Enter the Fat Dragon

Enter the Fat Dragon is a martial arts comedy film directed by John Liu, released in 1978. The film stars Sammo Hung as Ah Lung, a young man with dreams of becoming a martial arts champion, similar to his idol Bruce Lee. Ah Lung is a country boy who has grown up idolizing Bruce Lee and aspires to emulate his legendary feats in the martial arts world. Ah Lung is sent to the city by his uncle, who owns a restaurant and needs help managing the establishment. Upon arrival, Ah Lung discovers that the restaurant is being terrorized by a gang of thugs who have no qualms about extorting money from the restaurant in exchange for not causing trouble. These thugs are the first test for Ah Lung's skills, and he sees an opportunity to prove himself and impress his uncle. Taking inspiration from his idol Bruce Lee, Ah Lung decides to confront the thugs. With his raw, unpolished skills and determination, he attacks the gang and defeats them in a memorable fight scene, showcasing his impressive agility and physical abilities. The victory against the thugs earns Ah Lung the respect of his uncle and the people of the city. However, Ah Lung's time in the city is far from over. As he takes on the role of a waiter at the restaurant, he becomes entangled in a plot by the same thugs to kidnap one of his coworkers, a woman named Fung. Ah Lung's determination to help his coworker puts him in the crosshairs of the thugs once again. Without hesitation, Ah Lung takes it upon himself to investigate and foil the kidnappers' plan. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including his uncle, who runs the restaurant, and Fung's aunt, who owns a beauty parlor. Through a series of comedic misunderstandings and unexpected twists, Ah Lung ultimately uncovers the thugs' sinister plan and saves the day. As the story unfolds, Sammo Hung brings his signature charm and athleticism to the role of Ah Lung. The film features a unique blend of action, comedy, and drama, showcasing Hung's physical abilities and charisma. The film is also notable for its lighthearted tone and comedic take on the martial arts genre, which sets it apart from more serious martial arts films. The film's title, Enter the Fat Dragon, is a play on the famous title of Bruce Lee's 1972 film, Enter the Dragon. The title serves as a nod to Lee's influence on Ah Lung, and Hung's own attempts to emulate Lee's legendary status in the martial arts world. Throughout the film, Ah Lung's obsession with Bruce Lee's legacy becomes a recurring theme. His idolization of Lee drives Ah Lung to emulate Lee's actions and style, often with comedic results. The film's exploration of Ah Lung's fandom raises questions about the nature of inspiration and the challenges of living up to a legendary standard. Ultimately, Enter the Fat Dragon is a fun and entertaining martial arts comedy that offers a unique blend of action, humor, and heart. The film's memorable fight scenes, colorful characters, and lighthearted tone make it a must-see for fans of the martial arts genre and Sammo Hung. With its unique approach to the martial arts genre and Hung's infectious charm, Enter the Fat Dragon is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.