The Last Kumite – 2024
The Last Kumite is not a movie that is revolutionary in any way. There are plenty of other movies focusing on secret fighting or fighting tournaments. There are really just two things to look for in this movie. First is if there are any cool fighting sequences and some nice choreography. I was disappointed in that area very early in the movie. I felt like the fighting sequences were very far off and that it didn’t even look like full contact. Of course, it’s not, but we all like to get the feeling it is, right? The second thing to get out of The Last Kumite doesn’t get introduced for quite a while. In the meantime, let us talk about the acting. It’s very bad most of the time and so is the script.
I mean, we have all seen movies where people are being killed during the fights. Films where some evil mastermind has figured out that there’s a lot of money to be made from gladiator-like games. Nothing is spared and if you can’t get the fighters to fight of their own free will, loved ones are kidnapped and held imprisoned so that the fighting can go on. Of course, it’s not just the fighting itself that’s at stake. The villain also seems to have a personal interest in making the “games” as sadistic and lethal as possible, That’s what the wealthy crowd is cheering for anyway.
Reigning Champion likes to kill
The reigning champion seems to be unbeatable and is also extremely unforgiving and eager to take their opponent’s life in the fight or right after. But there’s gotta be one of the fighters who seems to stand a chance and get some special training. Why the villain allows this is not clear. If I were the ringleader and needed my champion to win, I would certainly keep the opponents from gaining advantages. But I guess that’s the angle, the bad guys always underestimated the good guys.
There are plenty of movies similar to this one that I enjoyed better such as Kickboxer, Shootfighter, and even King of the Kickboxers. But none of those films have the second ingredient that makes this film interesting. Cynthia Rothrock is in a small part. She doesn’t contribute much but she has that nostalgic aura around her. She’s old now and far away from her prime as a fighting actor. She’s no better nor worse than any of the others though. I was pleased to see her even if it were just a small part.
That’s about it. There are many other similar movies that are better, but it’s entertaining enough to see once!
