EPISODE · Jul 23, 2026 · 27 MIN
Hard Target 1993 (Extended audio) - John Woo-LY
from Two Asian Blokes · host Danh and Thavy
Next up on John Woo-LY 2026 is Hard Target (1993), John Woo's explosive first foray into Hollywood. And who better to help introduce Woo to the American film industry than the all-American action hero of the '90s... Jean-Claude Van Damme.Hard Target is widely regarded as the first major Hollywood studio film directed by a Chinese—and more broadly, an Asian—director. Universal reportedly had concerns about whether Woo could direct a big-budget American production with his limited English, but he answered those doubts the only way he knew how: with slow-motion doves, flying motorcycles, dual pistols, ridiculous explosions, and enough John Woo style to make Hard Target stand out among the sea of '90s action movies.The film follows Chance Boudreaux, a Cajun drifter who finds himself in the crosshairs of an international human-hunting syndicate led by the wonderfully theatrical Emil Fouchon, played by Lance Henriksen. Unfortunately for them, Chance turns out to be a considerably harder target than advertised.In this review, we discuss John Woo's transition from Hong Kong cinema to Hollywood, Jean-Claude Van Damme's performance, the villains, the action choreography, the unmistakable "John Woo-isms" that survived the move to America, and whether Hard Target still ranks among the best action films of the 1990s.Say what you will about Van Damme... the man can wear the heck out of a mullet.If you enjoy movie reviews, Hong Kong cinema, action films, and Asian pop culture, check out our weekly podcast, Two Asian Blokes, where we chat about films, TV, and vaguely Asian stuff.🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Two Asian Blokeshttps://www.youtube.com/@twoasianblokes?sub_confirmation=1⏱️ Chapters00:00 John Woo's First Hollywood Film01:34 How John Woo Came to Hollywood03:44 Hard Target Plot Overview06:30 New Orleans, Jean-Claude Van Damme & The Mullet09:13 Emil Fouchon & The Villains11:13 Classic John Woo Style in Hollywood16:27 Action, Stunts & Explosions19:40 The Incredible Final Act💬 What do you think of Hard Target? Is it John Woo's best Hollywood movie, or do you prefer Face/Off, Broken Arrow, or Mission: Impossible II?📩 Email us: [email protected]👥 Join the Friends of Two Asian Blokes Facebook group to discuss movies, anime, and pop culture.🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @twoasianblokes#HardTarget #JohnWoo #JeanClaudeVanDamme #90sAction #MovieReview
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Next up on John Woo-LY 2026 is Hard Target (1993), John Woo's explosive first foray into Hollywood. And who better to help introduce Woo to the American film industry than the all-American action hero of the '90s... Jean-Claude Van Damme. Hard Target is widely regarded as the first major Hollywood studio film directed by a Chinese—and more broadly, an Asian—director. Universal reportedly had concerns about whether Woo could direct a big-budget American production with his limited English, but...
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Hard Target 1993 (Extended audio) - John Woo-LY
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