that he is a Chinese guy and he wants to stay true to his heritage. Lee said:
“Of course, he could have gone on from there to be the Shaolin monk the British need for another mission… It is a secret agent movie. It is Mission: Impossible. It is James Bond. It’s a formula. What made the formula intriguing was Bruce Lee.”
Bruce Lee may have been gone too soon, but his legacy will always be present in the form of his enduring films. In celebration of Enter the Dragon’s golden anniversary, it returned to theaters for a limited run. The daughter further mused:
“Nobody had ever seen anything quite like him—and nobody ever will. He was so good at being himself in the most excellent way, that he will forever be The Dragon.”
Bruce Lee’s movies, including Enter the Dragon, are available to stream via Amazon Prime.
Source: Esquire
