To Be the Best
To Be the Best is a two-part 1991 British television serial, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's 1988 novel of the same name, a follow-up to A Woman of Substance (1984) and Hold the Dream (1987). It stars Lindsay Wagner as Paula O'Neill (née Harte), taking over the role from Deborah Kerr. Paula O'Neill feuds with her cousins as she fights to save her grandmother's business, and struggles to salvage her marriage.
Insights
Plot Summary
A talented kickboxer, seeking revenge for his mentor's death, infiltrates a dangerous underground fighting circuit. He must navigate a treacherous world of betrayal and violence, facing off against ruthless competitors and a corrupt promoter. His journey tests his skills, his loyalty, and his determination to bring justice to those who wronged him.
Critical Reception
To Be the Best received largely negative reviews from critics, with many criticizing its derivative plot, low production values, and uninspired performances. While it may have found a niche audience among fans of direct-to-video martial arts films of the era, it failed to impress mainstream critics.
What Reviewers Say
- The film suffers from a predictable storyline that borrows heavily from other martial arts movies.
- Performances are generally wooden, lacking the charisma needed to carry the action sequences.
- The action choreography is uninspired and fails to generate excitement.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available indicate a generally poor reception, with viewers often citing the low-quality action and unengaging plot as significant drawbacks.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in South Africa, which was less common for this genre at the time and likely contributed to its lower budget appeal.
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