Cast: Jason Scott Lee, Lauren Holly, Robert Wagner, Michael Learned
Director: Rob Cohen
Producer: Raffella de Laurentiis
Screenplay: Edward Khmara, John Raffo, and Rob Cohen
Cinematography: David Eggby
Music: Randy Edelman
U.S. Distributor: Universal Pictures
Dragon is less a strict account of the life of Bruce Lee (played by Jason Scott Lee, who isn't related to the legendary martial arts star) than a tribute. Based on the book, Bruce Lee, the Man Only I Knew by Linda Lee, this film tells the story of an icon, at times seeming more like propeganda than a biography. Rob Cohen's feature opens by introducing us to Lee as a child. Most of the running time, however, is occupied with the adult Lee, both before and after he became a star. Dragon ends shortly before the the actor's death, leaving one of the most talked-about mysteries of his legend unexplored.
There's no doubt that, even more than Danny DeVito's Hoffa, this picture was devised to show the title charcter in a positive light. Lee is larger than life throughout the film, whether he is fighting human foes or the demon that stalks his nightmares. Dragon captures the energy and exuberance of Bruce Lee, but fails to give a complete picture of the man behind the macho facade. In that way, it is unlike Hoffa, Chaplin, or Malcolm X, three other recent, high-profile screen biographies that attempt to present a more balanced portrait.
The Kung Fu fights, which are well-choreographed and obviously overdone, are executed in the same unforgettable way that similar scenes were done in Lee's own movies. Dramatically, there isn't a lot of substance to Dragon. It won't amaze anyone with its power or insight. While there are some touching scenes between Linda (Lauren Holly) and Bruce, the romantic element of the film passes quickly. Later, we're treated to an ugly view of racism in 1960s Hollywood as Lee is refused the chance to play the lead character in the Kung Fu TV series, which he helped develop. Again, however, Dragon moves on to other events.
Jason Scott Lee makes an effective Bruce Lee. While the two men don't look alike, Jason captures Bruce's energy and screen presence. He isn't a great natural performer, but his athletic ability and innate charisma cover many acting flaws. The rest of the cast, including Lauren Holly, Robert Wagner, and Michael Leaned, do adequate jobs.
The movie is dedicated to Brandon Lee, Bruce's only son, who was killed in a tragic accident while filming a movie this past March. Brandon's real-life fate adds an unexpected poignancy to the film's climactic battle, where Bruce fights his nightmare demon for his son's life. Circumstances being what they are, this is an eerie and uncomfortably gripping scene.
Those expecting Dragon to offer a probing examination of Bruce Lee's life will be disappointed. This is not a "tell all" expose or a hard-hitting biography. Instead, it's a celebration of the first international Chinese-American movie star. As such, the film accomplishes what it set out to do while keeping its audience involved for its full running time.
© 1993, 1996 James Berardinelli