Jean-Claude Van Damme portrays Kurt Sloane, whose brother suffers crippling injuries in a Muay Thai fight in Thailand. This prompts Kurt to learn the martial art himself, seeking retribution against Tiger Tong Po, who is responsible for his brother’s condition and put him in a wheelchair illegally. I don't feel it's necessary to discuss the niche Van Damme films occupy; most people understand that these movies won’t feature stellar performances, straightforward plots, or unexpected conclusions designed to elicit cheers. While some film enthusiasts might dismiss this type of action movie, I believe they at least appreciate the fighting artistry and choreography displayed. Ideally, they would stay out of the way, allowing fans and those nostalgic for this style of cinema to enjoy their cheesy, violent entertainment. Why would someone interested in serious films even seek out an early Van Damme film? I genuinely enjoy *Kickboxer*. When I first saw it, I was attempting some of Van Damme’s moves and rewatching key moments, thoroughly enjoying the adrenaline rush as Jean-Claude dismantled the villainous Tiger Tong Po (Michel Qissi) in slow motion. Even now, more than twenty years later, that feeling remains; although I can't perform those moves anymore—I nearly dislocated my shoulder just punching the air when Dennis Alexio, with a mullet, gave a thumbs up from his wheelchair—the excitement is still there, and the skill on display continues to impress. There’s even a subplot involving an animal that worries me; I hope that dog doesn't get hurt! Of course, watching it now through more experienced eyes reveals the script’s awkwardness, the silly plot devices used for Van Damme to show off his physique and flexibility, and even one of the worst dance sequences ever filmed—so bad I can’t believe I didn’t laugh out loud in the theater all those years ago. Despite this, it remains a wonderful film, frequently exhilarating, with themes of second chances (Haskell V. Anderson III is excellent as Winston Taylor), revenge, and cultural differences that resonate within the story. Dennis Chan as Xian Chow also stands out, providing strong competition for Pat Morita as the most entertaining martial arts instructor on screen. The real-location photography in Thailand, the training sequences, and an introduction to Muay Thai are all valuable elements. There's plenty of good here to balance out the silliness. There are some truly terrible Van Damme movies—*Cyborg*, released the same year as *Kickboxer*, is a prime example—but the quality of his films generally improved in the 1990s as his popularity grew and budgets increased. This film, however, is something his fans will love, a movie to rank alongside *Bloodsport* as one of the two best action movies from his early career. And I really do love it. 8/10

Source on TMDB