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Kickboxer is a 1989 action movie directed by Mark DiSalle and David Worth. The movie stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio, and Dennis Chan. It tells the story of a man who learns martial arts to avenge his brother's death. The movie begins with Kurt Sloane (Jean-Claude Van Damme), a young man from the United States, traveling to Thailand with his brother Eric (Dennis Alexio) to compete in a kickboxing tournament. Eric is confident that he will win, but he is killed in a brutal fight against the champion, Tong Po (Michel Qissi). Kurt is devastated by his brother's death and vows to seek vengeance.

To prepare for his fight, Kurt seeks out a legendary martial arts master named Xian Chow (Dennis Chan), who lives in a secluded temple in the mountains. Xian agrees to train Kurt and teach him the ancient art of Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing that incorporates knee and elbow strikes.

Under Xian's guidance, Kurt undergoes grueling training and becomes a skilled fighter. He also grows close to Xian's niece, Mylee (Rochelle Ashana), and begins to uncover the corruption and criminal activity that underlies Tong Po's power.

As the tournament approaches, Kurt faces a series of challenges, both in and out of the ring. He must navigate dangerous alliances and confront the brutal Tong Po in a final showdown. Along the way, he learns the value of discipline, strength, and honor.

Kickboxer is a quintessential 80s martial arts movie, complete with cheesy dialogue, over-the-top fight scenes, and a synth-heavy soundtrack. It showcases Jean-Claude Van Damme's athletic and martial arts abilities, as well as his trademark splits and high kicks. The movie also features impressive cinematography, capturing the vibrant colors and landscapes of Thailand.

Despite its formulaic plot and stereotypical characters, Kickboxer remains a cult favorite among fans of the genre. It captures the thrill and excitement of competitive fighting, while also exploring deeper themes of brotherhood, revenge, and redemption.

In addition to Van Damme's charismatic performance, the movie benefits from strong supporting actors, including Dennis Chan as the wise and enigmatic Xian, and Michel Qissi as the villainous Tong Po. The fight scenes are choreographed with precision and skill, showcasing the athleticism and technique of the actors.

Overall, Kickboxer is a fun and entertaining movie that delivers on its promise of high-kicking action and martial arts mastery. It's a must-see for fans of 80s movies, Van Damme, or martial arts in general.

Kickboxer is a 1989 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 33.