| The New York Optimist November 2008 |
Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon is a 1985 martial arts film, produced by Rupert Hitzig for Berry Gordy and directed by
Michael Schultz. A critical disappointment but a financial success, The Last Dragon is now considered a cult classic.
The film stars Taimak, Vanity, Julius Carry, Christopher Murney, and Faith Prince. The film was released in theatres by
TriStar Pictures on March 22, 1985.
Set in New York City, the plot follows a black teenage martial arts student named Leroy Green (Taimak). With dreams
of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee, Leroy goes on a quest to achieve the highest level of martial arts
accomplishment, known as "The Final Level". Martial artists who reach the "Final Level" possess "The Glow". As its
name suggests it is a mystical energy that can be tapped into by a martial arts master. When a fighter's hands glow, he is
one of the best in the world and when his entire body glows, he is the greatest fighter alive. On his journey to becoming
the "Last Dragon" and wielding the power of "The Glow," Leroy must confront villains such as a crooked arcade mogul
Eddie Arkadian (Murney) and the evil Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, from whom he must also protect his younger
brother Richie (Leo O'Brien) and his love interest, TV music video host Laura Charles (Vanity).
Michael Schultz. A critical disappointment but a financial success, The Last Dragon is now considered a cult classic.
The film stars Taimak, Vanity, Julius Carry, Christopher Murney, and Faith Prince. The film was released in theatres by
TriStar Pictures on March 22, 1985.
Set in New York City, the plot follows a black teenage martial arts student named Leroy Green (Taimak). With dreams
of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee, Leroy goes on a quest to achieve the highest level of martial arts
accomplishment, known as "The Final Level". Martial artists who reach the "Final Level" possess "The Glow". As its
name suggests it is a mystical energy that can be tapped into by a martial arts master. When a fighter's hands glow, he is
one of the best in the world and when his entire body glows, he is the greatest fighter alive. On his journey to becoming
the "Last Dragon" and wielding the power of "The Glow," Leroy must confront villains such as a crooked arcade mogul
Eddie Arkadian (Murney) and the evil Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, from whom he must also protect his younger
brother Richie (Leo O'Brien) and his love interest, TV music video host Laura Charles (Vanity).
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