Life After Fighting - Worth the Watch?

Introduction

Life After Fighting is a 2024 martial arts film set in modern-day Australia. I do tend to select films that are set within a historical context or are based on competitions – tournaments, cage fights, etc. – so this film is a little different from what I usually watch. However, this film stars Australian martial artists and actors, and it is set in Australia. This provides a unique contribution in and of itself to the martial arts film genre. It was when I saw that it was written, directed, and starred Bren Foster that I knew that I had to give this film a chance.

Summary

In Life After Fighting (2024), Bren Foster makes his directorial debut with a high-energy martial arts movie set in Australia. He also portrays Alex Faulkner, a former martial arts world champion turned instructor. However, when two of his young students disappear, he is drawn into a dangerous confrontation with an international child trafficking ring. In order to save the girls, Faulkner must reignite the skills that once defined him.

This film displays amazingly choreographed fight sequences, blending taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. A high-intensity dojo raid that highlights Foster’s martial arts expertise is a definite must-see. Despite a modest budget, Life After Fighting delivers relentless action and compelling performances, proving Foster’s capability both in front of and behind the camera. No summary of this film would be complete without noting that Bren Foster also co-wrote the lyrics for two songs (The Last Dance and Bleed Your Soul) on the soundtrack.

Analysis

Life After Fighting may seem like a vanity project for Bren Foster, but I did truly enjoy this film. The film is straightforward with easy to identify “good guys” and “bad guys.” The main character was a normal guy who has the potential to resonate with the viewers, and yet does extraordinary things in order to protect his friends, students, and community. In a time when so much is unknown, this film provides a story where the good guys win in the end.

Pros

The best part of this film? Bren Foster. His real-life experiences as a martial artist shine through in each scene. His acting is natural, and he depicts a character that the audience can cheer for. The second best part? The choreography and the stunt team. The fight scenes are flawless and easily transition between – and include – Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. Online sources report that the fight scenes were not sped up, which only confirms the martial abilities of Bren Foster and his stunt team. A high-action story line and a top-notch martial arts team? What is not to like?

Cons

As I watched Life After Fighting, I was excited to see the school setting, the white uniforms, and the tenets posted on the wall. I was not, however, prepared for the dark turn this film took. The issue of child trafficking needs to be addressed, and I respect Bren Foster and this film for bringing it to light. The violence against children depicted in this film reflects reality, and my “father of teenage children” mindset was not ready for the emotional roller coaster. Is that really a con? If you are looking for a superficial fight movie with no social message, you may want to pass on Life After Fighting until you are ready to deal with a brief introduction to child trafficking and the toll it takes on families and communities.

Conclusion

Life After Fighting – worth the watch? Absolutely. This film has something for everyone – extraordinary fight scenes, a storyline where the good guys win, and a social message that more people need to engage with. All teasing of Bren Foster aside, his directorial debut has produced a film worth watching.