26 reviews
Rise of Loren Avedon
To me this is one of the best movie of its type. The chief reason being the interesting mixture of characters in this movie, and they're all good.
Of course this movie stars Loren Avedon, and Cynthia Rothrock, both of whom were at their early stages of their career, but they look fresh, and good. Even better than many of their later works, so the director of this movie must have been really good.
Each scenes has attention to details, and they have the clean looks to them that makes it easy on the eyes.
Story is pretty good too, perfectly matched to each of the characters.
This definitely is one of the best movie Loren Avedon, and Cynthia Rothrock has starred in. It's bit juvenile for me now, but when it came out, I was much younger, and it looked perfect to me at the time.
Of course this movie stars Loren Avedon, and Cynthia Rothrock, both of whom were at their early stages of their career, but they look fresh, and good. Even better than many of their later works, so the director of this movie must have been really good.
Each scenes has attention to details, and they have the clean looks to them that makes it easy on the eyes.
Story is pretty good too, perfectly matched to each of the characters.
This definitely is one of the best movie Loren Avedon, and Cynthia Rothrock has starred in. It's bit juvenile for me now, but when it came out, I was much younger, and it looked perfect to me at the time.
NRNS 2 = low budget 80's perfection
I just got the the NRNS trilogy today and watched "NRNS2". (I really only was looking to get the original because I collect van damme movies and of course it is his first action movie. But I was lucky enough to get the other 2 for free with it). I just wanted to write the IMDb fans of kung-fu and action flicks that that this was a decent low budget movie that gave me that feeling I haven't had in a while. that feeling of being a kid again and I wish I did see this one when I was a kid because it would of affected me even more. I felt like I had seen it before when I was watching it and was loving the low budget, bad acting you would expect from the time. this is a hidden classic for me now and im glad i watched it and now own it.
all you need to know about nrns 1 and 2 is.............
the fight scenes are wicked (even for today standards) speeding up the camera seems to be the staple of these movies (but it does make the action look hella good). And thats it....
good 80's nostalgia representing and now I cant wait to see number 3 (blood brothers)
all you need to know about nrns 1 and 2 is.............
the fight scenes are wicked (even for today standards) speeding up the camera seems to be the staple of these movies (but it does make the action look hella good). And thats it....
good 80's nostalgia representing and now I cant wait to see number 3 (blood brothers)
A raging Thunder
Loren Avedon stars as Scott Wylde, a young kickboxer and martial arts pro living in Thailand with his Vietnamese heiress girlfriend. When she is kidnapped by a Russian gang, Scott enlists the help of his friends Mac (Max Thayer) and Terri (Cynthia Rodrock) to rescue her. Plenty of martial arts action (punctuated with explosions and shootouts) ensues as they confront the kidnappers in the aptly named Death Mountain region.
I didn't like No Retreat, no surrender much, the only highlight was seeing Van Damme, so I wasn't expecting much with this sequel. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It's an entertaining film, which has nothing to do with the first film. The actors are different namely Loren Adven, who, acting wise, is amateurish, but he's got a boyish charm. More importantly, he's a very skill fighter- fast and fluid. The fight scenes are energetic and inventive. The plot and the fights remind me of a Jackie chan film. Cynthia Rothrock also stars. Mathias Hues makes his debut here as a nasty villain with a penchant of throwing people into a crocodile-infested river. It's cheesy, humorous, and entertaining.
I didn't like No Retreat, no surrender much, the only highlight was seeing Van Damme, so I wasn't expecting much with this sequel. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It's an entertaining film, which has nothing to do with the first film. The actors are different namely Loren Adven, who, acting wise, is amateurish, but he's got a boyish charm. More importantly, he's a very skill fighter- fast and fluid. The fight scenes are energetic and inventive. The plot and the fights remind me of a Jackie chan film. Cynthia Rothrock also stars. Mathias Hues makes his debut here as a nasty villain with a penchant of throwing people into a crocodile-infested river. It's cheesy, humorous, and entertaining.
More enjoyable than the first,even though it's nothing like it
STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs
Corey Yeun,whose dayjob is a fight chereographer on the sets of various martial arts films,makes his second directing effort with this sequel to his 1985 original No Retreat No Surrender.Oddly,the plot to this sequel bears absolutely no resemblance to the original at all,with none of the original cast members returning either (including the ghost of Bruce Lee).That's no real problem,though,because a follow up to that ridiculously awful film probably wouldn't have been appreciated too greatly anyway.This is a film in an altogether different league,with a cast of martial artists in the leads.Loren Avedon is a little goofy in the lead but engaging enough,whilst Richard Norton alike Max Thayer adds good support.Cynthia Rothrock gets some nice lines here and there but she has serious problems with her delivery.And,finally,Matthias Hues is a video game villain ,right down to his 'hahaha' interludes,though quite credible.Running at as brisk a pace as the first,this is itself pretty damn stupid,but features some nice action and,if only seen once,passes muster.***
Corey Yeun,whose dayjob is a fight chereographer on the sets of various martial arts films,makes his second directing effort with this sequel to his 1985 original No Retreat No Surrender.Oddly,the plot to this sequel bears absolutely no resemblance to the original at all,with none of the original cast members returning either (including the ghost of Bruce Lee).That's no real problem,though,because a follow up to that ridiculously awful film probably wouldn't have been appreciated too greatly anyway.This is a film in an altogether different league,with a cast of martial artists in the leads.Loren Avedon is a little goofy in the lead but engaging enough,whilst Richard Norton alike Max Thayer adds good support.Cynthia Rothrock gets some nice lines here and there but she has serious problems with her delivery.And,finally,Matthias Hues is a video game villain ,right down to his 'hahaha' interludes,though quite credible.Running at as brisk a pace as the first,this is itself pretty damn stupid,but features some nice action and,if only seen once,passes muster.***
- wellthatswhatithinkanyway
- Sep 29, 2003
- Permalink
Pseudo-sequel, but good action
This was originally intended to be a direct sequel to the first 'NR, NS' which launched the career of a certain Jean Claude Van Damme. However Van Damme pulled out feeling the film would not have furthered his career while persuading co-star Kurt McKinney to do the same. As a result, the story was changed with Tae Kwon Do expert Loren Avedon and Matthias Hues drafted in to play the American and Russian stereotypes.
The basic synopsis sees Avedon's character call in some friends in an attempt to rescue his Thai girlfriend, while strangely coming across a contingent of the Russian army (camped out in the Vietnamese jungle!) in the process, as well as a group of fake Shaolin monks. (Blame Keith W. Strandberg for the script!).
Surprisingly, for an American film, there are some well executed and imaginative fight sequences predominantly showcasing the excellent kicking skills of Avedon. This is clearly the influence of Yuen Kwai who was not prepared to concede too much to the American filming and time constraints. The finale, while inferior to the first films final reel, features Cynthia Rothrock as a hard-hitting, tough talking helicopter pilot (not a cop/CIA/FBI agent for a change!) showing some of the moves which made her name on the Jade screen. This movie is one of the only 80's flicks that uses her real voice! Loren Avedon did not follow Jean Claude's example and stayed on after this film fulfilling his 3 picture contract, notably with the decent third instalment of the NR, NS series: 'Blood Brothers' with the excellent Keith Vitali (Yuen Biao's opponent in 'Wheels on Meals') and I am surprised he was never used in a 'real' Hong Kong picture as he is clearly skilled and quick enough to have made a good screen villain.
The basic synopsis sees Avedon's character call in some friends in an attempt to rescue his Thai girlfriend, while strangely coming across a contingent of the Russian army (camped out in the Vietnamese jungle!) in the process, as well as a group of fake Shaolin monks. (Blame Keith W. Strandberg for the script!).
Surprisingly, for an American film, there are some well executed and imaginative fight sequences predominantly showcasing the excellent kicking skills of Avedon. This is clearly the influence of Yuen Kwai who was not prepared to concede too much to the American filming and time constraints. The finale, while inferior to the first films final reel, features Cynthia Rothrock as a hard-hitting, tough talking helicopter pilot (not a cop/CIA/FBI agent for a change!) showing some of the moves which made her name on the Jade screen. This movie is one of the only 80's flicks that uses her real voice! Loren Avedon did not follow Jean Claude's example and stayed on after this film fulfilling his 3 picture contract, notably with the decent third instalment of the NR, NS series: 'Blood Brothers' with the excellent Keith Vitali (Yuen Biao's opponent in 'Wheels on Meals') and I am surprised he was never used in a 'real' Hong Kong picture as he is clearly skilled and quick enough to have made a good screen villain.
pretty boring
this sequel is as sequel in name only.it has nothing to do with the first movie.none of the characters are the same.the title really has nothing to do with the movie,either,as far as i can tell.plus,this is one boring movie.i did manage to watch ti all the way through to the end,hoping it would get better,but it didn't.it has one decent fight scene during the last five or ten minutes of the film,but that's about it.it's not the most boring movie i've ever seen.there's about a handful that are worse on that score,but i wouldn't care if i never saw it again. at least the acting was actually not that bad.i was expecting it to be worse.still,it didn't elevate the movie.for me,No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder is a 4/10
- disdressed12
- Apr 13, 2011
- Permalink
There's no way this is possible
Seriously this is in my top 10 worst movies of all time its position would probably be around 4. I think this movie is like pointing a gun at a child's face watching them scream moving the gun away from them then pointing the gun over and over again at their face disturbingly funny yet immorally wrong, why don't these actors think am i actually in a movie like this or why Michael Dudikoff is in any film for that matter. Overall this movie was a complete toss fest and should be watched by anyone who loves action movies that are never suppose to have been made..................................I needed an exorcism after this movie
- orale_vato_loco
- Oct 5, 2006
- Permalink
And the fun continues...
Despite being a sequel, this has nothing to do with the first movie. There's a whole new cast, and a brand new plot. A quite good one, actually. No Retreat, No Surrender 2 is the perfect example of pure 80's fun. It has lots of really cool fighting, fun background music and almost everything else we all know as bad (but really entertaining) 80's action stuff. The last fifteen minutes of the movie are excellent. Movies with totally evil Soviet military bases are always fun! And Matthias Hues is perfect as an evil Soviet military. The last fight between him and Loren Avedon must be considered as a classic.
Same score as the first movie: 7 out of 10!
Same score as the first movie: 7 out of 10!
Why, God? Why?
After watching the first one, me and my friends were in the mood to watch another comedy, so we headed out to find the second "No Retreat, No Surrender."
Unfortunately, we rented it.
Since Bruce Lee's ghost starred in the first one, I figured Chuck Norris' ghost would make an appearance. We found out, however, that Chuck Norris' isn't dead.
Therefore, this movie was destined from the very beginning to suck hard. It didn't disappoint. From the horrible acting down to the flawed logic (Why is TKD dominating every other martial arts style?), this movie had no upside, unless, like us, you feel like watching a really bad movie to laugh. Then it achieves its goal. Depending on how you approach this movie will determine whether you have a good time, or if you brutally castrate yourself with electric eels and hand saws.
Either way, I really recommend this movie. Five (5) stars out of One (1) Million.
Unfortunately, we rented it.
Since Bruce Lee's ghost starred in the first one, I figured Chuck Norris' ghost would make an appearance. We found out, however, that Chuck Norris' isn't dead.
Therefore, this movie was destined from the very beginning to suck hard. It didn't disappoint. From the horrible acting down to the flawed logic (Why is TKD dominating every other martial arts style?), this movie had no upside, unless, like us, you feel like watching a really bad movie to laugh. Then it achieves its goal. Depending on how you approach this movie will determine whether you have a good time, or if you brutally castrate yourself with electric eels and hand saws.
Either way, I really recommend this movie. Five (5) stars out of One (1) Million.
No Retreat, No Surrender 2
- Scarecrow-88
- Sep 3, 2011
- Permalink
Enjoyable enough, but unremarkable, & nothing new
That the movie was filmed on location in Thailand, giving us glimpses of all the swell sights therein of one kind or another, helps to wash over some of the indelicacies that present. Indelicacies like an early dinner scene that somewhat reeks of the same racist cultural disrespect as an equivalent infamous sequence in 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'; what readily feels like a very conventional action-thriller plot; and a lead performance from someone (Loren Avedon) who, bless his heart, showed greater capabilities with martial arts than with acting. True, anyone sitting down for a title of this genre, from this timeframe, should already be well aware of what they're getting into - and I do, and did. All this is just to say that 'No retreat, no surrender 2' quickly comes across as generally unremarkable, and one can only halfheartedly hope as they watch that something will arise to inspire greater engagement.
Ham-handed, deficient, or mundane in varying ways, there is much about this feature that purveyors of The Action Flick will recognize. We get snappy quips in the dialogue, sunny exposition that turns sour, the unprepared protagonist, the supporting character that is more than first meets the eye, moments of unexpected danger to our heroes that require daring-do, near-synchronous timing in the course of events that's pure movie magic - and expansion of a simple premise into a much more Big Picture narrative. Max Thayer, as Mac, looks like a young Richard Dean Anderson (think first-season MacGyver), Cynthia Rothrock looks even younger than her 30 years in 1987, and Avedon looks fresh-faced and wide-eyed (that is, "deer in the headlights") from start to finish. None of this is to say that 'No retreat, no surrender 2' isn't enjoyable, but unless one has a specific reason to seek it out, there's no urgent need to add it to your watch list.
If my words so far seem blasé, let me offer some concrete opinions. The feature is filled with a bounty of tropes, to the point that they feel forced and self-indulgent. The same goes for some cues in Corey Yuen's direction, and in some of the light humor. That the only major female character is second fiddle is not unsurprising; that Rothrock's "Terry" is subjected to sexism in the writing - some dialogue, the way she's treated generally, her role in the narrative, and her relative capabilites - is frankly tiresome, and disappointing. As much as the movie works to weave its Small Story into a Big Plot, that larger tapestry is, oddly, quickly deemphasized. On the other hand, this has no illusions about being something it's not: 'No retreat, no surrender 2' is at best a second-tier low-grade action flick, made not for big dreams of any kind but for suitable genre entertainment. With that said, too, I admire the effort - the production design and art direction is quite fine, the filming locations are pretty terrific, and from a basic technical standpoint, I think the construction here is good, though unexceptional. No, the acting isn't particularly sharp, but nor does a movie like this require Shakespearean eloquence. Importantly, the action scenes are done very well, whether we're talking guns and explosions or martial arts, and I appreciate the contributions in the stunt work. And even if the details mostly fail to wholly enrapture, the core concepts in the screenplay are sound enough.
A bit of especial cleverness at the climax offers some of the spark that had been missing from the title for all the rest of its length, if a little too neat and tidy as a contrivance of this style of film. All the same, there's a lot of passable but less than noteworthy content we get for the first 80 minutes that does much to cement an impression long before the highest value manifests. I want to like 'No retreat, no surrender 2' more than I do, while also assuming I'm being too generous in my assessment. You could do a lot worse as far as action films go - but then, you could also do a lot better. Ultimately, so long as you don't mind the more tactless aspects of the production, this is a modest slice of highfalutin fun that serves it purpose. Don't go out of your way for it, but grab a drink and a cozy seat, press "play," and call it a night.
Ham-handed, deficient, or mundane in varying ways, there is much about this feature that purveyors of The Action Flick will recognize. We get snappy quips in the dialogue, sunny exposition that turns sour, the unprepared protagonist, the supporting character that is more than first meets the eye, moments of unexpected danger to our heroes that require daring-do, near-synchronous timing in the course of events that's pure movie magic - and expansion of a simple premise into a much more Big Picture narrative. Max Thayer, as Mac, looks like a young Richard Dean Anderson (think first-season MacGyver), Cynthia Rothrock looks even younger than her 30 years in 1987, and Avedon looks fresh-faced and wide-eyed (that is, "deer in the headlights") from start to finish. None of this is to say that 'No retreat, no surrender 2' isn't enjoyable, but unless one has a specific reason to seek it out, there's no urgent need to add it to your watch list.
If my words so far seem blasé, let me offer some concrete opinions. The feature is filled with a bounty of tropes, to the point that they feel forced and self-indulgent. The same goes for some cues in Corey Yuen's direction, and in some of the light humor. That the only major female character is second fiddle is not unsurprising; that Rothrock's "Terry" is subjected to sexism in the writing - some dialogue, the way she's treated generally, her role in the narrative, and her relative capabilites - is frankly tiresome, and disappointing. As much as the movie works to weave its Small Story into a Big Plot, that larger tapestry is, oddly, quickly deemphasized. On the other hand, this has no illusions about being something it's not: 'No retreat, no surrender 2' is at best a second-tier low-grade action flick, made not for big dreams of any kind but for suitable genre entertainment. With that said, too, I admire the effort - the production design and art direction is quite fine, the filming locations are pretty terrific, and from a basic technical standpoint, I think the construction here is good, though unexceptional. No, the acting isn't particularly sharp, but nor does a movie like this require Shakespearean eloquence. Importantly, the action scenes are done very well, whether we're talking guns and explosions or martial arts, and I appreciate the contributions in the stunt work. And even if the details mostly fail to wholly enrapture, the core concepts in the screenplay are sound enough.
A bit of especial cleverness at the climax offers some of the spark that had been missing from the title for all the rest of its length, if a little too neat and tidy as a contrivance of this style of film. All the same, there's a lot of passable but less than noteworthy content we get for the first 80 minutes that does much to cement an impression long before the highest value manifests. I want to like 'No retreat, no surrender 2' more than I do, while also assuming I'm being too generous in my assessment. You could do a lot worse as far as action films go - but then, you could also do a lot better. Ultimately, so long as you don't mind the more tactless aspects of the production, this is a modest slice of highfalutin fun that serves it purpose. Don't go out of your way for it, but grab a drink and a cozy seat, press "play," and call it a night.
- I_Ailurophile
- Apr 26, 2022
- Permalink
Totally Awesome
Delivers the chop-socky goods!
- tarbosh22000
- Nov 12, 2010
- Permalink
Not related but good!!!
This sequel has nothing to do with the original film, but is connected that American kickboxers fight Soviet killing machines. This marked the debuts of Loren Avedon and Matthias Hues. The only flaw in the film was the short fight between Cynthia Rothrock and Hwang Jang-lee. If this was longer and Hwang didn't have any padding, the fight would've been spectacular. The finale between Avedon and Hues is blistering, especially when Avedon unleashes his awesome kicking. Pretty good for martial arts fans to enjoy!!!
Good action film benefits from Corey Yuen's involvement
Thanks to Corey Yuen's direction, the fight and stunt choreography in "No Reatreat, No Surrender 2" are clearly superior to those in most American low-budget action movies. Yuen knows how to shoot action, and how to take the best from each of his stars. Loren Avedon looks a little goofy at first, but when he gets into action mode you know he means business! Thayer has a solid presence as his partner. Cynthia Rothrock looks cute, is even allowed to show a comic flair, and her fighting is at its sharpest here. And Matthias Hues is a great, overpowering villain. The only downsides to the film are a somewhat meandering plot, and maybe a tendency towards overlength. (**1/2)
More superior action courtesy of Corey Yuen
- Leofwine_draca
- Sep 5, 2016
- Permalink
Revenge of the 80's: The sequel.
No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder (1989) was a sequel only in name to the first film. Corey Yuen is back, Seasonal Films decided to make another film to the series. This time the movie's featured star is Cynthia Rothrock. The action is also co-directed by Hoi Meng.
The movie takes place in Southeast Asia. A couple of commandos along with a female agent are sent on a deep cover assignment. Their mission is to take out a suspected Soviet clandestine operation. Whilst in Thailand they discover that their mission has become a whole lot more complicated than they could have ever imagined.
The acting is not that great but it's adequate. Who's kidding themselves. Who goes to a movie like this and expect a cast full of thespians. The action set pieces are what we expect from the team of Hoi Meng and Corey Yuen, bone breaking action with a fair amount of blood letting. Cynthia Rothtock is phenomenal in her role. More action and less gabbing from her.
If you like no nonsense action films then this one's for you. Others need not apply because you'll be turned away from the nonsensical plot and pedestrian acting. But the action scenes are excellent and fun to watch.
The movie takes place in Southeast Asia. A couple of commandos along with a female agent are sent on a deep cover assignment. Their mission is to take out a suspected Soviet clandestine operation. Whilst in Thailand they discover that their mission has become a whole lot more complicated than they could have ever imagined.
The acting is not that great but it's adequate. Who's kidding themselves. Who goes to a movie like this and expect a cast full of thespians. The action set pieces are what we expect from the team of Hoi Meng and Corey Yuen, bone breaking action with a fair amount of blood letting. Cynthia Rothtock is phenomenal in her role. More action and less gabbing from her.
If you like no nonsense action films then this one's for you. Others need not apply because you'll be turned away from the nonsensical plot and pedestrian acting. But the action scenes are excellent and fun to watch.
- Captain_Couth
- Feb 8, 2005
- Permalink
Zero acting, great action parts!
To be honest, I expected awful production here, but what I got was much better.
The acting is zero, don't expect any believable emotions or anger, however the characters (their skills, their knowledge) are somewhat better than usual. I'm always embarrassed by the fact that always USA guy(s) save(s) the day in this kind of action movie, no matter if the story is located in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India or China.
The action choreography is simply great. When I watched Ong-Bak few years back, that was a non-plus-ultra in melee action for me. If you consider that this movie is 22 years old now, you have to admit that they did a great job with the melee action scenes.
Sadly, the gunfighting parts are somewhere between ridiculous and hilarious. When a hand-grenade is exploding in 1 second, while a same grenade is exploding in 10 seconds in another place/scene (of course, just right there, when the bad guys come...) I had to wipe my tears off my face! Don't forget the scene with the machine guns set up in the brae of the 'russian' camp. The machine guns are firing close to blindly and the rate of successful kills are pretty high there.
And the final scene, when Scott Wylde drags the bad guy with the stolen army-jeep and slides him into the pool of crocodiles, that was non-sense: the bad Russian guy is pulling the jeep into the pool with his bare hands. OK, I say, let it be, I can take it; then Scott is coming with a rifle, shoots the jeep... The jeep explodes, but Scott lies to the ground only 3 seconds after the explosion! :)
If you can accept the fact that these scenes are ridiculous, you will love this movie as I did, because the melee fighting actions will compensate any of your losses.
The acting is zero, don't expect any believable emotions or anger, however the characters (their skills, their knowledge) are somewhat better than usual. I'm always embarrassed by the fact that always USA guy(s) save(s) the day in this kind of action movie, no matter if the story is located in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India or China.
The action choreography is simply great. When I watched Ong-Bak few years back, that was a non-plus-ultra in melee action for me. If you consider that this movie is 22 years old now, you have to admit that they did a great job with the melee action scenes.
Sadly, the gunfighting parts are somewhere between ridiculous and hilarious. When a hand-grenade is exploding in 1 second, while a same grenade is exploding in 10 seconds in another place/scene (of course, just right there, when the bad guys come...) I had to wipe my tears off my face! Don't forget the scene with the machine guns set up in the brae of the 'russian' camp. The machine guns are firing close to blindly and the rate of successful kills are pretty high there.
And the final scene, when Scott Wylde drags the bad guy with the stolen army-jeep and slides him into the pool of crocodiles, that was non-sense: the bad Russian guy is pulling the jeep into the pool with his bare hands. OK, I say, let it be, I can take it; then Scott is coming with a rifle, shoots the jeep... The jeep explodes, but Scott lies to the ground only 3 seconds after the explosion! :)
If you can accept the fact that these scenes are ridiculous, you will love this movie as I did, because the melee fighting actions will compensate any of your losses.
One of the worst movies ever
Some American kid travels to Asia, finds a camp full of Russians and kicks their asses without getting a single scar. Why do the USA still have an Army when they've kids like this one? Did the USSR break down because of that kid? Gimme a break!
Fun B movie
Some clever fight scenes and a fairly well paced plot, despite the awkward acting and sped up punching/kicking. Works well for what it is.
Totally cool film of its genre.
Another Ng See Yuen produced Seasonal production (his production company) that puts a Western cast in basically a Hong Kong style action film. Its low budget attempts an epic quite successfully. Loren Avedon stars as an American in trouble in Thailand eventually waging a small war against some Russians to get his girlfriend back.
Loren Avedons first starring role. He performs all the martial arts really well and these Seasonal films have given him a cult following around the world. Review after review will tell you this guy is a great performer. His acting is likable but his martial arts is among the best on screen from a westerner. Like all the other reviews I believe its a shame he never went to Hong Kong to make films but at least people continue to give him credit. One of the best screen fighters I have seen.
Cynthia Rothrock gets in the story as a cocky chopper pilot and has some great martial arts scenes of her own. She did go to Hong Kong and made some pictures there. Yes Madam is a classic film that was also directed by Corey Yuen.
Matthias Hughes stars as the Bad-ass Russian who apparently learned to fight for the screen during the films production. They kept his choreography to late in the shoot and I couldn't tell this was a first for him. It really is quite good. Having the end fight scene against Loren Avedon is enough of a physical spectacle. Hughes went on to appear in Hollywood films.
The other supporting player is Max Thayer a wheeling dealing Viet Nam vet. He ads some actual acting to the mix and performs some action of his own. I don't think he is a martial artist but they give him some moments to perform less demanding violence like burning faces with his cigar or throwing snakes! He also drinks snake blood which is shot in a single tracking shot from the snakes drained gizards to it being drunk out of a shot glass.
Its a cool picture in the greatest Hong Kong/American crossover series ever made. Its complete trash and enjoyable all the way. I don't know how these cheap films get away with their comedy but all three films in the series have some great goofy moments. They have tried to pack quite a lot into this film for the budget.
The films director, martial arts choreographer is Corey Yuen and the action scenes are pretty top- notch. There is a high impact quality to all the blows. Lots of flips and spirals to the ground. Very much in the Hong Kong style, the set pieces are quite creative. Not over edited. The choreography is really enjoyable to watch with multiple attackers at times. I think the evening fight at the open air market/eatery is the best. There could have been a little more fighting in the film but what there is doesn't disappoint.
The transfer I have isn't the best print and the audio was probably never great on this picture but if you are familiar with this genre, like chop-socky films from Hong Kong and American kick-boxing strait to video titles it's going to be up your ally. The production is fascinating. Such a multicultural cast and crew on a limited budget. The cheesiest story and most blatant use of Russian bad guys except for the first film topped off with expert martial arts choreography.
I think these Seasonal pictures, produced by Ng See Yuen are great. They are rough and cheap but they deliver the goods.
Loren Avedons first starring role. He performs all the martial arts really well and these Seasonal films have given him a cult following around the world. Review after review will tell you this guy is a great performer. His acting is likable but his martial arts is among the best on screen from a westerner. Like all the other reviews I believe its a shame he never went to Hong Kong to make films but at least people continue to give him credit. One of the best screen fighters I have seen.
Cynthia Rothrock gets in the story as a cocky chopper pilot and has some great martial arts scenes of her own. She did go to Hong Kong and made some pictures there. Yes Madam is a classic film that was also directed by Corey Yuen.
Matthias Hughes stars as the Bad-ass Russian who apparently learned to fight for the screen during the films production. They kept his choreography to late in the shoot and I couldn't tell this was a first for him. It really is quite good. Having the end fight scene against Loren Avedon is enough of a physical spectacle. Hughes went on to appear in Hollywood films.
The other supporting player is Max Thayer a wheeling dealing Viet Nam vet. He ads some actual acting to the mix and performs some action of his own. I don't think he is a martial artist but they give him some moments to perform less demanding violence like burning faces with his cigar or throwing snakes! He also drinks snake blood which is shot in a single tracking shot from the snakes drained gizards to it being drunk out of a shot glass.
Its a cool picture in the greatest Hong Kong/American crossover series ever made. Its complete trash and enjoyable all the way. I don't know how these cheap films get away with their comedy but all three films in the series have some great goofy moments. They have tried to pack quite a lot into this film for the budget.
The films director, martial arts choreographer is Corey Yuen and the action scenes are pretty top- notch. There is a high impact quality to all the blows. Lots of flips and spirals to the ground. Very much in the Hong Kong style, the set pieces are quite creative. Not over edited. The choreography is really enjoyable to watch with multiple attackers at times. I think the evening fight at the open air market/eatery is the best. There could have been a little more fighting in the film but what there is doesn't disappoint.
The transfer I have isn't the best print and the audio was probably never great on this picture but if you are familiar with this genre, like chop-socky films from Hong Kong and American kick-boxing strait to video titles it's going to be up your ally. The production is fascinating. Such a multicultural cast and crew on a limited budget. The cheesiest story and most blatant use of Russian bad guys except for the first film topped off with expert martial arts choreography.
I think these Seasonal pictures, produced by Ng See Yuen are great. They are rough and cheap but they deliver the goods.
- rettercritical
- Sep 15, 2009
- Permalink
A high octane beat 'em up and shoot 'em up all wrapped up in one.
A Beat 'Em Up and Shoot 'Em Up all wrapped up into one high octane package of pure brilliance. The plot is shady, the acting is iffy and the music is cheesy but still this flick packs a punch.
The opening scene post credits pits Terry (Cynthia Rothrock) and Scott Wylde (Loren Avedon) a Tae-Kwon-Do expert in a war of words and showboating. With bad edited dialogue, poor acting (both improve as the film progresses) and over-the-top martial arts, we discover that Scott with his poorly delivered one-liners is on his travels to Bangkok and he is looking for an old friend, Mac Jarvis (Max Thayer) for some reason. Soon we are catapulted into the thick of it, Scott's fiance Sulin Nguyen (Patra Wanthivanond) is kidnapped from a hotel in Thailand by Soviet trained Vietnamese military operating out of Cambodia. Not only this but Scott is framed for the murder of his girlfriends entire family, so the plot thickens or gets muddled or something along those lines.
Enter Mac, weapons expert and the man full of cheese, Mac is the man you need to know who can get you anything you need to save your fiance from a military base on top of a mountain, especially if it is manned by Soviet trained Vietnamese soldiers.
Soon Scott, along with Mac and Terry, who comes back into the fold are on a mission into Cambodia to save Sulin. We then get the pleasantry of been introduced to the villain Yuri (Matthias Hues) the Russian commander, with his French-German accent and super soldier abilities not far removed from M.Bison in Street Fighter 2, who's weakness is apparently a picture frame.
Along this journey we are gifted with pretty good choreographed fight scenes (some over the top, some pure cheese but all entertaining) and great shoot 'em up action, ending with a great finale. Mac "She's gone Scott." Scott "Lets get the hell out of here, alright." This film doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't, it's pure fun action, that keeps the hits flowing.
A cheesy moment to savour: A grenade is rolled, a villain is turned over onto the grenade and a table placed on top of him.
A cheesy moment to savour: A grenade is rolled, a villain is turned over onto the grenade and a table placed on top of him.
Low Budget Mayhem
This is one of the most amazing films you will ever see. It has some of the most marvelous directing and cinematography of action scenes ever recorded on film. Loren Avedon is simply matchless as a young humble American hero in his first movie. The story line is equally captivating and engrosses the viewer. The characters are straight out of a comic book with fantastic screen presence, dialogue and charisma that makes it impossible to take one's eyes of them.
However where the film really succeeds, is in the technical aspect. The editing and pacing of the film is like none other. It is magnificently fused with a perfect film score that was works superbly and fuses so well with the film that it almost gives you goosebumps that something can be made so precisely and accurately to fit the emotions on the screen. Karate Tiger II proves that just because a movie is low budget, it doesn't mean that the people working on it aren't incredibly gifted and talented at their craft.
As a regular avid film viewer, I feel very fortunate that I was able to view and experience this film. It is a sheer delight and should not be missed by anyone. One of the very best films out of the tens of thousands I've seen.
However where the film really succeeds, is in the technical aspect. The editing and pacing of the film is like none other. It is magnificently fused with a perfect film score that was works superbly and fuses so well with the film that it almost gives you goosebumps that something can be made so precisely and accurately to fit the emotions on the screen. Karate Tiger II proves that just because a movie is low budget, it doesn't mean that the people working on it aren't incredibly gifted and talented at their craft.
As a regular avid film viewer, I feel very fortunate that I was able to view and experience this film. It is a sheer delight and should not be missed by anyone. One of the very best films out of the tens of thousands I've seen.
- bad_habitt
- Mar 28, 2002
- Permalink
10/10 IF U LIKE RAMBO MOVIES ITS A MUST
MY FIRST AND ONLY REVIEW BECAUSE ITS MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE MOVIE .RELEASED 1987 10/10. IVE WATCH THIS MORE THAN 20 TIMES. LOREN AVEDON AT HIS BEST MARTIAL ARTS AND NOT ONLY! AMAZING DIRECTORY. THIS MOVIE IS FULL OF ACTION. GREAT INTRO SONG. THAT PERIOD I WAS BUYING NINJA MOVIES AND I GOT THIS JUST FROM LUCK! I COULDNT BELIEVE WHAT I HAVE JUST WATCHED A DIAMOND! I INVITED ALL MY FRIENDS HOME JUST TO WATCH THIS AGAIN AND THEY ALL WERE AMAZING. SOMEONE TODAY MIGHT NOT UNDERSTUND ITS VALUE BUT IMAGINE ITS 1987 MOVIE! NON STOP ACTION .U HAVE TO TRANSFORM THIS INTO HD AND DOLBY SURROUND SO PEOPLE WILL KNOW...THANKS TO ALL THE STUFF.
- ramperer13
- Aug 24, 2024
- Permalink
Corey Yuen spread the cheese on a little too thick...
I decided to rent NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER II due to the man also responsible for Jet Li's fight choreography...however not even Corey Yuen's stylish chop socky could save this....not saying it wasn't fun though. Cross a low budget Rambo rip off with a quality hong kong kung fu film and you've got NRNS 2. Hero Scott Wylde (Loren Avedon) travels to Thailand to meet with his fiance (who is also daughter of a wealthy business man financing anti Soviet forces in Cambodia). The obligatory kidnapping of the fiance takes place forcing Scott to join forces with weapon specialist Mac and pilot/martial artist Terry (Cynthia Rothrock) as they make their way into Cambodia to take on the Soviet forces led by one big Russki known as Yuri (Matthias Hues).
If you can survive the ridiculous dialogue between the three leads(especially former lovers Mac and Terry), outdated one man army shootouts, and Matthias Hues's facial expressions then you may be in for a treat. Although not "Grade A" martial arts sequences, the film does provide entertaining brawls in the opening sequence between kidnappers and Scott, Scott and Mac vs others in an outdoor dining establishment, the three leads vs an army of monks (netting included) and finally the climatic showdown between Scott and a barechested (wouldn't you tear off your shirt if you were buff as hell before a bare knuckled melee?)Yuri. Once again this movie is highly cheesy and lost credibility as a true action movie once you push the VCR play button. Seen as an action parody through the eyes of any martial arts fans, NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER II may still have a chance. What gives this viewing priority over such direct to video turkeys as POINT BLANK and any offering by the PM group is in the fights...imported straight from Hong Kong.
If you can survive the ridiculous dialogue between the three leads(especially former lovers Mac and Terry), outdated one man army shootouts, and Matthias Hues's facial expressions then you may be in for a treat. Although not "Grade A" martial arts sequences, the film does provide entertaining brawls in the opening sequence between kidnappers and Scott, Scott and Mac vs others in an outdoor dining establishment, the three leads vs an army of monks (netting included) and finally the climatic showdown between Scott and a barechested (wouldn't you tear off your shirt if you were buff as hell before a bare knuckled melee?)Yuri. Once again this movie is highly cheesy and lost credibility as a true action movie once you push the VCR play button. Seen as an action parody through the eyes of any martial arts fans, NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER II may still have a chance. What gives this viewing priority over such direct to video turkeys as POINT BLANK and any offering by the PM group is in the fights...imported straight from Hong Kong.