[yasr_overall_rating]
One of the US Air Force’s most modern tactical aircraft, an F-111 Aardvark with a new laser guidance system, crashes into the sea near Malta – a region where the Soviet forces are highly present, too. The CIA immediately sends out their best secret agent, Ken Tami, to salvage the system before it falls into enemy hands.
“Black Eagle” is a Blu-ray release as part of the MVD Rewind Collection. MVD Rewind is focused on restoring and releasing cult classics or forgotten films that you would find in the nearly extinct video stores. I loved the layout of the Blu-ray packaging, it’s designed to look like an old VHS rental case even showcasing the classic motto, “Be Kind Rewind.”
I’ve always considered myself a pretty big fan of martial arts movies but I have never heard of the film’s lead Sho Kosugi. Hailing from Tokyo, Kosugi also stages the fight choreography. Kosugi has had a long career of underperforming Ninja movies but also seems to have helped work on bigger Hollywood action movies’ fight choreography or stunt work. ‘The Muscles from Brussels,’ Jean-Claude Van Damme, co-stars as a Russian agent tasked with locating a missing F-11 Jet that has crashed into the sea off the coast of Malta. The F-11 is highly sought after by both the CIA and the Russians due to the laser guidance tracking device on board the downed plane. Even though Kosugi is supposed to be on vacation, he is convinced to help the CIA with their search.
The film is going for the Bond-like international espionage angle but it’s a bit campier (not counting Roger Moore’s turn). Kosugi is a bit silly dressing like a nerdy suburban dad to keep his cover and has his two sons joining him. He’s able to dispatch enemies in hand to hand combat with only a couple of maneuvers. I liked his fighting style albeit a bit stiff. The camerawork is pretty great and doesn’t have too many cuts. The action is clear and the restoration looks great. The Maltese backdrop is given full use of its beautiful old buildings and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea wrapped around the island.
Hollywood seemed to constantly try to find a new Asian action star after the irreplaceable Bruce Lee tragically died. The only major stars to come close to Lee’s stardom are Jet Li and Jackie Chan. Kosugi has more Chan-like qualities of being goofy and performing some perilous stunts. I will continue to love martial arts films but I know there can be more diverse roles for Asian actors. Hopefully one day there can be more Asian representations than just an action star.
Now available on a 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray
