Superhero and Star Bruce Lee's legacy still debated 40 years after his death

Superhero and Star Bruce Lee's legacy still debated 40 years after his death

Late kung fu superstar Bruce Lee may be an international icon, but he is still not the complete local hero in Hong Kong.

Feature Opinion
By JettJagguarrr - Jul 18, 2013 11:07 AM EST
Filed Under: Action
Source: ComicBookMovie.com

Hong Kong (Reuters) -- Fans are marking his death 40 years ago this weekend with art gallery shows, exhibitions and even street graffiti but some people are urging Hong Kong's government to do more to honor the former British colony's biggest star.

Lawmakers and scholars have joined calls from fans, fearing the government is wary of fully embracing Lee's legacy. His enduring spirit of youthful rebellion and a willingness to fight big oppressors may have spooked city leaders prone to second-guessing their political masters in Beijing.



"The Hong Kong government or the people on top of the governing body are not thinking, first of all, in terms of Hong Kong people's mindset," said Lo Wai-luk, an associate professor in the Academy of Film at Hong Kong Baptist University.

"They think of how to do something to please the main Chinese government, or not to violate" what they think Beijing likes, he said.

American-born but raised in Hong Kong, Lee died of brain swelling aged just 32 at the height of his fame. His most popular film, the worldwide blockbuster "Enter the Dragon," was released just six days after his death in 1973.



A member of the city's Legislative Council questioned officials over their failed negotiations two years ago to buy and restore Lee's former mansion in the upscale Kowloon Tong suburb to create a museum devoted to him.

Gregory So, Hong Kong's secretary for commerce and economic development, acknowledged Lee's "tremendous contribution" to martial arts and cinema and the deep international and domestic interest in his life. But he said there were no plans to re-open negotiations on taking over Lee's old home.

SKINNY TEENAGERS
Some fans are happily taking matters into their own hands.

Amid the bustle of the business and entertainment district of Wanchai, a graffiti caricature of Lee marks the entrance to an alley that leads to an art gallery. Renowned avant-garde artists have attempted to capture his fighting spirit in paintings that line the walls.

Co-organizer Adam Chow said Lee's "spirit and strong body" had a big impact on scrawny Hong Kong teenagers in the 1970s.

"At that time, Hong Kong people were so skinny, so as teenagers we were surprised he had a very strong body," Chow said. "He also worked very hard and showed a lot of confidence to the public."



Posters and T-shirts of Lee in his famous battle stance, scars torn across his muscled torso, remain hot items in markets.

Other fans will lay wreaths on Saturday at the foot of a statue of Lee, in full kung fu flight, on the Kowloon waterfront.

Wong Yiu-keung, chairman of Hong Kong's Bruce Lee fan club, told Reuters the city's government owed a great deal to Lee.

"They have always used him when promoting the city abroad but have never done anything in honor of him."
GLADIATOR II Producer Explains Why MOON KNIGHT Star May Calamawy Was Cut From Ridley Scott's Sequel
Related:

GLADIATOR II Producer Explains Why MOON KNIGHT Star May Calamawy Was Cut From Ridley Scott's Sequel

GLADIATOR II Cinematographer Slams Director Ridley Scott; Says He's Become Impatient And Lazy
Recommended For You:

GLADIATOR II Cinematographer Slams Director Ridley Scott; Says He's Become "Impatient" And "Lazy"

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 7/18/2013, 11:24 AM
Wasn't Bruce Lee in Rush Hour?

;P
Minato
Minato - 7/18/2013, 12:55 PM





irondragon
irondragon - 7/18/2013, 4:13 PM
I wish i could be there in hong kong but in nyc we are honoring him too. Its a shame he passed, such an inspiration. Hes the reason i started practicing martial arts.
Greeno27
Greeno27 - 7/20/2013, 12:37 PM
Always admired Bruce Lee. I love Enter the Dragaon but Fist of Fury has always been my favourite Bruce Lee film.
View Recorder