This ‘80s Martial Arts Classic Was the Perfect, Absurd Mix of Motown, Magic, and High-Flying Kicks

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The ‘80s saw an explosion of martial arts movies that remain, to this day, milestones of cinema. Classics such as The Karate Kid and Bloodsport helped to popularize the genre in the tradition of Bruce Lee and his influence on action movies overall. Among the various underrated gems of the decade that paid tribute to Lee in a unique fashion was Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon.

40 years after its release in cinemas, the action-fantasy picture directed by Michael Schultz (Car Wash, Carbon Copy) continues to be a heavy influence not only on martial arts cinema but also on Black cinema and hip-hop music. Inspired by Lee’s popularity in the ‘70s following the release of Enter the Dragon, The Last Dragon fuses the fantastical aspects of Hong Kong cinema with the feel of a comic book movie, blaxploitation, and MTV. Beyond its thin premise, however, The Last Dragon is full of heart with a positive message about seeking the inner power within one’s self.

What Is ‘The Last Dragon’ About?

Set in New York City, “Bruce” Leroy Green (Taimak) is a Bruce Lee fanatic and the son of pizza parlor owner parents. The bright-eyed martial arts student of an elderly mentor (Thomas Ikeda), Leroy wants to reach the highest level of his talents by seeking a mythical master in possession of half a medal, which, when combined, forms a higher power called “The Glow.” His spiritual journey is often mocked by his little brother Richie (Leo O’Brien). Along Leroy’s path, he comes across the beautiful VJ Laura Charles (Vanity), who is under threat by notorious record promoter Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney) after she rejected playing his girlfriend’s music video. Leroy saves Laura from captivity, developing a romance after she returns his missing half of the medal. As Leroy gets closer to the true discovery of obtaining “The Glow,” Arkadian takes his threats to the next level when he enlists the help of Leroy’s arch-nemesis Sho’nuff (Julius Carry).

Screenwriter Louis Venosta (Bird on a Wire) was inspired to write The Last Dragon after witnessing a melting pot of moviegoers from various backgrounds react to a 1983 anniversary screening of Enter the Dragon. He was drawn to the idea that men of color shared a deep connection with Lee as an actor and philosopher. Many of those traits were embodied in Leroy, who was perfectly cast with real martial artist Taimak. As his debut feature in a leading role, Taimak possessed the perfect balance of looks, physicality, and overall humility as a natural hero. Though he mimics Lee in fighting style, his socially inept personality around the outgoing Laura as well as a scene where he acts hip to a bunch of jive-talking Chinese fortune cookie workers make him as relatable as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid franchise. Ultimately, he’s a Black kid fully comfortable in his skin as the film sets a message about self-acceptance in identity rather than others validating one’s greatness.

‘The Last Dragon’ Remains Influential in Pop Culture

At first glance, critics could slam the picture for the role-reversing of stereotypes: Leroy’s family owning a New York pizzeria, Carry’s over-the-top portrayal of Sho’nuff akin to a Shaw Brothers movie villain, and street-level Asian characters dressing hip and talking jive like a blaxploitation movie. But rather than poke fun at those stereotypes, The Last Dragon chooses to celebrate the way diversity can influence a wide variety of cultures. It lacks The Karate Kid’s grounded approach to martial arts. But it makes up for that with memorable characters like Sho’nuff and his gang, who leave a lasting impression with their memorable quotes and outrageous wardrobe. In truth, these characters could exist in real-world New York City.

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“Be like water making its way through cracks.”

Though The Last Dragon at times has the feel of a Broadway musical showcasing the music of Motown acts like DeBarge and Stevie Wonder, the action leans heavily on comic book-inspired elements. The villains in Arkadian and Sho’nuff possess traits of Superman-type baddies to contrast with the virtuous Leroy. The film’s biggest setpiece in the Soul Train-inspired 7th Heaven set plays like a cross between MTV and the final level of a beat ‘em up arcade game with Leroy and his students in a battle royale with all the goons. The film goes as far as throwing in the figurative kitchen sink with the supernatural abilities of Leroy and Sho’nuff being heavily featured in the final act with action beats mirroring the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the way their powers evolve.

While The Last Dragon never spawned a franchise, its legacy continues to live on in pop culture. Its influence can largely be felt through music acts ranging from Busta Rhymes to LMFAO. Arguably its biggest fan is rapper/actor/filmmaker RZA, whose entire career has been a marriage of Hong Kong cinema and Black culture. And the film continues to get special screenings around the world, with Taimak continuing to meet and greet fans of all ages.