Nobody would have ever imagined that the basic ingredient of Hong Kong action cinema (martial arts) could make its mark in Western cinema until Bruce Lee. Best described as a fighting pioneer, Bruce Lee is often credited with popularizing different forms of Asian fighting techniques across the world. It turned out to be a very successful individual promotion for the martial arts, and he pulled it off with nothing but the magnificence of the special action sequences featured in his movies.
We’ve sifted through dozens of scenes from all of Bruce Lee’s movies to compile our list of his most epic action scenes. As usual, in case you notice a good one omitted here, let us know in the comments below!
Fight among the mirrors of illusions
(Enter the Dragon – 1973)
Bruce Lee is killing in this era-defining film. As a result, the film features many splendid fight scenes. However, none are as special as Lee’s climactic fight against mob boss Han. Lee spars with an incredibly dangerous man who wields a wolverine-like metal claw. Since much of the battle takes place in a hall of mirrors, the combat becomes more psychological than physical. Han sneakily punches Lee a few times – something that only makes Lee angrier.
After a bit of a struggle, Lee finds the real Han among dozens of illusions and kills him after some more beating.
The roar of the ice factory
(The Big Boss – 1971)
Due to a promise, Bruce Lee remains silent for much of the film. But the man can’t stand the injustice for long, and his pent-up aggression explodes inside the ice cream factory. In this epic battle against an army of hundreds, Bruce uses more than his fierce kicks and punches – knives, daggers, clubs and so on. Although filmed in the early 70s, the footage still feels innovative and refreshing.
This iconic fight scene has inspired other martial arts films, including Ong Bak.
Fury Unleashed on the American Expert
(Enter the Dragon – 1973)
Lee gives the example of the American martial arts expert. The fight scene consists of everything one could wish for. There’s an added push to Lee’s moves because the man he’s facing killed his character’s sister. Along with some impressive moves, he showcases his acting skills with great expressions and body language.
With his exceptional techniques, Lee makes the fight incredibly one-sided even if his opponent seems just as strong.
Lee vs. Russian Steel Master
(Fist of Fury – 1972)
Although it is not usual, sometimes in the path of the main villain, the heroes find sidekicks stronger than their boss. That’s what happened in Fist of Fury. Lee is up against a Russian powerhouse who is able to bend steel rods and can even drive nails into hard objects with his bare hands. Initially, the monster seems to be fighting well, but it’s not long before it’s Lee’s turn.
Lee starts raining down kicks and punches and manhandles the monster in a humiliating manner. Then, with a super kick followed by a killer Adam’s apple chop, Lee finishes off the strongman. Probably, the monster would have been better off if he chose to entertain people with his masterful skills in a circus or something.
The example of Chinese boxing
(The Way of the Dragon – 1972)
Although brief, Lee’s application of what he calls Chinese boxing is a hilarious fight scene in The Way of the Dragon. The sequence begins with Lee doing lightning-fast shadow moves – nothing like boxing as we know it.
A group of overconfident hooligans mistake Lee for an easy opponent. But, their myth is shattered in seconds as Lee takes down the boss with just a few moves of his muscles. He treats others like a bunch of kids and gives them exactly what they deserve. Since The Way of the Dragon is the only film entirely directed by Bruce Lee, the fight scenes seem to have more vibrancy and freshness.
Lee vs. Chuck Norris
(The Way of the Dragon – 1972)
Lee’s battle with Chuck Norris’ character, Colt, is one of the most brilliantly executed fight sequences in any martial arts film. Colt puts up a fierce fight that looks better in style, speed and movement than any other opponent Lee has ever faced. However, the Phoenix’s counterattacks prove too much for Colt to handle.
In this long battle featuring a series of very fine moves, Lee uses every weapon in his armament, from chops to chokes, to defeat his all-powerful opponent. After killing Colt, Lee displays a beautiful gesture – symbolic of the true meaning of Kung Fu.
Lee’s Nunchuks Kill Katana’s Sharpness
(Fist of Fury – 1972)
Lee’s Fist of Fury is eager to avenge his mother’s death. After making the Russian power bite the dust, he goes after the real culprit, Hiroshi Suzuki, the master of the Japanese dojo.
Suzuki knows what Lee is capable of, so he wields a Katana for protection. Suzuki has flair and pulls out all the stops. However, just as Lee’s nunchakus swing in the fresh air, Suzuki’s katana becomes dull. In a contest resembling the best fighting video games, Lee’s savage attacks help dispel Suzuki’s misconceptions about Chinese Kung Ku.
In the end, with an absolutely bizarre flying kick, Lee closes yet another chapter.
Bring the boss to his knees
(The Big Boss – 1971)
Bruce Lee sees nothing but red when he finds out that the person responsible for killing his cousins is his boss, Hsiao Mi – who also happens to be a martial arts expert. With the advantage of a large knife, Hsiao wants to finish off Lee early. In response, Lee unleashes a fierce barrage of attacks. After a long fight, Lee digs his fingers into Hsiao’s ribcage, killing him immediately and also proving his hands to be nothing less than an arrow.
Even after killing the crime lord, Lee doesn’t stop his punches to make sure all boss features disappear from his face.
Mayhem in the karate class
(Fist of Fury – 1972)
A martial arts student is no match for the martial arts godfather – even if joined by other students or even their master for that matter. Well, that’s exactly what happens in that fight sequence where Lee proves too strong for dozens of karate students with swords. The incredible fight choreography carefully showcases Lee’s fighting skills and unrivaled personality.
This fight scene served as the inspiration for the wildly popular action sequence in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill – starring Uma Therman.
Take down the NBA star from 7 feet
(Game of Death – 1978)
This is a case where the best of two fields collide – Bruce Lee vs. NBA’s Kareem Abdul Jabbar. If you weren’t aware of Lee’s credentials, you’d be tempted to bet on Jabbar’s character, Mantis. Not only is Mantis incredibly big, but he’s also very fast and powerful.
The fight begins with Mantis appearing to play with Lee. Shortly after Lee is taken for granted, Lee upsets the table by performing strange Kung Fu moves. Determined to punish sinners, Lee puts the monster in a neck hold and strangles it to death.
A bonus point: Lee dons his signature yellow jumpsuit in the fight.
So there you have it, our 10 picks for the best Bruce Lee fight scenes of all time.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
