Ever wonder how a scrappy kid from Hong Kong became a global icon who rewrote the rules of action cinema? Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993), directed by Rob Cohen, doesn’t just tell Bruce Lee’s life it channels his lightning-fast spirit, flaws and all, in a biopic that’s as much about myth-making as it is about the man. This isn’t a dusty history lesson; it’s a vibrant, if sometimes uneven, tribute that lands punches in 2025’s nostalgia-hungry world.

Jason Scott Lee’s performance as Bruce is the film’s beating heart. He doesn’t just mimic Lee’s iconic jeet kune do moves he embodies the man’s restless charisma, from cocky grins to quiet moments of self-doubt. Watch him spar in the backyard scene, blending grace and grit; it’s like seeing Bruce’s philosophy of fluidity come alive. Yet, the film falters when it leans too hard into melodrama, especially in scenes with Linda Lee (Lauren Holly), where syrupy romance feels tacked on, diluting the raw energy elsewhere. The script occasionally stumbles, trying to cram a complex life into tidy beats, but Jason’s intensity keeps you glued.

Cinematography by David Gribble is another knockout. The fight scenes crisp, kinetic, almost balletic capture Bruce’s revolutionary choreography without feeling dated. The camera dances with him, especially in the Enter the Dragon reenactments, where vibrant colors and tight framing make every kick pop. But it’s the quieter shots, like Bruce training under a golden California sun, that linger, tying his story to a universal quest for identity. The score, though, can feel overblown, with orchestral swells that sometimes drown out the intimacy of Lee’s personal battles.

Why does Dragon resonate now? In an era of superhero fatigue and cookie-cutter action, Bruce Lee’s DIY ethos his blend of philosophy, discipline, and defiance feels like a rebellion against today’s polished blockbusters. The film’s exploration of anti-Asian prejudice, while not perfect, hits harder in today’s conversations about representation. It’s not flawless; the pacing drags in parts, and some cultural nuances get glossed over. Still, Dragon captures a man who became a legend by breaking molds cinematic, cultural, personal. It’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever fought to be seen. Watch it, and feel the spark of a dragon who still roars.