Movie Review: Enter the Dragon (1973)

Enter the Dragon (1973) directed by Robert Clouse

Shaolin Temple-trained Lee (Bruce Lee) is recruited from the Temple by some British secret service agents for a mission. Former Temple member Han (Shih Kien) has his own island from which he runs a crime syndicate--drugs, sex trade, etc. The Brits know all about his activities but have no solid evidence. Han is also hosting an international martial arts competition on the island. Lee needs to find the evidence and get out alive because a lot of people who go to the island never come back. Lee agrees, in part to restore honor to the Temple. His other motivation is the death of his sister, caused by one of Han's henchmen. Two other men come to the island with their own motives. They wind up helping Lee because they all mistrust Han.

The movie is packed with martial arts action. Lee is incredibly fit and amazingly able. He also shows a lot of intelligence as he searches the island at night for evidence. The rest of the cast is good. The plot has more detail than I was expecting though it does share a lot of elements from a James Bond film (the underground lair on the island is very much like a typical Bond villain hideout). Han does not host the competition for love of the sport--he's clearly looking for new recruits in markets outside of Asia. The final battle in a hall of mirrors is impressive. On the down side, the score is classic early 1970s pop-funk (think Shaft) and every punch or kick has the same loud sound effect. The movie is so much fun, forgiving its flaws is easy.

Recommended, especially for martial arts fans.