Kickboxer

I think this film is way underrated. Films don't always have to be clean - in the sense that every transition runs smoothly, or there's untold holes in the plot. The fact of the matter is - this movie made me feel emotions : hate, anger, disapproval, revenge, happiness, and relief. Now, although that means nothing to you, it sure as hell means something to me. That is the joy of movies - that pretence can simulate emotions so well. Now, to me, Van Damme is not really a great actor. But the good thing is - he was part of the preproduction process so - the story is precious to him personally, so he gives a better performance than most films. Bloodsport is a dumb Hollywood replica of this movie. This is truly a great film, and the music by Paul Hertzog helps a great deal - a really great deal. The only thing I disapprove of is Van Damme is playing an American with a Belgian accent.

Should never have spawned so many sequels but apart from that this is a really entertaining movie with one of the better villains in cinema. It has some Rocky elements to it (which work) and has some humour which I wasn't a fan of but many people do like. This is one of the rarer JCVD movies that has a bit of soul.