A Night of Bruceploitation at the National Museum of Asian Art
On Saturday, July 13, my mom and I attended the “Asia After Dark | Bruceploitation” festival at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC. This event was a delightful dive into the world of Bruceploitation, a genre known for its campy and surreal take on martial arts films. The evening’s highlight was the screening of The Dragon Lives Again, a film that proved both bizarre and highly entertaining.
The Film: A Martial Arts Extravaganza
The Dragon Lives Again is a true spectacle of Bruceploitation. The film follows the spirit of Bruce Lee, portrayed by Bruce Leung Siu-lung, as he opens a gym in the afterlife. His peace is soon disrupted by the King of Hell, leading to a series of surreal encounters. Bruce battles a mind-boggling array of characters including Dracula, James Bond, and even Popeye the Sailor. The film’s eccentric plot and colorful characters create an experience that is both laugh-out-loud funny and oddly captivating.
Live Music Magic
What made the screening truly unique was the live musical scoring. Instead of the film’s original score, we were treated to live music from Shaolin Jazz’s Can I Kick It? series. This event features DJs who score martial arts films scene-by-scene with a blend of hip-hop, soul, and funk. DJ 2-Tone’s live soundtrack perfectly matched the film’s energy, adding a dynamic layer to the viewing experience. The fusion of music and film created an immersive and lively atmosphere that enhanced the film’s campy charm.
Festival Fun Beyond the Screen
The festival was more than just a film screening. We enjoyed delicious food from Tiger Fork and sampled drinks available for purchase. The event also included martial arts demonstrations that showcased impressive skills and techniques. The museum’s galleries also stayed open late, allowing us to explore the exhibits in a relaxed setting.
A Special Mother-Daughter Experience
Attending this festival with my mom made the evening even more memorable. We shared many laughs over the film’s outrageous moments and enjoyed the creative live scoring. The blend of a quirky film, innovative live music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere made for a night we will both cherish.
In conclusion, the “Asia After Dark | Bruceploitation” festival was a fantastic experience. The Dragon Lives Again provided an unforgettable mix of action and comedy, enriched by the live scoring from Shaolin Jazz’s Can I Kick It?. This event was a unique way to explore new genres, enjoy great music, and create lasting memories with loved ones. If you ever get the chance to attend a similar event, I highly recommend it.
