Bloodsport
Bloodsport is a martial arts action film released in 1988. Starring Jean-Claude van Damme as ‘Frank Dux’. The production ultimately earned $50 million at the box office, with a budget of less than $2 million. It was Van Damme’s first starring appearance. ‘Bloodsport’ has since become a cult film.
The Movie
Frank Dux is a U.S. Army captain trained in the martial arts of ninjutsu. When the army forbids him to take part in the underground contest in Hong Kong, he goes absent without leave. Subsequently, two agents are sent after him to bring him back. Forest Whitaker plays agent ‘Rawlins’, while Norman Burton acts as agent ‘Helmer’. During the tournament, he meets up with his friend Ray Jackson (Gibb). Meanwhile, an undercover reporter, American journalist Janice Kent (Leah Ayres), becomes involved with Dux.
The tournament is dominated by the current champion Chong Li, played by Bolo Yeung. During several rounds of fighting, Li kills one of his opponents and puts Jackson in the hospital.
Events culminate in a dramatic final fight between Li and Dux. When Li realizes he is going to lose, he resorts to blinding Dux with a powder hidden in his belt.
Having trained blindfolded, Dux overcame his adversary without the use of his sight. The film is most certainly one of the most popular releases of 1988.
The Cast
- Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux
- Bolo Yeung as Chong Li
- Donald Gibb as Ray Jackson
- Leah Ayres as Janice Kent
- Norman Burton as CID Agent Helmer
- Forest Whitaker as CID Agent Rawlins
- Ken Siu as Victor Lin
- Roy Chiao as Senzo Tanaka
- Michel Qissi as Suan Paredes
- Philip Chan as Inspector Chen