“The Last Dragon” 40th Year Anniversary

Recently, on March, 22nd 2025, I left Norfolk, Virginia on the China Bus and headed to New York City. I was super excited because I was going to be attending a “Special” viewing of THE LAST DRAGON which was put together by Cyrus Alexander (@CyrusTheGreat). What made this extra special was, not only was it the Exact date of this Classic film’s Release date, 40 years ago, but we would also get to have a Q&A and Meet&Greet with one of the stars, the one and only, (Bruce) Leroy Green himself, Taimak.

I left VA Saturday morning, the day of the event at 9:30am and arrived in NYC at 3:30pm. The bus let me off on East Broadway and I needed to head to 2nd Ave, which wasn’t too far. The New Yorker that I am, OF COURSE I WALKED! The weather was nice so what better excuse to explore New York City!

After grabbing a quick bit, I heading to the ‘VILLAGE EAST by Angelika’ which is where the movie was being shown at. When I got inside and checked in, I couldn’t resist the concession stand. I mean, you’re suppose to buy stuff from there whenever you see a movie! Right? I went with Nachos but they should’ve had the prices the same as when the movie came out. Although, then I wouldn’t have been able to have nachos because they weren’t an option 40 years ago.

   

This was a sold out event so needless to say, the theater was packed. It was filled with grown adults who were around my age and some were even with their parents and/or their kids. In real life, the setting felt like I was with my cousins and siblings and neighborhood friends all at the same time. When the lights dimmed, I got excited because I was about to relive a part of my childhood. I remember when my mom came home one weekend with the movie for the 1st time on VHS. All of my cousins were over. After that, it became an ‘every weekend’ thing with them and my friends. That’s what this night felt like.

This film was created by the late, Great, Berry Gordy. This was during a time when Bruce Lee was my favorite Martial Artist. Actually, most kids my age. This movie was an action packed, rom-com drama. This film was also out during a time when black movies weren’t a “Thing” so we had limited movies that represented our lifestyles or movies that were relatable to us.

 

When the opening credits started, some of us started bouncing with excitement in our seats. The intro song played and we sang along. Throughout the entire movie we sang, we recited lines from our favorite scenes. And did I mention there were some in attendance who were dressed up in characters including a lady who came dressed as, Sho’Nuff. I loved when she lit her gloves up at the same time as Sho’Nuff hands were red during one of the last fighting scenes.

When the movie ended, we gave a standing ovation and then Taimak was introduced to us by the host, Keith Napier (@Klepcx). I was not surprised that he (@Taimak) was still handsome and still looked younger than his real age. He sat with us and was in no hurry. I appreciated that.

Before we started asking questions, Taimak gave us insight on his experience being a part of such a legendary film, what he’s been up to and what he has coming up. He said it was a surreal moment to see and feel so much love after 40 years.

He told us, due to many injuries over the years, he has been unable to work but meditation and taking care of his health has been his focus. Also he never sacrificed who he was for work which was another factor to him not getting many acting gigs in the past. He gives himself grace so when he sees the love of the Last Dragon Fans, it touches his heart.

As we got to ask questions and people shared their experiences, I had an epiphany…

There was a moment when I realized a whole new meaning to the message of this film. Throughout my life this movie gave me new meanings at different age stages. Like, when I was about 8-9 years old, Myself, like many other girls my age, as well as pre-teens to grown women; we had the biggest crush on Bruce Leroy. He was sexy, soft spoken, he could fight and beat up bullies and he caught a bullet with his teeth. In my mid-teens, I started seeing it as a Love Story. I wanted Bruce Leroy to save Laura Charles (Vanity), although I adored the crush Richie had on her. But this time around, I’m not sure if it’s because of the way Life has been Life’n for me, but I screamed to myself, WHOLY SHYT! THIS IS THE ALCHEMIST!

I read the book, ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho, a few years ago and it changed my life. The Last Dragon, seeing it again, after reading that book made me see:

Bruce Leroy is a martial arts student who is wanting to be just as great as Bruce Lee. His trainer gives him a medallion that will gain him a chance to meet the master himself. He is after the “GLOW…” While on this mission he stumbles across many obstacles. He is fighting off the bully, he’s saving the girl his baby brother is crushing on who ends up falling in love with him. It’s Wild but the entire time, the GLOW he’s seeking has been inside him the entire time!

This movie is a Drama, Love Story, Martial Arts Musical even. This falls under “cult” movie as a category but to me, its under my list of BLACK FILMS EVERY BLACK PERSON MUST SEE! This film is also in my TOP 5 Favorite movies of ALL TIMES. It also has a Dope Soundtrack. Please know that I will judge you if you’re a certain age and haven’t seen this film. When I’m told someone has never seen this, I always have so many questions. Mainly, WHO RAISED YOU?!

If you have never seen this Classic film, please stop what you are doing right now and GO WATCH! This film is available on streaming services. The Soundtrack is also available on Spotify.

Thank You for taking time to read this blog. and as Always,

SPREAD LOVE ITS THE BKLYNTYE WAY!