Red Scorpion (1989)
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10% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
36% of users liked it
(7,450 ratings)
Dolph Lundgren stars in this controversial action film directed by Joseph Zito (Missing in Action). The beefy Swede plays Soviet KGB agent Lt. Nikolai, who is sent to Africa with orders to eliminate a black rebel. Eventually, Nikolai begins to side with the locals, has a red scorpion tattooed on his… More Dolph Lundgren stars in this controversial action film directed by Joseph Zito (Missing in Action). The beefy Swede plays Soviet KGB agent Lt. Nikolai, who is sent to Africa with orders to eliminate a black rebel. Eventually, Nikolai begins to side with the locals, has a red scorpion tattooed on his chest by a shaman, and helps fight against the Cubans and the Soviets. Horror fans should note Tom Savini's expert gore effects during a torture scene, while others will be pleased with a fine supporting cast including M. Emmet Walsh, Carmen Argenziano, and Brion James. The film was originally commissioned by Warner Bros., which dropped it after controversy over its South African genesis, but they might as well have dropped it for its endless desert treks and uninvolving screenplay. An unrelated Canadian sequel followed five years later. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- Directed By
- Joseph Zito
- Written By
- Jack Abramoff, Robert Abramoff
- Genres
- Action & Adventure
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1989 Wide
- Studio
- Shapiro Glickenhaus
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
A dull, below-average action pic, lensed in Swaziland.
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Stephen Holden, New York Times
The movie's reflective moments belong to Mr. Lundgren's sweaty chest.
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Richard Harrington, Washington Post
Beware of its stink.
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Dan Lybarger, KC Active
Because it was produced by disgraced (and imprisoned) Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the movie is now loaded with an eerie unintentional laughter it didn't have for its original viewers.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The film offers little that hasn't been seen in countless others of its ilk.
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Cast
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Dolph Lundgren
as Lt. Nikolai
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M. Emmet Walsh
as Dewey Ferguson
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Al White
as Kallunda
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T.P. McKenna
as Gen. Vortek
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Carmen Argenziano
as Zayas
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Alex Colon
as Mendez
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Brion James
as Krasnov
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Regopstaan
as Gao Bushman
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Charles Comyn
as Occupation Officer
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Anthony Fridjhon
as Callaraga
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Drummond Marais
as Occupation Officer
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Tullio Moneta
as Occupation Soldier
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James Mthoba
as Guerilla Officer
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Ruben Nthodi
as Sundata
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Nicky Rebelo
as Occupation Officer
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Patrick Shai
as African Soldier
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Greg Latter
as Russian Soldier
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Graham Clarke
as Soldier
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Thapelo Mofokeng
as Guerilla
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Ernest Ndlovu
as Guerilla Guard
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Rob Smith
as Russian Officer
- Carmen Argenaiano
