Bloodsport (1987)

Average rating: 71%

from 871 members

2 Critics reviews
26 Members reviews

Starring:	Jean-Claude Van Damme, Leah Ayres, Donald Gibb, Norman BUrton
Director:	Newt Arnold
Studio:	WARNER HOME VIDEO
Run time:	88 mins
Certificate:
User collections:	Classic films that must be seen!, Must see Martial Arts, Van Damme's Essential Collection, my favorites, Kick him!!!
Genres:	Action/Adventure
Languages:	English
Released:	unknown

Brief synopsis of Bloodsport

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....

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Critics Reviews

Radio Times

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.

Time Out

Sporting the charisma of a lobotomised newt, hunky US Defense Intelligence agent Van Damme goes AWOL and turns up in... Read more on www.timeout.com

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Dux of Hazard

alrose from Manchester [Highly rated reviewer] , 16/01/2007

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.

7 out of 9 people found this review helpful

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