Blind Fury (1989)

Blind Fury (1989) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Blind Fury (1989) is an action-packed martial arts film directed by Phillip Noyce, starring Rutger Hauer in one of his most memorable roles. This film blends action, adventure, and comedy, paying homage to classic samurai films while putting a Western twist on the formula. Hauer’s performance as a blind swordsman with deadly skills is at the heart of this cult favorite. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, characters, critical reception, and where you can stream or rent Blind Fury online in the U.S.

Plot Overview

Blind Fury tells the story of a blind Vietnam War veteran who embarks on a journey to protect the son of his fellow soldier from a criminal gang. The film is a loose adaptation of the popular Japanese film series Zatoichi, which centered around a blind swordsman.

The Storyline:

• Nick Parker’s Backstory: The film introduces Nick Parker (Rutger Hauer), a Vietnam War veteran who loses his sight in combat but is rescued and trained by local villagers in the art of sword fighting. Despite his blindness, Nick becomes a highly skilled swordsman, using his heightened other senses to his advantage.
• A Promise to an Old Friend: Years after the war, Nick returns to the U.S. to find Frank Devereaux (Terry O’Quinn), a fellow soldier and friend from his time in Vietnam. Nick learns that Frank is in trouble, having been kidnapped by a drug lord named MacCready (Noble Willingham) who wants him to produce drugs in exchange for his life.
• Protecting Billy: Frank’s estranged wife, Lynn (Meg Foster), is killed by MacCready’s men, leaving their son Billy (Brandon Call) in danger. Before she dies, Lynn asks Nick to protect Billy and help find Frank. Nick and Billy, who initially struggle to bond, set off on a road trip to rescue Frank and take down MacCready’s gang.
• Action and Humor: The journey involves intense sword fights, thrilling action scenes, and humorous moments as Nick uses his unique abilities to overcome the gang’s attempts to stop him. His blindness never hinders his ability to fight, and he dispatches his enemies with precision and skill, often surprising them with his seemingly supernatural abilities.
• The Final Showdown: The film culminates in a final battle between Nick and MacCready’s gang, where Nick’s martial arts training and cunning strategies are put to the ultimate test. Along the way, Nick forms a deeper connection with Billy, becoming a father figure to the boy.

Key Performances

Blind Fury is anchored by strong performances from its cast, particularly Rutger Hauer in the lead role:

• Rutger Hauer as Nick Parker: Hauer delivers a standout performance as the blind swordsman, blending toughness with charm and humor. His portrayal of Nick Parker is both intense and endearing, showcasing his versatility as an action star. Hauer’s ability to navigate both the physical demands of the role and the lighter comedic moments make his character a memorable hero.
• Brandon Call as Billy Devereaux: Call plays Billy, the young boy who becomes Nick’s companion. His dynamic with Hauer adds emotional depth to the film, especially as their relationship evolves from distrust to a father-son bond.
• Terry O’Quinn as Frank Devereaux: O’Quinn brings a sense of urgency and gravitas to the role of Frank, a man desperate to protect his son while being held hostage by dangerous criminals. His role serves as the catalyst for Nick’s mission.
• Noble Willingham as MacCready: Willingham plays the main villain, MacCready, a ruthless drug lord. His performance provides a strong adversary for Nick, adding tension to the film’s action sequences.

Themes: Honor, Redemption, and Family

Blind Fury explores several universal themes that elevate it beyond a typical action film:

• Honor and Redemption: Nick’s journey is motivated by his desire to honor a promise he made to his friend Frank. Despite being blind and living a solitary life, Nick feels a sense of duty and responsibility, which drives him to protect Billy and seek redemption for his past.
• Family and Fatherhood: The film explores themes of family and fatherhood, particularly through the relationship between Nick and Billy. As Nick steps into the role of Billy’s protector, the two form an emotional bond that adds heart to the film’s action-packed storyline.
• Overcoming Adversity: Nick’s blindness is a central theme in the film, but it is never portrayed as a weakness. Instead, his ability to overcome his disability through his training and heightened senses is portrayed as a strength. The film celebrates the idea of turning adversity into an asset.

Critical Reception

Blind Fury received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences upon its release. While it wasn’t a major box office hit, it gained a cult following due to its unique premise and Rutger Hauer’s charismatic performance.

• Rutger Hauer’s Performance: Critics and fans alike have praised Hauer’s performance as the blind swordsman, noting his ability to balance the action and humor of the role. His physicality and commitment to the character are often highlighted as the film’s strongest elements.
• Action and Humor: The film’s blend of action and humor has also been appreciated, with its over-the-top fight scenes and comedic moments giving it a fun, adventurous tone. The mix of genres makes it stand out from traditional martial arts or action films.
• Criticism: Some critics noted that the film’s plot was predictable and formulaic, especially in the latter half, but the film’s charm and Hauer’s performance kept it engaging.

Where to Watch Blind Fury Online in America

If you’re interested in watching Blind Fury, here are several options for streaming and rental in the U.S.:

Streaming Services

1. Amazon Prime Video: Blind Fury is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, with a subscription. It’s also available for rent or purchase if you don’t have Prime.

Rental and Purchase Options

1. Amazon Prime Video: You can rent Blind Fury for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99. It is available in both SD and HD formats.
2. Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent at $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99. You can stream it on Android devices, Chromecast, and other compatible platforms.
3. Apple iTunes: Blind Fury is available to rent for $3.99 or buy for $12.99 on iTunes, accessible across all Apple devices.
4. Vudu: Vudu offers the film for rental at $3.99 and purchase at $12.99. It can be streamed on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices.
5. YouTube Movies: The film is also available for rent on YouTube Movies for $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99, accessible on any device that supports YouTube.

Conclusion: Is Blind Fury Worth Watching?

Blind Fury (1989) is a fun, action-packed film that delivers a unique blend of martial arts, adventure, and humor. Rutger Hauer’s portrayal of a blind swordsman sets the film apart, and his performance is a highlight that fans of action movies should not miss. The film’s mix of thrilling sword fights, heartfelt moments, and quirky humor makes it a cult classic worth revisiting.

With several streaming and rental options available, Blind Fury is an entertaining and nostalgic film for action enthusiasts and fans of Rutger Hauer’s work. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic action film or a unique twist on the martial arts genre, Blind Fury offers a fun, engaging watch.