Chain Reaction
Tatler Malaysia|May 2020
On top of taking the Academy Awards by storm earlier this year, Parasite also sparked worldwide interest in, of all things, ram-don—turning a previously little known Korean dish into an international phenomenon. We take a look at other Asian films that have had unique—and sometimes unintended—impacts on global pop culture
Kristy Or and Zabrina Lo
Chain Reaction

Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon.

Lee fighting NBA centre Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; Enter the Dragon movie poster; ; Uma Thurman in Kill Bill: Vol. 1

ENTER THE DRAGON (1973)

Named by legendary film critic Peter Bradshaw as the greatest martial-arts film of all time, Enter the Dragon solidified Bruce Lee’s status as a cinematic legend. The movie drew global interests towards the Chinese martial-arts scene and prompted the mass importation of kung fu movies to the United States, which were later dubbed in English for western audiences. Enter the Dragon not only revolutionised the portrayal of Asians in western media, with Lee holding a starring role in a Hollywood production, but also kick-started the ‘kung fu craze’ of the 1970s, which saw Hong Kong studios produce and release dozens of films that reached increasingly international audiences.

The film’s influence moved beyond the movie screen, inspiring many martial-arts video games, including popular ones like the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat franchises, which borrowed plot elements from the film. Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama also credited Enter The Dragon as an inspiration behind his successful Japanese manga and anime series. In the music world, hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan also paid tribute to Lee’s iconic film with their debut album Enter the WuTang (36 Chambers), which achieved critical acclaim.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER MALAYSIAView All
CHANGING THE GAME
Tatler Malaysia

CHANGING THE GAME

Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
Tatler Malaysia

THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT

More women are taking back their birthing experience—and their power—by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
Journal, SHE WROTE
Tatler Malaysia

Journal, SHE WROTE

Journal scrapbooking virtuoso Tercia Goh opens up on embracing the traditionally analogue hobby of putting pen to paper in an increasingly digital world

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
STROKE of INSPIRATION
Tatler Malaysia

STROKE of INSPIRATION

Rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, Jaee Tee invites viewers to delve into the layers of meaning within her art

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.
Tatler Malaysia

GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.

Meet Grills Gaming, the all-women Dota 2 team breaking the glass ceiling to make a name in the Southeast Asian esports arena and beyond

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
Crafting Time
Tatler Malaysia

Crafting Time

A conversation with master watchmaker Dr Rebecca Struthers, the first person in the UK to earn a PhD in horology

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
(Wo) Man of the Hour
Tatler Malaysia

(Wo) Man of the Hour

Tatler chats with Evelyne Genta about her late husband Gérald Genta’s legacy in watchmaking

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Foundation of Excellence
Tatler Malaysia

Foundation of Excellence

Sunway International Schools Kuala Lumpur's new campus marks a year of academic triumph

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Eat, Drink and Fly Merry
Tatler Malaysia

Eat, Drink and Fly Merry

Malaysia Airports entice guests with gastronomical delights

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Elegance Unfolded
Tatler Malaysia

Elegance Unfolded

A day in the life of Marion Caunter with the Honor Magic V2

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024