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Lionheart

Play trailer Poster for Lionheart R 1990 1h 45m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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39% Tomatometer 18 Reviews 53% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Léon Gaultier (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, serving abroad in East Africa. But after his brother is cruelly murdered, Gaultier deserts his assignment and travels to the United States to help his widowed sister-in-law (Lisa Pelikan), who is now struggling to care for her children. But the job market is tough, so Gaultier takes his hand-to-hand combat skills into the brutal world of bare-knuckle fighting, where the paydays are nearly as big as the risks.
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Lionheart

Critics Reviews

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Michael Wilmington Los Angeles Times 01/11/2018
The scriptwriters, first-time director Sheldon Lettich (Sylvester Stallone's collaborator on "Rambo III") and Van Damme himself, dream up the worst things that could possibly happen. Then they try to kick their way out of them. Go to Full Review Janet Maslin New York Times 08/30/2004
Using tactics like these, Woody Allen could become an action hero, too. Go to Full Review Richard Harrington Washington Post 01/01/2000
As Lionheart heads for his final confrontation, the film's soundtrack blasts out a "Rocky"-like song called 'No Mercy.' Unless you're a Van Damme or martial arts fanatic, you're more likely to be thinking: No, merci. Go to Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) 12/12/2022
This film is deliriously funny. A diamond in the rough, with an emphasis on rough. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 06/18/2022
2.5/4
...a decent-enough Van Damme vehicle that probably should’ve topped out at an hour and a half. Go to Full Review Brian Orndorf Blu-ray.com 09/21/2020
B
An engaging ride for Van Damme fans, with plenty of kicks to please the faithful while inching the actor's abilities along. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nick B 1d Lionheart is one of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s best films, both in terms of action and storytelling. His performance as Lyon is genuinely heartfelt, especially in moments like when he learns from the doctor about his brother’s death and becomes visibly emotional. The scene with his niece Ashley near the end, where he encourages her to stay strong before giving her a tearful hug, is especially touching. Both Van Damme and a young Ashley Johnson give surprisingly strong performances that add real warmth to the film. The story of Lyon needing to earn enough money to help his family gives the film a strong emotional core, making every fight feel like he’s battling not just for himself but for the people he loves. The direction by Sheldon Lettich, who would go on to make Double Impact, is excellent. He brings out the best in Van Damme and the supporting cast, balancing emotional moments with well-shot action scenes that elevate the film. Overall, Lionheart is one of Van Damme’s best. See more Creek @Mister_BigBlock 6d “You’ve got the heart of a lion, Lionheart” See more Chief B Jun 10 My favorite Jean Claude van Damme movie and honestly van Damme isn't that bad of an actor here . He isn't Day Lewis or de Niro but he does show some acting skill here with the silent, lethal but good hearted guy. The fighting is great and honestly the last 35 minutes or so are just great. The final boss, how I call him is pretty menacing and the comedic relieve in this movie does a pretty good job too. Also it's a fish out of water movie and I have spot for those. BTW for me this movie will always be called : wrong bet. When I was in my teens that's what the VHS covers said See more Michael D L Jun 7 Another great fighting movie with decent action See more Otávio A May 18 Amo esse filme, pra mim, é o terceiro melhor filme do JCVD, ficando atrás apenas de "Bloodsport" e "Kickboxer". See more Ari V Apr 15 A lot of decent little nuances for a pretty typical Van Damme movie. Page is especially good here. 2.75/5 See more Read all reviews
Lionheart

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Cast & Crew

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Sheldon Lettich

Director

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Léon Gaultier

Deborah Rennard

Cynthia

Harrison Page

Joshua Eldridge

Lisa Pelikan

Hélène Gaultier

Ashley Johnson

Nicole Gaultier

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Lionheart

Lionheart (1990) Lionheart (1990) Lionheart (1990) Lionheart (1990) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Léon Gaultier (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, serving abroad in East Africa. But after his brother is cruelly murdered, Gaultier deserts his assignment and travels to the United States to help his widowed sister-in-law (Lisa Pelikan), who is now struggling to care for her children. But the job market is tough, so Gaultier takes his hand-to-hand combat skills into the brutal world of bare-knuckle fighting, where the paydays are nearly as big as the risks.
Director
Sheldon Lettich
Producer
Eric Karson, Ash R. Shah
Screenwriter
Sheldon Lettich, Jean-Claude Van Damme
Production Co
Imperial Entertainment
Rating
R
Genre
Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$22.5M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Surround
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