The Last Dragon (1985): Martial Arts and Motown Music Collide

Why did Motown Records Make a Martial Arts Comedy Film?The Last Dragon is a wild and totally 80s combination of martial arts, emerging hip-hop culture, and goofy comedy. Produced by Berry Gordy of Motown Records, the film was a roll of the dice to get people back into the magic of the label.While it should be a forgettable glorified commercial, the film is full of heart and well-remembered by fans and continues to draw in new audiences.Directed by the celebrated filmmaker Michael Schultz, in main character Leroy Green aka "Bruce" Leeroy, the movie delivered a young black hero in a moment where representation was harder to come by. Join me for a discussion of Taimak's actual martial arts skills, the mediocre soundtrack, and how the hilarious villain Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, steals the film.Directed by Michael Schultz. Starring Taimak, Julius Carry, Christopher Murney, Lee O'Brien, Faith Prince, Glen Eaton, and Vanity.Connect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com