Original subtitles

Come in, Bruce.

Bruce, come. Have a seat.

Make yourself at home.

This is why I invited you here.

This is the match where Harrison defeated the Mexican King of Boxing

and won the Golden Belt in the World Heavyweight Championship.

It's marvelous.

I believe you can learn a lot from it.

-Here you go. -Thank you.

He's ferocious.

Yes, yes.

His steps are unusual too. Look.

Harrison's punch combos are amazing.

Look. A straight jab, then a left-right swing.

When his opponent's off guard, he followed with one heavy blow.

This should've been a twelve-round match...

but he won it in two rounds.

Harrison's brutal.

Bruce Lee...

I admit that you're nimble.

Your boxing is powerful too.

But you don't know much about real matches.

More importantly, you've never competed

with a skilled boxer in a real match.

Look.

Even a World Heavyweight Champion like Harrison needed a coach.

I've always dreamt of...

becoming just like Harrison and competing on the world stage.

But...

Blair, I heard from Jones that you have health problems.

-Looks like it's true. -I guess so.

But let's not talk about that.

When I was small, my dad was stationed in the Philippines.

There, I learned boxing from a famous boxing coach.

He was very knowledgeable.

He lives in the U.S. now.

Many outstanding boxers in the U.S. were taught by Inosanto.

Such as Jepson, Harry Walter,

and Bossman Jones. And many other boxers too.

-Inosanto? -Yes.

Could you introduce me to him?

I'd like to meet him.

Certainly.

If you're ever in the U.S., you can meet him.

My mom lives in the States.

Really? That's great!

-Inosanto. -You know what?

There are a lot of books in Inosanto's house,

as well as notebooks and films.

He's also researched judo, Korean boxing,

and many forms of kung fu. I have some books right here.

He gave me them last time I was in the U.S.

You can have a look. I think they'll help you a lot.

Look.

A lot of boxing skills are described here in detail.

You can take these home to read at your own leisure.

What did you say?

You can take these home.

Take these? Yes. These are yours now.

I don't understand.

I'm giving them to you as gifts.

Really?

Take them.

From now on, you're my coach.

I guess you're a good guy.

It seems that you're not as loathsome as when you fought with me.

Look who's talking. Okay then.

Let's move on.

-Sure. -Let's go.

Xiaoman.

You look so beautiful in Tang jackets.

But how come I look so strange when I'm wearing it?

Maybe it's because my body's the right shape for it.

No, it's because you're pretty. And you know how to dress well.

Xiaoman, who do you go to for fashion advice?

My dad designs all my clothes, and my mom sews them.

Let me show you.

Come here. See?

QIN'S TANG SUIT STORE

I see. Your family owns this clothes shop.

We've owned this shop for generations.

A lot of Hong Kong celebrities have worn our designs.

I see. No wonder you look so different from the others.

You don't just look well-dressed, you also have a noble air about you.

I can see why Bruce Lee likes you so much.

I'll pick one for you.

I think this'll fit you.

-Go try it on. -Is that okay?

Of course. Come.

What do you think? You always hold your head high

and swing your hips when you walk.

You'll look good in it.

Xiaoman, you're exaggerating.

I mean it. Try it on. Trust me.

Okay, Bruce. I'm going to teach you the basics of boxing.

-Okay. -First,

put this leg in front.

Just like that. Look.

The front leg has to be straight.

Your back-leg needs to act like a spring.

OK. Get your posture right.

Now, we'll try some steps.

Copy me. Your front leg goes first.

Okay. Follow me.

One.

One.

Now step back.

One.

One.

Do it again.

One.

One.

Step back. One.

One.

Okay. Not bad.

Now we'll practice this,

the One-Two Combo.

Good.

Ready. Step forward.

Good.

Now step back.

Step back.

All right. Not bad. Good job.

And now?

We'll spar.

Let me get my gloves.

Good. Very good.

Good.

Punch harder.

You look great in this dress.

Thank you for the fashion advice.

I'll treat you today.

Thank you.

Hi.

Two cups of coffee.

Certainly.

I'd like to talk about Blair.

Talk about Blair? Why?

Then let's talk about Bruce Lee.

Let's not.

But he really likes you.

If he really likes me, he shouldn't keep hurting me.

Maybe he's still angry with you.

He has no reason to be angry.

It was his choice.

I begged him. He didn't want to go.

You might be right.

Thanks.

Look at me.

What do you think of Blair?

Blair? He's not as bad as I thought.

Blair's not just "not as bad".

He's actually a gentleman.

Did you know? He used to be a bully.

But now...

Can we talk about something else?

About clothes, food, something fun?

But I want to hear you talk about Blair.

Since we went on that tour together, I've felt that...

he's actually a gentleman.

He's not bad.

Are you... Are you in love with him?

What?

In love?

It's not as easy as that.

I admire you Chinese.

You don't normally speak your minds.

But when you do fall in love, it's genuine.

You two don't have to sleep together, though.

To be honest, I like you a lot.

But you'd better remember one thing.

It's best if you break up with Blair.

I don't like the way you're talking to me.

But you can't hate me for telling the truth.

Xiaoman, listen.

I invited Bruce to this cafe for some coffee recently.

You had coffee with him here?

Relax.

Nothing's changed. He's still not interested in me.

I can see he's still in love with you.

But you've changed since you came back.

That day, when Bruce defeated Blair...

you seemed upset.

You were upset about Blair.

That's because he was sick.

Don't lie to me.

You were upset before you even heard he was sick.

I'm the one who told you about Blair's illness.

Xiaoman, I don't want to beg but...

me and Blair. I like him. I love him.

I don't... I don't want to lose him to you.

Especially at a time like this.

At least, we're still classmates.

We should care for Blair.

Blair, thank you.

I'll treasure these books.

You're welcome.

I know you'll treasure them.

Please sit, Bruce.

Okay.

Can we talk about something else now?

Of course.

I'm not sure how you feel about Xiaoman.

I've never thought about it.

It's true.

Bruce Lee, do you want to hear the truth?

I know you like her.

It's complicated.

-The future-- -Blair, I don't get it.

Why are you suddenly so nice to me? You gave me books, taught me boxing.

Why did you do this?

You've defeated me in the ring.

Isn't that reason enough?

But why did you bring up Xiaoman?

Because she told me about your past,

from when you were a kid up till now.

I feel that I get you. What can I say?

You're not like other Chinese.

What do you mean? I am Chinese.

-Listen. -Enough.

Don't be like this, Bruce.

Sometimes, you're a real bastard.

-You're scolding me? -Yes.

For example, you see people with skin colors different to yours as the enemy.

Blair, I don't see you as the enemy.

It was you who treated us Chinese like trash.

Remember how you insulted me?

You mean, I called you "Yellow Skin"?

I didn't think you'd remember that.

-It's fine, Blair. -It's just a stereotype.

Your damned stereotypes can go to hell.

Blair, listen to me.

One day, I'll let you British snobs see who the real "yellow" man is.

Right, Bruce.

I really feel you're different.

Now I've become a real English Patient.

Isn't that enough?

Don't be mad anymore.

Bruce, we shouldn't hate each other anymore.

We should try to forgive and forget.

Besides, the way you treated Xiaoman wasn't gentlemanly.

Xiaoman...

when she was in Singapore,

she looked for a gift for you.

I helped her choose some boxing gloves. Why don't you wear them?

I don't want to.

I don't wanna talk about it.

I know you're pursuing Xiaoman.

That's nonsense.

Aren't you close to Jones?

Since you're a straightforward guy,

tell me what you're thinking.

I like Jones' candor.

But I like Xiaoman even more.

She's gentle and understanding.

My God!

If I weren't so unlucky,

I'd probably fight you for Xiaoman's affection.

Bruce.

Okay. Let's talk about it another time.

I hope that from next week,

you can come here whenever you have time.

We won't talk about anything else, okay?

See you next week.

Blair, it's your dad.

He sounds worried.

Okay.

Hey Dad. Sorry, can we talk about it later?

I have a friend with me right now.

Wait a second. Okay.

Okay.

If you have time next week

-just come over. -Okay.

I'll help you defeat David Cafeld.

Trust me.

-I'll have the driver take you back. -No need. My bag, please.

I have to catch up on my fitness training today.

So I'll run back home. Bye.

Okay.

-Joanna. Escort my guest out. -Certainly.

So, Dad, what's up?

Listen, Blair, I've booked tickets to the States.

Grandpa's found the best hospital for you over there.

-What? -We leave tomorrow.

Tomorrow? Dad, I can't.

I don't want to leave before the boxing competition.

Blair. I know you love boxing.

But your life is far more important than the outcome of a boxing match.

I've booked the tickets. It can't be changed.

No! No! I need to see the result. I can't leave now.

Blair.

I got the blood test results back from the hospital.

You don't even know how bad things are.

So what is it? Tell me.

I'm prepared.

Blair. I know you are a strong kid.

It's a condition called aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia?

What is that? Is it terminal?

I'm sorry, Blair.

I want you to go back right away.

Zhongliang. Begin!

Yes, Master.

Xinli, you'll play the defender today.

Okay.

Bruce.

Master! Master! Master!

Okay. You two get ready.

Fight until the killing blow, understood?

Get ready. Go!

Bruce, when you're using Wing Chun in combat,

don't be a stickler for the rules.

Do whatever feels right.

Xinli, carry on.

Well done!

Brother, are you okay?

I'm fine. Bruce, you used the One-Inch Punch!

I was on edge.

I didn't know you could already do the One-Inch Punch.

Well done, Bruce!

That'll work, Bruce.

Do it again.

Bruce.

Even though you just used the One-Inch Punch,

you didn't do it well enough.

Maybe Brother didn't expect that

you could do the One-Inch Punch so early in your training.

He was caught off guard.

It was just a fluke.

You're right. I didn't expect it either.

I think Bruce's punch

is already more powerful.

Bruce,

you now have the gist of this type of punch.

Brother has already taught you the basics.

But if you want to truly master it,

you have to keep refining it.

It needs a considerable amount of training.

Get the plank.

Try it.

More power.

See, you've got the gist of the One-Inch Punch.

But if you want to smash the plank with one punch,

you can't learn to do that overnight.

That's why...

The day I fought against Blair,

I wanted to use the One-Inch Punch,

but I just couldn't get it right.

I saw it.

You wanted to punch toe-to-toe,

but you weren't powerful enough.

You didn't use a One-Inch Punch.

You hit him in the ribs with a side hook.

That's how you won.

Master, I felt Blair was on the brink of collapse that day.

I heard later that he was sick.

Your school's boxing competition

is just a fun pastime.

Little more than a game.

A triviality.

Bruce, remember.

What you want to learn now is the real kung fu.

When you reach a certain point,

the movements, the rules about punching and footwork,

they'll become less important.

Given time and practice, anybody could learn it.

The real art of kung fu is...

to attack.

To be able to concentrate all the energy in your body

and release it in a single, sudden punch.

To defend.

To be able to dodge your opponent's attack in a split second.

To go from a defensive position to an offensive one

at lightning speed.

And, again like lightning,

to neutralize your opponent's power

while attacking him at the same time.

You should combine defense with offense, blocking with striking.

That's the level that you want to achieve in Wing Chun.

That is, to defend while you're attacking,

and to attack while you're defending.

The speed and method of changing between these

is what you should master

as a martial artist.

Master, why am I more confused now?

One day, you'll get it.

I believe you're gifted.

To simplify what I just said:

Get your power from feet and punch out from heart.

Attack when you can, and defend each inch of land.

"Get your power from feet and punch out from heart.

Attack when you can, and defend each inch of land."

Just like a kid

holding a convex lens to set fire

to a piece of paper.

A convex lens converges the sun's rays to a single point,

which can set fire to things.

I see, Master.

Furthermore, you can utilize the opponent's power.

I know that, Master.

Do you mean I can take hold of my opponent's power

and, in a flash, use it against him?

So we can conserve our own energy.

-Is it right? -That's right. You're smart.

Master.

Master.

Could you show me the One-Inch Punch again?

I took home that plank you smashed last time.

I've thought about it every day.

I still couldn't get the trick.

I'd like to know how to concentrate my power.

Come on, Master,

Just hit me.

I want to taste its power.

You want to taste the power of Master's punch?

You've got a death wish.

Master, only by getting hit

can I feel the might of your skill.

Come on. Master, hit me.

Okay.

Stand up. Get ready.

Did you feel it?

It's not easy.

You have the spirit of kung fu.

I like that.

The real art of kung fu is...

to attack.

To be able to concentrate all the energy in your body

and release it in a single, sudden punch.

To defend.

To neutralize your opponent's power at lightning speed.

And, again like lightning, to go from a defensive position

to an offensive one.

Bruce, what's going on? It's past midnight and you're still up.

What the heck are you doing?

Punching this plank.

Punching... what? You're crazy.

Go to bed. Come on!

Brother. Please hold this for me.

Oh, go to bed!

Help me. Hold it.

-You… -Help me.

-What? -Hold it steady.

Stand up.

A little higher.

-Hurry up. I want to go to bed. -Okay. Hold it.

Bruce, you want to smash the plank?

More like you're going to smash yourself.

Go to bed, you troublemaker. Now!

-I did it! I did it! -Listen.

Go take a look.

-Bruce, you're amazing! -Bruce.

Bruce, go to bed.

Otherwise, no one will get any sleep.

Sorry, I'll go straight to bed.

Let me see your hand.

It's okay. Go to bed.

Dad, go to bed.

I did it!

Bruce, come in.

Blair's gone.

Where has he gone?

To the U.S.

What? The U.S.?

Yes.

Why's he gone there?

Please come in.

Blair left these for you.

He said you can come over anytime to borrow or read them.

His medical examination revealed a serious illness.

I'm praying for him all the time.

I'm not sure if God can hear it, though.

When did he leave?

He left not that long ago.

What time is his flight?

In about half an hour.

I can still catch him.

Blair!

Bruce.

Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?

I didn't want to bother you.

You brought them!

I went to your house for boxing practice.

The housekeeper told me you were here. So I ran over here.

Is your illness actually that serious?

Yes, I guess so.

Tell me. What can I do for you?

-Blair! -Defeat David Cafeld.

-I will. I definitely will. -Blair. We're here to see you off.

Are you gonna come see the match?

Bruce, promise me.

Take good care of Xiaoman.

Don't hurt her again.

I swear to God,

nothing happened between us.

Goodbye.

Bye-bye. Bye.

Your passport, please.

Okay. You're all set.

Blair, I'll win the championship for you!

Blair, I'll win the championship for you!

Give Bruce some protective gear.

Come on, Bruce.

Good. Counter. Use a clean punch!

Use clean punch!

Attack! Attack! Careful!

Pay attention to defense.

Go! Attack.

Get up! Hit back!

Get up. Hit back!

Come over. Come on. Come on.

Come on.

Good. Great!

Good. Good.

Get up. Get up, you coward.

Stand up.

Get him!

Get up.

Get up. you coward. -Hit him. Go.

-Hit him. -Hit back!

Get up, coward! I want you to get up

and attack me!

-Get up! -Go! Get up!

Are you fighting me or teaching me?

Whatever you say.

Do you know that,

Blair...

may never be able to get back into the ring?

He may never be coming back.

No, I can't lose!

Then attack me.

Hurry. Get up!

Only Blair could defeat David Cafeld. But you can't.

No, I cannot lose!

You'll need to defeat me first. Attack me!

I won't lose!

Get up. Get up!

"Get power from feet and punch out from heart.

Attack when you can, and defend each inch of land."

Two! One!

Get up, you coward!

Get up right now!

Tell me. What can I do for you?

Defeat David Cafeld.

The only person left to challenge Cafeld is you.

Get up! Come on!

Attack me! Hurry, attack!

Defeat David Cafeld.

-Defeat David Cafeld. -Hit me!

I will. I definitely will.

-What kind of boxing is it? -That was intense!

-Are you all right? -Coach, get up.

Coach.

-Coach. -Are you all right?

Did I hurt you?

I'm okay. What are you all doing?

Give Bruce... a round of applause.

A round of applause.

Great! Great!

Great! Great!

Defeat David Cafeld.

Defeat David Cafeld.

I want to thank you.

For what?

You can knock me down,

so our chances of winning

have just gotten better.

Did I hurt you?

A little.

What technique did you use?

The One-Inch Punch, the most powerful in Wing Chun.

One-Inch Punch? What is that?

It's a close combat attack technique

used in Wing Chun.

Wow, that's incredible.

Such a close distance and yet your punch was so powerful.

It'd be great if you could punch like this each time.

Oh, no, I just learned it.

I'm not that good at it yet.

I see.

Let's go to the study room.

Before he left for the U.S., Blair left us some films from his collection.

Let's take a look.

I'll help you study for the match against Cafeld.

You're really thoughtful.

These are films of last year's matches between Cafeld and Blair.

You can study his boxing style

This guy is brutal.

See? It was already hard for you to beat Blair.

But David Cafeld beat Blair almost effortlessly.

I think he's as competitive as any professional boxer.

I refuse to believe I can't defeat him.

It's going to be really tough.

Our school's been hoping to win the trophy for High School Boxing for years.

This is our Principal's wish

but also that of Blair's dad, Mr. Harry.

Mr. Harry loves boxing.

He's trained Blair in boxing since Blair was a kid.

Blair had really hoped to win the championship for the school.

But now you're our only hope.

I guess we've still got some time.

Mr. Smith, I think I can win.

I hope so, too.

For these few days, you can skip class.

You don't need to do homework. Or exams, either.

I'll talk to Ms. Ingrid and the Principal.

I hope you'll do your best to prepare for this fight.

Don't disappoint us.

You mean I don't have to do homework?

Correct.

I'm glad.

I'll go all out.

Bruce Lee,

your Wing Chun punch--

I mean, that One-Inch Punch,

is a weird boxing type.

Can you punch with that much power each time?

I've just started practicing it.

I don't know yet.

Okay. I hope you'll learn from your Master and fellow students.

If you can master it, we might have a chance.

I'll train hard.

Step forward.

Step back. Step back. Step back.

Step back. Step back. Step back.

Very good.

Come on.

Watch your footwork.

Okay.

Faster.

Power.

Again.

Master.

He's preparing for the match against that David Cafeld.

Lately, the newspapers have started reporting on this news.

Master, I read the papers every day.

We're very proud of Bruce.

A lot of Chinese have bet on Bruce.

Master.

Are you worried Bruce won't win?

The Chinese newspapers are saying

that Bruce is the first Chinese person

that's qualified to challenge the foreigners.

They write that...

Bruce is a student of Wing Chun Academy, and that he's skillful.

They aren't being helpful...

by calling Bruce a hero before the competition.

That's what I've been worried about.

-Bruce! Bruce! -Brothers.

Master, you were looking for me?

-Did you read the papers? -Some.

I've been learning defense from Mr. Smith,

and watching some boxing clips.

Those are useless.

You know...

I'm happy that you got the chance to take up this challenge.

But, I'm also worried.

How much of a chance do you think you have of winning?

I'll do my best, Master.

All eyes will be on me.

My classmates, my teachers, my brothers. They all want me to win.

-I can't lose. -That's what I'm worried about.

Master, don't worry.

I'll go all out to beat him. I won't stop till I'm champion.

Just as I thought.

You only think about beating others.

What if you're beaten?

Beaten?

Hong Kong is a small place.

I pay close attention to all matters concerning kung fu and fighting.

This David Cafeld. I've seen him fight before.

I don't think you can defeat him at the moment.

Why not, Master?

It's the truth.

I admit, I'm a little weaker than him.

Not just a little. A lot.

Then how can I defeat him?

-Take a beating. -Take a beating?

Yes. At least for the first three rounds.

If I lose three rounds, I'm out.

There isn't the fourth one.

Maybe you can win with a lucky punch...

in the last half-minute of the third round.

I don't get it.

Remember. Take a beating for the first round.

Take a beating?

So I can't attack?

Do it when you get the chance, or you'll look like a fool.

But try to conserve your energy.

Maybe you won't even get the chance to attack.

-And the second round? -Continue taking a beating.

-Continue? -Yes.

As long as he doesn't knock you out, you'll still have a chance to win.

I still don't get it.

-What about the third round? -Keep on taking a beating.

At least in the first two minutes.

That may strengthen his resolve.

He'll be frantic.

Remember, Bruce.

Foreigners don't use double bluff strategies or think about

using their opponent's power against them.

They just push forward, forward.

That's their war strategy.

All they do is beat their drums and march their troops into battle.

That's just stupid.

They don't understand that fighting spirit

diminishes with each passing moment.

Master, I'm even more confused now.

Subtitle translation by Vicky Wang