I Am Bruce Lee Blu-ray Review

• 12th Aug 2012

Here in my hot little hands, I have an all new documentary about legendary martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. Actually, the film has a production date of 2011, but we won’t worry about that, it’s a new one for us here in the UK, and not only that, but it’s presented in both standard, and high definition Blu-ray too. Nice eh? It is the Blu that’s under review here, and this bodes well already methinks.

Now, before anyone moans and groans about yet another Bruce Lee documentary hitting the shelves (I think I’ve reviewed at least three in the last year alone!), we need to keep in mind our fair shake policy here at Filmwerk, and approach this one like all the others i.e. without prejudice, and with an open mind, as well we should.

OK, so what exactly have we got here? Well, naturally those with a more cynical sensibility might be of the opinion that this film is merely the latest product of a philosophy that describes the Bruce Lee Estate, getting together with some of the old gang and deciding it’s high time to do yet another new documentary. You know the idea, give the old legend a spice up, a little spit and polish here and there, maybe even get some new blood in along side the oldies to talk about Bruce, and see the pennies begin rolling in again. Job done, everyone’s happy, right?

Well, while I certainly do not subscribe to that interpretation of the facts one iota, it is nonetheless true enough to say that, at this stage; films about Bruce Lee, must no doubt outnumber his actual movies by twenty or more to one, and the justification for yet another one does therefore come under unusual scrutiny. In all honesty, I think this is really more a reflection of the interest the world at large still has in the man nearly forty years after his untimely death, rather than anything more contrived. Watching this particular film confirms for this writer, an honesty, and integrity on the part of the filmmakers, and sincere, exuberant contributions from all the key figures interviewed. In my opinion, there’s nothing cynical about it (quite the opposite in fact), and everyone is on top form.

While admittedly a little weary of reviewing yet another Lee documentary; I still couldn’t resist the idea of a seeing a bonafide, freshly made one on Blu-Ray. One with hopefully, a broad focus, bang up to date information, commentary and visuals. Again, the fact that this one comes in a remarkably decent Blu-Ray presentation, is a real treat as well.

Let’s move on.

To most intents and purposes, I Am Bruce Lee can be described as a ‘general’ documentary on the man’s life, career, and legacy. It stays broad, goes deep, is thorough, and works very well. However, for me there is a significant caveat to that, which I will come to shortly. In any case, It certainly isn’t a specialist film in terms of coverage or focus. Its a nicely wide presentation, and is one that the casual Lee fan, or even someone just interested enough to watch a film about him, could certainly get into and enjoy. It manages this while simultaneously feeding those us with a much greater knowledge, and appreciation of Lee’s life and work, and this is a neat trick. Incidentally, my wife is a good yardstick in these cases, and I knew without a doubt that she would enjoy this film. Some of the others that have come through Filmwerk’s furious fists, by contrast have been coma inducing for her, bless her little cottons. So take from that, what you will.

This broad appeal is pretty essential too, as the film clocks in at a rather generous feature length 90 minutes, further setting it apart from the standard 40 to 60 docu-minute norm.

Naturally, for review purposes, I will refrain from a blow by blow account of the film, but I will say that rather bravely, and possible bucking the trend, the film actually begins (at least briefly), with Bruce’s death and funeral in 1973. Initially, I wondered where exactly the filmmakers were going to go from there, as there was something in the feel of this set up, that weirdly suggested it wasn’t actually going to rewind from this point, and simply start at the beginning. Of course (and it’s really a no-brainer), that’s exactly what it does in fact do, and five or ten minutes in to the film, we are back in reasonably familiar ‘origin story’ mode. This is a double edged sword of course. On the one hand, you have the benefit of making the viewer feel comfortable and safe within the expected chronological progression that the film does indeed follow. On the other hand, you do run the risk of just blending in with the herd a little too much at times, and perhaps lacking distinction. That being said; I Am Bruce Lee manages to never feel the least bit tired, worn out, or redundant. I must put this down for the most part to the exuberant and upbeat attitudes everyone brings to it, and some very fine editing, graphics and music. The Hi-Def picture and sound also helps to bring this production up over the parapet too, into that rarified air that only the best productions manage.

The film gets into its stride quickly, and rather than religiously sticking to a pure step by step chronology, the producers do chop around a little; flicking forward and back, using later examples and clips to comment on much earlier threads and themes. This gives the overall flow and rhythm an attractive and energetic joi de vivre, while still maintaining an even, logical, and satisfying progression through Bruce’s life. Interviewees include a wonderfully animated, and fascinating contribution from Linda Lee Cadwell, and some very moving and equally fascinating interviews with Shannon Lee, Dan Inosanto, Diana Lee Inosanto, and many of the other folks that knew Bruce best, and love him the most. High (and low), points are covered with a pleasingly natural cadence, and the film even tackles (unlike countless other documentaries I’ve seen in the past), a few traditionally sensitive issues. In fact, this is the first film I’ve ever seen that specifically has Cadwell talking on camera directly about the whole Betty Ting Pei controversy (even if the subject is kept fairly brief). Most Impressive.

Equally as impressive is the picture and sound quality, which for a Blu-Ray presentation that packs an awful lot of archive footage in to it’s substance by default; still manages to look and sound amazingly fresh, vibrant and clear. Audiophiles out there will appreciate the DTS HD Master 5.1 audio, and those without home cinema systems make do with a perfectly decent standard stereo mix.

Before I forget; the disc also contains a bunch of extras, so here is a list of the best of them:

•Hollywood Audition – This is the famous 1965 screen test, with Bruce wearing that sharpest of 1960s sharp suits! I have seen this tape, in part or in whole many times before, but here; the picture quality is outstanding, especially considering the age and stock of the source material.

•Bruce Lee In Action – On the surface, this looks like a seemingly slightly pointless montage of fight clips from all the Bruce Lee movies, and selected TV appearances. To be honest, I would imagine repeat viewing of this particular extra would be minimal for most folks. However, I did find it interesting to watch how Bruce’s hair, weight, physique and conditioning varies so greatly from film to film (we tend to remember him as he looked in Enter The Dragon, I think). This is really only something this kind of montage can quickly reveal to the viewer. Having said that, the montage is not chronologically put together, which means you do have to know the movies very well to stay with it (in terms of its internal linear progression). Perhaps, this only appeals to crazy dudes like me, but I watched it several times.

•Backyard Training – This is a twelve minute mini-documentary featuring Cadwell, Inosanto, Shannon Lee, and Bob Wall among others. It focuses on archive footage of the copious backyard training Bruce conducted with various movie stars like James Coburn and Steve McQueen, as well as several public demonstrations of Bruce’s ‘one inch punch’ in full effect. This featurette is a lot of fun.

•Inspiration – Short but sweet, this three minute mini-doc features a wonderfully animated and exuberant Cadwell; talking primarily (as the title suggests), about Bruce’s still lingering inspirational power, and legacy. As I said, short but sweet. Shannon Lee also features.

•Trailer – What it says on the tin, it’s the trailer, and It’s pretty dang good actually.

I have to say, I really enjoyed I Am Bruce Lee, and It’s definitely one I would highly recommend to others, as well as watch again and again myself. It may not yet have earned the ‘definitive Bruce Lee documentary’ plaudit, and I do think there are other documentaries out there that give it a good run for its money. However, I would say it is essential viewing for any Lee fan.

So I guess before I wrap it up, I should explain the caveat I mentioned earlier.

While the movie does indeed work as a broad spectrum documentary, there were elements that did rankle slightly, and upset the vibe of the film, at least from my point of view as a long time fan. I’m talking in particular about the rather overpowering presence of a few too many Mixed Martial Arts fighters, pop stars, and other sports personalities (including Gina Carano, Kobe Bryant and many others). These folks bring with them a somewhat heavy-handed insistence of a link between Bruce’s philosophies and modern cage fighting. Although, I can see what these folks are getting at, certainly in terms of Bruce’s own dedication to actually studying, absorbing and ‘mixing’ the martial arts, I am nonetheless uncomfortable with the film’s tone in places, as well as the screen time this thread is afforded throughout. There is a noticeable difference of agreement over this point between contributors too. Specifically, the Lee family and friends don’t really seem that on board with this ‘Bruce Lee is the father of MMA’ tag being (possibly unwelcomely), foisted upon the great man. It’s well meaning, and respectful of course. In fact It’s quite obvious that these MMA types really do revere Bruce Lee, but you do get the impression that some of them may have missed some of the subtleties and nuance of the man’s greater philosophy, and really only absorbed things on a more simplistic ‘we love kicking ass’ level. I am well aware that my own rather English sensibilities play a part in assessing the situation also, and I apologise if I’m selling these folks short, however, this is nonetheless the overriding impression many of them convey.

Despite all of the above, the more legitimate contributors (in my opinion of course), i.e. Linda, Shannon, Inosanto, Bob Wall et al, remain a complete joy to watch and listen to throughout. I would go so far as to say that Linda Lee Cadwell’s presence in the film, and her absorbing, and engaging countenance throughout; is worth the purchase price alone. She is a 27 percenter right there.

Great stuff.

Ben Pegley