This film is presented by St. Louis’s long-running cult film series Strange Brew and will feature a pre-film intro by Strange Brew programmer Jon Scorfina.

This July 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of international superstar Bruce Lee’s tragic, unexpected passing. In commemoration of his remarkable legacy to film & martial arts, the Strange Brew cult film series is hosting an action-packed screening of Bruce Lee’s First of Fury (1972) at Arkadin Cinema & Lounge on Wednesday, July 5 at 8pm.

Originally released in America under the incorrect title The Chinese Connection in 1972, Fist of Fury follows Chen (Bruce Lee) who returns to his Kung Fu school in Shanghai after his master’s mysterious death. Set in 1908 during the Japanese Colonization of Shanghai, Chen soon discovers a Japanese Dojo is responsible for his master’s murder and embarks on a bloody path of revenge. The film is perhaps the best demonstration of Bruce Lee’s multifaceted persona, showcasing his anti-racist political beliefs, his philosophy of Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist), and even an occasional comedic role inspired by his love of Jerry Lewis.

However, Fist of Fury is ultimately a vehicle for Bruce Lee’s remarkable, awe-inspiring martial arts as he single- handedly takes on an entire Karate school to avenge his master. His dynamic charisma, personalized fight-choreography and intimidating strength & speed have fascinated movie fans all over the world for decades. The dramatic multi-fight climax is unforgettable and also introduced the world to the first onscreen use of Lee’s signature weapon, the Nunchuku!

“Of the four films he starred in during his life, Fist of Fury is probably the best. Quality not just for its ferocious fight scenes, the movie was also a hit for its Chinese nationalism, which saw Lee striking back at the taunt that China was the ‘sick man of Asia’.” -Time Out Hong Kong

THEATER POLICIES

All seats are first-come, first-served.

The theater opens 30 minutes prior to showtime, except for “Happy Hour” events and pre-shows when the theater opens at the listed start time.

All ages are welcome at Arkadin except for Drinkolas Cage events, which are restricted to 21+. We follow the MPAA rating guidelines for all other films.

Tickets can be purchased using the BUY TICKETS link above. Upon ordering, you will receive a confirmation email from Square. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the show at the concession counter.

If you’ve purchased advance tickets, when you arrive, please give your name at the concession counter to check in.

Tickets are returnable by sending a request through the contact form located on our About Us page prior to showtime.

When an event is sold out, we reserve the right to release open seats to customers on the waitlist. If you have a pre-purchased ticket and arrive late and there is no seat for you, your ticket will be refunded.

All screenings are held in our indoor theater unless indicated otherwise in the event description above.

Please respect your fellow movie-goers by remaining quiet and refraining from using your cell phone throughout the screening.