When star fencer Alex Freyer (Robert Chapin) accidentally kills an opponent, he finds himself cast out of his beloved sport. After being assisted in fighting off a mugging by a mysterious stranger (Joe Don Baker), Alex is invited by him to take part in the titular 'Ring of Steel', an underground sword fighting club. With the lure of easy money and chance to prove himself again, Alex quickly finds that the stakes are raised beyond his control and is soon fighting for not only his life, but that of his girlfriend's Elena's (Darlene Vogel) as well.
Despite the somewhat familiar set up, Ring of Steel is actually well worth a look. It has a sense of fun and an undoubted energy missing from many action movies of the era. Certainly, the plot is daft and the dialogue often cheesy, but it has a lot of charm. The always watchable Joe Don Baker is terrific as the villain and along with the sultry Carol Alt, raises the standard of the otherwise slightly corny acting on show elsewhere in the movie. Most importantly, the sword fights are well choreographed and are highly enjoyable.
Although it's undoubtedly silly stuff, Ring of Steel is nevertheless an enthusiastic slice of low budget fun that's a cut above similar '90s DTV fare.
Despite the somewhat familiar set up, Ring of Steel is actually well worth a look. It has a sense of fun and an undoubted energy missing from many action movies of the era. Certainly, the plot is daft and the dialogue often cheesy, but it has a lot of charm. The always watchable Joe Don Baker is terrific as the villain and along with the sultry Carol Alt, raises the standard of the otherwise slightly corny acting on show elsewhere in the movie. Most importantly, the sword fights are well choreographed and are highly enjoyable.
Although it's undoubtedly silly stuff, Ring of Steel is nevertheless an enthusiastic slice of low budget fun that's a cut above similar '90s DTV fare.