Nice movie considered to be probably Van Damme's best of his first and best period from his film debut No retreat , no surrender . Here Van Damme is a French Legionnaire who deserts from foreign Legion in Africa to come to America where his drug-dealing brother has been torched by competitors . Soon after, he hits the streets and realising that his struggle skills are the only way to help his brother's wife : Lisa Pelikan and little girl daughter , as he relunctantly ties in with hustler Harrison Page to compete in violent combats promoted by an egoistic woman : Deborah Rennard who changes the tables when he fails to succumb to her advances . As many fights ensue until an exciting , touching and thrilling finale. Honor or revenge, he has no choice...When the streets are jungle...they can only be one King. Too tough to die.
Fine flick with more than a semblance of an enjoyable and agreeable story without being excessively silly , including thrills , chills, and spectacular kickboxing mayhem in smoky backstret rooms . In spite of its violence, and adding some wholly as well as corny moments , this is an acceptable yarn with interesting storyline enhanced by sentimental and feeling touches and full of freshness. Jean Claude Van Damme is pretty well as a brave hero showing his gentle side , a deserter who learns his brother has been hassled, as he attempts to help his family by illegal fighting . Support cast is charming , such as : Harrison Page as a black street drifter, gorgeous Deborah Rennard as the predatory , illegal-fight promoter who turns against him , Brian Thompson as tough henchman, and Lisa Pelikan as the good widow with a daughter, Ashley Johnson. And brief appearances from Jeff Speakman , fighter Billy Blanks as a legionnaire and producer Lawrence Bender .
The motion picture was well and decently directed by Sheldon Lettich. He is a craftsman who has written/produced/directed some nice films, most of them starred by Jean Claude Van Damme as "The Order, Double impact , Hard Corps, and Lionheart" , or performed by other hunk men as Daniel Bernhart : "Perfect Day" , Dolph Lundgren : "List Patrol" , or , Mark Dacascos : "Only the Strong". Rating 6.5/10. Better than average action picture. The flick will appeal to Jean Claude Van Damme fans.
