This film is based on events in the life of Frank Dux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), an American who sought to become the champion of a secret, dangerous martial arts contest called Kumite. While Dux searches through the streets of Hong Kong for the underground arena where the event is being held, he must outfox U.S. agents who want .. Read more
| Starring | Jean-Claude Van Damme, Leah Ayres, Donald Gibb, Norman BUrton |
|---|---|
| Director | Newt Arnold |
| Genres | Action/Adventure |
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This film is based on events in the life of Frank Dux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), an American who sought to become the champion of a secret, dangerous martial arts contest called Kumite. While Dux searches through the streets of Hong Kong for the underground arena where the event is being held, he must outfox U.S. agents who want him to work for the government instead of entering the competition. The exciting climax of the film is the Kumite itself, when Dux faces the imposing, undefeated Chong Li--who's not above cheating....
| Starring | Jean-Claude Van Damme, Leah Ayres, Donald Gibb, Norman BUrton |
|---|---|
| Director | Newt Arnold |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 28 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Action/Adventure |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: not available Production year: 1987 |
| Format | DVD |
This is the movie that consolidated Jean-Claude Van Damme's standing in the martial arts film world and was a big UK video hit. Loosely based on a true story, it stars Van Damme as the first western fighter to enter a lethal martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. The always frightening Bolo Yeung is the man standing in his way. The Belgian star unsurprisingly merits even fewer acting plaudits than usual (it was pretty early on in his career), but director Newt Arnold wisely concentrates on the increasingly violent bouts. Look out for Forest Whittaker in an early supporting role.
Sporting the charisma of a lobotomised newt, hunky US Defense Intelligence agent Van Damme goes AWOL and turns up in... read more on Time Out
Jean Claude really does show his 'strengths' in this biopic of Frank Dux. This part feels made for Van Damme, a good guy with deadly skills, deadly but modest. Obvious Van Damme moments occur i.e. Top off flexing, cheesy music, dancing, doing the splits several times,awful dialogue. Don't let this deter you, Van Damme is on form to fight in the Kumite but has to beat a whole host of difficult and different styles from Sumo to Boxing. Damme don't care. Sub plots reminiscent of AWOL, with Forest Whitaker as one of the cops chasing their man. Bolo is his hard headed self and is his normal evil self. Is Van good enough to take on the best. I let you guess but it is probably Van Dammes best film easily eclipsing Kickboxer and AWOL. I am not sure if Newt Arnold went onto direct much else himself but was assistant director on everything from Rules of Engagement to Bladed Runner. Put up your Dux, have a beer and enjoy. Kumite, kumite.
BEING A BIG FAN OF JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME MYSELF I WOULD RECOMMENED THIS FILM IT TELL'S THE TRUE STORY OF A MAN NAMED FRANK DUX WHO WAS THE KUMITE CHAMPION AND IS ALSO A VERY GOOD STORY LINE OF HIS LIFE
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