Bruce Lee the Invincible (1977)

When the student of a martial arts master is caught using his skills to assassinate people for money he is banished to another country with the promise that he will change his ways.  A few years later another student is visiting his family when he discovers that the man hasn’t changed his ways, but has actually started a criminal operation that takes advantage of the locals by making them work the local mines for low wages.  Wages which the just end up giving back because of the crooked casino the gang also operates.  When the students cousin is taken against her will to marry the nefarious student and he is beaten up the master shows up to set things right.  But can he get thru the allies of the crime lord, including the normal lackeys, primitive natives and Kung Fu trained gorillas!

Okay lets get something out of the way right off the bat.  Bruce Lee isn’t in this movie, but Bruce Li is.  So don’t be fooled or disappointed the title.  I’m not going to lie this movie is a mess.  I’m not sure if something was lost in the bad dubbing, but given the obvious low budget this may be what they intended.  The story seems straightforward, but actually takes some time getting started and includes a flashback that has nothing to do with the movie!  There are multiple attempts at humor, but the Kung Fu gorillas are played straight!  All I can say is that whoever wrote this thing was either completely insane or taking some serious drugs.  But the funny thing about this is that the movie is pretty decent in spite of itself.  This is one of those movies that will have you paying attention because you will be waiting for the next silly plot device.  Plus it doesn’t hurt that the fight scenes are pretty damn good.  I’ve seen much better written and performed movies that can’t boast half the action of this movie.  Since this is a Kung Fu movie that makes up for a lot of flaws.  Performances aren’t important because no one sits still long enough for any characters to develop.  People kick and punch each other for ninety or so minutes, the end. 

Production values here are a joke.  During scenes where there isn’t any fighting the camera tends to stay in one place.  Lighting and sound are also sort of optional here.  Plus you have got to check out the gorilla suits that they used.  They don’t even fit the actors properly and you can see quite a bit of skin!  Oh and if you think you have heard “budget” dubbing before you haven’t heard anything until you check this one out.  Other than the fighting, which is outstanding, this movie is poorly made. 

If you are looking for a Kung Fu movie that is going to engage you on any level other than foot meets face then I recommend you go out and pick up one of the fine Shaw Brothers movies.  But if on the other hand you want to watch a Kung Fu movie that will have you alternately scratching your head and laughing your ass off then I can recommend this one to you guys.  It isn’t good by any means, but it is stupid and fun.

2 ½ out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer

© Copyright 2008 John Shatzer