In 1973, at the young age of 32, Bruce Lee died. Yet, even after so many years, he is still a shining example and inspiration to both Chinese and Martial Arts around the world. Even in our discussion in the forums, he's mentioned several times as many people's favorite Martial Artist. His legend lives on and his movies are part of most people's repertoire when they speak of a good martial arts film.
But 2005 marks a fairly active year for Bruce Lee fans. Earlier this year, he was named as "Chinese Film's Bright Star of the Century". And as his fans finished honored the anniversary of his death towards the end of July, an important announcement came out of the Hong Kong Bruce Lee Fan Club.
According to the Associated Press, a 2-meter statue will be erected to permanently honor this great Martial Arts master and movie star. The fan club has picked three different designs for the statue and are voting for the final one. All the designs selected depict Bruce Lee bare chested and with his famous nunchaka.
The statue is to be sculpted by Cao Chong'en, a famous Chinese sculptor who also worked on the statue for Deng Xiaoping, former leader in the Chinese Government. The statue is expected to be completed by November 27, just in time for Bruce Lee's birthday. Had he lived, he would be 65.
The statue will be located in a new harbor front tourist attraction in Hong Kong known as the Avenue of Stars, which was first opened to the public just a year ago, in April 2004. The Avenue has been established as the Walk of Fame for Asian Movie Stars. Along this walk, which rings very similar to Hollywood's Walk of Fame outside the Chinese Theatre, one will find stars and handprints for many Chinese Movie Stars, including Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh
and even a star for Bruce Lee.This beautiful walk along the waterfront is light at night with star lights set along the walkway and the backdrop of the impressive night skyline of Hong Kong. And serves as the perfect place to watch the famous Hong Kong Symphony of Lights.
For more information about Hong Kong or the Avenue of Stars, visit the Discover Hong Kong tourism website.
