Street Fighter (1994), directed by Steven E. de Souza, is a live-action film based on the famous video game series by Capcom. The film features an ensemble cast led by Jean-Claude Van Damme as Colonel Guile, who leads an elite military force against the evil dictator M. Bison, played by the late Raul Julia. While the movie is often criticized for its lack of faithfulness to the video game, it has developed a cult following due to its campy action and larger-than-life performances.

The film’s plot revolves around Guile’s mission to rescue hostages taken by M. Bison, who is trying to take control of the world. Along the way, Guile and his allies—such as Ken (Damian Chapa), Ryu (Byron Mann), and Chun-Li (Ming-Na Wen)—must face off against Bison’s army and stop his evil plans. Despite the video game’s rich narrative, the film opts for a relatively simple plot that serves as a backdrop for the chaotic, explosive action.

One of the film’s most notable aspects is its performances. Jean-Claude Van Damme, while entertaining, is a little out of place as an American soldier, given his Belgian accent. However, Raul Julia’s portrayal of M. Bison stands out as the highlight of the film, offering a performance that is both menacing and strangely entertaining. His campy, over-the-top villainy provides much of the film’s humor, and it’s clear he’s having a blast in the role.

The action is full of martial arts brawls, explosions, and cheesy special effects, which may feel dated today but provide a nostalgic and fun experience for fans of action films. The movie embraces its campy, over-the-top nature, not taking itself too seriously.

While Street Fighter didn’t fare well with critics, it has become a beloved guilty pleasure for those looking for a goofy, action-packed experience based on a classic video game.