Stars: Mathis Landwehr, Kira Kortenbach, Matthias Hues, Billy Blanks, Mike Derudder, Mike Möller, Cynthia Rothrock, Kurt McKinney, David “Bolo Jr” Yeung | Written by Ross W. Clarkson, Sean David Lowe | Directed by Ross W. Clarkson
As you can probably tell just from the title, The Last Kumite was inspired by 80s action films, the iconic Bloodsport in particular. And it opens like it stepped out of a time warp from the 1980s with an old-school pop song playing over a montage of scenes shot on the streets of New York City before taking us to the dojo where Michael Rivers is teaching his daughter Bree (Kira Kortenbach).
After an inspirational speech at the end of her training, it’s time to go see Mom. If you guessed that means a trip to the cemetery, you’ve seen as many of these films as I have.
The next day, Michael fights in...
As you can probably tell just from the title, The Last Kumite was inspired by 80s action films, the iconic Bloodsport in particular. And it opens like it stepped out of a time warp from the 1980s with an old-school pop song playing over a montage of scenes shot on the streets of New York City before taking us to the dojo where Michael Rivers is teaching his daughter Bree (Kira Kortenbach).
After an inspirational speech at the end of her training, it’s time to go see Mom. If you guessed that means a trip to the cemetery, you’ve seen as many of these films as I have.
The next day, Michael fights in...
- 5/24/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
If you love action classics like Kickboxer and Bloodsport, a whole host of 80s and 90s martial arts superstars return to the screen in the action thriller The Last Kumite, coming to Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Uhd/Bd Steelbook, as well as digital platforms in the UK and Ireland from 13th May… And I’ve got my pre-order in already!
When Karate champion Michael Rivers (Mathis Landwehr) wins the last tournament of his career, shady businessman Ron Hall (Matthias Hues) offers him the opportunity to fight in an illegal, deadly Kumite in Bulgaria with the world’s best martial artists. Michael declines, only to find out later that his daughter Bree has been kidnapped and that in order to rescue her, he is left with no other option but to fight in the deadly tournament. When he finally gets to Bulgaria, he finds out that he is not the only...
When Karate champion Michael Rivers (Mathis Landwehr) wins the last tournament of his career, shady businessman Ron Hall (Matthias Hues) offers him the opportunity to fight in an illegal, deadly Kumite in Bulgaria with the world’s best martial artists. Michael declines, only to find out later that his daughter Bree has been kidnapped and that in order to rescue her, he is left with no other option but to fight in the deadly tournament. When he finally gets to Bulgaria, he finds out that he is not the only...
- 4/29/2024
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Throwback martial arts action film The Last Kumite heads to streaming in 2024, and here’s the trailer.
There is no question that the 1980s was a vintage time for action films, particularly in Hong Kong. There was a fruitful period in the mid 1980s when Hong Kong directors would hire American martial artists to go toe to toe with onscreen, both to broaden the international appeal and show a wide range of styles.
From Cynthia Rothrock going up against Sammo Hung in Shanghai Express to Richard Norton’s multiple bust ups with Jackie Chan in the likes of City Hunter and Mr Nice Guy, these performers went on to headline a series of low budget American action films that have since gained a cult following, perhaps most notably the China O’Brien series and the numerous No Retreat, No Surrender sequels
The Last Kumite looks set to be a throwback to that style,...
There is no question that the 1980s was a vintage time for action films, particularly in Hong Kong. There was a fruitful period in the mid 1980s when Hong Kong directors would hire American martial artists to go toe to toe with onscreen, both to broaden the international appeal and show a wide range of styles.
From Cynthia Rothrock going up against Sammo Hung in Shanghai Express to Richard Norton’s multiple bust ups with Jackie Chan in the likes of City Hunter and Mr Nice Guy, these performers went on to headline a series of low budget American action films that have since gained a cult following, perhaps most notably the China O’Brien series and the numerous No Retreat, No Surrender sequels
The Last Kumite looks set to be a throwback to that style,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
"It's time!" Capelight Pictures has unveiled a first look teaser for an upcoming 80s / 90s throwback movie called The Last Kumite, directed by filmmaker Ross W. Clarkson. This indie project has been funded on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo, being readied for release in 2024. It's going direct-to-vod in the spring. The Last Kumite is a new spin on the great martial arts films of the 80s & 90s that are still loved amongst action film fans as much today as they were decades ago. The filmmakers describe it as "a new take on the tournament movie inspired by the likes of Bloodsport, Kickboxer and No Retreat No Surrender." Following a martial arts fighter who discovers other martial artists have also been "forced to fight to save their loved ones." Starring newcomer Mathis Landwehr as Michael in the lead role, with a massive throwback cast including Cynthia Rothrock, Michel Qissi, Matthias Hues, Richard Norton,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
1966: Dark Shadows' David was angry with his father.
1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub.
1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower.
2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: On General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.
1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger...
1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub.
1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower.
2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: On General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.
1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger...
- 7/20/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Peyton Place's Allison famously cut her hair.
1980: AMC's Palmer toasted Nina on her 19th birthday.
1985: Santa Barbara's Kelly blew up a car.
2010: AMC's Greenlee revealed herself to be alive at her wedding."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Jim and Sam received photos of Keith kissing another woman. Louise told Joanne (Mary Stuart) that Irene (Bess Johnson) planned to destroy Joanne's reputation by leaking information of her affairs and shady business activities. Irene told Jim that she wanted...
1980: AMC's Palmer toasted Nina on her 19th birthday.
1985: Santa Barbara's Kelly blew up a car.
2010: AMC's Greenlee revealed herself to be alive at her wedding."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Jim and Sam received photos of Keith kissing another woman. Louise told Joanne (Mary Stuart) that Irene (Bess Johnson) planned to destroy Joanne's reputation by leaking information of her affairs and shady business activities. Irene told Jim that she wanted...
- 2/15/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1966: Dark Shadows' David was angry with his father.
1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub.
1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower.
2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: On General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.
1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger (Louis Edmonds).
1972: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) told Jim,...
1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub.
1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower.
2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: On General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.
1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger (Louis Edmonds).
1972: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) told Jim,...
- 7/20/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Peyton Place's Allison famously cut her hair.
1980: AMC's Palmer toasted Nina on her 19th birthday.
1985: Santa Barbara's Kelly blew up a car.
2010: AMC's Greenlee revealed herself to be alive at her wedding."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Jim and Sam received photos of Keith kissing another woman.
1980: AMC's Palmer toasted Nina on her 19th birthday.
1985: Santa Barbara's Kelly blew up a car.
2010: AMC's Greenlee revealed herself to be alive at her wedding."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Jim and Sam received photos of Keith kissing another woman.
- 2/16/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Author: Matt Rodgers
Jcvd returns this week in Peter Malota‘s Kill ‘Em All, a fiery shoot ’em up which sees the man himself return to form as a one-man killing machine caught up in the crossfire between an international criminal gang and an increasingly desperate FBI investigation. It is a ridiculously fun throwback to the Van Damme days of glory with well suited henchmen being reworked internally by the the muscles from Brussels. A wonderfully-bearded Peter Stomare and another key 80s action star Maria Conchita Alonso (who partnered The Running Man and took the alien to task in Predator 2) join in the fun. Take a look at the trailer, and you’ll know exactly what we mean…
Kill ‘Em All Movie Trailer
Now Matt Rodgers takes us all the way back, to remind us why Jean-Claude was such a big hit…
For an entire generation Jean-Claude Camille François...
Jcvd returns this week in Peter Malota‘s Kill ‘Em All, a fiery shoot ’em up which sees the man himself return to form as a one-man killing machine caught up in the crossfire between an international criminal gang and an increasingly desperate FBI investigation. It is a ridiculously fun throwback to the Van Damme days of glory with well suited henchmen being reworked internally by the the muscles from Brussels. A wonderfully-bearded Peter Stomare and another key 80s action star Maria Conchita Alonso (who partnered The Running Man and took the alien to task in Predator 2) join in the fun. Take a look at the trailer, and you’ll know exactly what we mean…
Kill ‘Em All Movie Trailer
Now Matt Rodgers takes us all the way back, to remind us why Jean-Claude was such a big hit…
For an entire generation Jean-Claude Camille François...
- 1/19/2018
- by Matt Rodgers
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Craig Lines May 3, 2017
For fans of 80s action cinema, No Retreat No Surrender holds a special place. We've been speaking to the man behind the series...
If you were a kid in the 1980s and you liked action movies, chances are you rented No Retreat No Surrender at some point. It was like a more violent, high-octane take on The Karate Kid, with all-American teen Jason (Kurt McKinney) getting martial arts tutelage from no less than The Ghost Of Bruce Lee so he could kick the ass of a muscly Russian (Jean-Claude Van Damme in his first major role). As a kid, this movie was everything to me. It was a 15 cert so a little bit edgy, but still simple and wholesome enough for young me to totally ‘get it’. I had tears streaming down my face the first time I watched it, I was so invested in the final fight.
For fans of 80s action cinema, No Retreat No Surrender holds a special place. We've been speaking to the man behind the series...
If you were a kid in the 1980s and you liked action movies, chances are you rented No Retreat No Surrender at some point. It was like a more violent, high-octane take on The Karate Kid, with all-American teen Jason (Kurt McKinney) getting martial arts tutelage from no less than The Ghost Of Bruce Lee so he could kick the ass of a muscly Russian (Jean-Claude Van Damme in his first major role). As a kid, this movie was everything to me. It was a 15 cert so a little bit edgy, but still simple and wholesome enough for young me to totally ‘get it’. I had tears streaming down my face the first time I watched it, I was so invested in the final fight.
- 5/2/2017
- Den of Geek
Tonight it's full-contact karate with Jean Claude Van Damme and Kurt McKinney in the 1986 cult classic No Retreat, No Surrender.
McKinney plays Jason Stillwell, a young karate student and Bruce Lee fanatic who trains in his father's (Timothy D. Baker) dojo. One night after a training session, the dojo is visited by members of an organized crime syndicate. After refusing to join the organization, Jason's father has his leg broken by a Russian martial artist named Ivan Kraschinsky (Jean Claude Van Damme), a hired thug of the boss. Stillwell begins to train under the tutelage of a ghost Bruce Lee, yes a ghost, in an attempt to become a better fighter to seek revenge against Kraschinsky.
No retreat, no surrender tonight 7p Et / 4p Pt
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 8/31/2012 by reelz
ReelzChannel Primetime Movie | No Retreat, No Surrender...
McKinney plays Jason Stillwell, a young karate student and Bruce Lee fanatic who trains in his father's (Timothy D. Baker) dojo. One night after a training session, the dojo is visited by members of an organized crime syndicate. After refusing to join the organization, Jason's father has his leg broken by a Russian martial artist named Ivan Kraschinsky (Jean Claude Van Damme), a hired thug of the boss. Stillwell begins to train under the tutelage of a ghost Bruce Lee, yes a ghost, in an attempt to become a better fighter to seek revenge against Kraschinsky.
No retreat, no surrender tonight 7p Et / 4p Pt
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 8/31/2012 by reelz
ReelzChannel Primetime Movie | No Retreat, No Surrender...
- 8/31/2012
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
With The Expendables bringing 80s action movies back, Duncan salutes the homoerotic classic moments of the genre...
For those of us out there that consider ourselves action movie fans, there is one decade that stands above all others: the eighties. I think it's fairly safe to assume, as well, that it's unlikely to ever be surpassed in terms of the stars it held up.
You know the list of names by now. Just cast an eye at The Expendables poster and then add the likes of Dudikoff, Seagal, Van Damme, Norris, Swayze and Steve James (may they both rest in peace), yet there are still more.
In retrospect, that decade also seems slightly innocent in the way it viewed the world. AIDS awareness was only just starting, homosexuality was still very much misunderstood and taboo, and as the Reagan era tried to swing Hollywood to the right, it very much...
For those of us out there that consider ourselves action movie fans, there is one decade that stands above all others: the eighties. I think it's fairly safe to assume, as well, that it's unlikely to ever be surpassed in terms of the stars it held up.
You know the list of names by now. Just cast an eye at The Expendables poster and then add the likes of Dudikoff, Seagal, Van Damme, Norris, Swayze and Steve James (may they both rest in peace), yet there are still more.
In retrospect, that decade also seems slightly innocent in the way it viewed the world. AIDS awareness was only just starting, homosexuality was still very much misunderstood and taboo, and as the Reagan era tried to swing Hollywood to the right, it very much...
- 8/10/2010
- Den of Geek
In the mid-eighties Ng See Yuen’s ‘Seasonal Films’ company decided it might be a good idea to try their hand at making films with more international appeal, initially inspired by the success of a certain Hollywood martial arts movie.
But unlike previous attempts at international productions by the likes of Golden Harvest and other studios, where the main goal was to introduce a home grown star to the west, Seasonal’s aim was to make movies with a combination of American actors in front of the camera, with a mostly Asian crew working behind the scenes, putting together the kind of action that Hong Kong does so well.
Their first attempt, ‘No Retreat, No Surrender‘ was released in 1986...A film which would eventually spawn two sequels.
“Tonight, he either fights for his life, or he’ll be running for the rest of it.”
The original ‘No Retreat, No Surrender...
But unlike previous attempts at international productions by the likes of Golden Harvest and other studios, where the main goal was to introduce a home grown star to the west, Seasonal’s aim was to make movies with a combination of American actors in front of the camera, with a mostly Asian crew working behind the scenes, putting together the kind of action that Hong Kong does so well.
Their first attempt, ‘No Retreat, No Surrender‘ was released in 1986...A film which would eventually spawn two sequels.
“Tonight, he either fights for his life, or he’ll be running for the rest of it.”
The original ‘No Retreat, No Surrender...
- 7/2/2009
- by Chris
- Latemag.com/film
Long ago, before the problems with drugs and fights at strip clubs, Jean Claude Van Damme ripped himself out of the fighting world, oiled up his flesh, and became America's Muscles from Brussels. At first, the process was slow and simple -- breaking into the world of film as "Gay Karate Man" in Monaco Forever, being a background performer in Rue barbare, and then getting some uncredited English work as a spectator in that 1984 classic, Breakin'.
But then came No Retreat, No Surrender, where he played a Russian baddie opposite General Hospital and Guiding Light star Kurt McKinney, and the rest was history. He did all he could do in the action realm -- kickboxing revenge, jail, video game flicks, soldier, and even cracking walnuts with his butt.
These days, he's whipped up an insane amount of positive buzz with Jcvd and reinvigorated his career. But it all had to start somewhere.
But then came No Retreat, No Surrender, where he played a Russian baddie opposite General Hospital and Guiding Light star Kurt McKinney, and the rest was history. He did all he could do in the action realm -- kickboxing revenge, jail, video game flicks, soldier, and even cracking walnuts with his butt.
These days, he's whipped up an insane amount of positive buzz with Jcvd and reinvigorated his career. But it all had to start somewhere.
- 9/13/2008
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
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