Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite (1996)
Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite is a 1996 martial arts sports directed and produced by Alan Mehrez, from a script written by Jeff Schechter. It is the standalone sequel to Bloodsport (1988), and the second installment in the titular film series. The film stars Daniel Bernhardt as Alex Cardo, a new character in the series, It was released through limited theatrical distribution, before debuting on home video in 1996. The film was met with a warm critical response, with praise directed towards its cast namely Daniel Bernhardt’s leading role. It met expectations of the audience with some calling it superior to the original. The film has garnered a cult following.
Plot:
After thief Alex Cardo (Daniel Bernhardt) gets caught and betrayed by his partner in crime John (Philip Tan) while stealing an ancient Jian in Thailand, he soon finds himself imprisoned and beaten. One of the guards, Damon (Ong Soo Han), is particularly upset by Alex’s appearance and tortures him whenever he gets the opportunity. Alex finds one friend and mentor in the jailhouse, Master Sun (James Hong), who teaches him a superior fighting style called “Iron Hand”.
When a “best of the best kumite” is to take place, Damon gets an invitation.Now Master Sun and Alex need to find a way to let Alex take part in the kumite, too.
The final fight pits Alex and Demon together. At first, and for a long time, Demon has the upper hand in terms of strength and fighting ability. When Alex is down, he takes one last look at Master Sun and uses the “Iron Hand”
Reception:
The film was met with a warm critical response, with praise directed towards its cast namely Daniel Bernhardt’s leading role. It met expectations of the audience with some calling it superior to the original. The film has garnered a cult following.
Cast:
Daniel Bernhardt as Alex Cardo
Pat Morita as David Leung
Donald Gibb as Ray Jackson
James Hong as Master Sun
Lori Lynn as Janine Elson
Ong Soo Han as Damon
Philip Tan as John
Nicholas Hill as Sergio DeSilva
Ron Hall as Cliff
Hee Il Cho as Head Judge
Lisa McCullough as Kim Campbell
Chuay as Chien
Jeff Wolfe as Flash