• Lalo Schifrin’s (cool hand luke, dirty harry, bullitt) helps set the film apart and above lesser Bruce less and other genre films- the film is very score-heavy and dialogue is, by Clouse, smartly used pretty sparingly
  • Sadly it’s Bruce Lee’s last film (and my only archiveable film to date). I think it’s fair to project he would’ve made quite a few more based on the quality of this film
  • Clouse borrows from the James Bond series- focusing a little more on revenge and honor but he’s got bond-like lead henchman here (with a huge face scar) and a big bad boss with a fake arm/hand petting cat
  • There are quick interesting anecdotal background stories for the 3 main characters- much like seven samurai (actually more so magnificent seven and it’s well done here and a nice touch
  • The helicopter shot at the arrival of the island gives the scene and epic component to it- as does the following tracking shot at the ballroom dinner- lots of extras and costume work
  • Lee’s actual fighting skill and aerobatics is quite skillful- akin to Astaire in dancing- lots of slow-motion work to make that skill a big focal point.
  • For younger viewers the plot here is nearly completely stolen by the mortal kombat 1995 film
  • Ending is a hall of mirrors like welles lady from shanghai
  • In the archives but after one viewing not in the top 10 of 1973
  • Recommend