Filmed on location in Thailand in 1995, this sequel to the original Bloodsport (featuring Jean Claude van Damme) is the first movie Daniel Bernhardt stars in. He plays Alex Cardo, a thief of antiques, who gets in jail for stealing the sword that is the prize for winning the Kumite, the martial-arts tournament that is actual topic of the Bloodsport movies. The movie is narrated by Master Sun, whom he meets in prison, and who relates Alex? adventures to his students. After getting into prison, it doesn?t take Daniel (Alex) long to start demonstrating his fighting skills, and it soon becomes apparent that Jean Claude Van Damme is not too tough an act for him to follow.
In prison, Alex comes to the rescue of a sick man who is attacked by two others. This results in Alex himself being assaulted by followers of someone called Chien, who gives protection to some prisoners. But just when Chien himself is about to deal the final blow to Alex with a stick, Master Sun steps in, using his technique called The Iron Hand?a technique that will stand Alex in good stead in the rest of the movie?to ward off the attack. The Iron Hand allows Sun to, for example, cause movement in water without actually touching it. The situation is resolved for the moment, but Alex has managed to anger the demonic prison guard Demon (played by Ong Soo Han) on the way?someone he will meet later on during the Kumite.
Master Sun takes Alex under his wing and promises to teach him The Iron Hand??a way of being,? als Master Sun calls it. Alex trains hard and overcomes the hardships of prison life. During one of several attacks there, he uses The Iron Hand to good effect to deflect a potentially lethal kick by Chien, who is in turn killed by an enraged Demon. For a while, Alex is put in solitary confinement. When he is released from it, Master Sun completes perfecting Alex? fighting skills, and Alex promises to enter the Kumite in his master?s honor. At a certain point, Demon leaves, not long before Alex does too. Both, it turns out, are going to take part in the Kumite.
Arriving at the Kumite, Alex finds himself with no invitation, and he has Raymond, the handler, played by Don Gibb?and incidentally, the only actor from the first Bloodsport?to thank for being allowed to participate after all. Soon after this, the fights start, and they, of course, form the essence of the movie. The fighting scenes are electrifying and beautifully choreographed. Especially those featuring Alex are a joy to watch. Perhaps their only imperfection is the sounds effects that are at times a little unrealistic. Other than that, they offer an invigourating display of a rich variety of martial arts. (The head Judge of the fights, by the way, is Daniel?s real-life Master, Cho.) Alex? style is characterized by elegance, dignity, and sportmanship. Demon?s style, on the contrary, is savage and unsportsmanlike. Alex and Demon beat their respective opponents with relative ease?encountering little but the occasional hiccup until they meet in the final. Initially, Alex is overshadowed by his former prison guard, taking a huge beating, until he falls to the canvas in exhaustion. But just as he appears prepared to throw in the towel, encouraged to do so by Raymond, his handler, he sees movement in the water in the bucket on the floor beneath him. Assured of the presence of his Master, he then regains the strength to continue. He gets flashbacks of his training, which reminds him of The Iron Hand. With a few destructive punches and one devastating final kick he reverses the roles and finishes Demon off. He is then declared the new Kumite Grand Champion.
It is hardly possible to imagine a better successor to Van Damme than Daniel Bernhardt. He is an excellent fighter who also happens to be a good actor. His modesty, dignity, and sincerity shine through in every scene. This is combined with a nice?though of course not too profound?story of revenge and honor, and with catchy music (especially that during the training sessions).
All in all, I would say this sequel is better than the original. It?s highly entertaining and must-see for any martial-arts fan.
The second installment in the Bloodsport series follows Alex Cardo, a thief of fine art, who gets nabbed after stealing the sword that is to be awarded to the winner of the Kumite; a free-for-all contest featuring some of the world's best martial artists. Once in prison Alex meets Master Sun who teaches him to believe in himself as well as the "Iron Hand". Sun tells Alex that the path to glory is not through force but through inner peace. After 2 years Alex is bailed out of jail and enters the Kumite to honor his teacher and mentor, Master Sun.
I was glad to see the plot wasn't a continuation from the first Bloodsport movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme (a la Kickerboxer). Daniel Bernhardt has a great presence on film as well as some great moves as a martial artist. He may not seem as fluid as other martial artists but he sure packs a punch! I got the distinct impression that he has extensively trained as a boxer. This film also features a lot of different styles including a little Capoeira, which is always refreshing! The plot is your typical "Bad Guy turns into Good Guy and beats new Bad Guy", but overall it wasn't bad.
By Craig Robertson-Ayr, Scotland
I have now seen all 4 of the Bloodsport movies and this one is the best! This has a reasonably decent story and the martial arts scenes are some of the best around. This movie has to be recommended to any action movie fan.
By A Viewer in Montrose, PA
I don't care what anyone says, this is the best martial arts movie ever! I say it's way better than the original. Amazing and stunning performance by Daniel Bernhardt. I wish someone would teach me the "Iron Hand". I can't wait to see Bloodsport 3. I give this movie 1,000,000 stars!
By A Viewer in Fla.
This is the type of movie no one admits to liking but they watch it every time they see it. Much like listening to Monica Lewinsky, you just can't pull away. It is so satisfying to listen to Alex chant out his gutteral "Haaaaaahhhh". Give in to the pleasure and watch this movie again, and again, and again...