Movie Reviews

Movie Review: “American Fighter” Is A Tribute To The ’80s Fight Clubs But With A Slight Persian Twist


 

A desperate teenager is forced into the dangerous world of underground fighting to win enough money to save his ailing mother. He finds out what he’s made of in the face of these violent hungry competitors.

“American Fighter” follows the story of a Persian college student who finds himself in the dangers of underground fighting fueled by his desire to save his mother from becoming permanently enslaved in Iran. The narrative is simple because rather than focusing on a complex plot, the director chooses to dedicate the film to its action sequences filled with meticulous stunts and realistic choreography.

The filmography born in the ’80s is distinct and easily identifiable, evoking nostalgia even to those who were born after the era. The ’80s music, style, and often overdramatic emphasis on overcoming the greatest challenge to a character’s growth can all be found in the “American Fighter,” starring George Kosturos as Ali Jahani.

Kosturos plays an American-raised, Persian student who escaped from a Middle East that is presumed to be unstable and lacking an environment fit to raise a child. However, in America, Ali is portrayed to have a strong sense of character while living the American Dream. His character exemplifies the values of American patriotism, where things are better in the freedom country. Soon, America becomes the holy grail in which Ali works to deliver his mother to safety. The sharp contrast between the America that is portrayed as safe and the Middle East that is portrayed with corruption, bombs, and a yellow filter is an overdone formula and one that fails to maintain the integrity of the film.

Rather, it is the stunt choreography that becomes the saving grace of the film, blissfully not cheesy with its wide-angle shots and its lack of slow-motion texture. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the cliché plot motion and the obvious timing of flashbacks for character motivation.

“American Fighter” is an easygoing film, easily excitable with its portrayal of the gritty nature in underground fighting. There’s romance, familial values, and enough of a challenging obstacle strongly reminiscent of Karate Kid that will have you enjoying a dedicated tribute to the ’80s and its fight club essence.

 

Now available on Digital HD

 

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Dianne Chung

Dianne is a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley. She has a passion for writing, graduating with a minor in Journalism with the hopes of bridging the gap of knowledge and communication between healthcare professionals and the general public. Dianne's experience in writing ranges from publishing various articles in the Berkeley Student Journal of Asian Studies, contributing literature reviews to her public health publications, and posting on her blog detailing the struggles in living with the intersectionality of her identity. She is excited to come on board the Irish Film Critic crew to continue polishing her writing techniques while enjoying movies in pop culture to make sure she doesn't fall behind in the ability to small talk with strangers.