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Bloodsport
1988
Drama
Action
1h 32m
Frank Dux has spent most his life being trained by Tanaka to participate in the Kumite, the ultimate martial arts tournament... (imdb)
Directed by:
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Bloodsport
1988
Drama
Action
1h 32m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 39.86% from 2740 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(2767)
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Rated 25 Nov 2017
66
46th
"Have you made a choice, sir? Perhaps this finely aged Ozu, or a Herzog? We still have those Fellinis set aside for you". I cough awkwardly. "Not today Pierre, I'll be having a Beefcake Special with extra cheese, please." The waiter fails to hide his disappointment and returns moments later with Bloodsport. I consume it with glee, smacking loudly as I giggle through all the tropes and bad lines. "Ohh man, you should try this flashback-during-the-final-battle. So good!"
Rated 25 Nov 2017
Rated 16 Nov 2012
44
48th
Irrefutable proof that Forest Whitaker got his trademark droopy right eye after being punched (splits-style) in the gonads by JCVD. And for those of you who don't believe that, I have ten words for you: kumite kumite kumite kumite kumite kumite kumite kumite kumite kumite.
Rated 16 Nov 2012
Rated 29 Aug 2020
70
34th
As the first notable Van Damme movie, and the one that brought him to stardom (if you can really consider him a super star) it's not particularly special. Among children of the 70's and 80's "Bloodsport" is required viewing, but when compared with modern day contemporaries, it's sorely lacking.
Rated 29 Aug 2020
Rated 10 Sep 2008
46
28th
Laughably bad acting to the point where I thought childhood Frank Dux during the flashback was mentally disabled. The music is passable which, to be fair, is pretty good considering it's from the 80's. The fight scenes are severely dated at this point and are jam-packed with awkward slo-mo. Include a really odd "I love you man," then a kiss, between two guys for good measure and you've got a movie that's entertaining. Not good but entertaining.
Rated 10 Sep 2008
Rated 27 May 2016
31
4th
The cruelest thing in this was pitting Forest Whitaker and a 65 year-old man in a chase scene against Mr. Leg Day himself. Just brutal. The soundtrack is pretty catchy and the trippy scenes going through the narrow alleys of Hong Kong effectively shroud the secret torch-lit arena in, well, secrecy. Overall it needed more rosy-cheeked JCVD glamour shots and Bolo Yeung pec flexes.
Rated 27 May 2016
Rated 01 Feb 2015
61
16th
I don't know if I'm reviewing Kickboxer or Bloodsport. I've mashed both films together in my mind named Kicksport. Either way, its Van Damm kicking, punching, yelling in slow motion, and doing impossible splits. One of the lower-tiered action movies from the 80s but still enjoyable and one of JCVD's best movies. Or maybe I'm thinking of Kickboxer. Shrug.
Rated 01 Feb 2015
Rated 13 Sep 2008
51
18th
I've always wondered what drove Van Damme to become an actor, but more than that I wonder how he got hired afterwards.
Rated 13 Sep 2008
Rated 25 Aug 2010
70
65th
Let's face it. Van Damme isn't an actor, he's a roundhouse-kick cheese-ball. And in 'Bloodsport' he does exactly what he does best. That and childhood nostalgia keeps everything going and the movie isn't without its own charm. There are several fun contenders in the Kumite tournament, most memorable of all the extraordinarily intimidating Bolo Yeung.
Rated 25 Aug 2010
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
69th
I just love movies with tournaments in them. This is easily the best movie Jean-Claude Van Damme has been associated with, as well. Bolo Yeung is great as Chong Li as well...not that he had a difficult role. He's just impressive...just saying.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 27 Feb 2015
80
81st
Yeah this movie is probably "bad" in the traditional sense but it's also entertaining, cheesy and fun. You almost have to appreciate a film like this just for being such a product of its time; action flicks like this are a lost art.
Rated 27 Feb 2015
Rated 28 Jan 2018
80
72nd
Now i rate you, like i rate your friend
Rated 28 Jan 2018
Rated 11 Dec 2015
25
13th
Surprisingly, the United States Library of Congress has yet to select this film for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Rated 11 Dec 2015
Rated 01 Dec 2015
18
3rd
So. Much. Horrible. Acting. The fact that this has more than double the amount of rankings of Harakiri is depressing.
Rated 01 Dec 2015
Rated 22 Jul 2009
50
9th
Despite the many faults, you gotta give them credit for being so sincere in making this load of crap.
Rated 22 Jul 2009
Rated 18 Jan 2019
71
55th
Where was this movie my whole life? Sure, I can see why it's dismissed, what with its rebaked plot devices and abrasive acting... but these guys weren't hired to act. They were hired to kick ass. And that they do, with jaw-dropping action choreography and very evident, raw physicality. The rest is 80's cheese, but delivered with such naive, runamok glee I simply couldn't hate it. Far from it. JCVD just roundhouse kicked his way into my heart.
Rated 18 Jan 2019
Rated 08 Aug 2012
1
4th
Do you remember that scene in Dumb & Dumber when Lloyd rips the Asian chef's heart out of his chest and puts it in a doggie bag? This movie is like 90 minutes of that (well, 50 minutes after you get passed the equally unintentionally hilarious exposition dump and training montages). Recommended for fans of Van Damme. Also, idiots.
Rated 08 Aug 2012
Rated 05 Mar 2007
80
80th
I should give it 20 more marks just for the soundtrack. This is classic stuff and a film that everyone with a soul needs to watch. The fights are awesome, the cheese factor is off the charts and it's hilarious (not always for the right reasons). "Flashback Frank" and his legendary acting is the stuff of legend.
This is vintage Van Damme before someone lost a dare and told him he was a good actor.
Rated 05 Mar 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
68th
YEAH!!! YEAH!!! KICK HIM IN THE FACE, FRANK!!!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 26 Jul 2020
80
55th
One of the stupidest, most ridiculous, hyperbolic, ultra-masculine fantasies to come out of the 80s action genre, which is a pretty high bar to vault. It's also reputedly the President's favorite movie, which he apparently watches by having his son, Eric, fast forward through everything that's not the fight scenes.
Rated 26 Jul 2020
Rated 20 Sep 2014
61
31st
The kid who plays young JCVD is one of the worst actors of all time. Then again, JVCD himself is pretty bad at the whole acting business, too. It's kind of entertaining at times, especially in that shlocky 80s way, but it doesn't really amount to much in the end, mostly because of the anticlimactic final fight.
Rated 20 Sep 2014
Rated 25 Jan 2009
75
74th
My fav Van Damme movie. Crappy acting but the elimination rounds and the massive training make it a nice watch.
Rated 25 Jan 2009
Rated 07 May 2009
80
94th
Quite possibly the greatest American fight movie of all time. The 80's kitsch can be silly, but the variety of fighting styles, fun lines and JCVD make this one of the best guy's movies out there.
Rated 07 May 2009
Rated 11 May 2019
6
42nd
KUMITE KUMITE KUMITE KUMITE KUMITE KUMITE KUMITE KUMITE
Rated 11 May 2019
Rated 19 Oct 2015
70
72nd
Easily 3/4 of this film is just muscular dudes beating the shit out of each other. Backed by the ultimate 80s soundtrack. It's dumb and it knows it, and it works because of that. JCVD sticks to kicking people in the face and isn't burdened with the effort of acting. It has a memorable cast of "people JCVD kicks in the face". It's pulp cinema through and through and has dated well enough to become vintage cheeseball.
Rated 19 Oct 2015
Rated 15 Aug 2015
82
62nd
A great film about the need for America to overcome the wounds of WWII in our relationship with Japan, so we can combine our abilities to overcome the Chinese, who are stealing our heritage of manufacturing.
For real, Bloodsport is fantastic. It is a movie that knows what it is about, and it is about fighting.
Rated 15 Aug 2015
Rated 27 Feb 2007
75
71st
"What kind of a deal?" It's a travesty that kid never made it as a Hollywood superstar. Comedy genius combined with Bolo Yeung who's so badass he could knock you out from 30 yards away with one twitch of his bionic pecs and this also has THE greatest line in movie history. What's not to like about this film?
Rated 27 Feb 2007
Rated 01 Mar 2007
78
92nd
THE Van Damme movie to see. You have to look past the few corny aspects and suck in all the awesome.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
Rated 21 Mar 2007
70
41st
As cheesy as Bloodsport is, the realism of the fights is of the utmost intensity. It's a really cool movie.
Rated 21 Mar 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
40th
Jean Claude's best, but that's not saying much. This is a cheese classic.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
66
32nd
There's some horrible acting from Van Damme, the story is simplistic, and there are some ridiculous slow-mo shots, but the fighting scenes are interesting and the premise, overall, works to make an entertaining martial arts film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
67
55th
Even now, you wont see better karate scenes!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
97th
The greatest Van Damme movie ever made. If Frank Dux as a child doesn't make your heart melt, and Frank Dux as the Kuma Tei Champion doesn't make you tremble with pride, then you, my friend, are not human.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 02 Jul 2018
75
65th
No rules, no mercy, no shirts, lots of nutshots and splits and screaming. This movie is batsh*t bananas. One of my favorite Van Damme flicks.
Rated 02 Jul 2018
Rated 12 May 2016
25
10th
Hot garbage, but that's what I love about it.
Rated 12 May 2016
Rated 09 Oct 2007
88
89th
If Tsenzo Tanaka is your shi-do-shi, then show us the Dim-Mak.
Rated 09 Oct 2007
Rated 25 Nov 2014
72
51st
I'll be right back, I'm going to sell my car and furniture to fund a giant backpiece of Frank Dux and Ray Jackson riding a dragon. It's the only way I can feel like a man.
Rated 25 Nov 2014
Rated 24 Feb 2008
76
51st
I was 8 when this movie is made and I just loved it. Now, I would waste my time. But it's a classic of that genre.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
Rated 26 Dec 2019
48
19th
Moronic machismo: international style. The score is mostly for nostalgia as it evokes pleasant memories of action film/fighting game marathons during my misbegotten youth. Based on the life of Frank Dux, you don't have to be a martial arts aficionado to know that serious creative liberties were taken. JCVD's screen persona was not fully developed yet--he resembles a choir boy on roids--while Gibb is still clearly playing Ogre. Fight scenes aren't bad, but they aren't top shelf.
Rated 26 Dec 2019
Rated 19 Jul 2008
80
66th
One of the coolest martial arts films ever. It's horribly cheesy, but I love it since I grew up with it.
Rated 19 Jul 2008
Rated 03 Sep 2008
35
11th
"You break my record! Now I break you! Like I break your friend!" Poor Ogre, he never stood a chance against Chon Li. Now, Brussels Beefcake is going to make him pay. I dont know which was hokier, the attempt at a storyline (runaway army guy goes to fight in super-secret tournament) or the crowd chanting Nuk Soo Kow (or something like that) for the great "white warrior" van damme. Oddly similar to the Russians ovation for Rocky. And just as believeable. The fights were pretty good though.
Rated 03 Sep 2008
Rated 11 Sep 2014
50
29th
While it includes elements of a good film, this movie never equates to much more than entertaining. The acting is pretty awful and plot simple, but there is something catchy in Van Damme and his martial arts that really does take you in. Pretty poor still.
Rated 11 Sep 2014
Rated 19 May 2019
57
31st
This movie made me belly-laugh without trying to. Every single actor delivers every single line wrong. But I had fun watching this movie because I too fight to survive.
Rated 19 May 2019
Rated 24 Feb 2009
65
76th
Though Van Damme had been in films before this, Bloodsport was what first gave the world a look a the man who would, for a brief time, be one of the bigger action stars around. Yes it's cheesy, and the acting is all over the top. But the fighting is good, and it seems like everyone is really enjoying themselves playing their rolls. All in all, if you're looking for a good action movie with good karate, give Bloodsport a try to see Van Damme in his prime. Bolo Yeung of Enter the Dragon co-stars.
Rated 24 Feb 2009
Rated 16 Jun 2009
80
52nd
Bloodsport is one of those movies from my youth, there are hundret's of those fighting competition movies in the 80's and early 90's but Bloodsport is in my opinion the best representative of that genre. Great "Kick-Ass" fighting scenes with a young and buff Van Damme.
Rated 16 Jun 2009
Rated 11 Sep 2023
60
35th
When UFC first came out, everyone talked about it on the schoolyard as if it were this film. I thought people were dying in the octagon. If I was able to do the splits, I also would be doing them as often as I could. I get too riled up watching this type of film, and now I am spending the day kicking the air about ankle high.
Rated 11 Sep 2023
Rated 12 Aug 2009
79
55th
GGGRRRRRRUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAWWWAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWW
Rated 12 Aug 2009
Rated 24 Jan 2010
55
19th
"Entertaining" for its time and it's the movie that made Van Damme into a household name. The problem is it has aged terribly and has some pretty campy acting at that. The fight scenes are also pretty poorly choreographed and shows how physically limited Van Damme really is. What makes Bloodsport interesting at all is some of the campy macho posturing and ludicrous scenes that are memorable if you saw this as a kid.
Rated 24 Jan 2010
Rated 15 Feb 2010
77
77th
Without a doubt Jean Claude Van Damme's best film as he does way more fighting than talking...as he should.Van Damme enters a dangerous, prestigious but clandestine full contact martial arts tournament pitted against the best in the world.With an eclectic range of fighters and loads of footage of fighting time, this is quite entertaining.Memorable moment is when Van Damme delivers his own 'hand slap' to E Honda lookalike that has him begging for mercy.A must for fighting fans.
Rated 15 Feb 2010
Rated 10 May 2017
65
45th
It's awesome. I have nothing else to say about it. I'm not here to write eloquent prose about movies like Bloodsport.
Rated 10 May 2017
Rated 13 May 2010
100
98th
The movie does have a thin story but who says that there should be deep story about the fighter or the tournament? This is about becoming the best there is and that's what the movie is delivering. Van Damme does his part well and Bolo Yeung is the perfect bad guy. The movie shows many different fighting genres and the fighting scenes are brutal. Best fighting movie that there is.
Rated 13 May 2010
Rated 25 Sep 2010
59
24th
Silly guilty pleasure. A true 80's action schlockfest.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
Rated 30 Jan 2023
6
70th
HE IS THE AMERICAN SHITHEAD WHO MAKES TRICKS WITH BRICKS
Rated 30 Jan 2023
Rated 18 Oct 2010
65
83rd
They just don't make 'em like this anymore! Slow motion kicks executed with such determined expressions by Van Damme complimented by the constant extended use of "Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Classic!
Rated 18 Oct 2010
Rated 08 Jul 2011
78
58th
Good fighting scenes but the music was awesome.
Rated 08 Jul 2011
Rated 08 Aug 2012
2
15th
YOU ARE NEX
Rated 08 Aug 2012
Rated 08 Aug 2012
3
24th
Lol I really don't know what to say. I think you should watch it. Just realize what you want out of this movie doesn't start until about 40 minutes in.
Rated 08 Aug 2012
Rated 08 Jan 2017
70
45th
My favorite Van Damme movie. Like SirStuckey said, "I'm not here to write eloquent prose about movies like Bloodsport." But I wish I could write eloquent prose about Bolo Yeung (aka 'Pecs').
Rated 08 Jan 2017
Rated 11 Feb 2013
83
60th
Come now, how can you hate on this movie? Sure the acting is terrible and the Uncle Sam sideplot brings the film to a screeching halt every time it is featured but the setting is cool, the corniness is off the charts, the 80s soundtrack is awesome and JCVD for the most part sticks to what he is very good at: kicking people in the face.
Rated 11 Feb 2013
Rated 27 Sep 2022
90
92nd
There is no better pop in cinema than when JCVD is at his absolute lowest point near the finale and just digs in deep and destroys everyone in a flurry of splits and buns.
Rated 27 Sep 2022
Rated 28 Nov 2013
7
57th
Bloodsport was one of my favourite childhood films and although it's nothing spectacular by today's standards, as a 10 year old I was wowed. This is definitely Van Damme's best film and it showcased him as a true action hero. Bolo Yeung is awesome, I loved his character Chong Li as a kid. There's no doubting that the acting is woeful and the script is just as bad. But the fight scenes are brilliant and excite still. Decent soundtrack also. Can't wait to watch this with my kids. Pure nostalgia.
Rated 28 Nov 2013
Rated 05 Dec 2006
80
54th
Probably his best film, which doesn't mean much, I know...but I usually watch it if I come across it while channel surfing.
Rated 05 Dec 2006
Rated 05 Dec 2006
60
52nd
Pretty shitty Van-Dame movie. But that part when he gets the powder thrown in his eyes, and then goes nutes, and kicks everyones ass while blind, and then takes back the bandana of his fallen trucker friend is pretty awesome.
Rated 05 Dec 2006
Rated 19 Dec 2006
72
63rd
U R NEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rated 19 Dec 2006
Rated 02 Dec 2020
72
61st
While it might have mediocre fight scenes, bad writing and downright terrible acting, it remains entertaining throughout. The story is a classic and the slomo shots alone are worth the price of admission.
Rated 02 Dec 2020
Rated 21 Nov 2016
86
78th
So bad its good except its so much fun that I refuse to give it a bad rating
Rated 21 Nov 2016
Rated 20 Mar 2021
60
10th
Viewed March 19, 2021. Much worse than I anticipated, and yet, hard not to love it - especially JCVD and Donald Gibb's meet-cute while playing video games.
Rated 20 Mar 2021
Rated 07 Sep 2016
64
15th
Fighting contest action films are all kinda the same and never that interesting, but at least since the fighting is given a clear context you don't get crazy convoluted plots and the writing isn't as important. This delivers exactly what it promises and nothing more: Exciting and varied fight scenes with JCVD. The plot surrounding is useless, and the flashback at the beginning is downright garbage, but at least the badness is contained.
Rated 07 Sep 2016
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
23rd
Probably Jean-Claude's best. AND IT HAS BOLO!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
15th
One of Van Damme's best, but that isn't saying much.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
52
43rd
As martial arts films go, this isn't that bad.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 08 Feb 2021
60
33rd
This movie is ridiculous, but also remarkable. 100x better than the other Cannon martial arts films. The walled city is (was) awesome. Hong Kong looks awesome. Gold sportcoats and high-waisted trousers. Horseplay on boats! Bolo Yeung. Stan Bush ('Fight To Survive' makes his more popular 'The Touch' sound feeble by comparison). Just be careful when watching this movie alone, because Chong Li's vicious smile suddenly appearing out the train window may cause a fright, if you're sensitive.
Rated 08 Feb 2021
Rated 30 Aug 2007
8
24th
Great for the variety of martial arts showcased. Van damm can't act, the script writer should commit suicide, and the production values are mediocre, but still worth your time, you'll see all kinds of cool MA.
Rated 30 Aug 2007
Rated 23 Sep 2007
70
47th
action, action, action, that's all you get from sean claude van damme
Rated 23 Sep 2007
Rated 16 Apr 2020
40
23rd
The fight scenes were good, but everything else was pretty cringey because the acting was so bad. This isn't great, but it is a lot of fun.
Rated 16 Apr 2020
Rated 01 Feb 2018
60
25th
It's like a Mirko Crocop fight but beforehand he's struck up conversation at the bar with a "reporter" and is oblivious to the number of roofie coladas he's been slipped. I feel too much of the choreography budget was spent on Van Damme's facial expressions and they were forced to compensate with slow mo on nearly all the fighting. Also, mute the first 40min and have South Parks "montage" song on repeat.
Rated 01 Feb 2018
Rated 27 Aug 2022
60
44th
The acting is mostly bad (Donald Gibb and especially Forest Whitaker being notable exceptions) and the soundtrack cheesy, all the subplots apart from the fight scenes and the backstory are filler material, and, despite a couple of glimpses of something slightly layered, the film as a whole is not much more than an excuse to watch men fight. However, the simple premise is catchy, the action exciting and the climax a suitable pay-off; it's JCVD's breakthrough - and yes, he does the splits.
Rated 27 Aug 2022
Rated 20 Jan 2008
67
39th
Classic Van-Damme.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
Rated 08 Feb 2008
80
62nd
Dare I say, "Van Dam's best"? Yes, yes it is.
Rated 08 Feb 2008
Rated 19 Jun 2024
40
26th
JCVD again runs away from the military to take part in some illegal fighting tournament. The bouts can be interesting but are nowhere near as brutal as the title suggests, and half the time the fighters are just jumping around each other. It’s all so consistently cheesy ‘80s schock it’s almost unreal – from the shots to the script to the godawful montage music – and this is what keeps you going throughout. But by the end you’re just longing for the credits, so it’s not quite so-bad-it’s-good.
Rated 19 Jun 2024
Rated 22 Aug 2008
70
30th
Objectively this is not a good movie. Personally I love the hell out of it. If you want to see a beautifully stylized film avoid this film. If you want to see Van Damme kick the crap out of a bunch of people, why are you even reading this review?
Rated 22 Aug 2008
Rated 16 Jul 2019
70
68th
I love me a good 20 minute flashback scene.
Rated 16 Jul 2019
Rated 31 Dec 2008
65
51st
Jean Paul le Pope, what more can I say???
Rated 31 Dec 2008
Rated 27 Jan 2009
60
20th
Really stupid, but i used to like when i was a kid.
Rated 27 Jan 2009
Rated 19 Feb 2024
40
19th
This was kinda cheesy fun, but after reading about Dux being a fraud it's hard not to revile this portrayal.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
Rated 08 Sep 2014
76
45th
Terrible plot and acting, but it's okay because the fighting is great!
Rated 08 Sep 2014
Rated 28 Sep 2009
55
19th
This is a childhood movie. It was great for a lot of kids of it's time, including myself. Now, most of that children don't like it anymore. They prefer porn...
Rated 28 Sep 2009
Rated 09 Oct 2010
21
9th
FIGHT TO SURVIVE!
I mean, fight because you joined a fighting tournament.
Rated 09 Oct 2010
Rated 12 Feb 2012
70
43rd
Watched this at least a dozen times as a child. It's the reason why I'm such a die hard MMA fan today.
Rated 12 Feb 2012
Rated 29 Aug 2015
100
91st
Bloodsport stars ultrahuman Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux (that's DUKES), a super awesome fighter guy who leaves the army so he can compete in a super-secret underground fighting tournament in Hong Kong, known as KUMITE. He pals around with a brawny American wrestler-type, romances a blonde reporter lady, runs from military police hot on his trail, and kicks the shit out of a lot of people. And meditates while doing splits. Like, a lot. What a showoff.
Rated 29 Aug 2015
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