Kickboxer (1989)
Kickboxer is a 1989 American martial arts film directed by David Worth and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Former world kickboxing champion Dennis Alexio is also featured. The plot revolves around Kurt Sloane (Van Damme) seeking revenge on the fearsome kickboxing champion Tong Po (Michel Qissi) who paralyzed his brother Eric Sloane (Dennis Alexio). The film is regarded as the first movie to bring Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) to a global audience. Produced by Kings Road Entertainment and released by The Cannon Group, Inc. on September 8, 1989, it grossed $50 million on a budget of $2.7 million. It spawned several sequels.
Plot:
Kurt is the younger brother and cornerman of Eric Sloane, the heavyweight kickboxing world champion. After another successful title defense, Eric is enticed by the media to compete in Thailand, where kickboxing was started, to further establish his legacy. As a result, Eric and Kurt travel to Bangkok to fight Tong “The Tiger” Po, Thailand’s undefeated top fighter. Eric is supremely confident, but Kurt becomes apprehensive after witnessing Tong Po kicking a concrete pillar in preparation for the fight. He begs Eric not to fight, but Eric dismisses any concerns.
Eric gets beaten badly until Kurt throws in the towel, but Tong Po kicks the towel out of the ring, and continues his assault. He viciously strikes Eric in the back, immobilizing him. Kurt leaves with his brother on a stretcher, but the fight officials leave them on the street. Winston Taylor, a retired United States Army Special Forces soldier, agrees to help the pair by driving them to the hospital. As a result of Tong Po’s brutal attack, Eric is paralyzed from the waist down and will never be able to walk again.