Bloodsport (1988)

Follows Frank Dux, an American martial artist serving in the military, who decides to leave the army to compete in a martial arts tournament in Hong Kong where fights to the death can occur.

Director:

Newt Arnold

Writers:

Sheldon Lettich (story), Sheldon Lettich (screenplay)

Stars:

Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Claude Van Damme	...	Frank Dux (as Jean Claude Van Damme)
Donald Gibb	...	Ray Jackson
Leah Ayres	...	Janice Kent
Norman Burton	...	Helmer
Forest Whitaker	...	Rawlins
Roy Chiao	...	Senzo Tanaka
Philip Chan	...	Captain Chen
Pierre Rafini	...	Young Frank
Bolo Yeung	...	Chong Li
Ken Siu	...	Victor Lin (as Kenneth Siu)
Kimo Lai Kwok Ki	...	Hiro
Bernard Mariano	...	Sadiq Hossein
Bill Yuen Ping Kuen	...	Oshima
Lily Leung	...	Mrs. Tanaka
Joshua Schroder	...	Chuck / Older Boy

Storyline

Frank Dux has spent most his life being trained by Tanaka to participate in the Kumite, the ultimate martial arts tournament, where participants are seriously injured, even killed. Frank decides to go despite being told by his superiors in the army that he can't because they need him. Two army officers are sent to get him and the trail leads to Hong Kong but Frank eludes them. While Frank advances, he knows that he may have to face Chong Li, the defending champion, who has killed a few participants.

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Plot Keywords:

tournament | martial arts | kumite | hand to hand combat | hong kong | 

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Taglines:

The true story of an American ninja.

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Genres:

Action | Biography | Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Contacto sangriento

Filming Locations:

Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong, China

Box Office

Budget:

$1,100,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$11,806,119

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cannon International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color (TVC)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Frank Dux never has and does not hold any of the world records listed at the end of the film. Like his own back story and claims of kumite success, these are all pure fiction.

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Goofs

In the final fight, Dux's hair goes from very sweaty to dry back to sweaty again after he is blinded and knocked down the ramp.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Boxer: Jackson, you going to go to Hong Kong?
Jackson: I love anything full contact. I need a few more scars on my face.
Boxer: But I heard you can get killed at that Kumite.
Jackson: Only if you fuck up.

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Crazy Credits

Before the credits the following can be found: This motion picture is based upon true events in the life of Frank W. Dux. From 1975 to 1980 Frank W. Dux fought 329 matches. He retired undefeated as the World Heavy Weight Full Contact Kumite Champion. Mr. Dux still holds four world records: Fastest Knockout - 3.2 seconds Fastest Punch with a Knockout - .42 seconds Fastest Kick with a Knockout - 72 mph Most Consecutive Knockouts in a Single Tournament - 56 Subsequently Mr. Dux founded the first American Ninjitsu System. Dux-Ryu.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.193 (2012)

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Soundtracks

On My Own - Alone
Music and Lyrics by Shandi Sinnamon (as Shandi) and Paul Hertzog
Performed by Stan Bush
Stan Bush appears courtesy of Scotti Brothers/Epic Records

User Reviews

Greatest movie of all time... fighting that is

Honestly... this is my favorite movie of all time. I'm a huge action fan and this movie remains to this day my favorite fighting movie... nay, favorite movie period, of all time. Granted, there is no good acting and there was no reason for all the splits the man performs, but damn it the tournament was the greatest in-movie fighting tournament I've ever seen. Never duplicated or improved upon. Yes, they did stereotype everyone in the world.... literally, but boy was it funny... and oh so entertaining to see how they put the fights together.

Greatest fighting movie of all time... a perfect cult classic... and the ultimate treat for the Van Damm fan