Original subtitles

William, what's so good that I have to give up my vacation?

You movie stars are always so practical.

Actually, it's not something good.

I just have a little suggestion.

Oh, God!

You ruined my vacation simply for a little suggestion?

Please don't mind.

Of course I don't mind.

Don't complain about your vacation anymore.

Sometimes we have to give up on certain things.

Douglas, I have a suggestion for you.

What?

I want to suggest that you learn a performance that you've never seen

to give you a new experience and enrich your acting career.

It is amazing martial arts from China.

I'll recommend an amazing Chinese martial artist to you.

No, no, no. I have never made contact with the yellow race.

I know nothing about the Chinese.

Me, too. But this Chinese guy is different.

I've seen his documentary.

He has an incredibly unique skill.

If you could learn a little, it'll be useful for creating characters.

All right. I have no choice since you've given me the order.

I have to listen to you.

Good. Call George.

He'll tell you what to do.

But please remember,

you don't have to tell him that I arranged this.

You know what I mean?

Okay, I got you.

Okay, Uncle Shao.

I understand.

-Linda, get the door. -Okay.

-Let's see who's there. -All right, and nearby?

Okay.

Who's there?

George.

Linda, how are you?

Is Bruce at home?

I have something important to tell him.

He's on the phone. Please come in.

Let me do it.

All right. Let's go in.

The weather is great today.

Your baby is looking more adorable.

Please send my regards to Kimura and Mr. Inosanto.

If Mr. Inosanto has time,

-I'd like to invite him to Hollywood. -Have a seat.

-Thanks. -Okay. Bye.

-Hey, George. -How are you?

Please have a seat.

Let me see your suitcase.

Did you bring the contract from Hollywood?

Look how impatient you are!

You have to be patient for that Kung Fu contract.

I overheard you. Seems like it's about your martial arts school.

Yes. Why?

Could you tell me about your fee standard?

George, you want to learn Jeet Kune Do?

-If that's true, I'll teach you for free. -Oh, no.

I can't do it. I can't learn this.

But it is related to my suggestion.

What are your students in Oakland like?

They are people who like martial arts,

such as college students, company employees.

Bruce, previously, how much did you charge them?

What is your rate?

Twenty dollars per hour.

Oh, that's not too much.

Bruce, if someone is willing to pay 200 dollars per hour,

or even a higher rate,

but you have to teach him in person, would you do it?

Oh, George, are you kidding me?

I have never thought of such an expensive rate.

But you're now a national champion in America.

According to the American standard, a person's income equals to his fame.

So, it's the time for you to increase your rate now.

Bruce, do you know what I mean?

But, George, who could afford such an expensive rate?

Bruce Lee, I am sure you will not reject

having a Hollywood star as your student.

-What? -This isn't about money only.

-Please have some tea. -Thank you, Linda.

If a Hollywood superstar becomes your student,

you'll be able to expand your influence in Hollywood.

Later, I'm going to introduce to you your first superstar student.

I can guarantee that you cannot imagine who he is.

Who is he?

A superstar from Hollywood,

Douglas.

Douglas?

-Oh, my! You mean Douglas? -Yes, that's him.

-This is incredible. My God! -Okay. We have a deal.

I'm looking for Bruce Lee.

Bruce! Bruce!

-Please come in. -Hello.

George, you're here already.

Hello, Douglas. Come here, Bruce.

This is your first superstar student I mentioned earlier.

So, you are that legendary kung fu master, Bruce Lee.

I am not a legend.

I don't think so, either.

But, Douglas, Bruce's kung fu

has indeed reached a God-like level.

Bruce, I guess I don't have to tell you about Douglas.

Of course.

Douglas is a Hollywood superstar.

The Americans may not know who their current president is,

but everyone knows Douglas of Hollywood.

I have one hour only.

Someone told me your kung fu is amazing.

Let's begin our lesson.

Where will you teach me?

In my house. Please.

-Please. -Come in, please.

-Who is that guy? -Isn't he Douglas?

Douglas?

I want his autograph!

Bruce, I'd like to see how you perform your kung fu.

Can you show me?

You mean you want to test my kung fu?

Seeing is believing.

Douglas, is this necessary?

It's all right, George. If I'm not as good as what they said,

I wouldn't dare to charge him 200 dollars per hour.

-Am I right? -I hope so.

There is something you may not know.

What is it?

Six years ago, I won the national fencing champion.

You better watch out.

Hold your sword. Attack me. Come on.

Bruce, take this.

-Be careful. -Douglas, you better keep up,

Otherwise, you won't be ready for me.

My sword has not been sharpened yet, but still, you should be careful.

No problem.

-No problem. -You're awesome.

If you can hit me, your fencing skill is indeed good.

Come on.

Why did you drop your sword?

It looks like I'm not your match at all.

Maybe I shouldn't use this.

-Don't use your magic. Let's do it again. -Yeah.

Don't you see how I start my step and punch?

Actually, those Hollywood cameramen used high-speed camera to shoot.

Then, they watch the film in slow motion.

By then, they'll see how I punch and kick.

Okay. I'll try doing it barehanded.

Watch out.

Before you even hit me, you've revealed your intention to attack me.

I didn't punch with full strength.

That was amazing.

Come on. Get up.

-How was it? Are you hurt? -Douglas.

-This is Bruce's Chinese kung fu. -It's incredible.

-I didn't even see how you hit. -You're flattering me.

-Are you a magician? -No, Douglas.

This is no magic. It is his Chinese kung fu.

I'm willing to pay 250 dollars per hour to learn your kung fu.

No, you have to pay the cost of your arrogance.

300 dollars per hour.

Remember, not a penny less.

Oh God! Okay, I'll pay for it.

Since you are not sincere at all,

I have to add another 100 dollars.

That's the deal.

Okay. Deal.

Out...

-He's coming out. -Okay.

Hi.

We heard that Mr. Douglas was visiting your home.

I'd like to ask him a few questions. Can we go in?

Oh, yes, Douglas.

He's here to learn Chinese kung fu from my husband.

They are having a lesson right now.

I'm afraid it's not convenient for interviews.

Why not?

Why can't he accept our interview?

-When is he coming out? -Yeah. When?

I heard your husband Bruce Lee won the boxing champion, is that right?

-Yes. -Yes.

But there is still a lot for him to learn.

Therefore, he has been working hard.

You're beautiful.

Do you guys have a kid?

Yes, we do. Thanks.

May I know when can we interview them?

Perhaps after the lesson.

All right?

Okay.

I'm sorry to disturb you guys.

Bruce, there are some reporters at the door.

They wanted to come in.

What? Reporters?

What do they want from me?

Oh, I guess they're here for me.

Wherever I go, I'd be surrounded by paparazzi and fans.

I can't do anything about it.

Douglas,

It's not easy being a celebrity.

Should I let them in?

No.

Why not?

Hollywood superstar

learn kung fu from a Chinese master.

What a niche for news!

Why do we deny such valuable news to the media?

May I?

I don't mind.

That's great.

-You'll be famous soon. -What? It'll be on the paper?

So, as a master,

I am benefiting from my student.

Oh, William. I'm truly sorry.

I was too excited

that I forgot to knock on the door.

No problem. I'm waiting for you.

Your excitement tells me

you've got a good script.

Not only good.

Robert is indeed a genius screenwriter.

He may not know that this is his best script ever.

Okay, George...

leave it here for now.

I'll read through it carefully.

I'd like to talk about

who's going to star in this film.

What? You mean...

William.

Bruce Lee is the best choice for the role.

William, that won't be a problem.

You think this isn't a problem?

Of course not. We have been

working on this project exclusively

for Bruce Lee.

No problem at all.

But do you think American audience can accept a Chinese guy

-to star in a Hollywood film? -Of course, William.

I hope you're right.

Look. The newspaper reported that a superstar like Douglas

has become Bruce Lee's student.

That's right.

I'll regard this as warm-up news.

-But what's next, William? -Good.

I always study the script first,

before I move to the next step.

That's great. Thank you.

I'll get going now. See you. So, it's a done. Deal.

Hey, George.

Didn't you say you'd sign the contract with me,

once the script is ready?

It's been half a month.

I haven't heard anything yet.

When can we sign the contract?

I delivered the script to my boss half a month ago,

but there's no news from him.

I'm even more anxious than you.

But I cannot call my boss every day, can I?

All right, all right.

What else can I do,

except wait?

Okay. I'll continue to take more Hollywood stars to be my students.

I can work 12 hours a day,

teaching them kung fu.

But that's not what I want.

I came here for the leading role of Kung Fu.

I believe you.

Your kung fu is perfect. I believe that.

No one in Hollywood can do this.

Okay. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

Be patient.

I'm confident that my acting

will be by no means inferior, compare to those Hollywood stars.

Okay. That's it. See you.

See you.

What's up, Bruce? Are you feeling anxious again?

I don't know the reason

but in my heart, I feel kind of uneasy.

George told me that

they'd sign the contract with me.

But it's been so long.

I worry that something unforeseen has happened.

If something happens, will George not know about it?

I'm afraid that George, isn't telling me the truth.

How could he?

In fact, George's doing his utmost to recommend you.

Sweetie,

I hope my anxiety is not necessary

Bruce, may I say something?

Go ahead.

What I mean to say is even if we can't get into Hollywood,

we can still live a good life.

You mean you want me to give up?

No, I just want you to relax.

You worry too much about the Hollywood contract,

you can't live a happy life.

Linda...

I don't think our trip will be in vain.

I will achieve my dream.

We will be happy.

-All right. -I'm sure we will.

Please tell Director Steve to see me.

Oh, yes, tell Douglas to come to my office too.

That's great, Douglas.

You improved a lot.

-I didn't know. -Have I?

Your punch is powerful.

Thank you. With your appraisal,

I'm sure my boss will be happy.

What do you mean?

I'm going to star in the film Kung Fu.

I read the script. It's great.

-What's wrong? -What did you say?

I said I'm going to star in the film Kung Fu.

The script is wonderful.

-Really! -You said you're going to star

in the film Kung Fu, right?

Yes. In the near future.

What's wrong?

-What's wrong, Bruce? -They lied to me.

Bruce.

Bruce, where are you going?

George isn't answering my calls.

I have to find him.

Douglas.

Bruce!

Bruce!

My God! What's going on with him?

What did you tell him?

I don't know what I said wrong.

I just told him I'm going to star in the film Kung Fu.

My God! That's just like killing him!

But this is just my job.

-Bruce, why are you here? -You jerk!

What's happening? Are you crazy? Oh God!

How dare you fool me!

I don't know what you're saying.

We discussed the concept of Kung Fu together.

You wanted me to teach Douglas.

You wanted me to teach him kung fu.

You invited me to discuss the script in order to steal my ideas.

And then, you created a new film genre.

You paid me expensive rates to teach Douglas

so that he can steal my kung fu

and become the protagonist of the film.

This is a purposeful ploy.

Bruce, sit down, please.

Would you like some coffee, or wine?

I have good wine, the best wine.

You know what?

You said I introduced Douglas

to be your student,

so he could star in Kung Fu?

No, this is impossible.

You'll definitely be starring in Kung Fu, Bruce.

Don't worry.

I will never lie to you.

Please trust me, Bruce.

That's enough.

Then why is Douglas saying

he's already been informed officially by your boss?

What are you hiding from me?

If it's true that I've been kept in the dark like you,

I'd be flustered like you.

Here, have a drink.

Oh God! Would you calm down, please?

Where are you going?

Where do you think I'm going?

Other than going to the boss for the truth, where else can I go?

Douglas is messing up everything. I want to know what happened.

-Take me with you. -I'll beat him up.

-Take me with you. -No, you're too young. Bruce Lee.

Your behavior today disgusts me.

I hate all of you.

No. Deal with what matters in Hollywood.

It is different from boxing in the ring

where the stronger person will win. Do you understand?

No, I don't.

Fine. I don't have time to explain in detail. You'll understand eventually.

You're such a frightful hero!

That's it. Goodbye.

George, are you just going to leave me in your house?

Why did you come into my house?

I didn't invite you here!

If you want to, stay as you pleased!

But please do me a favor by closing the door when you leave.

Hey, George!

I told you that I want box office.

I can't place my bet on a Chinese martial artist.

All right, Douglas.

I want you to star in Kung Fu

based on the opinions from our market researcher as well as the director.

This decision is not related to you.

Damn it. My God!

How dare they lie to me!

You don't have to worry.

-What's up? -Hello.

George, you heard that.

I can't help. This is not my fault.

All right, William. What's up?

Did I hear wrong?

You want to replace Bruce Lee with Douglas in this film?

What's happening?

You are right.

We did a research and decided to use Douglas instead.

Have you thought of the consequences from this decision?

This is nonsense.

-No, no, no. George. -Listen to me, this is nonsense!

This is a Chinese kung fu film.

William, didn't you read the script?

Sure I did.

But I've never seen Bruce Lee in person.

We need box office guarantee,

so I made our director Robert

to change the leading role to a Caucasian who's learned Chinese kung fu.

Regarding this, you should trust us.

Okay, okay. Do whatever you think.

Is this your decision?

Douglas, who you mentioned, is a Caucasian movie star, right?

But this is a Chinese kung fu film.

You should let a Chinese play the leading role.

In my opinion, you don't even know what you're doing.

Of course I do.

Say whatever you like.

I've made up my mind.

We can train Douglas

by sending him to learn kung fu.

He is a superstar.

Please trust him. He can complete his mission.

Wait, wait. You want Bruce Lee to train him,

is that right?

-Yes, I do. -This is your idea.

You're behind everything.

Since the beginning, you never wanted

Bruce Lee to play the leading role in this film,

is that right?

Tell me!

Tell me the truth!

-We thought about it. We need box office. -William, you're always like this.

You only care about box office.

I'll not take the risk with a Chinese who only knows kung fu.

This is my principle, you know.

By doing this, you're being unfair to Bruce Lee,

as well as to me.

I don't know what you mean.

You don't know. You really don't.

You don't understand at all.

Look into my eyes.

Look at me, will you?

You're a liar.

So I'm telling you, I'm out of this, understand?

I quit!

You can play among yourselves.

All right. Go to hell!

This may be a good idea.

That disgusting William!

I'm so pissed.

There's nothing I can do now.

How should I talk to Bruce?

Say, we were both fooled by William.

Bruce, please trust me.

I truly hope that you'll play the leading role.

But I really can't help with it.

I can't help.

So, I can only choose to leave the Kung Fu crew, just like you.

It's such a pity that I've put in so much effort into this.

George, say no more.

I understand now.

You guys are fooling me.

Hollywood, go to hell!

One.

Two.

One.

All of you, stop.

Give way.

Are you Bruce Lee?

I'm his assistant.

-Tell Bruce Lee to come out now. -He's not in.

-What do you want? -He's not in?

Bruce Lee is always bragging about how powerful Jeet Kune Do is.

Today, I'm here to challenge you

with our Thai boxing.

Let's see who is more powerful.

You don't have to stare at us in anger.

You're nothing special.

Bruce Lee's students!

I'll tell you what Thai boxing is.

Thai boxing is the one and only in this world.

It is invincible

and the most powerful martial arts.

Do you know that?

Aren't you shocked?

Why are you staring at me?

Am I not right?

I said our master is in Hollywood now.

If you want to fight, I'm ready for it.

Ready?

You?

Fight with me?

I don't want to bully you.

Okay. Go tell Bruce Lee.

Tell him to be ready when he's back.

Everyone, continue your practice.

Bruce.

If you're feeling resentful, let it out.

Don't be so frustrated.

To whom should I take out on?

I can only say, "Go to hell, Hollywood".

It's not a place meant for a Chinese anyway.

Bruce.

Let's go back to Oakland.

In Oakland, you have your martial arts school

as well as your students.

It is my fault to come to Hollywood. I regret it now.

We've spent so much time and energy.

It's my fault.

It's all my fault!

Let's go back and run the martial arts school in Oakland.

No, no, no, Linda. We're not going back.

If William doesn't want me, it's his loss.

He'll regret it.

"A good horse never turns round to graze on an old pasture", you know.

I have to keep on going.

I'm not going anywhere else.

Bruce, what's meant by "A good horse never turns round to graze on an old pasture"?

If a good horse knows there's a pasture behind it, why can't it turn around?

I don't understand.

Okay, okay. I can't make you understand me.

What I said just now

is a Chinese saying.

You're an American.

You don't understand the meaning of it.

Is Chinese saying a fool's saying?

We need money.

Why do we have to live in Hollywood, in a house like this?

We're expecting our second child soon.

Don't you think about our future?

Linda, relax.

Come. Sit down.

Have a seat, sweetie.

Linda, please trust me.

This is only temporary.

Also, I dare to say that

this is a process towards success.

Dear Linda, do you still remember

when I first came to the United States,

I wanted to open a martial arts school in Seattle?

Wasn't everything difficult at first?

But in the end,

I made it and it was a success.

Think about it.

I've shown America a world-class martial artist,

Bruce Lee.

And now, I'm going to show myself to Hollywood.

I'll tell everyone in Hollywood.

Once Bruce Lee is here, he'll never leave.

Darling, ideal is only an ideal.

but we're living in reality.

We have to eat. We have to raise our kids.

I can't go back, I can't.

Who dares to say there won't be a Chinese movie star

in the American film industry?

In the future, Chinese movie stars

will be as good as Caucasian movie stars.

I, Bruce Lee...

will be the first.

Linda, right now,

we just have to accept and endure this painful process.

Linda, do you have faith in me?

I 'm willing to accompany you through difficulties but Bruce,

since you're so firm on this, I'll say nothing else.

You're always correct.

I remember you once said,

the Chinese don't have to blame on anyone.

The Chinese prove themselves with their actual strength.

Bruce, I believe you can endure frustration.

But now, we don't have any money.

Believe me, I'll find a way.

I'll let us live a good life.

Trust me, all right?

Remember, Linda.

No one will defeat me.

Bruce Lee.

Bruce.

Don't worry, Linda.

I can take it.

You can.

I believe you can.

The martial artist who came to challenge you is Talu.

He's not a first rate Thai boxer.

Don't fight him.

Thai boxing is famous for being brutal and with lots of tricks.

Punching, kicking, knee strike and elbow strike.

They can even bite with teeth.

It's hard to be defeated with regular boxing.

Thai boxing training is extremely hard.

Thai boxers usually as strong as steels.

I heard

many boxers of different styles went to compete in Thailand

but none of them won.

Kimura, Please don't fight with him.

Let's wait till Bruce returns.

-I'm afraid I can't wait. -But you have to.

Kimura, to fight with him is not a smart choice.

Brother, I heard that

Bruce won the champion of the America's National Karate Competition.

I heard about it, too. He's just a champion.

Without the participation of Thai boxing, he became the champion, so what?

I heard that his style is very practical.

Practical?

Thai boxing is more practical.

I challenge him

not for a champion,

but for Thai boxing reputation.

The glory of Thai boxing.

Brother.

If you fight him...

are you confident to win?

Confident?

Well,

I admit that

I'm not the best fighter in Thai boxing.

But I believe that

I can defeat him.

Okay.

You're born in America. You've never seen authentic Thai boxing.

You don't know how they train.

I'll tell you about it.

First, boxing.

We use to hit sandbags when we were kids.

And then, we hit trees.

And then, the walls.

What kind of training method

equals our Thai boxing?

The same goes for kicking.

A powerful fighter

can break someone's head with one kick.

As for knee strike,

we train by hitting trees with our knees.

This is to train our knees to become as hard as stones.

These are not human feet.

These are steel.

As for elbow strike, we start with punching sandbags.

Then, bamboo poles.

Finally, iron rod.

Each kick or strike is able to break someone's neck.

The elbow strike.

Brother.

You don't have to kill someone when you're sparring.

It is illegal in America.

Sparring is just sparring.

Brother, are you afraid that I'll cause trouble by killing someone?

I mean, you just came--

I just came here.

I don't know the damn law here.

But I know, if any Thai boxer hears

someone says his fighting style is the best fighting style,

he'd definitely challenge that person.

Thai boxing...

is the most powerful.

There's no doubt about it.

Since you're so confident, I'm sure we'll win.

Today, Daddy is going to show you something awesome.

Watch.

I want it, too.

-I want that. -Looks fun, huh?

Professor Inosanto, you're here.

Uncle Shao called and told me you wanted me to visit when I have time.

But there's no point to it now.

Originally, I wanted to perform nunchakus in the film Kung Fu.

That's why I hoped you'd drop by to discuss it.

But now, the film is gone.

They cheated me.

Linda told me about it.

It's not a big deal.

Bruce, when will you go back to Oakland?

I won't go back if I can't get into Hollywood.

So, you'll stop practicing kung fu?

Come.

-Little Brandon. -Daddy will show you some nunchakus.

Bruce, I have something to tell you.

Someone came to the martial arts school to challenge you.

Good.

Is your master back yet?

Bruce, come out right now.

Is he back?

I told you that our master is in Hollywood.

Hollywood?

That's funny.

-He dares not to see me, huh? -You're overestimating yourself.

-What? -You're too cocky.

Cocky? I'm telling you!

If you dare to talk like this again, I'll teach you a good lesson.

I'd like to take a lesson.

All right, all of you, move aside.

Bruce, since you're so famous now,

more and more people came to the martial arts school.

Business is no longer a problem.

That's good.

However, more and more came to challenge as well.

Sometimes, I feel like taking a break on the moon.

The moon?

Look at them.

Let's go take a look.

-Don't move. -Let me go.

Give me your money. Hurry up!

Should we go?

No.

We should check it out.

Get rid of him.

Subtitle translation by Loretta Kok