Having spent the last couple of years immersed in the world of 80’s action films while researching and completing my book, I like to keep an eye out for projects that may appeal to my inner teenager. Growing up, I lived on a strict diet of horror and action films, and I continue to long for those types of films to make a comeback. With horror, it was always the practical effects, and with action, it was the muscle-bound heroes who used high-tech weaponry and their martial arts skills to defeat the enemy.

Today, computer graphics have completely changed that landscape; all we are left with is superhero fare. I recently learned of a project that will pay homage to those 80’s action films, more specifically, the tournament fighting film in the vein of Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and No Retreat, No Surrender.

The Last Kumite has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the picture. With over forty days to go, they’re already nearing $45,000 of their $161,270 goal. The film is gearing up to be an action-packed throwback featuring some of the most prominent names in martial arts action cinema, including Cynthia Rothrock (China O’Brien), Michel Qissi (Kickboxer), Matthias Hues (I Come In Peace), Kurt McKinney (No Retreat, No Surrender), Billy Blanks (The King of the Kickboxers), and Abdel Qissi (Lionheart). It will also feature newcomers like Mathis Landwehr, Emilien De Falco, Aurelia Agel, and Mike Moller, who will be handling the choreography. It’s an interesting and eclectic mix of old-school and new-school talent, and I can’t wait to see these two worlds collide.

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The production has been pretty tight-lipped regarding what they have planned story-wise, but it’s sure to be action-packed. It’s reportedly about Michael Rivers, a skilled martial artist, who is forced to fight in an illegal tournament to save his daughter. Along his journey, he discovers other martial artists who have been forced to fight to save their loved ones.

What’s also exciting to hear is that the score will be composed by Paul Hertzog, who did Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and several others. And if that wasn’t enough, Stan Bush will contribute a song to the soundtrack. If you don’t recognize the name, you’ll recognize his songs like “Fight to Survive (Kumite)” from Bloodsport, “The Touch” from Transformers: The Movie, and many more from films of that same era. Some call Kenny Loggins by the nickname Mr. Soundtrack, but I would argue that title should go to Bush.

Ross Clarkson is set to direct the film. He’s worked as a camera operator on countless high-profile action films, making him the perfect fit for The Last Kumite.

I have no affiliation with The Last Kumite, but I’m excited to see others as passionate about the genre as I am. Be sure to check out the campaign on Kickstarter and follow on Facebook for more information or to track their progress.

The Last Kumite

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