BLACK BELT KARATE is an Indonesian martial arts film that acts as a vehicle for the little-known Larry Lee, a rather scrawny chap who begins the film working as a janitor at a local karate school. He's desperate to learn the arts himself and is soon taken under the wing of the school head's son, played by local star Billy Chong. The film then follows the pair as they travel the world partaking in various tournaments where Lee becomes something of a champion, finally being even Chong himself. Of course, his new-found fame sees him targeted by rival champions and plenty of action ensues.
This film is more fun than the last low budget Indonesian martial arts film I watched, Chen Kuan Tai's INVINCIBLE MONKEY FIST, although still not without problems. The early part of the film feels like a Jackie Chan movie, but the lengthy midsection is full of tournaments that show off some decent skills but add absolutely nothing to the actual story. Chong doesn't get to do much, but there are bit parts for some familiar faces, including Bruce Leung, Chiang Tao as a cameoing thug, and the reliably excellent Lo Lieh as the mega Japanese rival who shows up for the exciting final bout.
This film is more fun than the last low budget Indonesian martial arts film I watched, Chen Kuan Tai's INVINCIBLE MONKEY FIST, although still not without problems. The early part of the film feels like a Jackie Chan movie, but the lengthy midsection is full of tournaments that show off some decent skills but add absolutely nothing to the actual story. Chong doesn't get to do much, but there are bit parts for some familiar faces, including Bruce Leung, Chiang Tao as a cameoing thug, and the reliably excellent Lo Lieh as the mega Japanese rival who shows up for the exciting final bout.
