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Steven Spielberg, proving he's one of the few modern filmmakers who has the visual fluency to be capable of making a great silent film, took a melodramatic, D.W. Griffith-inspired approach to filming Alice Walker's novel. His tactics made the film controversial, but also a popular hit. You can argue with the appropriateness of Spielberg's decision, but his astonishing facility with images is undeniable--from the exhilarating and eye-popping opening shots of children playing in paradisiacal purple fields to the way he conveys the brutality of a rape by showing hanging leather belts banging against the head of the shaking bed. In a way it's a shame that Whoopi Goldberg, a stage monologist who made her screen debut in this movie, went on to become so famous, because it was, in part, her unfamiliarity that made her understated performance as Celie so effective. (This may be the first and last time that the adjective understated can be applied to Goldberg.) Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including best picture and actress (supporting players Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery were also nominated), it was quite a scandal--and a crushing blow to Spielberg--when it won none. The digital video disc requires flipping to play the whole movie. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (128)

Stunning, effective and heart-felt...
I saw this within the first week of its release, and I was profoundly shaken by its power. Spielberg, after "E.T." proved himself as a director to be reckoned with. Too bad the Academy didn't think so. There's little to be known about the plight of rural Black landowners during the depression, so we're relying on Alice Walker's novel as the basis of the riveting narrative of Celie's journey through a remarkable life. I remember protests against the film because of Danny Glover's wonderfully centered mean guy (even though he's the ultimate, sad hero). I've seen nastier people in White-centered films, and Danny's nastiness doesn't even come close. Still, he was deserving of a nomination, showing many layers of a complicated character. I really think this is a women-driven film, since the best characters (and acting) came from the many fine women's roles. Whoopi was certainly wonderful, though she didn't show up until a half hour into the film. Celie's young character, played with wonderful strength and pathos by Desreta Jackson was appealing. Akosua Busia was confident, as was Dana Ivey, in a bit of inspired casting, as the rich white woman, a grand display of idiocy and ignorance. Rae Dawn Chong's character should've been developed more, since she figured significantly in the final outcome. Oprah, of course, was the most memorable character, since she had the showiest role...or did she? I wanna know what happened to Margaret Avery (Shug). To me, she gave the best performance in the film. Trashy, sweet, soft, sensitive...she had to do it all. Her final scene with her father brought tears, her strength of character made Celie the strong character that she became. Her career should've taken off after this film. The women are the driving force in this film, and there's not a weak one in the bunch. Larry Fishburne (Swain) had one of his first roles, and Willard Pugh was delightful as Harpo...and whatever happened to him? I loved Avery the most, but Glover, after a great role the previous year in "Places in the Heart", showed great versatility. Overall, this is a film of passion, warmth and emotion. It's always been one of my favorites. The DVD version is lacking in too many ways; I'm sure an anniversary version will be coming out soon. Commentaries would be nice, since most of those involved are still around. I was a bit annoyed that I had to turn the disc over during Celie's most life-affirming scene. There was also protest that this film was nominated for 11 Oscars and won nothing, suggesting anti-Black behavior from the Academy. 8 years earlier, "The Turning Point" was also nominated for 11 Oscars and won nothing. As one critic said, "Does this mean the Academy is anti-tutu?" The whole argument is silly, and no one can explain why Spielberg won the Directors Guild award though no Oscar nomination...this is a great argument for people to ignore awards and critics. This film is a delight...sad, humorous, insightful...and very powerful. You should see this, and have tissues handy. When Shug hugs her father at the end, the power of the music and the moment can't help but take you away. Then, of course, there's the final moment when Celie sees her kids... Then there's Oprah, snapping out of her funk and announcing that she's home again. See it. Love it. It's worth it.

"Miss Celie, I Feels Like Singin'!"
I just bought this disc and watched it last night. I bawled my eyes out. I haven't seen it in many years and had forgotten what an incredible film it is. I gave it only 4 stars because of what many other reviewers have said about the DVD -- it's not double-layered and requires a "flip" right after Celie and Shug kiss.

I was particularly moved by Oprah Winfrey's performance. We all know her as OPRAH now. I'd forgotten how amazing she was in COLOR PURPLE.

I think if Spielberg made this movie today he might not shy away from some of the heavier themes like he did in 1985. But his filmmaking technique was incredible for this film. It plays like an old-fashioned Hollywood movie. The colors are gorgeous. (How did they get all those perfectly purple flowers in that field ? ) The camera work is exciting.

Everyone has their "crying" moments in COLOR PURPLE. These are mine: 1. The breakup of the sisters ("Ain't no mountain, ain't no sea..."). 2. Celie gets the letter ("I got two children..."). 3. God's Tryin To Tell You Something ("See daddy, even singers got soul") and, of course, 4. The end.

It's about life. It's about love. It's about us. Thank you Alice Walker, Steven Spielberg, and Whoopi.

"It's about time we had some stability around here."
This film received 11 Oscar Nominations back in 1985, won none of them(Shame on you, Academy voters!), and really should have won Best Picture over "Out of Africa." Whoopi Goldberg never got another role like this one, showing her incredible and untapped acting talent by way of Steven Spielberg's inspired and altogether ambitious direction. Mr. Spielberg was not even nominated for Best Director(Shame on you, Academy voters!). It was great to hear that he did win the Director's Guild Award(handed out by his peers), but this horrible oversight still needles me to this day. Back to the acting. Oprah Winfrey was given an Oscar nomination, as was Margaret Avery, but there are so many stunning performances here from the entire cast that pointing out any standout performances is nearly impossible. There is also some clever film editing(certainly the most under-rated facet of filmmaking), that keeps the film constantly fresh and the story moving forward with some fantastic cinematography. The only thing that breaks the continuity is that the character "Celie" is played by two different actresses, while her sister "Nettie" is played by a single actress both at a young age and when she is older. It is really a small discrepancy given that both actresses that play "Celie" are excellent(in particular, Whoopi Goldberg). For those who know only Whoopi's fairly lame films like "Burglar," I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised by her amazing work here. There are many moments in the film that are so genuinely touching and heartfelt that by the end of the final scene I suddenly realized that it never felt so good to cry. This is easily one of my favorite "Spielberg" films. Everything about this movie is gorgeous! Thank you.

Definitely A Classic
A black movie nominated for 11 Oscars should hint every citizen that this movie is definitely beyond a classic. It, in every way epitomizes the plight of being black in the United States. Every person should have this DVD in their collection and reflect on the better things of life & respect evry human being. Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Congratulations to you all. Fabolous performances. I hope that the Academy of Film can give the African American society a chance to bloom their talent. Its really not fair. I mean talent is out there and it is not being regarded in anyway. Once the black man is allowed to make movies then he should be recognized on the same grounds with the white man.

A Very Inspiring Movie.
Usually when people hear the names Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, we usually think of Day Time Talk Shows and comedic film roles. Both women as well as the other cast of the film deliver awesome performances as African Americans fighting to survive in a predominately white town. The movie will make you have a new take on life no matter what race you are. It teaches you respect and loyalty, as well as passion for the people you love. If you are a fan of Forrest Gump and other movies that whisk you away to different eras, you will love this. One of Spieldberg's best. ... Read more

Reviews (128)

Stunning, effective and heart-felt...
I saw this within the first week of its release, and I was profoundly shaken by its power. Spielberg, after "E.T." proved himself as a director to be reckoned with. Too bad the Academy didn't think so. There's little to be known about the plight of rural Black landowners during the depression, so we're relying on Alice Walker's novel as the basis of the riveting narrative of Celie's journey through a remarkable life. I remember protests against the film because of Danny Glover's wonderfully centered mean guy (even though he's the ultimate, sad hero). I've seen nastier people in White-centered films, and Danny's nastiness doesn't even come close. Still, he was deserving of a nomination, showing many layers of a complicated character. I really think this is a women-driven film, since the best characters (and acting) came from the many fine women's roles. Whoopi was certainly wonderful, though she didn't show up until a half hour into the film. Celie's young character, played with wonderful strength and pathos by Desreta Jackson was appealing. Akosua Busia was confident, as was Dana Ivey, in a bit of inspired casting, as the rich white woman, a grand display of idiocy and ignorance. Rae Dawn Chong's character should've been developed more, since she figured significantly in the final outcome. Oprah, of course, was the most memorable character, since she had the showiest role...or did she? I wanna know what happened to Margaret Avery (Shug). To me, she gave the best performance in the film. Trashy, sweet, soft, sensitive...she had to do it all. Her final scene with her father brought tears, her strength of character made Celie the strong character that she became. Her career should've taken off after this film. The women are the driving force in this film, and there's not a weak one in the bunch. Larry Fishburne (Swain) had one of his first roles, and Willard Pugh was delightful as Harpo...and whatever happened to him? I loved Avery the most, but Glover, after a great role the previous year in "Places in the Heart", showed great versatility. Overall, this is a film of passion, warmth and emotion. It's always been one of my favorites. The DVD version is lacking in too many ways; I'm sure an anniversary version will be coming out soon. Commentaries would be nice, since most of those involved are still around. I was a bit annoyed that I had to turn the disc over during Celie's most life-affirming scene. There was also protest that this film was nominated for 11 Oscars and won nothing, suggesting anti-Black behavior from the Academy. 8 years earlier, "The Turning Point" was also nominated for 11 Oscars and won nothing. As one critic said, "Does this mean the Academy is anti-tutu?" The whole argument is silly, and no one can explain why Spielberg won the Directors Guild award though no Oscar nomination...this is a great argument for people to ignore awards and critics. This film is a delight...sad, humorous, insightful...and very powerful. You should see this, and have tissues handy. When Shug hugs her father at the end, the power of the music and the moment can't help but take you away. Then, of course, there's the final moment when Celie sees her kids... Then there's Oprah, snapping out of her funk and announcing that she's home again. See it. Love it. It's worth it.

"Miss Celie, I Feels Like Singin'!"
I just bought this disc and watched it last night. I bawled my eyes out. I haven't seen it in many years and had forgotten what an incredible film it is. I gave it only 4 stars because of what many other reviewers have said about the DVD -- it's not double-layered and requires a "flip" right after Celie and Shug kiss.

I was particularly moved by Oprah Winfrey's performance. We all know her as OPRAH now. I'd forgotten how amazing she was in COLOR PURPLE.

I think if Spielberg made this movie today he might not shy away from some of the heavier themes like he did in 1985. But his filmmaking technique was incredible for this film. It plays like an old-fashioned Hollywood movie. The colors are gorgeous. (How did they get all those perfectly purple flowers in that field ? ) The camera work is exciting.

Everyone has their "crying" moments in COLOR PURPLE. These are mine: 1. The breakup of the sisters ("Ain't no mountain, ain't no sea..."). 2. Celie gets the letter ("I got two children..."). 3. God's Tryin To Tell You Something ("See daddy, even singers got soul") and, of course, 4. The end.

It's about life. It's about love. It's about us. Thank you Alice Walker, Steven Spielberg, and Whoopi.

"It's about time we had some stability around here."
This film received 11 Oscar Nominations back in 1985, won none of them(Shame on you, Academy voters!), and really should have won Best Picture over "Out of Africa." Whoopi Goldberg never got another role like this one, showing her incredible and untapped acting talent by way of Steven Spielberg's inspired and altogether ambitious direction. Mr. Spielberg was not even nominated for Best Director(Shame on you, Academy voters!). It was great to hear that he did win the Director's Guild Award(handed out by his peers), but this horrible oversight still needles me to this day. Back to the acting. Oprah Winfrey was given an Oscar nomination, as was Margaret Avery, but there are so many stunning performances here from the entire cast that pointing out any standout performances is nearly impossible. There is also some clever film editing(certainly the most under-rated facet of filmmaking), that keeps the film constantly fresh and the story moving forward with some fantastic cinematography. The only thing that breaks the continuity is that the character "Celie" is played by two different actresses, while her sister "Nettie" is played by a single actress both at a young age and when she is older. It is really a small discrepancy given that both actresses that play "Celie" are excellent(in particular, Whoopi Goldberg). For those who know only Whoopi's fairly lame films like "Burglar," I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised by her amazing work here. There are many moments in the film that are so genuinely touching and heartfelt that by the end of the final scene I suddenly realized that it never felt so good to cry. This is easily one of my favorite "Spielberg" films. Everything about this movie is gorgeous! Thank you.

Definitely A Classic
A black movie nominated for 11 Oscars should hint every citizen that this movie is definitely beyond a classic. It, in every way epitomizes the plight of being black in the United States. Every person should have this DVD in their collection and reflect on the better things of life & respect evry human being. Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Congratulations to you all. Fabolous performances. I hope that the Academy of Film can give the African American society a chance to bloom their talent. Its really not fair. I mean talent is out there and it is not being regarded in anyway. Once the black man is allowed to make movies then he should be recognized on the same grounds with the white man.

A Very Inspiring Movie.
Usually when people hear the names Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, we usually think of Day Time Talk Shows and comedic film roles. Both women as well as the other cast of the film deliver awesome performances as African Americans fighting to survive in a predominately white town. The movie will make you have a new take on life no matter what race you are. It teaches you respect and loyalty, as well as passion for the people you love. If you are a fan of Forrest Gump and other movies that whisk you away to different eras, you will love this. One of Spieldberg's best. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Definately one of my favorite American movies.
I think the first time I saw this movie, was an edited TV version. I usually don't watch TV because I'm annoyed by commercial interruptions. But, this film captured my interest because of how well it played out as flashbacks being put together to come to a conclusion about a murder. This is a suspenseful story with an unexpected conclusion.
Tynin, Louisiana 1944. A black non-commissioned officer was murdered. Shot to death on a roadside near a bridge, outside of a predominately black army base with only white officers. A black army officer lawyer (Howard Rollins, Jr.) comes from Washington D.C. to Louisiana to investigate the murder. No one has ever seen a black officer before and white officers only heard of the possibility that a black man could be an officer. As you can imagine, this black officer doesn't get much support from the white officers on the base.
This is a powerful film of perseverance, courage, determination, pride, and accomplishment against overwhelming odds. And the cast is fabulous. Howard Rollins, Jr. Adolph Caesar, David Alan Grier, Denzel Washington, Art Evans, David Harris, Larry Riley (as C.J. Memphis), Wings Hauser, and many other stars you know you've seen before. And it even includes Patti Labelle as Big Mary belting out some fabulous Southern Rockin' Blues.
This is my very favorite film that has Denzel Washington, although "Mississippi Masala" is a close second.

A Spellbinding Tale, Brilliantly Told
A phenomenal cast brings Charles Fuller's adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the big screen. Howard E. Rollins, Jr., is magnetic as the Army Captain sent to investigate the murder of a black Sergeant in Louisiana during World War II; his careful detective work uncovers the complex layers of racism (both externalized and internalized) that led up to the crime. Adolph Caesar gives a superb, Oscar-nominated performance as the (unsympathetic) victim whose story is told through a series of flashbacks. And Larry Riley, David Alan Grier, Robert Townsend, and the always-magnificent Denzel Washington register strongly in important supporting roles. Effective as both a mystery and a social commentary, this worthy nominee for the 1984 Best Picture Oscar is tightly directed by Norman Jewison.

The DVD presentation of this recent screen classic offers an excellent film-to-video transfer, featuring a sharp picture and crisp sound. The disc contains both the widescreen and fullscreen editions, and includes the original theatrical trailer. Also offered is a short but very moving 1999 documentary entitled "March to Freedom", which recounts several astonishing real-life stories of racism in the American armed forces during World War II. All-in-all, this is a highly recommended DVD that deserves a place in your home video library.

A must see
This is a must see movie. It features some of the best African-American actors and has a story line that everyone can relate to.

Excellent
I found this movie to be a beautifully done flick. I remember going to the movies with my family to go see it. I was only 6 years old when it came out, but I remembered it. It also came on TV quite a few times, so I watched it then too. I recommend this movie for everyone to see. It's very compelling.

A Soldiers Story
This is one of my favorite movies...It is about a black army officers death..It deals with racial tention and even racism within the black race..The investigation is headed up by a black high ranked officer which was very rare in those days and that causes problems too..U will see many stars Like Denzel Washington, the guy that plays Moesha's daddy, Howard E.Rollins from In the Heat of the Night, and even Patti LaBelle..This is an excellent film.. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

I Love this Movie!
Ok, as a Bruce Lee movie, this film ranks a 0 out of 5. The glaring "artistic liberties" are insulting...Bruce coming from a long line of samurai (despite the fact he was chinese), Bruce being rich, Bruce's voice over in every scene, and my favorite "Here's Bruce in his first film" (followed by a scene of an elderly chinese man jumping off a building). HOWEVER, despite the horrible "biography" of Bruce, this is the most HILARIOUS movie I've seen in years! I was in tears at parts..the eye plucking, Van Clief saving that girl, those thugs in the park ("You're asking for it mother! "), Aaron Banks' "interview" with Bruce (Thats a pretty sharp manouever!), and that director (I hope you're not one of those kids who's too afraid to get his hands dirty!). Granted, this film is horribly insulting to bruce, but I've seen worse (check out some of the dragon lee videos!). Oh, and my favorite line: "Whats wrong? Ain't 5 times enough for you! " Anyways, this is a terrible martial arts movie that happens to make my sides hurt laughing. A definite 5 stars!

KARATE KRAZY!
This is one of the best movies ever. Starring Bruce Lee and Fred Williamson. It was filmed at Madison Square Garden in 1979 and released in 1980 (I think). Some of the facts in the Bruce Lee story are very inaccurate but the outline is there. Bruce Lee's skill is EXTRAORDINARY. He is without doubt the greatest fighter who ever lived. Nobody can touch him. Fred Williamson is smooth and slick as usual. Watch the scene where he picks up htat little guy at the cab stop. I also reccomend ENTER THE DRAGON.

Bruceploitation at its unforgivable worst
Where oh where do I even begin? Fist of Fear, Touch of Death (also known as The Dragon and the Cobra) has to be the worst, most insulting Bruce Lee exploitation film of all time. I don't know what the filmmakers were thinking on this one; the only thing I can come up with is to think these guys were trying to invoke the spirit of Bruce Lee by insulting his memory to such hellish proportions that he would have to come back from the grave and make them pay for the wrong they have done. Just watching this cinematic monstrosity makes me feel dirty.

It is impossible to explain this "film." Oh, but there is so much to say. The movie opens at Madison Square Gardens on the night of the big 1979 karate championships. Thanks to promoter Aaron Banks, the winner of the big welter-weight fight is to be acclaimed as Bruce Lee's successor. Yes, you heard me right. First, though, Aaron Banks has to open a can of worms in an interview with our narrator of events, the agonizingly annoying Adolph Caesar. According to Banks, Bruce was killed by the mythical touch of death, in which such a powerful energy is forced into the victim's body that he drops dead three or four weeks later. How does he know? Well, his good friend Bruce was showing him the technique in the days before his premature death. This leads Caesar to ask the "obvious" question: will the new Bruce Lee successor also die from the touch of death?

Next we get to meet a few actual martial artists: including Ron Van Clief and Fred "the Hammer" Williamson (who keeps being mistaken for Harry Belafonte - I'm not making this up), although they don't actually fight. While all of this is going on, we are assaulted with random video clips of Bruce Lee interviews; these feature someone else's words inserted over Bruce's actual words. At one point, they have Bruce singing the praises of Aaron Banks, which really got my dander up. There is also a wee bit of fighting action in the ring early on, capped off by the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen-Bill Louie rips both of his opponents eyes out and, being the great sportsman that he is, tosses them into the audience. Sadly, this is by far the highlight of this whole experience. Much worse is yet to come.

Despite the fact that there is no first half, we are assaulted by a halftime show that lasts longer than the Orange Bowl halftime show. This is where the real insults to Bruce Lee are to be found. We watch film footage supposedly showing an 18-year-old Bruce Lee struggling to counter his parents' low opinion of karate and eventually leaving home. Bruce loves karate so much, we are told, because his great-great-grandfather was the greatest samurai warrior China ever saw. This isn't as impressive as it sounds, given the fact that there never were any Chinese samurai - they were all Japanese. In this completely fictional (and hopelessly inaccurate) life story of Bruce, we are also forced time and again to see fake footage within the fake footage of Bruce's impossible ancestor at work. The guy is an overweight slob who just goes around beating up everyone he meets; hitting a perfect 10 on the ridiculous meter, this old guy flies through the air with the greatest of ease and has a special talent of throwing his opponents up into trees (hmm, if I didn't know better, I might think that we're just seeing reversed video clips of guys jumping out of trees). Some foolish curse is supposedly associated with the old man to further make the bastardized history of Bruce Lee more mysterious. Finally, we get to the "main event," only to learn that Bruce Lee's "successor" will be one of two completely unknown kickboxers, one of whom apparently doesn't know he is actually allowed to kick as well as punch his opponent.

I know other reviewers have covered some of these inanities, but I can't stop. There is one moment in which we are shown footage of a young Bruce Lee in his first film-what we see, though, is about a two-second clip of some old man jumping off a roof. Then we are purportedly shown a clip from The Green Hornet: it is an expletive-laced scene in which "Kato" saves two women from being pawed over and worse by a gang of cretins. Big surprise, that wasn't Bruce Lee at all; that was Bill Louie, another overweight slob of a martial artist, "recreating" the role for our supposed entertainment.

This completely fictional portrayal of Bruce Lee's life is an insult that seems to cry out for retribution. My biggest fear is that someone unfamiliar with the real Bruce Lee may see this and get a hopelessly warped idea of the legend who cannot possibly rest in peace as long as a single copy of this film exists anywhere on earth. This "film" is just bloody awful. I would advise any Bruce Lee fans who watch this thing to do so in the daytime because you will be so outraged by what you see that you will not possibly be able to sleep for many hours if not days.

B Movie fans--buy this today!! Bruce Lee fans--don't bother.
As anyone who's seen Fist of Fear... knows, this is a disgrace to the memory of Bruce Lee. However...

In terms of B-movie appeal, this is an 11 out of 10. This expands the boundaries. There should be a C-movie category for this one. I won't go into particulars--a previous review listed most comic elements in the movie.

Being an avid fan of the bad movies that tried to be good movies, I cannot stop watching FF/TD. I show it to everyone. I laugh about it all the time. I don't know why this film isn't in a cult film hall of fame--probably too obscure. But one day, it will be, at the top of the list. Trust me.

If you love really bad movies, this is a gold mine, a work of art. And for $, how can you go wrong!

Bruce Lee's Life Liberal Interpretation
This is a movie to be viewed once and only once. I tried to watch it twice, but it made me realize how often people take advantage of the pain and suffering of others. I have one copy and I wish to sell it. That's why I'm giving it a 3 out 5....
...hoping to sell it soon. It is 90 minutes long and was recorded in EP (slow). Rated R (No one under 17) ... Read more

Description

Mayhem reigns where martial arts experts meet! Before the Ultimate Fighting Championships became popular, this martial arts tournament was the biggest and baddest sport around. Filmed at the famous Madison Square Garden, this epic contains non-stop action from the legendary Bruce Lee at the peak of his career. Starring with Bruce is former all-pro football star Fred "The Hammer" Williamson. Fred, star of M*A*S*H, Take A Hard Ride and Adios Amigo proves once again why he was one of the most feared player ever to play the game. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

I Love this Movie!
Ok, as a Bruce Lee movie, this film ranks a 0 out of 5. The glaring "artistic liberties" are insulting...Bruce coming from a long line of samurai (despite the fact he was chinese), Bruce being rich, Bruce's voice over in every scene, and my favorite "Here's Bruce in his first film" (followed by a scene of an elderly chinese man jumping off a building). HOWEVER, despite the horrible "biography" of Bruce, this is the most HILARIOUS movie I've seen in years! I was in tears at parts..the eye plucking, Van Clief saving that girl, those thugs in the park ("You're asking for it mother! "), Aaron Banks' "interview" with Bruce (Thats a pretty sharp manouever!), and that director (I hope you're not one of those kids who's too afraid to get his hands dirty!). Granted, this film is horribly insulting to bruce, but I've seen worse (check out some of the dragon lee videos!). Oh, and my favorite line: "Whats wrong? Ain't 5 times enough for you! " Anyways, this is a terrible martial arts movie that happens to make my sides hurt laughing. A definite 5 stars!

KARATE KRAZY!
This is one of the best movies ever. Starring Bruce Lee and Fred Williamson. It was filmed at Madison Square Garden in 1979 and released in 1980 (I think). Some of the facts in the Bruce Lee story are very inaccurate but the outline is there. Bruce Lee's skill is EXTRAORDINARY. He is without doubt the greatest fighter who ever lived. Nobody can touch him. Fred Williamson is smooth and slick as usual. Watch the scene where he picks up htat little guy at the cab stop. I also reccomend ENTER THE DRAGON.

Bruceploitation at its unforgivable worst
Where oh where do I even begin? Fist of Fear, Touch of Death (also known as The Dragon and the Cobra) has to be the worst, most insulting Bruce Lee exploitation film of all time. I don't know what the filmmakers were thinking on this one; the only thing I can come up with is to think these guys were trying to invoke the spirit of Bruce Lee by insulting his memory to such hellish proportions that he would have to come back from the grave and make them pay for the wrong they have done. Just watching this cinematic monstrosity makes me feel dirty.

It is impossible to explain this "film." Oh, but there is so much to say. The movie opens at Madison Square Gardens on the night of the big 1979 karate championships. Thanks to promoter Aaron Banks, the winner of the big welter-weight fight is to be acclaimed as Bruce Lee's successor. Yes, you heard me right. First, though, Aaron Banks has to open a can of worms in an interview with our narrator of events, the agonizingly annoying Adolph Caesar. According to Banks, Bruce was killed by the mythical touch of death, in which such a powerful energy is forced into the victim's body that he drops dead three or four weeks later. How does he know? Well, his good friend Bruce was showing him the technique in the days before his premature death. This leads Caesar to ask the "obvious" question: will the new Bruce Lee successor also die from the touch of death?

Next we get to meet a few actual martial artists: including Ron Van Clief and Fred "the Hammer" Williamson (who keeps being mistaken for Harry Belafonte - I'm not making this up), although they don't actually fight. While all of this is going on, we are assaulted with random video clips of Bruce Lee interviews; these feature someone else's words inserted over Bruce's actual words. At one point, they have Bruce singing the praises of Aaron Banks, which really got my dander up. There is also a wee bit of fighting action in the ring early on, capped off by the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen-Bill Louie rips both of his opponents eyes out and, being the great sportsman that he is, tosses them into the audience. Sadly, this is by far the highlight of this whole experience. Much worse is yet to come.

Despite the fact that there is no first half, we are assaulted by a halftime show that lasts longer than the Orange Bowl halftime show. This is where the real insults to Bruce Lee are to be found. We watch film footage supposedly showing an 18-year-old Bruce Lee struggling to counter his parents' low opinion of karate and eventually leaving home. Bruce loves karate so much, we are told, because his great-great-grandfather was the greatest samurai warrior China ever saw. This isn't as impressive as it sounds, given the fact that there never were any Chinese samurai - they were all Japanese. In this completely fictional (and hopelessly inaccurate) life story of Bruce, we are also forced time and again to see fake footage within the fake footage of Bruce's impossible ancestor at work. The guy is an overweight slob who just goes around beating up everyone he meets; hitting a perfect 10 on the ridiculous meter, this old guy flies through the air with the greatest of ease and has a special talent of throwing his opponents up into trees (hmm, if I didn't know better, I might think that we're just seeing reversed video clips of guys jumping out of trees). Some foolish curse is supposedly associated with the old man to further make the bastardized history of Bruce Lee more mysterious. Finally, we get to the "main event," only to learn that Bruce Lee's "successor" will be one of two completely unknown kickboxers, one of whom apparently doesn't know he is actually allowed to kick as well as punch his opponent.

I know other reviewers have covered some of these inanities, but I can't stop. There is one moment in which we are shown footage of a young Bruce Lee in his first film-what we see, though, is about a two-second clip of some old man jumping off a roof. Then we are purportedly shown a clip from The Green Hornet: it is an expletive-laced scene in which "Kato" saves two women from being pawed over and worse by a gang of cretins. Big surprise, that wasn't Bruce Lee at all; that was Bill Louie, another overweight slob of a martial artist, "recreating" the role for our supposed entertainment.

This completely fictional portrayal of Bruce Lee's life is an insult that seems to cry out for retribution. My biggest fear is that someone unfamiliar with the real Bruce Lee may see this and get a hopelessly warped idea of the legend who cannot possibly rest in peace as long as a single copy of this film exists anywhere on earth. This "film" is just bloody awful. I would advise any Bruce Lee fans who watch this thing to do so in the daytime because you will be so outraged by what you see that you will not possibly be able to sleep for many hours if not days.

B Movie fans--buy this today!! Bruce Lee fans--don't bother.
As anyone who's seen Fist of Fear... knows, this is a disgrace to the memory of Bruce Lee. However...

In terms of B-movie appeal, this is an 11 out of 10. This expands the boundaries. There should be a C-movie category for this one. I won't go into particulars--a previous review listed most comic elements in the movie.

Being an avid fan of the bad movies that tried to be good movies, I cannot stop watching FF/TD. I show it to everyone. I laugh about it all the time. I don't know why this film isn't in a cult film hall of fame--probably too obscure. But one day, it will be, at the top of the list. Trust me.

If you love really bad movies, this is a gold mine, a work of art. And for $, how can you go wrong!

Bruce Lee's Life Liberal Interpretation
This is a movie to be viewed once and only once. I tried to watch it twice, but it made me realize how often people take advantage of the pain and suffering of others. I have one copy and I wish to sell it. That's why I'm giving it a 3 out 5....
...hoping to sell it soon. It is 90 minutes long and was recorded in EP (slow). Rated R (No one under 17) ... Read more

Reviews (22)

I Love this Movie!
Ok, as a Bruce Lee movie, this film ranks a 0 out of 5. The glaring "artistic liberties" are insulting...Bruce coming from a long line of samurai (despite the fact he was chinese), Bruce being rich, Bruce's voice over in every scene, and my favorite "Here's Bruce in his first film" (followed by a scene of an elderly chinese man jumping off a building). HOWEVER, despite the horrible "biography" of Bruce, this is the most HILARIOUS movie I've seen in years! I was in tears at parts..the eye plucking, Van Clief saving that girl, those thugs in the park ("You're asking for it mother! "), Aaron Banks' "interview" with Bruce (Thats a pretty sharp manouever!), and that director (I hope you're not one of those kids who's too afraid to get his hands dirty!). Granted, this film is horribly insulting to bruce, but I've seen worse (check out some of the dragon lee videos!). Oh, and my favorite line: "Whats wrong? Ain't 5 times enough for you! " Anyways, this is a terrible martial arts movie that happens to make my sides hurt laughing. A definite 5 stars!

KARATE KRAZY!
This is one of the best movies ever. Starring Bruce Lee and Fred Williamson. It was filmed at Madison Square Garden in 1979 and released in 1980 (I think). Some of the facts in the Bruce Lee story are very inaccurate but the outline is there. Bruce Lee's skill is EXTRAORDINARY. He is without doubt the greatest fighter who ever lived. Nobody can touch him. Fred Williamson is smooth and slick as usual. Watch the scene where he picks up htat little guy at the cab stop. I also reccomend ENTER THE DRAGON.

Bruceploitation at its unforgivable worst
Where oh where do I even begin? Fist of Fear, Touch of Death (also known as The Dragon and the Cobra) has to be the worst, most insulting Bruce Lee exploitation film of all time. I don't know what the filmmakers were thinking on this one; the only thing I can come up with is to think these guys were trying to invoke the spirit of Bruce Lee by insulting his memory to such hellish proportions that he would have to come back from the grave and make them pay for the wrong they have done. Just watching this cinematic monstrosity makes me feel dirty.

It is impossible to explain this "film." Oh, but there is so much to say. The movie opens at Madison Square Gardens on the night of the big 1979 karate championships. Thanks to promoter Aaron Banks, the winner of the big welter-weight fight is to be acclaimed as Bruce Lee's successor. Yes, you heard me right. First, though, Aaron Banks has to open a can of worms in an interview with our narrator of events, the agonizingly annoying Adolph Caesar. According to Banks, Bruce was killed by the mythical touch of death, in which such a powerful energy is forced into the victim's body that he drops dead three or four weeks later. How does he know? Well, his good friend Bruce was showing him the technique in the days before his premature death. This leads Caesar to ask the "obvious" question: will the new Bruce Lee successor also die from the touch of death?

Next we get to meet a few actual martial artists: including Ron Van Clief and Fred "the Hammer" Williamson (who keeps being mistaken for Harry Belafonte - I'm not making this up), although they don't actually fight. While all of this is going on, we are assaulted with random video clips of Bruce Lee interviews; these feature someone else's words inserted over Bruce's actual words. At one point, they have Bruce singing the praises of Aaron Banks, which really got my dander up. There is also a wee bit of fighting action in the ring early on, capped off by the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen-Bill Louie rips both of his opponents eyes out and, being the great sportsman that he is, tosses them into the audience. Sadly, this is by far the highlight of this whole experience. Much worse is yet to come.

Despite the fact that there is no first half, we are assaulted by a halftime show that lasts longer than the Orange Bowl halftime show. This is where the real insults to Bruce Lee are to be found. We watch film footage supposedly showing an 18-year-old Bruce Lee struggling to counter his parents' low opinion of karate and eventually leaving home. Bruce loves karate so much, we are told, because his great-great-grandfather was the greatest samurai warrior China ever saw. This isn't as impressive as it sounds, given the fact that there never were any Chinese samurai - they were all Japanese. In this completely fictional (and hopelessly inaccurate) life story of Bruce, we are also forced time and again to see fake footage within the fake footage of Bruce's impossible ancestor at work. The guy is an overweight slob who just goes around beating up everyone he meets; hitting a perfect 10 on the ridiculous meter, this old guy flies through the air with the greatest of ease and has a special talent of throwing his opponents up into trees (hmm, if I didn't know better, I might think that we're just seeing reversed video clips of guys jumping out of trees). Some foolish curse is supposedly associated with the old man to further make the bastardized history of Bruce Lee more mysterious. Finally, we get to the "main event," only to learn that Bruce Lee's "successor" will be one of two completely unknown kickboxers, one of whom apparently doesn't know he is actually allowed to kick as well as punch his opponent.

I know other reviewers have covered some of these inanities, but I can't stop. There is one moment in which we are shown footage of a young Bruce Lee in his first film-what we see, though, is about a two-second clip of some old man jumping off a roof. Then we are purportedly shown a clip from The Green Hornet: it is an expletive-laced scene in which "Kato" saves two women from being pawed over and worse by a gang of cretins. Big surprise, that wasn't Bruce Lee at all; that was Bill Louie, another overweight slob of a martial artist, "recreating" the role for our supposed entertainment.

This completely fictional portrayal of Bruce Lee's life is an insult that seems to cry out for retribution. My biggest fear is that someone unfamiliar with the real Bruce Lee may see this and get a hopelessly warped idea of the legend who cannot possibly rest in peace as long as a single copy of this film exists anywhere on earth. This "film" is just bloody awful. I would advise any Bruce Lee fans who watch this thing to do so in the daytime because you will be so outraged by what you see that you will not possibly be able to sleep for many hours if not days.

B Movie fans--buy this today!! Bruce Lee fans--don't bother.
As anyone who's seen Fist of Fear... knows, this is a disgrace to the memory of Bruce Lee. However...

In terms of B-movie appeal, this is an 11 out of 10. This expands the boundaries. There should be a C-movie category for this one. I won't go into particulars--a previous review listed most comic elements in the movie.

Being an avid fan of the bad movies that tried to be good movies, I cannot stop watching FF/TD. I show it to everyone. I laugh about it all the time. I don't know why this film isn't in a cult film hall of fame--probably too obscure. But one day, it will be, at the top of the list. Trust me.

If you love really bad movies, this is a gold mine, a work of art. And for $, how can you go wrong!

Bruce Lee's Life Liberal Interpretation
This is a movie to be viewed once and only once. I tried to watch it twice, but it made me realize how often people take advantage of the pain and suffering of others. I have one copy and I wish to sell it. That's why I'm giving it a 3 out 5....
...hoping to sell it soon. It is 90 minutes long and was recorded in EP (slow). Rated R (No one under 17) ... Read more