Episode 64 - Bruce Lee at 80: Legacy of the Dragon

Episode 64 - Bruce Lee at 80: Legacy of the Dragon

Author: Ben Johnson November 23, 2020 Duration: 1:08:50

On 27 November 2020, the martial arts superstar and pop culture icon Bruce Lee would have celebrated his 80th birthday. To commemorate the occasion, we have put together this bonus podcast featuring a range of voices from across our five seasons, exploring the legacy of the 'Little Dragon' and the impact he continues to have in society, media, and the world of martial arts. Bruce Lee was only 32 when he died in 1973, but in the 47 years since his death, his star has not waned. In fact, judging by the range of new films, TV shows, books and documentaries inspired by his life, Bruce Lee's fame is now more prevalent than ever. On this compilation show, you will hear from his daughter, Shannon Lee, on why she thinks her father's legacy continues to inspire and influence people from all over the world. You will hear from his good friend and co-star, Bob Wall, and his goddaughter, Diana Lee Inosanto, on Bruce Lee's impact on the fighting arts and, in particular, his role in the development of today's hugely popular sport of mixed martial arts. You will also hear from action stars including Scott Adkins, Loren Avedon, Jean-Paul Ly and Jerry Trimble who explain the impact Lee has had on their lives and careers.


SHOW NOTES

This episode features the song 'Theme from Enter the Dragon (Main title)' composed by Lalo Schifrin, copyright 1973 Warner Music Inc., available to buy now via Warner Music Group. Link to purchase: https://music.apple.com/us/album/enter-the-dragon-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/375639617

This episode includes an audio clip from 'Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview', recorded 9 December 1971 for 'The Pierre Berton Show'. Please find full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uk1lzkH-e4U

Shannon Lee's book, 'Be Water, My Friend: The True Teachings of Bruce Lee', published by Flatiron, is available now via Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Water-My-Friend-Teachings/dp/1846046661

Follow the official Bruce Lee social media accounts on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brucelee/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/brucelee) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BruceLee/)

Bruce Lee profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/BruceLeeKFMG


TAKE PART IN OUR 2020 END OF YEAR SHOW

Let us know your favourite martial arts action films of the year and why and your comments could be read out on the show. Please find a list of films released in 2020 on our website: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEndOfYearShow2020.


COMPETITION

We have 3 x Blu-rays of the 1993 Hong Kong classic, The Bride with White Hair, and 3 x Blu-rays of the 2019 Chinese animated fantasy, White Snake, to give away in this month's competition. Full competition details will be announced in our next newsletter, released 30 November. Sign-up to our newsletter via our website (http://bit.ly/KFMGhome) to be in with a chance of winning. Good luck!


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There's a particular magic in the stories behind the fights, the philosophy woven into the choreography, and the sheer dedication it takes to create martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast is built on those stories, offering a backstage pass to the world of Hong Kong action, classic Shaw Brothers epics, and modern martial arts filmmaking. Host Ben Johnson, who created the extensive kungfumovieguide.com resource, sits down for detailed conversations with the very people who bring these films to life. Each episode features an unscripted, in-depth interview with actors who threw the punches, stunt performers who designed the falls, directors who framed the shots, and choreographers who turned violence into poetry. You'll hear about their career paths, the challenges on set, and the deep, personal passion that fuels their work. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous movies; it's about the craft, the history, and the human effort behind every iconic scene. For anyone who has ever wondered about the artistry behind a perfectly executed fight sequence or the legacy of a genre that spans decades, this podcast provides a rich, engaging listen. Tune in for genuine insights from the heart of martial arts cinema.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 57 - Loren Avedon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:29
When Loren Avedon answered a call to the Jun Chong Martial Arts Academy on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles late one night in 1987, little did he know that the call would prove to be life-changing. With only a matter of…
Episode 56 - Stu Bennett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
Stu Bennett's transformational story from a shy, skinny kid growing up in the north of England to five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and 'King of the Ring' - known by his pro-wrestling name, Wade Barrett - seems lik…
Episode 55 - Tara Macken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:16
The key to success in the stunt world, says Hollywood action star Tara Macken, is to be an all-rounder. Tara's resume is testament to that philosophy. Raised in the jungles of Borneo, Tara's adventurous spirit started at…
Episode 54 - Richard Norton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:02
In the late 1970s, Richard Norton - martial artist and bodyguard to the stars - faced a crossroads in his life. He could either stay in Melbourne, Australia, and continue with his nine-to-five job, teaching martial arts…
Episode 53 - Vincent Wang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:27
When a stunt performer couldn't get the right shot needed during a 70ft fall on the set of Vietnamese superhero movie, Lôi Báo (2017), the film's action director, Vincent Wang, made a quick decision. With time running ou…
Episode 52 - Scott Adkins / Maria Tran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:22
Tired of scrolling through streaming platforms trying to decide on the next thing to watch during lockdown? Then let the martial arts action star Scott Adkins help you, as he discusses his favourite fight films of all ti…
Episode 51 - Sarah Chang / Vincent Soberano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
You could say it was Jackie Chan that first brought together the Manila-based martial arts power couple, Sarah Chang and Vincent Soberano. They first met at the Jackie Chan Stuntman Training Centre; a huge complex in Tia…
Episode 50 - Gareth Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:44
Through his trio of martial arts films - Merantau (2009), The Raid (2011) and The Raid 2 (2014) - filmmaker Gareth Evans helped to put Indonesian action cinema on the map, launched the careers of a new generation of figh…
Episode 49 - End of Year Show 2019 with Mike Fury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:04
Welcome to our annual, festive End of Year Show for 2019, featuring the Life of Action author and fight movie expert, Mike Fury. It has been another action-packed and diverse year for martial arts movies, from off-beat i…
Episode 48 - Jude Poyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:06
On his very first day working on a Hong Kong action film set, Jude Poyer saw someone rushed to hospital when a stunt went badly wrong. Instead of seeing this as a bad omen, Jude - who had relocated to Hong Kong at the ag…