Bloodsport (1988)
U.S. soldier Frank Dux has come to Hong Kong to be accepted into the Kumite, a highly secret and extremely violent martial arts competition. While trying to gain access into the underground world of clandestine fighters, he also has to avoid military officers who consider him to be AWOL. After enduring a difficult training and beginning a romance with journalist Janice Kent, Frank is given the opportunity to fight. But can he survive?
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Follows Frank Dux, an American martial artist serving in the military, who decides to leave the army to compete in a martial arts tournament in Hong Kong where fights to the death can occur. Bloodsport is perhaps Van Damme's 2nd best film after Kickboxer and in my opinion one of his many underrated ones. The film is packed with 80's nostalgia and an amazing soundtrack, the cinematography is truly brilliant and as far as acting goes? everyone did a great job plus Bolo Yeung was a freaking monster of nature. Totally a recommendation from me guys. (A+)
The military Frank Dux (Jean Claude Van Damme) abandons his base to participate in the Kumite, a dangerous secret competition in Hong Kong. Before embarking in the airplane, Frank visits his martial arts trainer Senzo Tanaka (Roy Chiao), who is terminal, and promises to win the tournament to honor him. Frank travels to Hong Kong and befriends the fighter Ray Jackson (Donald Gibb) that is lodged in the same hotel and has a love affair with the journalist Janice Kent (Leah Ayres). However the American officers Helmer (Norman Burton) and Rawlins (Forest Whitaker) chase him to bring home back to the base without injuries. Meanwhile Frank and the dirty Japanese fighter Chong Li (Bolo Yeung), who won the last Kumite, are winning their fights and coming to the ultimate fight. "Bloodsport" is an early Van Damme´s film and also one of his best films ever, disclosing the refuted story of the American martial artist Frank Dux. The screenplay is funny and engaging with excellent fight choreography. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "O Grande Dragão Branco" ("The Great White Dragon")
Bloodsport is the best martial arts film ever! It's the finest of its kind. Certainly one of the most entertaining films I've ever seen. It has everything you can ask for and is the best film about competition in my opinion (whether its sports, business, work, personal life etc.). It is highly motivating and uplifting. This film has it all for me: action, comedy, romance, friendship, competition, interesting characters, awesome music, you name it. Pure entertainment! When watching or reviewing a film like Bloodsport, it is important to relax and let go of high expectations and standards set out by professional film critics. Just take it for what it is at face value. It's a martial arts film meant to entertain and excite us. I do not understand what certain people expect from films like these? People coming into it expecting top acting performances and Oscar-quality will be sadly disappointed. These types of films are made to purely entertain and Bloodsport totally delivers. It's proof that a movie doesn't have to be Oscar-worthy to be good. It's not always about acting. If the story and characters are great, it makes the film highly enjoyable. The film is perfectly paced as well. There isn't a single dull scene. Yes, there are tons of clichés, stereotypes, and cheesy moments but that's what it's supposed to be. It's an 80's action flick filled with cheese. The movie does not pretend to be anything else other than a fun-packed action film. For that, I respect it.Van Damme may not be the greatest actor out there but he sure is one of the best movie stars. He is a martial artist first and foremost; not an actor. However, as an action star, he shines. He has a gift at making you care about his character besides showing off his martial talent. You actually feel his pain and want to root for him. He has a way of making you feel sorry for him. I think these are qualities that only the best actors possess so a huge plus for him. Most of his contemporaries (action heroes) definitely did not possess such qualities. The only one who comes close is Stallone in 'Rocky'. Also, Bolo Yeung's 'Chong Li' is arguably the best movie villain ever. Again, he is no actor but he plays his part realistically with natural and raw emotion that is very intense. Keep in mind this guy is a bodybuilder and martial artist who also happened to star in Bruce Lee films. Ohh and how can I forget about those awesome one-liners! The film is filled with them and they are highly memorable. Basically, when you have many people reciting lines from a particular movie, it means the movie did an amazing job! Bloodsport is also an excellent example of how music should be used in movies. The film contains a perfect music to visual relation. One of the best soundtrack's ever! 80's music rocks! Very catchy tunes especially the theme song 'Kumite', which will have you chanting "kumite, kumite, kumite" out loud as you root for your favorite fighters. The music in the film creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere hence other films should follow suit.In conclusion, Bloodsport is one of my favorite films growing up and of all-time! You know the movie is good when you are reciting lines, singing songs, and kicking/punching along and well after it's over! I would recommend this film to anyone. Lay back and enjoy! Movie + Music = Masterpiece 10/10
'Bloodsport' certainly suffers from all of the problems any movie from this era and of this genre naturally would, but just as Frank Dux triumphs over Chong Li, so too does 'Bloodsport' conquer the cheese factor.Jean Claude Van Damme may not exactly be De Niro, but he has an easy, natural charisma that lifts everything around him. Combined with his impressive physical gifts--here at their absolute peak--and you have a star making turn.Filled with colorful characters, fun fights and a host of awesome 80s trappings, 'Bloodsport' is a genre essential, and a Van Damme classic.