[Introduction]
Of the four-and-a-half films Bruce Lee made during his lifetime, he personally directed two-and-a-half. Released in 1972, "The Way of the Dragon" marked his first full directorial effort and was also the first Hong Kong movie filmed on location in Italy. It later became the first Chinese-language production included on an international list of 100 essential films everyone should see. The movie culminates in Tang Lung’s showdown with Colt, a karate master sent to Italy to eliminate him and played by Chuck Norris.
(In real life, Norris was a six-time world professional middleweight karate champion who ultimately earned a 10th-degree black belt.) Their climactic battle inside Rome’s Colosseum is widely regarded as one of cinema’s definitive martial arts sequences. For those reasons and more, "The Way of the Dragon" remains one of the most significant films in Bruce Lee’s career.
[The Dragon Abroad, Unbroken by Adversity—A Brief Character Overview]
Tang Lung is an honest, straightforward man who never hesitates to stand up for others. At his uncle’s request, he travels overseas to Rome to help run a Chinese restaurant. The business has been struggling under constant harassment from gangsters attempting to force its owners into selling the property.
Having lived a simple life for years, Tang Lung initially has trouble adjusting to his new surroundings. Cultural differences and unfamiliar customs also put him at odds with the restaurant’s manager and staff. Everything changes when the gangsters return to cause trouble. Unable to ignore the injustice, Tang Lung steps in to defend the local Chinese community and protect the restaurant that provides the staff with their livelihood. After watching him effortlessly drive off the thugs, the restaurant crew gains newfound respect for Tang Lung. Their earlier friction quickly fades, and genuine friendships begin to form. Meanwhile, Tang Lung’s repeated interference brings the mob’s property scheme to a standstill. Determined to remove him, the gangsters hire American karate champion Colt, played by Chuck Norris, along with Colt’s student and several other martial arts experts to kill Tang Lung.
After several brutal battles, Tang Lung believes the ordeal is finally over—but the truth turns out to be far more complicated.…
[Product Review]
Following its previous 1/12 Bruce Lee figure from "Game of Death," rising action figure brand INART returns with Tang Lung, Lee’s iconic character from "The Way of the Dragon." Once again, the company aims high with an authentic recreation of his classic movie look: a white tank top, cropped black 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 distinctive physique. The white tank top leaves much of the body exposed, putting the sculpted musculature and finely rendered skin texture on full display. Meanwhile, the wide openings of the cropped pants add a stronger sense of motion to kicking poses. Articulation remains virtually flawless, allowing the body to reproduce an impressive range of fighting stances and signature moves, so there is little else that needs to be said on that front. One thing is certain, however: INART develops each body individually rather than reusing the same generic mold across multiple releases. Although both Bruce Lee figures were engineered around his physique, each body has been specifically tailored to its respective character and costume. The set includes two portraits—one neutral and one angry—and both capture Lee’s unmistakable facial expressions exceptionally well. His weapons from the movie are also represented, including a long staff and nunchaku. As a dedicated Bruce Lee fan, I am completely satisfied with the final result.
The complete accessory lineup includes:
1. Two highly realistic portraits with different expressions;
Multiple pairs of specially sculpted interchangeable hands. Of particular note, every finger features clearly defined knuckle detailing—an excellent touch;
2. Two nunchaku used during the restaurant courtyard scene and one long staff;
3. One multi-jointed display arm and base;
4. One accessory storage bag.
[Final Verdict—A Classic Double Feature and Another Outstanding 1/12 Bruce Lee]
INART’s 1/12 line has consistently delivered excellent quality at an accessible price, and that reputation speaks for itself. Anyone expecting this "The Way of the Dragon" release to be the previous "Game of Death" figure with a new outfit and slightly modified hairstyle is in for a surprise. The two bodies feature several differences, while both portraits are completely new sculpts. The angry expression is especially accurate, vivid, and full of character. If you already picked up the earlier "Game of Death" figure, 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.
