Force: Five

Force: Five from 1981 is an engrossing and action-packed martial arts extravaganza that showcases the athletic prowess and onscreen charisma of karate champion Joe Lewis. Directed by Robert Clouse, who previously helmed the iconic Bruce Lee movie Enter the Dragon, Force: Five offers a thrilling blend of well-choreographed fight sequences, intrepid adventure, and a dash of intrigue.

In the lead role, Joe Lewis demonstrates his martial arts mastery with commanding performances. He stars as Jim Martin, the embodiment of the fearless, quick-witted hero character popular in this genre. Alongside Lewis, other notable cast members include renowned martial arts expert Bong Soo Han and former professional wrestler Sonny Barnes, both of whom contribute to the movie's kinetic energy with their athletic performances.

The movie focuses on the adventures of a handpicked team of five martial artists, each with a unique fighting style and special skills. This unit, known as Force: Five, are assigned a daring rescue mission that takes them deep into the stronghold of powerful adversaries. Through the course of their mission, the team members must rely on their martial arts mastery, teamwork, and unyielding determination.

What adds an intriguing layer to these high-octane proceedings is the team's adversary. They are up against a cunning and sinister cult leader, whose religious sect serves as a cover for his nefarious activities. To strengthen his firm grip over his followers and conduct his misdeeds undeterred, the cult leader operates from an ultra-secure fortress-like island. Penetrating the well-guarded stronghold requires not just physical strength and combat skills but also shrewd tactics, fueling the plot with high stakes and suspense.

Force: Five embodies the best elements of the martial arts genre in the early 1980s, with its focus on stand-out fight choreography and riveting adventure. The martial arts sequences, which form the heart and soul of the movie, do not disappoint. They are spectacularly staged, capturing a range of styles and reflecting the impressive physicality of the actors. Joe Lewis makes a lasting impression with his formidable Karate skills, while Bong Soo Han and Sonny Barnes add diversity to the fight dynamics with their unique fighting methods.

In addition to the combat aspects, the movie also offers an engaging narrative driven by the team's goal to overcome their challenging task. Heroic camaraderie, determination in the face of adversity, and a sprinkle of humor characterize the team's relationships and interactions. Furthermore, the antagonistic cult leader, with his manipulative charm and chilling amorality, promises an engaging conflict that elevates the narrative tension.

One of the recurring themes in Force: Five is the deception of powerful figures using tools such as religion and cult tactics to manipulate and exploit the vulnerable, an angle that infuses the plot with a sense of moral urgency. This theme is explored through the cult leader's character and his iron-fisted control over his sect, bringing a layer of social commentary to the movie.

Force: Five delivers visual impact with its detailed set designs, especially the secure island fortress that becomes the dramatic location for the climax. The movie also benefits from atmospheric cinematography that effectively captures the intense fights, chase sequences, and dramatic confrontations.

In summary, Force: Five is an exciting mix of classic martial arts action, dramatic tension, and unexpected humor. It thrills with its intense fight scenes, captivates with its daring adventure narrative, and offers a glimpse at the dark side of power and manipulation, all unfolding within the compelling world of international espionage. Joe Lewis, Bong Soo Han, and Sonny Barnes all deliver standout performances, contributing to a movie that is a must-see for fans of 1980s martial arts action cinema.