In the back
alleys of Hong Kong the world's finest fighters from a
variety of fighting disciplines gather. They meet to fight
in the Kumite, where the best of the best meet and where
the best overall fighter in the world will prevail. Frank
W. Dux (Van Damme) is one such fighter from America. No
westerner has ever won the Kumite, but Frank W Dux plans
to be the first in 1983. Frank travels to Hong Kong and
meets Jackson another American who is a contestant in the
Kumite. Jackson is a big guy of streetstyle fighting that
looks more like a biker than anything else. Frank competes
with Jackson in a video arcade Karate game which he wins
with ease.
Frank also encounters a female reporter eager to find out
the location of the Kumite which is a closely guarded
secret. An arab Kumite contestant tries to assert control
over the reporter but Frank Dux steps in and challenges
the arab to a bet. The bet is to determine the fate of the
girl. If Frank can remove a coin from the arab's hand
before his hand closes then he gets the girl. As Frank
says go, the arab believes with a smile that he has won,
but as he looks again he finds not only has Frank gotten
the coin but he has replaced it with another.
Jackason and
Frank arrive at the Kumite final tryouts via their guide.
A preliminary test has to be passed before entrance into
the Kumite is guaranteed. Frank has to break a stack of
bricks which he does with the "death touch"
which is a method of attack his teacher's clan is famous
for. He breaks the bricks and pieces shoot into the air.
The reining Kumite champ taunts Frank with "bricks
don't hit back." Jackson, Frank's friend breaks a
brick over his head and offers it to the judges stating
"this if for you."
Frank rests in his hotel and awaits the beginning of the
Kumite. He goes to dinner with the curious female reporter
and runs and hides from US Goverment officials that aim to
bring Frank back as he is a treasured soldier they don't
want to see injured in the Kumite. In one scene Frank is
cornered by US goverment agents and stun guns are aimed at
him. Jackson rushes the agents and Frank escapes for a run
through the cities over floating boats and through food
markets before finally escaping.
As the Kumite
begins Chun Li the reigning champion whips the crowd into
a frenzy just by standing. As he walks he flexes his pecs
for effect. In the kumite of bloodsport_ all fight
disciplines meet from the street boxer, to the bear hug
wrestler, and even the hopping african warrior. The music
guides the movie and really draws you right on into the
action.
In the Kumate of bloodsport_ you really do "fight to
survive." Frank Dux finishes each of his opponents
off with artistic facial impressions and grunts. His
finishing moves are really quite entertaining. Against one
fighter that has him in a bear hug he headbuts him away
and then uses his characteristic standing roundhouse kicks
and jumping roundhouse kicks to finish him.
Chun Li faces Frank's friend Jackson and puts him in the
hospital. Frank plans to honor his friend and his trainer
despire what the squeamish female reporter thinks of the
kumite. She thinks its a mindless macho display where
people get their heads beat in.
In the end
Frank Dux( Van Damn) and Chun Li meet in the arena. Chun
Li fights to win, Frank Dux fights for honor. The fight is
one of the artistry of honor versus the utility of
function and action which Chun Li embodies. But of course
as always, truly no one can beat "Wham bam Van
Damme." This is one of Van Damme's earlier works but
without doubt his best.
This is most likely the best martial arts movie set in
tournment style ever achieved in the history of cinema.
From the musical score to the dramatic movements of the
characters this movie really does set itself in a realm
beyond all others. The only movie that even remotely
approaches the mark of excellence set by this movie for
its genre is the first Best of the Best movie. The movie
was followed by a few straight to video sequel movies
which did not star Van Damme. |
