LEE B-FISTS OF FURY/CHINESE CONNECTION-DOUBLE SIDED (DVD)-NLA DVD

Fists of Fury
Martial arts master Bruce Lee solidifies his standing as one of the great action stars in Fists of Fury, the story of a Chinese country boy (Lee) sent to live in Thailand with his uncle and cousins. Around his neck is a charm representing his promise to his mother not to fight, a promise which is repeatedly tested when he goes to work in the local icehouse for an abusive overseer and prejudiced natives. When some of his cousins are killed after discovering the icehouse is actually a front for a heroin-smuggling operation, Lee sets out to exact revenge and eventually has a showdown with the Japanese crimelord behind the entire scheme (Han Ying Chieh). Lee's physical gifts are undeniable; the blinding speed of his fists and feet must be seen to be believed. The film was originally released in Asia as The Big Boss. Bad guys beware when that charm comes off! ~ Jeremy Beday, All Movie Guide

The Chinese Connection
One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former school in early 20th century Shanghai when he learns that his beloved instructor has been murdered. While probing the man's death and seeking vengeance, Chen discovers that a drug smuggling operation, a rival school, and simmering racial tensions between Chinese and Japanese locals are factors in the nefarious dealings at his alma mater and in his master's slaying. Chen's got his work cut out for him as he takes on assassins of both races, and even a towering Russian. Variously titled The Chinese Connection and The Iron Hand, Fist of Fury features stunt work by a young Jackie Chan (who served as Lee's double). The film was remade two and a half decades later as Fist of Legend (1999), with Jet Li in the role of Chen. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Cast Bruce Lee as Cheng Maria Yi as Mei Nora Miao as James Tien as Han Ying Chieh as Mi Mao Ker Hsiu as Robert Baker as Bruce Lee as Chen Chen Nora Miao as Yan Le-erh Maria Yi as James Tien as Fan Chun-hsia Tien Feng as Han Ying Chieh as

Crew Lo Wei - Director Chang Ching-chu - Editor Wang Fu-ling - Composer (Music Score) Chen Ching-chu - Cinematographer Raymond Chow - Producer Lo Wei - Screenwriter Lo Wei - Director Chang Ching-chu - Editor Wang Fu-ling - Composer (Music Score) Chen Ching-chu - Cinematographer Raymond Chow - Producer Lo Wei - Screenwriter

Fists of Fury
This kung-fu quickie introduced the world to the martial arts skills of Bruce Lee. Although the film itself is hit and miss, action fans will want to check it out for an early example of his prowess as an action star. Fists of Fury falls prey to a lot of the problems common in early '70s martial arts films; in other words, it has a predictable plot line, cartoonish acting, and awful dubbing. Despite these hindrances, Fists of Fury benefits from two strong attributes. The first is solid direction from veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Lo Wei. He keeps the plot's familiar elements flowing smoothly and brings a gritty verve to the film's many fight scenes. However, the film's key attribute is the presence of Bruce Lee; he carries himself with charisma of a star and brings a singular blend of gracefulness and macho swagger to the fight scenes. Strangely, the plot keeps him out of the action for half of the film, but when he gets to do his thing, the results are quite memorable. The best example is the finale, which features Lee taking on a gang of hired killers and their vicious boss without ever showing a second of fear or doubt. In the end, casual viewers may find Fists of Fury to be a bit dated, but any fan of Bruce Lee will be interested to see where he got his start. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide
 

The Chinese Connection
The second film from martial arts superstar Bruce Lee, The Chinese Connection (sometimes called Fist of Fury, leading to some confusion with Lee's debut film of the same title) stands head and shoulders above the earlier film in terms of script, acting, and direction. As Chen Chen, a young student at a martial arts school in Japan-occupied Shanghai in the early 20th century, Lee is spectacular, playing his scenes with an enraged intensity that's sometimes overwhelming. The plot hinges on the mysterious death of the school's master, the responsibility for which Chen traces to a rival Japanese Bushido school in town. Fights ensue, with Chen taking on just about everyone single-handedly in some stunning sequences that are still effective 30 years later. The film addresses the more-than-strained relations between Chinese and Japanese at the time, exacerbated by the institutional racism of the latter, head-on, and Chen's rage at his teacher's murder becomes the suppressed fury of an entire culture. Directed by kung-fu filmmaker extraordinaire Lo Wei, with a young Jackie Chan in extra/stunt double role. Choosing from the many video editions available is an iffy proposition due to some truly horrible dubbing; get the DVD instead, which features newly translated English subtitles. ~ Genevieve Williams, All Movie Guide
 

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General Specifications: Language Options: English Subtitle Options: Sound Processing: DD: Generic Dolby Digital (unspecified format) Additional Features: Feature Scene index Biography Martial arts Philosophy Trivia MPAA Rating: DVD Discs Included: 1 DVD Sides: 2 DVD DVD Region Code: 1 Content Length: 230 min Part of Series: Collector's Choice   DVD Chapters: Side #1 -- Fists of Fury 0. Scene Index 1. Intro [12:08] 2. A Threat [10:09] 3. Machinery [14:08] 4. Missing [12:09] 5. Sit & Wait [12:08] 6. Passion [12:09] 7. Lee & Girl [10:11] 8. On the Run [15:00] Side #2 -- The Chinese Connection 0. Scene Index 1. Intro [15:31] 2. Keep Peace [15:32] 3. Order to Kill [15:31] 4. Discussion [15:31] 5. Family Plans [15:32] 6. Pleading [14:59] 7. In Disguise [15:42] 8. Deadly Fight [15:42]