Reactions to Bruce Lee's Role in Quentin Tarantino's Film
While critics and moviegoers have been showering praise on Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie for their stellar performances in Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," one particular aspect has sparked heated discussions: the portrayal of the legendary Bruce Lee. Among those expressing their thoughts is none other than Bruce Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee. Her perspective sheds light on how this portrayal impacts both her personal feelings and the broader cultural context.
Shannon Lee's Experience Watching the Movie
“It was really uncomfortable sitting in the theater and hearing people laugh at my father,” Shannon Lee revealed in an interview with The Wrap. Shannon, who tirelessly keeps her father's legacy alive through a website, a podcast, and a foundation, added, “What I’m really aiming for is raising awareness about who Bruce Lee was as a human being and the way he led his life. Unfortunately, all of that was completely disregarded in this portrayal, reducing my father to this arrogant punching bag.” Her words carry a poignant weight, reflecting the emotional toll of witnessing such a depiction of her father.
Details of Bruce Lee's Scene in the Film
In "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" — and here’s a minor spoiler alert — Bruce Lee is portrayed by actor Mike Moh. The scene depicts a cocky confrontation between Bruce's character and Brad Pitt’s stuntman, Cliff Booth, on the set of "The Green Hornet" TV show. They agree to engage in a friendly, best two-out-of-three rounds fight to prove their skills. Bruce swiftly wins the first round, but in the second, Cliff slams him into a car, leaving the final round unfinished. It's a moment that leaves a lasting impression on viewers, sparking both laughter and debate.
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Shannon's Take on the Actor and Direction
Shannon has no qualms with Mike Moh’s performance, praising his ability to capture Bruce Lee’s mannerisms and voice accurately. “But I believe he was directed to portray a caricature,” Shannon explained, emphasizing the gap between the real Bruce Lee and the character on screen. According to Shannon, her father often avoided physical altercations when challenged. “In this scene, he’s the one puffing himself up and initiating the challenge with Brad Pitt, which isn’t how he was in real life,” she noted. Shannon described the on-screen Bruce as "an arrogant jerk full of hot air," which contrasts sharply with her memories of her father.
The Broader Context: Racism and Exclusion in Hollywood
Shannon also highlighted the cultural and historical context surrounding Bruce Lee’s career. In the late 1960s, Asian-Americans faced significant racism and exclusion in Hollywood. Shannon argued that her father shouldn’t be portrayed in a manner reminiscent of how "white Hollywood treated him when he was alive." Bruce Lee had to work extraordinarily hard to achieve what others were handed effortlessly. “He had to fight triple hard to accomplish what was naturally given to so many others,” Shannon explained, emphasizing the uphill battle her father faced.
Quentin Tarantino’s Intentions
In the end, Shannon acknowledged that Quentin Tarantino might have been attempting to make a statement about how Bruce Lee and his contemporaries were treated during that era. However, she believes the message doesn’t come across clearly in the film. “It’s important to consider the broader impact of such portrayals, not just the artistic intent,” Shannon concluded.
