THE CHINESE CONNECTION (1972)

 While there are a zillion kung fu movies that deal with a student getting revenge for the murder of their teacher this one is up there with the best.  The reason for this, of course, is that it stars, the all-time king of kung fu, Bruce Lee.  Originally titled FIST OF FURY back in Hong Kong where it was made, that title was used here in the U.S. for Bruce's first film and this became THE CHINESE CONNECTION.  Set sometime before World War II you get Japanese evil doers(like in so many movies like this), an evil Russian strongman(played by Lee's real life bodyguard at the time), a stripper and lots of racism against Chinese folks.  Lee is great as a proud man who faces up to his oppressors using nunchakus and his crazy fast fists and flying feet.  There's a couple of iconic moments in this film, one being where Lee smashes a "NO DOGS OR CHINESE ALLOWED" sign and the other being the ending(this film isn't afraid to end on what is not exactly a joyous ending that's true to the character in the movie).  This really helped cement the legend of Bruce everywhere and make kung fu a huge fad through the 1970's in America.  It's a shame he only made four amazing movies before he died and he's yet to really be replaced.  I imagine the world may have been a different place if Lee lived or he may have just went on to become a boring mainstream star.  Who knows, but I think it would have at least been interesting to see. AKA THE IRON HAND