While there are obvious wins, there are also definite flaws in this film. When paired with the striking visuals, it is easy to see how films like “Fist of Fury” may have influenced directors like Quentin Tarantino. In fact, the film’s score is reminiscent of Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti westerns. With the lone hero fighting to protect the community against an oppressive force, this film borrows many tropes from Western movies. The visual stylings of the fight scenes are similarly striking, often placing Chen Zen, shirtless and wearing black pants, surrounded by Japanese fighters in white karate outfits. In the opening sequence, Chen enters a funeral in a stark white suit, standing out amidst the mourners clothed in black. His presence on-screen is powerful and immense, which the director utilizes to great effect. Lee punches and kicks faster than the eye can see and his ability with the nunchucks is remarkable.īruce Lee in a scene from “Fist of Fury” (Golden Harvest Company, 1972). The first dojo fight scene, where Chen challenges an entire room of Japanese karate fighters, is incredible. The fight scenes in ‘Fist of Fury’ are among the best of Lee’s career. Chen’s rage and violence is not only to restore honour to his school, but also to his nation. The Japanese repeatedly taunt and insult Chen and the Chinese people. Set during the Japanese occupation of China, there is intense racial tension and Chinese nationalism throughout the film. While “Enter the Dragon” is his most famous, “Fist of Fury” is his best.īruce Lee plays Chen Zen, a martial arts student who learns that his beloved teacher has been murdered and seeks to extract vengeance and restore the honour of his school.

Prior to his death, he was only involved in five action films, though “Game of Death” and “Enter the Dragon” were released posthumously. However, while Bruce Lee is indisputably a martial arts icon, his martial arts filmography is relatively small.

Watch fists of fury