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Enter the Dragon' (1973), a Critical/film review

Enter the dragon' (1973) illustrates the unification of cultures. The film indicates both Chinese and American styles of film making to create a powerful and unique portrayal of Martial Arts action. Lee's energetic nature explodes off the screen within his fight scenes and the audience always want more.

The audience are immediately captivated by a medium shot of a shoalin temple amongst a scene of serene wilderness. The distinct shape of the temple represents Chinese technique of building. Within the context of culture, the temple connotes the Chinese as a peaceful, respectful and specifically the shoalin are harmonious when using Martial Arts. Non-digetic sound demonstrates a calm atmosphere and begins to challenge western stereotypes of the Chinese in the nineteen seventies.

Furthermore, the camera pans to the left and slowly to a close up shot of Bruce Lee. The Martial Arts action genre is portrayed by Lee as he effortlessly grapples his opponent to the floor. Lee demonstrates his unique skills, his passionate expression of his art and further highlighted by the digetic sound effects of impact when he attacks his opponent, and to demonstrate the damage he inflicts. He is the representation of a Martial Artist at his finest and demonstrates hegemony due to the fact that he has a toned and robust shape to his body, for the screen. In addition, historically Lee was unknown in the west as a Martial Arts action star and therefore, had to strive for perfection when it came to stunts and performance of his character on screen. Consequently, Lee has forever, engraved his place in the minds and hearts of every Martial Arts narrative enthusiast by becoming the first man to introduce the Martial Arts genre to the West. In addition, Lee set the pace for future Martial Arts movies to develop from.
Historical context explains that china had been the symbol of oppression. Within World War Two, China was invaded by Japan and its people became prisoners of war and suffered terrible hardships. Therefore, the stereotype of the weak china man' was carved in the minds of Western audiences and film makers alike. Kung Fu'(1972) for example indicates a white actor playing the role of a Chinese character, ironically the character was to be played by Bruce Lee. This demonstrates the dominant racist attitudes of the West. In addition, Enter the Dragon' moves away from classic stereotypes, and the Martial Arts action is the main force

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