The Last Dragon Reimagined for 3 Chambers Fest
Written by Sage Battle
This cult classic film needs no introduction. Taimak, the star of The Last Dragon (1985), will appear at this year’s festival. This interview piece will share his thoughts on the upcoming SHAOLIN JAZZ live scoring of the movie at Wilmington’s Union Station Auditorium. The martial arts authority spoke to the timelessness of the film and how it works to memorialize a time of cultural fusion. Catch the event live in Wilmington on Thursday, December 5th at Union Station Auditorium.
Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY to get 50% off tickets to the event.
Ticket link: https://www.3chambers.com/schedule/can-i-kick-it
Event Poster and Trailer by Brandon Lim
A Celebration of Legacy
To have a lasting impact on cinema, a film needs to be more than just theatrics, big hair, and flashy moves. The Last Dragon (1985) honors what it means to be a well-decorated classic. Taimak spoke to me about why this movie is so beloved and multi-dimensional. “Underneath it all, there was a powerful message about finding the divine within,” he explained. With its comedic overtones and inspirational storyline, the film continues to resonate across generations. While the iconic streets of New York City served as the backdrop for the setting of the film, it was illuminated by the aesthetic sensibilities of the 80’s. From the retro tunes to the striking mastery and demonstration of martial arts, The Last Dragon has risen to acclaim due to the perfect fusion of artistic and cultural elements.
Photos by Charles Ruffin Photography
For the Culture: Front and Center
A prominent theme in the interview was The Last Dragon’s groundbreaking role in showcasing a Black lead in a martial arts movie. Taimak praised the film’s celebration of artistry and culture in a new light given the times. To Taimak, “It worked really well because it blended Asian and Black cultures, music, and martial arts, all while promoting self-discovery.”
With its comedic overtones and inspirational storyline, the film continues to resonate across generations. Taimak reflected on his life at the time of the film’s release. Growing up learning and mastering the martial arts in New York City, he was heavily influenced by both classic cinema and the gritty martial arts films he watched while navigating his own journey. “It was a dream to play a character like Bruce Lee or Sonny Chiba,” he said, describing how his passion for martial arts unexpectedly opened the door to acting. Now a long time star, Taimak continues to spread his passion for martial arts while promoting the authenticity of martial arts and the action world.
Rescoring the OG
We’re all jazzed about the upcoming live event re-scoring. SHAOLIN JAZZ will bring forth a new perspective in an exhilarating fashion. Taimak expressed his anticipation for this innovative presentation, stating that the newly infused soundtrack will be “fun, exciting, and artistic.”
There will be a post-film discussion and meet and greet that you will not want to miss. Secure your tickets now.