Way of the Dragon (1972)

Sometimes titled with the definite article and sometimes without, WotD is the film in which Bruce Lee fights Chuck Norris in a Roman coliseum, like modern day gladiators, while a kitty cat spectator sits on high. Beyond that it's basically the same old story: Bruce's character arrives from overseas and helps some family members that are being exploited, this time in the restaurant business; there's an attractive woman (Nora Miao) for him to engage with; a traitorous countryman weasels about; and it culminates in a death match that enables Lee to show how lightning fast he really was.
It was the only film that Bruce got to direct before he died; he did well, especially on the finale. He also wrote and co-produced the work.

3½ trips to the shitter out of 5

The Big Boss (1971)

Also confusingly called Fists of Fury in some territories, TBB was Bruce's first major film. He plays Zheng Chao-an, a Chinese man fresh off the boat and working in a Thailand ice factory. (In some previous editions it was spelled Cheng). All goes well enough for the new worker until he discovers that the ice factory is more than it initially seems.
It established the template for much of what followed, while highlighting his quiet, respectful persona that only resorts to violence when all other options have been exhausted. As such, it's not until well into the running time that we see the martial arts star in blazing action. But before too long there's some quality WOOOO-oooOOO-WAHH! and he ends up angry, shirtless and bloody.

3 ice tricks out of 5

Fist of Fury (1972)

Unable to silence his feelings, and in direct opposition to the wishes of his recently dead shifu, martial arts student Chen Zhen seeks vengeance for the death of his teacher, bringing trouble to his own front door in the process, in a socially repressed Shanghai that's being overrun by Japanese officials.
When he's not kicking (or punching) seven shades of shit out of members of a rival martial arts school, for the majority of the film Chen exists in two basic emotional states: very pissed off, or on the verge of being very pissed off. That's okay because seeing Bruce in action is the reason most of us are watching in the first place. If you want the infamous Nunchaku scene, then make sure and get the full uncut version.

3½ bendy props out of 5