Page 18 - Martial Science Magazine Dec/2015 #12

on an all-too-eager apprentice, Blaine (Steven Dell).
After a vicious hit on a kung fu school led by Blaine,
Blackstone has reason to be concerned, and in a grip-
ping shaving scene in a barbershop, Frank’s boss Claxton
(veteran actor Patrick Kilpatrick) makes his razor-sharp
point. Ronus, who can’t shake the traumatic memories of
losing his family, is an occasionally tormented loner, but
connects with the charming Gabriela (Stephanie Gerard)
who winds up on the run along with Steele when Blac-
kstone decides to eliminate them both. Blaine’s girlfriend
Trinidad (Nina Bergman) emerges as a sexy psychopath
who is attracted to his hidden occupation. Along the way
we are treated to martial arts action that includes many
real-life masters, such as Eric Lee and Samuel Kwok,
from minor roles to memorable ones.

Many performances deserve highlighting, from Gruner’s
quiet intensity to Kilpatrick’s convincing coldness, but the
performances of both Gerard and Bergman give the film
vitality. Both accomplished musicians and performers
(with a share in the effective soundtrack along with Los
Lonely Boys), they paint a fascinating contrast, with Ge-
rard seeming to be an innocent college student in need
of Steele’s protection, and Bergman the opposite: a sex-
crazed girlfriend of a killer who can’t wait to have a piece
of the action. But appearances can be deceiving, and
the closing fight scene between the two reflects the high
standards of Camacho and his team.

Art Camacho clearly put his heart and soul into this film,
taking a relatively small budget and giving it the appea-
rance of ten times more. Camacho’s story-telling skill
(brought to life by screenwriter James Dean Simington)
is not only evident along with his directorial artistry and
control, but also one of Camacho’s favorite themes is
shown here in the transformation of an unethical man—
Steele, an assassin—into a deeper individual who pulls

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