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Bruce Lee

A Life

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Bruce Lee

By: Matthew Polly
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
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The “definitive” (The New York Times) biography of film legend Bruce Lee—the martial arts icon who made kung fu a global phenomenon, shattered Hollywood stereotypes of Asian and Asian American actors, and became one of the most influential pop culture figures of the 20th century.

Forty-five years after Bruce Lee’s sudden death at just thirty-two, journalist and bestselling author Matthew Polly delivers the authoritative account of his extraordinary life and legacy. Meticulously researched over a decade and informed by more than one hundred interviews—including with Lee’s family, friends, colleagues, and the actress in whose bed he died—Bruce Lee is both sweeping and intimate.

Polly traces Lee’s evolution from Hong Kong child star to troubled teen, from charismatic martial arts teacher to trailblazing Asian American actor navigating a whitewashed Hollywood, to international superstar in Enter the Dragon, Fist of Fury, and The Big Boss. He explores Lee’s family dynamics, his struggle to break through in the US entertainment industry, his intense work ethic, and the enduring mystery surrounding his untimely death.

Dispelling myths and revealing the man behind the legend, Bruce Lee is a deeply humanizing, page-turning biography of a boundary-breaking actor, father, fighter, and icon whose cultural impact endures across generations and continents. Combat Sports & Self-Defense Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Martial Arts Celebrity Inspiring China Thought-Provoking Funny Combat Sports Marriage Sports Biography Imperial Japan
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What a fantastic read, must have for any Bruce Lee or martial arts fan.

I was disappointed to learn that the man that , like so many others had inspired me, had some naughty habits and bad behaviours.

His budgeting had me screaming internally, but who am I to complain. All these ingredients are what created the Legend.

Insightful listen

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top book, theres isn't much I didn't know about the real bruce lee, I even visited his grave. But this book revealed alot of facts me and probably alot of other people didn't know. after years and years of research the author has delivered an excellent read. unfortunately the person who performs the audio book, left alot to be desired. it reminded me of the awful english dubbing from the 70s and 80s.
but the worse mistake the book does, is try to determine Bruce's cause of death. unfortunately this was made before what is now accepted as the actual cause was known. rather than the medically accepted cause, of adrenal failure caused by excessive use of cortisone steroids. this book gives the cause of death as heat stroke??? yep, heat stroke. other than that, an excellent book/audio book. unfortunately because of the massive rift between Bruce's American family, e.g. shannon, Linda ect and his asian family, there probably won't ever be a really accurate biography of bruce. we will just end up with more, dragon bruce lee story and birth if a dragon lol.

if you are a true bruce lee fan this is essential

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An icon ...but flawed ....maybe....human ....most definately.....driven, ambitious, talented ....and an inspiration......totally. Till we meet at last ....Little Dragon...you were the best . One of my fondest memories.of my dad is going to an all night showing of a selection of your films....ending I think with Enter the Dragon....I don't think that old Cinema had ever done that before and to my knowledge it never did again till it was demolished. But it did for you .....what a night ...what a man ....gone but never forgotten....I smiled till the last chapter reading this book. My son won a Europen Karate Championship title when he was a 12 year old Black Belt. His Coach wrote me a note I recall not too long after he started the sport at 6..saying he was the best natural fighter he has ever seen....and I always say I got him into the sport because I wanted him to be able to look after himself ....a mixed race boy who I felt presented more of a target. Thats true. But I also wanted him to be a little version of you , a mini little dragon ....as I'd never had the motivation for myself or the drive....so I encouraged him instead. Thank you .......

Legend

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I loved how unbiased this book was, it did not present him as some unrealistic demigod, but a person that made mistakes and had character flaws. I thought I knew a lot about Bruce Lee before listening to this audiobook and I was surprised how much more there was to his story. I'd say this book makes my top ten of all time, well done to the author.

a warts and all account of a great person

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A very thorough and engaging audiobook. Definitive warts and all telling of Bruce Lee's life story.

Very through and engaging.

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