Original subtitles

If you could perform at this festival,

your influence will be greater.

You want me to join the Asian Culture Festival of Seattle

and showcase Chinese kung fu?

Right. It's a chance God gave you.

But the Asian Culture Festival is half a month away.

It's precisely because there's still half a month

that I'm giving you such a suggestion.

It'll take some time for the application to get approved.

It's a good chance to spread our influence.

But tomorrow's opening

and the Asian Culture Festival that Linda mentioned,

are two different things.

Why aren't they the same thing? They are.

The Americans value business opportunities.

Using the festival's opening to open our martial arts school

is far better than a lonely opening by itself.

But we've chosen our opening date, if we change it,

it'll be inauspicious.

What?

Linda, we have already decided on the opening date,

if we change our plan...

it won't benefit our business development in the future.

I don't understand.

Why would a change of date bring your business bad luck?

All right. All right.

Your argument

is a result of the cultural difference between the East and the West.

But, Kimura, I feel that Linda's suggestion

is worth our consideration.

If we can tap into the influence of the Asian Culture Festival,

it'll certainly benefit our opening.

Let's take Linda's suggestion.

-Okay. You're the boss. -Okay.

You've said so.

What else can I say?

We'll take Linda's suggestion then.

All right, deal.

-All right. -Okay.

Let's get started.

-Get down to work. -Work?

Aren't we done? Why do we have to do it again?

Clean this again.

Here, baby.

Thank you, Mom.

What are you doing?

Preparing for the president's inauguration address?

No. I'm preparing an application.

What's this?

So you're helping that young man from China?

May I take a look at the newspapers?

Sure.

After reading, you might be less prejudiced about the Chinese.

Prejudice? I'm not prejudiced against anyone.

Jesse, now you've become our Minister of Transportation.

For Bruce's sake, I'll take up this position.

Linda, after the opening,

you'd better let me learn kung fu for free.

No problem.

That's great.

Should I wait for you, Linda?

Of course, Jesse. You'd better wait for me.

-All right. -Okay.

-Bye. See you in a while. -Bye.

Excuse me, Miss. Excuse me.

-What can I do for you? -Can you tell me

where the committee office of the Asian Culture Festival is?

Walk along this hallway.

-Thanks. -You're welcome.

Hello. Excuse me.

Hello.

This is our project. We'd like to participate in the festival.

I see. Please have a seat.

I'm really sorry.

We've had enough martial arts programs lined up for the festival.

Oh. You haven't read my materials. I'm sure you'll love it.

I've seen your application.

The cut-off date for the application has just passed.

Can you help?

Sorry, I can't.

Miss, please don't be discouraged.

Our festival is held once a year.

Next time, please send in your application early

so we'll be able to consider it.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Okay, our chief secretary has just come back.

All right. I'll report this to her. Bye.

Why are you back?

Listen, I'll take only several minutes, can I?

Go ahead. But I'm really busy at the moment.

Ms. Xu, she came to submit her application.

How can I help?

Would you like to speak to our Chief Secretary, Ms. Xu?

Thanks.

Hi.

You look familiar.

-Really? -Yes.

I think I've seen you at Ruby Restaurant.

Yes, I'm the owner of the restaurant.

-My name is Xu. -Hi.

I'm also the Chief Secretary of the Chinese Association of Seattle.

How can I help you?

The item we're proposing is called kung fu.

It is Chinese martial arts.

Seattle folk are not familiar with kung fu.

You mean kung fu?

Ma'am,

I've told her that our programs are already full.

We have Japanese karate,

and Korean Taekwondo.

Why should we include

-something no one will understand? -Would you please stop?

Let's hear from Linda.

-So, your name is Linda? -Yes.

I'm not familiar with your performer.

So, we'd like you to have a look at our materials.

I admit that Seattle folk are not familiar with our performer, Bruce Lee.

Bruce Lee.

-You mean the Bruce Lee? -Yes.

If Bruce Lee is performing,

you don't have to say another word.

Why?

Ma'am. The thing is…

we don't have enough space.

No. We don't need a big space. Even a small vacant space will do...

Don't worry.

Please tell Bruce Lee

that the whole of Seattle is looking at him.

I can't even wait.

Oh my God. That's great!

These materials are for you.

Okay, no worries.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

-I can't thank you enough. -You're welcome.

-Bye. -Bye

Bruce.

Bruce, we made it!

Let's celebrate!

That's great!

You're great!

You know what?

I feel for my business and future,

I can't leave you anymore.

Bruce,

do you want to know how I feel?

Certainly.

Sorry, I didn't pop by at a good time.

That's okay. You've saved me.

Look.

How's the flyer I designed?

Perfect, Linda. You're really considerate.

Great.

Bruce.

Master Yamamoto.

Bruce Lee is going to set up a showcase area near our performing area.

Bruce Lee is performing too?

Yes. I just came back from the Committee meeting.

The secretary told me.

Here's my opportunity.

I'll let Seattle recognize me.

I'll let this braggart fall flat in front of everyone.

Are you saying that we'll challenge him?

Is this even a challenge? You guys just wait and see.

You're about to meet Seattle's hero.

Bruce Lee's kung fu is the best in the world.

A 5000-year-old tradition will be displayed in front of you.

Don't miss this opportunity.

Come on.

Thank you.

Linda, over there.

Linda, I don't know why they got us a corner that's so out of the way.

Aiya!

Stop complaining.

If it were not for Linda

and Ms. Xu's help,

we wouldn't have even had this corner.

Come on. Keep going.

We've given out so many flyers,

but few people have come.

No. This spot is too out of the way. I'll get more people.

What's this?

I've never seen this before.

Does this herb work?

I guarantee that it works.

You sure?

Trust me.

Look. What is Chinese kung fu?

Have you heard of it?

-Go. We go together. -Go, go, go.

Sorry, do you know where's the spot stated on this flyer?

Chinese kung fu? It's over there.

-Over there? -Right, it's over there.

Thank you.

My friend, your performance is great.

But...

I don't know how practical it will be in an actual fight.

From the way you speak, I can tell you know some martial arts.

I did six years of professional boxing.

Really?

I was also in the special forces for eight years.

Interested in sparring with me?

Great. I haven't sparred with anyone for a long time.

Please come up on stage, my friend.

You're awesome.

How did you beat me just now?

I used Chinese kung fu.

Please register at the following address

to be a student at Bruce Lee's Tao of Chinese Kung Fu.

Mr. Lee will teach you himself.

-Great. -Give me one, please.

Sir, would you please watch this for me? Thanks.

Who are you?

Yamamoto.

I've been waiting for you. You're finally here.

It's a good opportunity.

Bruce Lee, you may fight in any style.

I've heard that you're arrogant.

You said you didn't have an equal in Seattle...

is that right?

That's right. I said that before.

I'll show you how...

I'm going to teach an arrogant Chinese like you a lesson.

Fine. Come on.

Bruce! Don't stick together with him! It's dangerous.

Young lad, you're flexible.

Come on. Again!

Bruce.

Bruce.

What's up? Go away!

Mr. Yamamoto.

You're a karate master of your generation.

Aren't you ashamed

fighting in this way?

I just want to teach this cocky brat a good lesson.

It's not a competition.

If you really want to spar...

then you'd better send us a letter of challenge.

Who are you?

-I sell herbs. -A herb seller?

Bruce, now you've got an idea what Japanese karate is.

There is no place for you in Seattle. No way!

Bruce.

Bruce.

Bruce! Bruce, what are you doing? What are you doing?

Go, go, go.

Go, go, go...

Let's go.

Why did you stop me?

Let's go.

Are here to look for someone, or to register?

Is this Bruce Lee's Tao of Chinese Kung Fu?

Yes.

Where do I pay the tuition?

Right here. Are you here for registration?

Yes.

I just want to understand

what's so attractive about this thing called kung fu,

Okay.

Arroyo, is that you?

She's the beauty that Bruce saved.

Hello. Hello.

Hello.

Look at you, you're getting more beautiful.

Thanks.

All right. Let me get you a chair.

All right. Thank you.

Hi. Please have a seat.

-How are you guys doing? -We're good.

Let me know if you need anything.

Thanks. Bruce, do you need anything else?

Okay, I'm going to the kitchen.

What is it?

You've been drinking by yourself,

neither eating...

nor talking.

What's up?

I'm upset.

If you didn't stop me today,

I would have defeated him.

That's impossible.

Why?

Can't you tell?

Yamamoto

is a real karate master.

His footwork and endurance level is so superior,

regular people can't beat him.

I don't believe it.

Bruce.

I know you're upset about your defeat today.

For someone of your age.

you're definitely a master already.

But think about the highly experienced martial arts experts in their 30s and 40s,

are none of them a match for you?

No!

Bruce. I haven't been by your side for a while.

But I subscribe to Seattle's newspapers.

I've been following news about you.

Those newspaper publishers…

to sell more papers... they made up all kind of stories.

You should know very well

that you've just defeated Kimura,

a third dan karate athlete.

But they exaggerated.

They said you couldn't find an equal in Seattle.

Is this true?

Bruce, there's always someone stronger.

Don't be too proud.

Uncle Shao,

did you come to Seattle to teach me a lesson?

Of course not.

You know,

Every year, during the Asian Culture Festival

I always come over to Seattle

In order to make a living and sell some herbs,

I have to go everywhere.

Though I don't take part in the affairs of the martial arts circle,

you know,

I still care about what's happening within the circle.

I can't help it.

Once you learn kung fu, you can never live without it.

However, Bruce,

please remember this...

Equipped with only your kung fu,

gaining a foothold in the U.S.,

wouldn't be all that easy.

Uncle Shao, just wait and see.

It'll happen one day.

if I can't defeat Yamamoto,

I swear I will never rest.

I believe it.

I believe you'll make it,

but not today, not right now.

Bruce, it was really dangerous today.

If I didn't stop you in time,

you'd have gotten hurt

or landed yourself in a life-threatening situation.

Young lad, I'm telling you,

your years of kung fu training would be in vain.

Bruce.

Don't overdo things.

Especially for a martial artist,

we have to be "round outside, yet square inside".

"Round outside, yet square inside"? What does that mean?

You're a philosophy major.

Chinese philosophy emphasizes

on the concept of "round outside, yet square inside."

To the outside world, we should be humble, conservative and gentle,

hiding all of our "sharp corners".

While inwardly, to ourselves, we're supposed to be tough.

We have to stay pointed and firm, constantly strive to be strong.

Bruce. Please remember,

we ought to channel our strength inwards,

and be reserved outwards.

Don't be extreme.

It you get too extreme,

you'd land yourself in trouble.

This is hypocritical! Chinese style hypocrisy!

Professor Kane said,

this is Chinese style hypocrisy.

They don't spell out what they're thinking.

While smiling at everyone,

they are harboring evil intentions, right?

Listen up, this hypocrisy is not only useful for the Chinese,

but also to all races in the world,

be it the white, black or Asian,

It's a way of self-protection.

I'm telling you this,

not to make you a smooth and hypocritical person,

but rather,

someone with good self-control,

who can make things happen.

Bruce... Listen carefully.

Right now, your priority is not to compete with Yamamoto.

Just let him have the upper hand for now.

Then, you'll be safe.

You can take this opportunity

to study hard and practice your kung fu, so as to improve quickly.

You have to get rid of

the childishness you had when you were in Hong Kong.

But I can't stomach this humiliation.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

I guess you've heard the story of

how King Yue persevered with revenge by sleeping on sticks and tasting gall?

Listen up...

You'll accomplish nothing with such rash behavior.

Let's enjoy ourselves today! Bottoms up!

Come on.

Cheers to Master Yamamoto's victory!

I thought Bruce Lee was powerful?

His fanciful kung fu

couldn't withstand Master Yamamoto's powerful moves at all.

He couldn't even strike back.

If not for the herbs peddler,

Bruce Lee would be lying in the hospital now.

From now on, Bruce Lee won't be able to call himself a hero in Seattle.

Seattle belongs to us, karate practitioners anyway.

But Bruce Lee is swift. His martial arts style was good to view.

China is the country where The Art of War was born.

The Chinese are good at deceitful games.

I'm afraid that his failure today

was probably because he wasn't used to my style.

Perhaps, he just wanted to test the waters with me.

I could feel that Bruce Lee's punch was ruthless and powerful

Don't look down on him too much.

From now on, you guys should practice diligently.

I don't believe Bruce Lee will accept this failure readily.

Yes, Master.

Master Yamamoto.

We don't have to worry about Bruce Lee, a nobody.

He wants to promote Chinese kung fu.

Just let him serve as a prop for our karate.

Then, it'll better show how great karate is.

In addition,

I am wondering

what kind of Chinese martial arts school Bruce Lee is running.

Let's send some spies over,

so we'll know better.

Let's see what skills he's practicing.

Your suggestion is worth considering.

As The Art of War puts it,

"If you know the enemy and know yourself,

you need not fear the result of a hundred battles".

I'm not against the idea spying to find out more about him.

But it's your business. Understand?

Uncle Shao,

when are you leaving Seattle?

I was planning to stay in Seattle for a few more days.

-Come here. -But now,

I want to go back to San Francisco as soon as the festival is over.

Uncle Shao, have a seat.

Bruce,

are you feeling rather…

rather puzzled?

After you came to the States,

I left you alone.

I didn't ask about you.

I didn't see you often…

How's Aunt?

Not so well.

Is she seriously ill?

Let's not talk about her. Let's talk about you.

I saw your flyer. Tomorrow…

Your martial arts is opening, right?

I'd like to invite you to the opening ceremony.

Your marital arts school is opening. Even without an invite, I'll still come.

Great. Come on, everybody. You go first.

Come on. Sit here. Right here.

Good.

-Come over here. -Everyone, here.

Please come here.

Stand in line.

Come on.

-Here. All here. -Stand in line.

Arroyo, it's you.

You didn't expect me, did you?

Not really.

I didn't expect myself to join your class.

-Uncle Shao. -Bruce.

-Please. -All right.

All right.

I registered last night, didn't your colleagues tell you about it?

I didn't know.

Maybe they were too busy.

They didn't have time.

Come in, please.

-Take a look. -It's okay. I don't want to go in now.

I'll come back when the class begins.

All right.

I'm pleased to see you.

Don't get me wrong, I still don't like kung fu.

I just want to find out

what's so attractive about it.

You'll understand, after learning it.

I guess, but I do know what's so attractive about you.

You treated me like that,

but I still can't help looking for you.

I'm leaving.

Come here.

What? Your girlfriend?

Used to be. But she doesn't like kung fu.

She wanted me to go to the Philippines, so we broke up.

I see. She looks like a girl with character,

and beauty too.

I'm handsome, too.

You? Handsome?

I don't know why she came to me again.

Okay. Let's take a look inside.

Okay.

Everyone, please come in.

These are equipment for students

to train their muscles and power.

All right. This way please.

This is for training arm muscles.

Bruce...

so far, we've had 18 students register.

Additionally, your old classmates

and students from Rice's Police Academy, all want to come.

Jesse also found some drivers.

They want to register as well.

But they want us to lower the fees a little.

We can't do it.

We have to treat everyone equally.

What they'll learn is authentic Chinese kung fu.

The tuition is already low.

At the rate this is going, this basement of ours

won't be big enough to hold so many people.

I know.

The basement can only hold about 30 people.

We can't take more students.

What if too many people register?

We'll include an examination.

What is it?

Let them run for ten kilometers.

Whoever can do that will be admitted.

If they give up, we will eliminate them.

That's a good idea.

All right. That's what we'll do.

Looks good, Bruce.

The school has just opened and it looks great.

This is unexpected! So unexpected!

Uncle Shao, thank you.

Bruce,

you came to the U.S. not long ago.

but you've already opened your own martial arts school.

You know what? I'm really proud of you.

Your dad was pretty wise.

If he didn't send you to the U.S.,

we wouldn't know how much trouble

you could've caused in Hong Kong.

Right. If I didn't come to the States,

maybe I would have been

shot to death by those people.

That wouldn't have happened, Bruce.

You know what?

Seeing your achievement today,

I feel truly ashamed of myself.

When I first came to the U.S.,

I was like you.

I wanted to open a martial arts school to promote Chinese culture.

But I was not successful.

I just thought about it without taking action.

But you, from a bully on the streets,

you've transformed into today's Bruce Lee.

Do you know why you changed this much?

It's because of life.

After I came here, life has taught me that

to gain a foothold in a foreign country,

you must be capable enough.

Well said! That's right.

Only when you understand yourself fully, will you be able to surpass yourself.

If I were a few years younger,

I would come here to fight for a better future with you.

Let me see, Uncle Shao. Don't sell herbs anymore.

Come over and help me.

I've been thinking about this.

Together, we'll succeed.

Bring Aunt here as well.

I can't, not right now.

Your aunt is ill.

I can't leave her at this moment.

All right.

Bruce.

Stay here and do a good job.

I'll come and visit you more often.

Uncle Shao, I'll see you out.

You don't have to.

You're busy.

Good luck with your martial arts house.

Go get busy. See you.

Bye.

I'll see you out.

-Uncle Shao. -It's not necessary.

Don't forget to keep in touch with me.

Uncle Shao, I will.

I don't want you to go... Uncle Shao.

Bruce, I don't want to say goodbye either.

Bye.

Master Shao.

Aiyo!

Kimura.

I heard from Bruce

that he was able to open this martial arts school

because of your help.

Bruce is my teacher.

It's only right that I help him.

Please don't say that. We're each other's teacher.

With a friend like him to help you out, I don't have to worry about you.

All right. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

-Two. -Tighten your fists, punch.

Only in this way, will you be powerful. Remember it.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Two.

One.

Mom, look at this.

Linda, I've read these news reports,

as well as your advertisements.

Did you design it for that Chinese man?

Yes.

Do you have something to tell me?

Nothing, Mom.

Are you in love?

Mom.

Of course. You're of a marriageable age now.

But I'm afraid you may have chosen the wrong man.

Mom, you don't know him.

But, Linda, you never gave me a chance to know him.

Why don't you find time to bring him home?

All right.

My mom was Swiss. My dad was English.

During the war, their marriage brought them

a lot of trouble and pain.

So my mom is really sensitive about my marriage.

But it's not wartime now.

Sure, it's not.

However, if I want to change my mom's mind

to accept a Chinese son-in-law, it's still a challenge.

Is this a hint?

Of course not.

I'm in charge of my own life.

I won't be influenced by others.

But…

But what?

I'd like to know your story with Arroyo.

I almost forgot her.

I admit that I loved her in the past.

But Arroyo doesn't like kung fu.

Her goal is to take me back to the Philippines.

I won't have to do anything.

Be it money, house or car… she can give me all these.

She promised me that.

She's rich. What's wrong with that?

If I lived in such a life, I wouldn't be Bruce Lee anymore.

Linda, I want to prove myself with my own effort.

Does that include the scars on your body?

I know,

Arroyo changed her mind suddenly to join our class.

You must be wondering if I've done you wrong.

No. I think…

This is a typical Chinese way of thinking.

When it comes to affairs of the heart or family,

nobody can interfere.

Even if you didn't love me anymore, I'd still respect your decision.

Then why did you mention Arroyo?

I can tell that she didn't join our kung fu class for kung fu,

she came for you.

She's crazy about you.

Linda, stop.

I got it.

My mind is in a mess now.

The martial arts school just opened.

I'm so busy. I don't wish to be distracted by things like that.

There is a saying in Chinese,

"Success will come when the conditions are ripe."

Okay. I guess I was reading too much into it.

I'm off now.

-Bye. -Bye.

Subtitle translation by Li Ling Yang