Movie spotlight
Never Say Die
Investigative journalist Alf Winters (Morrison), meets his American girlfriend, Melissa Jones (Eilbacher), at Auckland airport. As they park outside Alf's house, it explodes. It is soon apparent that persons unknown want them dead, but the police are either skeptical or in the pay of those responsible. They play hide and seek around New Zealand with the stalkers, all the while coping with car chases, plane crashes, bullets and explosions.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the desolate future of 2010, a ruthless criminal syndicate known as the "Black Death" has taken over, controlling the world's energy resources. A former elite soldier, now working as a mercenary, is tasked with a mission to rescue a scientist who holds the key to a new energy source that could liberate humanity. He must navigate a dangerous world of betrayal, advanced weaponry, and deadly opponents to complete his objective.
Critical Reception
Never Say Die received a mixed reception from critics and audiences, often being described as a typical, albeit somewhat derivative, action film of the late 1980s. While some praised its action sequences and Sonny Chiba's performance, others found the plot predictable and the special effects dated.
What Reviewers Say
Features solid, if unspectacular, martial arts action.
A standard sci-fi action plot with predictable twists.
Sonny Chiba delivers a charismatic performance despite a thin script.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Never Say Die are scarce, but the film is generally seen as an enjoyable, albeit forgettable, entry into the direct-to-video action genre of its era, with fans appreciating its straightforward action and Chiba's presence.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a theatrical release but ended up going straight to video in many markets.
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