No Retreat, No Surrender (1985)

No Retreat, No Surrender (1985) is a martial arts action film that tells the story of Jason Stillwell, a young karate enthusiast who idolizes Bruce Lee. After his family moves to Seattle to escape a dangerous run-in with local gangsters, Jason finds himself facing new challenges, including bullying, self-doubt, and a powerful crime syndicate that wants to take over his father’s dojo.

 

In a desperate bid to reclaim his confidence and stand up for what’s right, Jason seeks guidance from an unlikely source: the spirit of Bruce Lee himself. Under this spiritual mentorship, Jason hones his skills and prepares for a high-stakes showdown against Ivan “The Russian” Kraschinsky, a brutal fighter who serves as the syndicate’s enforcer.

 

Packed with high-energy martial arts choreography, inspiring underdog moments, and a youthful message of perseverance, No Retreat, No Surrender became a cult classic in the 1980s. It introduced audiences to Jean-Claude Van Damme, who delivers a memorable performance as the menacing antagonist, marking the beginning of his rise to action stardom.