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Following is the speech delivered by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the opening ceremony of the Bruce Lee exhibition at Hong Kong Heritage Museum today (July 19):
Shannon (Chairperson of Bruce Lee Foundation, Ms Shannon Lee), Perry (Collector, Mr Perry Lee), Mr Ng (Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, Mr Ng See-yuen), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It's indeed a great pleasure for me to join you at the opening ceremony of the "Bruce Lee: Kung Fu•Art•Life" exhibition.
Like many youngsters growing up in the 1960s, I wanted to emulate Bruce Lee. At least that was my dream. Although it didn't quite work out that way because I can't hit as hard, I can't kick as high and I can't maintain that attitude, but everything about Bruce Lee helped ignite my interest in philosophy, in film and in martial arts. These are interests that having continued to enrich my life.
There was always something special about Bruce Lee. Even as a child actor, he was a natural in front of the camera. As a martial arts exponent, he was a visionary, creating his own philosophy that is still admired and followed today.
With his natural charisma and physical prowess, Bruce Lee brought kung fu to a whole new level of recognition as well as to a whole new international audience. He introduced Hong Kong to the world through his films. He has done more in this area than any other person.
This exhibition, on the 40th anniversary of Bruce Lee's death, is a much-anticipated opportunity for people like me, and no doubt some of you as well, to re-live the golden days.
It is also a great chance for younger generations to understand what the fuss is all about! The exhibition takes us all on a marvellous journey through the life and achievements of Bruce Lee, from a rebellious street fighting child growing up in Kowloon, to accomplished Hollywood actor and director and revered kung fu master.
On behalf of the Hong Kong Administration, I would like to thank the Bruce Lee Foundation for co-organising this event with the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and for lending us over 400 of its invaluable artefacts. We are also grateful to renowned collector Mr Perry Lee who has brought more than 100 items on The Green Hornet for display at the Collectors' Corner of the exhibition.
Mr Kenneth Hao and other local collectors and institutes have also generously loaned their collections to this event which features over 600 artefacts including Bruce Lee's personal belongings and memorabilia.
My special thanks also to Fortune Star Media Limited for its sponsorship relating to eight Bruce Lee films, to the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do (Hong Kong) for its expert advice and to everyone who has contributed to this exhibition.
Film footage includes iconic scenes from movies, such as Fists of Fury and Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee as leading actor, as well as The Way of the Dragon which he also wrote and directed. These are considered now by film critics to be all-time classics that transcend generational, cultural as well as geographical boundaries. I watch these films from time to time, and I still get a buzz at my favourite parts. We also get a glimpse of what might have been with scenes from Tower of Death and Game of Death which he started filming but never got the chance to finish. On the other hand, documentaries, such as Bruce Lee, the Man and the Legend, provide a unique insight into the life and times of a truly talented man.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Bruce Lee died young, at the age of 32. We shall never know what he could or would have achieved, had fate not intervened. We must be grateful for the films that he made, the inspiration that he gave us and for his words of wisdom, including my favourite, which is: "If you love life, don't waste time, for time is what life is made of". End quote.
I encourage everyone to find time in their busy schedules to visit this exhibition to learn about, and to be inspired by Bruce Lee's achievements and creative spirit, and follow his advice to, "be a practical dreamer backed by action".
Thank you very much.
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:43
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