Mortal Kombat (1995)
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34% of critics liked it
(29 reviews) -
55% of users liked it
(227,667 ratings)
Three reluctant fighters are drafted for an intergalactic martial-arts tournament that will determine the fate of the human race in this special-effects-driven adventure. Inspired by the popular and notoriously bloody video game, Mortal Kombat provides a semblance of a plot as an excuse for rampant… More Three reluctant fighters are drafted for an intergalactic martial-arts tournament that will determine the fate of the human race in this special-effects-driven adventure. Inspired by the popular and notoriously bloody video game, Mortal Kombat provides a semblance of a plot as an excuse for rampant mayhem, with the evil alien forces challenging humanity to a kung fu battle to decide the Earth's fate. Following the failure of several previous human defenders, mankind's last chance lies with egotistical action film star Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), tough but beautiful special agent Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson), and vengeance-minded hero Liu Kang (Robin Shou). Under the guidance of inspirational sorcerer Lord Rayden (Christopher Lambert), this unlikely trio faces off against a series of terrifying alien adversaries. As in the video game, the martial arts battles are the true point, with standard fighting combining with magical touches supplied by computer-generated effects. The dramatic content often resembles a Saturday morning cartoon, but Jonathan Scott Carlson's appropriately dank production design and the visually spectacular battle sequences made the film a hit amongst younger fantasy-action fans, spawning a sequel and a TV show. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Directed By
- Paul W.S. Anderson
- Written By
- Kevin Droney, Ed Boon, John Tobias
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Aug 18, 1995 Wide
- Studio
- New Line Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Leonard Klady, Variety
Where others have sunk in the mire of imitation, director Paul Anderson and writer Kevin Droney effect a viable balance between exquisitely choreographed action and ironic visual and verbal counterpoint.
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Derek Adams, Time Out
British director Anderson does a fair job with what he was given: four good-looking leads, some very impressive sfx, Babylonian sets, a bone-crunching soundtrack, and a battery of well-choreographed fights.
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Stephen Holden, New York Times
The most intriguing is a glassy-eyed follower whose right hand shoots out a hissing reptile that can extend itself for miles. Exotic creatures like these make watching Mortal Kombat feel like being in a high-tech fun house.
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Richard Harrington, Washington Post
Likely to satisfy only the core audience already hooked on video and arcade games, and even that's not a sure thing.
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Laura Evenson, San Francisco Chronicle
The movie has everything a teenage boy could want... Everything, that is, but an interesting plot, decent dialogue and compelling acting.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Christopher Lambert
as Rayden
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Robin Shou
as Liu Kang
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Linden Ashby
as Johnny Cage
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Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
as Shang Tsung
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Bridgette Wilson
as Sonya Blade
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Talisa Soto
as Princess Kitana
- Chris Casamassa
- François Petit
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Trevor Goddard
as Kano
- Keith Cooke
- Hakim Alston
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Kenneth Edwards
as Art Lean
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John Fujioka
as Chief Priest
- Daniel Haggard
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Sandy Helberg
as Director
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Gregory Paul Martin
as Prince Goro
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Steven Ho
as Chan
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Greg McKinney
as Jaxx
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Peter Jason
as Master Boyd
- Lambert
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Lloyd Kino
as Grandfather
- Ashby
- Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
- Gregory McKinney
- Bridgette L. Wilson
- Mikal Moore
- Gregory Mc Kinney
- Brice Stephens
- Frank Welker
- Ed Boon



