Death Fighter

source: Death Fighter

source: Death Fighter

The premise is unremarkable, but has potential. The dialogue is wretched and inauthentic in the first place, carries a lot of empty, tough-talking hot air, and like the scene writing is filled with tropes and contrivances that feel like Action-Thriller Movie-Making 101. There are some light touches of humor scattered throughout the length, though most such attempted levity is just flat and dull. Michael B. Schmidt's score doesn't make much of an impression, though some themes bear chords that catch one's ear in passing. Editing and camerawork is overzealous, cutting and moving too quickly to meaningfully sustain any given instance or allow it to resonate, and that includes action sequences as much as shots of the surrounding environment, or character moments. Filming on location in Thailand gives us plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy, in addition to fine set design and decoration, but the most pristine nature is wasted on the film-making illustrated here. 'Death fighter' isn't abjectly terrible, but nor is it particularly good - and with so many other movies out there in the world to watch, there's not a lot of reason to spend time on this one. Protagonist Michael is astoundingly ignorant, and dialogue and scene writing treats viewers like we are, too. (Watch for the moment Bobby Pau informs Michael, and audiences, that a dance incorporates martial arts.) Not one character in the screenplay is written as anything more than a thin archetype (or arguably stereotype). The fight choreography is pretty great throughout, though somewhat declines the finesse and resourcefulness we'd expect from any given martial arts flick in favor of more seemingly visceral, exaggerated sequences. 'Death fighter' sometimes feels less like a martial arts movie (or at least a film containing a fair share of such disciplines), and more like a coarse homage to one. And again, I must emphasize that overly excitable camerawork and editing distinctly and needlessly embellishes the action, and detracts from it. This is also true of the acting. I won't pretend that anyone involved is a world-class actor, and Matt Mullins is almost certainly the weakest link among the ensemble, but there are occasional glimmers of heart and sincerity. Chiranan Manochaem, while apparently having no other film or TV credits to her name, nonetheless stands out as possibly the best actor present, demonstrating some nuance and range. Hers is only a supporting part, but it's a cheeky bit of fun to see Cynthia Rothrock in a rare antagonistic role, and she ably portrays Valerie's hard-nosed contempt. Yet all this is rendered pointless by a film-making approach that seemingly tries to employ brusque, rough construction to synthesize the thrills and drama that should manifest organically in an earnestly worthwhile picture. There are good ideas here. For all the bluster, 'Death fighter' can claim a promising if familiar concept. If imperfect as they present, there's intelligence behind the fundamental orchestration of action scenes. Features of this tenor don't require award-winning acting to work, but I think the cast show they have some capability. Broadly unremarkable as it is in the grand scheme of things, I think there's plenty here to enjoy. However, Lawrence Riggins' screenplay is flawed and uneven, and Toby Russell's direction is questionable. What real value there is in this title is substantially weakened by common, conventional, and tawdry if not altogether tedious filler. I want to like this more than I do. While at large it's nothing out of the ordinary, the fight scenes and stunts are done well enough that I want to hold the movie in higher esteem. But then I think once more of the deep, tired faults, and I can't bring myself to offer more praise. 'Death fighter' is a passable action flick, but a lot more care needed to go into the writing and direction before I could truly recommend it. Alas.

If you see a lot of action/martial films then nothing here is that striking or original. There's a bad man called Draco and several people join forces to take him down, and that's it. There is a bit of a mention about refugees and poverty but it is mostly fighting and shooting. Matt Mullins may be a good martial artist but he can't act. It was good though to see movie veterans Don 'The Dragon' Wilson and Cynthia Rothrock do their stuff, the latter being nicely villainous for a change. My favourite character was the silent Otto played by Prasit Suanphaka and it was a real shame when he was shockingly killed before the last bit of mayhem. Also liked the attractive locations in Thailand. It's not a bad film, it's just forgettable. And why it's entitled 'Death Fighter' who knows?

DEATH FIGHTER is a cheapie martial arts flick shot in Thailand by Toby Russell, son of Ken. It was filmed in 2012 and thus contains the last scene role for '70s fight champ Joe Lewis, unrecognisable here. Don "The Dragon" Wilson plays a former fighter who hooks up with some youths to battle various villains, including Cynthia Rothrock who is pitted against him. The young cast members are deadly dull but it's fun to see the old timers going through their paces, but this film is too cheap to be good. The fights feature lots of sweeping kicks but lack the kind of impact they need to make them decent.

Don Wilson must have gotten his so called championship title out of a cracker jack box because I've seen 5 year olds fight better than him. Every fight he is in, his hands are down & they beat him senseless. If he actually knew how to fight then one punch & they would be out & not get up. Bruce Lee said it best about Hollywood chop-socky type movies. Every strike CAN BE a lethal strike but not every one is when he fought for real & typical stupid martial arts films have no clue on how to fight. Don't waste your time on this movie, watching paint dry is far more exciting.

This is a mildly entertaining movie if you are a martial arts movie fan. The acting is mediocre at best but its nostalgic quality does make it a bit more enjoyable than it otherwise would have been. The fight scenes are so so -- some of them pretty bad to the point of being funny. Not a horrible movie but not very good either --

This came on antenna TV and I had low expectations. Newer films are wimpy and abdie by affirmative action instead of giving us what we want. This one was actually quite good. There is loads of action, fights, deaths and there is the super thin beauty called Yui. She is thin and has beautiful bangs and is doable. Cannot give it a higher mark than 8 though. Where is the natural love making??

One of the best martial arts action movies I've seen in recent years. They say they don't make 'em like they used to, but they did here. Mullins is an accomplished stunt/fight choreographer but this is just more proof he needs to be in front of the camera more often. A good showcase for The Dragon too, one of his best in years. Good to see Rothrock in some good scenes as well. Filled with great fight scenes, never a dull moment.

I would recommend this movie to people who like martial arts action movies so much that they are OK with the lack of realistic scenes in the movie. Be ready to see how 3-4 guys are fighting against a gang of trained mercenaries armed with automatic guns. I'm not that person, hence the rating. Acting is average and the plot is full of clichés.