Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Action Comedy Drama Horror Thriller Sci-Fi Romance Mystery Animation Crime
Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018) movie poster

Timeline

Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 110 min · English
Echo score 65
JustWatch #21,142 3
Directed by
Dimitri Logothetis
Starring
Christopher Lambert, Mike Tyson, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Sam Medina, Alain Moussi
Budget
$10M

Abducted in Thailand, kickboxer Kurt Sloane is forced into a brutal underground death match to earn his freedom. His opponent is a massive and drug-enhanced fighter, presenting a seemingly insurmountable challenge. With the guidance of the legendary Master Durand and alongside fellow prisoner Briggs, Kurt undertakes an unusual training program. He must overcome his opponent's size and strength to escape the clutches of the ruthless gangster who holds him captive.

Action Drama Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Kickboxer: Retaliation
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018)

Where can you watch Kickboxer: Retaliation? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling and Hi-YAH: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

15 events in order · contains spoilers

Kickboxer: Retaliation Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Kurt's Championship Victory

    Kurt Sloane, a professional mixed martial artist, wins a significant fight against Renato Sobral with his signature move, the 'Hurricane Armbar.' This victory heightens his status in the MMA world, but it is overshadowed by haunting nightmares of danger involving his wife, Liu.

  2. Nightmares Haunt Kurt

    Despite his success, Kurt is plagued by nightmares where he finds himself on a chaotic train, battling for survival alongside his wife. These recurrent dreams leave him distressed and grappling with his fears of drowning, escalating his state of despair.

  3. Unexpected Arrest

    Following his fight, Kurt is confronted by two U.S. Marshals who inform him of the need to return to Thailand to address the repercussions from his victory over Tong Po. Their methods turn aggressive quickly, shocking him into unconsciousness with a taser.

    Where
    U.S.

  4. Awakening in a Thai Prison

    Kurt wakes up disoriented in a Thai prison cell where he meets Thomas Tang Moore. Moore reveals Kurt's unintended role as the new champion following Tong Po's defeat, expressing displeasure at Kurt's abrupt departure from the fight scene.

    Where
    Thai prison

  5. Moore's Tempting Offer

    Thomas Tang Moore presents Kurt with the opportunity to fight the immense Mongkut for a staggering $1 million. Kurt, however, remains resolute and refuses the lucrative challenge, choosing to stick to his principles despite the pressure.

    Where
    Thai prison

  6. Harsh Prison Life

    Kurt's time in prison is filled with cruelty as he is subjected to threats and violent whippings from guards. Caught in this grim reality, he begins to form a bond with Briggs, an American boxer, who provides much-needed guidance and camaraderie.

    Where
    Thai prison

  7. Revelation of Durand's Sacrifice

    Kurt discovers that his Muay Thai instructor, Durand, has been covertly training the inmates, risking his own sight in the process. This act of dedication and sacrifice inspires Kurt and fuels his determination to fight back.

    Where
    Thai prison

  8. Liu's Abduction

    In a strategic move, Moore attempts to leverage Kurt's emotional attachment by abducting Liu. Crawford's reveal of a terrifying video of her being held captive forces Kurt into a corner, pushing him closer to accepting the fight against Mongkut.

    Where
    Train Station

  9. Kurt's Escapes and Allies

    Kurt manages to escape and confronts Moss, Joseph King's new champion, at a nightclub. With the help of Durand's son, Travis, Kurt finds vital leads that lead to his wife's whereabouts, bolstering his resolve to rescue her.

    Where
    Nightclub

  10. Strategic Assault

    Kurt, along with Gamon and Travis, orchestrates a daring attack on Moore’s apartment to save Liu. They engage in a brutal fight against henchmen, culminating in an intense clash inside a mirror maze, where Kurt finally rescues Liu after considerable struggle.

    Where
    Moore's apartment

  11. Liu's Sacrifice

    In a critical moment during the confrontation with Mongkut, Liu sacrifices herself to save Kurt, sustaining severe injuries. This act of love and bravery pushes Kurt over the edge, resolving him to fight Mongkut at any cost.

    Where
    Muay Thai temple

  12. The Final Showdown

    Kurt and Mongkut finally face off in an ancient Muay Thai temple amidst electrified tension. As they exchange blows, it becomes evident that while Kurt is resilient, Mongkut's strength poses a significant challenge.

    Where
    Muay Thai temple

  13. Rallying Support

    Just when things seem dire for Kurt, Liu revives him using adrenaline supplies. With renewed vigor, he re-enters the fray determined to protect Liu and defeat Mongkut.

    Where
    Muay Thai temple

  14. Kurt's Triumphant Victory

    In a dramatic conclusion, Kurt delivers a series of devastating blows that ultimately take Mongkut down. Surrounded by allies, his victory ensures justice for Liu and reaffirms his place as champion.

    Where
    Muay Thai temple

  15. Looking Ahead

    As the film draws to a close, an outtake montage showcases Kurt laughing and preparing for his next MMA challenge. With his sights set on future battles, including a daunting competition against Mauricio Rua, he embodies the spirit of resilience.

Last updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:46

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

Kickboxer: Retaliation Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why was Kurt Sloane taken to Thailand?

Kurt was abducted because Thomas Tang Moore, the mastermind behind the underground tournament, wanted him to become the new champion after Tong Po's defeat. Kurt's hasty exit after winning created a void that Moore needed filled, so he orchestrated Kurt's capture through fake U.S. Marshals and had him brought to Thailand.

  • kurt sloane abduction
  • thailand prison
  • thomas tang moore
  • underground tournament
Q2

Why did Kurt initially refuse to fight Mongkut?

Kurt refused because he had already retired from the underground fighting circuit after defeating Tong Po. He wanted nothing more to do with the violent death matches and held firm to his convictions, even when faced with harsh prison conditions and threats.

  • kurt sloane refused fight
  • mongkut
  • prison pressure
Q3

How did Master Durand lose his eyesight?

Durand had been secretly training the prisoners in Muay Thai while imprisoned. His unwavering commitment and constant training in the dark prison conditions cost him his eyesight, sacrificing his vision to help others fight back against their captors.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Durand as a respected master, making his sacrifice later more impactful.

  • master durand
  • eyesight
  • muay thai trainer
  • prison sacrifice
Q4

Why did Moore kidnap Liu?

Moore kidnapped Liu to leverage Kurt into fighting Mongkut. When Kurt refused the $1 million offer, Moore used the corrupt cop Gamon to locate Liu at a train station, then had her abducted by henchmen led by Somsak. Crawford then showed Kurt a video of Liu being held captive to break his resolve.

  • liu kidnapped
  • moore leverage
  • kurt wife captured
Q5

How does Kurt rescue Liu from Moore's apartment?

Kurt escapes prison, defeats Moss (Joseph King's champion) at a nightclub with help from Travis Durand, then tracks down Somsak to learn Liu's location. He then orchestrates a raid on Moore's apartment alongside Gamon and Travis, fighting through henchmen in a mirror maze before finally rescuing Liu.

  • mirror maze fight
  • liu rescue
  • moore apartment raid
Q6

Why does Liu sacrifice herself for Kurt?

During the confrontation at the Muay Thai temple, Liu jumps in front of Kurt to shield him from Mongkut's brutal attack, sustaining severe injuries and falling into a coma. Her act of love and bravery pushes Kurt to declare he'll fight Mongkut at any cost.

  • liu sacrifice
  • komatkurt love
  • comahurt protection
Q7

How does Kurt defeat Mongkut in the final fight?

After being nearly defeated by Mongkut's overwhelming strength, Kurt is revived by Liu who uses adrenaline from Rupert's medical supplies. This shocks him back to consciousness, allowing Kurt to deliver a series of powerful blows that finally knock Mongkut down.

Foreshadowing: Earlier establishment of Rupert's medical supplies creates the mechanism for Kurt's revival.

  • mongkut defeat
  • adrenaline revival
  • kurt victory
  • final fight
Q8

What is the significance of Kurt's nightmares?

Kurt experiences recurring nightmares where he's trapped on a train with his wife Liu, battling for survival amid chaos and ultimately drowning. These nightmares foreshadow the actual danger Liu will face and represent Kurt's deep-seated fears of losing her, which Moore exploits through her abduction.

  • kurt nightmares
  • train
  • drowning foreshadowing
Q9

Who is Briggs and why is he important to Kurt?

Briggs is an American boxer also imprisoned in the Thai prison. He becomes Kurt's friend and provides emotional support, wisdom, and comfort during Kurt's darkest moments from the torture and harsh treatment. His friendship helps Kurt survive the psychological ordeal before his eventual escape.

  • briggs boxer
  • prison friend
  • mike tyson character
Q10

Who is Mauricio Rua shown at the end of the movie?

The end credit scene shows Kurt preparing for his next MMA challenge against Mauricio Rua, a real-life UFC fighter. This sets up potential future installments in the Kickboxer franchise, indicating Kurt's continued fighting career in legitimate mixed martial arts competitions.

  • mauricioRua
  • end credits
  • ufc fighter
  • kurt next fight

Movie threads

More Movies Like Kickboxer: Retaliation, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Kickboxer: Retaliation tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with brutal underground fighting like Kickboxer: Retaliation

Heroes forced to fight for their lives in brutal, illegal arenas. If you liked the high-stakes death matches and survival struggle in Kickboxer: Retaliation, explore these movies. This thread gathers action films where heroes are forced to fight in illegal, brutal arenas, facing overwhelming odds for their freedom or to rescue a loved one.

  • brutal
  • tense
  • oppressive
  • desperate
  • triumphant
  • violent
  • Tone: dark, tense
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a straightforward arc of capture, brutal training, and a final, cathartic victory. The protagonist is often an outsider forced to adapt and overcome through sheer will and skill, leading to a triumphant but physically costly conclusion.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared premise of forced combat, intense physicality, and the oppressive atmosphere of captivity. They deliver a specific kind of action experience focused on survival against monstrous foes in a lawless setting.

Bloodmatch movie poster

Bloodmatch

1991
Deathsport movie poster

Deathsport

1978
Undisputed III: Redemption movie poster

Undisputed III: Redemption

2010
The Tournament movie poster

The Tournament

2009
Bloodfist movie poster

Bloodfist

1989
Rumble Through the Dark movie poster

Rumble Through the Dark

2023
Best of the Best 2 movie poster

Best of the Best 2

1993
Monster Brawl movie poster

Monster Brawl

2011

Movies about intense captivity and escape like Kickboxer: Retaliation

Desperate journeys from captivity to freedom against ruthless captors. Fans of the captivity and rescue mission plot in Kickboxer: Retaliation will find similar thrills here. This collection features movies with heavy emotional weight where characters must endure torture and plan a desperate escape from ruthless villains.

  • desperate
  • tense
  • oppressive
  • triumphant
  • urgent
  • violent
  • Tone: dark, desperate
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The pattern involves a protagonist being taken prisoner, often suffering psychologically and physically. They forge alliances, undergo a transformation through hardship, and execute a dangerous plan to achieve freedom, typically involving a direct confrontation with their captor.

Why they belong together: They share a core emotional journey from powerlessness to agency, set against a backdrop of oppression. The mood is consistently tense and desperate, building to a cathartic, action-packed climax that results in a hard-earned victory.

No Escape movie poster

No Escape

2015
No Escape movie poster

No Escape

1994
A Man Escaped (1956) movie poster

A Man Escaped (1956)

2012
Rogue Hostage movie poster

Rogue Hostage

2021
Never Back Down: Revolt movie poster

Never Back Down: Revolt

2021
Hostage movie poster

Hostage

1992
Deadly Heroes movie poster

Deadly Heroes

1993
Unstoppable movie poster

Unstoppable

2018

If you liked this

Movies Like Kickboxer: Retaliation

Similar movies to Kickboxer: Retaliation: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries
Kickboxer movie poster

Kickboxer

1989
Kickboxer: Vengeance movie poster

Kickboxer: Vengeance

2016
Bloodsport movie poster

Bloodsport

1988
Kickboxer from Hell movie poster

Kickboxer from Hell

1990
Bloodmatch movie poster

Bloodmatch

1991
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back movie poster

Kickboxer 2: The Road Back

1991
Kickboxer King movie poster

Kickboxer King

1991
Bloodfist movie poster

Bloodfist

1989
Kickboxer 3: The Art of War movie poster

Kickboxer 3: The Art of War

1992
Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor movie poster

Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor

1994
Kickboxer’s Tears movie poster

Kickboxer’s Tears

1992
Kick of Death movie poster

Kick of Death

1997

Every angle

Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Kickboxer: Retaliation in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app