Kickboxer

Kickboxer

Year: 1993

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: Cantonese

Action

With master Wong Fei Hung away, impulsive student Lau Zhai (Yuen Biao) leaves the kung fu school and roams the town, where he meets police chief Panther. Together they work to dismantle an opium‑smuggling ring threatening the community, using Lau’s growing skills and Panther’s authority.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kickboxer (1993)

Trace every key event in Kickboxer (1993) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening recap and prison

David Sloan is imprisoned after being framed by Tong Po. The opening recap shows two years of confinement and the personal stake of his wife Vicky. He writes a letter to her, hoping for a way to clear his name and reunite with her.

Opening scene, two years after the framing Prison
2

Photos and briefing

While imprisoned, David receives explicit photos of his kidnapped wife from Tong Po, intensifying his anger and resolve. Casey Ford, a DEA official, briefs him that Po plans to host a brutal martial-arts tournament at his private compound as a pathway to power. Ford explains that the DEA can't arrest Po by normal means, and offers David release if he defeats Po in the tournament.

During imprisonment Prison
3

Alias and first win

To keep his identity hidden, David uses the alias 'Jack Jones' and travels toward the border. He enters a street fight and easily dispatches two opponents, earning the attention of Brubaker, who scouts fighters for Po. Brubaker invites David to Po's tournament, marking his entry into the deadly competition.

En route to border City street
4

Rescue in the roadside bar

On the way to the border, David steps into a roadside bar to intervene when a group of thugs harasses Megan Laurence. He defeats the assailants and saves Megan, who reveals she plans to join Po's tournament as well. Megan exits with a prickly attitude, noting she doesn't owe him anything but still entering the contest.

En route to border Roadside bar
5

Arrival at Po's compound

David arrives at Po's private compound and is greeted by Darcy Cove, a captive who serves Po's interests. Darcy informs him he must pass qualifying matches, setting the brutal tone for what's ahead. He witnesses Thomas overwhelm another fighter and learns his first assignment is to face Megan, while Lando Smith appears as a potential ally.

Qualifying matches Po's compound
6

Seventh-anniversary party moves the chessboard

At the tournament's seventh anniversary party, Bill introduces Po to the cheering crowd. David slips away to search for his wife, but the compound is heavily guarded. Po tests Megan by offering her a second chance while placing a bounty on her that incites the other fighters.

During party Po's compound - party area
7

Megan pursued, Lando intervenes

Megan fights once more but Po adds pressure by hunting her for the bounty, triggering an attack from other fighters. Lando steps in to defend her and escorts her back to her room after a tense standoff. The atmosphere tightens as loyalty and danger collide inside the compound.

Evening Po's compound
8

Night raid and failed rescue

That night, David locates his wife but cannot free her before the alarm sounds. He fights through the guards and tries to escape, but the security forces close in and his attempt is thwarted. The failure heightens the danger and locks David deeper into Po's trap.

Night Po's compound
9

Morning alliance with Megan

The next morning, David befriends Megan and offers to help her navigate the rest of the tournament. They form a wary alliance as the competition intensifies. The pair starts to plan how they might survive and advance together.

Morning Po's compound
10

Early rounds of the tournament

The tournament's early rounds begin with brutal displays of skill. David witnesses Thomas defeat a female judoka, while Lando and Megan win their own matches. When David is called to fight, a clever feint distracts Po, allowing him to win and slip further toward his goal.

Tournament day Arena within Po's compound
11

Lando's intel and Darcy's death

Lando schemes to gather intelligence on David's wife by courting Darcy, who provides information before being caught by Bill. Po tortures Lando to extract the truth about his identity as a DEA agent, and Darcy is tortured to death in front of him. The brutality heightens the stakes for everyone involved.

During tournament Po's compound
12

David is captured

With the intel compromised, Po captures David, surprised to see his old rival alive. The final day of the tournament begins, setting the stage for a brutal showdown between the two longtime enemies. The arena grows tenser as the truth behind the kidnapping weighs on every decision.

Final day Po's compound arena
13

Final day duel and upheaval

Po declares the remaining fights to be to the death, and the arena becomes a killing field. David defeats Thomas and continues to overpower incoming challengers, leaving only himself and Po standing at the end. Bill then holds Vicky hostage, giving Po a chance to slip away.

Final day Arena
14

Escape with Vicky

David finally defeats Po in a brutal final duel, but Bill interrupts the triumph by taking Vicky hostage. David kills Bill with a precise knife throw and escapes the compound with Vicky. He exits alongside Lando and Megan as Po makes his own escape, and the group heads for safety while Po resumes his pursuit.

Ending Po's compound exit

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:43

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Kickboxer

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