Unearthed Gems:10 Forgotten Martial Arts Films from the ’90s You Must See!

The ’90s action phase holds a mixed reputation, being both cherished and criticized. It produced some timeless masterpieces such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Heat, and The Rock, yet the rise of VHS and a rush to capitalize on sensational content led to an influx of low-budget, generic action films. Amidst this deluge of pre-internet content, numerous movies got lost in the shuffle.

A few of these martial arts films might be better off forgotten, yet they still offer intriguing action scenes for fans who’ve seen it all. On the other hand, some are true hidden treasures that have been overlooked and underappreciated for far too long. Regardless, there’s a good chance you haven’t come across these 10 martial arts movies until now.

‘Blood and Steel’ (1990)

Mark Swetland, an accomplished martial artist, finds his life turned on its head when his sister is viciously killed, suspected to be the work of a serial killer. Yet, as he delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her death, it becomes clear that there’s more than meets the eye—a wider conspiracy lurks in the shadows. Drawing upon the skills and strength of his fellow fighters from the dojo, Mark embarks on a mission to challenge a corrupt local administration and drug cartels.

Home Spun Charm

The movie “Blood and Steel,” originally a little-known, shot-on-video action film produced locally and struggling to find distribution, was rediscovered by SRS and remastered in 2022. In essence, it’s a heartfelt homage to Bruce Lee, brimming with stylish actions masterminded by the multi-talented Mark Swetland, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film. Despite its homemade feel and lack of professional filmmaking experience, the movie is endearing, boasting some truly remarkable action scenes.

‘Dragon Hunt’ (1990)

In a lethal game dubbed “eliminate the twins,” the McNamara brothers, Martin and Michael, find themselves unwillingly involved following an embarrassing fight with members of a militia called the People’s Private Army. This group has marked them as targets. Lured to a secluded island, they learn that a bounty has been placed on their heads, with the victor receiving a substantial reward. Since firearms are prohibited in this deadly contest (given it takes place in Canada), the brothers must navigate through hordes of adversaries using only their formidable kickboxing skills.

A Canadian Curiosity

The end credits reveal that Dragon Hunt was independently produced without any backing from government funds, hinting at potential production challenges and budget constraints. Despite its low-budget appearance, shoddy camerawork, acting, and cheesy feel, the movie has found favor among enthusiasts of “so bad it’s good” cinema and has cultivated a loyal fanbase. Action aficionados may appreciate the second half’s action sequences, punctuated by intense bursts of violence, but the film truly shines when enjoyed with a group of friends who are ready to laugh together.

‘Ninja Vengeance’ (1993)

In a small Texas town after his motorcycle malfunctions, martial arts specialist Jesse finds himself stranded. Here, he observes a vicious attack by the Ku Klux Klan on a black student, prompting him to intervene. This act of bravery lands both him and the young man in danger. Facing off against a corrupt police force that leads the racist group, Jesse must engage in fierce battles to protect himself and the student.

Fighting Racism in a Small Town

Straightforwardly speaking, “Ninja Vengeance” attempts to tackle a thought-provoking concept from its period, yet fails to deliver substantially on its exploration of racial themes. This film might appeal to fans of gritty action movies reminiscent of the 1970s as it carries a more exploitative vibe. The action scenes, albeit scarce, are executed well. The movie appears to be outdated, but maintaining an open mind can lead to an enjoyable viewing experience.

‘Kindergarten Ninja’ (1994)

Football legend Blade Steel, portrayed by actual NFL athlete Dwight Clark, faces the challenge of working at a community center following a DWI conviction. On the other hand, an angel bearing a striking resemblance to martial arts icon Bruce Lee is assigned a task: to help reform troubled football star Blade Steel. In the process, this angel imparts Blade with powerful martial arts abilities, enabling him not only to transform his life but also defend his community.

An Hour-Long Anti-Drug PSA

Certain movies fail to make a lasting impact, and this action comedy struggles to excel in either area. This filmmaking falls short in nearly every aspect, including performances, visuals, fight sequences, and comedic moments. The movie does possess a certain “so bad it’s good” charm, but the poor acting of two-time SuperBowl winner Dwight Clark as he stumbles into an acting career is particularly noteworthy. Since Kindergarten Ninja was backed by D.A.R.E., its pro-anti-drug message feels forced and out of place, much like an awkward trend among peers.

‘Stranglehold’ (1994)

In this scenario, the government finds itself in a precarious position due to a terrorist group seizing control of a covert chemical facility and kidnapping a congresswoman. When conventional military forces like the Navy, Airforce, and Coast Guard are unable to breach the terrorists’ security, they turn to an ex-Secret Service agent named Ryan Cooper (played by Jerry Trimble) who operates as a lone warrior, for help infiltrating the factory.

One Man Versus A Terrorist Organization

Check out that poster! It exudes ’90s tough guy vibes and hints at scantily-clad women, fights, and explosions. However, Stranglehold, despite its promises, delivers a somewhat mediocre experience in terms of action, story, and excitement – possibly explaining why it’s not as well-remembered today. Nevertheless, the action movie has its merits: a concise running time, impressive stunts, and a great platform for the underappreciated action star Jerry Trimble. If you go in with moderate expectations, you’re likely to enjoy it.

‘Kung Fu Cult Master’ (1993)

During the Yuan Dynasty, the story unfolds around Zhang Wuji, portrayed by the legendary Jet Li, an orphan who inherits the secret knowledge of ancient martial arts from his mysterious parents. Zhang then assembles a group of skilled combatants in pursuit of two golden swords, rumored to bestow immense power upon their wielders.

An Underappreciated Jet Li Fantasy Action Flick

Delving into the realm of Hong Kong cinema is crucial when discussing underappreciated action movies. For instance, “Kung Fu Cult Master” is a less-discussed gem featuring Jet Li at his peak, collaborating with renowned fight choreographer Sammo Hung. This movie offers action that’s fueled by fantasy, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, and an abundance of fireballs. Despite its initial flop, it has developed a cult following. Yet, when discussing the top Wuxia films of the ’90s, it is still frequently overlooked.

‘College Kickboxers’ (1992)

Freshman James Caulfield discovers a kindred spirit in martial arts devotee Mark Brown, both sharing a competitive edge in sparring. When they encounter trouble from a gang called the White Tigers, who specifically target Mark due to his ethnicity, they realize their abilities are overpowered by sheer numbers and underhanded tactics. In a critical moment, they’re rescued by an accomplished martial artist named Mr. Wing, who later takes them under his wing to teach them his craft.

Classes in A** Kicking

College Kickboxers is a unique instance where a film inadvertently transformed into a hilarious comedy. The performances are over-the-top, the dialogue feels forced, and each character appears to be an exaggerated version of typical action movie archetypes. This might explain why it wasn’t widely noticed when first released, but its unintentional humor has only grown more charming with time; it doesn’t hurt that the martial arts action sequences are spot-on well executed.

‘Bounty Tracker’ (1993)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: A bloodbath at a tax consultant’s office sparks a series of events that lead me, one of the few survivors, to seek help from my talented bounty hunter brother, Johnny Damone (Lorenzo Lamas). However, when the gang manages to bypass Johnny and brutally kill his family and him, I embark on a relentless, vengeful journey.

One Man’s Quest for Revenge

Lorenzo Lamas is a beloved star from the ’90s who, despite not quite reaching mainstream status, became a favorite among action enthusiasts. In this film, Bounty Hunter, his fighting skills truly shine as he engages in one of the most impressive fights of his career, battling an entire dojo packed with thugs. At its core, this is top-notch B-movie action.

‘Savate’ (1995)

1865 is the setting for the movie Savate, where we follow French legionnaire Joseph Charlegrand (Olivier Gruner) as he journeys to America in pursuit of his comrade’s murderer, Ziegfield Von Trotta (Marc Singer). Upon arrival, he forms friendships with the locals who are captivated by the martial art of Savate. As events unfold, Joseph finds himself aiding them against a corrupt mayor. The mayor arranges a fighting tournament offering a cash prize, providing an opportunity for Joseph to potentially confront Ziegfeld if he manages to reach the finals.

Old West Meets Martial Arts Tournament

If you’ve watched one fighting tournament film, you’ve pretty much seen them all. But even with its familiar storylines and worn-out plots, the Isaac Florentine action movie manages to hold its ground among many others. What sets Savate apart is its distinctive Western backdrop, homage to spaghetti Westerns, and presentation of an underdog martial art that was less popular at the time. The fight sequences are also exceptional, offering a fast-paced and engaging viewing experience.

‘Brain Smasher… A Love Story’ (1993)

In a new scenario, character Samantha Crain (portrayed by Teri Hatcher) finds herself entrusted with the mission of aiding her sibling in transporting a unique red lotus, rumored to bestow martial artists with boundless strength. This assignment places her in conflict with a band of Chinese Shaolin monks who covet this power for their own purposes. During an assault, she encounters Edward “The Brainsmasher” Malloy (Andrew ‘Dice’ Clay), a former boxer now bouncer, who offers his aid to help her escape.

A Failed Attempt to Get A Comedian Into the Theaters

Director Albert Pyun is known for producing some delightful B-movie treasures, but “Brain Smasher… A Love Story” is not one of them. The film attempted to leverage the charm of Andrew “Dice” Clay and incorporate a touch of fantasy to mimic the humor found in films like “Big Trouble in Little China”, but it fell short. Originally planned for a theatrical release, the studio ultimately decided it would be more beneficial to release it straight to video.

The film is quite uncomfortable, as Andrew “Dice” Clay, a contentious figure in comedy, has grown increasingly grating over time. Is there any appeal in this? The action can be absurdly amusing at times, and it’s entertaining to dissect the numerous… numerous… errors that led it from being intended for theaters to ending up in the trash bin.

2025-03-23 05:33