Foreword
Bruce Lee completed only four and a half films during his lifetime, directing two and a half of them himself. Released in 1972, "The Way of the Dragon" marked his first completed feature as director and became the first Hong Kong film shot on location in Italy. It was also the first Chinese-language production to earn a place on international lists celebrating 100 essential films everyone should see. The movie culminates in Tang Lung’s legendary showdown with karate master Colt, played by Chuck Norris, who is sent to Italy to eliminate him.
Norris was a six-time world professional middleweight karate champion and later earned a tenth-degree black belt. His climactic battle with Lee inside Rome’s Colosseum remains one of the most studied and celebrated fight scenes in movie history. With so many milestones to its name, "The Way of the Dragon" stands as one of the most significant films in Bruce Lee’s career.
"A Dragon Abroad, Unbroken by Adversity—Character Background"
Tang Lung is straightforward, good-natured, and always ready to stand up for others. At his uncle’s request, he travels overseas to Rome to help run a Chinese restaurant. Local gangsters repeatedly harass its staff and attempt to force the owners into selling the property, driving the struggling restaurant deeper into trouble.
Having lived a simple life for years, Tang Lung initially has trouble adjusting to the cultural differences and unfamiliar customs of Rome. He also struggles to get along with the restaurant’s manager and employees. That changes when the gangsters return to cause more trouble. Unable to ignore the injustice, Tang Lung steps forward to protect the dignity of his fellow Chinese and defend the restaurant that provides their livelihood. After watching him effortlessly drive off the thugs, the staff gains newfound respect for him. Their earlier friction quickly fades, and genuine friendships begin to form. Meanwhile, Tang Lung’s repeated interference leaves the crime syndicate’s property scheme in ruins. Determined to remove him, the gang hires American karate champion Colt, along with his students and several other martial arts experts, to kill Tang Lung.
After a series of brutal fights, Tang Lung believes the conflict is finally over—only to discover that there is more to the situation than anyone realized.......
"Product Review"
Following its 1/12 Bruce Lee figure from "Game of Death," rising action figure brand INART returns with Tang Lung from another Bruce Lee classic, "The Way of the Dragon." Once again, the company delivers a highly accurate recreation of Lee’s iconic movie appearance, pairing a white tank top with dark kung fu pants and black martial arts shoes. The figure uses INART’s proprietary 1/12 highly articulated body, developed specifically to reproduce Bruce Lee’s unmistakable physique. Because the character wears a simple white tank top, very little of the body is concealed, putting the sculpted musculature and finely rendered skin texture on full display. The pants feature wide leg openings that add a stronger sense of motion when the figure is posed delivering kicks. Articulation is virtually flawless, allowing the body to recreate all of Lee’s signature techniques and fighting stances, so there is little more that needs to be said on that front. One thing is certain: INART develops these bodies individually rather than following the common industry practice of recycling a single mold across multiple releases. Although both Bruce Lee figures use bodies designed around his physique, each version has been independently tailored to its specific character and costume. The set includes two portraits—one neutral and one angry—and both capture Lee’s distinctive expressions with remarkable accuracy. Weapons seen in the film are also accounted for, including a staff and two nunchaku. As a lifelong Bruce Lee fan, I am absolutely satisfied with the final result.
The set includes:
1. Two highly realistic portraits with different expressions;
Multiple pairs of specially designed interchangeable hands. Of particular note, even the individual finger creases and openings formed by the clenched fists have been carefully reproduced—an outstanding detail;
2. Two nunchaku and one staff, based on the weapons used in the restaurant courtyard scene;
3. One multi-jointed display arm and base;
4. One accessory storage bag.
"Final Verdict—A Classic Double Feature and Another Definitive 1/12 Bruce Lee"
There is little left to say about the consistently high quality and collector-friendly pricing of INART’s 1/12 line. Anyone expecting this "The Way of the Dragon" Bruce Lee to be little more than the previous "Game of Death" release with a costume swap and restyled hair will be in for a surprise. The two figures feature several differences in their bodies, while both portraits are completely new sculpts. The angry expression is especially convincing, bringing exceptional energy and personality to the figure. If you already picked up the "Game of Death" version, how could you possibly pass on "The Way of the Dragon"?
As always:
By the time you regret missing it, it will already be too late.
As Bruce Lee once said:
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply; willing is not enough, we must do.”
See you next time.
