Kickboxer (1989)

Kurt Sloane must learn the ancient kick boxing art of Muay Thai in order to avenge his brother.

Directors:

Mark DiSalle, David Worth

Writers:

Mark DiSalle (story), Glenn A. Bruce (screenplay)

Stars:

Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio, Dennis Chan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Claude Van Damme	...	Kurt Sloane
Dennis Alexio	...	Eric Sloane
Dennis Chan	...	Xian Chow
Michel Qissi	...	Tong Po
Haskell V. Anderson III	...	Winston Taylor
Rochelle Ashana	...	Mylee
Ka Ting Lee	...	Freddy Li
Richard Foo	...	Tao Liu
Ricky Liu	...	Big Thai Man
Ho-Ying Sin	...	Huge Village Man #1
Tony Chan	...	Huge Village Man #2
Brad Kerner	...	U.S. Announcer
Dean Harrington	...	U.S. Announcer
Mark DiSalle	...	U.S. Reporter
Richard Santoro	...	U.S. Reporter

Storyline

Kurt Sloan is the corner-man for his brother, U.S. kickboxing champion Eric Sloan. When Kurt witnesses his brother become maliciously paralyzed in the ring by Thailand champion Tong Po, Kurt vows revenge. With the help of Xian, a kickboxing trainer who lives in a remote area of Thailand, Kurt trains for the fight of his life.

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Plot Keywords:

thailand | muay thai | revenge | rape | bare chested male | 

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Taglines:

If your enemy refuses to be humbled...Destroy Him!

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Genres:

Action | Sport | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title held by Dennis Alexio's character in the movie - the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) Heavyweight Championship - is a real championship and has been held by Alexio during his fighting career. The belt in the movie, however, is not modeled after the actual belt.

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Goofs

The blood on Kurt's stomach appears and disappears between the scenes during the final fight with Tong Po.

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Quotes

Winston Taylor: Wait, wait, wait. I'll help. I ain't cooked in ages. I'll make my specialty, jungle surivor quiche.
Mylee: Uh, what do you need for that quiche?
Winston Taylor: It's cobra heads.

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Crazy Credits

GOODBYE TO BUGS (According to David Worth The official Director, this was a reference to Producer Mark Disalle's rabbit who passed away at the time).

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Alternate Versions

The Full Uncut Version of Kickboxer (never been seen before) clocks in at 98:54 seconds (PAL) / 103.01 seconds (NTSC). All US R Rated versions on DVD/Blu Ray are cut by 5 minutes or so and miss vital plot scenes, shorten or remove other scenes completely and omit nudity that are only present in the International versions on VHS Video from Palace & EIV along with the German 2 Disc Action Edition (German Audio). All of these versions are cut slightly for violence though.

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Connections

Referenced in Helix: Pilot (2014)

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Soundtracks

Chack's Stew
Written and Produced by Mike Piccirillo
Performed by Jam Box

User Reviews

One of Van Damme's best..

The original movie "Kickboxer" from 1989 starring Jean-Claude Van Damme is a true 80's action classic, Van Damme stars as Kurt Sloane brother of American Kickboxer champion Eric Sloan(Dennis Alexio)they find them self traveling to Thailand to challenge there worldchampion in Thai kickboxing Tong Po, the fight begins and Tong Po is not only domenating the whole fight, but in the end delivers a lethal elbow to Eric back to paralyze him for life, Kurt(Van Damme) is now on a vendetta against Tong Po to revenge his brother.

Kickboxer is one of Van Damme's best films(not as good as bloodsport though)The Storyline might be weak, but the film as said is a true 80's action classic,and all in all Kickboxer(DVD edition) is a 'must' for all action fans. The DVD itself has exellent picture and sound, there's not soo many features on the DVD(would have been nice to have the original movie trailer on it) but i does provides biografi for both the main actors as well as directors.(followed by several direct to video sequels).

Details

Official Sites:

Vidio [Indonesia]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 September 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kickboxer

Filming Locations:

China

Box Office

Budget:

$1,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,134,098, 10 September 1989

Gross USA:

$14,697,005

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,697,005

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kings Road Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1