Watch Miami Connection

Miami Connection is a low-budget martial arts action film produced in 1987, directed by Richard Park and Y. K. Kim, who also stars in the film. The movie is a sheer display of non-stop action with elements of comedy, music, and drama, all in one package. The film revolves around a nightclub band named Dragon Sound, which comprises five young members who play synth-driven pop rock music mostly. The band is composed of Yong (Kim), the leader, guitarist and vocal; Jim (Vincent Hirsch), who plays the keyboard and also assists Yong in leading the band; John (Joseph Diamand), who plays the bass guitar; Mark (Maurice Smith), who plays drums, and Jack (Angelo Janotti), who plays guitar.

The band members are all martial arts experts and best friends. To make ends meet, three of them- John, Jim, and Mark-are students at a local university while the other two work as taekwondo instructors at a nearby dojo. Dragon Sound is a tight-knit group, always ready to lend each other emotional support and offer helpful advice when necessary. They are undoubtedly the best of friends.

Dragon Sound's music is not just a hobby, but a way of life. The group dedicates itself to performing uplifting songs about love, friendship, and brotherhood. The message of their music is positive and empowering.

When Dragon Sound accepts an invitation to perform at a rival nightclub, they find themselves at the center of a vicious turf war between rival gangs. The band has no intention of getting involved in the criminal underworld of Miami, but they quickly discover that they have no choice. Their camaraderie will be tested as never before, and their martial arts skills will be put to the ultimate test.

To make things worse, Jim's father, who was thought to be dead, suddenly resurfaces, leading to a series of unexpected revelations. The family dynamics come into sharp focus with a few dramatic scenes that bring out a new level of emotion in the characters.

The plot of Miami Connection may sound a little sketchy and straightforward, but it is the execution that sets it apart from the rest of the martial arts films. What the movie lacks in production value and acting chops, it more than makes up for in heart and sincerity.

The performances by the actors are uneven, but some of them are genuinely endearing. Y.K. Kim's portrayal of Yong is particularly noteworthy, as he infuses the character with warmth, humor, and an unwavering sense of honor. Joseph Diamand's John also stands out with his calm and reassuring presence.

Miami Connection has been rightfully appreciated for its over-the-top fight scenes that are pure entertainment. The martial arts sequences are perfectly choreographed, making excellent use of the cast's extensive knowledge of taekwondo and other martial arts styles. The action is relentless, and the fights quickly become more and more wild and chaotic.

The movie is a heady mix of action and comedy that makes it hard to take seriously or not to enjoy. There are moments of ridiculous humor, such as characters spontaneously breaking into song while doing laundry in the middle of a martial arts battle. Still, it's all part of the movie's charm.

Miami Connection has a memorable soundtrack, composed mostly by Dragon Sound, which adds to the unique mix of the film. The music is bright and funky, with catchy melodies that will have viewers humming the tunes long after the movie has ended.

In conclusion, Miami Connection is a hidden gem of a movie that deserves to find a new audience. It's silly, cheesy, and utterly delightful in every way. Despite being clumsily executed, the film's sincerity and earnestness make it easy to overlook its flaws. If you're a fan of martial arts films or just looking for a fun, entertaining movie, Miami Connection is definitely worth checking out.

Miami Connection is a 1987 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 56.