Fist of Fury indeed, with Lee at his most sadistic as he exacts merciless revenge on those responsible for the death of his beloved teacher. The climax between Lee and the Russian strongman (Baker) is a standout fight to rival those with Wall and Norris in later films and cements Lee as the penultimate hand to hand combat action star of the 70's.
The build-up is a slow boil, but the storm is brewing, and when it hits, it's like thunder and lightning. If you're used to the charismatic, sympathetic characters which were Lee's stock persona, you're in for a shock as he displays little else but blind, indignant rage, becoming less of a redeemable human with every explosive reaction.
The last three fights Lee instigates are amongst the most brutal (and elaborately choreographed) in his film canon, and his nun-chuk takedown is another highlight as he demolishes a whole school of martial artists. Little acting needed from Lee on this occasion, but the athletic investment looks exhausting even just to watch. Hardcore chop-socky from the master gets 7/10, just narrowly behind WotD which soon followed.
The build-up is a slow boil, but the storm is brewing, and when it hits, it's like thunder and lightning. If you're used to the charismatic, sympathetic characters which were Lee's stock persona, you're in for a shock as he displays little else but blind, indignant rage, becoming less of a redeemable human with every explosive reaction.
The last three fights Lee instigates are amongst the most brutal (and elaborately choreographed) in his film canon, and his nun-chuk takedown is another highlight as he demolishes a whole school of martial artists. Little acting needed from Lee on this occasion, but the athletic investment looks exhausting even just to watch. Hardcore chop-socky from the master gets 7/10, just narrowly behind WotD which soon followed.