The Last Dragon
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For the docudrama of the same name, see The Last Dragon (docudrama)
Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon is a 1985 martial arts parody film, featuring a predominantly Black cast, produced by then-Motown Records CEO Berry Gordy and directed by Michael Schultz. A commercial and critical disappointment upon its original release, The Last Dragon is today considered something of a cult classic. The film stars Taimak, Vanity, Julius J. Carry, III, Christopher Murney, and Faith Prince. The film was released by to theatres by TriStar Pictures on March 22, 1985.
The plot, set in New York City, of the film revolves around a black teenage martial arts student named Leroy Green, who is often referred to as "Bruce Leroy" (although he never actually calls himself that). Leroy dreams of being a great martial artist like his idol, Bruce Lee. Leroy is on a quest to attain the highest level of martial arts accomplishment, called "The Glow". As its name suggests, it is a mystical energy that can be tapped into by a martial arts master. When a person's hands glow, they are one of the best fighters in the world. When their entire body glows, they are the single best fighter there is. Along the way to find "The Glow", however, Leroy must confront villains such as a crooked arcade mogul (Murney) and the evil Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem. Also, protect his younger brother Richie (Leo O'Brien) and his girlfriend, VJ Laura Charles (Vanity).
This was the first acting role for Taimak, a then-20-year-old black belt who learned to act on the set of this picture. Leroy and Richie's younger sister Sophie was portrayed by Cosby Show actress Keshia Knight Pulliam. Ernie Reyes Jr., martial artist and actor, made his film debut at the age of twelve in this film. Leo O'Brien, the actor portraying Bruce Leroy's younger brother Richie, is the younger brother of Guy O'Brien, better known as "Master Gee" from the hip-hop group The Sugarhill Gang. Veteran actor William H. Macy makes a brief appearance as "JJ", the make-up artist.
Featured in this film is a DeBarge song, "Rhythm of the Night", written by Diane Warren. The song reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R&B charts. The film's Norman Whitfield-produced title theme was nominated for Worst "Original" song at the 1985 Golden Raspberry Awards.
[edit] Trivia
- Busta Rhymes included a nod to Sho'nuff with his music video for "Dangerous".
- Ice Cube's band Westside Connection quotes Sho'nuf in the song "Bow Down": "Punk all y'all can kiss ma converse like Sho'nuf"
