Kickboxer (film)

Kickboxer is a 1989 American martial arts film produced and directed by Mark DiSalle, and also codirected by David Worth, and starring JeanClaude Van Damme and former world kickboxing champion Dennis Alexio. The film was released in the United States on September 8, 1989. The film is considered to be a cult classic and one of the definitive works in Van Dammes movie career as a martial artist. It was so successful that it spawned several sequels.

Furious, Kurt vows to avenge his brother but is warned by Taylor that the only way to fight Tong Po is in the ring, as going after him outside the ring will result in reprisals against Americans by Thailand citizens because Tong Po is a national hero. Though reluctant at first, Taylor eventually tells him about Xian Chow Dennis Chan, a locally famous trainer living in a remote area of Thailand. Upon locating Xian, Kurt is able to convince him to train him in the art of Muay Thai Thai boxing. Xian trains Kurt using many primitive methods and focusing on speed, agility, and the ability to protect himself through balance and timely breathing. While training, Kurt attempts to foil the operations of a group of Thai mobsters led by Freddy Li, who continuously steal money from the store of Xians niece, Mylee Rochelle Ashana and threaten her. After Kurt makes short work of the thugs in a bar fight with Freddy Li looking on, Xian is able to convince Freddy Li to arrange a match between Kurt and Tong Po. It is determined that they will fight in the ancient way, in which both fighters wrap their hands in hemp rope, which is then coated in resin and dipped in broken glass to make them deadly weapons.Freddy Li arranges to have the fight fixed, and borrowsmillion from the crime syndicates boss to bet on Tong Po. In the days leading up to the match, Mylee is beaten and raped thus losing her virginity by Tong Po while Eric is kidnapped by Freddy Lis henchmen for the purpose of blackmailing Kurt into losing the fight. To save his brothers life, Kurt is instructed by Freddy Li to go the distance with Tong Po before losing the match. He endures a torturous beating, but fortunately, Xian and Taylor are able to locate and rescue Eric before the fight concludes. With his brother free from danger, Kurt manages to find a second wind and defeat Tong Po in a vicious fashion. For good measure, he also kicks Freddy Li. ........

Source: Wikipedia