K.O.

For reasons best left to sociologists and film students of the far future, these types of action films have been out of favor recently, lost in an endless sea of DEI and similar themed product. So it is entirely possible that audiences have forgotten what a good action film feels like. A good action film feels just like this one, with a solid lead that you can relate to -- Gane does a great job -- and a director who knows enough not to waste his time, or yours. Recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

In no ways is this a bad film, it just left with a lot to be desired. Let's start with the good! The few action scenes there were in this film were really fun and engaging, they weren't super original per say, (there's the nightclub fight scene that is in every single action movie now) but fun nonetheless. The performances were pretty good, and I really dug the directing. Now the issues, first and foremost, I felt like this film was too short (which is not a common issue for me to have), but it's hard for me to believe that this movie wouldn't have improved with an extra 10 to 15 minutes of runtime, it would've given the ability to fix my next issue, a severe lack of depth in any of the characters. Even in the leading duo, you learn about their tragic backstory, they make out, and that's about it. The actors did well portraying the characters, I just didn't like the characters. Overall this film was mildly annoying, because the concept and directing gave me so much hope that this was gonna be a really unique movie, but it all got lost inside of action cliches, and sloppy writing.

"K. O. 2025," directed by Antoine Blossier, is a French action thriller that has quickly garnered attention, especially on streaming platforms like Netflix. Released on June 6, 2025, the film stars MMA fighter Ciryl Gane in a lead role, which undoubtedly contributes to the film's gritty authenticity and appeal to action movie enthusiasts.

At its core, "K. O. 2025" is a story of redemption and consequence. The plot revolves around Bastien (Ciryl Gane), a former MMA fighter haunted by a past tragedy: the accidental death of an opponent in the ring years prior. This traumatic event has clearly left him reclusive and emotionally scarred. His world is dramatically shaken when he is pulled back into the violent underworld of Marseille. The catalyst for his return is the desperate plea of the deceased opponent's widow, who seeks his help in finding her missing son, Léo (Maleaume Paquin). This premise immediately sets up a compelling emotional conflict for Bastien, forcing him to confront the very pain he has tried to escape.

The film then plunges Bastien into a dangerous quest, where he must confront a brutal crime gang in Marseille. This criminal element is personified by characters like Abdel Manchour (Foued Nabba), a ruthless gangster, and Kenza (Alice Belaïdi), a determined police officer who teams up with Bastien. The narrative promises a blend of raw action and intense drama, as Bastien navigates the treacherous criminal landscape in a bid to find Léo and, perhaps, find some semblance of peace for himself.

One of the most praised aspects of "K. O. 2025" is its action sequences. With Ciryl Gane, a real-life MMA powerhouse, in the lead, the film leverages his expertise to deliver realistic and impactful fight choreography. Reviews have highlighted that the action is not overly reliant on excessive CGI or choppy editing, a common complaint in modern action cinema. Instead, the focus seems to be on visceral, well-executed hand-to-hand combat that feels earned and believable. This commitment to realism distinguishes it from many Hollywood blockbusters and contributes to its "gritty" feel.

Beyond the action, the film also aims for emotional depth. Bastien's journey is not just about fighting criminals; it's about confronting his guilt, seeking forgiveness, and forming an unlikely bond with Léo, the son of the man he inadvertently killed. This human element, alongside the fast-paced thriller aspects, is what elevates "K. O. 2025" beyond a simple fight film. The R rating and its relatively short runtime of 84 minutes suggest a lean, focused narrative that prioritizes impact and pacing.

The success of "K. O. 2025" on Netflix speaks to a global audience's appetite for well-made, foreign-language action films that deliver on their promises without being overproduced. It stands as another example of non-English cinema providing compelling and satisfying experiences that resonate with viewers looking for something beyond typical Hollywood fare. While specific critical reception on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes might be limited due to its recent release and potentially its niche appeal, early audience responses are overwhelmingly positive, praising its excitement, suspense, and the strength of Gane's performance as an action hero. "K. O. 2025" appears to be a true knockout for fans of the genre, offering a blend of intense action and a poignant tale of redemption.

A tough movie, full of adrenaline. Not too many clichés. The action catches you from the first minutes.

The fight scenes are "clean" without unnecessary effects and the camera angles are generous.

The atmosphere is realistic, notably through the bad guys' acting.

The script is nothing out of the ordinary, but not predictable either. At least until the end. It would have been a shame for the bad guys to win.

The movie reminds me a bit of Michael Jai White's movies, but here the director brings the script to another level. Some scenes shot upside down really look good.

So it's a must see if you like action movies.

French is my first language but i am from Quebec, yet i am not particulary fond of the cinema made in either France or Quebec in general. Often its too low budget and the few action in them seem cheap. I didn't felt that with this movie.

To my surprise the action was well shot, brutal, and stayed somewhat believable with a little bit of "suspend your disbelief" when it comes to the hero taking damage.

Dude is a walking tank, so this make it easier to swallow. Being that huge make it fine that he can ragdoll smaller dudes left and right, at least in the context of a movie.

I am not fond of the France accent in general, but it didn't bother me at all in this. I think the acting was pretty fine especially for someone that apparently is a real former MMA fighter. Its also a buddy cop movie in a certain way and i enjoyed the female police officer's character too.

The story is rather simple and a bit predictable but it does the job more than fine.

Overall for a Netflix movie from France, it surprised me in the good sense. Had a very good time with it.