A film that greatly influenced the martial arts genre with the use of flash backs, the whole martial arts tournament angle (which has been used in everything from Blood Sport to Mortal Kombat), and themes of honor and revenge all common place since this film was released, Enter the Dragon never the less suffers from the traits found in most martial arts films from the 1970’s.

Lee stars as (funnily enough) Lee, a martial artist from the Shaolin Temple who agrees to help British Intelligence by entering a martial artist tournament hosted by former Shaolin monk Han (Shi Kein), who the British believe is dealing in Opium.

The only problem is they have no evidence to back their claims, so it is up to Lee to gather information while also bringing back respect to his temple, and (in a ridiculous sub-plot) avenge the death of his sister who took her own life when faced with the prospect of being violated by   
Hans men.

The acting is wooden and the sound effects are even worse (especially in terms of voice dubbing). But the fight scenes are excellent especially in reference to Bruce Lee, who although may not be the greatest actor his presence and athletic ability sure as hell make him one of the greatest stars as he dazzles with his Jeet Kun Do.

Not being able to land a leading role in a western film for years -in the process becoming a huge star in China- actor and martial artist extraordinaire Bruce Lee finally got his break with Enter the Dragon.

When the camera is not on Lee, the film falters tremendously, since neither John Saxon nor Jim Kelly has the charisma, nor the acting chops to hold centre stage. This is Bruce Lee’s film, the one that finally broke him to a larger western audience and, had he not passed away, there is a certain possibility that there would have been many more good films to come.