As a fan of action cinema and a student of the art of storytelling, I must say that Brandon Lee left an indelible mark on the world of film, especially in the realm of martial arts action movies. His life, tragically cut short at just 28 years old, was filled with promise and potential that was only beginning to be realized.
Brandon Lee’s hidden story is forever linked with his last film, as his untimely death during production significantly impacted it. The creators of the 1994 movie “The Crow” completed the project after Lee’s accidental on-set demise, and the tragic circumstances surrounding the film’s creation catapulted him to posthumous stardom.
Lee’s performance as the undead, vengeful Eric Draven is nothing short of iconic, but “The Crow” isn’t the only movie Bruce Lee’s son made before his untimely death. For fans who wish to look into the actor’s other roles, here’s a look at Brandon Lee’s action-packed films, ranked from best to worst.
Laser Mission
1989’s “Laser Mission” perfectly encapsulates what one would anticipate from an 80s movie titled “Laser Mission.” It’s a moderately unspectacular James Bond-esque action flick, with Brandon Lee playing the suave, high-kicking character Michael Gold in the lead role. The film’s main attractions are its cast members. Beyond being one of the rare movies where Lee takes center stage, “Laser Mission” also boasts the esteemed Ernest Borgnine as Professor Braun.
In different scenarios, “Laser Mission” could have been relegated to being lost in the bargain bin section of video stores. However, the unexpected passing of its star, Brandon Lee, spurred interest in his films, leading to the movie’s success in home rentals. While it holds a spot in Lee’s filmography, “Laser Mission” is not particularly notable. In fact, even the weakest James Bond movies outshine this film. Viewers must decide for themselves if Lee’s role as a secret agent qualifies as a “guilty pleasure” or an undeniable cinematic disaster.
Showdown in Little Tokyo
1991’s “Showdown in Little Tokyo” might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it boasts an impressive action pedigree due to its star-studded cast. Notable 80s action icon Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee portray Chris Kenner and Johnny Murata, two martial artist police officers who initially dislike each other and must reluctantly team up.
As a gaming enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the unlikely duo of Lundgren’s rugged Japanophile Kenner and Lee’s disciplined, Western-oriented Murata in this film. Their contrasting personalities made for some unexpectedly entertaining buddy cop moments, with both men getting their fair share of action sequences to show off their prowess.
Kung Fu: The Movie
Titled “Kung Fu: The Movie,” this film is exactly as its title suggests. Originally aired on television in 1986, it’s a continuation of the popular series “Kung Fu” starring David Carradine as main character Caine. Set a decade after the show concluded, we find that though Caine has retired from martial arts, his dangerous adversaries haven’t. Regrettably, one such enemy compels him to re-enter the martial arts world to confront his toughest foe yet: Caine’s son, Chun Wang, portrayed by Brandon Lee.
It’s significant that Lee is portraying Caine’s long-lost son in the film, as this links him to one of the earliest popular American martial arts series, and his father also had a personal tie to “Kung Fu.” Interestingly, Bruce Lee auditioned for the show but was not chosen to play Caine, which went to Carradine. Adding to the intrigue, there’s a long-running, unfounded rumor that suggests “Kung Fu” was actually invented by Lee himself. This makes it somewhat peculiar to watch the younger Lee encounter Caine on-screen.
By the way, the movie you’re referring to is only one of two film projects featuring Kung Fu that Lee was involved with. He also starred in a 1987 pilot for “Kung Fu: The Next Generation” series, where he played the son of a contemporary descendant of Caine (played by David Darlow). Unfortunately, the show didn’t progress past this initial episode.
Rapid Fire
1992’s “Rapid Fire” marked my introduction to the big screen as an American leading man, following Dolph Lundgren in films like “Laser Mission” and “Showdown in Little Tokyo.” Yet, it holds a special place in my legacy, being my first significant role after “The Crow.” Interestingly, for a martial arts film, “Rapid Fire” was a Top 10 rental video success even before my untimely death. When the news of the tragedy struck, public interest in the movie skyrocketed significantly.
Although it may not be an exceptionally remarkable film, “Rapid Fire” serves as an acceptable U.S. debut for a martial arts action star like Wesley Snipes. In this movie, Snipes portrays Jake Lo, a student whose father meets a tragic end, who then joins forces with a police officer (Powers Boothe) to track down the villain responsible. This action is carried out in accordance with the best 1990s crime-fighting methods, such as motorcycle stunts through windows and swift kicks to the face, making “Rapid Fire” an enjoyable choice if you’re fond of the high-kicking B-movies from the past.
Legacy of Rage
Title “Legacy of Rage” showcases a film where Brandon Lee’s performance aligns with his father’s caliber on screen, and the younger Lee carries forward the family tradition with honor. Directed by Ronny Yu in 1986, this Hong Kong action movie finds Brandon Lee playing Brandon Ma, an ordinary man seeking vengeance against a crime lord friend (Michael Wong) who deceives him. Notably, Lee’s character is also a skilled martial artist, enabling him to effortlessly take down petty thugs and high-ranking criminals alike.
Instead of immediately labeling Brandon Lee as Bruce Lee’s son in promotional materials, it’s clear that he had a distinct acting and fighting style compared to his father. However, Brandon’s martial arts skills were undeniably impressive, as demonstrated by his seamless victories against renowned martial artists like Bolo Yeung (who later played the villain Chong Li in “Bloodsport”). Even the most die-hard Bruce Lee fans would acknowledge that Brandon’s talent was a strong reflection of his father’s.
The Crow
Afterward, there is “The Crow.” To surpass the immense shadow cast by his father, Brandon Lee decided to star in action and martial arts films. In Alex Proyas’ 1994 film, he achieved this feat remarkably, demonstrating beyond doubt that he was not merely Bruce Lee’s son but a talented actor in his own right.
A singularly fashionable cult classic, a superhero tale, a dark romance set in a gothic world, and a hard-hitting revenge saga are all combined within “The Crow.” This distinctive film has earned the affection of both viewers and critics due to its compelling narrative, striking visuals, and evocative atmosphere. However, these elements would mean nothing without Lee. The talented actor seamlessly dons Eric Draven’s leather attire and heavy makeup, making it appear as if he was destined to portray this role.
The tragic shooting incident that occurred at age 28 and claimed the life of Lee significantly enriched the cinematic legacy of “The Crow.” However, beyond any doubt, the film primarily serves as an extraordinary demonstration of the young actor’s distinctive charm, proving undeniably that Brandon Lee possessed the talent and potential to become a major star.
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2024-10-11 15:00