The Challenge (1982)

He has trained every thought, every muscle, every nerve, for the moment of truth!

The Challenge (1982) poster

Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.

Director: John Frankenheimer
Genre: Action, Drama
Runtime: 109 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography: Kōzō Okazaki
Editing: John W. Wheeler
Production: Poncher-Rosen-Beckman Productions, CBS Theatrical Films, Polyphony Digital
Country: Japan, United States of America
Language: English, 日本語
Box Office: $4M
Original Language: en

Themes

Samurai and Bushido: Feudal Japan, Samurai Bushido Honor and Feudal Japan, Ancient Eastern Dynasties, Martial Arts Showdown, Martial Arts and Action

Keywords

japan, samurai, sword fight, aikido

Trailer

The Challenge Trailer

Similar Movies

More Films by Director: John Frankenheimer
More Films in Genre: Action, Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Challenge about?
Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.
Who directed The Challenge?
The Challenge was directed by John Frankenheimer.
Who stars in The Challenge?
The Challenge stars Scott Glenn, Toshirō Mifune, Donna Kei Benz, Atsuo Nakamura, Calvin Jung, Clyde Kusatsu.
How long is The Challenge?
The Challenge has a runtime of 1h 49m (109 minutes).
What genre is The Challenge?
The Challenge is a Action, Drama film.
How much did The Challenge gross?
The Challenge grossed $4M worldwide.
Where was The Challenge produced?
The Challenge was produced in Japan, United States of America.
What are the themes of The Challenge?
The themes of The Challenge include: Samurai and Bushido: Feudal Japan, Samurai Bushido Honor and Feudal Japan, Ancient Eastern Dynasties, Martial Arts Showdown, Martial Arts and Action.