Birth of the Dragon
Director: George Nolfi
Actors: Billy Magnussen, Yu Xia, Philip Ng
PlotSet in 1960s San Francisco, the story revolves around a young and up-and-coming Bruce Lee, who has begun to make a name for himself both as a martial artist and a teacher. Lee, eager to demonstrate his belief in the superiority of his fighting style, Wing Chun, decides to challenge the traditional kung fu community. His actions provoke the ire of the Chinese martial arts community, leading to tension between traditionalists and the burgeoning philosophy of Lee, who is keen on modernizing martial arts and making them more accessible to the American public. Amidst this backdrop, Lee's controversial stance attracts the attention of Shaolin monk and legendary martial artist, Wong Jack Man, who has recently arrived in the US under mysterious circumstances.
The escalating conflict between Lee and Wong Jack Man sets the stage for an epic showdown, a battle that goes beyond mere physical prowess to touch on the philosophical core of martial arts. Steve McKee, a fictional character and Lee's student, serves as a bridge between the two titans, finding himself torn between his loyalty to Lee and his fascination with Wong's spiritual approach to martial arts. The impending clash between Lee and Wong becomes a central focus, embodying a clash of cultures, philosophies, and martial arts ideologies. As the story unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their own beliefs, leading to a monumental encounter that is rumored to have changed the course of martial arts history.
Writers: Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Michael J. Dorgan
Release Date: 25 Aug 2017
Runtime: 95 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: China, Canada, United States
Language: English, Mandarin
Physical Media Reviews
Birth of the Dragon
Blu-ray Review
Score: 53
Despite critiques, 'Birth of the Dragon' offers enjoyable escapism with decent action and acting.