'Bloodsport'
The Ringer's Bill Simmons, Shea Serrano, and Jason Concepcion head to Hong Kong to fight alongside Frank Dux as they rewatch 'Bloodsport' starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, and Leah Ayres.
Cast
Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux
Donald Gibb as Ray Jackson
Bolo Yeung as Chong Li
Leah Ayres as Janice Kent
Forest Whitaker as Rawlins
Notes
- Budget of around $2 million, made $65 million – has probably made $100 million counting cable residuals.
- A Cinemax classic that would air 2-3 times a month between 11pm and 2am on a random Friday night.
- No stuntmen were used – JCVD really elbowed a guy's tooth out and they kept it in the movie.
- Frank Dux's claims about the Kumite are largely fabricated – the LA Times disproved everything shortly after release. His trophy was made down the block from his house. He claimed CIA membership.
- Filmed inside Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong, which was later destroyed.
- Mortal Kombat took huge inspiration from this film – the Johnny Cage character is based on Frank Dux.
- JCVD does 6 splits in the movie.
Categories
Opening credits with all the fighters warming up and Chong Li kicking ice blocks. The first round of fights montage. JCVD vs smiling fat bear hug guy with the incredible stomach punch. Chong Li vs Ray Jackson (Apollo Creed style). The final fight: Frank vs Chong Li with the blinding powder comeback. The hospital scene where Ray and Frank say 'I love you my friend' – genuinely emotional in an otherwise terribly acted movie.
Donald Gibb as Ray Jackson – perfect loyal sidekick. The fight scenes feel more real than modern choreographed action. Chong Li as a villain: the pec flexes, nose-blowing, celebrations, 'you are next,' and late '80s steroids body. Van Damme's terrible acting is actually charming. The tournament movie structure. The Kumite arena itself – sandy floor, perfect size, 400 seats, crowd close enough to feel.
Van Damme's acting – he can't act and everyone knows it. The monkey guy fighter is problematic. The reporter subplot: going undercover as a call girl, sleeping with the subject. Ray Jackson sexually harassing a woman on the train. Young Frank's accent is terrible and his dad has a completely different one. The mopey walking around Hong Kong scene with the bad 'On My Own' song.
Forest Whitaker being in this movie is the biggest casting what-if – how did the guy from Color of Money, Platoon, and Bird end up in 'Bloodsport'? Feels like someone's sister's fiance asked him to help out.
Norman Burton as Helmer (Forest Whitaker's partner) – was on Kojak, Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, Quincy, CHIPS, Simon & Simon, and Knight Rider in an eight-year run. Had no idea what his name was until Googling it.
Victor Lin – the only other character you remember from the movie besides Chong Li, Ogre, and Van Damme. 'You're blowing it, Frank. Forget about the girl.' Also discussed: Van Damme's Speedo in the pool scene.
Frank Dux's resume: 329 Kumite matches, 56 consecutive KOs, all fabricated. He had the trophy made down the block from his house. Claimed CIA membership. Co-writer Sheldon Lettich: 'Frank told me a lot of tall tales, much of which turned out to be bullshit.' Mortal Kombat's Johnny Cage was based on Frank Dux. Filmed in Kowloon Walled City. JCVD does 6 splits in the movie.
Donald Gibb – in play between Revenge of the Nerds and this (he's the 10th most important person in Nerds, focal in this). Leah Ayres – yes. Bolo Yeung / Chong Li – this over Enter the Dragon since he didn't fight Bruce Lee there. Frank Dux – his Apex was pre-internet, before people could disprove everything. Kowloon Walled City might be Call of Duty Black Ops 2.
Why did Frank have to break the brick if he already had the invitation? That's like two-factor authentication for a fighting tournament. Chong Li has 9 fights, meaning 512 fighters in the tournament – there aren't that many people there. The gambling system makes no sense. Only 2 guys with stun guns sent to capture a Green Beret. How is anyone keeping time for world records?
Yes – a show just called 'Kumite' with short 22-minute episodes like Fleabag. Similar to what Cobra Kai did for Karate Kid.
What was in the blinding powder? (Probably salt.) What happened to the mentor's son? (They show mourning but never explain.) What's Forest Whitaker's reaction when you mention 'Bloodsport' at dinner? (He probably tells Kowloon stories and is thrilled.) Was Ray Jackson's choke bigger than Chong Li's?