Is there actually nudity in this?

Yes. There is a brief scene in a brothel that features female nudity. It's relatively short but very clear, which is why the movie maintains its R-rating.

How violent is it compared to modern action movies?

It's less 'explosive' than a modern blockbuster but more visceral. The sounds of bones breaking and the sight of blood on characters' faces and bodies make it feel more 'real' and intense than a PG-13 Marvel fight.

Is it too slow for a kid used to YouTube-style pacing?

The first 30 minutes involve a lot of setup and 70s-style dialogue that might feel slow to modern kids. However, once the tournament starts, the action is frequent enough to keep most people engaged.

It's Bruce Lee's core philosophy of being adaptable and formless. While the movie is an action flick, it's a great entry point to discuss his actual life philosophy and his impact on how people think about personal growth and discipline.

Enter the Dragon – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Enter the Dragon

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1973

70%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The ultimate martial arts masterpiece that made Bruce Lee a legend—just be ready for some 1970s-style grit and R-rated content.

88%

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Enter the Dragon

movie

R, 1973

70%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The ultimate martial arts masterpiece that made Bruce Lee a legend—just be ready for some 1970s-style grit and R-rated content.

88%

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88%

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Screenwise Verdict

Enter the Dragon is the Citizen Kane of martial arts movies. It’s essential viewing for any action fan, but it’s very much a product of its time. If your teen is interested in the history of cinema or martial arts, this is the gold standard.

However, don't let the 'martial arts' label fool you into thinking it's safe for the elementary school set. Between the drug themes and the brief nudity, it’s a gritty 70s thriller that happens to have the greatest fighter to ever live in the lead role. It's high-octane and culturally significant, but it requires a mature viewer to appreciate the style without being overwhelmed by the dated, 'exploitation' vibes.

Age Fit

This is strictly for teens (14+) and adults. It’s a classic, but the R-rating is legitimate due to the brothel sequence and the intensity of the violence. It is definitely not a 'family movie night' pick for younger kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While it centers on discipline and honor, the film's 1973 'grindhouse' roots mean it leans heavily into revenge, drug-related subplots, and a generally gritty, cynical world.

Imaginative

The legendary mirror room sequence and Bruce Lee's unique blend of Eastern philosophy with Western action tropes were revolutionary and remain visually striking.

Safe

It's an R-rated movie from an era before the PG-13 existed. Expect brief nudity in a brothel scene, bloody martial arts violence, and depictions of an opium den.

Enriching

As a cultural artifact, it's the blueprint for modern action cinema. Lee’s presence and martial arts philosophy offer genuine substance beyond the fights.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Bruce Lee's magnetism is undeniable; he's the rare star who actually lives up to the hype nearly 60 years later.
Masterful choreography that relies on actual physical skill rather than modern 'shaky cam' or CGI-heavy editing.
The iconic mirror-room finale is a masterclass in tension and visual storytelling.
It serves as a historical bridge between Eastern and Western cinema, launching the global kung fu craze.

⚠

What to Watch For

There is a brief brothel scene featuring nudity that is typical of 70s action films but will catch parents off guard if they're expecting a 'kid-friendly' karate flick.
The violence is visceral for its time, including neck-snapping, claw-hand wounds, and a fair amount of blood.
The plot involves an opium-smuggling ring, which brings in themes of drug addiction and human trafficking that are quite mature.

Conversation Starters

"Bruce Lee's 'be water' philosophy: how does that apply to things other than fighting?"
"How do the fight scenes here feel different compared to modern Marvel movies or John Wick?"
"Why do you think this movie became such a massive hit all over the world in 1973?"
"What does the movie say about the difference between fighting for sport and fighting for revenge?"

Deep Dive

The Legend of Lee

There is action cinema before Enter the Dragon, and there is action cinema after it. Bruce Lee didn't just star in this movie; he willed it into existence as a showcase for his Jeet Kune Do philosophy. For a modern kid raised on the frantic, cut-every-half-second editing of the MCU, watching Lee can be a revelation. The camera stays back. You see the full body. You see the speed. It’s a level of physical performance that remains unmatched.

A Product of 1973

While the action is timeless, the framing is very much '70s spy thriller.' You’ve got the Bond-esque villain with the secret island, the funky soundtrack by Lalo Schifrin, and a certain level of 'grindhouse' grit. Parents should be aware that the film doesn't shy away from the darker side of its plot. The 'Han’s Island' tournament is a front for some truly nasty business, and the film depicts it with the bluntness typical of that era's R-rated cinema.

Why It Still Matters

Beyond the punches and kicks, Enter the Dragon is a fascinating look at 1970s masculinity and cross-cultural collaboration. It features John Saxon and Jim Kelly alongside Lee, making it one of the most diverse action casts of its time. For a teen who can look past some of the dated dubbing and occasional slow pacing, it’s a masterclass in screen presence. Bruce Lee’s charisma is the kind of thing you can’t teach, and it’s what keeps this movie from feeling like a museum piece.

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