The Chinese Connection (Jing Wu Men) (1972) Directed by Wei Lo.

"I have come here to avenge my teacher. This doesn't concern you. I'll allow you to leave. Out."  Chen.

Considered by many to be the best of Bruce Lee's Hong Kong Movies, the plot is simple; in Japanese occupied China, racial tensions are at fever pitch.  The Japanese are throwing their weight around, and one of their targets is the local Kung Fu Academy.

When the master dies mysteriously, it is reported by the (Japanese) authorities as pneumonia.  Prize student Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee) is not buying it. 

Emboldened by the masters death, the Japanese led by their interpreter Wu (Ping-Ao Wei) who is far too nelly to act so tough.  He calls the Chinese "the sick men of Asia." mimicking the real challenge in 1901 by the Russian champion to the Wushu master Huo Yuanjia.  The new leader (James Tien) tries to keep a low profile, swallowing pride, under the theory if you are no fun to beat up, they will get bored.  However Chen has another idea of what should be done.

What evolves is an escalating war of schoolyard fights, back and forth, with each attack leaving a higher body count in their wake.  The Japanese Bushido crowd assaults the Wushu School.  Chen beats up the Bushido Sensei.  The Bushido Dojo stages an assault on the Wushu School.  Chen retaliates.  Things escalate, and when Chen finally goes for blood, the Bushido bunch are killing the Wushu School.  Literally.

But this means fewer minions for Chen to mow down on his way to the top.

There is a ringer, a Russian fighter recently released from jail named Petrov (Robert Baker).  They have a battle honoring the epic fight in 1901.  A bit of humor where Petrov puts Chen in an arm lock and Chen escapes by biting his shin.  He then wipes his mouth, like after a meal. 

And Petrov is the last barrier between Chen and the Bushido Sensei.

This movie has some real racial overtones; the vehemence of the hatred of the Japanese by the Chinese, and vice versa, is glaringly obvious.  Lee, who was always about people of all races and ethnicities working together (Robert Baker was one of his students in Jeet Kun Do) had so many problems with the theme, and the director, Wei Lo, that this was their last collaboration.

And that's probably to the positive.  One of the problems with his first three films is they are so easily confused. The first title literally comes out (I think) Big Brother of Tang Shun.  It was released in America as Fists of Fury.  These days it is called "The Big Boss."

The second movie is called Fists of Fury.  It's English title was The Chinese Connection.

The third is Fury of the Dragon.  The most common English title is Way of the Dragon.  There are copies out there though, labeled as Fists of Fury and The Chinese Connection.  And it is also labeled Return of the Dragon, and was billed as a ‘sequel' to the very successful ‘Enter the Dragon.'

Something else that helps confuse things is the tendency to recycle actors.  Nora Maio is the love interest in all three films.  Maria Yi, James Tien, Tony Lui and Kun Li are main players in all of them.  Jackie Chan makes a brief appearance, stunt doubling for Suzuki being thrown through the rice paper wall.  (Two other cameos.  The Japanese inspector is Director Wei Lo, and one of the policemen at the end is Steve Martin.)

As always, the story may be well worn, the writing hackneyed, the dubbing second rate, but Bruce Lee makes it all worth while.  His mesmerizing presence even takes the edge off some of the acting and over acting (I mean really, throwing yourself on the coffin?).  And when he fights, the screen is filled with his presence.  You can't help but watch him; he draws the eye.  And then when he looses the top...that presence is mingled with an undeniable sex appeal.  Panthers watch Bruce Lee movies to figure out how to move.

So, in any discussion of Martial Arts movies, this is a vital one, no matter what name it goes under.

This is entered in my Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting! Write Off.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age