Watch Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview

In 1971, Canadian journalist Pierre Berton had the opportunity to interview the legendary martial arts master and film star Bruce Lee. The interview was broadcast on television, but the original footage was believed to be lost for many years. In 1994, the footage was rediscovered in a garage in Ontario, and a documentary was created using the interview and other footage of Lee.

Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview is a fascinating look at the man behind the myth. The film opens with a montage of clips from Lee's movies and television appearances, showcasing his incredible physical abilities and charismatic screen presence. We then see Berton introducing the interview, explaining how it came about and how it was lost for so many years.

The interview itself is a fascinating glimpse into Lee's philosophy and approach to martial arts. He talks about his early training in Wing Chun Kung Fu, and how he eventually developed his own style that he called Jeet Kune Do. He stresses the importance of being flexible and adaptable in combat, and emphasizes the importance of training both one's mind and body.

Throughout the interview, Lee comes across as thoughtful, engaging, and charismatic. He speaks in a confident but humble manner, and seems genuinely passionate about spreading his ideas about martial arts and personal development. He also discusses his experiences breaking into Hollywood, and the challenges he faced dealing with the racial prejudices of the time.

Interspersed with the interview footage, we see clips from Lee's movies, as well as rare behind-the-scenes footage showing him practicing and rehearsing fight scenes. There are also interviews with some of Lee's contemporary martial arts masters, who comment on his impact on the world of martial arts and popular culture.

One of the most striking things about Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview is how contemporary Lee's ideas about martial arts and personal development still feel. His emphasis on being adaptable, constantly learning, and striving for self-improvement are timeless messages that resonate just as strongly today as they did in the early 1970s.

Another highlight of the film is the opportunity to see more of Lee's personality and personal history than we might get from his movies alone. Through his conversation with Berton, we learn about Lee's childhood in Hong Kong, his experiences as a dancer and actor, and his relationship with his wife and family.

The final section of the film takes a more somber turn, as Berton and the other interviewees discuss Lee's sudden death at the age of 32. The film includes footage of Lee's funeral and tributes from fans and fellow martial artists around the world. It's a poignant reminder of the incredible impact Lee had on the world of martial arts and entertainment, and how much he accomplished in his tragically short life.

Overall, Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview is a must-see for fans of martial arts, cinema, and personal development. It provides a unique and intimate look at one of the most influential figures in martial arts history, and reminds us why Bruce Lee continues to be such an iconic and beloved figure more than 40 years after his death.

Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview is a 1994 documentary with a runtime of 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.