Original subtitles

So, Seattle disappointed you, right?

I guess so.

I see.

What you said may be true.

Have you heard of Auguste Rodin's saying?

What the world lacks is not beauty, but discovery.

You can interpret it this way:

What the world lacks is not martial artists,

but finding them.

There is a similar saying in the Chinese culture.

Bruce Lee.

If you can't find an opponent for now, you can compete with yourself.

Right, to compete with yourself.

-Compete with myself? -Yes.

Your biggest opponent is not someone else,

it's actually yourself.

I guess you've chosen philosophy

to find the best way to compete with yourself.

Additionally, I do understand martial arts.

It's not just to strengthen your body or fight your opponents.

Martial arts is probably an embodiment of a culture.

Young man, since you may not be able to find

a comparable opponent in this college or even in Seattle for now,

you should take the time to think.

You can develop your own theory of martial arts.

You have the potential. Understand?

You want me to develop my own theory of martial arts?

Right. I dislike hypocrisy. Bruce,

I want you to do something that is actually not so difficult for you.

What is it?

Chinese philosophy has become

a popular selective course for American students.

They need more teachers.

After I read your paper,

I'm certain that your lecture will interest high school students.

No, no. Prof. Kane, I'm not competent for this.

Maybe I can teach them fighting.

Chinese-style humility again.

You know what? This term paper of yours is excellent.

Bruce, I believe in you.

You can just regard it as a presentation of your paper.

-But, Professor-- -But what?

I still feel…

I got it.

There is often some inexplicable puzzlement

in the Chinese culture.

Some people call it connotation.

Most Chinese scholars are unwilling to show their knowledge.

While our American culture calls for individuality.

-Professor. -We never hide

our advantages or strength.

For instance, it's good for you to show your martial arts skills.

You should adapt to the American culture, shouldn't you?

Prof. Kane, I still feel a little--

All right, Bruce.

Believe in your understanding of martial arts.

I know.

Trust yourself.

I believe you'll give the students a vivid lecture.

Don't forget,

you'd better give some examples of your martial arts.

In that way, your lecture will be quite lively

and excellent.

Prof. Kane.

Now I've got your point.

All right.

I'll try it.

I believe you'll succeed.

Okay. Now listen.

This is the image of Taiji.

Such a simple design contains deep thoughts of philosophy.

Why are you laughing?

Taiji was invented by our Chinese ancestors

over three thousand years ago.

This is Yang.

It represents positive, firm, and male, actual,

bright, daytime, heat energy, etc.

On the contrary, Yin is the opposite.

It stands for negative, denial, soft,

female, fragile, dark, cold, etc.

The basic theory of Taiji is:

nothing in this world is static.

When something reaches its peak,

it'll start to decline.

At this point, the decline is Yin.

When the decline reaches the end;

it'll start flourishing.

And at this point, the flourish is Yang.

The total process is an interchange of rise and fall.

Therefore, we can see these two different forces.

In conclusion, on the surface, there are two opposing aspects,

but actually, they are interdependent.

If we see it from a different point of view,

they're inseparable.

Give us an example.

Okay.

I'll take the example of Chinese kung fu.

Who can tell me the actual meaning of martial arts?

I believe it is fighting.

Yes, it is fighting.

You say it.

Martial arts is fighting.

Maybe it is the confrontation between Yin and Yang.

According to Linda, martial arts

is actually the stuff between a man and a woman.

Yeah.

Okay. No more jokes.

Let's go on with the theory of Yin and Yang.

I'll use the fight in martial arts to explain.

What Linda said is correct.

Fighting is the confrontation between Yin and Yang.

When your opponent is hitting you, that is called Yang.

While, the defense is Yin.

How do Yin and Yang exchange?

I'll say you can control Yang with Yin.

In just one second, you can alter your opponent's power,

and utilize his power to attack him.

That is the secret of a kung fu master.

-How about a demonstration? -Okay.

In order to explain it more visibly,

I'll need someone to help me.

Anyone wants to help?

I do.

Bush. Bush.

Come on. I don't want you to have a nosebleed

in front of your classmates.

My nose is firm.

It's not easy to get hurt.

Are you sure?

Come. Hit me.

If we were fighting now,

your nose would be bleeding.

-Come on. One more time. -One more time.

Hit me. Come on.

Cool.

Okay. Please, go back to your seat.

Please.

Cool.

I used his strength

to convert his attack,

and took advantage of the moment

when he almost used up his energy to counterattack.

This is a simple process

of the conversion of Yin and Yang.

Anyone else wants to try?

I will.

Me, too.

-Go. Let's go. -I'll try.

Come.

I'll try it, too.

Okay. Come on.

Use your foot.

Right. Keep going.

Attack.

Step back.

Good.

Do it again.

Step up.

Break through your way of thinking,

-and then give it up. -Bruce.

What's up? Open the door.

-Open the door. -Yes. Hurry.

Stuffy air.

What're you contemplating,

my philosopher?

Nothing. I was thinking about

what Prof. Kane told me.

Prof. Kane.

As far as I know,

this professor's words are always puzzling.

He is a profound thinker.

His words

have pointed me a direction of my future,

and enlightened me, as well.

Okay, Bruce.

Can I treat you to dinner tonight?

Sure. Go.

Come. Get in my car.

Your car?

Right.

Tell me about your secret of making a fortune.

How could I afford this car?

My dad bought me this.

My nightmare has finally ended.

My annoying dad has agreed to buy me a car.

He also found me an apartment with security guards.

He'll buy me a house later.

-Really? -Yes.

Let's go.

Welcome.

Long time no see.

Yes.

For the sake of Japanese martial arts,

please be sure to convince

our respectable Mr. Takao Yamamoto.

Kimura.

He has no integrity.

Kimura…

He is actually scum.

Okay. Buy his pub.

I'll persuade Mr. Yamamoto

to teach that arrogant Chinese guy a good lesson.

Yes, sir.

This place must be expensive.

I don't have money to buy you dinner.

I'm leaving.

You saved me.

You were locked in the police station for four days.

I have yet to repay you.

I have to give you a treat.

No.

-Let's go. -It's embarrassing to let a girl

-treat me. Hurry up. -Let's go.

Don't push me.

Hurry. Over there.

Are you familiar with this place?

Yes, I am.

Every time my dad comes to the States, he takes me here.

So I come here quite a lot.

However,

I guess I haven't taken a man here.

You're the first guy I brought to have dinner in this place.

Why are you nervous?

Am I?

Then why are you standing like that?

You have a nice laugh.

Do I?

I thought someone like you didn't know how to compliment others.

I'm happy to hear it.

Is that right?

Bruce, I'd like to talk to you about us.

What is it?

I want to…

I want to give you a surprise.

What is it?

My dad said he'd make

a special trip to the States.

A special trip?

What do you mean?

Silly.

He is…

coming to see you.

He's coming to thank you.

Thank me?

Will he give me his daughter, buy me a house,

or a car?

Whatever you want, he'll buy for you.

I'm fainting.

Dear.

How about finishing our dinner first before you faint?

Mr. Kimura,

your pub has a good business.

Why do you want to sell it?

That's embarrassing.

Something happened in my family. I'm in need of money.

Okay.

Lower the price ten more percent, we'll take it.

I've brought cash with me.

Count it.

The money is yours now;

and this pub is mine.

I'll treat

everyone a drink

before I leave.

Have some drinks? You want to buy us drinks?

No, thanks.

If you have nothing else to do, you may go.

Kimura, I'm telling you

you're now an unwelcome person.

Something happened in your family? You need money urgently?

You're lying.

We've heard that

you're learning kung fu from a Chinese Master.

You even sold your pub to open a martial arts school for him.

Kimura, am I right?

None of our countrymen

will affiliate with you.

You're betraying us.

Do you still consider yourself a Japanese descendant?

You scum.

We've sealed our deal.

Why are you still talking like this?

Don't break my stuff.

We're not interested in your pub.

We just want to regain the pride you've lost. Mr. Kimura.

Here.

From now on,

it'll be an authentic Japanese martial arts house.

Get out.

Mr. Amada,

I hope you won't be so narrow-minded in the way you see me.

From now on,

my friends and I will be the masters here.

You want to leave on your own,

or you want us to throw you out?

Leave now.

Although I got this pub at a good price,

but I'm not feeling good.

Because I see a scum.

Go.

Don't forget to clear your stuff.

I don't want to

see your stuff here.

I'll send someone to clear my stuff.

Mr. Kimura, I'll tell you something.

Master Yamamoto has come to Seattle.

We will take revenge and defeat that arrogant Bruce Lee.

You coward.

Tell your so-called Chinese master.

Let him get ready.

Who are you looking for?

Mr. Kimura,

the owner of this pub.

Look carefully.

It's no longer Kimura's Pub.

I can't believe it. What happened?

Look again if you have doubt.

This is Yamamoto's House of Japanese martial arts.

Go, go, go.

It…

Mr. Amada,

he's a helper that I hired.

He'll take my stuff away.

Mr. Kimura, you sold your pub?

Don't you see it?

My stuff has been packed.

But, why?

You haven't left,

but the signboard has changed. Why?

Not everything has to have a reason.

Come on, Jessie.

Please help me to take the stuff to your car.

Where are we going?

I don't know, either.

Let's go, Jesse.

Can you lower the rent a little bit?

I can't. It's already very low.

You can try other places in Seattle.

With such a low price, you can never rent a better house.

If you don't want to rent it, someone will take it right away.

Take a good look.

It's quite nice here.

Sir, I guess your basement has been vacant for at least two years.

I didn't clean it up.

In Seattle, I can find a hundred basements like this.

Who are you?

Who am I?

The "Living Map" Jesse. I'm a Seattle native.

Sir, if you want to rent out this basement,

you'd better lower 20 percent.

Otherwise we'll leave right now.

Ten percent at most.

No. 15 percent.

No. I can't do it.

Mr. Kimura. Let's go.

OK. Deal.

Deal.

-All right. -Deal.

I'm sure,

you're now thinking what a fool I am.

No.

Actually, this deal is pretty fair.

Now I can

-use this place. -The paperwork is done.

I better leave now. It's yours now.

Don't forget to pay your rent on time.

I won't.

All right.

See you. See you.

See you.

Jessie. Come here.

Can you find some people

to clean it up for me?

No problem.

We're never short of laborers in Seattle.

Mr. Kimura, how do you want us to do?

I want to open a martial arts school.

A martial arts school?

Yes.

I want to start a martial arts school for Bruce.

So,

I'll be able to learn kung fu from Bruce.

Is that right?

That's cool!

I'll say, when this school is open,

all the young people in Seattle will come to learn.

But I guess...

this place is too small.

Right.

But that's what we can do for now.

Oh, Jesse.

Please don't tell Bruce

before we are ready.

Why?

To protect his pride.

Pride?

What's up? Something happened?

I'm fine. Please continue the class.

Again.

In Wing Chun Fist, to attack is to defend.

While you're at defense,

you attack swiftly with your fists and feet.

One more time.

You can even ignore their punches and attack them directly.

Good. Be accurate when you strike.

Speed is the key.

Push your speed to the limit. Look.

Good. What you see now,

is called "Eliminating Strike". You strike to eliminate.

Anyone wants to give it a try?

Bruce, can I try?

No, you're too soft.

You.

Me?

Come here.

Beat him.

Please tell me how to attack.

In an actual combat,

no one will tell you how to fight.

You just go beat him.

Just now,

when you're tightening your body,

and striking out,

you've exposed all your weaknesses

to your opponent.

It's easy for your opponent to counter-attack.

Remember,

what our Wing Chun Fist stresses.

First of all,

to relax.

Relax your body and your mind.

Go back.

Remember the characteristics of water.

Water is shapeless and penetrating.

It's the softest substance in the world,

but,

it can infiltrate the hardest granite.

Please remember,

you should be like water. Be penetrating.

Bruce Lee, I don't think fighting

is as easy as taking a shower.

I can't feel where the water is at all.

Do you mean water?

If not, then?

I think you were talking about becoming Superman.

Good. That's right.

I hope you can remember this.

Now, we're having a Chinese kung fu class,

It's not an entertaining center.

Come. Keep going. Follow me.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Are you okay, Kimura?

It seems that you have something to say.

Yes.

Now.

You'd better not waste so much time

teaching your students kung fu for free.

So you want me

to charge them?

No. I want to tell you something.

The guy called Yamamoto, a 6th dan karate master,

has come to Seattle.

Is that right? Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Where does he live? Let's go to meet him.

You know what?

I've never found a comparable opponent since the last time I defeated you.

I can't wait any longer.

It's good that he came.

Would you please send him a letter of challenge for me?

You know, it's not a good feeling

for martial artists to live without the practice and challenge

from other skilled martial artists.

Please find him.

You regard this matter too simple.

Before, I had a place here.

Those Japanese martial artists

gave me some respect.

But ever since I became your student, their attitude has changed.

Just defeat him.

Don't I tell you?

No matter a Westerner or a Japanese,

he'll respect you as long as

you defeat him.

He could even become my student.

Bruce, you don't know this.

Since Mr. Amada quarreled with me,

he invited Yamamoto to Seattle.

He has only one purpose.

-That is to defeat you. -That's even more exciting.

My fists are itchy now.

I'd like to see

how he's going to defeat me.

For the time being, please don't go out to deliver newspapers again.

Get prepared.

Please take your money back. Take it back.

I've told you that

I wouldn't accept charity from anyone

even my parents.

-I can take care of myself. -This is not charity.

You'll make money soon.

Why?

We'll open a martial arts school. It'll be for-profit.

Okay. Okay.

Don't worry about the martial arts school for now.

Most importantly,

find Yamamoto for me.

I want to practice with him.

He'll come to you pretty soon.

I'll wait for him then.

Bruce.

Ms. Xu.

-Why are you here? -I'm waiting for the bus.

You're looking good. Here.

I have two jobs. I can get by.

What is the money for?

I sent a telegraph to your family. I called them, too.

This is not my idea.

Uncle Shao told me to do it.

He wanted me to send your good news to your family.

See, your classmates,

your parents wrote letters to my address.

And your family sent you money.

I've got it for you.

Uncle Shao?

How's he doing? I've never seen him.

Uncle Shao didn't want me to tell you.

He's not so good.

His wife…

I'm afraid she's got some incurable disease.

Anyway, Uncle Shao really cares about you.

But he's in a mess now. He doesn't want you to be distracted.

Okay. Tell me about yourself.

How's school?

Do you like your major?

Why didn't you talk?

Do you actually like your major?

Yes, I do like it.

I never thought of studying philosophy.

I've always knew philosophy

as a profound subject ever since I was a kid.

So, thank you

for introducing Prof. Kane to me.

He's great. He's really knowledgeable.

All right.

I've been busy lately so I did not come to see you.

Today, let me treat you to a nutritious meal

-to strength your body. -Ms. Xu.

No, thanks.

Now I have the money from my parents.

I'll borrow it a little bit. My treat, this time.

Borrow? What do you mean?

I've never had my parents

send me money since I was a kid.

So, I'll say, I borrow this money from them.

Besides, I'm an adult now.

According to the American custom,

I'm supposed to be a gentleman.

Come on. My treat.

It's okay. It'll be on me.

Let's go.

I can't let a lady treat me.

That's so embarrassing.

Bruce, you're my guest today.

Please take it easy.

I'll take the order.

Bruce, I hate you.

You've never contacted me for so long.

Did you fall into the Pacific?

You fought again?

You got hurt?

Bruce, I've graduated.

I miss you a lot.

Although, my mom and dad,

don't want me to go out with a troublemaker,

I still got your address from your mom.

Are you still working at the Ruby Restaurant?

Bruce,

I'll marry you once you come back.

We can get into the show biz.

We'll make a lot of money.

I don't want you to practice kung fu.

I don't want to see you fighting every day.

Bruce, please come back.

Put it there.

Come. Let me do it.

What's up? What are you thinking about?

That's a lot. We can't eat that much.

I said you were my guest today.

Enjoy.

Jones said, she'd visit Blair in the States pretty soon.

I've also heard Blair is doing better now.

Jones mentioned that she'd look for you.

A-Lin has been working for his dad to take care of

fish mart and restaurant.

I heard he was getting married with a merchant's daughter.

Bruce, do you know,

I am still waiting for you, quietly.

Bruce.

No one mentions Wang Lichao now.

He's hiding in Taiwan.

I hope you'll come back immediately.

Please don't leave me alone in Hong Kong.

Bruce.

All I've ordered are your hometown dishes.

I know you'll like them.

How about some beer?

Sure.

Thanks.

Come on.

We haven't said cheers.

Sorry. Have another drink.

Did you see something unpleasant from your family letter?

No. I haven't taken a look yet.

I'm reading the letter from my girlfriend.

What?

She wants me to go back to Hong Kong right away.

Haven't you told her that you're a college student now?

She doesn't want me to continue my kung fu practice.

Right.

Girls don't like

their beaus to be fighting.

Eat.

Let's eat and chat.

Help yourself.

Boss, Chef Wang wants to see you.

Didn't I tell you that

I wanted to be alone?

I'm with my guest.

You fool.

Dear Ms. Xu,

this is the 200 dollar that I borrowed from you.

Thank you for your help at a time when I was needy.

And these 50 dollars,

please give it to Becky.

When I first came to Seattle,

she bought me a comforter and clothes.

And the rest, 50 dollars,

it's for the dinner.

I said I wouldn't let a lady buy me dinner.

Hello.

You're…

Where's he?

Bruce…

I don't know if I should like him

or hate him.

These dishes are wasted.

Clean them up.

That's it for today.

-See you. -See you.

-Let's go. -See you.

These are all my students.

Kimura,

what do you think of our free kung fu class?

I'd rather,

you regard it as a trial.

Right.

I don't have a lot of experience

in teaching kung fu or running a martial arts school.

I'm doing this to gain some experience

so I'd know how to run a legitimate martial arts school.

Anyway, Chinese kung fu

must become the number-one martial arts in America one day.

I've told you that you'd have your own martial arts school pretty soon.

You're kidding.

Well.

Have you found Yamamoto?

Don't worry.

He'll come to you when the time comes.

I can't wait.

I'm so excited that I haven't been sleeping well.

Really?

Bruce.

Bruce.

Bruce.

Bruce.

George, wait.

Sometimes, I still feel I have no control when I turn around to strike.

I don't think you're in the right position.

Just like this.

Isn't she the beauty you saved?

Nonsense.

-Bruce. -I won't bother you guys.

Let's go. Get in my car.

Are you kidnapping me?

No. I'm taking you to see someone.

-Who? -My dad.

-Your dad? -Right.

I've told you that.

My dad came here yesterday. He just came to see you. Let's go.

Your dad wants to see me. I'm a little nervous.

I don't know what to say.

Just tell him that you love me and you want to marry me.

No. Isn't that bragging?

I have nothing now.

No money. How am I going to marry you?

If you want to marry me, you don't have to worry about money.

Why?

To tell you the truth,

my dad was the former Minister of the Energy Department.

My family is wealthy.

What? Your dad is a minister?

Former Minister of the Energy Department.

What's that supposed to mean?

That means he's no longer a minister.

He's focusing on his own business now.

I'm more confused.

Why did you live in the slums before?

Your family is so rich. Why?

That's not strange.

I stayed in the slums, so he'd look upright.

But after that incident, my dad has changed his mind.

He no longer wants his daughter to live in the slums.

So…

However, at that time,

I didn't feel deprived.

Only security is not guaranteed.

So you're a minster's daughter.

A pleasant surprise?

A pleasant surprise? No.

Why?

Would you be happy if my dad was a commoner?

Whether your dad is a commoner,

or a minister, it has nothing to do with me.

Why not?

Your future father-in-law wants to let his daughter marry you.

Last time at Twin Lion Restaurant, when we were having dinner,

weren't you very happy?

What you said is now going to come true.

What?

Your dad will allow me to marry you;

he'll also buy me a house and a car, right?

Right.

But it won't be in the States, it'll be in Philippines.

Philippines. What do you mean?

What's up?

So tell me, what is it? What is it indeed?

Okay. I'll tell you.

My dad has agreed we'll quit school and go to the Philippines.

Then, he'll help you to get citizenship there.

We have a huge ocean house over there.

We don't have to do anything to live a good life.

If you want to go to school,

no matter if it's in Philippines or the U.K., it'll be fine.

I won't leave the States.

Bruce, you're just a philosophy major.

We live in a pragmatic society.

I don't believe someone with a philosophy major will succeed here.

I'll develop my Chinese kung fu career in the U.S.

I'll strive to make our kung fu the number-one martial arts in the world.

You're day-dreaming.

We live in an era with all modern weapons.

I don't know how a martial artist could succeed.

I want to become a Chinese kung fu master

that American people respect, as well as a kung fu philosopher.

This is my goal.

Okay.

It's your goal.

So what?

Can you live on your goal?

As for me…

I don't want to live a life like this with you.

Okay. Arroyo. Let me ask you.

Do you like me?

Of course.

Do you like martial arts?

No.

Okay. I see.

We got to know each other because of martial arts.

Martial arts brought us together.

You can make your dad accept me,

and ask him to buy me a house and a car, and give me a good life.

But you can't accept my martial arts.

You disappoint me.

Just because I don't like your martial arts?

Tell me.

Why don't you talk?

Okay, I'll tell you.

I have a girlfriend in Hong Kong too.

I don't care. It doesn't matter, as long as you love me.

Let me finish.

A few days ago, I received a letter from her.

She wanted me to go back to Hong Kong and marry her.

Subtitle translation by Li Ling Yang