Bloodsport-- Directed by Newt Arnold/starring Jean-Claude
Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres, Norman Burton/screenplay written by Sheldon
Lettich, Christopher Cosby and Mel Friedman, from a story by Sheldon
Lettich—based on the true life story of martial artist, Frank Dux/ rated R/92
mins.
Bifocal Review
by Ageless1der
Barbara Rich & The Other Guy
(B) This type of action film is not
my usual cup of tea. I honestly have not ever watched the entire film, from
beginning to end, though I have viewed most of it, in pieces. However, I love a
great “against all odds” story and am aware of and appreciate certain important
elements in this movie, and the impact that it has had on the martial arts
genre. This is basically a Rocky or Karate Kid story, with an important
difference. While we all appreciate a story of hard work overcoming obstacles
to accomplish great feats, this story is slightly different because I know the
real Frank Dux, and I think that reality
element has made all the difference in how people view this movie. I also saw,
by comparison that this film did not rely much on special effects--like the two
movies I mentioned above and unlike most other martial arts films. My favorite
scenes are not in the fights themselves, but are those that show interaction
between the young boy and his teacher, or the concern of the fighters for one
another. We don’t often grade an older film by today’s standards, but since
this is the 25th anniversary of the release of this film, I’m going
to give it two binoculars.
(OG) Naturally, I have a personal love
of this film because I know and have worked closely with Frank Dux. That is not
usually the case for me when reviewing a film. Frank Dux is a great person,
ahead of his time in many ways. Even this story (which takes some liberties as
it strayed from the facts in several aspects) was ahead of its time in a sense,
because it melded reality and fiction into an inspirational film that was the
catalyst for many young boys and girls to get involved in martial arts. Since I
know from first hand experience how being involved in martial arts can often
change the lives of individuals from all walks of life for the better, I am
glad that I was there to see the positive effect this film has had on many.
People everywhere I go, know the name Frank Dux and the film Bloodsport, even
though 25 years have passed. He has inspired many to try new things and achieve
at a high level, so for that I thank the filmmakers. I give the film three
binoculars and put it in the same category as Enter The Dragon, Karate Kid, and
Billy Jack, they are not great, but they are memorable.
To read the entire transcript of Barbara’s Bifocal
Reviews Podcast of Frank Dux, the namesake of the Jean-Claude Van Damme
character in the classic martial arts film, Bloodsport, and to hear, in his own words why the Variety story about a remake will not be happening without his input,
GO TO THE FULL TEXT AND VIDEO AT:
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