The Quest

The Quest (1996)

  • 14% of critics liked it
    (21 reviews)

  • 42% of users liked it
    (20,675 ratings)

Martial arts movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme made his debut behind the camera as the director of this sweeping action drama. Van Damme stars as Chris Dubois, a clown pickpocket and Fagin-like leader of orphan thieves in 1925 New York City. Kidnapped by gun smugglers and then sold to pirate captain… More

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PG-13,
Directed By
Genres
Action & Adventure
In Theaters
Jun 1, 1996 Wide
MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

  • Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

    At its best in its first half, when Dubois has to find his way to the competition in the Lost City of Tibet.

  • Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

    With the same grace and discipline that he displays in front of the camera, Jean-Claude Van Damme makes a socko directorial debut.

  • James Berardinelli, ReelViews

    The level of high-tension violence expected from a Van Damme film is blunted by poor direction, uninspired camera work, and a bland villain.

  • Mike Clark, USA Today

    The endeavor looks less like a movie than some ESPN programmer's worst brainstorm.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    Interesting only for being so totally familiar, even if you've never seen another film about a Ghan-Gheng martial-arts match in an ancient Lost City in Tibet.

Read all 9 critic reviews

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)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Tsubaki S


    Van Damme basically remakes Bloodsport, but makes it boring instead of fun.

  • Lenny M


    Pretty much the same movie as Bloodsport set in the early 20th century with a more "elaborate" plot. I don't know why but I love this movie.

  • Jason O


    In "The Quest," Jean-Claude Van Damme directs and stars in this action movie about a street dweller (Jean-Claude Van Damme) who helps out kids that are on the street the best he can. He accidentally gets onboard a freight ship and travels to the Far East. Some people notice… More

  • Phil H


    A reasonable cast and some nice looks only save this feeble film. Its basically just a rehash of 'Bloodsport' with virtually the same types of fighters, plot and fight sequences!! Roger Moore adds alittle class but thats about it really.

  • Dean M


    Van Damme did good jobs on acting and directing in this epic one-on-one martial-arts fighters film.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

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Cast

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