This is one of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s best movies after Bloodsport. Kickboxer was released just one year after Bloodsport and you’ll spot a few resemblances in the training methods and fighting techniques used in this movie.
Dennis Chan Kwok-San treats us to a strong performance as Van Damme’s trainer in this movie.
Kickboxer has a good storyline and good training scenes – it really captures the imagination and draws you in with the help of great soundtracks too. It has a good amount of action, with bits of drama in between. It has a very basic plot that could do with a bit of extra help, and it would benefit from an additional very strong cast member.
Sequels
Kickboxer also has sequels (as it’s a franchise) but they’re not starring Van Damme, with the exception of the sixth instalment and thereafter where he has a supporting role. Generally the sequels are neither similar nor as good as the original – but 6, 7 & 8 are quite star-studded with combat sport celebrities.