The Last Dragon (sometimes listed as Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon) is a 1985 American martial arts comedy film produced by Rupert Hitzig for Berry Gordy and directed by Michael Schultz.[4] The film stars Taimak, Vanity, Julius J. Carry III, Chris Murney, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Faith Prince. Choreography was created by Lester Wilson and Lawrence Leritz.
It was released in theatres by TriStar Pictures on March 22, 1985. The film was a financial success despite a mixed reception by critics, and is considered a cult classic.
Set in New York City, the movie follows a martial artist named Leroy Green (also known as "Bruce Leeroy"), who has dreams of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee. His master explains that he has reached the final level of martial arts accomplishment known as "The Last Dragon." Martial artists who reach this final level are said to be able to concentrate such mystical energy into their hands that they begin to glow. Only a true martial arts master would be able to exhibit "The Glow" over his entire body. Leroy doesn't fully understand and, in possession of a medal supposedly belonging to Bruce Lee, Leroy embarks upon a spiritual journey to find Master Sum Dum Goy, whom his master claims can help Leroy unlock the power of "The Glow."
Another martial artist, Sho'nuff (also known as "The Shogun of Harlem") sees Leroy as the only obstacle to being acknowledged as the true master of martial arts. Leroy refuses to fight him and a furious Sho'nuff vows that he will defeat Leroy. Sho'nuff and his gang later break in and assault Johnny Yu, one of the students at Leroy's martial arts school, demanding that Leroy bow before Sho'nuff. Finally, Sho'nuff and his gang attempt to send a message to Leroy by destroying the Green family pizza restaurant.
Meanwhile, video arcade mogul Eddie Arkadian sends his men to kidnap 7th Heaven VJ Laura Charles in the hopes of getting his girlfriend Angela Viracco's new music video featured on her show. The kidnap attempt is thwarted by Leroy who easily fends off the thugs. He loses his medal during the struggle, which Laura recovers. Later, Leroy witnesses Laura being kidnapped by Arkadian's brutish henchman Rock. A clue left behind reveals that the kidnappers work for Eddie Arkadian Productions.
Laura refuses to promote Angela's video on her program, but as Arkadian's men prepare to coerce her by force, Leroy suddenly bursts into the room clothed as a Ninja and rescues Laura once again. Back at her apartment, Laura gratefully returns Leroy's medal. Consumed with vengeance, Arkadian hires Sho'nuff to defeat Leroy and takes control of the 7th Heaven studio, capturing Laura and Leroy's younger brother, Richie, who has snuck in hoping to woo Laura.
Posing as a pizza delivery man, Leroy manages to infiltrate the assumed lair of Master Sum Dum Goy within a fortune cookie factory, but is shocked to discover that the "Master" is only a computer churning out cookie fortunes. Leroy consults his former master for answers, but his master suggests that Leroy has known the answers all along.
Not wanting anyone to get hurt in the process of achieving her stardom, Angela leaves Arkadian and asks Johnny to warn Leroy about his plan. As Leroy returns to 7th Heaven, he is ambushed by an army of violent thugs hired by Arkadian. Leroy's students, led by Johnny, charge into the studio to even the odds. Using Laura as bait, Eddie lures Leroy to a dilapidated building where he finally faces off against Sho'nuff. During the battle, Sho'nuff reveals his ability to use "The Glow," his hands pulsating with a red aura, and beats Leroy viciously before attempting to force him to acknowledge Sho'nuff as "The Master." As recent events flash before Leroy's eyes, he realizes that his former Master was correct and that everything he needed to achieve the "Final Level" was within him all along. His entire body bathed in the sublime golden light of "The Glow," Leroy uses his newfound power to defeat Sho'nuff.
Arkadian appears and fires a single bullet which Leroy catches between his teeth before detaining Arkadian for the police. Laura and Leroy are reunited at the studio where the two kiss.
Taimak as Leroy Green
Vanity as Laura Charles
Julius J. Carry III as Sho'nuff / The Shogun of Harlem
Chris Murney as Eddie Arkadian
Leo O'Brien as Richie Green
Faith Prince as Angela Viracco
Glen Eaton as Johnny Yu
Thomas Ikeda as Leroy's master
Jim Moody as Daddy Green
Mike Starr as Rock
Lisa Loving as Sho's Woman #3
Ernie Reyes, Jr. as Tai
Esther Marrow as Mama Green
Keshia Knight Pulliam as Sophia Green
Jamal Mason as Roy
B.J. Barie as Jackie
Chazz Palminteri as Hood #2
William H. Macy as J.J.
Carl Anthony Payne II as Kid in pizza shop
London Reyes as Dancer
Jeffrey Dawson as Security Guard
Vanity had just left Purple Rain. Berry Gordy signed her to a four-picture contract.
The Last Dragon began production in New York City locations on April 16, 1984. This was the first acting role for Taimak, a then-19-year-old black belt who learned to act on the set of this picture. Ernie Reyes, Jr., martial artist and actor, made his film debut at the age of twelve in this film. Julius J. Carry III, in the role of Sho'nuff, trained in martial arts for the film. Berry Gordy was frequently on the set and had many of his Motown artists visit. Producer Suzanne de Passe was very hands on with the project.[clarification needed]Billy Blanks was at one point considered for the role of Leroy Green as was Wesley Snipes, Mario Van Peebles, Laurence Fishburne, & even Denzel Washington.
Notable film locations include the Harlem Karate Institute of Grandmaster Ernest Hyman, Japanese Goju-Ryu, in Harlem, New York City where the Dojo and workout scenes were filmed. The Victory Theater on 42nd Street, which was an adult movie theatre, was used for the scene where Sho'nuff interrupts the viewing of Enter the Dragon. Ron Van Clief choreographed the fight for this scene in which Julius J. Carry III performed his own stunts. Bernstein's-on-Essex, a kosher Chinese restaurant used in the film with its decor intact.