Okay newbies, this is another cult classic involving knife fighting. This 105 min. HBO film stars Peter Coyote and was first brought to my notice here in BF where it was called 'That film where the American guy learns to use a knife in Rio'.
Based on the book 'A Grande Arte' by Rubem Foneseca (which is actually more detailed), it's been described as Karate Kid with knives. (Thanks Greg) Called "Exposure" in the US, it's also called "A High Art" and "Knifefighter" abroad.
Peter Coyote is Peter Mandrake, an American photographer avenging the death of a prostitute and the attack on himself and his girlfriend. He learns knife fighting from Hermes, a "Per-Sev" (Perforate and Severe) master played by Tcheky Karyo (main villain in 'Bad Boys')
The other "stars" of the movie are the Randall 14, a Joe Kious Subhilt dagger, the Spyderco Plain Steel Police, a Classic Randall, a Cold Steel Tanto, an Buck FB (ala Scream), the Applegate Fairbairn and a few other unnamed FB's as well as a rare full size Uzi, a Thompson's .45 and an AR-15.
There's some knife training complete with gushing blood and eye gouging complete with gushing blood. The fights were choreographed by JKD stylist Chris Kent and borrowed FMA knife drills and Western fencing techniques ala "Cold Steel".
This film won't win any Oscars and drags on in some spots but that's not why people watch it anyway.
There's also some unique knife related dialogue. When was the last time your local knife dealer said "This is a......., treacherous, fierce steel. Honed on natural stones by hand, by masters."
I won't give away the ending (it involves knives, oh my!). Compared to 'A High Art', the book gives more character detail whereas the movie is actually more exciting.
Some of you were wondering how many knives were used in a particular scene. My tape shows 10 with the guns mentioned above in the background.
This movie is available through Barnes and Noble though Ebay occasionally has it, which is where I got mine. There's also a laser disc version out there.
Sure it's escapism, but it's all in fun.
Based on the book 'A Grande Arte' by Rubem Foneseca (which is actually more detailed), it's been described as Karate Kid with knives. (Thanks Greg) Called "Exposure" in the US, it's also called "A High Art" and "Knifefighter" abroad.
Peter Coyote is Peter Mandrake, an American photographer avenging the death of a prostitute and the attack on himself and his girlfriend. He learns knife fighting from Hermes, a "Per-Sev" (Perforate and Severe) master played by Tcheky Karyo (main villain in 'Bad Boys')
The other "stars" of the movie are the Randall 14, a Joe Kious Subhilt dagger, the Spyderco Plain Steel Police, a Classic Randall, a Cold Steel Tanto, an Buck FB (ala Scream), the Applegate Fairbairn and a few other unnamed FB's as well as a rare full size Uzi, a Thompson's .45 and an AR-15.
There's some knife training complete with gushing blood and eye gouging complete with gushing blood. The fights were choreographed by JKD stylist Chris Kent and borrowed FMA knife drills and Western fencing techniques ala "Cold Steel".
This film won't win any Oscars and drags on in some spots but that's not why people watch it anyway.
I won't give away the ending (it involves knives, oh my!). Compared to 'A High Art', the book gives more character detail whereas the movie is actually more exciting.
Some of you were wondering how many knives were used in a particular scene. My tape shows 10 with the guns mentioned above in the background.
This movie is available through Barnes and Noble though Ebay occasionally has it, which is where I got mine. There's also a laser disc version out there.
Sure it's escapism, but it's all in fun.
