This documentary, How Bruce Lee Changed the World, is one of my favorites!
Unlike most other documentaries which focus almost entirely on Bruce’s life, accomplishments and act like a bit of a biography, this documentary touches on those subjects but continues to explain how his actions affected the world in both the past and present.
But it isn’t just a vague generalization of how Bruce Lee has changed the world, but specific stories from famous & successful people from all over the world, with their experiences and how Bruce helped them to accomplish certain things in their lives, also giving some idea of where the future of the Little Dragon’s legacy is going.
Made in 2009, it touches on popular issues and is presented in a fun and modern fashion.
How far did Bruce’s Influence Go?
Watching this documentary gives you a pretty good idea.
The Bruce Lee Statue in Hong Kong
Without a doubt, the martial arts world was rocked by Bruce in the 70’s and he continues to inspire martial artists all over the world to become a true artists as opposed to a product of style. But that philosophy carried into many other areas.
In this documentary you’ll see filmmakers actors, athletes, musicians as well as the boxers, MMA fighters and Shaolin Monks all talking about the profound effect Lee had on them and what they do.
Naturally they touch on the age old topic (these days) of ‘is Bruce Lee the father of MMA?’ (no comment from me!) and others, from monks to celebrities are claiming that he should be seen as one of the world’s major philosophers with RZA comparing his effect and actions to those of a minor prophet.
These opinions aren’t just coming from his close family, but some of the world’s most respected and famous names.
Who’s has something to say in this documentary?
As you’d expect you’ve got the keyplayers of the Lee family having their say, as well as other Jeet Kune Do specialists like Taky Kimura and Tommy Carruthers. You’ve also got top movies critics including Hong Kong / Kung Fu movie critic Bey Logan offering some intelligent insight into the effects of his movies.
This talk of movies flows onto Filmmakers like Brett Ratner (who made Rush Hour), and how he carried Bruce’s influence into some of his movies before talking to comedian Eddie Griffin and LL Cool J (musician and actor) and their particular use of Bruce’s philosophy in their work.
Of course the Martial Arts movie industry isn’t skipped over, with some of the industry’s top guy slike Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen talking about how Bruce Lee has driven them – with Jackie Chan simply stating that ‘he is the best’ (among other things). Plus RZA (who recently made Man with Iron Fists) is here to offering a very large chunk of opinionated statements and solid facts for the Lee fans.
Some of MMA’s top trainers look into how Bruce Lee fits into the evolution of martial arts toward Mixed Martial Arts, with interesting insight. They talk about his athletic training and how ahead of the trend he was in using certain methods. These methods are recognised by today even by bodybuilders like the famous Flex Wheeler, who has something to say also.
Athletes like Sugar Ray Leonard and many of Parkour’s (aka Free Running) top names chime in also. Also going in a completely opposite direction getting in Stan Lee and other unexpected names to comment on his influence.
The names are a part of a pretty hefty list, so I won’t list everyone. Needless to say it is a documentary full of opinion from some of the world’s most famous and influential people who are all Bruce Lee fans.
Bruce Lee and Ip Man
Is it worth watching?
As I said earlier, this one is one of my favorites! The only documentary I prefer to this is A Warrior’s Journey.
Like ‘A Warrior’s Journey’, this documentary isn’t just another rehash of ‘what did Bruce do?’, it has a direction and a unique topic which makes it different from other documentaries about Bruce.
Where Warrior’s Journey is mostly about the Game of Death footage, this movie talks not about Bruce’s past, but mostly his influence from people who haven’t been able to publicly express their opinions and feelings about Bruce Lee.
You’ve got a unique line up of interviewees, a more flexible but just as interesting topic as any other and it’s edited together in such an entertaining and smooth fashion, showing off clips and recent tributes to Bruce in forms of media like Music and Advertising.
I highly recommend it to all Bruce Lee fans – it’s a must!
On DVD –
Region 1 (US & Canada)
How Bruce Lee Changed the World on DVD
Region 2 (UK, Europe, etc)
How Bruce Lee Changed the World on DVD
Region 4 (Australia, New Zealand, etc)
How Bruce Lee Changed the World on DVD
