Released: 1995
Directed By: Paul W.S. Anderson
Written By: Ed Boon, John Tobias (video game)
Starring: Robin Shou, Christopher Lambert, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brigette Wilson
Rating: PG-13
Rent or Buy? RENT
Story:
Liu Kang�s brother Chan is killed by a man named Shang Tsung. The only way to seek revenge
against Tsung, is for Liu Kang to enter a tournament called �Mortal Kombat.� But Lord Rayden,
the god of thunder and lightning and protector of the realm of Earth convinces him to enter the
tournament to save the world from alien invaders. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, Kano, one of
Shang Tsung�s men has killed Sonya Blade�s partner in attempt to lure Sonya into the
tournament. In Los Angeles, Johnny Cage is trying to shake rumours that he is a martial arts
fake. His mentor Master Boyd (Shang Tsung in disguise) convinces him to enter the tournament.
The three board a boat in Hong Kong to take them to the tournament. Once at the island where
the tournament is to be held, an exhibition fight between an Outworld fighter � Sub Zero and a
monk is held. In it, Sub Zero flings a ball of ice at the monk who freezes and shatters into pieces.
In addition, Liu Kang notices Kitana, princess of Outworld. Shang Tsung send Reptile to watch
over her. Kang, Sonya, and Cage eavesdrop on a conversation between Shang Tsung, Kano and
Goro � a mammoth being with four arms! Once they see what they�re up against, the tournament
begins. The Earth fighters do well, until Shang Tsung sends Goro into the tournament. He
crushes the Earth fighters easily, until Johnny Cage fights him. Cage manages to push Goro off a
cliff and kills him. But Shang Tsung manages to kidnap Sonya and take her to the Outworld.
Once there, Liu Kang challenges Shang Tsung in the final battle of the tournament. Shang Tsung
is killed, his captured souls are released, and everything returns to normal. . .until the Outworld
emperor appears!
My Review:
I liked the first two �Mortal Kombat� games, but when they got to �Mortal Kombat 3" and
started throwing in all these alien characters, the series was shot to hell. It sort of happens
towards the end of this movie, and especially in its sequel: �Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.� As
for the beginning, this movie brings back shades of the fighting game we all loved. The
characters are believable since this film really touches a science fiction quality. The music is
OK. After seeing this film a few times, you�ll be yelling �MORTAL KOMBAT� all the time. .
.until someone tells you to stop that is.
Hilarious/Memorable Quotes
Shang Tsung: Your brother�s soul is mine!
Chan: Liu!
Shang Tsung: You will be next!
***
Johnny Cage: Hey, pal. When the ship comes in can you put these (luggage) on board?
Liu Kang: You want me to carry your luggage?
Johnny Cage: Yeah. I pay money, you carry the bags. Or is that too complicated?
Liu Kang: No, I�ve got it.
Johnny Cage: Good.
Liu Kang: (throws Johnny�s luggage into the water)
Johnny Cage: Thank God I didn�t ask him to park the car!
***
Johnny Cage: (upon seeing Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Rayden for the first time) We�ve got a guy
with things coming out of his hand. We�ve got another guy who freezes stuff, and then there is a
man who seems to be made of electricity!
***
Johnny Cage: Those were $500 sunglasses asshole!
***
Sonya Blade: I don�t need your help. I can handle this myself.
Johnny Cage: Are you out of your mind?
***
Shang Tsung: Flawless victory.