Ep 3. Be Water

In the third episode of season five of the acclaimed sports documentary series 30 For 30, we delve into the fascinating and inspiring life of Bruce Lee, one of the most iconic martial arts legends of all time. Titled "Be Water" after one of Lee's most famous quotes, this episode explores how Lee's philosophy and approach to martial arts revolutionized both the sport and popular culture in general.

The episode begins by recounting Lee's early life, growing up in Hong Kong as the son of a famous Cantonese opera star. From a young age, Lee was exposed to the physical and performance aspects of the arts, and he quickly became enamored with both. However, it wasn't until his family moved to the United States when Lee was a teenager that he discovered his true passion - martial arts.

As an immigrant in a new country, Lee faced discrimination and struggled to fit in. He began to train in various styles of martial arts, eventually developing his own style - Jeet Kune Do - which was heavily influenced by his background in both Chinese and Western martial arts. Lee became renowned for his speed, power, and fluidity in his movements, and quickly gained a following in the martial arts community.

However, Lee's impact went far beyond just the world of martial arts. The episode explores how Lee's films, such as "Enter the Dragon," revolutionized the action movie genre and created a global phenomenon. Lee's charisma, athleticism, and philosophy of martial arts as a form of self-expression and personal growth resonated with audiences worldwide, and cemented his place as an icon of popular culture.

The episode also touches on the racial and cultural tensions that Lee faced throughout his life. As a Chinese immigrant in America, he faced prejudice and stereotypes, and struggled to break through in Hollywood. However, Lee refused to be defined by his race, and used his platform to advocate for representation and diversity in media.

Throughout the episode, interviews with Lee's friends, family, and admirers provide insight into the man behind the legend. Through their stories, we come to understand Lee's philosophy of "being like water" - the idea that one should be fluid and adaptable, able to flow and change to overcome any obstacle. This philosophy not only guided Lee's martial arts practice, but also his approach to life as a whole.

Overall, "Be Water" is a moving and powerful tribute to the life and legacy of Bruce Lee. Through interviews, archival footage, and stunning recreations of his iconic martial arts scenes, the episode captures the essence of the man who revolutionized both martial arts and popular culture. Lee's impact is still felt today, and this episode offers a poignant reminder of the power of one person to inspire change.