Kickboxer 1989: Qartulad
Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is a time capsule. When a group of Georgian men in their 30s or 40s gather today, quoting the film is a ritual. They will mimic the Georgian voice actor’s rendition of "You break my brother’s back... I break your entire spine."
It also paved the way for other Van Damme films to be dubbed in Georgian – Bloodsport, Universal Soldier, Lionheart – but Kickboxer remains the king.
Why? Because the themes of fighting against a giant, oppressive enemy (Tong Po) while preserving your soul (Xian Chow’s spiritual teachings) mirrored Georgia’s own struggles with Russia, internal strife, and the quest for identity.
In the final scene of Kickboxer, Kurt embraces his blind brother Eric and says, “We did it.” In the Georgian version, the line is: “Dzma, chven maT davamarcxet. Da axla… kartuli iq’avi” – “Brother, we defeated them. And now… be Georgian.”
No one knows who added that line. The original VHS tape has been lost to time, copied over, recorded over, degraded. But the spirit endures. Every time a Georgian child tries to spin-kick a tree branch. Every time a father quotes an imaginary line to his son. Every time the synth beat of “Kickboxer Main Title” plays in a Tbilisi bar, and the room goes silent, then erupts in laughter and shadow kicks.
Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is not the real movie. It is better. It is the movie Georgia made for itself.
Bolo sityva: Es aris qartuli kickboxi. (Final word: This is Georgian kickboxing.)
Dedicated to all those who watched on stolen VHS tapes by candlelight in the winter of ’93. Gagimarjos, Kurt Sloane. Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad
The Legendary Kickboxer: A Look Back at the 1989 Film and its Georgian Dub - Qartulad
The world of martial arts cinema has produced some iconic films over the years, but few have had the lasting impact of the 1989 film, Kickboxer. Starring Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke, this action-packed movie not only showcased the skills of its stars but also helped to popularize the sport of kickboxing worldwide. For fans in Georgia, the film was made even more accessible with the release of Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad, the Georgian dubbed version of the movie.
The Film that Started it All
Directed by Richard W. Wainwright and produced by Kingsley W. Bricknell, Kickboxer was released in 1989 to moderate success. The film tells the story of Eric McNamara (played by Eric Roberts), an American kickboxer who travels to Thailand to avenge his brother's death at the hands of the ruthless kickboxer, Bangaard (played by Sibongani Ndlovu). Along the way, Eric teams up with his brother's friend, Victor (played by Mickey Rourke), a tough-as-nails Thai kickboxer who helps him to master the art of Muay Thai.
The film's success can be attributed to its well-choreographed fight scenes, which showcased the skills of its stars and helped to make kickboxing a household name. Kickboxer also launched the careers of several notable actors, including Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke, who went on to achieve great success in Hollywood.
The Georgian Dub: Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad
For fans in Georgia, the release of Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad was a significant event. The Georgian dubbed version of the film made it possible for a wider audience to experience the action-packed world of kickboxing, without the language barrier. The dub was produced by Georgian film studios, with a team of skilled voice actors bringing the characters to life in the Georgian language. Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is a time capsule
The Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad dub was well-received by Georgian audiences, who appreciated the opportunity to enjoy this classic martial arts film in their native language. The film's success in Georgia can be attributed to the popularity of martial arts in the country, as well as the enduring appeal of action-packed cinema.
Impact on Georgian Cinema
The release of Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad had a significant impact on Georgian cinema, highlighting the demand for high-quality dubbed films in the country. In the years that followed, several other martial arts films were dubbed into Georgian, including films like Bloodsport and Road House.
The success of Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad also paved the way for Georgian film producers to explore the possibility of producing their own martial arts films. In recent years, Georgia has produced several notable films in the martial arts genre, including films like "5 Days till Eternity" and "The Hostages".
Legacy of Kickboxer
The legacy of Kickboxer extends far beyond its impact on Georgian cinema. The film's influence can be seen in many modern martial arts films, including films like The Expendables and John Wick. The film's success also helped to popularize the sport of kickboxing worldwide, paving the way for organizations like the World Kickboxing Association and the International Kickboxing Federation.
In conclusion, Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is more than just a dubbed version of a classic film. It represents a significant milestone in the history of Georgian cinema, highlighting the demand for high-quality films in the country. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of martial arts cinema to transcend language and cultural barriers, and its influence can still be felt today. In the final scene of Kickboxer , Kurt
Where to Watch Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad
For fans of Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad, there are several ways to watch the film. The dubbed version is available on various online platforms, including YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. Georgian film studios have also released the film on DVD, making it possible for fans to own a copy of this classic martial arts film.
In Georgia, the film is available on local TV channels, as well as on streaming platforms like Georgian Film Studio and Kartuli Cinema. Fans can also purchase a copy of the film on DVD or Blu-ray disc, which includes the Georgian dubbed version.
Conclusion
Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is a classic martial arts film that has had a lasting impact on Georgian cinema. The film's success paved the way for other martial arts films to be dubbed into Georgian, and its influence can still be felt today. For fans of martial arts cinema, Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is a must-watch film that showcases the skills of its stars and the art of kickboxing. Whether you're a fan of Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke, or just martial arts cinema in general, Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad is a film that's sure to entertain and inspire.
In the age of Netflix and 4K remasters, the crude, heartfelt, and chaotic Kickboxer 1989 Qartulad might seem obsolete. But to a nation of proud fighters and storytellers, it is a monument.
If you are a collector, a martial arts fan, or a Georgian expat missing home, your mission is clear: Find that old VHS tape, digitize it, and share it. The world needs to hear Tong Po threaten Kurt in the booming voice of a Tbilisi voice actor.
Long live Jean-Claude Van Damme. Long live Tong Po. And long live Kickboxer – Qartulad.
Abstract This paper examines the 1989 martial arts classic Kickboxer, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, analyzing its place within the action cinema genre and its enduring popularity in the post-Soviet space. Specifically, it explores the "Qartulad" (Georgian) dubbing phenomenon, investigating how localized voice-over translations transformed Western action films into cultural staples for Georgian audiences during the 1990s.