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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
455
art culture or to the film industry? I for one think that Bruce LEE is a film "worker. As for his influence on martial art, there may be different conclusions. To evaluate him as a film worker, I would say that many more workers before and after him have contributed too. Therefore, I think that from the macro angle, there is nothing wrong with a study or exhibition of a certain type of films, but a memorial gallery for him as a person may not be appropriate.
Mr. Chairman, I would also like to refer to the fact that we did a lot of reviews on special themes as pointed out by members of the DAB. Review on a special theme and to sum up the review as a permanent memorial gallery are two entirely different concepts. To me, there is no comparison between review on a special theme and the setting up of a Bruce Lee memorial gallery. I think if we want to set up an appropriate gallery in memory of Bruce Lee, it would be best to do so at his past residence. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Christopher Chung SHU-KUN (in Cantonese): Mr. Lai just moved a procedural motion in the hope of referring the issue to the relevant Select Committee. I don't think it is at all convincing. Mr. Lai said that there were controversies at the death of Bruce LEE, pointing at his not being a symbol of perfection. We in fact do not know from where a perfect man can be found, maybe there once was a perfect ape.
The controversy over Bruce LEE's death was nothing compared to the controversy of Bill Clinton's case. No big significance. Besides, his case is still a mystery today and the controversy actually makes people more interested. When we were youngsters, Bruce LEE was really a phenomenon. I can remember many fellow schoolmates trying to imitate Bruce LEE and his "three legs kicks" but ending up tearing their trousers. The Principal took us to task. So I would say that our Principal was the one who resented Bruce Lee most. Coming back to the issue, we find that the amendment lacks focus. It admits there is little space but favours the setting up of galleries for kung-fu type film stars as well as other types of films and stars. How can we set up so many galleries if space is a problem? The statement is self-contradictory.
Although the amendment opposes a memorial gallery for one particular person, it expresses the hope that tributes can be paid to all personalities with achievement. In fact, the amendment is not feasible. As it states, space is limited. If we set up a memorial gallery for one person, we can just dedicate space to focal points about the person.
I hope Members will support the original motion because Bruce LEE is different from stars nowadays. Many stars of the present day enjoy international fame and have great achievements, but Bruce LEE was the first Hong Kong star to break into Hollywood to make himself a famous name. He was sort of a pioneer. As far as level is concerned, he was the master of his own school of martial art. His films contained philosophy, which is very different from present-day films drawing crowds to the box office with comical antics or
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