THE LAST DRAGON (1985) Revisited + Exclusive Taimak Interview

[@roustance]

Y'all have no idea of the impact this movie had on my life as a kid AND as a young man. Thank you for this!

[@damedan9389]

Bro, this movie is inspiring me NOW. I'm working on a comic influenced by Leroy abd Sho

[@crazytiger2256]

@@damedan9389 dude 😎 nice

[@mikedlc9766]

@@damedan9389 don't forget to post it so we could check it out it sounds very cool already

[@johnlawful2272]

@@damedan9389 wouldn't Leroy be the first to go super saiyan

[@damedan9389]

@@johnlawful2272 second; Shonuff got the glow first

[@colinsmith3945]

The Last Dragon and Big Trouble in Little China were my favorite movies growing up. Both movies had so many amazing quotes.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Another gem from the 80s is Midnight Run. Probably in the top five most quotable movies of all time.

[@ricoy.9258]

Yo Big Trouble in little China gets watched at least once a year like A Christmas Story.

[@johnsheetz6639]

It's all in the reflexes..

[@noaglobal7675]

Mine also .. watched them both every week

[@bruceleroy8063]

What made this movie great, rather than corny was the innocence of Taimak and the absolute commitment of Julius to the Shonuff character.

[@jasonvoorhees895]

I never thought of that, but you're right. Both of those characters could have been shyte, and the movie could have sucked with just the smallest (...mistake?) by either actor (or if they had been cast differently) but in a movie full of corniness, they made it a story you could really be emotionally invested in and have you cheering by the end.

[@mikegrady5669]

Is this one of the greatest movies to come out of the 80s?!? SHO NUFF!!!

[@JohnGalt916]

I watched this movie so much as a kid. When my dad bought his first new Mercedes. The vanity plate read SHONUFF

[@MrMetsMeeseek]

This movie is forever engrained in my mind. I must’ve watched it 300 times

[@bobbyshaw2419]

And that's no exaggeration 😂

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

I was a white kid from the Midwest and I LOVED this movie. Sho nuff was a sensational villan and Busta's music video made me want a reboot with him so bad. The swapping of the black and chinese stereotypes was histerical as well. An absolute classic and Taimak is the master. He really was the perfect casting.

[@alancarnell2747]

I was a 19 year old kid in BASIC Training and dug the s#!+ out of this too.

[@jefe2112]

Same here, but from upstate NY! Watched it at the friend's house with the dad who always let us watch movies that were not quite age appropriate, lol

[@youtubeme7195]

@@jefe2112 I was 10 and saw it in the theater, not theaters, there were only 2 in my town at the time, and I can tell you where. . . The ridge road theater on the corner of Cline Ave, and Ridge Road in Griffith indiana at the ZAYER shopping strip. I love this movie. It's "exploitation" in it's budget but it's just a good fun play on popular tropes of the time, but more than that, it wasn't "exploitation" because it was so damn sincere.

[@bigdigga0]

It's all love bro......this movie is love universal 💯👊🏾🙌🏾💪🏾✊🏾

[@Captain-Palsy]

Same

[@SamskaraOrigin]

*The Last Dragon is a real diamond in the ruff. It has heart and soul, comedy, it was kitschy and sincere at the same time, and good action sequences. One of my favorite scenes was so understated but highly integral (spoilers) "it's just a belt buckle". And in the none-condescending way in which it treated the young (child) characters in the movie, gave it that extra touch which really drew me in as a kid myself. It was lighting in a bottle and has a special place in my memory and in time. I wish to offer a personal "thank you" to every member of the cast for making something so special.*

[@Rahsaun77]

Loved this movie since I was a kid, damn the 80’s was a great time for cheesy movies.

[@voodoochild6741]

That is why the 80's was a great decade in our country's history. My favorite.

[@e.rodriguez1551]

I had the honor of meeting The Master Taimak at nyc comic con one year. He was every bit the legend he is.

[@tonysanders1299]

OMG!!! You Are So Blessed!!

[@MrElusive79]

This was a brilliant film, watched it so many times, it had everything.

[@patrickcharles6983]

the Last Dragon is just pure fun. plus Sho'Nuff is an awesome villain. that movie theater scene is great lol

[@elifoster4367]

I was a little kid in Brooklyn East New York in the 80s. This movie the Last Dragon was so refreshing & inspirational. I wish Taimak a speedy recovery & much success!🙏🏿

[@SJFrzrbrn]

I know it's a goofy, but I have tried to live by Leeroy Green's example. A good movie, a good character. Great video!

[@TheQuota2001]

Thats lovey

[@cwillie1492]

Not goofy. Good for you. Stay blessed.

[@freddierodriguez3036]

As a kid I’d watch this on VHS back to back. YES, that meant waiting for it to rewind back to the beginning. Since then I watch it at least once a year. Just saw it last week. 🤗

[@jamarmiller3608]

Man on errythang tho 🤣

[@AaronOwenSmith]

as 10 year old back then i loved this, watched it over and over, it was so cool. Thank you Taimak.

[@leeuniverse]

The movie literally had EVERYTHING in it, stupid, funny, crazy, serious, spiritual, wisdom, good fights, the fight in all respects between good and evil, love, wholesomeness, etc. Just a classic...

[@napoleonruss1528]

I was Bruce Leroy Before the movie came out. Walked around in my martial arts uniform been a lifetime martial artist. This movie spoke to me then and I guess that even today this movie speaks to me. Favorite movie of all time.

[@johnr.7906]

My mom took me to see this movie on a Friday night in 1985. Just her and I, which was a big deal because I had 4 older brothers and sisters. She passed away 7 years ago and that memory is (oddly I guess) still one of my favorites. Thank you for posting this!

[@qman313]

Thats awesome. Sorry for your loss.🙏🏾

[@perfectallycromulent]

I have a similar memory from when I was a kid, except it was with my aunt, and we went to see Aliens.

[@Dt.1.KENOBI]

Not odd at all. I remember details about the time my Mother took me to see Purple Rain.

[@nacidocoqui]

"LEEROY! I got somethin' real fo' yo ass in these hands!" CLASSIC movie with a boss soundtrack!

[@Dt.1.KENOBI]

😂 “Kiss my converse!”

[@gnorley]

This was pure entertainment from beginning to end. I loved this when I was a kid!

[@JerBuster77]

Its great to see Taimak is still going on strong, humble as ever.

[@lawanedavis7818]

One of the best movies ever made. I love the whole cast and soundtrack.

[@briscoknight77]

This was hands down one of my favorite movies as a kid and I still enjoy it and the soundtrack to this day

[@shoesncheese]

This movie is one of the most 80s movies to ever be made in the 80s. If you didn't live through it, you cannot really imagine what the slow slide from shows like Soul Train to MTV was like. The Last Dragon embodies that era better than any other movie. I grew up as a poor white kid in the south, so I only saw this once it was on HBO and then it became a personal favorite. Had a copy on SLP VHS back then, I've got my 30th anniversary Blu Ray today. Thanks for this content.

[@willieg7895]

One of my favorite movies from the 80s. I own it on dvd here in my collection. Vanity was very beautiful back in the day and she was taken from us much too soon. She was great in this and in Action Jackson. RIP Vanity. 😔⚰

[@fredlandry6170]

Vanity was so beautiful.

[@dinorashad662]

Yooo..not for nothin but I found that Vanity starred in an episode of “tales from the dark side” shit blew my mind..RIP Vanity

[@dwaynealwyn]

I’m from Guyana, South America and this was the first movie I saw in my life in the theaters. No one owned a tv in my town but there was a cinema. I absolutely love this movie. One of those movies that any remake would fall short of the original.

[@BowlingGreenTampaMan]

It was well promoted in my city. Saw it in theater with high school friends and watched it often on cable and VHS.

[@allnamesaretakenful]

I grew up on this movie. I had such a crush on Vanity.

[@jamesmorant1406]

We all did

[@mapoosianmakrak1487]

Yes... We... Did.

[@kyokusanagi616]

She’s absolutely stunning. Definitely my first crush.

[@BruceLeroyUK]

Yes the whole planet did

[@bhodili-3396]

She was also in Action Jackson.

[@Stormz.1337]

I was 8 when the Last Dragon came out. That year I started Karate. Later added Teakwondo and Kickboxing, way later MMA to the mix. The movie, as cheesy as it may seem for today's audience, might have changed my life. Of course there were other influences during that time with Karate Kid and such. But damn, The Last Dragon stuck with me. Still love rewatching it. And I'm still in love with beautiful Vanity.. may she rest in peace. Fun fact: In Germany the movie's called "Der Tanz des Drachen" which translates to "The Dance of the Dragon." I think, it's pretty appropriate considering the amount of dancing and music in the movie 😎

[@gtmuse329A]

Our whole family loves this movie and we even got a chance to go to a special screening at our local Alamo theater with Taimak in attendance doing an interview/talkback. Sho Nuff a great flik!

[@guywilliams6569]

I saw this in the theater as a kid... It was AMAZING!!! I had the GLOW when I left!!!

[@sodem2810]

Love this film still to this day. Found the uncut version on iTunes and bought it without a second thought. Underrated classic. FACT

[@massimo7219]

This movie and Bloodsport absolutely rocked my world as a kid. So glad to see so many other fans who appreciate it.

[@Alexvander10]

I want to say I watched this movie around 1988 when it came to our local TV station (channel 11 WPIX in New York City). Fell in love with it instantly.

[@wilcee238]

That’s exactly how I watched it!

[@Alexvander10]

@@wilcee238 Yeah I remember the commercials leading up to it and I made sure I was tuned in when it was aired. Great memories!

[@Dt.1.KENOBI]

The old NY Yankees station!

[@Alexvander10]

@@Dt.1.KENOBI yes! Loved channel 11

[@rnkmode1876]

The Last Dragon was Awesome, everyone knows that. I'm fortunate enough to have been a kid in the 80's and seen so many great movies when they came out. 🙏🔊❤️🥋💥

[@izzy2802]

This movie was so awesome as a kid! Damn I wanted sho'nuff jacket so bad!

[@bobbyshaw2419]

And the shades

[@TheQuota2001]

My teacher in HS had the jacket. I was in 9th grade but my teacher was shocked that I knew it. Got a week of homework free lol

[@SSGTStryker]

I remember seeing this film in the theater and absolutely loved it!

[@joshcook4566]

This movie is a classic. You could literally put this movie in a time capsule to perfectly describe the 80's.

[@andrewrobbins1060]

The Last Dragon is right up there with Enter the Dragon for me, both movies positively affected my childhood giving me inspiration to become a martial artist and to be myself always

[@LordFalconsword]

One of the best, no holds bared, martial arts movies EVER. I saw Police Academy 2, then went and saw this. I couldn't even remember the plot for PA2 for weeks, this movie was so amazing. The final fight scene between Leeroy and Shogun is probably among the best martial arts smackdowns in history. Adding the glow just raises it to another level. I'd be all over a sequel with as many actors still alive as possible. A remake, no freaking way.

[@alancarnell2747]

At this point, I've watched more reviews and retrospectives of this movie than the movie itself.

[@ericharris262]

I saw this twice in the theater as a kid. Loved the hell out of it.

[@RAconsciousness]

Taimak still has the glow; a shining, magnificent glow all around him. "To reach that upper level your mind, body and soul must be one. It's a sacrifice, it takes hard work, it's a way of life." The Glow, from The Last Dragon So true.

[@Weaiight]

Really was a movie that I just felt happy watching every single time as a kid. It just gave you that same energy Leroy had when he would watch Bruce Lee

[@SteveBrant55]

Thank you for profiling this film. It had a big impact on me, as a shy young adult trying to navigate a world where I sometimes still had to deal with bullies. Studying Tai-Chi for 5 years (1985-1990) helped me feel more centered and less affected by outside forces and opinions. Sorry to learn Taimak had health issues. Happy he's okay now.

[@TheLastGlow]

Really Great job and tribute to the greatest Motown meets Martial Arts movie of all time! Thanks for including one of my pics and video clips. I’m the other guy standing with Glen Eaton, Ernie Reyes Jr and Taimak when you’re talking about what Glen Eaton is doing now. 😎🙌🏽

[@wutamanwutman]

Hello, I'm the writer/editor of this video. Thank you so much for putting that event together! It was great to see them celebrate the movie and was such an amazing resource of information! I just had to give your content some love!

[@macleod1592]

I have always loved this movie and still watch it every once in a while.

[@paulalcohol]

WHO IS THE MASTER? -- catches punch -- I AM -- glows -- Legit quote this movie daily haha! I'm so glad you did this!

[@tastemyhammer2757]

I gotta watch it again for the billionth time!!!!

[@TheHighlanderX]

Only recently came across this movie watching a parody review and got me a copy on amazon. Love the movie, 80s classic. Sad that so many of the original cast passed away. Will surely make a sequel difficult. Would love to see more of Vanity and Taimak story arc.

[@anthonyogletree6660]

GREAT editing on this KZbin video my guy! I love how you edited parts of the film around your comparison of Taimak to Leroy.

[@jasonck9635]

I grew up in the 80s as a kid watching this on hbo , it was always on , and I loved it !

[@remylebeau3089]

Love this movie and everything about it. Huge impact on my childhood and pure love for martial arts movies as a whole.

[@roryrubymace3749]

I absolutely love this movie. So much nostalgia.

[@BuckarooBanzai84]

This one has been a favorite of mine and my family's for years. (And one of my late father's personal favs.) I'm so glad you're finally highlighting this forgotten gem, and I'm glad to know that Taimak is as sweet and charming in real life as his onscreen character. =)

[@audioauracle-dsyswpwanl-]

Wanna keep *Glowing* fan animated series on route kzbin.info

[@andyzar1177]

Love this movie! as good as No Retreat No Surrender!

[@valjeanlee7060]

People don't know about the early days of Van Damme...that was my movie...

[@hektik2200]

My Papaw loved this movie. Watched it so many times with him on the weekends.

[@encryptedwolf7623]

I STILL have this DVD. Absolutely one of my favorites.

[@john-hu6tt]

First time I saw the movie was on southern California, L.A. County kcal-5 every Saturday night they would play a movie on TV back in 1989, loved it ever since. You know I wouldn't mind Taimak and the writer doing a short of Cobra Kai type of Netflix series to continue the movies story, hell if it worked for karate kid, it could work for them and to stay true to the soundtrack, have each episode play a song from the 80's and one from today.

[@rhinox3474]

Now I will have The last dragon song stuck in my head all day. Love it

[@deecee9548]

''you are the Last Dragon, you possess the power of the glow...of glow... boom, boom'' (don't forget to do the shoulder turns) 😉

[@Alexvander10]

@@deecee9548 Shonuff: Lerrooyyyy!!

[@Marvellous132]

For up tempo, it has to be The Glow. The song that really touched me, was Give Me Your Love by Alfie Silas, which ISN'T on the soundtrack, well not the LP version I got hold of here in the UK. Even as a approx ten year old that didn't understand romance, I still thought it was absolutely beautiful. And the scene where Leroy does his little "happy jig" at getting his medal back, to when he bolts out of Laura's apartment when things might get steamy, is one of the magical moments of the movie.

[@dougspeight197]

​@@Alexvander10 Get up Leroy! I got something real for your ass in these hands! My part right there😆🔥💯

[@TheQuota2001]

NOW WHO... IS THE MASTAA?

[@bernardgeorge9187]

I had such a crush on Laura Charles. This is such a brilliant movie that I've watched over 40 times. I started learning Martial Arts because of this movie. Great sound track, great lyrics, great cast. I wish there was a part 2 or Taimak in other movies

[@PureMetalBanzai]

Absolute classic. Love this movie

[@tastemyhammer2757]

This movie had my first and still crush. Vanity

[@kelllzzzkellzz4910]

My cousins trained with Taimak for this movie so not only is it Iconic it's a piece of family heritage. I have pictures of them at their Dojo training with him and the cast and the stunt double who stood in for Sho-nuffs fighting scenes. I'll be glad to share them with anyone interested in seeing them.

[@leeroygreene85]

That’s awesome! If you are able to share them, I can pass it to the last glow IG page.

[@kelllzzzkellzz4910]

@@leeroygreene85 Sure! Let me know how you want to connect!!!

[@leeroygreene85]

@@kelllzzzkellzz4910 KZbin is deleting my comments on how to send a message ridiculous lol. I’m going to try to get my friend who runs the last dragon IG to respond to this comment

[@leeroygreene85]

@@kelllzzzkellzz4910 here is his KZbin link. It contains his info and other social media to contact him directly. kzbin.info

[@laughingvampire7555]

I watched this movie in the 80s, I was a child, I loved it, and it was part of what made me want to study martial arts, next to every other MA movie of the time like the karate kid or the perfect weapon.

[@TyTyMcGinty]

He still has the Glow!

[@LDrumsOhio]

OMG. Thank you. This movie changed my life and is one of my favorites.

[@jamesanderson6373]

I saw it in the theater when I was a kid. Loved it.

[@JohnGalt916]

Bruce Leroy is how I got into martial arts. Now I'm a 40 year old man with a broken body, winter pain, neck issues, joint problems... and great memories

[@KelvinMartinez]

This is the earliest movie I remember as a child. Love this movie still to this day

[@fasthackm]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH!! I'VE SEEN IT COUNTLESS TIMES !

[@Geminimerc]

My Dad took me to see this in the theater as a kid and I loved it. The action, special effects, soundtrack were all amazing. I have a VHS, DVD, and Blu-Ray copy of the film. The Soundtrack on my phone. A friend of mine was able to get my DVD copy and a picture personally autographed for me at a Con. My same buddy called me from the same Con and I had the privilege to talk with Taimak, super nice guy. He had mentioned the possibility of the remake with Samuel Jackson. Knowing he has an Autobiography now, I may have to pick that up. Great Video, thanks!!

[@leeroygreene85]

The book dedicates a whole chapter to the behind the scenes on the film and worth a read. As far as that remake that maybe done, but a proposed continuation aka Cobrak Kai style maybe in the works…

[@TMajorPro]

I just watched this for the first time in years with my mom a few days ago… A CLASSIC!

[@deecee9548]

OK, I paused video at the start to say this is one of my all time favourites! Fell in love with Taimak so wanted to be Vanity. Great childhood times! I still have the VHS cassette from recording it off the TV, just no VHS player now lol

[@feck2594]

That is so freaking funny I have it recorded also and who owns a VHS player anymore , I sho nuff don't.

[@BruceLeroyUK]

@@feck2594 I see what you did there haha

[@feck2594]

It took way to long for you to cover this timeless classic lol. I LOVE this movie , my kid's ( 13 and 16 year old boy's) watched it with me about a week ago . I was surprised how much they liked it . So it proves to stand the test of time.

[@BruceLeroyUK]

😊😊😊

[@Vaporvice84]

Childhood favorite of mine. Seen it hundreds of times. The perfect 80's movie.

[@MIZRAIM1906]

Born in 1980... my heart to God I never heard someone say "ninja please" until this movie came out

[@tonybarnes2920]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this movie! It really was the first time I looked up and saw someone on the screen who looked like me! I admired and was inspired by Billy Dee Williams and John Amos, for sure, but I didn't really look like them. But Taimak or "Bruce Leeroy"... yeah, I could point and say, "he's like me!" Watershed moment for me and helped me a lot in my life.

[@Jeckkz]

I loved this film as a child in the 80's.

[@Coto516]

I see this man every year at a local convention here in NY. A pretty chill dude

[@jamesmorant1406]

My childhood grew up with this movie just good fun entertainment 9/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@abellewis3062]

This was my favorite movie as a kid. Enough said.

[@Uncleboogie80]

Absolutely loved this Movie .. I don’t think there is any movie that I’ve seen more than this one

[@PartStupid]

Loved this movie as a kid. The end where the song kicks up about the last dragon and him getting the glow still gets me. Corny but loved it as a kid. BTW, I eat popcorn with chopstick like chip tongs.

[@dougspeight197]

Alfie Silas- Give Me Your Love was that song on that movie🔥💯

[@davidmanning2859]

As a kid who was born in Florida and lived in NJ for about 5yrs, I used to love watching this on TNT or TBS during black history month when they played it constantly. As a 38 man STILL loves and watches this movie at least once a yr. Sho'nuff is the greatest and one of the most hilarious and qouteable villains of all time. Also as to the cheese and corniness of this movie, yes it is excessive and it is what makes this movie some damn amazing. If u don't have a good time watching this movie, i don't know what is wrong with u as a human and don't need that kind of negativity in my life.

[@jewaunglenn]

greatest movie of all time

[@randybarnett2308]

Sho Nuff !!!!

[@teejay197]

As someone who is Chinese and Black... Seeing this in the theater as a child was beyond awesome. ❤❤❤

[@jesseenriquez4989]

Taimak is an Amazing actor; especially from the marshal arts ❤️❤️❤️

[@grassmonkay4208]

The movie is so good I would love to see a remake

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

This film had one of the best genuine build ups to a final fight. Sho Nuff was so such an ass and Leroy was so devout in not fighting and it just felt awesome when he finally faced him.

[@valjeanlee7060]

He was a simple...he didn't mind fighting for Laura Charles...3 times..

[@franzfleur7472]

It shows, the actors inexperience in acting, but it works perfect towards the character, given his timid social awkwardness ^^ Just perfect.

[@darnellleake405]

This is my favorite movie of all time. Since I was like 5. I can quote the whole movie.

[@feck2594]

Still to this day , when people ask me things I respond sho nuff . My kids and I watched it a little bit back and found myself saying the lines throughout the whole movie.

[@valjeanlee7060]

Same here..I got a friend named Leroy...I'm constantly like "Hey Leroy."...lol

[@tonysanders1299]

Hell Yess!!! Same Here!

[@feck2594]

Five years ago during Christmas time at the job I had , I bought a copy for all the employees of about 40 employees (ages ranging from 18 to fifty ) and I kid you not about 65% of them liked it . Some had already seen it and always liked it . I think that says something about how good it is .

[@valjeanlee7060]

@@feck2594 only 65%...that's a trashy...I expected at least 80%...

[@TheNameisPlissken1981]

I saw this when I was 11 in the movie theater. I loved it.

[@40g33k]

Who's the master? Sho'nuff! I love me some Bruce Leroy. He catched bullets... with his TEETH!

[@brookswilliams5239]

Nigga please...

[@kimrice394]

The lil brother character is Epic! Really the whole cast/production was a perfect storm. Saw in theaters. Instant Cult Classic! Instantly re-enacted and quoted by the general public!

[@bobbyshaw2419]

Poplocking his way outta the rope😂

[@electromagneticradiation305]

I have Taimak's autograph 8x10 the scene where he gets the glow catches the fist Sho Nuff is saying who is the master & Bruce Leroy says I am the master. Looking up at that kept me going through the hardest part of the lockdown. Most inspiring scene in all of cinema. Love how Sealab 2021 parodied it.

[@TheGenTatsu]

Such a great movie. Made sure to have a copy of it ever since I was a kid.

[@Imozart0341I]

This movie just never gets old.