2) Face To Face – Way Of The Dragon (1972)
An advantage that Bruce had from filming in Rome was being able to shoot a fight sequence inside the actual Colosseum. Gladiators fought a blood sport for people’s entertainment back in ancient times, and now it was time for The Legend to leave his mark on the battleground. And what better way to do it than to face off against another legend of our time, Chuck Freaking Norris!
So the scene is set, we’ve got two legends, the perfect backdrop, an intense build up, and a kitten refereeing. Nothing is missing, and the execution is perfect. Bruce could’ve taught a thing or two to most modern action directors in Hollywood today, as the camera was kept steady the entire time and long takes were used to showcase the brilliant skill of two martial artists at the absolute top of their game.
Although action cinema has progressed over the years, this fight still stands up to the best of them, and Bruce shows us that strategic and quick thinking can be of considerable assistance in a particularly sticky situation.