“Best of the Best” (1989) is a martial arts sports drama directed by Robert Radler, centered around a group of American martial artists competing against the Korean national team in an international taekwondo tournament. The film is known for its intense fight choreography, emotional depth, and focus on themes of honor, teamwork, and personal growth. It stars Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee, James Earl Jones, and Chris Penn.

Plot Overview

The story follows Alex Grady (Eric Roberts), a widowed father and former martial artist who is recruited to join the U.S. national taekwondo team to compete in the World Karate Championship against South Korea’s national team. Along with Alex, the team includes Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee), who has a personal history with the Korean champion; Travis Brickley (Chris Penn), a brash and overconfident fighter; Sonny Grasso (David Agresta); and Virgil Keller (John Dye), a spiritual fighter. The team is coached by the strict and disciplined Frank Couzo (James Earl Jones), who demands perfection from his fighters.

As the team trains for the competition, each member faces personal struggles and challenges. Alex must balance his commitment to his young son with his training, while Tommy grapples with the emotional trauma of losing his brother in a past fight against the Korean team’s star fighter, Dae Han (Simon Rhee). As the competition draws closer, the team must learn to work together and overcome their personal demons if they hope to defeat the skilled and disciplined Korean team.

The film builds to an intense and emotional climax during the final match between the American and Korean teams, where the characters’ physical and emotional strength are put to the ultimate test.

Key Characters

• Alex Grady (Eric Roberts): Alex is a talented martial artist who has stepped away from competition to care for his son. His journey in the film is one of redemption and self-discovery as he returns to the sport he loves while balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood. Eric Roberts delivers a passionate performance, particularly in the film’s emotional moments.
• Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee): Tommy is a skilled fighter with a deep personal connection to the competition. His brother was killed in a match by the Korean team’s star fighter, Dae Han, and he must confront his trauma and anger as he prepares to face Dae Han in the final match. Phillip Rhee’s portrayal of Tommy brings both intensity and emotional depth to the film.
• Frank Couzo (James Earl Jones): As the team’s hard-nosed coach, Frank Couzo demands the best from his fighters, pushing them to their limits both physically and mentally. James Earl Jones brings gravitas and authority to the role, delivering powerful speeches about discipline, honor, and the importance of teamwork.
• Travis Brickley (Chris Penn): Travis is a cocky and outspoken fighter who initially struggles with teamwork and discipline. His journey in the film is one of growth, as he learns to respect his teammates and the values of martial arts.
• Dae Han (Simon Rhee): Dae Han is the skilled and disciplined captain of the Korean team, and his history with Tommy Lee adds emotional weight to their final confrontation. Despite being an antagonist, Dae Han is portrayed with honor and respect, which plays a key role in the film’s emotional climax.

Themes

• Honor and Respect: A central theme of Best of the Best is the importance of honor, respect, and sportsmanship in martial arts. The film emphasizes that victory is not just about defeating your opponent, but about respecting them and the discipline of martial arts itself.
• Teamwork and Personal Growth: The film focuses on the journey of the U.S. team as they learn to work together despite their differences. Each character has their own personal struggles, but through their training and the bond they form as a team, they are able to grow both as fighters and individuals.
• Revenge vs. Forgiveness: Tommy’s storyline, in particular, revolves around the theme of revenge versus forgiveness. His anger toward Dae Han for his brother’s death drives much of his character’s arc, but the film ultimately shows the power of forgiveness and the ability to move past personal trauma.

Action and Fight Choreography

The fight scenes in Best of the Best are well-executed and intense, with a focus on realistic martial arts choreography. The final matches between the U.S. and Korean teams are the highlights of the film, showcasing a blend of skill, strategy, and emotional stakes. Each fighter’s unique style is displayed during the tournament, adding variety and excitement to the action.

The climactic fight between Tommy Lee and Dae Han is not only a physical battle but also an emotional one, as Tommy struggles with his desire for revenge. The resolution of the fight is one of the most poignant moments in the film, emphasizing the film’s themes of honor and forgiveness.

Performances

• Eric Roberts gives a heartfelt performance as Alex, balancing the emotional weight of his character’s personal struggles with his determination to succeed in the competition.
• Phillip Rhee, who also co-produced the film, brings both physical prowess and emotional depth to his role as Tommy, making his character’s journey one of the most compelling aspects of the story.
• James Earl Jones commands the screen as Frank Couzo, delivering powerful monologues about discipline and honor that elevate the film’s emotional stakes.
• Chris Penn provides comic relief as the brash Travis, while also showing growth and maturity as the film progresses.

Reception

Best of the Best received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising the film’s emotional depth and martial arts action, while others criticized it for its formulaic plot. However, the film has since gained a cult following, particularly among martial arts and sports drama fans. Its themes of honor, teamwork, and personal growth, combined with its memorable fight scenes, have made it a beloved film in the genre.

Legacy

Best of the Best spawned several sequels, though none of them achieved the same level of success as the original. However, the first film remains a standout for its combination of martial arts action and emotional storytelling. It is remembered for its heartfelt performances, particularly the climactic moments between Tommy Lee and Dae Han, which have resonated with audiences for decades.

Conclusion

Best of the Best (1989) is a classic martial arts film that combines intense action with emotional storytelling. With strong performances, especially from Eric Roberts and Phillip Rhee, and a focus on themes of honor, teamwork, and forgiveness, the film stands out as more than just a sports drama. It offers an inspiring and heartfelt story about overcoming personal challenges, working together as a team, and finding strength in unity.