Original subtitles

Why can't you let me be the director?

Well...

Mr. Xu, you should believe that I'm capable enough to do it.

I can do it!

Besides being an actor, I can also be a film director and a screenwriter.

Bruce, it's not surprising that you have this idea.

But you cannot expect too much at a time.

It would be a tremendous risk for our company or you.

Risk?

If you that's what you think...

I can only work with another company.

I see. You finally speak your mind.

Bruce, if you want to leave Golden Harvest...

I will not stop you.

I can't stop you anyway.

But you don't have to beat around the bush.

Bruce, no matter…

No matter what,

you did help Golden Harvest during our hardest time.

You not only helped us through difficult times,

you even helped us in creating

a miracle that's never been seen in the history of Hong Kong film.

So, whether you decide to leave...

or stay,

I, Wenhuai Xu, am grateful for you for all of my life.

It's true. I'm thankful to you forever.

Mr. Xu, did I anger you?

I don't have the right to be angry.

I will not be angry.

But even now,

I sincerely want you to stay.

You can tell me your conditions.

My company and I will do our best to satisfy you.

I admit that you are a great kung fu actor.

But to be a screenwriter and a film director,

that's another thing.

I can't imagine that you can be both of them at the same time.

Even if you can,

can you be as good as you were as a kung fu film actor?

Bruce, pardon me for speaking frankly.

Mr. Xu...

I'd like you to taste my Cantonese cuisine.

No, thanks!

Perhaps some other day, I'll treat you guys at the restaurant

-where we first met. -Okay!

What's up, Bruce?

Did you guys quarrel?

What are you doing?

Mr. Xu!

Please don't go yet.

Let me finish my talking.

Do you doubt my ability?

Let me tell you this.

I’m not an incompetent person.

I'll definitely surprise you.

What is Bruce Lee doing?

Is he coming or not? What the heck!

All right. I'll make him understand

that the world is still the same even without him.

I will continue to film Smiling-Face Tiger.

I'll tell Minzhi to go to Taiwan right away

to hire Taiwanese actors.

It looks like Bruce Lee has another plan indeed.

But even now, I still don't want to give up on him.

That's your problem.

I've made it clear enough.

I will never want to work with people like Bruce Lee again.

Director Huang is also here.

Mr. Xu, this is my new script.

If you don't like it after reading it,

you can throw it away.

Director Huang.

I remember you told me at the Fist of Fury set...

that you'd never work with me again.

I'm sorry, to be honest,

I did not even read a word from your great work Smiling-Face Tiger

Do you see that?

Do you see that, Mr. Xu?

This is the man you hired.

He's such a jerk.

He did not read my script indeed.

Two months have passed

and he didn't say a word.

Isn't it obvious that he wants to drag me down?

Is this the crazy plan you said?

Yes.

I want to be the screenwriter, director and actor simultaneously

to produce a film that is even better

than The Big Boss and Fist of Fury.

That explains why Hollywood couldn't move you.

Linda, it's not that I'm not interested in Hollywood.

But I know, if a Chinese actor like me

wanted equality and dignity in Hollywood,

I must have enough capability.

I will screen-write, direct and act in Way of the Dragon

to show them my real ability.

I'm worry that if you insist on doing it, you'd be helpless.

I couldn't care less.

Linda, actually...

I'm not doing this intentionally.

After my two previous films,

I notice that neither the screenwriter nor the director

truly understand Chinese kung fu and my Jeet Kune Do.

Instead of allowing them to command casually,

I'd rather do it myself.

I'm confident that I can do a better job than them.

However, will Mr. Xu give you this opportunity?

Anyways, I have given my script to Xu Wenhuai.

If Mr. Xu cannot distinguish a good script from bad ones,

he would not qualify to be called a film guru.

Okay.

If that's the case, I'll have to look for someone else.

Bruce, what's wrong?

What's wrong?

Are you okay?

I'm okay.

Maybe I stayed up late too much.

I'm having a headache.

Can I have some painkillers?

I'll get it for you.

-Hello. -Hello, is this Linda?

I'm sorry to disturb you.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

I know Bruce's daily schedule.

I'm sure he's still awake now, am I right, Linda?

What I mean is...

Bruce's script for Way of the Dragon is beyond my expectation.

What do you mean by that?

Bruce, come, have a seat.

Okay.

What do you mean?

Do you want the truth?

Of course I do.

MOVIE SCRIPT THE WAY OF THE DRAGON

In my opinion, this script

isn't unreasonable at all.

What?

Because I love it so much and couldn't let it go.

I couldn't stop and read it three times.

Even though it was midnight, I woke my wife up.

I told her that ever since I joined the film industry,

this is the best script I've ever seen.

Boss, you scared me.

I thought you didn't like it.

I didn't like it?

If I didn't like it,

I'd be the most stupid filmmaker in Hong Kong.

-Do I look like that? -No, no, no. Not at all.

I knew you'd like it.

Bruce, to be honest,

I put no expectations on your script at first.

I believe you're a great action star

and also perhaps, a good stunt coordinator.

But I didn't expect that

you're able to write a script.

After reading Way of the Dragon,

I really should not say that

it's risky to let you write, direct and act in a movie.

Bruce, in my eyes

you're an art genius.

You're flattering me.

Tell me. How do we work together for the Way of the Dragon?

I'll listen to you.

No, no! Give me reasonable price.

You are very highly-paid now even as the leading actor only.

Now that you want to self-write, self-direct and self-act,

I guess no one can afford this price.

However, I have a tentative suggestion.

-Do you want to hear it? -Sure, tell me.

I suggest that...

you set up your own film production company

and produce your own films.

Are you serious?

I don't need to fake friendliness at all.

Certainly.

I believe this is also the reason

I’m willing to cooperate with you.

Honestly, with my current box office appeal,

even companies in Hollywood would want me to join them.

I just don't understand

why you want to push me away instead.

Bruce.

I'm actually offering you a very proper position.

It is fair for both you and me,

as well as Golden Harvest.

What about this?

Under my company,

you establish a company affiliated to Golden Harvest.

The films that you produce will still be funded by Golden Harvest.

The ratio of the profits

with Golden Harvest would be 40/60.

By doing this, not only can you be the boss,

but you also reduce the troubles of handling chores of business.

Meanwhile, you'll also get financial and staffing support from Golden Harvest.

In that way, you'll be able to focus on producing your films.

It's a good idea.

Good! If you agree,

we’ll start with Way of the Dragon

and carry on with this pattern.

Wait a moment.

Then,

it also means...

my company is a branch of Golden Harvest

and my future film projects

will be done under the name of Golden Harvest,

am I right?

You're right.

Because we are a family.

By doing this,

you'll get more autonomous rights.

In the future, you'll not only be a contracted actor of Golden Harvest

but also our partner.

You have the right to decide anything related to art.

I can also tell you that

you can achieve that artistic dream of yours.

And through this scheme,

you could hold me firmly in Golden Harvest.

I would become your money-spinner.

Kind of.

However,

the money from this money-spinner

will not be for myself only.

Half of it goes into your own pocket, don't you think so?

That's true.

Bruce, to be honest,

I don't want you to leave Golden Harvest.

Listen to me, Bruce.

Once the signboard is up,

you'll be the boss.

In this way, we’re mutually beneficial.

You are such a genius of the trade.

I knew it.

Hong Kong's film industry leader in the future

would definitely be you.

I believe that I wouldn't be wrong about it.

Bruce, I even have an idea about the name of your company.

What is it?

Look here.

CONCORD PRODUCTION INC.

It seems to me you've already designed

a series of traps for me.

Bruce, I don't intend to harm you at all.

Don't you believe me?

I absolutely believe it.

Things will be easier now.

We can continue our discussion if it is based on mutual trust.

But Bruce,

you don't have to reply me in hurry.

You can think about it at home and let me know your decision.

No, I can decide right away.

Yes, I do.

You're such a hasty guy.

The person sitting in front of me is not anyone else but you,

the big boss, Xu Wenhuai!

It is an honest deal between us. I don't believe you'll trap me.

Bruce, I'm very touched by your words.

Good. Our new collaboration will begin today.

I can also guarantee that...

I will do better.

Hi, darling!

-Hi. -Linda, come here.

I have good news.

What good news?

I, Bruce Lee, will set up my own film company.

You mean you'll have your own film company?

Linda, can you imagine it?

I'll have an independent production company

and it's called "Concord Productions".

Way of the Dragon will be our first production.

My God! Bruce!

You are always full of surprises!

Darling!

Where are the kids?

They're here.

Come here, baby! Let me hold you!

-Shannon, do you know what daddy says? -Tell daddy, have you been good today?

-Do you understand, Brandon? -I got it.

Hello.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

Italy.

Italy?

-What "Italy"? -I want to modify...

the story background of Way of the Dragon.

You…

You want to change the story background of Way of the Dragon...

to Italy?

That means Way of the Dragon

will be filmed totally in Italy?

Yes... that's right.

Bruce!

You have to consider how much will increase in its cost.

It's not a good idea.

Where are these "no ways" from, Mr. Xu?

This is a God-given inspiration to me.

I have decided already.

We must film Way of the Dragon in Italy.

Bruce!

Inspiration is one thing and money is another.

Please don't start having these fanatic ideas, okay?

Your Way of the Dragon can only be filmed in Hong Kong.

Mr. Xu.

I'm also the owner of the Golden Harvest.

Can't I make a decision on such a thing?

So far,

no one in Hong Kong has ever filmed their movies in Europe.

But Hong Kong filmmakers have also never achieved

a box office record of three to four million dollars.

Mr. Xu, the film industry in Hong Kong

should not produce low-cost and low-class films anymore.

This time I want to have an international collaboration.

I'll shoot some real scenes in Colosseum

and also invite some martial art masters from all over the world

to join our filming.

Bruce, this is a big issue.

Well, why don't we discuss it again

before we make a decision, okay?

Mr. Xu, I'm not discussing with you

but informing you about our production plan

as a boss of film company.

Since you've made your decision,

I'll try my best to support you.

Bruce, you will not let me go bankrupt, will you?

One more thing!

I want Qin Xiaoman as the leading actress.

I'm afraid that she can't.

Qin Xiaoman is in Huang Li's Smiling-Face Tiger now.

She has gone to Taiwan.

Let her come back right away.

Bruce,

you cannot be so unreasonable!

It's not fair to Director Huang if you do that!

If Huang Li can guarantee you the box office record,

I'll give it up.

But can he? And I can.

I can assure you that Way of the Dragon

will surpass The Big Boss and Fist of Fury,

reaching more than five million box office record.

To achieve this goal,

you must meet the requirements of my strongest line-up.

He's crazy!

I must be crazy, too!

Mr. Xu.

Why did you show me all this scenery?

Bruce.

These are not enough yet.

Since we are in Italy already, you should look around.

That is a waste of time.

You--

We're here to shoot a kung fu film.

Listen to me.

Show more Italian landscape to enhance the film's selling point.

Mr. Xu, we're not here to shoot a scenery film.

It must have story content.

We'll have a prostitute stand here

-as a contrast to... -No...

the silly but lovely character of Tang Long.

No! It will ruin his character.

The story in Italy would not look real without the street prostitution scenario

and it would not be fun, either.

Mr. Xu, in this film,

the leading actress took me here to see the world

and then I met a prostitute in this place.

And I also walked together with this prostitute.

What's going to happen next?

I, Bruce Lee, will never come up with vulgar ideas.

Rest assured.

We came to Italy and have seen so many scenic spots.

Milan, Florence, Venice, and Rome,

these were all wonderful sights.

You must include them in your film.

It will definitely attract audiences’ attention.

I told you before, Mr. Xu.

I'll say it once more.

Why did we come to Italy?

It's for a fight!

The decisive fight must be at the Colosseum.

Stop telling me about the other scenery!

Bruce,

I agreed to your request of coming Italy.

But can our movie do well without this dazzling scenery?

Mr. Xu, selling is not a problem.

My concern is when we shoot in Italy,

everything is subject to my arrangement.

The competition and the fights must be shot in the Colosseum.

Don't talk about anything else.

That's all!

Come here. Pay attention.

The plot of Way of the Dragon is very simple.

It's about a country guy who came to Rome.

He couldn't speak and understand foreign language at all.

He wanted to eat in a restaurant but he ordered the wrong food.

He wanted to go to restroom but he couldn't use the toilet.

He didn't believe in banks, too.

He thought the money that goes into the bank would never come back.

He is simply a lovely countryman.

Yes! It was this lovely countryman

who got the success inexplicably.

He defeated his opponent for justice.

Furthermore,

this simple and honest fellow

shows his own dignity.

Actually, we have this film

applied a well-known story model of

"the hero saving the damsel in distress".

But Tang Long,

the protagonist of Way of the Dragon,

is not as smart and gentle as those ancient knights in front of a woman.

Because he is a silly guy.

Xiaoman, what do you think?

I think that's it.

Moreover,

he also ignored the warmth of the heroine.

He didn't know I loved him secretly.

It was very romantic to take him to visit the monuments of Rome.

But he was rather disappointed!

Xiaoman!

Are you talking about the plot, or about you and Bruce Lee?

I'm talking about the protagonists, of course.

That's right.

Who are you? Shut up!

I'll be careful. I'll be careful.

All right... we won't say it again.

To save our production costs,

all of our indoor scenes will be shot in Hong Kong.

Don't let our big boss go bankrupt.

We'll shoot in Rome only for those transitional lenses and outdoor scenes.

I have arranged for you guys a hotel next to the studio.

A Lin, please come over.

Is it arranged?

-Yes. -Good, we’ll work overtime day and night.

You're the boss now. Why are you still so stingy?

If I make a fortune one day, I'll take you guys to Europe for a vacation.

This is Hong Kong, not Hollywood.

We have to spend money on the production.

Understand? Are you clear now?

-Yes, sir. Okay, okay. -Okay, start!

Hurry up and get ready.

-Move up, move up! -Put everything in its position.

Hurry up, hurry up!

Starting from the scene three.

A Lin, come here.

How could you find such an insignificant hotel?

-It's too bad! -Bruce, we have no funds in our hands.

We can only afford this.

No.

Please arrange a better hotel for our creative staff,

photographer and art director.

Bruce, it's okay.

If you can stay here, how could we stay in a hotel?

Forget it! Forget it! We're here to film, not for vacation.

Xiaoman.

If you guys can stay here, I can stay, too.

Let's go.

Go!

Go!

Come on. Let's go!

-Hurry up! Get in the car! -Hurry, hurry!

Come on! Get in the car!

Hurry up!

Okay, go!

Close the door.

-For thousands of years in Rome, -These scenes...

this is the most famous monuments.

This garden was built by an emperor of Rome for his empress.

It took them several years to build it.

It took many, many years...

It looks like both of them...

Are we shooting a film or taking an exam?

The script is ever changing. I can't memorize it.

Forgive me, Xiaoman.

Whenever my inspiration tells me

which part needs to be changed, I'll change it.

We're not shooting Shakespeare works.

I'm not Shakespeare, either.

At the beginning of this scene,

the camera will close in slowly.

It has to be slow.

Got it?

-From there to here. -Good.

Give me the ruler! Pass me the ruler!

-Over there. -Okay...

-Okay, here. -Everyone, get ready!

-Xiaoman, are you okay now? -I’m okay. Let's begin.

You two come here!

Okay. Over here, over here.

Come on, okay.

-Put up, put up. -Come here. Props!

On the track, here.

-Bring the lighting here. -Okay.

Okay.

-Put it here. -All right.

Everybody, get ready.

Ready?

Ready.

Camera, ready.

Action.

Look, how beautiful this place is!

Look at this garden.

It was built by an emperor for his empress.

They took many years and spent a fortune to build it.

How do you like the palace?

If we build a house here, we can collect rental.

Cut!

Good, good...

Wonderful!

Let's hurry and transfer there.

-Hurry up! -Bring those here.

Xiaoman, your acting is good.

Are you praising yourself?

You did a good job with the script. You made him an adorable countryman.

Did I, Xiaoman?

I forgot I was acting and I thought I'd fallen for you.

Xiaoman.

I mean the protagonist.

Xiaoman, I've always wanted to say "thank you" to you.

Thank me? For what?

Thank you for leaving the Smiling-Face Tiger cast

and joining my crew.

That's because I didn't like the role of that film at all.

I should be thanking you

for giving me this opportunity.

That's good!

We don't need to thank to each other.

Bruce, get ready to shoot a close-up scene.

The actor's schedule must be reasonable.

The position of the actress and I must be accurate.

Avoid any fictitious shot.

Do you get it?

Yes. But the track is not necessary here.

-It's too troublesome. -Remember.

We must never lower our quality to avoid trouble.

If you don't move the camera on the track,

the picture will look very stiff.

Well, okay. I'll use it.

-Well, let's begin. -Good.

-Bring the track and lift frame here. -Come here.

-Hurry. -Move faster.

-Come on. Hurry. Put this up. -Get ready.

-Hurry! Bring over the camera! -Put this up.

Bruce, have some water.

Okay, Thanks.

It's getting hot.

It's getting tougher.

We can't postpone for one day.

Would all the bosses

want us to work 24 hours without stop?

Am I that kind of greedy boss?

Actually…

I thought you'd only play righteous roles like Chen Zhen in Fist of Fury.

I didn't know

you could play a funny role as Tang Long so well.

There are two types of actors.

First type, they can play any roles like you.

The second type,

they can only play a certain type of role.

As for me, I'm between these two types.

The previous roles I played were all heroes.

Yet each character contains some influence of my own character.

I guess so.

But in your script,

Tang Long neglected the female lead's love.

Do you think that's authentic?

That's not an issue.

Look,

Although Tang Long is a martial arts genius,

as someone from the countryside who's visiting a foreign country,

he does not understand the love between man and woman.

Just like you.

Me?

THE WAY OF THE DRAGON PRIVATE VAN NO.003

A Lin!

Inform everyone to start at six o'clock on time tomorrow morning.

The weather is getting worse.

We'd better hurry up our shooting.

Come. We'll rehearse once.

Good.

-Let's rehearse once. -You're first to come over.

-Then here -Okay.

Next.

-Behind that. Behind that. -Yes, that's it.

-Hold up a little higher -Understand?

Next, please.

Good.

Okay, understand!

You guys must remember your position.

-Don't forget. -Okay, come on.

Do it again. Come on.

Good.

Are you ready?

Good.

We're ready.

-Prepare for real shot, clapboard. -Get ready!

Scene 22, shot 16, first shot.

Action!

-Bruce, What's up? What's up? -How are you feeling?

Bruce! Bruce!

-Calm down... -What's wrong?

Are you okay?

What's wrong, Bruce? What's wrong?

Nothing.

-How do you feel? -I'm okay.

We need to continue that shot earlier.

-Are you okay? -Come!

-Good. Help him up... -Watch out.

Good. Slowly, slowly.

No problem. Let's continue.

With actual shooting?

-Yes, continue with actual shooting. -Good, good!

-Be careful. -Everyone, take your place.

Okay, get ready.

-Come here. -Okay!

Okay, ready! Everyone, get ready!

Ready!

Clapboard.

Scene 22, Camera 16, second shot.

Action!

A Lin, have you seen Bruce?

-I guess he's sleeping. I'll wake him up. -No, let him sleep.

Who said I was sleeping?

I'm thinking of my shooting plan for the scene at the Colosseum.

I must shoot this scene to an extraordinary effect.

Once my old friend, Hoffman gets here,

we'll depart to Rome to complete the filming at the Coliseum.

Bruce, because you invited me here, I turned down a lot of competitions.

I know. But to save the cost, we have to rehearse well here.

Our crews are staying in a motel in Hong Kong,

and most of the indoor scenes will be shot in Hong Kong

in order to save money for the outdoor shots in Rome.

I didn't know this is how you film it.

Okay. Let's talk about the film.

For this scene, we must display the spirit of a hero.

You're going to use your Jeet Kune Do?

Certainly.

It'll be an equal duel between us and we'll fight for ten minutes plus.

I'll show you my real kung fu.

Subtitle translation by Loretta Kok