Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
Be Water
TITLE DETAILS

Be Water

2020-01-25 · 105 min · ★ 6.8

Documentary

In 1971, after being rejected by Hollywood, Bruce Lee returned to his parents’ homeland of Hong Kong to complete four iconic films. Charting his struggles between two worlds, this portrait explores questions of identity and representation through the use of rare archival footage, interviews with loved ones and Bruce’s own writings.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Bao Nguyen
Production companies
ESPN, Dorothy St Pictures, East Films
Countries
United States of America, United Kingdom, Vietnam
Status
Released

Top Cast

Bruce LeeBruce LeeSelf (archival)
Linda Lee CadwellLinda Lee CadwellSelf - Wife
Shannon LeeShannon LeeSelf - Daughter
Diana Lee InosantoDiana Lee InosantoSelf - Goddaughter
Sam HoSelf - Film Critic
Jeff ChangSelf - Cultural Critic / Writer
Andre MorganAndre MorganSelf - Film Producer
Doug PalmerSelf - Student / Friend
Kareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-JabbarSelf - Student / Friend
Ruby ChowSelf - Family Friend
Leroy GarciaSelf - Student / Friend
Dan InosantoDan InosantoSelf - Close Friend
Jesse GloverSelf - First Student / Friend
Amy SanboSelf - Former Girlfriend
Sylvia LaiSylvia LaiSelf - Family Friend
Robert Lee Jan-FaiRobert Lee Jan-FaiSelf - Brother
Nancy KwanNancy KwanSelf - Actress / Friend
Barney ScollanSelf - Student / Friend
Paul M. HellerSelf - Film Producer
Tom KuhnSelf - Former Warner Bros. Executive

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Recommendations

Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey
★ 7.3
Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey2000Documentary

Documentary on the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, with a focus on the production of his unfinished film Game of Death. Using interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Lee aficionado John Little paints a portrait of the world's most famous action hero, concluding with a new cut of Game of Death's action finale, reconstructed from Lee's notes and recently-recovered footage.

Bruce Lee, the Legend
★ 7.9
Bruce Lee, the Legend1984Documentary

The Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee.

I Am Bruce Lee
★ 7.6
I Am Bruce Lee2012Documentary

Bruce Lee is universally recognized as the pioneer who elevated martial arts in film to an art form, and this documentary will reveal why Bruce Lee's flame burns brighter now than the day he died over three decades ago. The greatest martial artists, athletes, actors, directors, and producers in the entertainment business today will share their feelings about the one who started it all. We will interview the people whose lives, careers, and belief systems were forever altered by the legendary "Father of Martial Arts Cinema". Rarely seen archival footage and classic photos will punctuate the personal testimonials. Prepare to be inspired.

The Curse of the Dragon
★ 7.2
The Curse of the Dragon1993Documentary

A 1993 documentary film about Bruce Lee. The film includes interviews from some of his fellow students and opponents who worked alongside him in his movies.

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
★ 6.7
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks2019Documentary

The fantastic story of how an ancient martial art, Chinese kung fu, conquered the world through the hundreds of films that were produced in Hong Kong over the decades, transformed Western action cinema and inspired the birth of cultural movements such as blaxploitation, hip hop music, parkour and Wakaliwood cinema.

Jackie Chan: My Story
★ 6.3
Jackie Chan: My Story1998Documentary

Jackie Chan is one of the world's biggest action stars, famed for his wacky sense of humor, remarkable martial arts techniques, and willingness to perform incredible stunts without the use of doubles -- or a net. This video takes a personal look at Chan as he works on screen projects in Hollywood and Beijing and candidly discusses his life and work.

Jodorowsky's Dune
★ 7.8
Jodorowsky's Dune2013Documentary

In 1974, Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on the quixotic project of adapting Frank Herbert's influential novel Dune (1969) for the big screen. After investing two years, and millions of dollars, the gigantic project ended in failure; but the artists Jodorowsky brought together to carry it out continued to work together, and ended up laying the foundations for modern science fiction cinema.

Wick Is Pain
★ 7.4
Wick Is Pain2025Documentary

Witness the never-before-seen footage and true story behind the John Wick phenomenon – from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction
★ 6.9
Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction2013Documentary

An impressionistic portrait of the iconic actor Harry Dean Stanton comprised of intimate moments, film clips from some of his 250 films and his renditions of American folk songs.

More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story
★ 7.1
More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story2021Documentary

The Oscar nominated actor best known for his role of Mr. Miyagi, left behind a painfully revealing autobiographical record of his much-too-brief time here on earth. Tracing his journey from being bed bound as a boy to the bright lights and discrimination in Hollywood. Deep inside that sweet, generous, multi-talented performer seethed an army of demons, that even alcohol and drugs couldn't mask.

Sidney
★ 6.9
Sidney2022Documentary

This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.

Come See Me in the Good Light
★ 7.2
Come See Me in the Good Light2025Documentary

In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.

I Am Ali
★ 6.7
I Am Ali2014Documentary

Unprecedented access to Muhammad Ali's personal archive of "audio journals" as well as interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends are used to tell the legend's life story.

Tupac: Resurrection
★ 7.9
Tupac: Resurrection2003Documentary

Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop MCs of all time.

Being James Bond
★ 7.8
Being James Bond2021Documentary

Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

De Palma
★ 7.0
De Palma2016Documentary

An intimate conversation between filmmakers, chronicling De Palma’s 55-year career, his life, and his filmmaking process, with revealing anecdotes and, of course, a wealth of film clips.

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye
★ 7.2
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye2022Documentary

Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.

Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin
★ 7.0
Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin2003Documentary

Brilliant, long in-the-works story of the life and art of the world's greatest comedian and the cinema's first genius, Charlie Chaplin. Produced, written and directed by renowned film critic Richard Schickel.

The Director and the Jedi
★ 7.4
The Director and the Jedi2018Documentary

An intimate documentary delving into Rian Johnson's process as he comes in as a director new to the Star Wars universe.

Conor McGregor: Notorious
★ 6.9
Conor McGregor: Notorious2017Documentary

Conor McGregor is the biggest star in the history of Mixed Martial Arts. Filmed over the course of 4 years, Notorious is the exclusive, all-access account of Conor’s meteoric rise from claiming benefits and living in his parents' spare room in Dublin to claiming multiple championship UFC belts and seven figure pay-packets in Las Vegas.

Similar titles

Roch Voisine - l'ascension
★ 7.0
Roch Voisine - l'ascension2025Documentary

Susanne Bartsch: On Top
★ 7.0
Susanne Bartsch: On Top2017Documentary

Dubbed New York's "Queen of the Night," proto–club kid Susanne Bartsch has been throwing unforgettable parties for over 30 years and is still going strong.

Wonder Boy
★ 6.7
Wonder Boy2019Documentary

At age 25, Olivier Rousteing was named the creative director of the French luxury fashion house, Balmain. At the time, Rousteing was a relatively unknown designer, but in the decade since, he’s proven his business prowess and artistic instinct by leading Balmain to new heights. Wonderboy gives the viewer the rare opportunity to experience the inner sanctum of the fashion world, as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this extraordinary individual while he works.

Freddie Mercury: A Kind of Magic
★ 7.0
Freddie Mercury: A Kind of Magic2006Documentary

Last week Freddie Mercury would have celebrated his 60th birthday. To mark the occasion, celebrity fans Robbie Williams, McFly and Mike Myers talk about what they think made him so special. Photographs, home video footage and rarely heard interviews with the man himself are featured and some of Freddie's close friends and family reveal the man behind the magic.

Brad Pitt: More Than a Pretty Face
★ 7.2
Brad Pitt: More Than a Pretty Face2022Documentary

Brad Pitt is a singular actor in Hollywood's glamorous world, breaking through his "playboy image" and embodying American cinema's renewal. At the beginning there was a humble Midwestern aware of being a smokescreen for the illusions of his time, who has managed to keep control of his image to better serve the most talented directors of our time. To name but a few: David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen brothers, Terrence Malick, James Gray and soon Damien Chazelle. This documentary dives into the brain of a complex, brilliant and endearing personality, far from the cliché of a world-famous movie icon to discover the hidden side of the most handsome man in the world.

Denzel Washington: A Model American
★ 7.0
Denzel Washington: A Model American2022Documentary

In 30 years of a deeply committed career and 50 roles, Denzel Washington, double-Oscar winner, placed the figure of the Black man in all its complexity at the heart of the American paradoxes: from Black activist, rebel soldier to gangster torn between violence and charity. Voted best actor of the 21st century by the New York Times a few months ago, Denzel Washington, 65, has risen to the top of American cinema. As an Actor, director and producer, he has shaken up a "color line" as immutable as it is subtle. Often identified with his characters, he reveals himself to be disconcerting and paradoxical. As if he were holding up a mirror to America in which all of its contradictions and failings were reflected. A documentary that chronicles the extraordinary career of the world-renowned African-American actor.

My Father
Not rated
My FatherDocumentary

Shadowed by secrecy, a boy discovers a mystical gift - the mysterious ability to harness “The Light” to heal others. His journey to power unravels as he struggles to heal his own wounds to become the father his son needs.

Tenho Fé
★ 6.0
Tenho Fé2022Documentary

This documentary accompanies the journey of artists who exalt and celebrate ancestry and the orishas in their work. It also offers a manifesto against one of the biggest problems facing Brazil: religious racism. The feature brings together stories from music, theater, fashion, dance and the visual arts to promote reflection on the power and importance of black representation, art and diversity

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Singing to the Gods: Mario Lanza2005Documentary

A bio-documentary of the Italian American tenor, star of The Great Caruso and inspiration to the Three Tenors.

Julian Schnabel: A Private Portrait
★ 7.3
Julian Schnabel: A Private Portrait2017Documentary

A chronicle of the personal life and public career of the celebrated artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel.

Flannery
★ 5.0
Flannery2019Documentary

Explore the life of Flannery O’Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered journals, and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als, and more.

On the Trail of Ed Wood
★ 10.0
On the Trail of Ed Wood1990Documentary

A documentary on the life and career of filmmaker Edward D. Wood Jr., with clips from his films and interviews with the cast and crews of some of his films.

Jack Kerouac: King of the Beats
★ 6.6
Jack Kerouac: King of the Beats1985Documentary

Jack Kerouac's life is examined through interviews with his contemporaries and friends including Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and William S. Burroughs. The film also employs dramatic recreations of Kerouac's life beginning with his early childhood.

The King of Color
★ 7.7
The King of Color2025Documentary

At 96, Lawrence Herbert reflects on his life, from his Depression-era Brooklyn upbringing to creating the Pantone Matching System, which revolutionized the worldwide use of color.

Jan Werich: Když už člověk jednou je…
★ 9.0
Jan Werich: Když už člověk jednou je…2021Documentary

Stingl - Little Big Okima
Not rated
Stingl - Little Big Okima2021Documentary

The documentary portrait of the world-famous traveler, the most translated Czech writer and the only Czech chief of an Indian tribe, Miloslav Stingl, is an adventurous journey presenting the life of an extraordinary personality. It is also a journey of Stingl’s biographer and monograph author Adam Chroust into the unexplored corners of Stingl’s extraordinary, obsessive and lonely life. 286 unpacked suitcases, archival films and photographs are a monument to his romantic exploration of unknown cultures and corners in an age of global oversaturation with images.

Milan Kundera: From the Joke to Insignificance
★ 5.9
Milan Kundera: From the Joke to Insignificance2021Documentary

The brilliant Czech writer Milan Kundera has not given an interview in thirty years; nor does he appear in public. How did he become a legendary author? What is so unique about his books?

100 Years of Ulysses
★ 7.0
100 Years of Ulysses2022Documentary

Paris, France, February 2, 1922. The novel Ulysses, by Irish writer James Joyce (1882-1941), is published by US poet Sylvia Beach (1887-1962), owner of the small bookstore Shakespeare & Co. The book, whose writing consumed seven years of Joyce's life, years in which his family was in financial need, would have a profound and unprecedented impact on 20th century literature and culture.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Konfrontation: Markus Feldenkirchen trifft Hendrik WüstDocumentary

Tall Poppy: A Skater's Story
Not rated
Tall Poppy: A Skater's Story2021Documentary

A child who just loved to skate from the age of eight, Poppy Starr Olsen became the number one female bowl skater in Australia at 14 and went on to take out bronze at the XGames at 17 - the ultimate competition in the world of skateboarding. The same year, skateboarding was announced as an official additional sport category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Now faced with the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage Poppy grapples with the transition from skater to athlete and the pressure of competition mounts in a way it has never done before.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.