‘Life After Fighting’ Delivers a Masterclass in DTV Action Cinema

There’s one thing of a stigma in the case of direct-to-video (DTV) style motion pictures, and at the same time as a fan it’s simple to see why — too a lot of them simply aren’t superb. Their exceedingly low budgets are usually blamed, however it’s a hole excuse as gifted and decided filmmakers have confirmed time and again that gold might be spun out of straw. The newest instance of that is an unassuming little DTV motion film from Australia known as Life After Fighting. It’s a really cheap movie with no single massive title, and whereas it deserves a theatrical displaying it’s been relegated to premiering on VOD. But additionally? It’s an actual contender for the 12 months’s finest motion film.

Alex Faulkner (Bren Foster) was as soon as a world champion, however a devastating loss and quite a few surgical procedures noticed him take a step again to an easier life as a martial arts teacher. Things don’t keep easy for lengthy, although, as varied parts collide forcing him to as soon as extra go toe to toe with opponents. Some are seemingly innocent, just like the upstart younger fighter (Eddie Arrazola) who retains difficult him to a battle on social media. But others are much more harmful together with the jealous ex-husband (Luke Ford) of the lady who’s caught Alex’s eye, and the boys accountable for abducting two of Alex’s younger college students for a kid intercourse trafficking ring. Turns out life after preventing entails a hell of much more preventing.

There might be no doubts that Life After Fighting is an indie manufacturing — it’s no accident that the majority of the movie’s operating time takes place in and across the dojo the place Alex teaches — and that’s nowhere extra clear than within the opening credit. Foster not solely stars within the lead position right here, however he’s additionally the movie’s director, author, producer, and battle choreographer. Hell, he even wrote the lyrics to a few of the unique songs within the movie. That type of possession isn’t unparalleled, however many of the motion stars who’ve dabbled behind the digital camera (Jackie Chan, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal) did so after they’d been established as lead performers. Foster didn’t really feel like ready, and motion movie followers needs to be very, very grateful.

Foster properly retains issues comparatively easy right here — dangerous guys are hurting children, our hero totally obliterates the pricks — with a throughline acquainted to anybody who’s seen motion motion pictures earlier than. More on the motion beneath, however first I need to communicate to the smooth tissue right here, the down time between fights, as Foster takes one thing of an atypical strategy. A two-hour operating time is arguably too lengthy for a DTV motion movie by roughly thirty minutes, and I count on some (most?) viewers will discover it extreme. There are parts {that a} extra seasoned filmmaker would in all probability lower, just like the youthful professional fighter calling him out and montages of Alex instructing martial arts lessons, and Foster lets a number of scenes play for a beat or three longer than you’re anticipating. All of that works, although, to flesh out not simply the principle character, however an appreciation for the distinction and self-discipline which might be so integral to the preventing arts. That respect is felt as a lot from Foster as it’s from his character, and that’s no small factor.

But sufficient about that bullshit — let’s discuss motion!

Foster eases viewers into issues beginning with Life After Fighting‘s opening credits as we watch Alex teaching classes, demonstrating moves, and sparring with students. It’s an informal opening that teases his velocity and a wide range of battle types, and it’s not lengthy earlier than some smaller skirmishes begin to flip up the warmth. All of it thrills to various levels as Foster is a extremely expert martial artist and executes strikes with actually unbelievable velocity. These smaller bouts are simply appetizers, although, because the close to entirety of the third act sees Alex going through off in opposition to quite a few dangerous guys throughout a dojo siege for the ages. Necks are snapped, throats are ripped, limbs are damaged, and our bodies are pummeled as he unleashes a blistering flurry of punches, kicks, and extra. It’s the type of immensely satisfying and entertaining motion film that can have you ever cheering as very dangerous dudes are ended with a violently righteous fury.

As is usually the case, stunt professionals and battle choreographers typically shoot one of the best motion as they instinctually know what the fighters can do and how one can seize it in order that the motion and performers are actually showcased. Foster is choreographer, director, and performer right here, and he reveals a direct eye for delivering fantastically visceral and clearly seen battle sequences assured to thrill viewers bored with extreme modifying or digital trickery. Taekwondo, jujitsu, grappling, and weapons all get their time to shine as Alex strikes in regards to the dojo doling out bloody justice. Just as spectacular because the visuals is the work accomplished by the movie’s sound designer, Sam Hayward, as each hit lands with an audible affect that provides its personal weight to all of it. We see and listen to the hits, and that in flip leaves us virtually feeling them. Play this one loud, folks.

There are nitpicks to be discovered, dealing virtually completely with sure parts of Foster’s script. The ladies don’t come off all that effectively as they’re some mixture of sufferer, love curiosity, or emotional mess — a disgrace seeing as they’re college students too, so let ’em beat some asshole down, Foster! There’s additionally a wildly inappropriate character alternative that places six children in immense hazard within the hope of saving one, however in the end, it’s all forgivable in a characteristic debut that’s in any other case an absolute banger of an motion film. Plus, a nasty man cuts off a bit child’s finger right here, so these quibbles get a straightforward go from me.

Life After Fighting is the true deal, and so is Foster. He’s had a wholesome profession on tv, however the movie will go away you questioning why he hasn’t been given a shot like this earlier than. His battle abilities are stellar — the closest comparability of favor, velocity, physique sort, and chest hair is Scott Adkins, and also you higher imagine I’m already excited to see them go face to face someday quickly (severely, somebody make that occur) — however his appearing chops are equally legit giving the movie a lead character whose inside wrestle, grief, pleasure, and rage all work to bond him to viewers and earn an emotional ending. Here’s hoping Life After Fighting is only the start of Foster’s motion reign.

Related Topics: Action

Rob Hunter has been writing for Film School Rejects since earlier than you had been born, which is bizarre seeing as he is so rattling younger. He’s our Chief Film Critic and Associate Editor and lists ‘Broadcast News’ as his favourite movie of all time. Feel free to say hello in the event you see him on Twitter @FakeRobHunter.