[3] It is part of ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary series and the film tackles racism in America.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an aggregate score of 93% based on 28 positive and 2 negative critic reviews.

The website’s consensus reads: "If Be Water's surface level approach doesn't quite match its subject's depth, it still serves as an appropriate introduction to the almighty Bruce Lee.

"[8] The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as it serves as a respectful response to Bruce Lee's demeaning portrayal in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," where he was reduced to a white he-man joke, it falls short of being a comprehensive exploration of the martial arts icon's life and influence.

The documentary's strengths lie in its compelling use of historical footage and its thoughtful analysis of the systemic racism that hindered Lee's progress in Hollywood until he established himself as a commercial force in Hong Kong.