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Arnulfo LaFontana
Reviews
Gymkata (1985)
More to this film than meets the eye
There's much more to this film that meets the eye. Director Robert Clouse, with the help of a sharp, powerful and precise script, did a brilliant job of merging two viewpoints as different as the Eastern philosophy of martial arts with the western culture of achievements and rapid success. Our hero, Jonathan Cabot, has to deal with the success of being an Olympic superstar, as shown in the first moments of the film, but deep inside all he longs for is to live the normal family life he's been denied, as we can see in the scene where he reflects on his father's photograph. To achieve this end, he spares no effort, and even for such an accomplished athlete as him, it is no easy task, despite being helped by experts from the East and West.
And then, we meet the Princess. Mere words can not convey the feelings of tenderness when these two characters meet. John is vulnerable and looking for someone to love, but the princess will show him that we are most vulnerable when we open our hearts. I believe Tetchie Agbayani achieved a pinnacle in the history of acting with her subtle, yet powerful portrayal of the modern woman who is afraid to love openly, yet longs for romantic fulfillment. However, these two characters soon find that they were meant to complement each other. Here is when Clouse's mastery of the film medium shows: most other films would have given us a long, pointless scene full of sex. But Clouse shows admirable restraint, instead showing us the passion these two people share for each other in a way that invites us to contemplate how love can bridge cultural differences. In a sense, it is nothing more than the tale of Romeo and Juliet, modernized. He must fight to avenge his father and bring hope to his country. She must help him even at the risk of betraying her nation and her father, because she knows it will be best. Clouse brings us a sharp critique of the shallowness of modern relationships.
Then, after some exciting scenes in varied mid-eastern locals we see how our hero, despite his extensive training and mastery of the lethal arts, does not reject help from unlikely sources. It is a complete surprise to see his mentor appear and save him, and this establishes a bond of trust, furthering the moral of the movie. Not before long, we are then shown to the beautiful country of Parmistan, where Richard Norton does a fine job of portraying a villain with a tender side, and Buck Kartalian shines as the benevolent ruler of a small country torn between tradition and modernization. The scenery only serves to further enhance this impression, accompanied by exemplary photography.
In short, this film is an almost perfect portrayal of personal growth and the triumph of love and hope over adversity. Truly a must-see for aspiring actors, directors and screenwriters.