Whitech
It is not only a funny movie, but it allows a great amount of joy for anyone who watches it.
Catangro
After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.
Yash Wade
Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.
Celia
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
jesse-dragonetti
I am sick of people criticising this film for not having enough action or fight scenes! The genre of this film is biography/drama and that is precisely what it is (and a fairly good one at that). This film was made to give people an insight to who Bruce Lee actually was aside from his fame as an action hero superstar. It shows the utter loyalty, love and respect he showed for his friends and family and the pride he took in doing so. The way Lee is presented as a, somewhat, naive teen, and the innocence and likability his character shows, is a nice contrast to the wing chun warrior in which we previously knew him. This film brings out Bruce Lee's human qualities and presents him as a common man.The direction and cinematography of this film can be admired. The recurring glare of sunlight throughout the film present a nostalgic feel and remind us of the softer side of Lee; the side that this film portrays. However, at times the narrative can stray off topic and leave the audience wondering where the story is going. Also some may argue that some of the narrative is not factual and, hence, not true, however, not knowing a whole lot about Bruce Lee apart from his Hollywood legend status I found this film incredibly fascinating and a few false recounts here and there didn't detract from a pleasant viewing experience. I recommend giving this film a go. It is worth diving a little deeper into a life which, otherwise, seemed fairly emotionless.
Glen McCulla
I don't at all mean the heading of this review as a criticism: just be warned going into this film that you are more likely to witness scenes of intense family drama than intense fists of fury.:)Based on the memoirs and reminiscenses of the late Little Dragon's younger brother Robert Lee, "Young Bruce Lee" (aka "Bruce Lee, My Brother") is a portrayal of the formative years of the action star growing up in 1940s and 1959s Hong Kong, firstly under the yoke of the invading Japanese, and latterly under the colonial British. We witness the early years of Bruce Lee as his personality and persona are shaped by early events in his life. Tony Leung and the luminously radiant (and very underrated acting-wise) Christy Chung play Lee's parents as we chart his birth and early life up until the age of around 19.Somehave voiced disapproval and frustration at the lack of action scenes, but this film is very much a drama following the life events that shape a person, rather than an all-out kung fu movie. That said, the two fight scenes we do get in the second half of the movie are especially well handled: i very much enjoyed the warehouse showdown, with its shades of the Colosseum duel from "Way of the Dragon" (replete with said film's unmistakable soundtrack).If the viewer is in the right frame of mind to watch a dramatic recreation of Bruce Lee's life, rather than straining at the leash for full-on action scenes, then there is much to recommend in this movie: not least the well-rounded performances, excellent recreations of post-war Hong Kong, and - my favourite part aside from the fights - recreations of period Hong Kong movies in authentic black and white. Great stuff, lovingly rendered.In all, a satisfying and nicely nuanced telling of a star's early beginnings. And far superior to Rob Cohen's overly histrionic "Dragon: the Bruce Lee Story". Here's hoping it did well enough to merit a follow-up that can cover the time period of that excreble film much better.
Emosin
Being a Bruce Lee fan, this was a joy to watch. There were a few forgivable embellishments: Like Bruce lee being way too nice of a guy, strutting around like the heartthrob of Hong Kong, running amok with his stand by me rat pack, and a few doses heavy handed doses of melodrama(to appease the eastern viewer), and yes they did hire a pretty boy for the lead role. The cinematography is stunning and the historical setting and context really paint an accurate portrayal; as if the director himself had lived through those times. Right down to playing marbles in the street, a cherry blossom tree inside the household, or the grander themes of the Japanese and British occupations. Its also very cultural at its roots, if you're not familiar with Traditional Chinese culture, some things may not make sense. Just don't expect an action flick (although there are a few fight scenes), rather view it as a well drawn bio drama/ period piece, and you'll walk away with an enjoyable film.
mmushrm
Recently watched this on a trans pacific flight.It is not a bad movie and the pacing was pretty good, the 2hours went by without me noticing. The pacing was good and the story was interesting. Visually it is very good. It was well shot and it actually gave me some insight into the era my father was growing up in (same time50-60s in Asia). So I will say i like this movie.However if i was to analyze this movie, I would say the makers are confused into what genre of movie to make. It is definitely NOT a documentary as I am pretty sure artistic license is taken. But how do you make a Bruce Lee movie without the action? So action scenes are thrown in, this however makes the movie go into the realms of "fantasy". I am pretty sure pre Hollywood Bruce got into fights but..running through rooftops and scaling scaffolding? the fight in the warehouse?.I guess thats the problem with making a Bruce Lee story for the cinemas. It has to be interesting enough to attract investors and movie goers so the rather long and probably fictionalized action scenes are thrown in.Good movie but I think the book would be better.