Why was Charles Bronson so beloved?

[mozfonky]

My understanding was that Bruce Lee was a martial arts instructor. So it would be equally meaningless as to speculate how good Cus Damato was.

Jim said he was aware or knew of sparring sessions between Bruce and other top martial artists who he wouldn't name, he then said Bruce was the best. Honestly, even the competitors were primitive by todays standards, you can see for yourself how fake and unrealistic the tournaments were then.

 

[Jack Reacheround]

Both of Bronson's parents were Lithuanian.

Oh, that’s right. He does look Native American though.

I was thinking of Fred Ward, the discount Bronson.

 

[Slobodan]

@lsa was a huge fan of him. Huge fan.

 

[Intermission]

Jim said he was aware or knew of sparring sessions between Bruce and other top martial artists who he wouldn't name, he then said Bruce was the best. Honestly, even the competitors were primitive by todays standards, you can see for yourself how fake and unrealistic the tournaments were then.

But Kelly sucked so I dont care what he says

 

[mozfonky]

But Kelly sucked so I dont care what he says

he did? I never saw him fight. he's not the only one to say that. Apparently bruce humbled both Joe Lewis and Chuck Norris.

 

[Sobek]

Ive heard of him. I dont know if he's a vet. I guess he's a Mr Cool Guy archetype.

Yeah he was a marine after ww2. I don't think he saw combat as it was between wars. He had a tough childhood and spent time getting beaten by his stepfather and did time in boys homes I think. I believe he still donated money to boys homes regularly well into his career. Getting into the marines probably stopped him winding up in prison.

Elvis continued to practice karate, never met Bruce though.

Bruce was McQueens teacher but they had an odd, egotistical relationship. McQueen was pretty competitive, Bruce asked for his help getting a film made, McQueen told him he loved him but no, he wasn't in the star making business. Bruce left his house shaking his fist at the house saying, "i'll be bigger than him". That carried on until Enter The Dragon when Bruce bragged about being in a hollywood film, McQueen sent Bruce a photo signed, "To Bruce, my biggest fan" which of course pissed Bruce off. Then Bruce dies and McQueen is one of the speakers and one of the pallbearers.

Like I say, why be an asshole, especially when you will no doubt live to regret it.

Actually I like your attitude. It's a pity more folks don't think like that.

My understanding was that Bruce Lee was a martial arts instructor. So it would be equally meaningless as to speculate how good Cus Damato was.

Bruce was a martial artist interested in developing his skills for 'real fights'. I hear his real style and abilities were in no way flashy but were very brutal and effective. His movie stuff was something else.

I remember when I was a kid, I bought Bruce Lee's fighting method book(vol 4 I think it was). It was self defence moves. I was hoping it was gunna be elaborate grappling moves, joint locks, throws and flashy kicks.
Most of it (even responses to various grabs etc) was eye poke, left hook to the jaw, right cross to the face etc. Simple, brutal and effective. No fluff.

People often criticize him for not competing but what was he going to compete in? Sport karate? That detracted from what he was training for, a real fight. Boxing? Too many limitations and he was not a boxer (although he loved boxing).
Kickboxing etc had not yet started.
Even equipment to train or fight with was extremely limited (eg gloves for grappling...those ones he was using at the start of Enter the dragon were kendo gloves and still seen as novel 10 to 15 years later)

 

[deise69]

For the same reason Jason Staham is now, they played the same type of roles and appeal to the same type of audience. You could probably see them swap roles if they were born in different times, like in The Mechanic.

Strong, silent, everyman heroes who could kick ass if required. Maybe not the greatest actors but people knew the kind of movies they would get when they went to see them. Their appeal also carried well outside of America and they've both done European movies.

 

[Takes Two To Tango]

For me personally, I think he just looks cool. He also has an epic stache.

 

[Patrick Jane]

People liked his vibe. I do too.

 

[I Am Legion]

That era had ultra-violent type movies that reflected the times. He had the look of a guy that could handle his business. I didn't care for Death Wish movies. I did like him in The Dirty Dozen and The Great Escape. Eastwood did these types of movies and then became so much more.