In some way, James Bond, ‘The Godfather,’ and ‘The Exorcist’ Have been All A part of a Unusual Fantasy Film

Though the world-renowned undercover agent is all tied up in a authorized battle in the mean time, English author Ian Fleming’s James Bond has amassed a terrific cinematic historical past by way of the years. There are 12 novels, 25 movies, 30 video video games, novels, comics — you identify it, James Bond might be in it. In saying that, something fantasy-based might be the farthest factor out of your thoughts. The titular character’s origins go hand in hand with precise British historical past, in spite of everything.

For only a second, although, let’s go forward and run with that style. Virtually 50 years in the past, James Bond was really in a fantasy movie together with another names like The Exorcist, The Godfather, Emmanuelle (the lead character in a variety of erotic movies), and Dracula. Is that this some kind of underground fan movie? Nope. Is it probably essentially the most random group of popular culture names to ever grace the massive display without delay? You guess. Enter director Rocky Regulation Kei and his contribution to the Bruceploitation style of the ’70s titled The Dragon Lives Once more. Oops, did we point out that Bruce Lee can be portrayed on this movie, too?

After the one-of-a-kind martial artist died in 1973, movie studios throughout Hong Kong (and in surrounding areas) panicked. The nation’s largest star was gone! The following greatest step was to proceed making martial arts movies, after all, however with actors who weren’t solely related seeking to Lee but additionally modified their stage names to raised match the persona. That’s how we get a person with a stage identify like Bruce Leung enjoying Bruce Lee in The Dragon Lives Once more (his actual identify is Leung Choi-Sang). Not like different filmmakers of the post-Bruce Lee period, the cultural affect and inspiration didn’t cease there with writers Ke Shek and Leung Wai.

James Bond Is in Hell? With Bruce Lee?

Apart from the 5 names talked about within the first paragraph, there’s additionally Clint Eastwood’s The Man With No Title (from the {Dollars} Trilogy), Zatoichi (an iconic blind swordsman of Japanese fame), Popeye (the spinach-eating sailor), Fang Kang from the 1967 wuxia movie The One-Armed Swordsman and Caine from the Kung Fu TV present. Fortunately, not all of those names are towards Bruce Lee on this humorous motion film — the final three simply so occur to be his allies (good factor!)

You’d in all probability assume that is an excessive amount of to pack right into a 90-minute film, however you’d be stunned. The Dragon Lives Once more actually shows a superb balancing act. Everyone will get a minute to shine. . . Together with James Bond! All of it begins with Bruce Lee waking up in hell, or the “underworld.” We quickly come to search out out that the villains make up a mafia of types, torturing the villages at any time when they see match. Additionally they have a plan to take over the underworld from King Yama (crafted from Buddha scriptures).

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There isn’t a query that The Dragon Lives Once more is a tacky, terrible film by at present’s requirements. However these fallacies are all excused, given how whimsical and light-hearted the plot feels. You simply can’t get sufficient of the actor who performs Popeye (assume Curly from The Three Stooges, however he’s enjoying dress-up). When the going will get robust, he comedically devours a can of spinach (which he has in his pocket, no much less). Zatoichi has the wildest particular assault names like Blind Man Kills Mosquitoes and Blind Canine Pisses.

For his battle with Dracula, Bruce Lee decides to randomly don his Kato persona from The Inexperienced Hornet. For one scene solely, there’s even a strolling, speaking skeleton! The film actually misplaced a few of its shine being in a pile with so many different ripoffs, however there may be additionally an plain attraction hooked up to the fantastical weirdness right here that can not be denied.

Bruce Lee Fights Them All in ‘The Dragon Lives Once more’

Whereas some are underwhelming, the fights in The Dragon Lives Once more are all entertaining, even when it is just for the sake of seeing these distinctive dream matchups come to life. Dracula tries to chunk down on Lee’s privates earlier than being introduced down with the assistance of Bruce Lee’s shock third leg. James Bond succumbs whereas clinging on to a briefcase full of cash that has no actual impact on the remainder of the film, and Emmanuelle by no means fights however, extra so, unsuccessfully seduces.

The most effective is on the finish when Bruce Lee takes on each The Exorcist and The Godfather in a sequence that feels extra like a ferocious end-of-stage boss battle. Why are all these names within the Underworld within the first place? Some are fairly apparent, however why Popeye, Caine, and Father Lankester Merrin (from The Exorcist) are there has by no means been answered. Some issues are higher left to the creativeness.

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Probably the most shocking a part of this film is definitely present in its intelligence — very shocking for the bruceploitation style. Immediately, the script supplies an evidence as to why each single character is depicted a bit of otherwise than they often look. Additionally, The Godfather and James Bond include the identical epic music from their motion pictures! Not official, after all — how this film was by no means sued out of oblivion will likely be one other thriller.

With all of the snapshots given right here, you possibly can see that this posthumous “fantasy pornographic comedy martial arts superhero movie” (Wikipedia’s phrases) would possibly simply be one of many best dangerous motion pictures of all time. You possibly can see for your self. The Dragon Lives Once more is now streaming on Plex without spending a dime.