Frank Lee’s arrival in Canada in 1960 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Hailing from Hong Kong, he brought with him a wealth of experience in Grandmaster White Crane Kung Fu, a martial art he had honed amidst the streets of his youth, where violence was an everyday occurrence. Determined to leave behind the tumult of his past, Frank found work at the Phoenix Café in Alberta, where his martial skills often came into play as he diffused confrontations among patrons.
It wasn’t until the 1970s, with the rise of martial arts popularity spurred by Bruce Lee, that Frank’s prowess garnered widespread attention. Dubbed a superhuman figure, he captivated audiences with feats of strength, such as smashing watermelons with his fingertips and breaking coconuts with his bare hands. To his son Corey, Frank was more than just a father; he was a legend, revered for his martial abilities.
Corey’s desire to emulate his father’s legacy led him to pursue martial arts, not as a career, but as a means of bonding with his dad. However, Frank’s focus shifted to training Billy Chow, a promising fighter, which led to missed moments with his own children as he pursued opportunities in Asia’s burgeoning film industry.
Years later, Corey embarked on a quest to reconnect with his father, recognizing the importance of preserving their Chinese heritage. Through training together, Corey gained newfound insight into Frank’s complex personality, discovering both his tough exterior forged in combat and his softer side filled with regrets and longing for familial connection.
As Corey delved deeper into his father’s world, he sought not only reconciliation but also validation, striving to prove himself as the worthy heir to the legend of Frank Lee.
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