Synopsis: Upon the empire's fall to invading conquistadors, the 16th century Incas quickly concealed a sacred manual containing the secrets behind their deadly fighting technique. But after centuries of careful safeguarding, the manual is again at risk of falling into the wrong hands, leaving its rightful guardian to battle the world's greatest assassins to protect the ancient secrets within. (80 Mins)

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Views: This 2023 martial arts production from Chile makes its UK Blu-ray debut on October 2nd, courtesy of Dazzler Media. Packed with some great martial-arts action, Fist Of The Condor takes its cue from the kung fu classics of yesteryear, as it follows a group of deadly martial artists from around the globe in their search for a sacred Inca manual that contains the ancient secrets of how to surpass the limits of the human body. But to do so, they have to defeat its guardian who is sworn to protect the book at all costs – even if it means spilling the blood of his own brother!

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The first time I ever saw Marko Zaror in action was in Undisputed 3: Redemption where he impressed with his moves in a spectacular showdown against Scott Adkins. His role in Robert Rodriguez's fun Machete Kills was pretty exciting, and equally his rematch against Scott a few years later in Jesse Johnson's fantastic, Savage Dog. And although his Hollywood appearances in the awesome Alita: Battle Angel and John Wick 4 were great and hugely impressive in the latter, I've still never really had this Chilean martial artist on my radar like I do with many others – until now that is. With Fist Of The Condor, it's hard to deny what a presence and martial-arts powerhouse Marko really is, and although he has starred in many before this, it's probably fair to say that this locally produced fight-flick may be the one that really lets film fans see what the man can deliver...

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Coming in at 85 minutes, Fist Of The Condor is clearly influenced by the kung-fu classics of the late 60s and 70s, and no doubt – dare I say – the earlier works of Bruce Lee; the martial arts legend that inspired Zaror to take up martial-arts at an early age. While I'm certainly not claiming that he is the next Bruce Lee of the cinematic world, I can't deny just how amazing of a martial-artist Marko Zaror actually is, with Fist Of The Condor allowing him to work that to his full potential and in dual roles. Although made on a modest budget, there's still something impressive about this independent production from its gorgeous cinematography and stunning locations, to the many wonderfully choreographed fight scenes that are sure to keep any true fan of martial-arts cinema very happy – although there was maybe a little too many shots of air-spinning moves which, in all honesty, is starting to get a little tiring in movies.

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Director Ernesto Diaz Espinoza, who worked with Marko on films such as Mirageman, Kiltro, and Redeemer, does a great job in keeping Latin action cinema alive with their pairing mirroring that of Scott Adkins and Jesse Johnson or Isaac Florentine – and long may it continue. While its not without its flaws, Ernesto does a fine job with Fist Of The Condor delivering a well paced film that should please fans of old-school kung-fu cinema with its search for a secret book, stylised fight scenes, and bad wigs. In fact, it's only fair to say that all the fighters involved move extremely well and add plenty of impact and style to their moves, from its opening battle that really sets the tone for what's to come, to the bar fight that wouldn't look out of place in a Jason Statham movie, and the grand finale which puts two top martial arts performers up against each other in a fight for the book, honour, and the right to use the fist of the condor!

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Overall: A great throw-back to the kung-fu classics of yesteryear, Fist Of The Condor doesn't disappoint and is sure to keep fight fans happy with its impressive martial arts battles!

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Watch my video review for this movie HERE