The BIG Question
Bruce Lee. Was he notable? What did he do? Why did I choose him? Bruce was the exemplification of unprecedented. I've passionately researched Bruce. From documentaries, movies, websites and of course books. My old self would never have known what calamity and adversities he had faced! However, I soon realized that there is always more to know about him... as the legacy of Bruce Lee will be evoked and cemented in history.
Bruce was born in the spotlight. His father was a well-known opera singer, and his mother was a philanthropist. Born in San Francisco, the light always shined on him. He first appeared on screen as a nine-year-old in the Chinese film, 'Golden Gate Girl', which was his first lead role in his career. Ever since, he was a star in the spotlight, appearing in many Chinese films such as, 'The Birth of Mankind', 'Wealth is like a dream' and 'The Kid' and many more as a child. Before thoroughly researching, I had no idea how successful he was before his rise to fame. Although he did not get such major roles in films, he had the experience on screen which helped him later.
Soon he left to Hong Kong, where his personality differed. He was bullied and jumped constantly, by older British Boys. Why? Because he was Asian. This brought tears to Bruce, which led him on a path we now know him for; Martial Arts... Trained under a legend, Ip Man, he soon devoted his time and effort to perfect the craft. Later in life, he became a world-renowned martial artist, continuing his career in film, when he got his first contract to star in the role of martial arts called 'The Big Boss'. Soon enough, many (including me) considered him the pioneer of bringing martial arts into the Hollywood landscape. But others also appreciated him for helping break the barrier for Asian actors in Hollywood. Although, this is what many see at first look, behind the scenes Bruce had to work twice as hard to achieve greatness and earn humanity's respect as a notable person.
Eventually, he became a legend and inspiration, inspiring the people looking up to him to strive for greatness and break barriers. "If you love life, do not waste time, for time is what life is made up of. Showing off is the fool's idea of glory. Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can." He pushed people to do the impossible, while influencing his young audience to strive for gold and to go all out on the dreams, including me.
Instantly, he worked day and night producing next level martial arts movies which were different to other movies, but seemed to help Hollywood, with all becoming hits. Most people in Hollywood doubted him, but is movies dragged in a different audience, the Asian and martial art die hards, which Hollywood owes all to him. He's phenomenal at Chinese Martial Arts, as practices and perfected 'Wing Chun' a different strategy of Martial Arts which is a simplified version of Kung fu. After this, he created his own martial arts technique, called 'Jeet Kun Do' which mixes boxing with Wing Chun. This art form has been used all over the world and has been practiced and perfected by many professionals. His most notable and famous movie is known as 'Enter the Dragon', a thrilling movie which has exciting plots and incredible martial arts. Collecting around, 350 million USD, Enter the Dragon was known for the Chinese mixing with different cultures. His next and last movie was 'Game of Death' featuring one of the greatest NBA players of all time in Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Unfortunately, Bruce died mid-movie, as seen in the later scenes when he is replaced by another actor. The world of martial arts mourned his death as his legacy was cemented as being the greatest martial artist of all time.
Bruce was an interesting individual, he was cocky, but backed it up by being a man of his word. After learning martial arts, many said that he had a violent temper, while being a quick to fight, and a center of attention seeker. Nevertheless, he still achieved greatness, but many don't worship him the same after learning that. The reason how he backed his word up, was by will. He was determined to be the best and may have been full of himself before mastering martial arts. And by using all his will, he devoted his life to martial arts, which as we known, paid off. Bruce has a one-of-a-kind personality, with no exact replica known. This is why he was extremely successful on the screen. People wanted charisma, and that's what he gave them. With his will, skill and personality, it was no brainer that he would be the future of the Asian Hollywood scene.
Bruce was an icon, who inspired me to strive for gold in everything I do. He reminded me of what was possible... everything. Although he had all the odds against him, he didn't care at all. He wasn't bothered. Because he knew that boundaries are all in the head. It's an extraordinary mindset, but with applying it at a young age, he proved what was possible, as is shown today. Bruce lee led me to changing my mindset, and pursuing martial arts in College St. Who knows where I will go, all I know is that I will do my best in everything I do. If it worked for Bruce, I'm sure it can work for me!
Life didn't always satisfy Bruce. He got his fame and legacy all by himself. Although he was lucky early on screen, that didn’t mean that Bruce didn't work for it. He changed the way acting was done, by pioneering the Asian Hollywood landscape. He's unprecedented, and always will be. He's influenced generation past his time and still will. His incredible movies dictated martial arts, and pure acting. Nothing was like it at the time. And nothing is like it now...
Sir, I hope you can see why Bruce Lee was notable, but I hope you see how he's so much more than that. Few people could do what he did, and if any tried, they'd come up short. Bruce Lee is a legend. An icon. An inspiration. And nothing will ever be like him...
"Never waste energy on worries or negative thoughts, all problems are brought into existence- drop them."
