A part of the huge wave of asian inspired martial arts movies of the early 80s, The Challenge has an interesting premise of an American getting in the middle of a long family feud and being a fish out of water in a completely strange land and culture.

The interest is kept us as the protagonist starts learning kenjutsu and the system of honor, still constantly clashing with the oddities of the culture.

The Challenge is not a masterpiece and its cracking, unfinished seams are visible at times; especially with the bluray transfer the fishing lines guiding projectiles like arrows and shurikens are visible.

Still, it’s a refreshing and mold breaking title to the often tired martial arts movie genre, and the end showdown is nothing short of a (hilariously) amazing.

80s-o-meter: 70%

Total: 79%