Original subtitles

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 wants me to go back to Hong Kong and marry her.

But I rejected her.

Do you know why?

Because she doesn't understand me. She doesn't like kung fu, either.

She sees my love for kung fu as a burden.

She thinks it's nothing but tussling.

She believes that kung fu only brings trouble.

-Doesn't it? -So, you think so, too?

I guess our relationship is a misunderstanding.

What?

Arroyo, I'm telling you...

I won't change my goals.

If you don't want to change your mind...

I guess that's it.

Bruce, do you realize that you're hurting me?

You're hurting me, too.

Do you understand what is most valuable to a man?

What is it?

It's his dignity.

-Does your present life give you dignity? -This is only temporary.

I'll strive to make my life better.

I'll accept it even if I have to sleep on the streets to achieve my goals.

Bruce, you'll pay for your immature thoughts.

I'm willing to pay at any cost.

Bruce, you'll regret this!

Never.

Bruce, do you really want to fight for the rest of your life?

Do you want to marry kung fu? Come back!

Don't leave me alone. Come back.

Do you want to marry Kung Fu? Come back.

I'm sorry.

-Am I disturbing you? -No.

I was just thinking of a painting. It's so beautiful.

What painting?

An oriental dancer in front of the blue ocean,

his graceful posture reveals some sort of mystery.

You have a good imagination.

If I'm not mistaken, I'd guess that you are majoring in literature.

No, it isn't just literature students who have good imaginations.

-Can I ask you a question? -Sure.

What were you doing just now? It's just like a masculine dance.

Dance? That's a new way of describing it.

-Is my question silly? -I'd say, your question is philosophical.

Dancing is a form of art. Kung Fu is a form of martial arts.

Essentially, they have a lot of similarities.

I'd rather regard Kung Fu as an art.

Chinese Kung Fu.

I guess it is a special dance for Chinese people.

It's also the dance with the longest history.

That's interesting. But you don't have a good memory.

Memory?

Do you really not remember?

-What? -My name is Linda Emery.

Linda Emery?

Nice to meet you.

Do you not remember giving us a Taiji class at our school?

Kung Fu is a form of boxing.

It is also the confrontation of Yin and Yang.

How about an example?

-You're Linda. -Yes.

-I'm sorry. -It's okay.

Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you. Bruce Lee...

I'm now a freshman in the medical school at Washington State.

-So, we're schoolmates now? -Right.

I'm really sorry I didn't recognize you at first.

This just suggests that I don't have a very memorable appearance.

Not all. You are actually very memorable.

One, two, three!

-One more time. -One, two, three!

Pay attention to your squat position.

Stretch out your arms. One, two, three.

-One, two, three! -Again.

-One, two, three! -I want to learn boxing with them.

How about that? Then you'd be my Sister.

One, two, three.

One, two, three!

-Hi, Philosopher. -Hi, Linda.

How come there are only guys in your team?

I'm sorry. For this kind of Chinese dance that I teach, only guys are interested.

-Can you count me in? -Sure, sure.

But you won't stay for more than three days.

-We don't know, yet. -Okay. Please get in.

-Turn around, everyone. -Follow me.

-Hi. -Stand well.

One, two, three!

-One, two, three! -One, two, three!

Good! Well done!

One, two, three!

Master Yamamoto, put this iron man here.

Come... put it down.

We can talk... Mr. Amada.

Anyway, we've been working together for all these years.

There is nothing we can't talk about.

I hope you understand me.

Please convey my message to Master Yamamoto.

Bruce Lee would like to have a competition with him.

Nothing else.

Martial arts require exchanges of skills.

It's a challenge to ourselves.

If we regard it as a fight between a winner and a loser,

then we've deviated from the original idea of martial arts.

Don't tell me about that. I'm just a martial arts coach at a school.

If we're talking about speaking skills, I can do way better than you.

But now, we must wash away the shame you brought us.

Kimura, tell your so-called Chinese master,

We'll make him lose his fame in Seattle and the U.S.

Let him go to hell.

You're right. I do learn from a Chinese master.

What I'm learning is Chinese Kung Fu, the original form of martial arts.

I don't want to see an unnecessary battle because of this.

Okay. You don't have to explain it to me. Just tell him to get ready.

-Was that Kimura again? -That's right.

He's called several times. He wanted to talk to us.

Maybe he's afraid of my fists.

He's afraid that your fists will cripple his master.

We'd better find a way to get everybody's attention.

We'll defeat Bruce Lee.

We can't let this bragging Chinese guy be arrogant again.

There shouldn't be a place for him in America.

That's right. Don't worry. I'll find the right occasion.

-Okay. Assist our iron man to his feet. -Yes, sir.

He's heavy.

Push hard.

One, two. One, two, three.

One.

Two.

One, two, three.

Remember, the aim of practicing Kung Fu is not just to break a board or rock.

It's not even to fight or to show off.

What we care about is its influence on our ideas, our lifestyle.

Philosopher.

Are you talking about philosophy or Kung Fu?

Right.

You forgot my teaching. Kung Fu contains philosophy.

It seems that it'll take more brain than body to learn Chinese Kung Fu.

If you can keep practicing it constantly, you'll understand what Kung Fu really is.

That's all for today.

Now, you guys better take care of your stomachs.

Good. Meal time.

Bruce Lee, where are we going today?

I'll take you guys for some Cantonese food.

Great!

-Get ready. -Let's go.

-Go. -Linda, Bruce is taking us

to have his hometown dish tonight.

Let's go together, okay?

-Come on. -Let's go, Linda.

You haven't had dinner with us since you joined us. Let's go.

You've been improving. Keep doing it, you'll be better.

Thanks. I'm leaving, now.

I'll see you guys.

Linda, come with us.

-Right. -Do you dislike us?

-Linda. -So many people are going there.

-Let's go together. -See you.

See you.

Okay. I'll call my mom.

You're a filial girl. That's good.

What is filial?

According to your American culture, it means you care about your parents.

Of course. But I only have Mom, no dad.

I'm sorry.

It's all right. He passed away when I was only five.

I'm so sorry, Linda. I don't want you to feel sad.

It's all right. It's been a long time. I don't feel sad.

Are you done with your whispering?

It's Linda's first time having dinner with us.

I guess you guys better go home first, take a shower and change your clothes.

How about that?

Okay, Linda, let's go.

-See you later. -See you.

Bye.

Look, Ms. Xu, I'm bringing you business. It'll be on me today.

Please tell Chef Wang we'd like some authentic Cantonese dishes.

So, you have money now? You're not using daddy's money, are you?

No. I've got my scholarship. And I have two salaries.

-Come on. This way, please. -Thanks.

-Sit here, please. -Have a seat.

-All right, friends. So, everyone is here. -Sit.

Please sit down.

-All right. -Sit.

Come on.

-What is this, Bruce? -Chinese black tea.

Or, you could say Chinese coffee.

Can I have some sugar?

-Sure. Sugar please. -Have you ever had it?

Once or twice.

-Thanks. -Ms. Xu.

-Smells good. -Thanks.

Chinese tea smells good.

What are you doing, Linda?

-No sugar? -Chinese people never put sugar in tea.

Are you making fun of me?

-Bruce, why didn't you tell me? -You didn't ask.

You'll remember it next time.

You know, when I first drank coffee, it was embarrassing, too.

What's this? This is not tea. It's so bitter.

I didn't know I could put sugar in coffee.

That's funny.

-Bruce. Bruce. -Chef Wang.

Look.

Where did you get this "Tiger and Dragon"?

I cooked it especially for you. Don't worry. It'll be on me.

I want you to have some good nutrition.

So, no one will ever call you a yellow-skinned guy with pigtail.

-I'm just joking! Nothing more. -You better not make jokes like that.

Look at you, silly.

-I was just joking. -Don't joke around like that.

Hi, Bruce!

Hi!

Tell me. Why do you arrive earlier than anyone else every day?

I'm still later than you.

I thought you wouldn't stay for three days.

-Really? -I guess I underestimated you.

Maybe you did.

Dear Linda. Can I treat you to dinner?

With everyone else?

No.

Just us, you and me.

-Okay? -Okay.

Remember. Space Needle Restaurant. After school.

Okay.

-Wait for me. I'll be right back. -Okay. Just a minute.

-Please say hi to your mom. -Sure. See you soon.

-Mom. -Hi, sweetie.

Linda?

You're back 30 minutes earlier today. It seems you're in a good mood.

Any nice surprises for me?

Mom, you can't ask too much. I can't always bring you nice surprises!

Hi! Mom, you're getting more sensitive.

I'm not too sensitive. It's you. You're at a sensitive age now.

New clothes. Are you going out?

Yes.

Who's the gentleman dating you?

Not with a gentleman, but with a lot of schoolmates.

-Really? All right. See you. -Okay. I'm leaving. Bye.

-Sorry to keep you waiting. -It was like a hundred years.

Let's go.

It's so high.

Bruce, it's my first time here.

-Are we really going up there? -Sure.

This way, please.

This is the first time I've had dinner at such a high place.

Me too.

It's my first time in outer space.

You're exaggerating, but it's fun.

I guess joy is the most important thing in life.

Sir...

We'd like to have two orders of space food.

Okay, sir, please show me your astronomer's ID.

-Too bad, I left it on Earth. Sorry. -What's your order, please?

Steak. I like it tender, please.

Okay. How about you, sir?

I'd like to have the same.

Bruce, I'm ordering according to my taste.

I know what you mean. It's like putting sugar in tea.

-Yeah. -Two orders.

All right. Two orders, same style.

-Thanks. -Thanks.

You have a good sense of humor. Why did you choose Philosophy?

Someone once asked the TV genius, Dr. Charles Stamens,

what the fastest developing science would be in the next 25 years.

He answered quickly, "That'll be spiritual perception."

Do you know, Linda? When someone realizes

how tremendous his spiritual strength can be,

and when he utilizes this power in science, business, or his lifestyle,

his development will be unlimited.

Learning philosophy makes me feel that I have tremendous spiritual strength.

This power is even bigger than my belief, bigger than my ambition, my confidence,

or even my determination and imagination.

Do you know, Linda? In fact, it is a combination of everything.

When I have this dominating power in my mind, I'll gain more wisdom.

-I admire your self-confidence. -Sure. I guess I was born with it.

Do you know what my dream is?

You hope that one day, all the people in America

or even the whole world, will be practicing Chinese kung fu.

-You peeked at my plan? -No, I peeked at your soul.

Damn. I'd better lock the door of my soul.

However, I'll give the key to someone. Do you want to keep it for me?

Me?

-Here you go. Enjoy. -Thanks.

You're welcome.

Ladies first. You go first.

-Can I make a suggestion? -I'm all ears.

Many people in America can cook hamburgers.

But ultimately, McDonald's made the world understand the hamburger.

Go on.

I mean...

Why do you only give free kung fu classes on campus?

Why don't you open a martial arts school outside college, with fees?

In the future, maybe your kung fu will be like McDonald's,

and have chain stores all across the U.S.

People will understand it. You'll also make profit.

That's a great idea! Chain martial arts school.

My God, what a world will that be?

Linda, I can't wait. Chain martial arts school!

-That's great! -You're a cute, big boy.

Linda, when we were practicing,

I found that you were different. You have your own ideas.

Linda, do you believe in the phrase, "meant to be"?

-What is that? -I'll tell you.

It's a Chinese term.

It means when two people are arranged by God,

they are fated to be together,

-and never to be separated. -Right, right.

-I had a good time today. -Me too.

I'm going home.

Linda...

-What? -May I kiss you?

Certainly.

-See you tomorrow. -See you.

Kimura.

-Bruce, I've been waiting for you. -It's late. What's going on?

Follow me. I have something to tell you.

-Where are we going? -You'll find out.

What is it anyway?

-Something good. -Good? Like what?

Bruce...

What is this place?

Come on.

Look, it can hold at least 30 students to practice kung fu.

Haven't you been thinking of opening a martial arts school?

Now, you can have it.

You sold the pub?

I told you...

to never sell your pub to open a martial arts school for me.

That's my business. It has nothing to do with you.

Your business? You sold your pub, to open martial arts school for me.

Now I'm involved. You can't do that.

Bruce, you have your ideals and goals. So do I.

But mine is not a pub. It's martial arts.

Okay. Let's stop here.

If I let you do this, I'll feel bad for the rest of my life.

I don't agree to it.

Never.

Bruce, I've signed the contract. I've also paid six months' rent.

-What do you want me to do? -That's your business.

I said I wouldn't allow you to do this. I won't open a martial arts school here.

Bruce...

Bruce, I didn't do this just to help you.

You know...

My pub relied on Japanese customers to keep running.

Ever since I became your student, no Japanese have come for drink.

No one has come for practice. Sooner or later, I had to close it down.

I'd rather sell it at a time when you could use the money,

rather than waiting for it to go out of business.

We can use part of the money to pay for rent for half a year.

And with the rest, we can buy some equipment.

In this way, your... No, our dream martial arts school will be set up.

Bruce, I know that you never want to accept other people's sponsorship.

However, I am not an outsider.

I'm your apprentice, your follower.

Besides, this money is not for free. I'm lending it to you.

You can return it to me when the martial arts school is prosperous.

Kimura, I'm really touched by your friendship.

You'll make me break my promise again.

Listen, I'll certainly pay back the money that I owe you.

Bruce, you'll be successful.

Good Morning.

Good Morning.

Tell me about the Asian guy.

-Asian guy? -Yes. The one who brought you

back home last night.

Oh...

Bruce. He's an interesting Chinese man.

I'm going to be late.

Wait. Tell me something about this Chinese man.

Mom, he's only our coach, teaching us a special Chinese dance.

May I meet him?

If he'd like to come over.

Hasn't he come to our house before? He didn't come in.

-You were watching me? -No. I happened to see it.

Okay.

Bruce. We've got most of the equipment.

I guess next Saturday, we can start recruiting students.

I'm thinking... we're just opening the school.

-Maybe we should lower the tuition fees. -Probably not.

This price is really the minimum we can ask for.

With the rent, equipment depreciation and taxes deducted,

even if we get a full house of 30 students, we won't have much left.

If we lower the fees, we won't be able to cover the cost.

Okay. Let's open the school next week. Look.

How about this martial arts school logo that I designed?

It looks philosophical.

We've got the equipment from Hong Kong.

Please put it inside.

-Move it inside. -Good.

Come on. Hurry.

-Hurry. -Here.

You look a little nervous, Bruce.

Hurry.

-Slowly. -Good.

How's our first step going so far?

Come.

It concerns the realization of my entire goal.

Slowly.

To be honest, I feel a lot of pressure.

Based on your 11-seconds defeat, as well as your story

of a hero saving a beautiful girl, you're a famous guy in Seattle now.

But I still don't feel settled.

Old men always say that...

your dreams are the opposite of reality.

-Right? -Bruce...

You're Chinese, I'm Japanese. We have different cultures.

We have different understanding of dreams.

If you want to find a native American to interpret your dream,

I guess he'd recommend you read Sigmund Freud.

I had a dream last night.

There was a huge crowd of people in my martial arts school.

It was... as crowded as a boxing match.

What's going on? You have to pay for it if you break it.

Jesse. This is Woodman Stake. Don't be fussy.

-Woodman Stake? -Yes. Woodman Stake.

If we practice Chinese kung fu,

this stuff is necessary.

Now, I'll show you guys something new.

-Good. -Long time no see, my friend.

Bruce, no wonder your kung fu is awesome.

-You have this. -Come on. Try it.

-I'm still not used to it. -Let me try it as well. Let me try it.

You get stuck.

When you get more familiar with the stake,

you'll know its characteristics.

You can't use brute force. You follow its power flow like this.

Thereafter, you won't hurt yourself. Got it?

I see.

-Okay. Put it over there. -Okay.

-Linda, what's up? -I'd like to talk to you.

Okay.

My mom wants to meet you.

-Meet me? -I'm afraid so.

She worries about me.

Does your mom not want you to go out with me?

She's concerned maybe there won't be bread on the table, in the future.

That's not possible, Linda. See, my martial arts school is set up.

We can charge tuition fees.

When our martial arts school grows, we'll make a lot of money.

-I believe so. -Please tell your mom I'll visit her.

-But not right now. -I understand.

What's that?

-Woodman Stake. -Weird. What's it for?

Jesse, look at this position on the map. Where is it? I can't find it.

-Leave it to me. -You're familiar?

Yes. I know everything about Seattle.

-No problem. -But I'm not familiar with it.

-I don't know what I'd do without you. -No problem. Let me handle it.

Where will the Asian Culture Festival be held?

I believe the place you're talking about is over there.

Looks so American. I guess Bruce will like it.

Jesse, you drive. I'll wait for you over there.

No problem. See you.

Master Yamamoto.

I believe you'll have a good opportunity to make Seattle know you.

-What is it? -It's this.

There is a cultural festival in Seattle every fall.

During the festival, the Chinese community in the city

will set up a Chinese style bazaar.

They do Lion Dance, and sell some merchandise as well.

This is a purely commercial event. What does it have to do with us?

It'll be crowded. Many Asian countries,

including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea,

as well as Japanese commercial groups, will take part in it.

They'll also have some performances.

I believe it'll be the best place for you to show up.

We'll take this chance to get you recognized in Seattle.

Master Yamamoto, I believe it'll be the best opportunity.

I'll arrange everything. We'll have a show over there.

I didn't come for a show. I came to open a martial arts school.

-And, of course, to defeat Bruce Lee. -Right.

It'll be an easy job to defeat Bruce Lee.

But most importantly, we'll let all of Seattle know you.

So, our karate can gain more territory in Seattle.

-Okay. Just arrange it. -Yes.

-Bruce. Bruce? Hi! -Hi, Linda, you look so happy.

Any good news?

I'd like to suggest that you cancel tomorrow's opening.

-What? -That's right.

Why?

We set the opening date a week ago. Everything is ready.

-How can we just cancel it like that? -Look, on the tenth of next month,

there will be an Asian Culture Festival in Seattle.

-This is a good opportunity. -Asian Culture Festival?

I don't see what this has to do with my opening.

Bruce, of course it does.

Think about it. Your kung fu is known in college now.

But no Seattle folk have heard of it yet.

If you could perform at the festival, it'll have a far better influence.

You mean you want me to attend the Asian Culture Festival

to showcase Chinese kung fu?

Subtitle translation by Li Ling Yang