Maybe nowadays it is hard to imagine, but when I grew up, Bruce Lee had a significant impact on many, including me. Apart from his martial arts skills, Bruce Lee had that special something rarely seen in other people. Jim Kelly stated that he was one of a kind. It is true, he truly was. Back in the day, I had seen all of his films many times over. I couldn't get enough of it. I still can't. Even when I have to admit that compared to contemporary martial arts films, his films might be a little dated when it comes to pacing.
That being said, I would still argue, that Fist of Fury laid the groundwork for modern martial arts films of today. I am pretty sure that without him, we wouldn't even have John Wick and the films Jackie Chan has made. Fist of Fury is very different from the films produced by Shaw Brothers. More grounded in reality and more modern. One could argue whether that is better. But the martial arts combined with the rage demonstrated by Bruce Lee because of the injustice is still something that gets to me. I laughed so many times when Bruce kicked the crap out of his opponents. Even today, it is so satisfying. While the film isn't exactly subtle about the Japanese oppression. It doesn't devote too much time to it, except for some essential moments where Chinese people are considered less than Japanese people and dogs. There is a scene where Chen Zen (Bruce Lee) can't enter a part since dogs and Chinese people aren't allowed. Of course, Chen is outraged and deals with the situation as he sees fit. Then there is the scene where the Chinese interpreter wants to go home since he is too drunk. But the Japanese master tells him he can only leave when he crawls on his hands and knees, which he does. To the amusement of every Japanese present. This scene reminds us of the fact that whatever Chen Zen doing, even if in normal circumstances could be considered criminal, is very much heroic and justified.
There is no denying that the choreography and the camera work is exceptional. The fight scenes themselves are almost little films that tell their own stories. I didn't even realize this until now. But Bruce is even demonstrating what one would do when being in a predicament. At one point, Bruce's character is in trouble for a bit. He gets out of it by biting the leg. He shows what one could do when someone in real life is in a similar pickle. It's great.
Is it worth from upgrading from Blu-ray to 4K UHD Blu-ray? Absolutely! Fist of Fury looks so good in 4K. Some scenes do pop. But most important is how crispy everything looks. It does feel like superior film has been transferred to disc. Audio wise, it sounds phenomenal.
Overall, Fist of Fury is a martial arts classic! It will never get old!
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