Review of Bloodsport (1988) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

Now anyone who knows me will know I have a very eclectic taste in movies. My favorite movies are The Shawshank Redemption & The LOTR Trilogy, but I am also a massive fan of JCVDâ(TM)s Cyborg and also Patrick Swayzeâ(TM)s Roadhouse, for examples. The reason for this is because I love nostalgic films from when I was young, I enjoy every scene and every moment, thatâ(TM)s me. And one of those nostalgic films I love is Bloodsport.

The film revolves around a secret martial arts tournament that occurs every five years. Frank Dux attempts to become the first Westerner to win. It may have extreme scenes of violence, such as the âshinâ? scene, but it also has good elements of humor, from minor cast members, but particularly from Ray Jackson, who just had me in stitches all the way through. In fact, I may follow this with a Ray Jackson compilation if Youtube has one. However, more then that, there is a nice little bromance created between Van Dammeâ(TM)s character Frank Dux and Ray, which leads to a touching scene later on. I was also impressed by Leah Ayes, who played the female love interest Janice, who was one of the strongest and most natural actors surprisingly, at least to me.

There is also a magnificent bad guy in Bolo Yeung as Chung Li, the resident monster who has killed people in previous tournaments and cares nothing for others. Every fight, his massive frame makes him a terrifying opponent, and mixed with his powerful shots, you are not surprised that he is the main villain.

Jean Claude Van Damme had his first major starring role in this film, and seems to get more comfortable as the film goes on. He has an easy but good storyline, wanting to win the Kumità (C) for his mentor, out of respect and honor. His fight scenes are strong, as expected, as are all the fight scenes actually, they are bloody, violent, and yet believable.

Another interesting little element is the small role of future legend Forest Whittaker, loved it! Overall, the film is a classic martial arts film and possibly my favorite, well worth a watch if you havenâ(TM)t yet, and if you havenâ(TM)t, why?! Enjoy :).