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Karate Killer

Original title: Kill or Be Killed
  • 19761976
  • PGPG
  • 1h 34m
IMDb RATING
4.9/10
546
YOUR RATING
Karate Killer (1976)
Two former ranking figures of the Axis powers schedule a deadly martial arts tournament in an isolated locale. The two rivals then race to assemble the top competitors from around the world, with Steve Hunt being the most sought after fighter.
Play trailer2:19
1 Video
12 Photos
ActionDramaSport
Two former ranking figures of the Axis powers schedule a deadly martial arts tournament in an isolated locale. The two rivals then race to assemble the top competitors from around the world,... Read allTwo former ranking figures of the Axis powers schedule a deadly martial arts tournament in an isolated locale. The two rivals then race to assemble the top competitors from around the world, with Steve Hunt being the most sought after fighter.Two former ranking figures of the Axis powers schedule a deadly martial arts tournament in an isolated locale. The two rivals then race to assemble the top competitors from around the world, with Steve Hunt being the most sought after fighter.
IMDb RATING
4.9/10
546
YOUR RATING
    • Ivan Hall
    • C.F. Beyers-Boshoff
  • Stars
    • James Ryan
    • Charlotte Michelle
    • Norman Coombes
    • Ivan Hall
    • C.F. Beyers-Boshoff
  • Stars
    • James Ryan
    • Charlotte Michelle
    • Norman Coombes
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 25User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:19
    Watch Official Trailer

    Photos12

    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)
    Karate Killer (1976)

    Top cast

    Edit
    James Ryan
    James Ryan
    • Steve Hunt
    Charlotte Michelle
    • Olga
    Norman Coombes
    Norman Coombes
    • Baron von Rudloff
    Danie Du Plessis
    • Chico
    • (as Daniel DuPlessis)
    Raymond Ho-Tong
    • Miyagi
    Ed Kannemeyer
    • Ruell
    Douglas Baggott
    • Luke
    Stuart Parker
    Jorg Henrichsen
    Steve Coetzer
    Klaus Zungler
    Phillip Gerber
    Bevan Bagott
    • Karateka
    Ian Bell
    • Karateka
    Pieter Burger
    • Karateka
    Dick Carroll
    • Karateka
    Michael Coutts
    • Karateka
    Daryl Cutler
    • Karateka
      • Ivan Hall
      • C.F. Beyers-Boshoff
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The film ''Kill or Be Killed'' was originally released in the USA as ''Karate Killer' but had previously been released in English language in its native South Africa under the title of ''Karate Olympiad''.
    • Goofs
      Most of Steve's high jumps are just filmed with him jumping down and then played in reverse.
    • Connections
      Featured in Dusk to Dawn Drive-in Trash-o-Rama Show Vol. 5 (1998)

    User reviews25

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    5/10
    This 'Kill is no Kill And Kill Again
    I was expecting another Kill And Kill Again. What I got was a slower and much less punchy vehicle. At times, there seems to be hardly any activity at all. The story too, goes off the beaten track a little like when Ryan and his love take off through the desert on their wind sailor, singing jubilantly, eating up too much screen time. The opening music theme, which I absolutely loved, and it's locale scene, a long exterior shot of a big fortress in the desert, as I frankly recall, is the first thing that clicks in my mind when I think about Kill Or Be Killed. With this film I was short changed afraid. There's much less action where you're kept waiting, especially from the start, where it came between long intervals. A slightly younger looking Ryan, with shorter, neater hair, who was in fact only 18 when he made this, plays another Steve character, who's drawn back into a fight in another big arena, where participants fight with weapons of choice. Ryan, a Chard Hayward sounding actor, does have a certain charisma, but not good acting status, where he's surrounded by a few antic characters, that midget guy a hoot. These characters at least add something to this disappointing actioner. After seeing Ryan's other flick, this had me on quite a come down, it had me moping. If you've seen this, and wasn't satisfied, and you've haven't seen the other kill movie, it's vitally imperative you do, as it may just bring your spirits up, for this 'Kill is so over ridden by, it's follow up.
    helpful•6
    0
    • PeterMitchell-506-564364
    • May 2, 2013

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 17, 1976 (South Africa)
      • South Africa
      • United States
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Swakopmund Airport, Swakopmund, Namibia
    • Production company
      • Kavalier Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 1 hour 34 minutes
      • Color
      • Mono

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