The Last Dragon Is an Awesome, Joyous Snapshot of 1980s Pop Culture

Black America Found Its Own Chopsocky Hero in The Last Dragon and “Bruce Leeroy”

The Last Dragon Is an Awesome, Joyous Snapshot of 1980s Pop Culture

The 1985 martial arts film starring Taimak and Vanity celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

I could not say how or why, but this film of kung-fu released in 1985, The Last Dragon, was engraved in me from childhood. Powerful memories: to watch it, to adore it, to feel a visceral connection... without ever being able to explain it. On the occasion of his 40 years this week, I rediscovered it. And there, revelation: not only did I understand my attachment, but the film is much better than in my memory. Directed by Michael Schultz (a regul…