Okay, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to that glorious moment – scanning the 'New Releases' wall at the local video store, circa 1991. Amidst the explosions and high-concept sci-fi, there was often a certain kind of cover: Jean-Claude Van Damme, mid-kick or steely-eyed, promising precisely the kind of bone-crunching action we craved after a long week. And nestled right in his early prime was Lionheart (1990), a film that often gets overshadowed by Bloodsport or Kickboxer, but holds a unique, almost surprisingly sentimental place in the Muscles from Brussels' filmography. Don't let the title fool you; this wasn't some medieval romp. This was pure, early 90s street-level survival.
### From Desert Sand to Urban Grind
The setup whisks us away instantly: Lyon Gaultier (Van Damme) is serving in the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti, North Africa. When word reaches him that his brother back in Los Angeles has been brutally burned during a drug deal gone wrong, Lyon doesn't hesitate. He deserts, enduring a grueling journey across deserts and oceans, stowing away on a freighter bound for America. It’s a frantic, desperate opening that sets a different tone than your typical tournament fighter flick. This isn't about glory; it's about family. Interestingly, this personal angle wasn't just tacked on; Van Damme himself co-wrote the screenplay with director Sheldon Lettich (who'd also co-write the iconic Bloodsport and later direct JCVD in Double Impact). Reportedly, Van Damme poured his own experiences as a struggling immigrant trying to make it into the character, even taking a pay cut on his estimated $70,000 salary for the film just to ensure his story got told his way. That personal investment bleeds through, giving Lyon a vulnerability unusual for action heroes of the era.
### Bare Knuckles and Big Hearts
Landing penniless in New York before making his way to LA, Lyon quickly falls in with Joshua (Harrison Page), a fast-talking hustler who spots Lyon’s formidable fighting skills. Joshua introduces him to the underground world of no-holds-barred street fighting, organized for the amusement of the ultra-wealthy by the calculating Cynthia (Deborah Rennard). The goal? Earn enough cash quick enough to help his dying brother's wife and young daughter. What follows is a tour of some fantastically gritty, distinctly non-glamorous fighting arenas. Remember that fight in the drained swimming pool? Or the claustrophobic battle in a racquetball court? These weren't polished dojos; they felt raw, improvised, and dangerous.
The action here is pure early 90s practical magic. Van Damme is in peak physical condition, his signature spinning kicks looking absolutely lethal. The impacts feel heavy. When someone gets slammed against a car or thrown into a concrete pillar, you believe it. There's a visceral crunch to the fights that modern, CGI-smoothed choreography often lacks. Sure, some of the editing might feel a tad choppy by today's standards, and the slow-motion replays are pure VHS-era cheese, but the physicality is undeniable. These were real bodies hitting real surfaces (or strategically placed padding!), choreographed for maximum impact on screen. The variety of opponents, each with a distinct look and style, keeps things interesting, culminating in the memorable final showdown with the imposing Attila (played by Abdel Qissi, who eagle-eyed fans might recognise as Tong Po’s brother from Kickboxer).
### More Than Just Muscles
While the fights are the main draw, Lionheart succeeds because it remembers to give us characters to care about. Harrison Page is fantastic as Joshua, bringing genuine warmth and humour that perfectly complements Van Damme's stoic determination. Their unlikely friendship forms the emotional core of the film. Deborah Rennard makes Cynthia a compellingly cold antagonist, viewing the fighters as mere commodities. Even the pursuing Legionnaires, sent to drag Lyon back to face desertion charges, add a constant layer of tension.
Shot largely on location in Los Angeles, the film captures a specific, slightly grimy feel of the city at the turn of the decade, far from the usual Hollywood gloss. It wasn't a critical darling upon release – reviews were mixed to negative, as was often the case for Van Damme's work back then. But audiences found it, especially on video. With a modest budget reported around $6 million, it pulled in over $24 million domestically, cementing its place as a profitable venture and a fan favorite. For many outside the US, you might remember renting this under the title A.W.O.L.: Absent Without Leave or even Wrong Bet – same great kicks, different box!
### The Verdict
Lionheart might not be the most complex or polished action film from the era, but its blend of brutal, grounded fight choreography and a surprisingly effective emotional storyline makes it stand out in Van Damme's catalogue. It showcases his physical prowess beautifully, wrapped in a narrative he clearly felt passionate about. The practical effects in the fight scenes deliver that satisfying, tangible impact we remember so fondly from countless late-night VHS viewings. It has that unmistakable early 90s flavour, a certain earnestness mixed with hard-edged action that’s hard to replicate.
Rating: 7.5 / 10
Justification: While the plot is straightforward and some dialogue is pure action-movie cliché, the film delivers outstanding physical performances, particularly from Van Damme, and features well-staged, impactful practical fight scenes. The emotional core provided by the family motivation and the friendship with Joshua elevates it above a simple slugfest. It's a solid, memorable entry in the 90s action canon and a quintessential Van Damme vehicle that perfectly captured his appeal during his rise.
Final Thought: Lionheart reminds us of a time when action heroes could have a bit of heart beneath the beatdowns, and the crunch of bone felt satisfyingly real, long before digital artists took over the heavy lifting. A definite must-rewatch for any fan of the Muscles from Brussels or gritty, street-level VHS action.