The opening, hats off, images, sound and style look like a truly authentic journey through time. However, the opening tournament brings you back down to earth, not really great martial arts. Eastern Europe as the location for the kumite is the final reality check, I really would have liked an Asian setting. That might have given a real boost to the search for the longed-for old charm, but as it is it's just another cheap Eastern European action production. I don't want to grumble at this point, the budget was limited, more would certainly have been possible with more. The story meanwhile takes wild turns, logic is a foreign concept, one nonsense follows the next. The training sequences with Billy Blanks are more of a bad joke. In general, the film is obviously a reference to Bloodsport, so it has to put up with comparisons. I've already said something about the location, but the choice of fighters doesn't make it any better. The attempt at diversity is certainly the right idea, but it lacks profile. Starting with the main character Lasko, the Fist of God, no Van Damme, to the main opponent Dracko, no Bolo Yeung. Nice to see Kurt McKinney again, by far the best actor. Another highlight for me was Bolo Yeun's son, wow, an absolute spitting image. Unfortunately, barely there and already gone. Cynthia Rothrock, well, never my favourite, her age certainly doesn't make it any better. The latter also applies to Matthias Hues, but thanks to him, one of the driving forces behind the production.
Ultimately, not the review I wanted, and perhaps even too good a rating. I still recommend a viewing, simply to appreciate the idea and the effort. A gift to fans should be honoured accordingly, even if one or two things don't quite fit.
Ultimately, not the review I wanted, and perhaps even too good a rating. I still recommend a viewing, simply to appreciate the idea and the effort. A gift to fans should be honoured accordingly, even if one or two things don't quite fit.
