Surprisingly incoherent and boring

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

"Bloodsport" is where it all began for Jean-Claude Van Damme's movie career. There are several styles of martial arts on display during the course of the film. The person who JCVD is playing - Frank Dux - is allegedly a fraud. He can't prove that he set all of those records during his so called distinctive career advice a martial artist. It's great to see Bolo Yeung in action again and playing a ruthless competitor during the martial arts tournament.

Back in the day i always thought JCVD was the best actor ever and that he was oscar worthy actor untill i grew up and saw that well its not true but that doesnt mean he improved especialy if you watch JCVD.Anyway this movie is such a guilty pleasure everything can be so bad but its suprisingly enjoyable and so bad its good material is all here and this movie along some other martial arts flicks from late 80s were reason i started training a litle martial arts. Fight scenes are dated but still enjoyable Recommended as a guilty pleasure and so bad its good movie.

Movie Review: "Bloodsport" (1988)An highly-trained as disciplined actor by the name of Jean-Claude Van Damme, at the age 27, leads this 85-Minute-Cut of an low-budget 1.1 Million-Dollar action-movie released primarily in South Korea on VHS video in January 1988 before "Bloodsport" directed by Newt Arnold (1922-2000), known for being second unit director for Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather: Part 2" (1974) starring Al Pacino and Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" (1982) starring Harrison Ford, gets a chance to be domestically released on the U.S. market to find a niche target audience apart from megastars as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger high-end Hollywood production splendors.This Martial Arts gem takes his time with precisely-chosen production design from mentor trainings fearturing Roy Chiao (1927-1999) and short-lived first appearance of Academy-Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker; all in favor of main character Frank Dux, an U.S. American stranded in the Hong Kong Underworld of Martial Art arena fighting to the death, when nemesis character portrayed by Bolo Yeung, already world-famous for confronting Bruce Lee (1940-1973) in "Enter The Dragon" (1973), comes an exceptionally-emotional shot 10-minute-showdown fight scene with title-given intensity between Van Damme vs. Yeung that after 30 years on the the video market it is still a must-see of full-frontal martial arts filmmaking exposure.Copyright 2018 Cinemajesty Entertainments LLC

Bloodsport is the best martial arts film ever! It's the finest of its kind. Certainly one of the most entertaining films I've ever seen. It has everything you can ask for and is the best film about competition in my opinion (whether its sports, business, work, personal life etc.). It is highly motivating and uplifting. This film has it all for me: action, comedy, romance, friendship, competition, interesting characters, awesome music, you name it. Pure entertainment! When watching or reviewing a film like Bloodsport, it is important to relax and let go of high expectations and standards set out by professional film critics. Just take it for what it is at face value. It's a martial arts film meant to entertain and excite us. I do not understand what certain people expect from films like these? People coming into it expecting top acting performances and Oscar-quality will be sadly disappointed. These types of films are made to purely entertain and Bloodsport totally delivers. It's proof that a movie doesn't have to be Oscar-worthy to be good. It's not always about acting. If the story and characters are great, it makes the film highly enjoyable. The film is perfectly paced as well. There isn't a single dull scene. Yes, there are tons of clichés, stereotypes, and cheesy moments but that's what it's supposed to be. It's an 80's action flick filled with cheese. The movie does not pretend to be anything else other than a fun-packed action film. For that, I respect it.Van Damme may not be the greatest actor out there but he sure is one of the best movie stars. He is a martial artist first and foremost; not an actor. However, as an action star, he shines. He has a gift at making you care about his character besides showing off his martial talent. You actually feel his pain and want to root for him. He has a way of making you feel sorry for him. I think these are qualities that only the best actors possess so a huge plus for him. Most of his contemporaries (action heroes) definitely did not possess such qualities. The only one who comes close is Stallone in 'Rocky'. Also, Bolo Yeung's 'Chong Li' is arguably the best movie villain ever. Again, he is no actor but he plays his part realistically with natural and raw emotion that is very intense. Keep in mind this guy is a bodybuilder and martial artist who also happened to star in Bruce Lee films. Ohh and how can I forget about those awesome one-liners! The film is filled with them and they are highly memorable. Basically, when you have many people reciting lines from a particular movie, it means the movie did an amazing job! Bloodsport is also an excellent example of how music should be used in movies. The film contains a perfect music to visual relation. One of the best soundtrack's ever! 80's music rocks! Very catchy tunes especially the theme song 'Kumite', which will have you chanting "kumite, kumite, kumite" out loud as you root for your favorite fighters. The music in the film creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere hence other films should follow suit.In conclusion, Bloodsport is one of my favorite films growing up and of all-time! You know the movie is good when you are reciting lines, singing songs, and kicking/punching along and well after it's over! I would recommend this film to anyone. Lay back and enjoy! Movie + Music = Masterpiece 10/10