Original subtitles

Hi, Linda, do you know where I'm calling you from?

Hello, Bruce.

Are you filming a scene?

Okay, I'll let you listen to where I am.

It's Daddy.

Can you tell now?

You’re celebrating the premiere of The Green Hornet, am I right?

You’re so silly, Linda.

Put on your prettiest clothes and wait for me.

- I want to take you somewhere. -Where are you taking me?

You’ll know when we get there.

- Sorry, my friend. -Are you okay?

I'm fine, I'm fine, Linda.

- I'll see you soon. -Okay, I'll get changed.

- See you. -Okay.

Brandon, it’s Daddy! He’s taking Mommy somewhere.

Mommy will go get changed.

Daddy wants Mommy to put on her prettiest outfit.

Will you choose one for Mommy?

Baby, what about this white dress? No good.

What about this? Is this okay?

-Son, tell Mommy. Is this good? -No good.

Seems like you don't like it. Where will Daddy take us?

Will it be a super star's birthday party?

Oh, my God! Where did you get that nice car?

Dear Linda, dare to step on to my pirate boat?

Come here, my dear.

-Give Daddy a hug. -God, how much did this cost?

This thing you’re looking at now

costs one third of my paycheck from The Green Hornet.

-Oh, God! Where are you taking us? -Princess Linda, you’ll find out soon.

Wait, let me close the gate.

Let's go, baby.

Dear Princess Linda, this is the palace for you and my dear baby.

Come here, son.

Let Daddy hold you. Piggyback ride!

Brandon, don't run around.

Oh, God! This is impossible.

Linda, with your husband, anything can happen.

-I'm really surprised. -Darling, this is our new home.

How much does it cost?

Dear, this is my first step into Hollywood.

Our new life will begin here.

I’ll use work hard to earn everything for you.

What about our baby?

This little guy is getting too excited.

-Brandon. -My baby...

Are you having fun? This is our new home. Do you like it?

-Come. Look at our new home. -Let's go home.

You won't tell, huh? No... we'll kill him in another way.

-Tea is ready. -Thanks.

Darling, that Kato you play is amazing.

Yes, I told you before. If I'm given the chance,

I'll do better than any Hollywood star.

By the end of this TV series, you'll really become a Hollywood star.

-Of course. -But I'm worried.

-What are you worried about, honey? -I'm afraid you’ll spend all the money.

-We still owe the mortgage of the house. -We don't have that many ifs.

Let me tell you, Linda. George has already announced

that there'll be a sequel to The Green Hornet.

And in the sequel,

not only will I continue to play Kato, I’ll also be their stunt coordinator.

I’ll perform even better in the sequel. Will money still be a problem?

I, Bruce Lee, will make plenty of money in the future.

-Darling, you look beautiful. -You're always splurging your money.

Because we’ll be very wealthy soon.

Honey, those are still wearable. Why throw them away?

We shouldn't be splurging like this.

You’ll have many clothes to wear in the future.

I'll customize your clothes for various occasions.

You know what, darling?

We no longer have to buy ready-made clothing.

-Dear, we can't be like this now. -Let's go.

Tell me, where are we going?

Darling, I promise that it's an unexpected place.

-Really? -A press conference is waiting for me.

-Really? -Let's go.

After the press conference, I'll get you an evening dress from Paris.

Darling, to be honest, I'm very satisfied right now.

I don't want too much pressure on you.

All my expenses will be paid by Hollywood.

-Bruce Lee's here. -Hello, Bruce Lee!

Welcome, Bruce Lee.

It’s nice to see you, Bruce Lee.

Welcome.

-Pleased to meet you. -Welcome.

It's my pleasure to meet you, Bruce Lee.

I'm pleased to meet you.

-Hello. -Hi.

Bruce Lee!

Fantastic!

-Bruce Lee, are you looking for me? -Of course not. I'm looking for Mike.

-Forget about him. -Why?

He didn't even show up.

As the leading role of The Green Hornet, how could he be absent?

After the broadcast of The Green Hornet,

you became more popular than the leading actor, Mike.

You think he'd show up after that?

-Then, it's actually my fault. -No... it's not your fault.

Someone even suggested to me

to make Kato the leading character in the sequel.

Did you know that?

Really?

It seems what's important now is not who plays the leading role

but who is able to conquer the audience. When will you start filming the sequel?

Don't be anxious. Don't worry, I’ll make an announcement later.

-We’ll continue to work together. -Sure. I’ll wait for your good news.

Excuse me, George. You have a phone call.

All right, Linda, Bruce, go and have fun.

-Thank you, young man. -You're welcome.

Hello, this is George.

William, we’re having the press conference now.

Later during the conference, I'll announce to the media

the upcoming production of The Green Hornet sequel.

Okay, okay.

What? William, why?

Your decision is completely arbitrary.

We have everything prepared already, you know.

Everyone in the lounge is waiting

for the announcement of the sequel to The Green Hornet.

How do we face the reporters?

This is the worst decision you've ever made in your life.

One day you’ll regret your decision.

That idiot!

-Give me a drink. -Yes, sir.

Hi.

-George, what's going on? -I don't want to make this announcement,

but if I keep it this to myself, I'll suffocate.

Why can't you say it? Just tell us.

-What? -A moment ago, I got a call from the boss.

He canceled the shooting plan.

I can't believe he made such a decision.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee.

Mrs. and Mr. Lee, why are you back so early?

You may rest first.

Brandon went to bed already. I have prepared supper.

Okay. You can go to bed now.

-I'll call for you if I need anything. -Okay.

Bruce, this is unexpected news but...

Linda, don't say anything now. I don't want to mention this again.

All right. Shall we go to bed now?

The first series of The Green Hornet

has been broadcast on all major TV channels.

When I walk down the street, people recognize me.

I am that Kato who has all the skills.

This TV series has captured viewers' hearts.

A sequel is a matter of course.

How can they just cancel it?

These dignitaries in Hollywood are a bunch of idiots. They're idiots!

Honey, calm down. Take it easy. Hush...

All right, dismissed.

-Goodbye. -Goodbye.

You called me here. Are there any specific instructions?

I had a meeting with all the producers regarding the production arrangements.

You obviously didn't call me here to talk about film production issues.

Why, George?

Because it's hard for me to gain your trust.

Otherwise, you wouldn't cancel the sequel to The Green Hornet.

Come on. George.

I know you've always wanted to promote eastern martial arts films.

I think you can try out your ideas.

But I don't want to waste my film shooting TV series.

I want to shoot a movie.

-All right, William. -We are...

-Don't mention it anymore. -...a film production company.

I'm planning to invest 800,000 dollars in you.

How about giving Bruce the leading role?

Invest 800,000 dollars in us? That's wonderful!

Yes, 800,000 dollars. Get your writer to prepare the script.

Awesome! I'll get Robert to prepare the script now.

-Okay. Get Robert to prepare the script. -I'd still focus on oriental martial arts.

-No problem. -This is great, William.

-But with some conditions. -What is it?

This film has to be shot at the company's designated location.

Where?

-India. -India?

-Yes. -Why?

Because India is also an ancient civilization of the East.

It's the most suitable for shooting films about eastern culture.

No problem. We can set India as the primary location.

Once the script's done,

we will depart to India immediately to select locations.

Linda!

Linda.

It's George.

-How are you? -Hi.

-Is Bruce home? -Hi.

George, Bruce went back to Oakland.

Oakland? He went back to teaching in his martial arts school?

We have no other options. We have to make a living.

Too bad, huh?

Do you need to talk to him?

Of course, I have an important matter to discuss with him.

Let's talk about it inside. Come in.

Thank you, Linda.

Sure, watch your steps. How's Brandon?

He's getting taller now.

-Let me tell you this, Bruce-- -Hush...

-I'll get you a cup of coffee. -Okay.

How beautiful!

-George. -Okay.

Good. Thanks.

Good.

We should lower our voices.

Movie. This is a real movie.

George.

If you’re here to talk about movies, I hope you don’t tell Bruce too early.

To be frank, Bruce and I really dislike how Hollywood has dealt with us.

They treat us by fits and starts. I can't stand it anymore.

I totally understand your feelings, but this time it's different.

The boss took the initiative to find me, this time.

Mr. William promised to invest 800,000 dollars in me.

That's why I am here.

It sounds like you're very confident about it.

I learned my lesson from the past. If I wasn't confident about it,

I wouldn't be here to talk to Bruce about this.

Is it a kung fu film?

Of course. I want it custom made for Bruce.

George, are you sure that you won't repeat the same mistakes as with Kung Fu?

This is totally different.

Before the movie, Kung Fu,

Bruce's talent hadn't been recognized by Hollywood.

They doubted my decision to use a Chinese man as the leading actor.

There was nothing wrong about that, you know.

I don't think the boss will change his mind again this time.

But I still don't think racial prejudice in Hollywood

can be eliminated entirely.

Actually... we have our fears on this matter.

It's not that the Hollywood bosses have prejudice against Bruce particularly,

it's because of the racism ingrained in America.

I have a good idea

to ensure Bruce doesn't run up against the wall again.

Okay, George. What's your idea?

There's no doubt that this film is going to be an eastern kung fu film.

Actually, it is a new type of film focusing on Bruce's Jeet Kune Do.

But in order to eliminate various concerns

of people in Hollywood about promoting an Asian actor,

I plan to add a western martial artist into the story.

On the opening credits, we'll place the actor's name

in front of Bruce's name,

creating the impression that the Caucasian is the leading actor.

In the movie, we will put more emphasis

on the Chinese martial artist played by Bruce.

By doing this, we'll not only meet the decision in Hollywood,

but we'd also allow Bruce to fully display his talent.

It's just like The Green Hornet.

What attracted the audience the most is the character, Kato, played by Bruce.

That small mask only makes Bruce more mysterious.

Linda, so long as you can convince Bruce not to give up,

I daresay that eastern kung fu films will conquer the world

in the near future.

Okay, George. Okay, I'll call Bruce now.

Wait for my good news.

George, when should we meet?

It sounds like Linda has told you everything.

This will save me a lot of time.

I know it's hard to convince a stubborn man like you.

I have to thank Linda for this.

-All right. Let's meet tomorrow. -Why wait till tomorrow?

-I want to meet with you immediately. -Now? Are you crazy?

What time is it now? Can't you let me sleep?

That's right. I am crazy.

Every time I see an opportunity, I can't control myself.

I can't either.

How about this? You prepare a cup of Chinese tea.

I'll come over to discuss all night with you.

God! It's such a disaster to do business with this crazy man.

Okay. I'll boil some water. I'll be waiting for your torture.

Good. See you soon.

-Great. -After this cup of tea,

you'll be awake all night.

Here, Bruce. Drink it.

I don't even need tea to keep me awake. You brought the disaster to me.

If I can't stay in peace, neither do you.

We’re on the same side now.

You’re such a funny guy. Remember, Bruce,

you’re the master of Jeet Kune Do, not me.

You have superhuman strength, I don't.

Okay, let's talk business now.

Seriously, George. After Linda told me your idea,

I thought it was wonderful.

As for the issues about Kung Fu I don't regret.

Now it seems that the planning for Kung Fu wasn't perfect

and we weren't ready yet back then.

If I starred in that movie, I can't tell whether I'd have regrets or not now.

In the end, Douglas might fail too.

This time, I'll make it a perfect movie.

So that your boss will feel bad about his mistake in the past.

Bruce, to be honest, I like the confidence you have now.

So, do you accept my invitation?

Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't rush back from Oakland

to stay up late with you.

I think I need to shoot a trial version of a commercial film.

The subject will be based on your Jeet Kune Do.

It has to be a good and brand-new film genre.

I even got a name for you.

-What's the name? -I call it Silent Flute.

- Silent Flute? -Yes.

Mr. George.

Do you know what the highest level of Buddhism is?

I am sorry, Bruce.

I don't know much about Chinese philosophy.

Just one word, empty.

The highest level of music needs no lyrics.

The highest level of martial arts needs no tricks.

It matches exactly the words of ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu,

“Great wisdom appears slow witted, great voices appear quiet,

and governing by inaction”.

The Silent Flute I mentioned,

comes from the Taoist philosophy of "Great voices appear quiet."

You want to use the philosophical concept of music

to represent the highest level of martial arts?

You’re absolutely right.

Which American actor are you planning to hire

to play the role of the western martial artist?

-Who do you suggest? -I’d still prefer Douglas.

-Douglas? -Yes.

Don't you feel awkward with him?

Mr. George, this is all for The Silent Flute.

I have nothing personal against him.

We’re in the same track. You can call Douglas, now.

No, you should make the phone call.

All right. I'll call him tomorrow.

Why wait until tomorrow? Why not today?

You can call him now.

It's about daybreak now. That super star is not like me.

They don't work until late night.

It's almost dawn already. Time flies.

Oh, right, I have another request.

You have so many requests. Tell me.

Mr. George, I wanted to be given the rights to edit the script.

None of the Hollywood editors are as good as me

in understanding Eastern martial arts.

I agree. Bruce, before the script’s out, please do your best in training Douglas.

Of course.

-But I'll collect fees from him. -Good.

Remember, I'll raise the price. Four hundred dollars per hour.

Looks like you're going to break my budget.

That'll be your problem.

-Douglas, hello. -Hi, Bruce Lee.

-Why don't you come in, super star? -In case you attack me,

-I can escape. -You want to escape?

-Oh, God! My nose is not your sand bag. -Come on, Douglas. Get in.

Right after I received George's call, I came immediately from Las Vegas.

How is it? Is everything ready?

-So, you like this movie, huh? -A movie is nothing to me.

I'm more interested in the opportunity to co-star with you.

Thanks. Let's get started then.

Okay, punch straight. Very good! Watch the height of your punch.

Throw a left punch... and lift your left knee.

Okay, very good.

Kick to the side.

Bring yourself to balance, throw another punch.

This set of actions must be connected.

Like this. Okay, come on. Go.

One, two, three.

Attack. Punch. Yes, right, and then left kick.

Very good. Very good. Yes. Good.

Pay attention to your body coordination.

You must remember this and then kick the right leg.

Don't forget the importance of defense.

Okay, I'll test the strength of your leg.

Oh, my stomach! Oh, God!

-Very good. -You’re amazing.

Great!

Great! Good!

This is George. Is this Robert?

Hello, my dear editor. Is the script of The Silent Flute ready?

Great. You finished. You don't have to come here.

Wait for me. I'll be there in just a second.

Great, let me call Linda.

Pick up the phone. Pick up the phone, Linda.

Linda, please tell Bruce that it's George calling.

Robert's script is ready. No... I'll deliver it to you.

You just wait for me at home.

It's almost dawn. Why are you still up?

The script is very good. I'll be in a great movie this time.

If this movie is successful,

I'll be the highest paid super star from the East.

If that comes true, on the Hollywood boulevard,

there'll be a Chinese name... Bruce Lee.

I believe you’ll achieve your goal, but you must take care of yourself.

Honey, I want to make a phone call.

Bruce, what time is it now? It's not polite to call, now.

I have to call George.

Who's this? Oh, gosh!

Hello, who is this? Bruce?

I knew that someone calling me at this hour must be you.

-Who else would call me at this hour? -I had to call you.

I just went over the script.

Other than some problems with the stunt coordination,

it is indeed a great movie script. I think our dream will finally come true.

From this movie...

eastern martial arts films, kung fu films, will definitely sweep the world.

Yes, Bruce. I totally agree with you.

The Silent Flute will begin a new genre of movies in Hollywood.

I shouldn't waste your telephone charges. I'm coming to your home right now.

Okay, I'll wait for you. I'm sure Douglas shares the same feeling.

Since both of us can't sleep, how about giving Douglas a call, now?

-Bruce. -Darling.

Damn, what time is it now? Who is this?

Douglas, Douglas, it's me, George. Listen to me.

George, oh, please!

No matter what it's about, let's talk tomorrow, okay?

Okay, that's it. Bye

He's such a lazy bum.

You and me, we both agree on this. That's it.

My God!

Guys, I don't know what you think

but I've never seen such a horrible script as this.

I can't accept it.

I just can't. This is a street hippie style script.

Douglas, listen to me. You must stay calm.

Actually, George, I'm very serious about working with my kung fu master.

But can a story like this guarantee that our movie

will be accepted by the American audience?

Obviously not.

If we know we can't succeed, we should just give up.

Douglas, calm down. Calm down now, okay?

I can't calm down.

The ticket sales can only be guaranteed by me, Douglas. Nobody else.

This script obviously didn't put me, the Western martial artist

as the leading character.

I got it. It's not the script Douglas is rejecting,

-but the number of scenes he's been given. -I'm not fighting for more scenes.

I want to ensure it'd be approved by Hollywood's upper management.

If anyone insists on shooting a movie with this script, I'll have to quit.

-You can find someone else. -Okay, okay, Douglas.

-As of now, you shouldn't talk like that. -So, what should I say?

I have given you enough favors by taking a role in this movie.

But you shouldn't give me an unimportant role.

What you guys have done is an insult to me.

Who do you mean by "you guys"? You mean George and I, right?

-I think you could say that. -Douglas.

-You-- -Okay, guys.

Don't hurt our friendship because of an argument about art.

Also, you guys are the movie stars, you don't have to be like this.

We have to collaborate in the future.

George, you as a producer, you should know the rules in Hollywood.

Every artistic creation has to center around the movie stars.

Then they can guarantee the ticket sales.

And me, I am the super star in Hollywood.

I know. I understand the unspoken rules in Hollywood.

I want to explain two things, here. First, it's true you are a top star.

Yet Bruce is also a famous martial artist with great influence in America.

This will be an Eastern martial arts film.

We must give Bruce enough screen time as well.

Second, this script is not the final version yet.

Your requests are reasonable,

so, we can discuss with the writer and make the change accordingly

to ensure you’re the leading actor in the movie.

Douglas, what do you think now?

If this is the case, I'll take back what I just said.

I'd still say the box office ratings should be our priority.

It's nothing personal.

Bruce Lee, I hope that you trust me. To me, working with you is very important.

Okay, thanks. But--

But what? What do you want to say?

I hope your words and deeds are consistent.

I don't understand. It's a Chinese kung fu film.

Why do we have to shoot it in India?

You should ask the boss this question.

Maybe our boss considers that India is the origin of Buddhism.

Setting the location in India will benefit this movie.

Since the boss has already decided,

you and I can only obey. We don't have a choice.

I hope this trip to India will not get us infected with malaria.

Lazi…

are the living conditions in India as bad as he said?

I think they're even worse.

But, Mr. Douglas,

I'll arrange the best room for you according to Hollywood standards.

Okay then.

George, these are the photos of the locations.

All right, Lazi, tell the photographer to get these films developed

and prepare a slideshow. We'll look at it together tonight.

-Understand? -Okay.

-Okay, you may go now. -Okay.

Good, let's get a drink.

You guys, look. What is this?

Come here.

Is this a so-called pagoda?

It's just a tent for people to shelter from the rain.

Lazi, you're fully responsible for the whole trip.

-You must understand this. -I'm sorry, George.

This temple was built by the Chinese.

Though it's a little small, you can't blame me.

What other locations did you find? Is there a bigger temple?

Those temples have nothing special.

Boss will be pissed when he sees these places.

Okay, Lazi. Go find something else now.

I have no idea.

George, if it's not for Bruce Lee, why must we find locations in India

Don't forget, Douglas.

You’re the leading actor in The Silent Flute.

We did all the preparation for you.

Bruce, can you understand the script?

Although I'm the first lead, the highlight of this movie

is the role of the Chinese monk, that's you.

I am just a tool to decorate you guys.

Why hire me? Making me the leading actor is just to secure box office sales.

That's not right.

The movie, Kung Fu, which you're the leading role

didn't achieve good ratings either.

If that's the case, I can quit.

You can hire better people. How about it?

Douglas, you’re threatening us by saying this.

Gentlemen, do you want this movie

to be terminated even before filming starts?

William will be here soon.

Do you guys want to push all these problems to William?

-George, I don't want this either-- -All right. I must emphasize two things.

First, the movie, The Silent Flute, is William's idea.

The Silent Flute is not a movie for one individual only.

Second, choosing you as the leading actor is also the boss' idea.

Okay, no more argument from now on.

Bruce, I know in your heart, there is a Hollywood dream.

If we can't find good locations,

you’ll worry about it the most. This is normal.

I went through that before I made it to Hollywood.

But you can't misunderstand me all the time.

I really want to help you.

No matter what, you're my martial arts teacher.

Okay, that's it. It doesn't matter if I am the teacher or not.

Douglas, I'll say the same thing.

I hope your words and deeds are consistent. Fulfill your promise.

Don't worry. I'll guarantee you that with my integrity

-Good then. I apologize for my attitude. -Bruce, I am sorry too.

We have to explain this to the boss. Otherwise, the boss won't believe it.

One thing we can both agree on is that filming The Silent Flute in India

-is not appropriate. -It's the boss' decision.

We can only carry out his orders. No other choice.

We'll have to tell William that we can't find good locations in India

for The Silent Flute.

Okay, okay. Let's discuss this with the boss, later.

This is everything we got from the India trip?

William, it seems that India's current environment

isn't suitable for the filming of The Silent Flute.

That's the conclusion from Douglas and me, as well as Mr. Lee.

I know that film artists in Hollywood are able to create

a vivid and real-looking planet in the studio.

In India, can't we modify a few locations for the Chinese scenes?

Of course, it's achievable.

Why can't we stay in the studio, and construct the scenes?

You forgot what I said about one of the conditions?

I know. You've mentioned that we have to shoot the movie in India.

But why?

Okay, let me tell you this.

Once you know the reason, you can't bargain the price.

Either you follow my rule to shoot the movie in India,

or just cancel it.

-Do you understand? -I know. I understand.

Because our company has a certain amount of money in India

and because of some legal issues, we couldn't transfer this much money back.

Therefore, I decided to spend this amount of money in India.

Instead of doing nothing about it and leaving 800,000 dollars in India,

why not use this amount of money to try something new?

So, everything you've done so far is just for trying something new?

Of course. Even hiring Bruce Lee was also for trying something new.

Wait, Wait. Now I understand.

I remember that you suggested to me to make Bruce Lee the leading actor.

Of course, George.

Do you think I'd be this generous?

I'm spending 800,000 to embellish a yellow-skinned Chinese warrior.

I just want to turn this frozen money into a film

since it cannot be exchanged to US dollars.

This is why I agreed with you to hire Bruce Lee.

Do you expect me to risk 800,000 dollars from a Hollywood account on this gamble?

Okay, I've said enough today.

-I think you get it now. -I got it. But I--

But what?

But why you didn't tell me this from the beginning?

-I was afraid to hurt someone's feeling. -But you've already hurt someone.

Who? Is it Bruce? Or you?

You forced me to say this. I have no choice, George.

No matter how you feel about this, I have two options for you.

Go to India and film The Silent Flute, or just cancel the plan.

You have no other options.

Why? What should I do?

I can't believe this. That jerk!

What should I do now?

Who are you looking for?

-What's going on? -Hello, Linda.

-Hello. -Don't you recognize me?

I am Shen Minzhi from Hong Kong.

Last time when you were in Hong Kong,

our boss invited you for dinner. I was there. I'm Shen Minzhi.

I remember now. You're Shen Minzhi.

Come in. Please come in.

Bruce, look who's here!

-How are you, Mr. Lee? -Shen Minzhi, why are you here?

I am here for you. Have you been busy, recently?

I just signed a movie contract in Hollywood.

I am doing some research now. Come here. Have a seat.

Okay.

Bruce, about this movie... Can you do it later?

-Why? What do you mean? -Well...

I came to America this time for Mr. Xu in order to discuss a contract with you.

A contract?

-Here it is. Thanks. -Have some coffee.

Please take a look.

CONTRACT GOLDEN HARVEST

THE BIG BOSS FILM CONTRACT

Linda...

do you remember the conditions I mentioned in Hong Kong?

Bruce, you read the agreement. Our boss didn't bargain in the agreement

and agreed to all the conditions you requested.

That's right. Mr. Xu definitely kept his word.

I love dealing with people like him.

But if I sign the contract with you guys, then what about The Silent Flute?

How about this? You go back and rest in your hotel first

and I'll contact Hollywood again.

Okay, I'll wait for your good news.

-Hi, George. -Hi, Linda.

How was it? George.

Did you talk to the boss? I was going to call and you came.

Are you going to let me stand at the door?

Please come in.

-Hi. -Hello.

I'll not disturb you guys now.

-Okay. -I'll go back now.

-I'll see you out. -It's okay.

-Thank you. -Take care.

George, what's wrong?

Subtitle translation by Loretta Kok