Kickboxer: Retaliation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kickboxer gets kidnapped, forced to fight a giant in prison for money, and then does a lot of kicking… with a side of Van Damme wisdom.

🍿 Kickboxer: Retaliation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Kurt’s Kidnapping and Imprisonment

Following his victory in Las Vegas, Kurt Sloane is abducted and wakes up in a Bangkok prison. He quickly learns that he’s been forced back to Thailand against his will. The circumstances of his imprisonment are mysterious, and he soon discovers that a powerful figure wants him to participate in a deadly fight.

The Offer: Fight Mongkut or Stay Imprisoned

Thomas Moore, the mastermind behind the underground fighting circuit, presents Kurt with a deal: fight Mongkut, a colossal and formidable opponent, and win $1 million plus his freedom. Kurt initially refuses, but he’s coerced into accepting when a bounty is placed on his head, making him a target for every inmate and guard. He finds himself with no choice but to prepare for the ultimate battle.

Intense Training and Unexpected Mentors

Realizing the magnitude of the challenge, Kurt undergoes rigorous training. He seeks guidance from unexpected mentors, including his former trainer, Master Durand, who is now blind, and Briggs, a fellow inmate portrayed by Mike Tyson. These mentors help him hone his skills and prepare him mentally and physically for the fight against Mongkut.

The Final Showdown

The climax of the film sees Kurt facing Mongkut in a brutal and extended fight. Mongkut, a genetically enhanced fighter, initially overpowers Kurt. However, Kurt’s determination and newly acquired skills allow him to withstand the onslaught. After a grueling battle, Kurt defeats Mongkut, earning his freedom and the promised reward.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kurt Sloane (Alain Moussi): A skilled MMA fighter who is forced to fight for his freedom in a Thai prison tournament.
• Mongkut (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson): A monstrously large and powerful fighter, genetically enhanced, serving as the main antagonist in the prison tournament.
• Thomas Moore (Christopher Lambert): The corrupt and manipulative mastermind behind the underground fighting tournament who forces Kurt to fight.
• Durand (Jean-Claude Van Damme): Kurt’s former trainer, now blind, who provides guidance and support to Kurt in his training.
• Liu (Sara Malakul Lane): Kurt’s wife who is kidnapped to force Kurt’s compliance.
• Briggs (Mike Tyson): A fellow inmate who becomes an unexpected mentor and helps Kurt train.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thomas Moore: “Moore offers Kurt $1 million to fight Mongkut” – Offering Kurt a tempting yet dangerous deal to fight the unbeatable Mongkut.
• Kurt Sloane: “For Freedom” – Indicates Kurt determination to regain his freedom

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,537
• Worldwide Gross: $101,690

💥 Kickboxer: Retaliation Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I’m a sucker for these kinds of movies. I grew up on Van Damme, and this one definitely brought me back. Alain Moussi is a beast, and the training montages were awesome. It was a fun movie from start to finish. The fight with the Mountain (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) was a classic beatdown/hero’s journey. Definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for some mindless action. I almost jumped out of my seat during the final fight, I was so pumped! Plus, Mike Tyson is hilarious in it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of martial arts movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy action-packed films with intense fight choreography”
  • “Those who appreciate the classic Kickboxer series”
  • “Fans of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mike Tyson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and fight scenes”
  • “Some scenes of torture and male bondage”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “With a story that’s basically Rocky IV in Thailand, ‘Kickboxer: Retaliation’ delivers exactly what you’d expect: non-stop martial arts action. Alain Moussi is impressive, and the fight choreography is top-notch. Don’t expect Oscar-worthy performances, just enjoy the ride. It is more fun than it is ‘good’.
• JoBlo.com: “While the acting is sometimes questionable, the martial arts sequences are undeniably entertaining. Kickboxer: Retaliation brings back the classic feel of 80s and 90s action flicks. You want impressive stunts and thrilling fights with familiar faces? This movie offers that in spades, leaving you satisfied.

Audience Reactions

Alain Moussi’s real martial arts skills shine through in every fight scene.: Fans praised the intense and well-choreographed fight scenes, particularly the final showdown.

The movie is a fun throwback to classic martial arts films with great action.: Viewers enjoyed the nostalgia and the non-stop action, making it a good choice for action movie lovers.

Overall Consensus: A fun, action-packed martial arts movie with impressive fight choreography and a solid performance by Alain Moussi, though it may not win any awards for acting or plot depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film includes cameos from several MMA fighters and athletes, including Wanderlei Silva, Renzo Gracie, and Frankie Edgar.”
• “The movie features a single-take prison fight scene, showcasing Alain Moussi’s martial arts skills with no apparent cuts.”
• “Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, best known as ‘The Mountain’ from Game of Thrones, portrays Mongkut, Kurt Sloane’s formidable opponent.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kickboxer: Retaliation?

As of October 2024, “Kickboxer: Retaliation” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check availability as rental or purchase options may vary. Some services may require a subscription or a one-time rental/purchase fee.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kickboxer: Retaliation, you might like these similar films:

• Kickboxer (1989): The original film that started the franchise, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
• Bloodsport (1988): Another classic martial arts tournament film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, focusing on skill and determination.
• Never Back Down (2008): A modern martial arts film featuring an underground fight tournament, appealing to a younger audience.
• Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006): Focuses on a wrongfully convicted boxer who must fight to survive in prison, similar to Kurt Sloane’s situation.

🛒 Kickboxer: Retaliation Related Products

• Kickboxer (1989) [Blu-ray]: The original classic that started it all. Own the Blu-ray of Kickboxer (1989) starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, a martial arts film. This film comes with a reversible cover, and it’s a must-have for any fan of the franchise.
• Jean-Claude Van Damme: The Early Years Blu-ray Collection: Includes JCVD classic movies Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Timecop, and Street Fighter. A great item for fans who want to relive Van Damme’s glory days.
• Kickboxer: Vengeance [Blu-ray]: Predecessor to Kickboxer: Retaliation. Alain Moussi stars as Kurt Sloan, who must avenge his brother’s death. This Blu-ray is essential for completing the Kickboxer reboot collection.
• Muay Thai Training Gloves: High-quality Muay Thai training gloves. Excellent to replicate what is seen in the movie. Train like Kurt Sloan. Practice kickboxing and martial arts at home with these professional-grade gloves.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kickboxer: Retaliation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Desire” – performed by Meg Myers
• “Amnesia” – performed by IAMX

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mike Tyson slaps Kickboxer in the face!!!

OMG, you HAVE to see this! Alain Moussi gets slapped by Mike Tyson during filming, and the sound is insane. Can you imagine being in his shoes? This clip is hilarious and gives you a taste of how intense Kickboxer: Retaliation really was!

Dave Bautista fights Alain Moussi – Kickboxer Vengeance

Want to see an epic showdown? Check out this full fight scene between Dave Bautista and Alain Moussi from Kickboxer Vengeance. The choreography is awesome, and these guys really went for it! Definitely worth a watch if you’re into action.

✨ Rate