Martial arts films are a unique genre with some truly impressive displays of skill and athleticism. While classics like The Karate Kid, Enter the Dragon, Ip Man, and Jackie Chan’s films often come to mind, there’s a whole world of great martial arts movies many people haven’t seen. Now, one of the best underrated films from the 1980s is becoming available on Hulu.
On February 1st, Hulu will start streaming Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon. This film, produced by music legend Berry Gordy, stands out in the world of martial arts movies because it cleverly combines the energy of Motown’s comeback with the martial arts craze of the time. The result is a surprisingly effective mix, complete with a fantastic soundtrack.
The Last Dragon Never Takes Itself Too Seriously (And That’s What Makes It So Good)
Directed by Michael Schultz, The Last Dragon centers around Leroy Green, a martial arts student nicknamed Bruce Leeroy after his idol, Bruce Lee. As Leroy nears the end of his training, he’s striving to achieve “The Glow” – a mystical ability where energy concentrates, causing hands (and eventually the whole body) to glow – a sign of true mastery. Leroy isn’t quite sure how it all works, and that’s okay! He’s determined to succeed, embarking on a quest involving a medal said to have belonged to Bruce Lee. Along the way, he clashes with Sho’nuff, a rival martial artist known as The Shogun of Harlem, who sees Leroy as standing in the way of his own mastery and The Glow. Sho’nuff leads a gang with colorful nicknames like Crunch, Beast, and Cyclone. Adding to the mix is a side story about Eddie, a video game entrepreneur, who kidnaps a local VJ named Laura to force her to produce music videos for his girlfriend, and Leroy must rescue her.
The story in The Last Dragon is wonderfully wild, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. It’s pure, over-the-top fun. Unlike many martial arts movies where the hero saves the world, Leroy’s journey is more about proving himself and achieving his goals. He faces exaggerated, campy versions of everyday challenges that stand in his way. The romantic subplot with Laura adds a classic touch – every action movie needs a bit of romance and a damsel to rescue. But it also highlights the community around Leroy and the influences that shape him.
What makes The Last Dragon special is its self-awareness, which balances out the intensity of its fight scenes. While the movie is often silly and humorous, the fights themselves are incredibly realistic and skillfully performed – in some ways, even more impressive than those in The Karate Kid. This combination of serious action and playful humor creates a perfect balance, making it a truly enjoyable film. Even after all these years, it remains one of the best and most overlooked American martial arts movies, and it’s well worth adding to your watchlist.
The Last Dragon arrives on Hulu February 1st.
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2026-01-25 22:11