"Best of the Best" is not just a great martial arts film. It is also a story that is a testament to the power of friendship and hard work. This is much more than a film about a bunch of tough guys trying to kill each other.
There is a much deeper meaning to this film. It features characters from all walks of life. The lower-middle class factory worker, a karate instructor, the egotistical cowboy, the Italian from the slums of Detroit, and the Buddhist in training all come together to work towards a common goal. In only three months, these men must develop themselves as fighters and as teammates. They must overcome their differences if they want to succeed.
The enemy in this film is the powerful Korean National Karate Team, a virtually invincible opponent. The team from the states must overcome adversity that takes many different forms in this film. Each fighter has an internal conflict that he must overcome. The coaching staff even has its problems.
James Earl Jones, Eric Roberts, and Sally Kirkland lead this great cast that turns in a tremendous performance. Being a movie about its characters each actor had to really get into his or her role. The film illustrates how each character grows as a person and as a member of a team.
As a martial arts fan I really enjoyed this film. As a true fan of film in general I feel that this was a great movie that told a dramatic story with characters that the audience could identify with.
"A team is not a team, if you don't give a damn about each other."