Introduction
I do take a certain amount of pride in the fact that I have watched many obscure martial arts films. I have watched films in English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, etc. I have watched films produced in multiple countries and over many decades. I even watch films in which martial arts are a hidden element, such as The Accountant (2016) or The Princess Bride (1987). However, I did not expect to emerge from my recent martial arts film rabbit hole and review The Last Kumite (2024). This film first came to my attention because David Anthony Kurzhal, aka the Viking Samurai, spoke about it on his channel years ago. Was this film worth the wait? Is The Last Kumite (2024) worth the watch? If you read my article on Chuck Norris movies, then you know of my appreciation for martial arts films from the 1980s. The Last Kumite (2024) comes across as a tribute to the films my generation remembers from their youth. If you liked those movies then, you will like this one now.
Summary
This summary may contain spoilers. That said, one of the elements that I truly loved about this film was how predictably it followed the formula of the martial arts action movies of my youth. The story’s setting begins in a karate dojo and in a karate tournament. So far, classic film elements. The karate teacher, Michael Rivers is portrayed by Mathis Landwehr, a German stuntman and martial artist with a karate background. Rivers wins a karate tournament and promises his daughter it’s his last. His daughter is kidnapped to force Rivers into the deadly underground Kumite in Bulgaria. The kumite includes a secret compound to house and train the fighters. Another classic film element. While at the compound Rivers trains under Loren, portrayed by none other than Billy Blanks. Blanks’s character is a former fighter who is crippled and traumatized and yet takes on the mentor role. Classic film element number three. Rivers also gains guidance from Julie Jackson, portrayed by the legendary Cynthia Rothrock. With this cast and this storyline, the rest of the summary is not needed. The story writes itself and is worth every minute of this film’s 105-minute run time.
Analysis
Pros
The Last Kumite (2024) is the film for everyone that enjoyed the action and predictable plot of older action movies. In addition to that, this film incorporates as many different styles of martial arts as possible into the kumite. Some people trained in doboks and gis while others practiced on wooden dummies. As a practitioner of Chinese martial arts, I was happy to see my styles represented in a genre usually reserved for kickboxing and karate.
If nostalgia is not enough, The Last Kumite (2024) also provides an all-star cast. I watched the movie because David “the Viking Samurai” Kurzhal was in it, but I stayed to see Bill Blanks and Cynthia Rothrock. Actors/martial artists like Mathis Landwehr add authenticity to a film already fun to watch. If you watched martial arts films in the 1980s, this movie has something to offer you.
Cons
Other reviews for this film may be mixed, and that is to be expected. The Last Kumite (2024) was funded through Kickstarter, so it is not a big budget film. The plot is secondary to the nostalgia and action. The actors are most well known in niche circles. These are only cons if the film is not appreciated for what it is.
Conclusion
Is The Last Kumite (2024) worth the watch? Yes, it is. It is a small budget film that honors the action movies of our past. Watch it, appreciate it, and revel in its connection to films like Kickboxer (1989) and Bloodsport (1988). For those in the know, even the soundtrack will connect to these iconic films. The Last Kumite (2024) is definitely a must watch.
- The Last Kumite (2024) – Worth the Watch? - April 30, 2026
- Chuck Norris Movies – Worth the Watch? - March 27, 2026
- Prisoner of War (2025) – Worth The Watch? - February 24, 2026
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