'Be Water': ESPN's Bruce Lee docu opens to positive reactions as viewers find it 'Oscar-worthy' and 'dope AF'
There might not be any live sporting action around the world right now due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, but ESPN has managed to make sure sports fans have ample content to get through the lockdown. Sunday night gave them a chance to get an insight into the life of a legend. Bruce Lee, the main man in Bao Nguyen's 'Be Water' was the topic of conversation for quite sometime on June 7 as fans took to social media to praise the film.
'Be Water' shines light on most aspects of Lee's life. Starting from his journey to America, the challenges and the harsh injustice by the film industry, his ideologies and philosophies, and finally his death. Viewers dissected almost every storyline covered and by the end, all they could say was 'Be Water' was a "compelling" affair.
"It's incredible how mindful and dedicated Bruce Lee was! Be Water was amazing for his story and teaching us about his culture! #BeWater #EnterTheDragon #ESPN #30for30 #Mindfulness #selfactualization," a fan wrote. "Bruce Lee’s 30 for 30 “be water” was dope af," a fan seconded.
"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” - Bruce Lee," a fan quoted one of the lines from the film by Lee. "The “Be Water” 30 for 30 on the life and impact of Bruce Lee was amazing. An inside look like no other," a fan exclaimed.
Some fans felt this film deserved global recognition and awards. "This was Oscar-worthy stuff. Best doc about a major historical figure I've ever seen. "Be Water", indeed! @brucelee @30for30 @espn," a fan tweeted. "Be water. Enjoyed the Bruce Lee 30 for 30. Sad that he died so young and missed seeing how big of an impact he would have and still has to this day. He did so much in 32 years but what he could have done in these last 47 yrs is big? #ripbrucelee," a fan asked.
"Bruce Lee will always be an enigma. I am at constant awe at how amazing he was. It’s telling how much of an inspiration he was and continues to be. Be water, my friend! #30for30 #BruceLee@brucelee," a fan wrote. "ESPN's #30For30 documentary on Bruce Lee entitled, "Be Water" was a great story just not great storytelling. Interview subjects used only as voiceovers to add dimension to Bruce Lee's biography & impact--in turn, diluted their voices. After all, films are visual-spatial not radio," a tweet read.
'Be Water' is available for streaming on ESPN+.