BLOODSPORT (1988)
THE KARATE KID For Grown-Ups
In 1984, there was a martial arts tournament movie about a kid that learns karate to keep himself out of trouble, and he must overcome a crippling injury to win the whole damn thing. Family friendly and timeless, it is still riveting audiences 40 years later. For as good as that movie was, it just wasn't perfect. Something was missing. So four years later in 1988, Cannon produced an R-rated version that was more intense, more bloody, and a crazy amount more badass. That perfect tournament movie is BLOODSPORT starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and directed by Newt Arnold.
BLOODSPORT is the movie THE KARATE KID would be if it were chugging a beer while shooting up steroids, flexing in front of a mirror, and wearing American flag trunks. BLOODSPORT is a fucking masterpiece. How's that for a thesis statement!
In all seriousness, BLOODSPORT is a pinnacle of mainstream tournament martial arts movies. While it doesn't do anything original or innovative, it uses tried and true techniques and takes the audience on a heartfelt, inspiring, and thrilling ride. It's the simplicity that makes this one special. Just like THE KARATE KID, we have our protagonist who has something to prove. We have a cute girl who gets tangled in the mess. We have the motivation for revenge, and of course we have the ultimate comeback moment that inspires the hell out of us. But, we also have literal death in the ring, and graphic tournament violence like that exposed bone, oh my goodess! A mid movie faux Mentos commercial where JCVD charms the pants off us. We get Bolo Yeung's epic psych outs and alpha male pectoral dance. The mixed martial arts fighting is fantastic to watch, and best of all we get the line, “Okay! USA!” BLOODSPORT is THE KARATE KID for adults, and it is so damn fun.
An overlooked, but important, aspect of this movie is that it is one of Jean-Claude's most wholesome characters. He begins as a troubled child that grows into an honorable and warm Boy Scout of a man, who easily makes friends and wins people over with his gentle demeanor (outside of the ring). There is also a pervasive sense of family and loyalty in this film which is the character's driving force. In the ‘80s, the iconography of tough was muscled oily men who showed how masculine they were through their outward aggression. JCVD's character of Frank Dux turns that on its head and explores how powerful that controlled aggression is, and what's more, it's his open embrace of being a good and nice guy that fuels his physical strength and fortitude. Frank Dux in BLOODSPORT is a solid hero without complication. We need more of that. There's no shame in being good, and it certainly isn't boring. What BLOODSPORT teaches me, and this is the same in THE KARATE KID, is that being a good guy in a world that celebrates monsters, is the ultimate show of toughness. I need to believe it is also that goodness and faith in themselves that pushes their abilities over the edge when faced with extreme adversity.
One of my favorite movie scenes comes from BLOODSPORT. It is the legendary moment when Frank Dux is blinded by his opponent and has to fight without his eyes. Even after multiple watches, it still makes me hold my breath. The buildup to that moment, the music, the sheer frightening ferocity of Chong Li, all of it culminates in one of the best pay off moments in action movies. It is a movie trope for sure, but one that is captured beautifully. The symbolism of our hero going blind and winning by preparation and faith in himself further perpetuates that idea that right makes might. It is very straightforward. Just like the movie itself. I appreciate that.
I initially joke that BLOODSPORT is the adult THE KARATE KID. Beyond the humor is plenty of truth to that statement. Just as one is beloved, so is the other because they both give us the necessary reminder that good guys do win, and that knowing how to control your power is in fact the ultimate power. Okay, USA. You got me. Let's do this.
