“In this world of guns and knives, wherever Tang Lung may go to, he will always travel on his own.”
Bruce Lee's One-and-Done Showcase of Martial Arts Mastery
In 1972, Bruce Lee was already a rising star in the martial arts film world, having starred in a handful of successful films. However, he had yet to have the opportunity to fully showcase his unparalleled fighting skills on his own terms. That all changed with The Way of the Dragon, a film that allowed Lee to demonstrate his incredible martial arts prowess while also taking on the roles of writer, director, and producer. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the One-and-Done series with a conversation about The Way of the Dragon.
Exploring the Comedic Side of Kung Fu and the Legendary Bruce Lee
In our discussion, we delve into the humor infused throughout The Way of the Dragon, from the situational comedy to Bruce Lee's character-driven gags. While the film's comedic elements may not land for everyone, they provide an intriguing glimpse into the lighter side of the kung fu genre. We also examine Bruce Lee's importance to the world of martial arts cinema and how his unique style and charisma helped popularize the genre on a global scale.
The Way of the Dragon may not be a perfect film, but it stands as a testament to Bruce Lee's immense talent and enduring legacy. His only directorial effort provides a platform for him to showcase his unrivaled martial arts skills and offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been had he not tragically passed away at a young age. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
- You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
- Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
- Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
- Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
- Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?
The Next Reel team has been dedicated to reviews, news, and commentary on world film for a decade. This podcast is The Next Reel master feed including all the episodes of The Next Reel, Trailer Rewind, The Film Board, The Speakeasy, and the other shorts, interviews, and specials we've produced over the years.