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The Fighter

  • 19891989
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
4.5/10
132
YOUR RATING
The Fighter (1989)
Home Video Trailer from Tai Seng Entertainment
Play trailer1:32
1 Video
3 Photos
ActionDrama
Ryan Travers (Richard Norton) has just been released from a prison in Bangkok, Thailand, after serving a five-year sentence for murder. His parents, running an antique shop in the area while... Read allRyan Travers (Richard Norton) has just been released from a prison in Bangkok, Thailand, after serving a five-year sentence for murder. His parents, running an antique shop in the area while waiting for their son to be released, are killed in an explosion perpetrated by the local... Read allRyan Travers (Richard Norton) has just been released from a prison in Bangkok, Thailand, after serving a five-year sentence for murder. His parents, running an antique shop in the area while waiting for their son to be released, are killed in an explosion perpetrated by the local mob after refusing to pay protection money. Ryan's news go from bad to worse when he lear... Read all
IMDb RATING
4.5/10
132
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Anthony Maharaj
  • Writers
    • Noah Blough(screenplay)
    • Anthony Maharaj(story)
  • Stars
    • Richard Norton
    • Erica Van Wagener
    • Franco Guerrero
  • Director
    • Anthony Maharaj
  • Writers
    • Noah Blough(screenplay)
    • Anthony Maharaj(story)
  • Stars
    • Richard Norton
    • Erica Van Wagener
    • Franco Guerrero
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 4User reviews
    • 6Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Kick Fighter
    Trailer 1:32
    Watch Kick Fighter

    Photos

    The Fighter (1989)
    The Fighter (1989)
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    Top cast

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    Richard Norton
    Richard Norton
    • Ryan Travers
    Erica Van Wagener
    • Katie Travers
    Franco Guerrero
    • Chai Wat
    Glenn Ruehland
    • Zach
    • (as Glen Ruehland)
    Steve Rackman
    Steve Rackman
    • Bodo 'Cage fighter'
    Benny Urquidez
    Benny Urquidez
    • Jet - Undefeated World Kickboxing Champion
    Nello Nayo
    • Wan the Begger
    Angel Confiado
    • Quan
    Tony Laxa
    • Syndicate
    Karim Kiram
    • Syndicate
    Bert Vivar
    • Syndicate
    Greg Rocero
    • Syndicate
    Bebeng Amora
    • Shipyard Fighter
    Jess Bonzo
    • Shipyard Fighter
    Rene Romero
    • Shipyard Fighter
    Eddie Bakal
    • Shipyard Fighter
    Helen McNeely
    • Mrs. Travers
    Gerald McCoy
    • Mr. Travers
    • Director
      • Anthony Maharaj
    • Writers
      • Noah Blough(screenplay)
      • Anthony Maharaj(story)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    User reviews4

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    3/10
    Wasted Gwai lo's
    When I came across this movie in a small Birmingham newsagent for a mere £4.99 I thought it was my lucky day! Richard Norton and Benny the Jet Urquidez are arguably two of the best "Gwailo" villains to have ever graced the Jade screen, so to have the two go against each other seemed like the makings for quality entertainment - I was clearly wrong! The basic premise of the story sees Richard go into raw, back street brawling matches to earn extra cash in order to look after his ill sister. Ultimately, and after some terrible fight scenes, his sister is kidnapped and Richard is forced into a contest against the "World Undefeated Kickboxing Champion" (Benny) to save her. Why? I'm not too sure! As mentioned, the fight sequences that occur for the first hour of the film are not even close to the standard of any HK action film. There is little evident choreography, and it seems as though they really did pick brawlers off the street and got Richard to grapple with them. The finale against Benny is also a disappointment, as having seen both of them battle people like Jackie Chan and Sammo so impressively, they really should have put more effort in. Richard pulls a few nice kicks, but Benny looks a bit fat and even older than his far more impressive outing 7 years later in 'Enter the Eagles'. Richard himself has been a fight choreographer numerous times, especially for Cynthia Rothrock or Chuck Norris's 'Walker' TV series and they all show his talents far better than here. I can only assume it wasn't his choreography, but can't see the point of bringing someone else in, especially on the apparent shoestring budget! There is nothing to recommend this film to anyone accustomed to the HK styling of people like Sammo Hung or Yuen Woo Ping unless you must own every film featuring these two guys. If you want an added fix of Richard Norton go for something better like ALL his HK films or even his US efforts with Cynthia Rothrock. As for Benny: Well, keep re-running 'Wheels on Meals', 'Dragons Forever' or 'Enter the Eagles' to remind you he is actually a fantastic fighter!
    helpful•4
    0
    • tpr007
    • May 27, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 2, 1989 (Jamaica)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Philippines
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Kick Fight
    • Filming locations
      • Philippines
    • Production companies
      • Carl-Phil Productions
      • Independent Film Channel (IFC)
      • Silvertree Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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