Blazing Fists Fantasia Review — Miike's MMA Drama Is a Disappointing Loss by Points

Fantasia 2025: Blazing Fists

Rating: 2.5 out of 5. A meet-cute at a urinal stall at juvie may sound like the setup for a quirky Japanese Boys Love flick. A closer examination noting that the film is in the hands of auteur Takashi Miike may tell a different story. Miike, one of the most prolific filmmakers working today, comes out with a one-two punch of 2025 films, between powerhouse Sham and now, Blazing Fists. Only the former is of notable quality, whilst the latter ends …

Fantasia 2025 Review: BLAZING FISTS, Takashi Miike Explores Wayward Young Boys In Battle. Again.

A pair of wayward teens stuck in a juvenile detention center find inspiration in MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura's Breaking Down competition in Miike Takashi's Blazing Fists. Ikuto (Kinoshita Danhi) and Ryoma (Yoshizawa Kaname) meet in juvenile detention after both are sent down for dubious crimes. Ikuto is a brawler who has made a nasty reputation for himself while behind bars. Multiple stints in solitary confinement and a penchant for beating the c…

Blazing Fists Fantasia Review — Miike's MMA Drama Is a Disappointing Loss by Points

Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike has made so many films across so many genres that it may surprise fans that he had never made a sports drama. Blazing Fists is Miike’s first foray into the genre, and while fans are undoubtedly hoping that he would bring something fresh to the table, the result is shockingly uninspired. Blazing Fists Review Inspired by the autobiography “Street Legend” by Japanese MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura, Blazing Fists follows…