The Last Dragon is back on the big screen. To mark its 40th anniversary, Berry Gordy’s martial arts-meets-Motown cult classic is being re-released in more than 500 theaters across the U.S. on October 19, 20, and 22.
For fans, it’s another chance to see Leroy Green, better known as “Bruce Leroy,” square off against Sho’Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, in a film that has gone from mid-’80s curiosity to cultural touchstone.
Taimak, who was just 19 when he made his acting debut as Bruce Leroy, remembers his unusual path to landing the role.
“I did horrible [at my first audition],” he admitted in an interview with the Detroit Free Press. “But after studying the script, I came back focused on the acting, and Berry Gordy gave me the job.”
Taimak says the experience shaped his entire career: “The first day of shooting, I felt completely relaxed in front of the camera, like I was born to do it.”
Director Michael Schultz, who also helmed “Cooley High” and “Car Wash,” said he knew the project would stand out. He worked closely with Motown’s Suzanne de Passe to build a world that was “bigger than reality.”
That vision gave the film its unforgettable flair, including Sho’Nuff’s football-pad-meets-kung-fu look.
Played by Julius Carry, Sho’Nuff remains one of the most quoted villains in film history. Lines like “Am I the meanest?” and “Kiss my Converse!” became instant pop culture staples.
Decades later, his influence could be seen in Busta Rhymes’ 1997 “Dangerous” video, where the rapper borrowed the character’s style and bravado.
Beyond its martial arts and campy humor, The Last Dragon also leaned on its Motown roots. The soundtrack featured Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Vanity, and DeBarge’s “Rhythm of the Night,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
When it premiered in 1985, critics were divided—Roger Ebert called it “a great near-miss,” while Janet Maslin of The New York Times slammed it as “crammed” with too many elements.
But audiences made their decision at the box office and beyond, helping the movie gross over $25 million and live on through VHS, DVD, streaming, and late-night cable runs.
Today, the legacy of The Last Dragon rests on its unique mashup of kung fu, Motown, romance, and Harlem swagger. For Taimak, the film’s longevity comes down to one thing: “Better to be great than OK.”