Director Jessie V Johnson who also created other classic flicks, Fifth Commandment 2008, Charlie Valentine 2009, The Package 2013, The Butcher 2009, The Debt Collector 2018, Accident Man 2018 and another classic fighting flick Savage Dog 2017 has created another gem in Pit Fighter.Starring Dominique Vandenberg who has also been in Jesse V Johnson's Charlie Valentine and The Butcher.Also starring is Steven Bauer who like Dominique Vanderberg was in Jesse V Johnson's Charlie Valentine plus other classic flicks, The Beast of War 1988 and Scarface 1983.Also starring is Scott Adkins who has also been in other classic flicks, Undisputed 2 2006, Undisputed 3 2010, The Bourne Ultimatum 2007, The Tournament 2009, Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning 2012, Ninja: Shadow of a Tear 2013, The Expendables 2012, Re-Kill 2013, Ninja 2009 and another classic fighting flick, Boyka: Undisputed IV 2016 , Grimsby 2016, Hard Target 2 2016, Doctor Strange 2016, Zero Dark Thirty 2012, Wolf Warrior II 2017, Jarhead 3: The Siege 2016 and Jesse V Johnsons Savage Dog 2017, The Debt collector 2018 and Accident Man 2018.I enjoyed the fight and shooting scenes.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic fighting flicks, Blood and Bone 2009, Fight Club 1999, Hard Times 1975, Shootfighter Fight to the Death 1993, Arena 2011, Raze 2013, Damage 2009, Warrior 2011, The Wrestler 2008, Lady Bloodfight 2016, Kickboxer: Retaliation 2018 and Street Warrior 2008.

After reading some of the other reviews posted on this website I was not so sure what to expect of this movie, but I was blown away. I don't know if I'm looking at a different version of the film, but the ending I saw on the Fox Canadian DVD I purchased, had a very effective shoot-out at the end, not only does the lead character get shot during the gun- fight, but he is riddled with gunfire at the end, just blasted to pieces, I totally wasn't expecting it. The guy sacrificed himself to let the revolutionary couple get away . For a presumably low budget action movie this is some lofty idealism, I guess this could be why some of the user reviews are mixed. The moral might be, that it is wiser to be less high minded with your story if you are going to title it "Pit Fighter." Back to the my review, the film certainly delivers on the action front, the fighting seems authentic enough, violent, bloody. I really liked the shoot out by the trucks, all in all the acting is solid. The lead is believable, kinda scary, and Steven Bauer, well, this guy really delivers in this movie. where has he been? The guy is awesome, just riveting, I was moved by what was obviously a very personal performance. I almost feel like apologizing to the Dutch reviewer, who can't spell very well, but this film was very entertaining, the Dutch version must have been very different to mine, because i just don't see how he formed his opinion. I am recommending this film and not just to fight fans, of which I'm not, but to film fans, this is a film with a lot more going for it than the violent fight scenes. One of the other reviewer's mentions "Bring me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" , high praise indeed-- this film is similar in tone to that one, and that film has it's critics. Less informed perhaps, less worldly wise, but more important than the pulpy title prepares you for.

Yeah, I found Pit Fighter to be awesome. I'm not sure if it would appeal to anyone that doesn't like the fighting genre. But for those who like it, congrats, you got yourself a good movie. I wouldn't say there's nothing wrong with this movie though. There are a few holes in the plot, like the ending (It didn't make a crazy lot of sense, but hey, I like blood). That, and I thought that the parts with the Virgin Mary were really, REALLY cheesy. Like, in a bad way. It was a bad special effect PLUS it was just kind of dumb. It showed that he was a religious man, but the parts were kind of pointless and dumb. Other than those two flaws, I think this is a great movie and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a less psychological Fight Club.

There is so much to this movie it's difficult to know where to begin. Being a martial arts freak, I had been following this film through its production stages and I was not disappointed with the end result.The story is a tale of one mans redemption through violence. It is here where the fun begins – the fight scenes are kept to a more real approach opposed to going for the wire work ballet found in a huge back catalogue of hong kong flicks and many recent Hollywood outings. Favouring a more UFC/ K-1 approach, the fights have a gritty edge and the hero played by an enigmatic 'Dominique Vandenberg' who demonstrates a legit martial arts prowess! Vandenberg plays it very cool as Jack Severino/ El Yanqui and Steven Bauer puts in a very respectable performance as his manager and friend. The shoot-outs are wonderfully brutal, special mention to the end blaze of glory which is an almost tongue in cheek effigy to the high grossing action films of the 80s and a few classic samurai flicks.The tone of the movie is set by a distinct quote."Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." And this is exactly what Director 'Jesse Johnson' does with a great passion for action. On a reported budget of $500,000.00 (aka nowt!) he has deftly crafted a intriguing tale of brotherhood, vendetta and redemption through violence.