Search - Randy Edelman :: Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

A Score for an American Hero

Karl Matsumoto | Tokyo Japan | 01/03/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Randy Edelman's grand music for Dragon saved this film from becoming just another hokey TV bio-pic movie of the week. The approach the director had in mind with this score was to rise above stereotypes by not giving the characters of Bruce and Linda Lee an obviously oriental-sounding theme; the sweeping theme is about an American hero who rises from humble beginnings to become a world-class legend. The music has therefore been recycled numerous time in movie trailers throughout the 90s since it's not limited to this setting. Is it worth buying the album to hear this one theme? In short, yes. The Legend theme is introduced as a tender solo piano melody in "Bruce and Linda" and is recast in full symphonic/synthesizer treatment in "The Premier of The Big Boss" and "The Dragon's Heartbeat," but there is more to make this one worth owing. "The Challenge Fight Warm-up" is used in the Japanese "Ironchef" TV program which has attained cult status in the U.S. "Sailing on the South China Seas" uses a motif of the main theme in a sythesizer orchetral treatment. "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" introduces a new and subtle solo piano theme which passes along to the main theme. "First Date" is a jazzy nightclub piano number which shimmers with sythesized bell-like effects. Unfortunately the last track,"The Hong Kong Cha-Cha" is annoying even as it turns Hollywood's traditionally stereotypical treatment of all things Chinese on its head."

Sometimes redundant but overall it's worth it...

tal3323 | Auburn, AL USA | 08/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This soundtrack is hands down one of my favorites of all time. The theme that is echoed beginning in the track "Bruce and Linda" that reoccurs throughout the soundtrack until it's finale in "The Dragon's Heartbeat" was one of the most of used themes for a couple years after its release. The theme could be heard after the superbowl, and during previews of other movies such as The Truman Show. Edelman has a knack for using such memorable and captivating themes in several different ways. Although this can seem somewhat redundant at times, the theme is so captivating that the listener wants to hear it that much more. Edelman did the same with The Last Of the Mohicans. I definitely think this cd is worth the listen. I've owned it for two years now and still enjoy listening to it often."

Another great album in my collection!

P. J Parrish | Columbus Ohio | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie soundtrack is so wonderful. Forget Forrest Gump! The music stands well on it's own. Hong kong Cha Cha was my personal favorite! I can see the sequence from the movie in my mind! Brandon is a haunting one to listen too... But the whole album is a masterpiece... I find it hard to choose one song off the CD..."