The late 19th and early 20th centuries were transformative and turbulent periods for Chinese communities in countries like the United States and Hong Kong. Chinese emigrants sought better lives abroad, fleeing political unrest, economic struggles, and social instability in their homeland. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 mobilized the first significant wave of Chinese immigrants, who sought their fortunes in the "Gold Mountain."
However, these dreams were often met with harsh realities, including racism, segregation, and legislative discrimination. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 epitomized the institutionalized racism that Chinese immigrants faced in the United States. This law, the first significant legislation to restrict immigration based on ethnicity, barred Chinese laborers from entering the country and made naturalization impossible for those already present. The Repeal Act of 1943, a small concession during World War II, allowed limited Chinese immigration and naturalization but did little to dismantle the deeply entrenched prejudices.
In Hong Kong, British colonial rule presented different challenges. The arrival of Chinese refugees from mainland China during the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949) strained resources and heightened socioeconomic disparities. Despite these hardships, the Chinese community in Hong Kong maintained cultural resilience through the preservation of traditions, martial arts, and religious practices like Taoism and Buddhism. The teachings of Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu and the spiritual insights of Buddhism provided philosophical frameworks that nurtured patience, inner strength, and a sense of identity amid adversity.
Bruce Lee was born on November 27, 1940, in San Francisco's Chinatown, during the year of the Dragon, which would foreshadow his legendary persona. Lee's upbringing in Hong Kong exposed him to both Eastern and Western cultures. His father Lee Hoi-chuen was a renowned Cantonese opera star and introduced Bruce to the performing arts at a young age. This blend of East and West influenced Lee's mindset and future career.
Lee faced bullying and street fights in the tough neighborhoods of post-war Hong Kong. These tussles ignited his passion for martial arts. Under the tutelage of the Wing Chun master Ip Man, Lee honed his skills, embracing the philosophical and practical aspects of martial arts. This foundation would later be crucial in his development of Jeet Kune Do, his unique martial arts philosophy. Lee's foray into martial arts was not merely about physical prowess but also a philosophical journey. His writings, as seen in Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly, reveal a thinker deeply influenced by Taoism and Zen Buddhism. Lee viewed martial arts as a way of life, emphasizing the harmony of mind and body, and the fluidity of water as a metaphor for adaptability and resilience.
In the entertainment industry, Lee's early acting roles in films like The Kid, from 1950, and the television series The Green Hornet, in 1966, showcased his burgeoning talent. However, entrenched racism within Hollywood limited his opportunities. The industry's stereotypical portrayal of Asians, often as subservient or villainous, frustrated Lee and fueled his desire to create authentic and empowering representations of Chinese culture.
Jeet Kune Do, developed by Lee in the late 1960s, transcended traditional martial arts styles. According to The Warrior Within by John R. Little, Jeet Kune Do emphasizes simplicity, directness, and personal expression. Lee's mantra, “Be water, my friend,” encapsulated the philosophy of being adaptable and formless, able to flow or crash depending on the situation. Jeet Kune Do's physical pillars included speed, efficiency, and economy of motion, while its spiritual and philosophical aspects drew heavily from Taoist and Buddhist teachings. Lee believed in the importance of self-knowledge, continuous learning, and the pursuit of personal excellence, rejecting rigid systems in favor of a more holistic approach to martial arts.
Lee's breakthrough came with The Big Boss, released in 1971, which was a commercial success and established him as a major star in Asia. The film's critical reception highlighted Lee's charisma, martial arts prowess, and the film's anti-imperialist themes.
Return of the Dragon, released in 1972, also known as The Way of the Dragon, was a culmination of Lee's artistic vision and martial arts philosophy. Influenced by his experiences and frustrations in Hollywood, Lee sought to create a film that blended martial arts with compelling storytelling and cultural pride. Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly explains that Lee aimed to portray Chinese culture and martial arts authentically, countering the Western stereotypes that had long dominated the screen.
In Return of the Dragon, Tang Lung, played by Bruce Lee, travels from Hong Kong to Rome to help friends being harassed by a crime syndicate. He faces off against local thugs who want to take over his friends' restaurant. As the violence escalates, Tang Lung defeats multiple enemies, including Colt, a skilled martial artist played by Chuck Norris. In the end, he saves the restaurant and leaves Rome after restoring peace.
The film explores several sociocultural ideas and ethical values through its narrative and characters.
Autonomy is exhibited through Lee's character, Tang Lung, who travels to Rome independently to help his friends. His self-reliance and ability to make decisions showcase personal autonomy in a foreign land. Unity is portrayed in the Chinese restaurant workers banding together against local gangsters, highlighting the strength found in communal solidarity.
Kung fu serves as a central theme, representing not just physical prowess but also mental discipline and cultural heritage. Lee's character embodies the mastery of kung fu, using it as a means of self-expression and problem-solving. Chinese pride is unmistakable in Tang Lung's unwavering confidence in his cultural identity and martial arts skills, even when faced with Western opposition.
The film's overall message of peace is carried through Tang Lung's initial reluctance to engage in violence, preferring to resolve conflicts peacefully when possible. However, the story also explores the difficulties of achieving peace in the face of oppression and injustice.
Regarding ethical values, deontological ethics are reflected in Tang Lung's sense of duty to protect his family and their business, adhering to moral principles regardless of consequences. Utilitarian considerations come into play as characters weigh the collective good of the Chinese community against individual desires or safety.
The concept of rights is central to the engagement, as the Chinese immigrants assert their right to operate their business free from extortion and violence. Tang Lung's character embodies virtue ethics, consistently demonstrating courage, wisdom, and justice through his actions.
Morality is explored through the contrast between the gangsters' unethical behavior and the protagonists' adherence to moral codes. Justice is a driving force in the narrative, with Tang Lung seeking to right the wrongs committed against his friends and community.
The ethic of care is demonstrated in the relationships between characters, particularly in Tang Lung's protective attitude towards his friends and their employees. This care extends beyond his immediate circle to encompass the broader Chinese community in Rome.
Through its dynamic fight scenes and character interactions, Return of the Dragon weaves these sociocultural ideas and ethical values into a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. The film not only entertains but also prompts reflection on cultural identity, moral choices, and the balance between tradition and adaptation in a globalized world.
Bruce Lee's significant contributions as the film's star, director, and writer are remarkable. His vision and dedication brought authenticity and depth to the film. As co-producer, Raymond Chow provided the necessary support and resources, enabling Lee to realize his creative vision. Their collaboration was pivotal in creating a film that was both commercially successful and culturally significant.
The performances in Return of the Dragon are remarkable, with Bruce Lee's magnetic presence and martial arts mastery anchoring the film. Nora Miao, Paul Wei, Huang Chung-hsin, Tony Liu, Unicorn Chan, and Chuck Norris each delivered compelling performances, enhancing the film's narrative and thematic richness.
Upon its release, Return of the Dragon was a commercial success, grossing significant revenue in both Asia and the United States. Critics praised its action sequences, direction, and Lee's performance, cementing his status as a global icon.
The legacy of Return of the Dragon is great, influencing numerous films and franchises, including Rush Hour, The Matrix, The Karate Kid, and Romeo Must Die. Its impact on the portrayal of martial arts in cinema and the representation of Asian culture cannot be overstated. The film's success paved the way for greater acceptance and appreciation of Chinese culture in the West.
Bruce Lee's subsequent films Enter the Dragon and Game of Death continued to build his legend. Tragically, his life was cut short on July 20, 1973, at the age of thirty-two. The circumstances of his death remain a topic of speculation and myth, but his legacy endures.
Lee's impact reaches far beyond the world of cinema. He is credited with popularizing martial arts worldwide, inspiring the development of mixed martial arts, and influencing popular culture, including video games like Mortal Kombat and music groups like the Wu-Tang Clan. His teachings, captured in books like Be Water, My Friend: The True Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee, continue to inspire millions.
Return of the Dragon is a martial arts film that serves as a cultural artifact, embodying insightful sociocultural ideas and ethical principles. Through the lens of Bruce Lee's vision, the film champions autonomy, unity, and Chinese pride, while advocating for peace, justice, and ethical conduct. Lee's cinematic legacy, like a dragon's fiery breath, ignited the world's imagination, forever etching martial arts into the tapestry of global culture. Return of the Dragon showcases his brilliance and the enduring values he promoted. Its themes of cultural pride, unity, and justice resonate as powerfully today as they did over five decades ago, ensuring that the legacy of Bruce Lee continues to inspire and uplift generations.