How Chuck Norris KO’ed Soviet Censors

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Without fully realizing his immense prowess, martial arts legend Chuck Norris possessed such formidable kicks that he allegedly had the ability to bring down the Berlin Wall from a Hollywood soundstage – a claim we make playfully, but one supported by substantial evidence. Beneath the humor of his memes, there is truth to the hype. Although he didn’t have the physique of Jean-Claude Van Damme, the charisma of Sylvester Stallone, the comic timing of Bruce Willis, or the bodybuilding stature of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Norris captivated a multitude of action movie enthusiasts from all over the world with nothing but raw talent and a mustache. In political terms, this is known as “soft power.” However, in film circles, we simply refer to it as a cult-movie star.

In an era when kung-fu movies were considered a laughing stock, Norris, who wasn’t typically expected to captivate audiences, managed to do so. Working for the productive team of Golan-Globus, his film career was filled with replicas of more renowned Hollywood productions. For instance, he transformed the Rambo character into Missing in Action, and by modifying Red Dawn’s plot, he starred in Invasion USA. Despite being a consistent presence and arguably one of the cornerstones of the eccentric and defunct Cannon Group, this company was known as a questionable independent film studio that achieved prominence in the eighties due to their diverse films, ranging from the gripping Runaway Train to the cheesy He-Man movie designed solely for selling action figures. However, among all the bizarre ideas that Golan-Globus promoted, none had more lasting impact than the Chuck Norris persona.

An Unstoppable Force Meets the Immovable Political Dogma

In defiance of his movies being openly critical of Communism and against the law, Chuck Norris’ films secretly circulated in Eastern Europe, creating an underground film community and martial arts schools. This is surprising for reasons beyond mere national pride, and Norris’ fame reveals much about the Soviet Union. Apart from his action roles in Hong Kong films, by 1985 he had not produced any significant movies under his martial arts expertise. The idea of promoting combat sports was strictly prohibited, and the existence of black markets suggested that the government was unable to meet its citizens’ desires or needs.

Due to the usual red tape and intense suspicion characterizing the Soviet Union, any foreign pastimes or cultural organizations were met with extreme wariness. The USSR even boycotted the 1924 Olympics, deeming them too capitalist, and didn’t participate until the early 1950s. As a result, most martial arts were prohibited, leaving only the homegrown Soviet fighting style called sambo as an exception.

The Chuck Norris School of Diplomacy

In the aftermath of communism’s decline, previously hostile territories embraced Western celebrities with open arms. Fervent fanbases yearned for personal encounters with their idols. Years later, during a visit to former Soviet Union territories, the Delta Force star required bodyguards to shield him from enthusiastic fans eager to shake his hand. This was an unprecedented experience for him, as he confessed to feelings of fear due to potential physical harm, which he discussed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in the mid-nineties.

In simpler terms, his simple yet dramatic movies carried a more controversial meaning when shown in Eastern Europe during the Cold War era. As we’ve talked about before, banning films creates an allure that no amount of money can match. This is demonstrated in the 2016 Romanian documentary called “Chuck Norris vs. Communism” which focused on Chuck Norris’s growing popularity within the Warsaw Pact countries. According to National Post, Norris subtly undermined the established order, stirring up resistance against apathy and a general feeling of powerlessness.

People living behind the Iron Curtain found an emblem of resistance in the American hero, secretly gathering at clandestine cinemas to watch his modestly-funded films. Director Ilinca Calugareanu fondly recalls how “these movies provided people with hope. When you see Chuck Norris challenge authority fearlessly, it makes one believe they too can stand up against oppression.” In the West, where Norris was known for his portrayal of mohawk-sporting good guys brutally defeating caricatured antagonists, his image bore a stark contrast in countries where freedom of speech and dissent were suppressed.

Why a Modern-Day John Wayne Reasonates in the Russian Psyche

In many ways, I find myself deeply connected to his enduring image. His appearances as a guest and the emergence of Norris-themed eateries in Russia have solidified his status, turning him into a meme sensation showcasing his tenacity and independent spirit, as documented in a 2015 Moscow Times article that celebrated him as “our beloved television maverick.”

Russia, with its persistent feelings of inadequacy, seems to hold a soft spot for strong-willed, smirking leaders, whether they’re on screen or in political office.

His rugged physique, straightforward demeanor, unwavering resolve, loyalty to the nation, and tireless courage have become the blueprint of masculinity across Eastern Europe. The question isn’t just how far his influence reaches, but also what new tributes it will inspire. Today, Russia and the former Soviet republics are teeming with enthusiastic MMA fans, and President Putin, a long-time admirer, even released an instructional judo video, as reported by the BBC.

The excessive promotion of action films only added to their appeal, and it’s clear that Putin had a strange fascination with these tough Hollywood figures. Over time, he even arranged meetings with stars like Norris and Seagal, particularly Seagal who he seemed to idolize excessively. It’s unclear if Putin was just catering to internet culture or if he genuinely admires martial arts, but Seagal, known for his role in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ eventually became a special envoy to the United States. Whether Seagal deserves credit for pushing Stalin’s henchmen out of Europe is up for debate. However, it’s indisputable that Norris made an impact on the other side of the Iron Curtain without ever setting foot in Europe. Reagan might be a bit envious!

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2025-01-15 02:01