Jing wu men (Fist of Fury) (The Chinese Connection) (1972)

92% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
83% of users liked it
(12,121 ratings)

One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former school in early 20th century Shanghai when he learns that his beloved instructor has been murdered. While probing the man's death and seeking vengeance, Chen… More One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former school in early 20th century Shanghai when he learns that his beloved instructor has been murdered. While probing the man's death and seeking vengeance, Chen discovers that a drug smuggling operation, a rival school, and simmering racial tensions between Chinese and Japanese locals are factors in the nefarious dealings at his alma mater and in his master's slaying. Chen's got his work cut out for him as he takes on assassins of both races, and even a towering Russian. Variously titled The Chinese Connection and The Iron Hand, Fist of Fury features stunt work by a young Jackie Chan (who served as Lee's double). The film was remade two and a half decades later as Fist of Legend (1999), with Jet Li in the role of Chen. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Wei Lo
Written By: Wei Lo
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Mar 22, 1972 Wide
On DVD: Jan 21, 1998
Studio: MoMedia

Critic Reviews

A.H. Weiler, New York Times
He [Lee] is decidedly an eye-catching figure as he takes on all comers, singly or in whimpering groups, in stylized, Karate-like bouts with swift, balletic moves, baleful stares, deadly flying fists and legs and, of course, all the necessary eerie shouts.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Bruce Lee at his fiercest
Scott Weinberg, DVD Clinic
Semi-speed through the "chatty" stuff if you absolutely must, but be sure not to miss any of the mayhem.
Fred Topel, About.com
Good Bruce Lee movie. Watch him kick ass.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
Not quite up to par with Lee's parting opus . . . but a fitting showcase for Lee's exceptional prowess
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
While it has great fight scenes, the acting is poor and the story is very flimsy.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

danny d

the choreography for the first hour of the film was pretty weak, but it improved considerably for the end of the film and the story was a cut above most kung fu movies. although more than 30 years earlier this film could be watched as a sequel to jet li's fearless. a true… More
the choreography for the first hour of the film was pretty weak, but it improved considerably for the end of the film and the story was a cut above most kung fu movies. although more than 30 years earlier this film could be watched as a sequel to jet li's fearless. a true classic and one of bruce lee's best films.
Lanning :

I have to say up front, just so you know, that I've never been a strong Bruce Lee fan. The reason why I went back to watch this was because I enjoyed the Jet Li remake, FIst of Legend, so much when I saw it recently. While this one is definitely good to see,… More
I have to say up front, just so you know, that I've never been a strong Bruce Lee fan. The reason why I went back to watch this was because I enjoyed the Jet Li remake, FIst of Legend, so much when I saw it recently. While this one is definitely good to see, so you can say you've seen it, there is no comparison, for me, with Fist of Legend. The latter is a better scripted story, a better directed movie, and Jet Li is the better actor. As far a martial arts style goes, I think they are both equally talented, but Li has definitely emerged over time as the more talented actor.
Tsubaki S

Bruce Lee beats the crap out of evil japanese guys. Fun times.
Dean M

This action-packed import, in which Bruce Lee plays a martial arts expert out to avenge the death of his mentor, is outstanding, watchable fare. In the most electrifying performance of his career, Bruce Lee demonstrates complete mastery of his art in scene after scene of the most… More
This action-packed import, in which Bruce Lee plays a martial arts expert out to avenge the death of his mentor, is outstanding, watchable fare. In the most electrifying performance of his career, Bruce Lee demonstrates complete mastery of his art in scene after scene of the most realistic and brutal unarmed combat ever filmed!
Michael G

Bad dubbing, great fighting.
Kalel J

Bruce Lee classic, enough said. I will add though that this is typical 1970's Asian cinema and by that I mean that it is very corny by today's standards. The usual spoofs of Chinese movies with bad dubbing is evident throughout the entirety of this film, but upon watching… More
Bruce Lee classic, enough said. I will add though that this is typical 1970's Asian cinema and by that I mean that it is very corny by today's standards. The usual spoofs of Chinese movies with bad dubbing is evident throughout the entirety of this film, but upon watching this it is obvious to see why Bruce Lee is heralded as one of the greatest martial artists ever.
Joseph E

I was rather impressed by this film.
Andrew F

This Bruce Lee classic is continuously entertaining, though cheesy at times due to its dated quality.
Ivan D

Bruce Lee's best film, and the period settings is quite good. Here, you can see that he improved his cinematic presence and this film brought his stardom to a whole new level. As usual, the action sequences is above average, and the revenge plot is exciting. Bruce Lee's best… More
Bruce Lee's best film, and the period settings is quite good. Here, you can see that he improved his cinematic presence and this film brought his stardom to a whole new level. As usual, the action sequences is above average, and the revenge plot is exciting. Bruce Lee's best acting effort.
Patrick D

This is Bruce Lee's best in my opinion. I actually really dig the story quite some it's a interesting twist on making the hero just really a crazy mofo and hurting others because of actions he sees just. It's a little like the martial arts version of a Shakespeare… More
This is Bruce Lee's best in my opinion. I actually really dig the story quite some it's a interesting twist on making the hero just really a crazy mofo and hurting others because of actions he sees just. It's a little like the martial arts version of a Shakespeare tragedy.

Read all 10 featured audience ratings

Cast

Bruce Lee
as Chen Chen
Nora Miao
as Yan Le-erh
Maria Yi

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Jing wu men (Fist of Fury) (The Chinese Connection) (1972)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Cast

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