5
2014-08-26
Although he died almost 40 years ago, Bruce Lee is still considered the greatest and most influential kung fu performer of the 20th century. His films brought traditional Hong Kong kung fu movies to a new level of popularity, and introduced kung fu to millions of people in the West.
Born in the USA in 1940, Lee returned to his native Hong Kong before his birthday. As a teenager, the highly intelligent boy was accepted into one of Hong Kongs most famous middle schools but he paid little attention to his studies. He was more interested in sport, especially kung fu, and hanging out with his street-gang friends. In 1959, Lee got into trouble with the police for fighting. His mother, fearing he would end up in prison, sent him to the USA. Two years later, he began studying at university there.
While still a student, Lee opened his own kung fu school, teaching a new fighting style he had developed. What made Lees style different was that it used power, strength and, quick-action attacks. It also combined Japanese, Korean and South American fighting styles with traditional slow-moving Chinese kung fu.
Among Lees students were several famous actors who, impressed by his good looks and fighting skill, encouraged him to start acting. Over the next five years Lee achieved some success in America. But his dream of introducing his fighting style into American movies was not accepted by local film makers who thought western audiences were not interested in kung fu.
Determined to prove them wrong, Lee returned to Hong Kong in 1970, There he made two films Fists of Fury (1971) and Way of the Dragon (1972), using his kung fu ideas and techniques. The movies were huge hits worldwide, making Lee an international star and symbol of kung fu. These were followed by what is widely considered the greatest kung fu movie of all time, Enter the Dragon (1973). Tragically, however, Lee suddenly and mysteriously died while making his next movie Game of Death. He was only 33 years old.
1. As a teenager, Lee was very ___ .
A. quiet B. hard-working C. brave D. smart
2. Why did Lee go to America?
A. To study at university there. B. To develop a new American fighting style.
C. To become a successful and pop star actor there. D. To avoid getting into too much trouble in Hong Kong.
3. How was Lees style of kung fu different from the traditional Chinese style?
A. It was much faster. B. It was easier to learn.
C. It made people more powerful. D. It was much more dangerous.
4. What was Lees dream according to the passage?
A. To develop a new style of kung fu. B. To become a famous movie star.
C. To make movies using his fighting style. D. To teach Americans kung fu.