ReelBob: ‘Be Water’ ★★★

By Bob Bloom

“Be Water,” the latest in ESPN’s wonderful “30 for 30” series examines the life and legacy of Bruce Lee, showcasing his influences and how his life influenced us.

Director Bao Nguyen makes it clear that Lee did not bridge Eastern and Western cultures, he embraced them.

As Nguyen’s documentary shows, Lee was a very confident young man who, when faced with setback, did not retreat, but tried a different path.

He taught martial arts to non-Asians, which displeased the Chinese community. But Lee believed that showing all Americans the beauty of Chinese culture would bring them closer.

The movie offers much footage of Lee’s childhood, he was a popular child star in Hong Kong who was featured in many movies.

The recollections of Lee’s widow, Linda, and his daughter, Shannon, offer a fuller picture of the man, as does the memories of some of his early students.

Despite being a star in Hong Kong, Lee did not consider acting in Hollywood when he first came to the United States.

His plan was to open a string of martial arts schools around the country, but he was sidetracked after TV producer William Dozier saw his lecture and demonstration about his martial arts theories at a karate tournament.

That was the start of his well-documented career that took him from playing Kato on “The Green Hornet” to roles in a few movies and finally back to Hong Kong where he found stardom and worldwide acclaim as an action hero.

“Be Water” does not put Lee on a pedestal. Instead, the documentary offers moments where you do not see him in the best light. Lee himself admits that, at times, he could be an “asshole.”

The film stresses Lee’s humanity and his desire to be an example for all people, no matter their ethnicity.

One aspect the movie lacks is its downplaying of Lee’s battles against racism in Hollywood, America in general and in Hong Kong.

Still, for such a well-known figure, “Be Water” offers a different portrait of Lee, emphasizing his roles as husband, father and teacher rather than a movie star.

It may not provide any untold insights into Lee’s life, but it does heighten your appreciation of the man.

“Be Water” premieres Sunday night on ESPN.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

BE WATER
3 stars out of 4
Not rated