Lionheart Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Honour or revenge, he has no choice...
When the streets are a jungle...there can only be one king.
Too tough to die.
Lyon Gaultier is a deserter in the Foreign Legion arriving in the USA entirely hard up. He finds his brother between life and death and his sister-in-law without the money needed to heal her husband and to maintain her child. To earn the money needed, Gaultier decides to take part in some very dangerous clandestine fights.
| Jean-Claude Van Damme | Lyon Gaultier |
| Harrison Page | Joshua Eldridge |
| Brian Thompson | Russell |
| Voyo Goric | Sgt .Hartog |
| Michel Qissi | Moustafa |
| George McDaniel | Adjutant |
| Eric Karson | Doctor |
| Ash Adams | François Gaultier |
| William T. Amos | Drug Dealer |
| Dennis Rucker | Irish Legionnaire |
| Billy Blanks | African Legionnaire |
| Stefanos Miltsakakis | Jeep Driver |
| Lew Hopson | Ship's Mate |
| Sebastian Massa | Ship's Engineer |
| Roger Etienne | Interpol Inspector |
5.30 out of 10 (5162 votes)
Visitor Reviews
silent but deadly
posted on 19 Oct 2008We know Van Damme can kick ass but was he able to act? I Quaid82 think that Lionheart proves to be Van Damme's first real acting job.Van Damme always had a way of mixing his emotion with his action scenes.Most of his most memorable movies are the ones where he not only kicked ass but did a decent acting job.I like this one because of the obvious but also looking back,it had a heart.Sheldon lettich is great for JC, he also directed Van Damme's other hit Double impact and The Order which is, so far his best direct to video release.Sheldon loves to use slow motion and back then it was accepted more in these kind of fight sequences.I Think that the supporting cast was great,Brian Thompson is good and the scene where the bad guy gets of the plane with his cat is too funny.The fight scenes are classic JC and the fact that it took place in the U.S only continued to solidify him as an action ICON.
Underrated
posted on 22 Sep 2008I'm glad his new movie "JCVD" is actually getting Van Damme some positive attention, because he doesn't deserve the flak he gets for his acting. For being a frickin Belgian kickboxer, since the '90s he's done a pretty decent job of being a movie entertainer.I'm having a JCVD party so I was trying to find the best movies of his to watch under the influence (Timecop & Street Fighters are locks), but this one really surprised me with some real emotion. I think the guy is likable on screen in general, but for being a lowbudget, cliché premise this movie really came out nice.You root for JCVD like you do for Rocky; he's likable and tries to do the right thing, and not for himself. His manager puts in a genuine performance and they're a more fun pair than you see in most buddy movies. The plot doesn't have gaping holes once you realize he doesn't care about killing the guys who got his bro, and instead is just looking at how to make a future for the brother's family -- a good lesson really since people in life get hung up on revenge, which isn't going to fix anyone's life.Big heart -- as people have noted it'd be a good family movie w/o all the f-bombs, haha, since the fighting isn't that gruesome or anything. Sad how many people missed out (and continue to miss out) on this one. I'll be watching it again. Universal: widescreen please.
Van Damme's Best
posted on 19 Sep 2008Probably Van Damme's best movie ever. (The acting performance and emotional drama is probably 2nd only to "Legionairre" - Debatable)I have watched this movie over and over for the passed 15 years, and it is Flawless. Van Damme gives probably his Best performance ever, as does all the co-stars and extra's of this film. At no point does the film seem slow or the acting seems wooden. It has a nice, continuous flow of drama, action and comedy.The fight choreography is excellent courtesy of Frank Dux, Michel Qissi, and of course JCVD. Each fighter has his own persona, style and awesome look, making each battle interesting and fun to watch.The soundtrack is superb thanks to conductor John Scott and the Munich Symphony Orchestra; Bill Wray's "No Mercy" is probably 2nd only to Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger", (very similar I grant you). The plot is simple, but at least veers more towards the importance of Lyon (Van Damme) raising money to help his sister-in-law and niece, which gives the film a more family feel, rather than the story typically being about him tracking down his brother's killer(s). In fact, I would recommend this movie to the entire family, if it weren't for the foul dialog and graphic physicality; but then again, it is these traits which give the film it's authenticity.There are hundred's of JCVD critics out there, only to willing to disagree with me, but they don't take the movie for what it really is, a decent action flick which can make the audience laugh, cry and cheer; and to me, that deserves a perfect 10.10/10
Dumb film-making at its lowest
posted on 17 Aug 20081990 was not a good year for films. In the random sample that is my comments list, three films stand out - "Die Hard 2", "Hard To Kill" and "Robocop 2" all pretty much of a much-ness but catch the eye only because they are completely unmemorable in any way. Except "Hard To Kill" which is so bad that Steven Seagal should never be forced to work again. Seagal is one of many acting tough men who seem to make the same film each time and another is the Muscles From Brussels, Jean-Claude Van Damme. An adept kick-boxer and terrible actor, Jean-Claude continues to plow his own field and make movies that only a small selection of movie-goer has any interest in. What kind of person goes to the cinema to watch J-CVD in action? His family, that's who. I can honestly say that I have only ever watched him on TV and so it was tonight, where "A.W.O.L: Absent Without Leave" was added to the list of poor films from the start of the Nineties.Van Damme plays Leon (or Lyon, depends who's saying it) who is a French soldier in the famous Foreign Legion in northern Africa. Upon hearing the news that his drug-dealing brother was attacked in LA, Leon decides to head to America and be with what's left of his family. But the Legion don't like this attitude and Leon is forced to desert and stowaway on a ship to the States. Once there, he finds himself caught up in a vicious fighter tournament run by the sexy-but-evil Cynthia (Deborah Rennard). Leon progresses through the tournament with the help of his homeless bum manager Joshua (Harrison Page) but the Legion are never far behind...Apparently, the story was cooked up by Van Damme himself and this surprised me a little. First of all, there is little story to speak of - a guy fighting other guys of increasingly size and ability is pretty much the basis of most beat-em-up video games. Secondly, I was surprised that Van Damme could write. He doesn't strike me as being the brightest star in the sky but there is little excuse for this simple vanity project. Van Damme is also a dreadful actor. It's no great shock that his best film by far, "Universal Soldier", had him playing a monotone cyborg because this is about the limit of Van Damme's range. Things like emotion and dialogue are lost to him - emotion means pulling faces and dialogue is just stuff to say. Anything else throws him. Consequently, he is acted off the screen by Page as the street-smart brains behind Van Damme's brawn. But nothing really makes much sense. Van Damme's commanding officer at the Legion is apparently German instead of French (which must come as a bit of a shock to the rest of the garrison!) and at no point is the whole tournament set-up explained. It just is and we're forced to accept it, like everything else.I could go on but I imagine that you probably can fill in the blanks for yourself. "A.W.O.L." is neither interesting, entertaining or stimulating unless there is absolutely nothing else on TV. Even some commercials show more imagination and flair than this nonsense. Clunky dialogue, woeful soundtrack (all synth and soft-porn sax) and a general lack of anything interesting cripple this before it even gets going. Jeez, he doesn't even bother going after the punks that nailed his brother! He spends the film trapped in the fight circuit instead of righting wrongs and dishing out some justice like a normal hero would. This film is, to paraphrase Van Damme himself, ugly and stupid. I'd watch something from 1991 if I were you...
What a surprise
posted on 09 Jun 2008This is easily Van Damme's best Movie.So much better then the double pump triple twirl kick Movie's like Kickboxer and Bloodsport,though this Movie does contain some of those moves as well.It's a wonder why Van Damme didn't do more of these types of Movies.From start to finish this Movie had the family feel,and I thought Van Damme acted very well,and in my opinion had an excellent supporting cast,mainly Harrison Page,it could be argued that he was the real star of the film and again I must wonder why his career didn't take of after this.A very underrated actor who has somehow flown under the radar of Hollywood.Even if your not a Van Damme fan rent this movie,you will be pleasantly surprised.
Up there in Van Dammage's top five flicks!
posted on 25 May 2008Before we head off down critical trail, lets be charitable. This is a Van Damme flick - more or less its own genre, certainly sufficiently signposted for the unwary to avoid if this is not their comfort zone. Now I have to admit to a certain bias - we have almost every film Van Damme has ever made, and for the most part, on simply an entertainment scale, Jean Claude delivers the goods. (Even as late as REPLICANT)This offering - known pretty much EVERYWHERE but the US as WRONG BET (By far the better title when you watch it) is value for money. You wanna see classical acting? go study Laurence Olivier's HENRY V. You fancy mind bending sci-fi...hell, Kubrick's 2001 ain't never gonna be topped. You want to laugh yourself senseless? go watch a Renny Harlin flick...but you want to see some serious hurting on screen...let Van Damme loose.I am tiring of the incessant complaints that Van Damme can't act! Did he ever say he could? How many of his detractors could do any better? Could John Wayne? did anyone ever want to SEE him being anything BUT John Wayne? JCVD does a half decent job here I have to say and it strikes me as a case of "let him who is without sin" etc etc when it comes to assassinating his thespian talents.This film has plenty going for it......namely action, conviction and courage. In the genre in which it finds itself necessarily categorised, I believe a 7 is in order!
This Movie Defies Description
posted on 29 Aug 2007As far as action movies go, this one stands out among them. Every aspect of this movie was clearly well crafted. The seamless editing, the acting, the expert direction and cinematography were all top notch. The soundtrack was moving and sentimental, without losing the harder edge required of the genre. The story is very closely related to Shakespeare's Hamlet, where a French soldier must go AWOL to visit his brother in America who is either dying or in a coma. Just like in Hamlet, the Frenchman is aided in his quest to become "King of the Jungle" by a Moor named Joshua who speaks in a vernacular fitting of his race and culture. Finding out his brother is dead, and that it is all his fault for "Not being there" he vows to take revengence on those who are responsible. The problem is, he has also told Joshua that he will not fight again. He must now use his vast intellect to outwit his foes by putting on a short play. The movie comes down to the wire and there is a very surprising plot twist at the end that I won't spoil for you here. All in all, this movie is a must-see. It is not surprising it was over-looked by critics as it tackles tough, hard-hitting issues with both grace and style.
Decent Fights but lame plot
posted on 13 Apr 2007Lionheart offers some decent fights between Jean-Claude Van Damme and different opponents on different Locations. These are obviously the Highlights of Lionheart aka AWOL. The different Titles of this movie are kind of stupid. What exactly they had against the good French sounding Name Lyon? Unfortunately the plot isn't that good or interesting either. It started well with some atmospheric and violent scenes on the streets of L.A. and at a French Legionnaire Camp in Africa. Normally you would expect some kind of vengeance flick but you don't get one. Leon (Jean-Claude Van Damme) comes to the USA and become a Fighter in some Full Contact Fights organized by a High Society Lady. Again they are missing here the opportunity to show such fights as critical or make a statement about rich arrogant bricks. There is some but too less. The story round the fights is getting uninteresting more and more because the audience want to see Jean-Claude in Action and not talking to little girls. I understand every Action Fan who is skipping the cliché and kitschy ending with an awful piece of overwhelming melody. It's obviously Director Sydney Sheldon wanted to show more and give some emotions to the main characters but this completely failed. The bad supporting actors aren't very helpful. Never got any Buddy feeling between Leon and Joshua and I missed the humor. To sum it up: Entertaining cause of well choreographed fights on nice looking locations but skip the rest. Don't watch any crappy cut version of this film.
Solid film...
posted on 22 Jan 2007OK, so maybe it doesn't "just make me feel good"; this is one of those movies that's just a little bit melodramatic (and in a good way), so it's enjoyable. This is one of the first JCVD films I saw and I still like watching it every once in awhile. The very catchy score will accompany every dramatic real life moment from the day you watch it...
Amazing movie, one of the few that has ever made me cry
posted on 26 Dec 2006Like other reviewers said this movie is much more of a drama movie then action. I saw this when I was 14 year old and loved action movies, but I didn't expect this to be as emotional(especially the ending scene)This is about Lyon who escapes from Africa to return to his family. His brother was killed, and his wife and Lyons Niece have little money so Lyon has to fight on the street in order to get money to them.Harrison Page is amazing in this movie he and Van Damme have awesome chemistry together. His character is kind of funny(goofy) but have a very good heart. Cynthia is a bitch, but she cracks me up especially when she gets so angry when Lyon refuse to sleep with her!Fighting scenes are good here, especially the last fighting scene and the one in the Pool, but I feel I've grown away from that sort of thing I now watch for the emotional effect it has on me. SPOILER !!The ending scene makes me cry every time I see it (4 times so far over 10 years) and I don't usually cry at movies very easy. When Lyon has to say goodbye to his family and his friend says "You have a good heart Lion don't lose it" and they hug as the tears flows from the eyes of Harrison Page I just lose it !! and the great twist at the end when the car stops and Lyon runs to hug the little girl wow !! It has to be the most emotional ending scene I've ever seen in a movie and I've seen many so called "tearjerkes"This is without any doubt the best movie with VD and also one of my fave movies of all time, so I bought it on DVD as my VHS was totally worn out LOL ! Van Damme is good in it and one can wonder why Harrison Page isn't a bigger star then he is after his powerful performance !Watch this if you like Drama/action movies.
Let The Fighting Commence!!
posted on 02 Nov 2006Now this is just a pure stereotypical action film. If you don't like films which are just about fighting and not with an incredible storyline then this film is not for you! This film is Van Damme at his best! So if one night you don't know what to do and just fancy a film which is a bit of fun then go down to your local video rental shop and hire this video.I gave this film a 7/10.
Great martial-art movie
posted on 21 Oct 2006Lionheart is yet another Van Damme-movie with a lame story and great fight-scenes. Van Damme escapes from the French foreign-legion to find the people who killed his brother. When he comes to America he starts fighting for money, which he gives to his family. As said before, the story isn`t that good, but it is head and shoulders above the terrible "Black Eagle". Lionheart is a great B-movie that is worth renting. 8/10
Worst movie I've ever been forced to watch
posted on 18 Oct 2006I was stuck watching this poor excuse of a movie on a charter bus returning from Las Vegas. I couldn't escape it. It was on the P.A. system so I was forced to listen to the bad dialogue and poor sound effects. Two screens were in front of me so if I wanted escape I had to look at the floor. I really wanted to use some of Van Dense's moves on the person who slipped this tripe in the VCR. All of you who voted 10 for it please get counseling.
Routine but acceptable.
posted on 18 Oct 2006"Lionheart" is mostly routine genre fare: a series of mildly spectacular (if thoroughly predictable) fight scenes, linked together by a tiresome (if honest) "emotional" plot. However, I've always found Van Damme much more likable than most of his "antagonists", mostly because the violence in his movies never goes over-the-top, and his likability makes this humdrum picture acceptable.
Run of the mill tough guy slush
posted on 12 Oct 2006Penniless foreigner comes to America and becomes a prize fighter in the underground arena where the rules are no rules. He is pursued surreptitiously by the French foreign legion bent on returning him to his post following his desertion. Bad acting, piss poor script, lousy fight scenes: not worth the time spent. This was a poor man's "Rocky", and he came cheap. The only bright spot in the entire film was the fast talkin', jivin' Joshua. Does Lionheart prevail? Whatta you think?
One of Van Dammes best!
posted on 02 Jun 2006This movie is very good. I watched this from a crappy vhs tape but still enjoyed it. I bought later DVD on a good price. Some people say that van damme cant act, well he can. There are much worse actors than him. (Warning: SPOILERS) This movie isnt like in the trailer they appear this movie. Lionheart is a pretty good drama- action. Lyon finds out that his brother is dead and he escapes from legionnaire and comes to america. There he starts fight for money to help his brothers family and take them away to nice life. It isnt a revenge story or just mortal combat flick like trailer appears the movie. Much better than the other martial arts flicks. See it now! 9/10
In my view it is the best movie
posted on 16 Nov 2005Although other van Damme movies may have more action or are more entertaining, this movie is deeper in its message. Although it has elements of "midnight cowboy" it has a happier ending and a very moral message.The fighting scenes are realistic without being gruesome. The baddies are bad without being repugnant. It is a good way for children to learn the difference between right and wrong. The ending is particularly good because it sings about loyalty, admiration, and justice (when they let him go).It is an excellent movie for youngsters to watch. It sets them on the right moral cause about the difference between wealth and values between right and wrong, between love and hate.I say all this but I must add that it has some tremendous fighting scenes also. For this reason I rate AWOL as the best Claude van Damme movie.
Fun with some good action and shockingly a plot!
posted on 06 Dec 2008Jean Claude Van Damme stars in this action tale of a Legionere gone AWOL to sort out his families financial problems (by way of bare knuckle fighting of course). This is probably J C Van Damme's best film in terms of overall pace and plot although the dialogue and acting are still fairly clunky at times.The action is good although I found the final fight rather disappointing, as the end opponent wasn't really that good and had some ludicrous side burns that just made me laugh (this movie is worth seeing to laugh at this guy alone). If this film had had someone with the presence of say Bolo Yeung who stared with Van Damme in Bloodsport it would have improved the movie no end as some of his opponents are a little bland. But to be honest thats just nit picking in what is a pretty fun piece of action cinema. Support acting is good Harrison Page as the manager with a heart and Lisa Pelikan as the hard up sister do well with little material. Deborah Rennard is OK as the hard nosed promoter super b**ch who just happens to look fantastic in the tiny skirts she is given to wear (does every fight promoter turn up to meetings in a bikini!?).Overall there's not a lot to say about this movie if you like action films you'll like this, it's not ground breaking but it does what it needs to good action, reasonable plot and Van Damme's best acting performance to date. 7/10 Note - In the UK this is known as AWOL but it variously known as Lionheart and the full AWOL: Absent With Out Leave in other regions