Released in 1985, Remo Williams is an action-adventure film that blends elements of martial arts, espionage, and humor. The film features Fred Ward in the titular role with Joel Grey playing the intriguing character of Chiun. The movie is based on "The Destroyer" pulp paperback series by Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir.

The film opens to introduce its hero, Remo Williams, a New York City police officer who is abruptly recruited by a secret government organization known as CURE. His entry into this clandestine world is marked by an assassination attempt made to look like an accident. Surviving by the skin of his teeth, Remo wakes up in a hospital bed a changed man - not just in terms of his freshly crafted identity, but also his physical appearance, redone through plastic surgery. Thus begins his extraordinary journey as a government agent.

Fred Ward beautifully captures the strong, silent, and slightly bewildered character of Remo Williams, a common man pushed into a world of superhuman tasks. He brings to life Remo’s toughness, determination, and resilience, generating an effortless charm that permeates through the film, drawing empathy from viewers and making them root for his survival and success.

The secret organization, looking to transform Remo into a human weapon, assigns him to the enigmatic and eccentric Chiun, played by Joel Grey. Chiun is a Korean martial arts master of Sinanju, an ancient and lethal form of combat that's shrouded in mystery. He is responsible for stripping Remo of his conventional wisdom and training him in the ways of Sinanju. Throughout the film, their relationship develops from master and reluctant pupil to a bond resembling that of a father and son.

Joel Grey delivers a performance that is nothing short of outstanding. He imbues the character of Chiun with wisdom and wit, and a sense of purpose that transcends traditional martial arts teachings. He serves as the grounding point and mentor in Remo's transformative journey. Remo's training sequences under Chiun's tutelage offer much of the movie's humor and are the highlights of the film.

However, Remo's life isn't all about training. Our hero finds himself in the middle of a mission to expose a corrupt weapons manufacturer, whose defective products are putting US soldiers at risk. This serious matter provides the spinal plot around which Remo’s chaotic world revolves. The movie uses this premise to embark on an action-packed voyage filled with dangerous situations and thrilling chase sequences. The climax atop the Statue of Liberty remains one of the most memorable set pieces of the film.

Remo Williams is a mixture of hard-hitting action scenes, exotic and immersive martial arts training sequences, and a dash of humor. Beneath it all, it carries an undertone of genuine relationships and provides a refreshing take in a genre that's often saturated with relentless violence and mindless action.

A critical mention must be made of the outstanding makeup work that transformed Grey, a Caucasian actor, into the Korean character of Chiun. It earned the movie an Academy Award nomination. The film's music, composed by Craig Safan, adds considerable depth to the movie, enhancing not just the action sequences but also the moments of poignant emotion.

On the whole, Remo Williams is a hidden gem, offering an enticing blend of martial arts and spying espionage with a generous sprinkle of humor. It paints the portrait of a relatable hero's journey, fleshed out by the potent performances of Fred Ward and Joel Grey, accompanied by the exceptional elements of action and drama. It is a film highly recommended for viewers who enjoy classic action-packed adventures laced with an unexpected dose of heartwarming narrative.