Las garras del tigre

A look at the hard facts in advance, genre, year of release, actors, with the result: what could possibly go wrong? Maybe that it looks like Asia, but it's USA/Canada. However, it soon becomes clear that Hong Kong has more quality to offer, or rather speed and lunacy. And the art of better concealing a lack of budget and acting talent. Tiger Claws is definitely a far cry from Bloodsport or something similar. What is being attempted here: a cop thriller in which a martial arts serial killer is hunted who kills his victims by scratching them. Well, it's as hare-brained as that sounds. What's more, it has few highlights, is not staged particularly quickly and the fight scenes are average at best. Cynthia Rothrock and Jalal Merhi as police buddies lack that certain something. But there's still one reason to watch this film, as you can probably guess: Bolo Yeung. As always, incredible presence and wild, unpredictable acting. Not a man, a weapon.

I first saw this in the mid 90s on a vhs.

Revisited it recently.

Rothrock was indeed very hot in this movie. She was busty, bodacious n well dressed n she carried her hairstyle in an illecebrous way.

I have seen many of her movies as a teen, but those days it was for action n martial arts.

I need to revisit her movies now.

Many fellas complained about the bad acting in this movie.

I cannot fathom these fellas who look for acting in action movies, especially of the 80s n 90s.

At times this one gets a bit comical.

The camera zooms in on a fella with mullet hair n thin Zapata moustache who stands on broken glasses.

What purpose it serves is beyond me.

Just outta da blue a guy (skilled in drunken style martial arts) gets attacked by a bunch of fellas.

He is rescued by our hero who is searching for someone.

Our hero is a slimmer version of Steven Seagal n he even has a ponytail.

The movie has lots of oh ha with tight fists, claw like fists n constipated faces.

We have fellas punching in hot sand, hot tar, hot water.

I still cannot fathom what purpose does it serves.

A cop is kicked in the sea n after lottuva time has expired, he yells help, i can't swim. Man, how he didn't drowned after being in water for so long is again a bouncer for me.

The movie has terrible background music n the fight choreography ain't stimulating or intense.

Generous with a 6 cos of Rothrock, Bolo Yeung n Jalal Merhi, the guy who produced and acted in numerous action films that can be considered martial arts B movies of the 90s.

Some complain about acting. They don't know the features of martial art Acting. It's a different thing. Not just b-side kung-fu-karate beat em up. This one is unique for it's sub genre. What we have here is a thriller. The main maniac-killer has very big sport ambitions, but he satisfies himself with anonymus fights till death, leaving only his signature scars on the bodies of his opponents..Bolo plays his role very well. He is a quiet painter in the dojo and he is an ego-maniac killer. Cynthia is sweet and cute in throwing her mighty kicks as allways:) Jalal is less known action star, but he suits the cast perfectly. He looks believable in the role of undercover police man. His pure mean simlycity is the right cure for the twisted Claw-mastermind..

My review was written in October 1992 after watching the movie on MCA video cassette.

This formula martial arts actioner is a lesser effort featuring the reigning queen of the genre, Cynthia Rothrock. Video release will please diehard fans.

Pic poses a serial killer who preys on martial artists, leaving a telltale "tiger claws" mark of death. Early on the audience discovers Bolo Yeung's the renegade killer, who works at a martial arts studio.

Cops Rothrock and Jalal Merhi infiltrated the world of karate and kickboxing. Both have ample opportunities for action scenes, but it's all strictly formula.

Filming in Toronto and Vancouver subs unconvincingly for the New York setting, though the pic is technically well-made. Merhi, who also produced, is a cold fish of a hero while Rothrock is stuck in a sidekick role.

Predictable highlights include the massive, perennial genre villain Yeung whipping into action. He's left alive at the finale, setting up sequel potential.

This movie, starring Cynthia Rothrock, Jalal Merhi, and especially Bolo Yeung, showcases everything that's wrong with martial arts movies.

I still don't know why, but since it's inception, this genre is plagued by production values, acting and direction, which put it only one peg above porn, if that.

Jalal Merhi especially talks like Serge the art dealer from Beverly Hills Cop. Cynthia Rothrock's abilities are accomplished, but her acting is limited. Bolo Yeung still doesn't seem to have mastered English, although I always enjoy his performances.