Original subtitles

What's her name?

Linda.

She's beautiful, isn't she?

Yes.

Xiaoman, no one will disturb you today.

Go to sleep.

Can you not leave?

You promised to protect me, you can't leave me.

Didn't I promise you there won't be any trouble today?

You're hired by the Chamber of Commerce.

You should guarantee my safety 24 hours a day.

You can't leave me alone.

Xiaoman, I have nothing else to say.

Before you leave America...

I will invite you to my place.

Linda is pregnant.

I need to look after my son, Brandon.

Do you know that I swore never to see you again?

But why did they bring you to me again?

Why did you appear again?

You're too cruel to me.

All of you are too cruel to me.

Xiaoman, this isn't about anyone being cruel.

None of us could escape from our destiny.

Though I tried hard to change my fate...

still...

not many things turned out as I wished.

Haven't you ever thought about me?

I did.

I did when I arrived in America.

-But… -Bruce.

...I had to face reality.

I had to make a living

by clearing away rubbish in the hospital.

In order to gain my meals...

I washed dishes at Miss Xu's restaurant.

I was very lonely too.

Was I supposed to wait for you forever in America?

We should just let bygones be bygones.

Bruce.

Come.

Xiaoman.

Miss Xu wanted me to help you.

I didn't know you were the person who needed protection.

To tell you the truth...

I am not a professional bodyguard who's hired by anyone.

I'm sorry.

Lock the door and go to sleep.

I'll be here on time tomorrow.

-Here's your drink. -Thank you.

Thank you.

Bruce?

Linda, it's me, Kimura.

Bruce is safe today.

He has left and went home.

Kimura, I'm near the point of breakdown.

Thanks for calling.

You're welcome. Linda.

I'll be staying in this hotel.

Those gangsters are hidden in the dark, so am I.

Don't you worry.

With me here, Bruce will be fine.

Okay, thank you so much, Kimura.

The clouds dispersed

and the moon is accompanying me

in this heartwarming reunion

I got drunk today

The pond is clear.

The ducks are playing

The lotuses are showing off

with pink flowers and verdant leaves

Thank you.

Boss, once we receive the money, we should have some fun.

-We have a situation. -What?

The actress hired a bodyguard. He's tough.

That guy?

-That Chinese martial artist, Bruce Lee. -Bruce Lee? How could it be him?

It's been three days.

Nothing has happened.

Today is the third day.

If something were to happen, it'd be today.

For three days, I was like a prisoner being watched by you.

Someone seems to dislike me doing a good job.

Have you ever been a bodyguard before?

I never did, and never will again.

That means I'm the only person

whom you escorted before.

That's right.

Sounds like I'm quite lucky.

Xiaoman, you can sing very well.

I haven't heard of any native songs for ages.

I felt the warmth in my heart after listening to your singing.

If you didn't end up in America,

we could have been colleague.

You might be a very good actor.

Aren't you living in Hollywood now?

Why not try to be a superstar in Hollywood?

Girl, do you think the stage of Hollywood

is for us Chinese?

Absolutely not.

There has never been a Chinese actor

in the history of Hollywood.

Maybe I can help you.

How?

With my current status and popularity,

I can introduce you to some of the Hollywood stars I know.

Such as?

Such as Steve Tyler, Douglas,

Arthur Miller and more.

They are good friends of mine.

If there wasn't any trouble like this,

they would have come to my concert.

Why are you laughing?

Nothing.

You think I'm bragging? You think I can't?

No

Xiaoman.

Those Hollywood stars you mentioned earlier

were all my students.

Students?

They learned kung fu from me. Chinese kung fu.

They are my students.

Sir, there's a phone call for you.

Thank you.

Kimura, today's the third day.

Something could happen tonight. Be careful.

Don't worry, I will.

Okay, thanks.

You should go to sleep. Good night.

Bye.

Since they are your students,

why don't you ask for their help to get you to Hollywood?

Xiaoman, I'll be frank with you...

but please don't be mad.

-Tell me. -Xiaoman, you are too naive.

Just because you're a star in Hong Kong

doesn't mean you'll get special respect in Hollywood.

Hong Kong means nothing.

It's just a tiny place.

Hollywood

think highly of Asian movies.

They don't even acknowledge Chinese movies.

I don't understand.

You don't understand America.

Here,

if we Chinese want to be respected,

we must prove ourselves with our actual capability.

The same goes for movies.

We must produce better movies than them

in order to gain our status in the international market.

Xiaoman, you are too naive.

Bruce, I feel like there will be danger today.

If it's okay with you…

would you please stay with me?

Forgive me, Xiaoman.

Los Angeles looks beautiful at night.

Yes, very beautiful.

But I don't know anyone here.

Xiaoman.

I'll not let you return to Hong Kong with regrets.

Let's go.

Where to?

To enjoy Los Angeles by night.

-I'm scared. -Don't be.

They haven't called yet.

I guess it is okay now.

Bruce, I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

I'm really sorry. I acted on impulse.

Xiaoman.

Xiaoman...

this is normal.

But, I don't want to hurt Linda.

It's okay, Xiaoman.

You'll be leaving in a few days.

I guess, after you leave Los Angeles,

I'd feel very sad.

Come on. Let's go.

Let's go enjoy the night scene.

Wait

Xiaoman, let's take a walk nearby, okay?

Sure.

Los Angeles is beautiful at night.

Xiaoman, they are finally here.

Don't be afraid.

Bruce, I'm scared. Will you be okay?

When I tell you to run, you run.

Step back.

Bruce.

Kimura?

I'm already here.

Bruce, take Miss Qin and go.

No, this is my responsibility.

I'll take care of the rest here.

Bruce!

Come practice with us.

How about that?

Bruce, watch out!

Kimura, tell me.

Why are you in Los Angeles?

I've followed you for three days.

It was Linda's idea.

Oh, Linda.

Everything's okay now.

Let's go, Kimura.

After we escort Miss Qin to her room, you'd come home with me.

No

There's a bus an hour later.

Since everything's fine here, I'll go back tonight.

It's been ages since we last met.

Stay a couple more days since you're here.

Uncle Shao is getting old.

He can't take care of the school alone.

I should head back.

How's Uncle Shao doing lately?

He's fine except he misses you very much.

Okay, I'll visit you in a few days.

Okay, I'll get going.

You have something to say?

I'm asking this on behalf of Uncle Shao.

Is your career going well in Hollywood?

Well, how should I explain it?

Though it's not going well, I will persist until the end.

If it's not going well, come back to Oakland.

We can manage the school together. It's not that bad.

No.

All right, I'm going now.

Hey, Kimura.

If you weren't here earlier,

I'd spent more time and energy. Thanks.

Don't thank me. We are brothers.

Goodbye.

Who is he?

He looks like Japanese.

He is Japanese.

Xiaoman,

go back to your room and take a good rest.

Bruce.

Tonight...

can you stay in the room?

I want to talk to you.

Even if we don't talk, we can sit together all night.

Bruce, I wish you happiness.

It's a pity that I can't visit your wife. Say hello to her.

I believe she will be happy.

Also, I wish you all the best in Hollywood. Don't ever forget me.

Okay, thank you Xiaoman.

I wish you a safe trip.

Bruce, thank you.

I will never forget

that I have a friend like you.

Bruce.

Xiaoman...

Don't do this.

I will also remember you forever.

Xiaoman,

it's time to go. Go on.

Miss Xu,

my job here is done. I'll get going.

Bruce, wait.

Thank you very much for this.

You did us a big favor.

This is a token of our regard.

You must accept it.

Fly to the sky!

Bruce.

What? What do you need?

You promised to take me to visit your mom in Hong Kong.

Yes.

When?

I've hoped for it deep in my heart.

I think it's about time now.

You promised?

Of course!

Great!

-Brandon, good boy. -Baby, we'll visit Grandma.

We'll visit grandma.

-Are you happy? -Are you happy?

Wonderful!

-Bruce. -Bruce.

-Bruce. -Mom.

-Bruce. -Mom.

Bruce, my son.

-Bruce, you're finally back. -Mom.

-Mom, this is Linda, this is Brandon. -Hello.

Hello.

Give grandma a hug.

Let me hold you.

-Good boy. -Come on, let me hold him.

-You're heavy. -Be careful.

-Here Brandon. Come to daddy. -Okay.

Bruce.

Linda loves you so much

and your kid is very healthy and adorable.

Finally, I don't need to worry about you.

Mom, you don't have to worry.

Son, most importantly, you married a good wife.

Linda, come take a look with me.

See you later.

You naughty boy!

Come here, my son.

You're so heavy. All right, let me hold him.

Baby, baby.

Bruce, you should hurry up and eat.

Aren't you going to visit Master Ip later?

Bruce, what's with the sad face?

Oh, yes. You should visit Master Ip.

He'll be very happy to see you.

Happy? Master Ip won't be happy.

Bruce...

I heard that after Wang Yunsheng came back,

he complained a lot about you.

What are you talking about? Come on.

Bruce...

anyways,

you should still go see Master Ip.

Go there

and explain to him.

-Master. -Good, good.

Zhongliang.

Bruce, sit down.

We are very happy today. Go and make a call.

Invite your fellow brothers over

to have a couple of drinks.

Okay, I'll call them now.

Bruce...

how's your life in America?

I'm doing okay.

Come here.

Look here.

All right, stop spinning.

Good boy.

Hello, who are you looking for?

He's my younger brother.

How can I help you?

You are from the TV station?

Bruce.

Show me some of your moves.

Okay.

Kindly give me your advice, master.

Good. Good.

Good...

Very good.

Yes.

Bruce...

show me some other moves.

Master.

Other than routines, Little Idea,

and practical kung fu,

I haven't practiced much on other routines these years.

I almost forgot about them.

What?

Those routines are fundamentals. How can you not practice often?

I've been focusing mainly on combat skills in recent years.

What?

I think the purpose of martial arts is for combat.

So, what is useful?

The straight forward attacks.

Beating your opponent to the floor or killing your enemy

is the most useful skill.

What exactly do you mean?

To be honest,

The Jeet Kune Do that I've established

is based on the fundamentals of Wing Chun Fist

combined with the strong points of other martial arts.

The establishment of Jeet Kune Do meant to simplify the complex...

and to discard whatever that's useless.

Is there something in Wing Chun Fist

that you meant to discard?

Master, I will not forget Wing Chun Fist.

Wing Chun Fist has many specialties.

Especially, during my stay in America over the years,

through actual combat,

I realized the advantage of Wing Chun Fist...

especially its flexibility.

But I think the routines

are still too limited.

I suppose after going to America,

you seem to have forgotten your surname.

When Wang Yungsheng came back two years ago,

he told me you created Jeet Kune Do in America.

I didn't believe him.

I thought, perhaps he was...

trying to disrupt the relationship between us.

You are a smart and generous man.

You wouldn't do things to alter your origin,

betray your master and destroy your ancestor.

It turns out to be true that you're starting your own branch.

Master, please forgive me for speaking frankly.

Since you've lost your faith in Wing Chun Fist,

why do you still call me master?

Master, I never think badly of Wing Chun Fist.

I established Jeet Kune Do based on Wing Chun Fist.

You will always be my mentor.

I'll never criticize Wing Chun Fist

or forget your teachings, master.

Your aggressiveness will offend others

and bring you troubles.

Bruce,

there is reason in the Chinese old saying "being humble is good."

I always remember your instructions, master.

However, my goal of creating Jeet Kune Do

is to absorb the good qualities of others and retain the best.

Like what you once said,

cut down the branches to retain the main trunk.

Master, this is the only way

to transform complicated patterns

into straight forward fighting techniques.

Master, as a matter of fact,

Jeet Kune Do is not a fighting style

but my philosophy about martial arts practice.

Bruce, Oh Bruce!

You just don't know the immensity of the universe.

You sound like

you're a very skillful martial artist now.

Master, I'm not being arrogant.

During actual fights, I realized

there are many flashy without substance moves that are useless in martial arts.

If that's the case,

why don't you show all of us here

your so called kung fu?

I want to see how good your skills are.

Master, I dare not to.

Come on.

All right.

Brother, show us some real stuff.

-Sure. -I'll do it.

-Try it. -Good, Good.

Good.

Good.

Brother.

Show us some powerful kicks.

All right.

Are you all right?

Are you okay?

Master, I'm showing off too much.

You started a martial arts school in America...

to teach Wing Chun Fist.

You accomplished something remarkable, did you?

You said

Jeet Kune Do is based on Wing Chun Fist.

Yes.

Since the first day you learn Wing Chun Fist,

I've been telling you,

we do not teach outsiders Wing Chun Fist.

Now, not only you taught outsiders

but also the foreigners...

is that true?

Master.

Jeet Kune Do is based on Wing Chun Fist

but it's not the same thing.

Master,

Shaolin Fist, Praying Mantis Fist and many other fighting styles

have abolished the rules of not teaching outsiders.

If our Wing Chun Fist

adhere to the rules of not teaching outsiders,

we will only destroy ourselves, master.

What did you say?

Destroy ourselves?

Destroy ourselves, you say?

You--

Master, if all the door of martial arts were shut,

I'd never achieve what I have today.

Brother, stop it.

Master, Bruce's always been very straightforward.

Don't be mad at him.

Go! Get out!

Just go.

Master.

Please don't be mad at me.

I'm leaving now.

Bruce, just go.

Your Jeet Kune Do

is different from Wing Chun Fist.

But I owe master a debt of gratitude.

He's upset now and I feel extremely guilty.

Brother.

Please put in a good word for me before master, okay?

I can't help you.

At least not now.

Don't you know master's temper?

The more I say, the more upset he gets.

Bruce, let's do this.

Come again to visit him a few days later.

Okay, please go back first.

I'll come again in a couple of days.

Please take care of our master.

Sure. Goodbye.

SCHOOL OF WING CHUN FIST

Master.

I'm getting old.

I want to appoint a successor.

Who among you are qualified?

You guys were like tofu during the sparring earlier.

I'm totally embarrassed.

Master, please don't be mad.

Bruce's idea about absorbing the strong points of others

makes sense.

I'm never against the idea of absorbing other's strong points.

But he wants to abandon us and create his fighting style.

Ever since Master Ng Mui established Wing Chun Fist,

it lasted a few hundred years.

Generations of students practiced it

in real bloody combat experience.

Every move is essential.

But him? He demoted Wing Chun Fist.

A few years ago...

Master Wang told me when he returned from America

that Bruce recruited students publicly in America.

He demoted Wing Chun Fist

yet teaches it at the same time.

How do you explain that?

I warned him the moment he started learning here.

Wing Chun Fist is not to be taught to outsider.

But he! How could he--

Why are you smiling?

Why didn't you go easy on them

but kick their ass instead?

I thought master wanted me to show my skills.

Bruce,

you've been living in America for too long.

You've become slow-witted.

Think about it.

The Chinese don't say what they really mean.

You started your own branch and taught foreigners.

Your master is already upset about it.

He told you to spar with your brothers

so that you'd back down with good grace but instead,

you've beaten everyone up.

Master Ip must be very embarrassed.

No wonder I felt strange.

Master acted so differently all of a sudden.

You should think it through.

Go apologize to master in a few days.

He should be fine by then.

A Lin, how did Bruce upset his master?

I have an idea!

To calm master's anger, we need your wife's help.

-Me? -Her?

Bruce...

I received a call from a TV station today. They wanted to invite you to a talk show.

I don't want to go.

But I already said yes for you.

Bruce, why don't you want to go?

You should show them who doubted your ability before

that you have finally returned in glory.

A Lin, you haven't changed a bit.

Let me go.

Come here, little boy.

Bruce, master is resting in the room.

Brother, go ahead.

-Linda -Come.

Go see my master with him.

I'll be with you in a while.

Master, look who's here to see you.

Master Ip.

I'm here to see you.

She's Bruce's wife, Linda.

Linda.

-Hi. -Bruce's wife? Beautiful.

Brandon. Master, this is your grandson.

Brandon.

This is-- This is Bruce's son?

Looks very much like him. Very much.

Hurry. Prepare some tea for Linda.

Here, Linda, please sit.

ONE MUST ALWAYS CONSIDER OTHER'S INTERESTS

He looks so much like Bruce Lee.

Come here. Let uncle show you around.

The uncles are playing games.

Master, Linda also practices martial arts.

Really?

Linda met Bruce when she studied kung fu with him.

Girls practice kung fu in America?

A lot.

I've known long ago that, Master Ip, you're Bruce's master.

Not only me but all of Bruce's students

know that you're the leader of Wing Chun Fist.

How many students does Bruce have?

Approximately over a thousand.

-Over a thousand? -Yes.

They know about me?

Of course, they all know about you.

Bruce always says Jeet Kune Do is based on Wing Chun Fist.

He also tells his students that you are his mentor.

Master, it seems you're not only well-known in China

but also very famous in America.

Oh! Don't kick up a fuss here.

Master, perhaps you don't know about this.

Bruce beat the champion in the America Karate Competition.

Sounds like...

Bruce is actually doing very well.

I didn't expect this. I didn't. I didn't expect this at all.

Go and get Bruce here.

-He's afraid you're still mad at him. -Get Bruce here, quickly.

-Master, he's scared to see you. -I'm not mad at him. Go!

Master, I'm here.

Why don't you come in?

Why are you hiding outside?

Master, I'm here already.

I was afraid that you were still mad at me.

So I told my wife, Linda, to bring my son over and calm you down.

Master, you are not mad anymore, right?

Are you kidding me?

Your wife came as well as your son.

Why should I be mad? Sit down.

Yes. Please sit, master.

-Sit. -After you, master.

-Bruce -Yes.

You've been away for years.

Now that you are back, your son, Brandon...

-has grown up so much. -Yes.

Would it be good if Brandon grows up to be like me?

It'd be great if he has your integrity.

But definitely not your temper and character.

-Why? -You are too stubborn.

Perhaps, master.

Does a perfect man exist in this world?

Of course not.

What are you trying to say?

No man is perfect.

In the world of martial arts,

it can also mean that no fighting style is the best.

There's only better.

In order to improve our skill, to make it more practical,

shouldn't we absorb the best from the others?

It's like how a person

must continue to discover his own weaknesses

to improve and to become better.

Are you saying...

you'd allow your son, Brandon, to change his surname?

Yes, master.

To be honest, I live in conflict every day.

On one point, I want to break free.

On the other hand, I've trapped myself in another boundary.

At least, this is how you comprehend me, isn't it?

You're talking about why you left Wing Chun Fist

and established the Jeet Kune Do?

Master, what matters the most to me

is not how I'm going to name my current fighting style

but what are my philosophies and experience

from recognizing the essence of martial arts.

These days, I fight with myself almost everyday.

At one point, I think

it is good that you could establish your own fighting style.

But on the other hand, I find it hard to accept this fact.

You struggled alone in America all these years.

It's not easy for you to have finally achieved something.

However...

Master, it was indeed not easy for me.

But...

with the Wing Chun Fist fundamentals I learned from you...

my life in America wasn't as hard.

I will always be grateful for your kindness.

I hope that you could understand me, understand my courage

and my determination of creating a new era in the world of martial arts.

Subtitle translation by Loretta Kok