The Last Dragon

"The Last Dragon" is a classic 1985 martial arts film interwoven with elements of comedy, music, dance, and romance, presenting a unique fusion of pop culture and action-driven narrative. Released by Berry Gordy's Motown Productions, the movie was directed by Michael Schultz, known for his work in urban-based comedic dramas. The film showcases the acting prowess of newcomers Taimak and Vanity, and includes a solid performance by seasoned actor Christopher Murney.

The story’s protagonist is Leroy Green (Taimak), a young, highly skilled martial arts practitioner hailing from Harlem, New York. Being an ardent Bruce Lee fan, Leroy lives by the principles of martial arts discipline. His moniker is 'Bruce' Leroy, reflecting his aspiration to become more like his martial arts idol. The film unfolds the journey of Leroy acquiring the mystical "Glows" – the final level of martial arts mastery where the physical and spiritual aspects of a practitioner reach the highest point of harmony, manifesting in a radiant aura around the body.

On his journey to gain the final glow, he crosses paths with a stunningly beautiful video jockey named Laura Charles (played by Vanity), who hosts a popular nightly music video program. Laura is always at the center of unnecessary attention, especially from a ruthless, eccentric character named Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney), who wants her to play his girlfriend’s music videos on her show. This eventually leads the star TV presenter into trouble, creating a narrative twist that places Leroy at the heart of her rescue, setting off a sequence of events laden with suspense, thrill, and action.

Simultaneously, Leroy has his own set of challenges as he faces a gangster and self-proclaimed "Shogun of Harlem," Sho'nuff (Julius J. Carry III), another prominent martial arts figure in the neighborhood. With his quirky, flashy appearance, Sho'nuff essentially serves as the adversary of Leroy, embodying tough local competition.

"The Last Dragon" is a unique blend of martial arts, urban life, and music culture, offering viewers a fresh prospective on the 1980s entertainment scene. Director Michael Schultz successfully infuses humor and urban elements into the film, offering comic relief without overshadowing the movie's core action theme. Schultz's integration of Motown and Pop music into the narrative accentuates the film’s charisma, giving it a timeless appeal.

Taimak, making his acting debut with "The Last Dragon," crafts a compelling and distinctive character. Displaying a strong onscreen charisma and outstanding martial arts skills, Taimak’s portrayal of Leroy creates a memorable character who sticks to his principles while grappling with love, duty, and martial arts glory. Vanity, another emerging star at the time, brings Laura Charles to life with her wholesome performance, emanating both flawlessness and vulnerability. Vanity’s chemistry with Taimak also adds an enticing romantic element to the storyline.

In the role of the villain, Christopher Murney stands out as Eddie Arkadian, demonstrating an unnerving mixture of obsession, ruthlessness, and comic absurdity. His performance adds a unique flavor to the story, infusing a sense of tension and thrill to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

"The Last Dragon" is a not just an action-packed martial arts film, but a cultural phenomenon of the 80s, combining diverse aspects of pop culture, music, dance, and action into a single narrative. The movie symbolizes the power of aspiration and discipline, and the film's unique aesthetic sense, unforgettable characters, and high kung-fu actions make it an evergreen cinematic experience. It's a must-watch for lovers of martial arts films and fans of 1980s pop culture alike.