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