Kill or Be Killed (1977)

When this South African film was released in the United States in 1980, the film distributors marketed as “The Greatest Hollywood Martial Arts Film Made”. However, the film wasn’t made in Hollywood, but in South Africa. Nevertheless, the film hails as a cult classic that features real Japanese karate techniques. Steve Hunt has tried out […]

The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978)

First they proved themselves in the Little League. Then, they conquered Houston. Now, the Bad News Bears are going to Japan in this final installment of the trilogy. The Bears are in a dilemma. They are invited to face the top Little League team in Japan but they are unable to go because for one, […]

The Karate Kid Part II (1986)

The “Karate Kid” and his teacher go on another adventure, this time to Okinawa, the birthplace of Mr. Miyagi. There, more trouble awaits. After winning the All-Valley Karate Championships and earning the respect of his former bullies, Daniel Larusso is preparing for his senior prom. However, he learns that his girlfriend has dumped him to […]

47 Ronin (2013)

The famous Japanese legend is given a supernatural twist in Carl Rinsch’s story. Despite the film being one of the biggest flops of 2013, the film is actually worth seeing. In the times of feudal Japan, a young teen is found in the forests of Ako. Thought to be a demon, he is revealed to […]

Harakiri (1962)

Director Masaki Kobayashi helms this classic samurai eiga that, like his Japanese counterpart Akira Kurosawa, features exciting camera techniques that would influence later martial arts films. In addition, an exciting storyline and twist leads to a classic samurai film. It is May 13th, 1630. At the manor of Lord Iyi, a bewildered-looking samurai appears at […]

Pyongyang Nalpharam (2006)

This North Korean film takes a page from the classic kung fu era and brings a tale of Korea’s martial art of Nalpharam (which later would be called Taekkyon, a predecessor of Tae Kwon Do) against Japanese invaders. In the early 20th century Japanese occupation of Korea, an ancient martial arts manual that showcases […]

Thunderbolt (1995)

Jackie Chan’s love of car racing transitions to the big screen in this action packed film from director Gordon Chan. Graduating from a racing academy in Japan, Jackie returns home to Hong Kong where he plans to help his father’s garage and assist him in tracking down illegal racing cars at night with the police. […]