Original subtitles

Bruce!

Bruce, look. I bought lots of newspapers. Look.

-Take a look. -Why did you buy so many?

You're in all of them.

See the photo of you defeating Cafeld? You look like a hero. Look.

Look at this headline.

"Winning in three punches: kung fu kid takes boxing world by storm."

How's that? There's a lot of photos. Look.

What's wrong? You're not in a good mood?

-I'm bored. -What do you mean?

I know you're thinking about something else.

You're just like that. You've always been like that.

You get passionate about things, but only for a while. You're fickle.

When you were small, you did some films with your dad.

You were a child star, but you quit. Then you learned Hung Kuen with Mr. Shao.

But not for long. Then you got interested in fighting.

Spending your days fighting others and scrambling for territory.

Every day you'd end up badly bruised.

-It's true. What else? -Oh, yeah...

Then you wanted to learn English, so you were sent to a private school.

You passed the entrance exam, but then you wanted to learn the cha-cha,

but I haven't seen you dance the cha-cha since we won the championship.

So, you found another new hobby, learning Wing Chun with Master Ip.

Now, it's Western boxing.

And now that you've won the boxing championship,

you need a new hobby. What are you interested in now?

-You're right about that. -Of course, I'm right.

Xiaoman...

When I said I was bored, I didn't mean that.

So, what did you mean by "bored," then?

I meant that ever since I won the boxing championship,

I've realized many things aren't quite how I expected.

Look at the party at our school. There wasn't room for us Chinese students.

We had a family gathering,

and the gang leader Wang Lichao came to stir up trouble.

My parents couldn't sleep all night. They were so worried.

The worst part is, ever since I won that match, Master's been upset.

He said I didn't obey him.

Psychology textbooks say that puberty

is the most emotionally unstable period in our lives.

It's called a "second weaning period."

-"Weaning"? What the heck is that? -Go read a book and educate yourself.

To be honest, I've been worried about you.

I really don't think that...

the Bruce Lee in my heart should spend his life fighting in arenas.

I've thought about it too. But I really love kung fu.

Whether it's martial arts or boxing, you can't make a career of it.

Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you something. You were busy so I didn't get a chance.

There's a director who wants me to star in his play.

They're still looking for an actor. Wanna give it a try?

Which play?

It's written by a Chinese playwright, Wan Jiabao.

- Thunderstorm . - Thunderstorm ?

Wasn't that written by Cao Yu?

Cao Yu is Wan Jiabao's pen name. They're the same person. Are you dumb?

So... are you interested? I think you should go.

I like acting...

but I can't let acting get in the way of my kung fu training.

I won't change my mind.

So are you going to spend your whole life fighting?

Well, I don't know.

-You never seem to know. -I really don't know.

Bruce, let's go have dim sum at A Lin's place.

-It's my treat. -As you wish.

-But there's one condition. -And that is?

-That you go to the studio with me. -Okay.

-Bruce! -I'm not waiting. I'm going.

Wait for me, Bruce!

Three punches. Kapow!

Just three punches and he knocked down the big, brutal Brit!

Kapow! And the Brit fell down.

Come, look at this! Look at this picture. Look!

He's made us Chinese proud. We're so proud!

That's right. My son tells me...

that your Xiaoman gets along very well with Bruce.

Yes, yes. I mean...

if Bruce became your son-in-law,

nobody would dare cause trouble in your clothes shop.

I mean, who would dare cause trouble at their place?

-Bruce, speak of the devil. -Hello.

Please, have a seat.

-A Lin. Hurry up! -Have some water.

-I'm coming! -Let's have dim sum together.

You came at the right time.

-Hey, look-- -Boss, Mr. Wang's men are coming.

Baldy A Liang is bringing his men.

Follow me. Let's go count outside.

-What are you doing, Bruce? -It's not your concern.

Tell me... why did Lin give you a thousand dollars?

-This is our protection fee. -Protection fee?

We protect them, they pay us.

You're just thieves. A bunch of punks.

You dare insult us? Get him!

Run to the kitchen and tell them to cook up something delicious.

Tell them to bring out the abalone!

-Sit down, folks. Sit down. -Bruce, you're great!

If I hadn't taught them a lesson, all that cash would be gone.

That's true.

Someone had to teach them a lesson.

I haven't breathed easy since they came that day.

Today, you finally put me at ease.

Did you see that? Bruce's kung fu is exceptional.

We were afraid of Wang Lichao, because none of us knew kung fu.

But we're not afraid, anymore. Now we have Bruce, Master Ip's student.

We don't need to fear anyone or anything anymore.

Bruce... Come. Come say a few words.

If they come back here again to cause trouble, just call me.

Did everyone hear that? Did you?

If Wang Lichao's men try to extort money from any of you, just give Bruce a call.

Bruce. I'm thinking...

if you can handle Wang Lichao, we'll give you all that money.

Yes! We'll give the money to Bruce!

We all agree!

Are you guys insulting me?

What do you mean? It's yours. You deserve it.

We're giving it to you willingly.

-Yes, we are! -That's right!

I'm thinking...

Wang Lichao's lackey, that Baldy A Liang,

ran off after Bruce beat him up.

However, this guy is not to be trifled with.

Wang Lichao looks like a chubby, jovial Buddha,

but he's a ruthless man. We can expect more trouble after today.

Bruce, keep a low profile for now.

Xiaoman, A Lin. You need to come up with a plan for Bruce.

Hide? Why? I'm not afraid.

Bruce. Wang Lichao has a whole gang of cold-blooded thugs working for him.

You'd better go into hiding.

-The odds are stacked against us. -I'll be waiting for him.

Waiter!

Give this to Mr. Lee.

-Fight! -I'll show him a better place to fight!

Stop it! Stop! Stop fighting, all of you!

Destroy him!

Beat him to death!

Stop it!

-Stop! -It's the cops! Let's go!

Go, go, go!

Quick, over there!

-Pack up. -There's been a fight!

-There's a fight! -Pack things up!

Let's pack up.

There's a note for you.

This was just a warning. Tell your son not to meddle in our affairs.

Ruhai. I'm afraid there's something...

-weird going on. -What do you mean?

I'm afraid that Bruce has provoked Wang's men.

Otherwise, why did they come and cause trouble at our theater?

What does Wang Lichao have to do with your theater?

Since you left for the States, business hasn't been going too well.

Wang's been terrorizing the neighborhood. I didn't dare say a word.

Do you remember Mr. Ma of Ma's Tavern?

-What happened to him? -He owed "protection fees" to Wang.

So, Wang sent his men to Ma's place and sold off everything that was of value.

And that's not all.

They also went looking for him every day to harass him.

Not long after that, Ma's Tavern... it went out of business.

Oh, yes. The owner of Starry Night Café.

-Mr. Gao? -Yeah.

I don't know what he did to piss him off but Wang Lichao sent his men

to stir things up at the café ever since its grand opening.

They'd get drunk and cause trouble.

The café went bankrupt six months later.

Why didn't he report it to the police? Won't the cops help?

Ruhai, Wang Lichao has bribed the local police.

They always hang out together, eating and drinking.

Ruhai.

Please don't tell Bruce about any of this. If he knew all this, he'd get involved.

So, you guys have been stirring up trouble at the theater?

Boss, we weren't able to collect the protection fees.

Bruce beat up our men. I wanted to give him a warning.

If those business-owners have Bruce Lee's support,

how are we supposed to make a living? We've gotta send him a message.

Then look for Bruce Lee.

Why'd you go to the theater to stir up trouble there?

We're no match for Bruce Lee.

You guys trashed the theater and injured people.

If the police weren't on our side,

you guys would be in jail right now.

A Liang, you've been with me for so many years.

Why do you still worry me like this?

Boss, I've let you down.

If you can't get the protection fees, you must find a subtler way.

-Just don't mess with his father, okay? -You're right.

By doing this, you've given people something they can hold against us.

Who is Lee Haiquan? Well, he's a famous actor.

An inoffensive do-gooder.

But you went and bullied him. That's not right.

This is called relying on force to bully others.

Master, I'm sorry. I've made you angry.

A Ming, go find Bruce Lee.

Send him an invitation.

I'll invite him to a meal at the King Edward Hotel.

I have to clean up after you.

COURTYARD OF BENEVOLENCE

A Lin, thanks for helping me with this exam.

If you hadn't, I wouldn't know what to do.

Look. An unwelcome guest.

Mr. Lee, my boss, Mr. Wang would like to invite you for dinner

at the King Edward Hotel. Make sure you show up.

Mr. Lee, there's no ulterior motive.

There's been a misunderstanding between us. My men have been ignorant.

I apologize on behalf of them.

Please forgive them and don't take it personally.

Our boss really admires you. He sent me to invite you for dinner.

-All right. I'll go. -You're so open-hearted.

Here you are.

See you later.

Bruce, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

They could do whatever they want to you. They could poison your drink.

I must go. I can't let them look down on me.

-No, you can't go. -I must.

Mr. Lee. You're very punctual. Please...

KING EDWARD HOTEL

Welcome, welcome!

Bruce, from a distance you look just like your father.

Not just your face, but your stature, movements, and attitude.

They're all the same.

There's no one in Hong Kong who watches your dad's shows more than I do.

-You like his acting? -Very much. I'm a big fan.

I'm not like other people. Others will watch any show.

I only watch the ones starring my favorite actors.

Your father is so acrobatic and sprightly. He moves around so effortlessly. Amazing!

Your father may be 50-years-old,

but he performs like a much younger man. It's beautiful.

One of these days, I'll invite your dad out.

You can come too. Let's have a good chat. Okay?

Please.

Bring the food.

Got it.

My son just called.

He said that Wang Lichao is treating Bruce to dinner

at the King Edward Hotel.

I'm worried. This old fox treating Bruce to dinner...

it can't be good. He's setting him up.

Are you saying Wang Lichao might try to kill Bruce?

I don't think so. Bruce is Master Ip's student.

If he killed Bruce, would Master Ip spare him?

In a way, we were right to ask Bruce to help us.

However, Bruce is just a kid. He's not even 20, yet.

Talent knows no age.

Bruce, I invited you here today without any ulterior motive.

I just admire you.

To be honest, I'm honored to have you here.

Did you know? I've always admired skilled martial artists.

Come, let's have a toast.

-Come on, drink up. -I don't drink.

Okay...

How about this?

I'll drink it.

-Here. -I'll do it.

All right, I've had my drink. Let's talk.

All right...

Bruce.

I invited you here... to apologize.

Everything else is just a triviality.

Apology accepted.

Bruce, wait a second.

All the local businessmen...

know that I collect protection fees from them.

Many of them hate me, insult me.

Some even wish me an early death.

You may have heard about it. But what they don't know is...

I'm actually doing society a favor.

Bruce, please sit.

Look, Bruce.

I have over 20 men working for me.

All of them have been to prison a few times.

They were in and out of prison every few months,

because they stole things or got into fights.

I took them all in.

Did you know?

Ever since I hired them, they have behaved.

Not one has committed a crime.

You've probably heard that the Chief of Police

has praised me for my altruism.

But they don't know how hard it is.

You think these guys are easy to manage? They're not.

Even the police can't do it. But this man here can!

Look at those businessmen. They make so much money.

They've made enough.

Can't they give up some of their wealth to help create a stable society?

Why do they have to cause so much fuss?

They don't think about us! How do we make a living?

Frankly speaking, what would happen if I just stood aside?

It'd be a disaster for our neighborhood!

How could I allow that?

I can't.

Do you know how I manage them? First of all, I teach by example.

Secondly, I set up a strict system of rules and regulations.

Did you know that...

I've been to prison myself? Five times.

But when I think about it now,

I feel a twinge of guilt.

Wasn't it Confucius who said, "At 50, I knew the Mandate of Heaven"?

Well, I'm over 50 now, and I've seen the light.

People shouldn't just look after their own.

They need to look after others as well!

So, no matter what people say about me, whether they say I'm a thief or a killer

or simply curse me...

I don't care! I don't talk back or retaliate.

I behave myself and I ask my men to do the same.

Those who disobey are punished. So that's how things are.

Let me ask you...

You were upset with Bruce,

so why did you go and bust up his father's theater?

Theater? Why didn't I know about this?

-You didn't know? -You busted up my dad's theater?

Did you know, kid, that when you busted up the theater,

you didn't just hurt Bruce's father, you also hurt me?

-Did you know that? -Yes.

You do?

So, I guess I have to punish you, don't I?

Yes.

-Louder! -Yes!

Good.

Take your brother to hospital!

Find him the best doctor!

I'm so hurt.

My heart is broken.

Bruce.

-Dad. -Bruce, what's wrong?

It's okay, Dad.

What's going on with you?

I... Dad, did your theater get trashed?

How did you know?

-What do you think of Wang Lichao? -He's no good.

He's always terrorizing the neighborhood

in the name of collecting "protection fees."

Many shops have gone bankrupt because of him.

-He's a bastard in any case. -I don't think he's really a villain.

Wang Lichao's not a villain? He's the worst guy in Hong Kong.

-Why did you bring him up? -No... no reason.

-Did he ask you to join them? -No.

Bruce, listen. You must never work for Wang Lichao.

If you ever get involved with him, I'll kill myself in front of you.

Come in if you bloody want to!

Boss!

-A Liang, I'm very sorry. -No, Boss. I don't blame you.

You don't blame me...

-yet I still feel distressed. -Boss, I'm sorry for that.

A Liang...

-Boss. -I'm sorry.

Boss, I'd die for you. Boss!

As you all know...

I had no choice but to punish A Liang.

A Liang has a sore head...

and I have a sore heart.

If you guys don't want me to die prematurely,

then don't ever stir things up again.

-A Ming. -Yes, sir?

Go to the theater.

Take this letter of apology. Take a thousand dollars, too.

Give it to Mr. Lee. Don't say it's compensation.

Tell him that I'll pay for him to put on a performance.

And also...

tell him that we'll waive all of his protection fees from now on.

Boss, that'll be a huge loss for us.

Don't worry.

We'll compensate for this loss by collecting it from other places.

-Go. -Yes.

Listen, you guys.

Don't overdo it, again!

If you do... you'll pay for it.

Be kind to others.

When someone gives us something, we'll give it back to him tenfold.

Mr. Lee, Wang Lichao has sent his men. They're waiting outside.

Got it.

A Ming.

-Mr. Lee. -A Ming.

We committed a crime.

So, I'm here to apologize on behalf of Mr. Wang and make amends.

You don't have to.

My boss asked me to bring one thousand dollars.

He wants you to put on a performance of Farewell at the Cavern .

What's more, our men trashed your theater earlier.

Our boss, Mr. Wang, wrote a letter of apology to you.

It's in the past. You don't need to do this.

If your boss wants to see my play, I'll deliver the tickets to him myself.

I can't take the money.

Mr. Lee, just take it.

Also, could you tell your son not to work with those shop owners

or get in our way again?

Yes.

Mr. Lin.

Are you Mr. Wang's man? Have a seat. Have a seat.

Can I get you something to eat?

Mr. Lin, I came to apologize.

That's too kind of you.

Mr. Wang said that he'd like to invite you to see a play.

The famous actor Lee Haiquan will star it. We'd be delighted to see you there.

Mr. Wang and Mr. Lee are good friends.

I appreciate Mr. Wang's kindness.

Okay, when you go back, please tell your boss

that I've never liked the theater.

Mr. Lin, there's something else. I need you to do me a favor.

What can I do for you? I'm just the owner of a small tavern.

Well, our men depend on you,

as well as the other shop owners around here.

If you have any spare cash, please help us out.

Help you guys?

You came to the wrong place. We're not a charity.

What's more, we've been giving you a lot these past few years.

I give you a thousand dollars every month.

So how much have I given you over the years? Tens of thousands.

You're a little cocky, aren't you?

Let's see. We'll do it as before.

We work for you, so you pay us. We'd be grateful.

You don't have to from now on.

So, you're not gonna pay?

Wait. I'll find someone to pay you.

Bruce, come here. You asked him for money?

Okay. I punished A Liang yesterday. Today it'll be A Ming.

Our men are keeping law and order in this neighborhood.

We came to Lin to ask for some money, so we can all make a living.

Public security's a job for the cops. Nothing to do with you.

Exactly.

They all know what you're doing.

If they don't pay, you send your men to cause trouble.

But we... Why would we do that?

Okay. I'll explain it to you.

You guys...

are going to stop collecting money from this neighborhood.

Go back and tell Mr. Wang,

that if he doesn't agree, not to talk to the other business owners,

but to come and look for me, Bruce Lee.

Let's go.

Are you leaving? See you again soon.

That was so satisfying.

Okay. I'll go cook you some tasty food. What would you like?

-Anything. -I'll cook it myself.

-Okay. -Just wait.

Have a seat.

Xiaoman, what do you want?

Anything's fine, as long as you stop fighting.

Master, what are we going to do? How about I go get a few men together?

For what?

Do you think I've gone crazy because of Bruce?

No, Boss.

-Cheers! -Here.

-Cheers! -Cheers!

Today, local business representatives from the community are all here.

First of all, we all want to show our appreciation to Mr. Bruce Lee.

Secondly, we should make some rules.

From now on, no one pays protection fees to Wang Lichao.

No more extortion!

I see that some business owners are still worried.

Let me do the math for you.

Some of us have to pay a thousand dollars, some pay two thousand.

There are over 100 shops in our neighborhood.

How much is that per year? About 200,000 dollars a month.

About two million dollars a year. How long have we paid this?

Did you do the math? It's been over ten years.

Right? That's about twenty million!

We've been too foolish, too soft.

This isn't just about money. It's about our personal dignity.

I won't say more than that.

Now we have Bruce Lee, Master Ip's best student, to help us.

We don't need to be afraid.

If we all pull together, how can we be afraid of Wang Lichao?

Let's raise a toast to Bruce Lee, our knight in shining armor.

Let's toast our benefactor, Mr. Bruce Lee.

-Here. -Cheers.

Mr. Lee, cheers.

Have you read the papers, lately?

The Chinese newspapers said

that Bruce Lee is a hero for the Chinese people,

just like Huang Feihong.

That like Huang Feihong,

he upholds virtue and condemns evil.

Bruce. If you help us get our revenge,

we'll build a statue or a monument for you.

On this street!

-Anybody home? -Who are you looking for?

I'd like to see Mr. Lee.

-Your name is? -Wang.

Come in, please.

Haiquan, someone is here.

-He wants to see you. -Who is it?

Wang Lichao.

Why did he come to our house?

That's it...

Trouble is knocking on the door.

Mr. Wang! Please have a seat.

-Sorry for disturbing you. -Please sit down. Have a seat.

Please.

-How can I sit if you're not seated? -Thank you.

-Here, have some tea. -Here you go.

-Cigarette? -I've quit.

Please sit. After you. I'll tell you what.

About... a couple of years ago,

I went to the Spring River Theater to watch your movie, Feed the Scholar .

-Is that right? -Yes.

I got the urge to smoke.

I wanted to go out to smoke, but I didn't want to miss the movie.

I was really craving it.

So I bent over and took a few drags on the sly.

Then someone tapped me on my shoulder, and pointed at you.

He said you were a big star.

I guess that everyone respected you. So I put out my cigarette.

Since then, I no longer smoke.

Mr. Wang... you flatter me.

What was last night's show?

It was Farewell at the Cavern .

That's a great play! I just love it!

It's one of your best performances.

Mr. Lee, if you perform that play again, no matter when or where,

please let me know. I'll go for sure!

I'll bring my men to clap for you.

Come.

A small token.

Mr. Wang, you're too kind. You shouldn't have.

You sent me a letter of apology. Now you're giving me a small gift?

Mr. Wang, from now on we'll do our utmost

to hand in the protection fee according to your requirements.

Please sit down.

I mean, Bruce is still a child. Don't treat him as an adult.

-We all want a peaceful neighborhood-- -You...

you don't need to see me as an outsider. I truly admire you.

I like your son, Bruce, too.

Mr. Wang, you're flattering me.

So, what can I do for you?

Subtitle translation by Vicky Wang