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The Quest

The Quest

Action · Adventure · Drama · 1996

Ghang-gheng, the ancient winner-take-all competition in which the deadliest fighters from around the world employ the most spectacular feats of martial arts skills ever displayed in order to win the prized Golden Dragon. But fighting prowess alone will not be enough for Chris to triumph over such daunting foes.

Movie details

The Quest

“A lost city. A man of destiny. A test of honor.”

1996 Action · Adventure · Drama 1h 35m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.2 / 10

Community rating

Ghang-gheng, the ancient winner-take-all competition in which the deadliest fighters from around the world employ the most spectacular feats of martial arts skills ever displayed in order to win the prized Golden Dragon. But fighting prowess alone will not be enough for Chris to triumph over such daunting foes.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Quest?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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A Chicago cop is caught in the middle of a gang war while his own comrades shun him because he wants to take an irresponsible cop down.

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The eldest son of a ruthlessly tough MMA champion must fight his way out of the abusive cycle his father has continued.

Skin Trade

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After his family is killed by a Serbian gangster with international interests. NYC detective Nick goes to S.E. Asia and teams up with a Thai detective to get revenge and destroy the syndicates human trafficking network.

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Kickboxer

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Bloodsport

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Written by

Paul Mones · Steve Klein · Jean-Claude Van Damme · Frank Dux

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Christopher Dubois

Roger Moore

Roger Moore

Lord Edgar Dobbs

James Remar

James Remar

Maxie Devine

Jack McGee

Jack McGee

Harry Smythe

Louis Mandylor

Louis Mandylor

Riggi

Ryan Cutrona

Ryan Cutrona

Officer O'Keefe

Ze'ev Revach

Ze'ev Revach

Turk Captain

Court is in session

Put The Quest on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Cool Ironist

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.