Bloodfight

I wasn't planning on writing anything about this great film, but my eye caught the highest ranked review that is surprisingly negative and unhelpful.

I honestly feel that Lady Bloodfight is one of the best martial arts movies that I have seen in many years, but for different reasons.

I lived in Asia for seven years working, traveling and studying. I feel that the director did a good job at highlighting the beauty of Hong Kong.

I spent years learning various kung fu forms and weapons in subfreezing weather in Northern China near Siberia and North Korea.

I studied with Shaolin monks and spent a lot of time learning Chinese philosophy and Buddhism.

There is nothing like learning how to use a Shaolin rope dart in -20 degree weather at 6 am surrounded by strangers exercising in a giant park.

My training was quite casual compared to the realistic and painful training depicted in the film.

This film does an excellent job at illustrating the genuine focus of martial arts as self-control, inner stability and personal development.

The fight sequences are raw, well-choreographed and absolutely amazing. I even learned a few new moves for my weapons training.

The actresses are tough, beautiful and independent, which will be offensive to critical and narrow-minded people.

This is the first well-made martial arts film that I have seen that truly demonstrates female strength and empowerment.

There are a few confusing plot twists, but I agree with the LA Times that movie goers should simply skip the plot and focus on the exciting action.

Nothing more, nothing less. If you liked movies like "Bloodsport" back in the 80s, expect a somewhat modernized, female reimagination. Story is bland, decent choreography and lots of blood. Entertaining enough, but don't expect to be blown away.

Lady Bloodfight is a movie with a heart on its right place. But it is too hard to take it seriously in this day and age. Let me tell you why.

First of all, I had no problem with the story. I liked the training sequences. I liked to actresses playing in it, and this all taking place in Hong Kong, was nice to see. There were some references to movies such as Bloodsport and Kickboxer, and it brought me back to the times in which martial arts movies just needed to be bloody and people kicking each others asses. Later in the movie there are some (unnecessary) plot twists, but you can predict from the start where everything is heading to. I was surprised to see that in the end of the movie, they didn't show a scene of "everybody is kung fu fighting" in it, yes the movie is that predictable. Often goofy. There were many times I was laughing my ass of during scenes which were meant to be " touching" ?

But here (the movie being predictable) also lies a major problem: all the fight scenes in the movie, were merely ranging from "meh" to utterly bad. With movies such as the Raid and Undisputed series, it is nearly impossible to come up with standard fare anymore (especially if you realize that the movie was produced by Hong Kong movie legend Bey Logan and Kiss of the Dragon Director Chris Nahon). While a Hong Kong veteran stunt team was in charge of the fight choreography, the fighting was for most part fairly bland. Which is really a pity, as I see that many actresses in this movie do have the moves and talents. I really wonder why it didn't work out like this. Also, the uninspiring locations in the movie were a huge turn-off. Come freaking on, you are in Hong Kong but you let most of the movie take place in a container dock? This was really a missed opportunity. However, outside of the Kumite-sequences, there was some fairly nice cinematography – especially rural Hong Kong scenes.

We, Kickboxer and Bloodsport fans, don't have high standards. So you really need to mess up, if you want to make use unimpressed. While I did enjoy watching the movie to a lesser degree, the level of action, the sometimes goofy storyline, and uninspired cinematography left me yearning for watching a re-run of the JCVD classics.

Nice try though.

I tend to like these types of movies, and I'm a fan of the original Bloodsport. That being said, I primarily go into these movies to see martial arts. I was a little disappointed here because the choreography was average only. There are many quick cuts, and most of the fights were unconvincing. While the original Bloodsport is certainly not up to modern standards of movies like Scott Adkin's Ninja 2 or Ip Man, the fights in this movie were definitely worse.

Sorry feminists but here ya go. This has an all female leading cast and attractive girls beating each other up the lead is now a successful stunt woman fun to watch while wasted. There are many conversations between two or even 6 women that have nothing to do with a man, and then they kungfu fight each other. It's certainly not an A list Hollywood production but if you like seeing lots of cute girls beat each other up in a non anime/fantasy scenario give it a watch.