I guess the irony is lost on Brother Chan. Brandon refusing to imitate his father and be his own person is exactly what Bruce Lee would do. Brandon is as stubborn and headstrong with a streak of rebellious as his father was.
@@robd1329 it doesn’t have to be the sounds that Bruce made, at least have movements like him. Easier said than done. Truth be told, I think Brandon couldn’t live up to his dad’s pressure and there’s no shame in that. He wanted to be Brandon Lee, but his skills were C Level at most.
The fact of matter is that they weren't asking him to imitate his father for the rest of his career. Just to portray him as far as he was contracted to do. Bruce would not have objected to an actor portraying a real life person. He was going to do so himself as a matter of fact. Ice Cube's son portrayed him in his film debut, and has had opportunities and success in portraying other roles besides his father since. He's an actor and that's what multifaceted actors do. Not unless of course he was a one dimensional actor who could only play himself in any role he was given. Then and only then would it have been justified. With all due respect to the deceased, I for one don't think he was capable of pulling off such a humongous task as playing Bruce Lee. As an actor or as a martial artist. That's based on his work at that time, prior to that point and up until The Crow. He just did not have that "it" factor that made his father, "Bruce Lee".
Bruce would'ev bitch slapped Chan Wai Man, If he saw him trying to use his own son like that. Sorry, I'm with Brandon on this one. I can't blame him for acting that some friend of his father's though.
I agree w u bro. Brandon just simply didn't want to copy his dad. Those producers in HK wanted Brandon to pretty much be like his dad and copy everything his dad did. It's just business as usual but Brandon made it clear that I'm not here for this but Im here for that
💯 true Bruce would’ve hurt that dude & the surrounding triads he was rly something else Brandon probs would’ve aswell but we don’t rly know the situation tbf if it’s triad related I know Jackie chan had similar issues with them but he’s got more experience physically tho that doesn’t mean he’s a 1 man army tho I think he his being a fan lol. I know Brandon did continue 2 progress as a martial artist 4rom this incident onward he’s trained since a child with his dad ect tho he must have shown sum restraint ect & his acting was rly passionate till his tragic death he just wanted 2 B himself Lyk Jackie Chan we all wanna B the best versions of ourselves I guess in sum way. Peace God bless
Chan Wai Man calling Brandon Lee arrogant and cocky really goes to show he knew nothing about him. Just as a reminder; at the time, Brandon was renting a shithole of a house down in Silver Lake district (California). If you're familiar with that area, you'd know that in the late 80's, the Silver Lake area was a sketchy place to live but that was pretty much all he could afford and he always said he wanted to fit in with everybody. In my opinion, I find it very humble to turn down an offer of 2 million because you don't agree with the principles. Brandon had dreamt of becoming an actor since he was a child... He always said he never wanted to be like his father... Where's the harm in that? Do those people realise that Brandon lost his father when he was only 8? Do they realise that Brandon stayed away from studying martials arts for many years as a child because it reminded him too much of his father who'd passed away? Brandon went to a martial arts dojo when he was 11 and saw a big picture of his father on the wall, he stared at it for a few minutes, cried and ran away... This is how heavy the loss of his father was to him... He could not handle it. He was offered to play the role of his father in the film: ''Dragon, the Bruce Lee story'' but again, he declined. I mean... Isn't that a sign that he was trying to be himself? The reason why Chan was pissed off is because he could have made a ton of money by exploiting Brandon to act like his father. Which isn't surprising considering the Chinese film industry tried to make copies of Bruce Lee for decades after he'd passed away. They even tried to get Jackie Chan to be Bruce Lee in the early years. Those Chinese businessmen make me sick to my stomach. And now they're trying to blame Brandon Lee for refusing to be a part of this nonsense... They're all a bunch of salads. As for the incident during the shooting of The Crow, I highly doubt someone tried to bopp him because of his arrogance. Even if Brandon was arrogant (which I highly doubt), I'm pretty sure he wasn't the only actor in Hollywood who had this kind of behaviour... So, how come the others are still alive? I genuinely think the only reason why (if there is any) someone tried to kill him was because they were extremely jealous and didn't want him to have any kind of success or whatsoever. But it wouldn't have been because of his arrogance. I spoke to two people who personally knew Brandon Lee, and both of them have always said that he was a true gentleman. So, I'm not sure how old man Chan thinks he was arrogant.
This man holds grudges against Brandon for declining his offer to be his puppet and got mad cus he failed. I believe he did the right thing and his father wouldn't have none of this bs this man is sayin.
The idea that people working on The Crow hated Brandon & would have intentionally wanted to kill him is baseless bullshit. Read the book The Crow: The Story Behind The Film by Bridget Bass. She interviewed practically everyone who worked on that movie, they all loved Brandon, not one person described him as "arrogant", nothing even close. Chan Wai Man comes off as bitter because he could have made a lot of money had Brandon betrayed his own ethics & agreed to imitate his dad.
That is a 50-50 situation. Yeah, I understand that they would never have offered him all that big money if he wasn't Bruce Lee's son, but to keep insisting on making him a Bruce Lee son puppet, is messed up as well. Brandon actually studied acting seriously and did many small plays in New York to learn the craft of acting. He truly wanted to be a versatile actor taken seriously, to keep treating him as a puppet isn't cool either because he'll never be taken seriously as an artist. I could also understand Brandon's feelings about that. So, it's 50-50. Both have some points
This was an interesting story. Good on Brandon for sticking to his guns. Could’ve gotten dicey messing with the Chan who was with the Triads. I see why he left HK after his one movie.
@@xbman1 Bruce Lee himself, when asked by Pierre Burton if he saw himself as Chinese or American, said he thought of himself as a human being. Was that so different from what Brandon was saying? Would Chan Wai Man have slapped Bruce because Bruce didn't say he thought of himself as Chinese? Somehow I don't think so. Chan comes off as an exploitative prick here.
@@BRUCEJJ66 My reply was related from what Chan said in Cantonese. Yes, Bruce said he’s a human being. We all should learn from that statement. We are all human beings. American, Canadian, Chinese etc is a reference where we live. Chan was a real life gangster boss in Hong Kong. He’s prideful.
I can see where Chan is coming from as he’s like the old school hard ass uncle-but I think Brandon Lee was trying to respect his father by not trying to cash in on the fact that he was Bruce Lee’s son and try to make his own path and make it in his own merit. But I see Chana perspective in that Brandon would have many opportunities available to him that he wouldn’t if he wasn’t Bruce Lee’s son-
Brandon Lee was imo correct not to become a copy of his father. Personally I liked the few movies he made. Rapid fire was pretty good and showed some JKD signature moves. Brandon Lee had potential to become a more allround action star.
Brandon wasn’t wrong with his thinking, he just don’t understand the Chinese culture and the people around him. He’s right to be himself, but should also be flexible to work with others. Until you make it big time, you can do whatever you want. Don’t forget this guy is a old time gangster and a friend of Bruce, he can get you places in Hong Kong.
I Love all of Brandons movies especially his humor Showdown in Little Tokyo. But...to the trained eye...he was not a good martial artist. His punches in kicks were not as solid or polished on film....but over all..who cares...i rather be known as an actor than a MA.
@@robd1329 He’s got the looks and built, but I doubt he’s got the mindset or training ethics to fully commit to martial arts. However, he was on the path to stardom before the tragic death. I do like him as an actor though.
The guy is likely talking a load of BS. Bruce likely had the same or similar persona as Brandon when he was younger so it sounds like the guy talking is pissed more because the deal fell through mainly because he could not get his own way. Its a bit odd considering these details were not discussed prior to Brandon going to Japan?.
You can see some disadvantages of the authoritarian style of Chinese culture in the interview. There are some fallacies in which being yourself is being perceived as disrespectful to them. Brandon Lee is Brandon Lee, that is that he is not a robot nor a puppet that is being dictated. What is the essence of Jeet Kune Do, if you are not being yourself. But overall, this old man is kickass and legendary person.
@@MikeS24-v4s then, Brandon became legend in his own right and his The Crow spawned many series after his death. Besides, Brandon utilized some MMA moves in his film before UFC was born in the same year of his death.
@@MikeS24-v4s no. U know how nationalistic asians can be. These asian elders are from the motherland and come with extreme ride on legacy etc…its different than the west where u make a name for yourself while the east is u are the legacy of your family.
All we see and read is what a great guy Brandon was, never heard bad stories about his behaviour, and now we have one story....and one from someone who tried to make money of him and tried to get him to imitate his dad, so how truthfull this is? What disrespect this old man has to talk the way he talked about someone who died as young and as tragic as Brandon did.
This is a great story. I’m the biggest Brandon Lee fan and love hearing stories of his time in Hong Kong. Even though it doesn’t shed the best light of Brandon during this time, it’s nice to know people are sharing stories of a guy who almost made it in multiple regions of the film industry
This makes me legitimately angry. In fact, this makes me respect Brandon even more for not trying to be like his father. Although Brandon loved and respected his father, he wanted to be his own person. He even said in an interview that he didn’t want to imitate him and be a poor man’s Bruce Lee. Also, it’s not that he was “ashamed” of being Chinese, he was telling the truth as he was also an American. Brandon was able to step out of his father’s shadow with the Crow and was on the cusp of becoming a huge star. Without a doubt, he would be a huge star today if he hadn’t died. This Chan guy is a nobody and I wouldn’t take his comments seriously. Someone should slap some sense into him and realize that being a pale imitation is cheap and not original. This interview legitimately made me angry and I seriously hate this guy for disrespecting Brandon like that.
@@badboyonibaku I happily would. He’s not intimidating at all. He’s a Triad boss but that doesn’t mean anything. I would love to see him act tough in front of someone like Brock Lesnar, let’s see what happens there.
@@aquaticlibrary The general public doesn’t know or care who he is. He was obviously planning on using Brandon for a quick payday and he perceived him saying “No” to acting like his father as disrespect. What a clown.
@@theshield3643 definitely a clown no doubt. Basically tried to make cash off of a trash deal that wasn’t in Brandon’s best interest, then goes on to bash him. It’s no wonder Brandon left HK soon after.
By all accounts, Brandon was very headstrong just like his father. And apparently somewhat naive at that time (but he was probably only about 19 at that time, so it is to be expected). You don’t deny your Chinese blood in front of someone as hardcore old school as Waj Man especially after aggravating him and wasting his time. There are ways to say no without being disrespectful. Nonetheless, I think he did well on his own and is a credit to his dad’s motto of doing it his way.
He didn't deny his Chinese heritage. He wanted to make it clear to the producers in HK that he's not a pale carbon copy of his dad in fact, he wanted to be like a De Niro a serious actor. There's nothing wrong with that but the problem was that those HK people just wanted him to imitate his dad over and over again. The Crow is an example of how good Brandon was as an actor and could've achieve more heights had he lived
@@Leo_King_Reyes he did denounced his roots, he said he's not Chinese when in fact he was raised in HK and had to learn to behave like an American from American kids, so he was Chinese hk first. 100% he was killed by someone who had a grudge on him, he must have upset a lot of people.
@@HDsharp I believe he got killed on the set of The Crow. That was no accident. Someone in the crew got paid for it, inserted a real bullet instead of a blank round
It's just a cultural clash and difference...some things are incompatible between the old world and the "new world" ... America would make fun of him for copying his dad and he'd be insulted in addition to being orphaned he'd be admonished for marring his dad's legacy no matter what he did. In the older societies like China, Japan, M East, they would get it but he grew up mainly in America so he knew that would not help him. Plus copying someone is completely contrary to his dad's whole style and philosophy of life and of martial arts. It's a betrayal of what his dad wanted.
Not early in his career. All actors need to make money and connections earlier on. He'd possibly still be alive if he stayed in Hong Kong. His crow movie was a master piece, his acting had really improved by then, his father would have been proved.
@@boshirahmed “He'd possibly still be alive if he stayed in Hong Kong.” I just wanted to react to this. If this story is true th-cam.com/video/uYkX2izPZSY/w-d-xo.html (and checking that scene in the movie it looked like him and not a stunt double), it’s a miracle that he even survived his first Hong Kong adventure.
I am a fan of both Bruce and Brandon. Though I am a black woman from America, and born after both of their successes, I see similarities between the two. I am unsure if a slap was necessary, because it seems that Brandon was just trying to stand on his own two feet, while also not neglecting the wonderful legacy his father left. It seems to me that, that would be a difficult dynamic to balance. Of course many young men are cocky, stubborn, and such so I can also see Brandon being that way too.
Actually he has. Michael Chan Wai Man is one of Bruce Lee's friend in HK. If Bruce was still alive & heard what his son said, he would have slapped his son too. In a way, as his 'uncle', Michael Chan has right to represent Brandon's parent to knock some sense to this 'nephew' of his.
Interesting, but also a bunch of bullshit; Brandon wanted to be his own person, refused to imitate his father (who, by the way, encouraged people not to imitate, but to be themselves), & Chan Wai Man hated him for it? What a bunch of bullshit. When Shannon Lee went to Hong Kong & made her movie in which she did imitate her father did it do her any good? Does anyone remember her movie, Enter The Eagles? Of course not, but people all over the world remember Brandon Lee in The Crow, don't they?
Agreed. It’s an interesting video but Brandon was right and anyone who knows anything about Bruce would agree that his father would also approve of Brandon not being a clone of him. I‘d heard a few positive things about Chan Wai Man but in this video my opinion of him is not good.
True words.And he called Brandon "dickhead"?Really?Brandon was arrogant, they say, but that is one of the downside to have a legend for a father and to not grow with him and his guidance and to be bullied in various schools for that on a daily basis.
Right . Listening to this man be so disrespectful of Brandon just because he wouldn't be a good little clone of his father and demanded respect for his own identity and to have his own style infuriated me. Bruce who he holds in such high regard would never have allowed anyone to try to force him to imitate someone else, nor would he have wanted his son to be anything other than true to himself. Brandon wasn't going to be seen as an imitator cashing in on his fathers legacy as this man clearly wanted to do and was ticked off because Brandon wouldn't just meekly go along with him. Brandon wisely knew that he had to build his own career and legacy by having his own acting talent and style to offer. Somehow I doubt he would have the nerve to say this trash in front of Brandon if he were alive and could defend himself today. Yes it has been said that Brandon could be perceived as being cocky and a bit arrogant but people must remember that he was still only 21 during the period this man knew him. He was still young and had a lot of growing up to do at that time. It's not fair to Brandon that this man is trash talking him when he didn't have any real relationship with Brandon enough to know the person he actually was or who he had evolved into 7 years later when he passed. Others who did know him like his former stepfather Tom Bleecker and the friends whom he actively got jobs in the film industry that some still work in today remember him much more fondly and respectfully.
Chan Wai Man forgot that Bruce and Brandon Lee are American. They were born In the California Bay. So Brandon Lee was right of what he said. This old man is probably jealous of both of them since Bruce made a name of himself in the Martial Art fighting cinema and made Jeet Kune Do his system of Martial Arts here in America. May they both R.I.P.
People talk about Brandon been his own person and not copying his dad. But Brother Chan is old school and properly angry that his deal was slipping away from him. I think what pushed him over the edge was Brando not reckoning his Chinese heritage, to a Chinese that's the worst insult of them all.
No disrespect to Mr Chan, but IMO Bruce would've supported Brandon's authenticity in not imitating or copying his mannerisms. Bruce was his own man, honestly expressing himself. Brandon understood this. Mr Chan and the Japanese executives didn't understand this. Actually, upon finish listening to this interview, my opinion is that Mr Chan is an asshole. He resorts to violence where it is unwarranted.
So there may be cred to what Brandon was saying when he asked to portray Bruce Lee in a film. Now I believe in the bio/doc the movie was Dragon and it could be also the movie Chan is talking of or Chan may be talking about Dragon. But in any case he said in the bio/doc, "I didn't want to be a poor man's Bruce Lee".
Very interesting tale of different cultural values. I can totally see both sides: to the Chinese and Japanese, it sounded like Brandon Lee was disrespecting his father's legacy, one of the most shameful things you can do, whereas to Brandon Lee, being culturally American, the shameful thing would have been to cash in on his father's fame.
In short a man who wanted to exploit a legend's son got his offer turned down so he slapped him and then proceeds to shit on him after his death Wouldn't expect much of him bruce respects anyone who respects you and you disrespected him by doing exactly that Yep a total desperate hypocrite but then again who am i kidding he's a gangster
I'm eurasian like Brandon and Chan Wai Man is coming from a very eastern view of things. When you're mixed you are pulled both ways and it is hard. Some people want you to be one way and others another. Even bruce was mixed and I think he had a spark of western personality which made him different. The other thing is this is a young man who is learning who he is still and there needs to be some forgiveness for that because we are all a bit stupid at that age. I think brandon found his own path in the end like he should. I have to admire him for being his own thing. Chan Wai Man has some good points but I feel like his handling of the situation was poor and kind of ignorant. But it's a cultural tunnel vision... believe me it goes in both directions. I have a white girlfriend and it's hard to impart certain aspects of duty and closeness with family to her and I'm not even that much like my asian father in that respect!
I hear U brother, I'm full blooded Asian but grew up in Australia and married to an Aussie girl. It's in the smallest little details that sets us apart, values and my addiction to rice . . Lol
Brandon should have done research on how the Movie industry in HK worked back then. This whole thing could have been avoided if he followed procedure, but he was born and raised in America( at least that's what another interview about this instance by the movie's producer & the person that set up that meeting said) he figured he could do his own American thing and their was a culture clash and the actual gangster felt insulted.
@Unrequited_Love_From_Above_JAH him being all this crap I'm not willing to read still doesn't prove that this actually happened. I don't understand the logic here lol. Just because I'm a MMA fighter and other shit doesn't automatically mean everything I say is true.
Yeah, that gay comment is just stupid, it isn't true (Brandon was weeks away from marrying his longtime girlfriend when he died), it's baseless (has anyone who knew Brandon aside from this guy ever suggested Brandon was gay?), it just makes this guy look even worse, it's like he's clueless about how this entire interview just makes him look bad to people watching around the world.
As an Chinese American, I can see both perspective. Chan is old fashion hardcore Chinese gangster turned famous boxer and actor (No joke, he was a very intimidating boxing opponent during his prime, Google it) His take was that Brandon is Bruce's son, and he has to remember his roots and reason of fame. However, Brandon wants to do his own thing and create his own brand without the need to follow his fathers footstep, which Chan took it as an insult to his father. Long story short, cultural difference. Literally
Wanted to be his ownself and not a shadow of his dad is not wrong in my view. Sometimes old school typical chinese mentality might not be right. Brandon has his own view n passion on how he wanted.
To Chinese people, Brandon behaved like a sellout. From Brandon's point of view, he thought what he did was right for his career from a self-centred point of view. If it was me, I'd probably do the same if there's any chance of ruining my own career. But What Brandon did was wrong, is he ignore his roots, we have to acknowledge the fact he was raised in HK, yet he chose to abandon his roots by announcing hes an American. Maybe he feels he's American, but he had to learn to be an American from American kids, so as a matter of fact he was Chinese hk first!
Uhhmm, for at least 5 of his eight years before his father died Brandon lived/was raised in the USA, California to be specific. He & his mother & sister moved back to The States immediately after his dad's death. How does any of that add up to Brandon being "raised in Hong Kong"?
Fact is Chan was family in Hong Kong didnt want Bruce living that life so they surely wouldn't want Brandon in it either. Fblasted Gangsters. Calling him gay and rhe whole nine. What a trip
Mark de la Rosa,, can you imagine this bunch of Kroc,,he was the one that betrayed master Bruce Lee,, also when he was younger during 1973 unbelievable,,
@@postersandstuff I wouldn't expect him to, but guys like Chan here should realize that the things he's saying here actually reveal way more about him & his own character than they do about Brandon Lee, & none of what they reveal puts him in a positive light.
Chan Wei Men is right entirely from Southeast Asian countries, Middle Eastern, Africa countries, South America countries, to European countries includes America from MMA to UFC are putting Bruce Lee image as numbers one Idol in the whole world and America especially in MMA and UFC in America today's Bruce Lee is a king of street fighter in the inviromnent of out laws and ruthless of streets fighting.
Chan Wai Man, what a great interview. I found a picture of Chan Wai Man in the old days. He's great. I feel sad that Brandon Lee tried his best to be on his own. I wish he was alive, he is a great actor movie star.
It’s funny how Chan talks tough in every interview… But he’s what? 100 lbs and 5’3? Any average guy could literally pick him up and throw him across the room and beat him up.
@@aquaticlibrary LOL yes "kick boxer"... He was a 5'3 guy that played boxing at some point in his life, he wasn't an all time professional great like Tyson or Ali in boxing... He may have trained in boxing but nevertheless he's a midget that an average guy could shove around like a school boy. Asians are tiny mate....
@@sheldoncooper0 he’s around the same size as Bruce Lee from the pics I’ve seen of them together. But yeah, dude was a triad boss. Brandon would be fighting more than just him if he did
No, no it wasn't. As much as people may want to make it something more mysterious, Brandon's death was a tragic accident. Yes, it certainly was preventable, yes, negligence & complacency were contributing factors, but no one intentionally killed him. Read the book The Crow: The Story Behind The Film by Bridget Baiss to find out more about it from credible sources.
Brandon is acting just like Bruce. 🙂 Just as cocky as Bruce Lee is Brandon Lee. I can understand why he doesn't want to imitate Bruce Lee but not to acknowledge Bruce Lee would have been bad. Brandon grew up the US why would he believe he was Chinese.
I guess the irony is lost on Brother Chan. Brandon refusing to imitate his father and be his own person is exactly what Bruce Lee would do. Brandon is as stubborn and headstrong with a streak of rebellious as his father was.
It's the Hong Kong Triad mentality....To capitalize on an imitation of something that used to be successfull at any cost.
No way i can see Brandon act like his dad with the...wataaa sounds. It just wasnt him. Brandon was more James Dean Rebel Without a Cause personality!
@@robd1329 it doesn’t have to be the sounds that Bruce made, at least have movements like him. Easier said than done. Truth be told, I think Brandon couldn’t live up to his dad’s pressure and there’s no shame in that. He wanted to be Brandon Lee, but his skills were C Level at most.
@@chasedownblocks1736 i def see him more as an actor. He would be been awesome in The Matrix!
The fact of matter is that they weren't asking him to imitate his father for the rest of his career. Just to portray him as far as he was contracted to do. Bruce would not have objected to an actor portraying a real life person. He was going to do so himself as a matter of fact. Ice Cube's son portrayed him in his film debut, and has had opportunities and success in portraying other roles besides his father since. He's an actor and that's what multifaceted actors do. Not unless of course he was a one dimensional actor who could only play himself in any role he was given. Then and only then would it have been justified. With all due respect to the deceased, I for one don't think he was capable of pulling off such a humongous task as playing Bruce Lee. As an actor or as a martial artist. That's based on his work at that time, prior to that point and up until The Crow. He just did not have that "it" factor that made his father, "Bruce Lee".
Bruce would'ev bitch slapped Chan Wai Man, If he saw him trying to use his own son like that. Sorry, I'm with Brandon on this one. I can't blame him for acting that some friend of his father's though.
I agree w u bro. Brandon just simply didn't want to copy his dad. Those producers in HK wanted Brandon to pretty much be like his dad and copy everything his dad did. It's just business as usual but Brandon made it clear that I'm not here for this but Im here for that
💯 true Bruce would’ve hurt that dude & the surrounding triads he was rly something else Brandon probs would’ve aswell but we don’t rly know the situation tbf if it’s triad related I know Jackie chan had similar issues with them but he’s got more experience physically tho that doesn’t mean he’s a 1 man army tho I think he his being a fan lol. I know Brandon did continue 2 progress as a martial artist 4rom this incident onward he’s trained since a child with his dad ect tho he must have shown sum restraint ect & his acting was rly passionate till his tragic death he just wanted 2 B himself Lyk Jackie Chan we all wanna B the best versions of ourselves I guess in sum way. Peace God bless
Chan Wai Man calling Brandon Lee arrogant and cocky really goes to show he knew nothing about him.
Just as a reminder; at the time, Brandon was renting a shithole of a house down in Silver Lake district (California).
If you're familiar with that area, you'd know that in the late 80's, the Silver Lake area was a sketchy place to live but that was pretty much all he could afford and he always said he wanted to fit in with everybody.
In my opinion, I find it very humble to turn down an offer of 2 million because you don't agree with the principles. Brandon had dreamt of becoming an actor since he was a child... He always said he never wanted to be like his father... Where's the harm in that? Do those people realise that Brandon lost his father when he was only 8? Do they realise that Brandon stayed away from studying martials arts for many years as a child because it reminded him too much of his father who'd passed away? Brandon went to a martial arts dojo when he was 11 and saw a big picture of his father on the wall, he stared at it for a few minutes, cried and ran away... This is how heavy the loss of his father was to him... He could not handle it. He was offered to play the role of his father in the film: ''Dragon, the Bruce Lee story'' but again, he declined. I mean... Isn't that a sign that he was trying to be himself?
The reason why Chan was pissed off is because he could have made a ton of money by exploiting Brandon to act like his father. Which isn't surprising considering the Chinese film industry tried to make copies of Bruce Lee for decades after he'd passed away. They even tried to get Jackie Chan to be Bruce Lee in the early years. Those Chinese businessmen make me sick to my stomach. And now they're trying to blame Brandon Lee for refusing to be a part of this nonsense... They're all a bunch of salads.
As for the incident during the shooting of The Crow, I highly doubt someone tried to bopp him because of his arrogance. Even if Brandon was arrogant (which I highly doubt), I'm pretty sure he wasn't the only actor in Hollywood who had this kind of behaviour... So, how come the others are still alive? I genuinely think the only reason why (if there is any) someone tried to kill him was because they were extremely jealous and didn't want him to have any kind of success or whatsoever. But it wouldn't have been because of his arrogance. I spoke to two people who personally knew Brandon Lee, and both of them have always said that he was a true gentleman. So, I'm not sure how old man Chan thinks he was arrogant.
I totally agree. I train at the Academy Brandon used to train with. Michael Chan was trying use Brandon
This man holds grudges against Brandon for declining his offer to be his puppet and got mad cus he failed. I believe he did the right thing and his father wouldn't have none of this bs this man is sayin.
The idea that people working on The Crow hated Brandon & would have intentionally wanted to kill him is baseless bullshit. Read the book The Crow: The Story Behind The Film by Bridget Bass. She interviewed practically everyone who worked on that movie, they all loved Brandon, not one person described him as "arrogant", nothing even close. Chan Wai Man comes off as bitter because he could have made a lot of money had Brandon betrayed his own ethics & agreed to imitate his dad.
That is a 50-50 situation. Yeah, I understand that they would never have offered him all that big money if he wasn't Bruce Lee's son, but to keep insisting on making him a Bruce Lee son puppet, is messed up as well. Brandon actually studied acting seriously and did many small plays in New York to learn the craft of acting. He truly wanted to be a versatile actor taken seriously, to keep treating him as a puppet isn't cool either because he'll never be taken seriously as an artist. I could also understand Brandon's feelings about that.
So, it's 50-50. Both have some points
This was an interesting story. Good on Brandon for sticking to his guns. Could’ve gotten dicey messing with the Chan who was with the Triads. I see why he left HK after his one movie.
So this story tells us that Chan was mad he lost couple hundred Ks because Brandon denied the offer and he slapped him
Brandon agrees to do Japan so it looks like Brandon's ego early in his career messed things up for him.
Brandon got slap cuz he was disrespectful and denied that he was Chinese.
@@xbman1 Bruce Lee himself, when asked by Pierre Burton if he saw himself as Chinese or American, said he thought of himself as a human being. Was that so different from what Brandon was saying? Would Chan Wai Man have slapped Bruce because Bruce didn't say he thought of himself as Chinese? Somehow I don't think so. Chan comes off as an exploitative prick here.
@@BRUCEJJ66
My reply was related from what Chan said in Cantonese.
Yes, Bruce said he’s a human being. We all should learn from that statement. We are all human beings.
American, Canadian, Chinese etc is a reference where we live.
Chan was a real life gangster boss in Hong Kong. He’s prideful.
@@xbman1 I would deny being Chinese as well if I was surrounded by the worst of Chinese
I can see where Chan is coming from as he’s like the old school hard ass uncle-but I think Brandon Lee was trying to respect his father by not trying to cash in on the fact that he was Bruce Lee’s son and try to make his own path and make it in his own merit. But I see Chana perspective in that Brandon would have many opportunities available to him that he wouldn’t if he wasn’t Bruce Lee’s son-
Nope. It's just impossible not to. However there might have been a culture clash.
cmon ! Brandon had every right to claim himself as Brandon lee. that's he was ? that's not ego ! what's wrong with you old man
Brandon Lee was imo correct not to become a copy of his father. Personally I liked the few movies he made. Rapid fire was pretty good and showed some JKD signature moves. Brandon Lee had potential to become a more allround action star.
Brandon wasn’t wrong with his thinking, he just don’t understand the Chinese culture and the people around him. He’s right to be himself, but should also be flexible to work with others. Until you make it big time, you can do whatever you want. Don’t forget this guy is a old time gangster and a friend of Bruce, he can get you places in Hong Kong.
I Love all of Brandons movies especially his humor Showdown in Little Tokyo. But...to the trained eye...he was not a good martial artist. His punches in kicks were not as solid or polished on film....but over all..who cares...i rather be known as an actor than a MA.
@@robd1329
He’s got the looks and built, but I doubt he’s got the mindset or training ethics to fully commit to martial arts. However, he was on the path to stardom before the tragic death. I do like him as an actor though.
@@robd1329 Rapid Fire is a much better display. Little Tokyo is was right when he got back from HK and hadn’t been training again yet
@@peteryeung111 he ended up fully committing to martial arts before his death. The John Wick Director was his friend and spoke about it
The guy is likely talking a load of BS. Bruce likely had the same or similar persona as Brandon when he was younger so it sounds like the guy talking is pissed more because the deal fell through mainly because he could not get his own way. Its a bit odd considering these details were not discussed prior to Brandon going to Japan?.
He slapped him for denying his Chinese ancestry.
You can see some disadvantages of the authoritarian style of Chinese culture in the interview. There are some fallacies in which being yourself is being perceived as disrespectful to them. Brandon Lee is Brandon Lee, that is that he is not a robot nor a puppet that is being dictated. What is the essence of Jeet Kune Do, if you are not being yourself. But overall, this old man is kickass and legendary person.
Exactly!! Bruce Lee would've wanted Brandon to be his own man. Chan Wai Man was only trying to use Brandon for a big payday.
@@MikeS24-v4s then, Brandon became legend in his own right and his The Crow spawned many series after his death. Besides, Brandon utilized some MMA moves in his film before UFC was born in the same year of his death.
@@MikeS24-v4s no. U know how nationalistic asians can be. These asian elders are from the motherland and come with extreme ride on legacy etc…its different than the west where u make a name for yourself while the east is u are the legacy of your family.
Well is call acting for a reason not identity theft… just act and take the money… when you are famous then he can be whoever he wants to be… 🤣😝
@@theoneaboveall7708 most of Asians are collective rather than individualistic.
This made me respect Brandon. Why would he needs to copy his dad? Let him have his own journey. These chinese are really good in copying. 😂
His dad would have slapped the shit outta his son for disrespecting chan wai man. Lol. Also the fruity part. Bruce aint playing that.
The guy at 1:42 is NOT Brandon Lee! Goshhh. It’s Mike Wong.
All we see and read is what a great guy Brandon was, never heard bad stories about his behaviour, and now we have one story....and one from someone who tried to make money of him and tried to get him to imitate his dad, so how truthfull this is? What disrespect this old man has to talk the way he talked about someone who died as young and as tragic as Brandon did.
This is a great story. I’m the biggest Brandon Lee fan and love hearing stories of his time in Hong Kong. Even though it doesn’t shed the best light of Brandon during this time, it’s nice to know people are sharing stories of a guy who almost made it in multiple regions of the film industry
This guy is talking shit man - I know two people who knew him personally and there wasn't an ounce of arrogance in him.
was Brandon Lee a closet homosexual?
@@paulinelambert7780 no, at most he could’ve been Bi. He was engaged to Eliza Hutton
@paulinelambert7780 it's BS
This makes me legitimately angry. In fact, this makes me respect Brandon even more for not trying to be like his father. Although Brandon loved and respected his father, he wanted to be his own person. He even said in an interview that he didn’t want to imitate him and be a poor man’s Bruce Lee.
Also, it’s not that he was “ashamed” of being Chinese, he was telling the truth as he was also an American.
Brandon was able to step out of his father’s shadow with the Crow and was on the cusp of becoming a huge star. Without a doubt, he would be a huge star today if he hadn’t died.
This Chan guy is a nobody and I wouldn’t take his comments seriously. Someone should slap some sense into him and realize that being a pale imitation is cheap and not original. This interview legitimately made me angry and I seriously hate this guy for disrespecting Brandon like that.
I wouldn’t say that Chan is a nobody. He’s a very well known actor and triad boss. But he’s definitely wrong with what he’s saying here
Try to say it on his face :)
@@badboyonibaku I happily would. He’s not intimidating at all. He’s a Triad boss but that doesn’t mean anything. I would love to see him act tough in front of someone like Brock Lesnar, let’s see what happens there.
@@aquaticlibrary The general public doesn’t know or care who he is. He was obviously planning on using Brandon for a quick payday and he perceived him saying “No” to acting like his father as disrespect. What a clown.
@@theshield3643 definitely a clown no doubt. Basically tried to make cash off of a trash deal that wasn’t in Brandon’s best interest, then goes on to bash him. It’s no wonder Brandon left HK soon after.
By all accounts, Brandon was very headstrong just like his father. And apparently somewhat naive at that time (but he was probably only about 19 at that time, so it is to be expected). You don’t deny your Chinese blood in front of someone as hardcore old school as Waj Man especially after aggravating him and wasting his time. There are ways to say no without being disrespectful. Nonetheless, I think he did well on his own and is a credit to his dad’s motto of doing it his way.
He didn't deny his Chinese heritage. He wanted to make it clear to the producers in HK that he's not a pale carbon copy of his dad in fact, he wanted to be like a De Niro a serious actor. There's nothing wrong with that but the problem was that those HK people just wanted him to imitate his dad over and over again. The Crow is an example of how good Brandon was as an actor and could've achieve more heights had he lived
@@Leo_King_Reyes he did denounced his roots, he said he's not Chinese when in fact he was raised in HK and had to learn to behave like an American from American kids, so he was Chinese hk first. 100% he was killed by someone who had a grudge on him, he must have upset a lot of people.
@@HDsharp I believe he got killed on the set of The Crow. That was no accident. Someone in the crew got paid for it, inserted a real bullet instead of a blank round
@@Leo_King_Reyes no doubt.
It's just a cultural clash and difference...some things are incompatible between the old world and the "new world" ... America would make fun of him for copying his dad and he'd be insulted in addition to being orphaned he'd be admonished for marring his dad's legacy no matter what he did. In the older societies like China, Japan, M East, they would get it but he grew up mainly in America so he knew that would not help him.
Plus copying someone is completely contrary to his dad's whole style and philosophy of life and of martial arts. It's a betrayal of what his dad wanted.
Not early in his career. All actors need to make money and connections earlier on. He'd possibly still be alive if he stayed in Hong Kong. His crow movie was a master piece, his acting had really improved by then, his father would have been proved.
@@boshirahmed “He'd possibly still be alive if he stayed in Hong Kong.”
I just wanted to react to this. If this story is true th-cam.com/video/uYkX2izPZSY/w-d-xo.html (and checking that scene in the movie it looked like him and not a stunt double), it’s a miracle that he even survived his first Hong Kong adventure.
I am a fan of both Bruce and Brandon. Though I am a black woman from America, and born after both of their successes, I see similarities between the two. I am unsure if a slap was necessary, because it seems that Brandon was just trying to stand on his own two feet, while also not neglecting the wonderful legacy his father left. It seems to me that, that would be a difficult dynamic to balance. Of course many young men are cocky, stubborn, and such so I can also see Brandon being that way too.
Its really old sch mentality.. And its between 2 very different generations brought up with different ideology and culture. Both were right and wrong.
Guy had no right to slap Brandon .. just a thug . Regardless of his movie career or fighting career..
Cultural differences. You are right but I understand from both sides.
A Triad member with ethics ?
Actually he has. Michael Chan Wai Man is one of Bruce Lee's friend in HK. If Bruce was still alive & heard what his son said, he would have slapped his son too. In a way, as his 'uncle', Michael Chan has right to represent Brandon's parent to knock some sense to this 'nephew' of his.
Interesting, but also a bunch of bullshit; Brandon wanted to be his own person, refused to imitate his father (who, by the way, encouraged people not to imitate, but to be themselves), & Chan Wai Man hated him for it? What a bunch of bullshit. When Shannon Lee went to Hong Kong & made her movie in which she did imitate her father did it do her any good? Does anyone remember her movie, Enter The Eagles? Of course not, but people all over the world remember Brandon Lee in The Crow, don't they?
Agreed. It’s an interesting video but Brandon was right and anyone who knows anything about Bruce would agree that his father would also approve of Brandon not being a clone of him. I‘d heard a few positive things about Chan Wai Man but in this video my opinion of him is not good.
True words.And he called Brandon "dickhead"?Really?Brandon was arrogant, they say, but that is one of the downside to have a legend for a father and to not grow with him and his guidance and to be bullied in various schools for that on a daily basis.
Bs or not. Cwm spoke d truth. Bl was an arrogant sob n he was killed.
Right . Listening to this man be so disrespectful of Brandon just because he wouldn't be a good little clone of his father and demanded respect for his own identity and to have his own style infuriated me. Bruce who he holds in such high regard would never have allowed anyone to try to force him to imitate someone else, nor would he have wanted his son to be anything other than true to himself. Brandon wasn't going to be seen as an imitator cashing in on his fathers legacy as this man clearly wanted to do and was ticked off because Brandon wouldn't just meekly go along with him. Brandon wisely knew that he had to build his own career and legacy by having his own acting talent and style to offer. Somehow I doubt he would have the nerve to say this trash in front of Brandon if he were alive and could defend himself today. Yes it has been said that Brandon could be perceived as being cocky and a bit arrogant but people must remember that he was still only 21 during the period this man knew him. He was still young and had a lot of growing up to do at that time. It's not fair to Brandon that this man is trash talking him when he didn't have any real relationship with Brandon enough to know the person he actually was or who he had evolved into 7 years later when he passed. Others who did know him like his former stepfather Tom Bleecker and the friends whom he actively got jobs in the film industry that some still work in today remember him much more fondly and respectfully.
Chan wai man is a true old skool gangster!! Very raw interview.... thanks very much for this!!! Keep doin grest work
Thank you for your support 👍🏽
Chan Wai Man forgot that Bruce and Brandon Lee are American. They were born In the California Bay. So Brandon Lee was right of what he said. This old man is probably jealous of both of them since Bruce made a name of himself in the Martial Art fighting cinema and made Jeet Kune Do his system of Martial Arts here in America. May they both R.I.P.
We will never know if his stories are fully the truth...
If it's not true, it is probably 5% only. Chan does not need to lie on this one.
Brandon just wanted his own independence, man. You can’t attack him for that.
He was attacked for denying his Chinese ancestry.
here's someone possibly connected to the shooting by the look and sound of him. interesting take though , iv'e never heard much about brandons life.
People talk about Brandon been his own person and not copying his dad. But Brother Chan is old school and properly angry that his deal was slipping away from him. I think what pushed him over the edge was Brando not reckoning his Chinese heritage, to a Chinese that's the worst insult of them all.
No disrespect to Mr Chan, but IMO Bruce would've supported Brandon's authenticity in not imitating or copying his mannerisms. Bruce was his own man, honestly expressing himself. Brandon understood this. Mr Chan and the Japanese executives didn't understand this. Actually, upon finish listening to this interview, my opinion is that Mr Chan is an asshole. He resorts to violence where it is unwarranted.
So there may be cred to what Brandon was saying when he asked to portray Bruce Lee in a film. Now I believe in the bio/doc the movie was Dragon and it could be also the movie Chan is talking of or Chan may be talking about Dragon. But in any case he said in the bio/doc, "I didn't want to be a poor man's Bruce Lee".
Can't blame Brandon Lee for doing/saying that. I don't understand why Wai Man would disrespect Brandon like that.
Because Brandon denied his Chinese ancestry.
Very interesting tale of different cultural values. I can totally see both sides: to the Chinese and Japanese, it sounded like Brandon Lee was disrespecting his father's legacy, one of the most shameful things you can do, whereas to Brandon Lee, being culturally American, the shameful thing would have been to cash in on his father's fame.
Brandon died too early to build his own legacy. Such is Life.
In short a man who wanted to exploit a legend's son got his offer turned down so he slapped him and then proceeds to shit on him after his death
Wouldn't expect much of him bruce respects anyone who respects you and you disrespected him by doing exactly that
Yep a total desperate hypocrite but then again who am i kidding he's a gangster
I'm eurasian like Brandon and Chan Wai Man is coming from a very eastern view of things. When you're mixed you are pulled both ways and it is hard. Some people want you to be one way and others another. Even bruce was mixed and I think he had a spark of western personality which made him different. The other thing is this is a young man who is learning who he is still and there needs to be some forgiveness for that because we are all a bit stupid at that age. I think brandon found his own path in the end like he should. I have to admire him for being his own thing. Chan Wai Man has some good points but I feel like his handling of the situation was poor and kind of ignorant. But it's a cultural tunnel vision... believe me it goes in both directions. I have a white girlfriend and it's hard to impart certain aspects of duty and closeness with family to her and I'm not even that much like my asian father in that respect!
I hear U brother, I'm full blooded Asian but grew up in Australia and married to an Aussie girl. It's in the smallest little details that sets us apart, values and my addiction to rice . . Lol
Very interesting
Brandon should have done research on how the Movie industry in HK worked back then. This whole thing could have been avoided if he followed procedure, but he was born and raised in America( at least that's what another interview about this instance by the movie's producer & the person that set up that meeting said) he figured he could do his own American thing and their was a culture clash and the actual gangster felt insulted.
That man is just a arrogant gangster. He was behaving just like a low life bully.
He didn't slapped shit smh. The rest of the story I believe but dude is just mad and added a little more drama to it.
@Unrequited_Love_From_Above_JAH him being all this crap I'm not willing to read still doesn't prove that this actually happened. I don't understand the logic here lol. Just because I'm a MMA fighter and other shit doesn't automatically mean everything I say is true.
Brandon Lee is not gay, Old Man is piss off , he didn't get the commission.
Yeah, that gay comment is just stupid, it isn't true (Brandon was weeks away from marrying his longtime girlfriend when he died), it's baseless (has anyone who knew Brandon aside from this guy ever suggested Brandon was gay?), it just makes this guy look even worse, it's like he's clueless about how this entire interview just makes him look bad to people watching around the world.
Gays often marry women.
As an Chinese American, I can see both perspective. Chan is old fashion hardcore Chinese gangster turned famous boxer and actor (No joke, he was a very intimidating boxing opponent during his prime, Google it) His take was that Brandon is Bruce's son, and he has to remember his roots and reason of fame. However, Brandon wants to do his own thing and create his own brand without the need to follow his fathers footstep, which Chan took it as an insult to his father. Long story short, cultural difference. Literally
LOL brother Chan Wai Man thinks Brandon Lee was gay???
Brandon and Shannon were born in the States,not Hong Kong they did move to Hong Kong.
I thought Brandon lee was bad ass too
Even Bruce Lee said be honest with yourself, have faith in yourself, don’t go looking for a successful personality and imitate them.
Old school Chinese men, if friends with your parents, always feel entitled to slap you if they feel disrespected.
Wanted to be his ownself and not a shadow of his dad is not wrong in my view. Sometimes old school typical chinese mentality might not be right. Brandon has his own view n passion on how he wanted.
It's sad to see Chan still surfing the Bruce Lee media wave by associating himself with the great man.
Hey guys, is this for real?
😂😂 love his honesty, we had more people mah.. haha
To Chinese people, Brandon behaved like a sellout. From Brandon's point of view, he thought what he did was right for his career from a self-centred point of view. If it was me, I'd probably do the same if there's any chance of ruining my own career. But What Brandon did was wrong, is he ignore his roots, we have to acknowledge the fact he was raised in HK, yet he chose to abandon his roots by announcing hes an American. Maybe he feels he's American, but he had to learn to be an American from American kids, so as a matter of fact he was Chinese hk first!
If your born in America, your American!
Uhhmm, for at least 5 of his eight years before his father died Brandon lived/was raised in the USA, California to be specific. He & his mother & sister moved back to The States immediately after his dad's death. How does any of that add up to Brandon being "raised in Hong Kong"?
These subtitles are bullshit. Why make up fake subtitles like this.
Fact is Chan was family in Hong Kong didnt want Bruce living that life so they surely wouldn't want Brandon in it either. Fblasted Gangsters. Calling him gay and rhe whole nine. What a trip
lol funny. He is one dangerous man in Hong kong.
Mark de la Rosa,, can you imagine this bunch of Kroc,,he was the one that betrayed master Bruce Lee,, also when he was younger during 1973 unbelievable,,
This didn’t age well for these 3 old timers. Brandon Lee was right. Bruce Lee would not have wanted his son to imitate him but to pave his own style.
Even bolo said Brandon wasnt hard working he rather party than train
Shame on Chan Wai-Man, especially how he speaks about a man who’s died. Way out of order.
but people bad mouth others too like Ultimate Warrior , Andre the Giant , Elvis for ex.......why should Brandon then get a free pass ?
@@postersandstuff I wouldn't expect him to, but guys like Chan here should realize that the things he's saying here actually reveal way more about him & his own character than they do about Brandon Lee, & none of what they reveal puts him in a positive light.
Chan Wai Man spoke like a true unbiased dude who's still disappointed over Brandon's complexes. Western Ideologies will do that to a person.
Xiéxie 🙏🏼
Brandon know he was out of place. And was not dumb. Sometimes even this man had to put up with some ahol.
Bruce Lee is going to kill Chan Wai Man in his sleep.
Chan Wei Men is right entirely from Southeast Asian countries, Middle Eastern, Africa countries, South America countries, to European countries includes America from MMA to UFC are putting Bruce Lee image as numbers one Idol in the whole world and America especially in MMA and UFC in America today's Bruce Lee is a king of street fighter in the inviromnent of out laws and ruthless of streets fighting.
This guy is just a old gangster boss with full of BS. Don't beliebe this guy.
Bruce Lee is Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee is Brandon Lee. Brandon Lee new style everybody loves me.
Did he say Brandon Lee was gay? 😮
Just an old school dumbass didn't understand fashion. Brandon is not gay he had a GF
@@winboyjlgmost gays go both ways, having a girlfriend doesn’t mean you’re not a homo.
Yes it bullshit
Damn this old man talks a bunch of shit about Brandon
Sham shui po Lap jern was the real boss of 14k
I just knew the story, thank you Mr. Chan Wai Man
Chan Wai Man, what a great interview. I found a picture of Chan Wai Man in the old days. He's great. I feel sad that Brandon Lee tried his best to be on his own. I wish he was alive, he is a great actor movie star.
Cultural difference! As simple as that.
Brandon Lee did seem gay.
Chan Wai Man slap his son, because he lost money hahahaha jackie chan decide to opposite so work out.
It’s funny how Chan talks tough in every interview… But he’s what? 100 lbs and 5’3? Any average guy could literally pick him up and throw him across the room and beat him up.
th-cam.com/video/cNw6gbMWoNI/w-d-xo.html
probably not
Yeah but was a top guy in the triads and an actual kickboxer
@@aquaticlibrary LOL yes "kick boxer"... He was a 5'3 guy that played boxing at some point in his life, he wasn't an all time professional great like Tyson or Ali in boxing... He may have trained in boxing but nevertheless he's a midget that an average guy could shove around like a school boy. Asians are tiny mate....
@@sheldoncooper0 he’s around the same size as Bruce Lee from the pics I’ve seen of them together. But yeah, dude was a triad boss. Brandon would be fighting more than just him if he did
@@aquaticlibrary LOL dude that isn't helping the point... Bruce Lee was TINY... Asians are tiny man...
Respect master Chan 👍
Was this the reason Brandon was shot for being too arrogant in his own way?
Karma
No, no it wasn't. As much as people may want to make it something more mysterious, Brandon's death was a tragic accident. Yes, it certainly was preventable, yes, negligence & complacency were contributing factors, but no one intentionally killed him. Read the book The Crow: The Story Behind The Film by Bridget Baiss to find out more about it from credible sources.
this man is manipulative
rong rong Chan nan way Nan man si te
my Channel have a Playlist boxerroad
我覺得Brandon 做得好岩！ 唔係下下講錢或俾D伯虎夾住先係岩！ 佢有自己一套style!
所以死咗
Own style? He basically ripped off scenes from Jackie Chan's Police Story with the motorcycle scene.
Michael is saying brandon lee's cockiness got him killed.
Brandon is acting just like Bruce. 🙂 Just as cocky as Bruce Lee is Brandon Lee. I can understand why he doesn't want to imitate Bruce Lee but not to acknowledge Bruce Lee would have been bad. Brandon grew up the US why would he believe he was Chinese.
Brandon almost denied Bruce was his father
Chan wai man would get slapped around by the asians here in the west, how could he get let in when he was a cop?
Holyshit!!