Bruce Lee’s classic film Fist of Fury has inspired numerous sequels and remakes since its release, but most of these follow-ups have been dismissed as forgettable and inferior due to the absence of the original star. However, in a surprising departure from this common view, Quentin Tarantino praises one particular sequel, Fist of Fury Part II, as a standout film. His endorsement challenges the widespread perception that unofficial martial arts sequels fail to live up to Bruce Lee’s original.
Fist of Fury debuted in 1971 as the second of Bruce Lee’s five iconic kung fu movies. Directed by Lo Wei, it tells the story of Chen Zhen, a martial arts expert who returns to China for his master’s funeral and becomes embroiled in a conflict with a Japanese karate school. The depiction of Chen Zhen’s sacrifice and heroic resistance has made Fist of Fury a symbol of Chinese pride and one of the most influential martial arts movies of its era.
What Sets Fist of Fury Part II Apart in Tarantino’s Eyes
Following the success of the original, filmmakers sought to capitalize on Fist of Fury’s popularity with various unofficial sequels. One such film was New Fist of Fury in 1976, starring Jackie Chan. However, just a year earlier in 1977, Lee Tso-nam directed Fist of Fury Part II. This sequel features Bruce Li, a Bruceploitation actor, portraying a new character who carries on Chen Zhen’s fight against the Japanese after Chen’s death.
While many viewers regard Fist of Fury Part II as a low-budget knockoff and it holds a modest 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Tarantino publicly lauded the film as exceptional during a conversation on the Pure Cinema Podcast. He went as far as to say this sequel is “literally right up there” with Bruce Lee’s original, indicating it deserves recognition beyond typical jury-rigged sequels.
Appreciation for the Film’s Characters and Dialogue
Tarantino’s admiration for Fist of Fury Part II extends beyond its action sequences to the performances and character development. He praised Lo Lieh, the film’s villain, calling him “the greatest actor” in martial arts cinema and described his performance as “magnificent.” Bruce Li, who played the lead role, earned even higher praise from Tarantino, who considered him “amazing” and
“an even better actor than Bruce Lee himself.”
The director also valued the film for its nuanced dialogue, highlighting moments where the hero and villain engage in everyday conversations—such as a scene in which Chen Zhen praises the antagonist’s calligraphy right before their confrontation. These interactions add depth to the characters, elevating them from typical kung fu movie stereotypes to more relatable, humanized figures, which Tarantino identifies as an uncommon strength within the genre.
How Fist of Legend Nearly Matches the Original’s Legacy
While Tarantino’s esteem for Fist of Fury Part II is unconventional, the idea of approaching or exceeding the original’s quality has been entertained by some fans and critics—most notably with the 1994 film Fist of Legend. This remake, starring Jet Li as Chen Zhen, reinterprets the story introduced by Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury with a fresh perspective and remarkable choreography.
Fist of Legend received widespread acclaim upon release and has maintained a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is celebrated as one of the best martial arts films from the 1990s and a highlight in Jet Li’s career. The movie’s success largely stems from its ability to offer a distinct take on the narrative rather than merely imitating Bruce Lee’s performance, allowing Jet Li to imbue the character with his own style and personality.
This approach helped Fist of Legend avoid the stigma often associated with Bruceploitation films—those low-budget sequels aiming to exploit Bruce Lee’s legacy, such as New Fist of Fury and Fist of Fury Part II. Although that stigma limited mainstream appeal for some sequels, Fist of Fury Part II has nevertheless developed a dedicated cult following, bolstered by Tarantino’s notable endorsement.
The Enduring Influence of Fist of Fury and Its Sequels
The enduring popularity of Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury, along with the praise from filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, underscores the ongoing fascination with martial arts cinema and its cultural significance. By highlighting qualities often overlooked in a sequel like Fist of Fury Part II, Tarantino invites a reexamination of the film’s artistry and historical place. This recognition may encourage fans and new viewers to appreciate the complexity and storytelling embedded in martial arts sequels, beyond their usual cult status.
As martial arts cinema continues to evolve, the influence of foundational works like Fist of Fury and their interpretations will likely persist, inspiring new generations of audiences and filmmakers eager to explore the genre’s rich heritage.
