On B List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Best of the Best (1989)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
9/03, 1/06, 5/10, 12/15, 2/20, 3/21
1/06:
Speaking of adrenaline, Best of the Best is a tremendous rush.
There are many beautiful shots of martial arts from both sides: the United States and South Korea. The plot is fascinating
and unusually different, showcasing the value of teamwork. I like the use of the black-and-white flashback for Tommy's
brother's tragic death which underscores the twist that's about to come. The movie becomes special at the end when
Dae Han offered himself as his brother.
I love Eric Roberts, Chris Penn, James Earl Jones, Philip Rhee, and Simon Rhee. All of their characters are memorable.
My favorite performance is from Eric Roberts who pours a lot of heart into his character.
All in all, Best of the Best is one of the most thrilling movies I've seen.
5/10:
There are three reasons why I watch Best of the Best over and over: Eric Roberts, Chris Penn, and the training montage
of the South Korea national karate team.
They're compelling. Eric Roberts shows a great range of his thespic abilities and will always be the better
actor than his sister Julia. My favorite aspect is the value of teamwork. That's why the tagline
on the poster says: "A team is not a team if you don't give a damn about each other." It's a can't-beat.
All in all, Best of the Best is one of the best sports films made that's on the same level as Rocky
in terms of adrenaline rush.
12/15:
Best of the Best is one of those films I can watch over and over.
Terrific scenes appear throughout, and they are Rocky-esque. Great performances are given by everybody,
especially Eric Roberts and Chris Penn.
All in all, Best of the Best is the best Taekwondo picture ever made.
2/20:
Best of the Best is still underrated.
The cast is outstanding by playing memorable characters. The standouts include Eric Roberts, Chris Penn, Simon Rhee, and James
Earl Jones who has the best line of the film: "A team is not a team if you don't give a damn about each other." Phillip Rhee
and his brother are obviously the most experienced martial artists, putting on an excellent show.
Rocky films always have the best training montages ever. If I can think of a movie that rivals them, it's
Best of the Best with these five guys from the South Korea national karate team. Because of them, the film is taken
to another level, prompting me to watch it again and again. The showdown is quite good and never disappoints.
All in all, Best of the Best is inspiring stuff.
3/21:
Best of the Best has it all: acting, story, direction, and, most of all, editing.
Without the training montage of the South Korea national karate team, the movie would've been ordinary. Taking it to the
next level is Eric Roberts who pours in his emotion to create a believable character to root for. I love the showdown between
the two teams for the final act; it's what Best of the Best is all about.
All in all, Coach Frank Couzo said it the best: "A team is not a team if you don't give a damn about each other."