The Challenge
The Challenge
Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.
Matthias_812 reviewedJune 20, 2025
One of those East-meets-West action flicks that were starting to bleed into the early 80's. Helmed by John Frankenheimer in the director's chair and with action sequences staged by none other than a pre-fame Steven Seagal! The Challenge throws Scott Glenn into Japan to brawl, bleed, and get schooled in bushido.
Everything is pretty basic from the story to the fights. There are a handful of impressively staged sword fights that feel just raw enough to keep you invested and a finale mixing the traditional weapons with modern machine guns.
It’s far from being real noteworthy but it’s a tough little time capsule from a bygone era and swinging real swords while doing it.