Top 100: Enter the Dragon (Robert Clouse, 1973)
"Don't think. Feeeeeel"
(and permit me one more)
"Now why doesn't someone pull out a 45 and -Bang!- settowww it?"
There's not a great deal to say about the greatest martial arts film ever made that hasn't already been said. But Bruce Lee's pinnacle, and, sadly, his final completed film is a the kind of 1970s Bondian Kung-Fu epic that Jackie Chan could only dream of making. It's a perfect fusion of Hong Kong action flick, Blaxsploitation flick and Hollywood blockbuster. Smatterings of Lee's own philosophy, and a largely excellent cast elevate Enter the Dragon to higher standards. Standards which have never truly been equalled. Oh, and there's also Lalo Schifrin's rip-roaring score. Absolutely one of the best soundtracks ever made. (Listen also to his soundtrack to Dirty Harry).
I've seen this film many, many times. It's a part of my D.N.A. I never get bored, even though I know many scenes word-for-word. Jim Kelly is funky, John Saxon is excellent (when is he not?) And Bruce was King. Clouse's direction is decent enough, he wasn’t a great director, and he has made some truly diabolical films in the past!
Oh, but the pacing, the action and... Everything is a pure 1970s joy to behold. The greatest!
