I enjoyed the backgrounds of the main characters and how their stories fit in to the central plot. The familiarity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class warmups shown in the film along with the choreography of the "rolls" make we want to see more films focused around BJJ culture in the U.S. There were some familiar and unfamiliar aspects of BJJ that I noticed in the film, and I gave 7 stars for the solid characters, acting, overall representation of BJJ, and story. Nice job!
38 Reviews
Good Message
jbmaughon21 July 2020
Lion Killer tells the story of 2 lost souls trying to find their place in the world after a lifetime of tragedies. The movie has some great cinematography and a good soundtrack. It's a bit reminiscent of Good Will Hunting and Karate Kid. Lion Killer leaves a powerful message with a lot of heart.
It's ok. Just ok.
alexkkarvell14 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Let's be real, this is not a 10/10 film or a 9/10 film. However, I also feel the average score of 5.8 is too harsh. There are a lot of films scoring around 6/10 that are utterly devoid of any talent, and Lion Killer does some things well. Unfortunately, it does somethings badly too.
Let's get the bad out the way. The dialogue seems like it was written in another language and then translated to english. There are just some really strange conversations that sound very un-natural. The other major problem is that they cast a lead who hasn't done jiu jitsu before and my goodness it shows. The obvious problem with that is that a lot of people are going to be watching for some BJJ action and they are going to leave very disappointed. There are two 'fights' between the main character and his enemy. The first ends in a way that a white belt would be embarrassed to lose. The second is just full of awkward choreography. Matthew Meehan turned up looking buff, but his workout time would have been better spent learning some actual jiu jitsu. Alternatively, it would have been better if they just found some real black belts and did the right camera angles to avoid the faces.
But on the positive side, I'm scoring this relative to the films budget and status as an indie film. When I say the acting is good, i mean that in relative terms, not that there are oscar performers here. But it was quite pleased with the acting. Bizarrely Derrick Fury is brilliant, I say bizarrely because he directed the film so I didn't expect much from an acting standpoint, but he nails it. Regina Ting Chen does the best she can with the dialogue she's given. Matthew Meehan's acting is also fine.
The film is very well presented and great choice of music. The atmosphere is as good as any film really, it never looked low budget.
The plot was alright. It just feels like is missing a bit more drama. The domestic violence aspects were done tastefully and well, that was handled just right. The apparent 'bad guy' (victor) only really does 1 thing that makes him quite villainous. Otherwise he does seem like much more of a go-getter than the main character! I feel like there could have been more consequence to the misunderstanding between the main characters. What we get is an argument in a car... so I guess he walks home. They could have had their spat at a tournament and the argument could have caused Matthew Meehan to lose in the final or something like that.
Overall it's a decent effort and watchable film. If you have any interest at all in domestic violence then watch this film. If you're coming purely for BJJ errr it's not unmissable. If want to sneak BJJ into a film you can watch with your wife, the romance story will keep her interested.
Let's get the bad out the way. The dialogue seems like it was written in another language and then translated to english. There are just some really strange conversations that sound very un-natural. The other major problem is that they cast a lead who hasn't done jiu jitsu before and my goodness it shows. The obvious problem with that is that a lot of people are going to be watching for some BJJ action and they are going to leave very disappointed. There are two 'fights' between the main character and his enemy. The first ends in a way that a white belt would be embarrassed to lose. The second is just full of awkward choreography. Matthew Meehan turned up looking buff, but his workout time would have been better spent learning some actual jiu jitsu. Alternatively, it would have been better if they just found some real black belts and did the right camera angles to avoid the faces.
But on the positive side, I'm scoring this relative to the films budget and status as an indie film. When I say the acting is good, i mean that in relative terms, not that there are oscar performers here. But it was quite pleased with the acting. Bizarrely Derrick Fury is brilliant, I say bizarrely because he directed the film so I didn't expect much from an acting standpoint, but he nails it. Regina Ting Chen does the best she can with the dialogue she's given. Matthew Meehan's acting is also fine.
The film is very well presented and great choice of music. The atmosphere is as good as any film really, it never looked low budget.
The plot was alright. It just feels like is missing a bit more drama. The domestic violence aspects were done tastefully and well, that was handled just right. The apparent 'bad guy' (victor) only really does 1 thing that makes him quite villainous. Otherwise he does seem like much more of a go-getter than the main character! I feel like there could have been more consequence to the misunderstanding between the main characters. What we get is an argument in a car... so I guess he walks home. They could have had their spat at a tournament and the argument could have caused Matthew Meehan to lose in the final or something like that.
Overall it's a decent effort and watchable film. If you have any interest at all in domestic violence then watch this film. If you're coming purely for BJJ errr it's not unmissable. If want to sneak BJJ into a film you can watch with your wife, the romance story will keep her interested.
Had potential but falls apart
jmarcel-90-53872929 December 2019
Low budget film that started fine but ultimately falls apart into cliche and an anticlimactic ending. The most interesting aspect of this film was the inclusion of the jiujitsu training sequences. Unfortunately, the weak story and script along with the lack of chemistry between the leads outweighed the martial arts. 3/10.
Overcoming all odds.
harriscalvin-119 March 2020
I really enjoyed watching Lion Killer. I learned alot about the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Director Derrick Fury did an exceptional job bringing this subject matter to life. All of the lead actors did really well. One couldn't help but pull for the underdog. The music & editing were all on point. A film that demonstrates, with major obstacles in life, that it's truly possible to overcome all odds.
A closer look...
alanakmd13 March 2020
This movie is ultra-relatable. We all have traumas from our past that we are recovering from, that have shaped us. Watching the two leads combat their demons through love reminds us how healing human connection can be, especially for those who tend to retreat into themselves. This was beautifully written and acted. Highly recommend!
great movie
mich1elle2 December 2020
Martial Arts and Inner Journey
gregwolk4 April 2020
Lion Killer isn't what I expected at all. Much better, actually. Beautifully-filmed, well-acted by a good-looking cast, and with a very interesting story about battling inner demons through martial arts. An adult version of The Karate Kid, one might say, although that doesn't do it justice.
Masterful Martial Arts Movie
bohemianpirate-871-38348723 February 2020
Lion Killer takes us into the world of Brazilian Jui-Jitsu instructor, Michael. The choreography of the dojo scenes was excellent. I loved the performances by Matthew Meehan and Regina Ting Chen and was incredibly impressed with the quality of the filmmaking. A wonderful combination of writing and cinematography as well. Masterfully done, highly recommend.
Worth the watch!
mrdigital1326 February 2020
Derrick Fury's Lion Killer is a strong story about a martial artist with inner demons who meets his match, Noel, a woman struggling with her own inner demons. Usually stories of this kind can become convoluted and preachy, but Lion Killer goes a step beyond, bringing the pain to the surface and exercising those demons through connectedness and acceptance. An absolute delight. Highly recommended.
Jiu-Jitsu Drama
JGReviews14 February 2020
Lion Killer is a unique indie film that combines Jiu-Jitsu, drama, and a love story in a way that I haven't seen on screen. I have to admit that I was immediately intrigued by the film's title and the slick poster, so I wanted to check it out and I wasn't disappointed.
The lead characters in Lion Killer, Michael and Noelle, have struggled through some difficult times and have to find a way to heal in order to give their budding relationship a real shot, which makes for a compelling narrative. I've also dabbled a bit in Jiu-Jitsu, so that was of particular interest to me, and it seems apparent that members of the cast are real martial artists, which gave the film a lot of legitimacy in that department that sometimes even big Hollywood films lack. If you're intrigued by this unique combo of martial arts, drama, and love like I was, then check out Lion Killer.
The lead characters in Lion Killer, Michael and Noelle, have struggled through some difficult times and have to find a way to heal in order to give their budding relationship a real shot, which makes for a compelling narrative. I've also dabbled a bit in Jiu-Jitsu, so that was of particular interest to me, and it seems apparent that members of the cast are real martial artists, which gave the film a lot of legitimacy in that department that sometimes even big Hollywood films lack. If you're intrigued by this unique combo of martial arts, drama, and love like I was, then check out Lion Killer.
It's The Best Jiu Jitsu Film Around
angelina-5415417 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This film was incredibly unique as it centered around jiu jitsu and those who participate in the sport. There was a romantic element involved which gave me Karate Kid vibes (I grew up in the 80s and my level of knowledge of the martial arts comes from those films). The actors were passionate and I loved Derrick Fury's energy. He really brought an interesting character to the screen. Watch it if you like the sport!
A Different Style of Martial Arts Cinema
daveh233230 March 2020
I always love to see martial arts films. Lion Killer is an interesting non-Hollywood take, looking at the personal stories of Michael and Noelle, who are trying to deal with their difficult pasts to rebuild together towards a more hopeful future. It was less glamorized and more focused on real people. The message and story seemed authentic as well as the Jiu-Jitsu, so overall I could appreciate this different genre blend than in a traditional martial arts movie.
Slaying Our Inner Demons
TheAll-SeeingI1 February 2020
In the excellent "Lion Killer," director and screenwriter Derrick Fury deftly builds refreshing new dimension around telltale signs of heartache in this serene tale of a careening Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor.
Michael (Matthew Meehan) has been presented with pain throughout his life's course. A childhood marked by an alcoholic mother and addict father has given way to the death of friends, the loss of business, and the displacement of his once-lifted spirit. Gradually, he forces his hands back on the steering wheel through the teaching of self-defense classes. The struggle remains real, but he's gifted hope in the regenerative possibilities that only new love can offer. To take hold of it, he must first find a way to stitch close some deep-seated wounds.
Tonally and aesthetically, this is a film that expertly aligns Michael's journey toward self-recovery with the possibilities of internal strength offered by the martial arts. Verily, "Lion Killer" will have a strong appeal to those practitioners, yet it doesn't immerse itself in those machinations to the point of excluding a wider audience. What results is an engrossing film with a wide appeal to anyone who has had to look within to pull themselves up by the bootstraps. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)
Michael (Matthew Meehan) has been presented with pain throughout his life's course. A childhood marked by an alcoholic mother and addict father has given way to the death of friends, the loss of business, and the displacement of his once-lifted spirit. Gradually, he forces his hands back on the steering wheel through the teaching of self-defense classes. The struggle remains real, but he's gifted hope in the regenerative possibilities that only new love can offer. To take hold of it, he must first find a way to stitch close some deep-seated wounds.
Tonally and aesthetically, this is a film that expertly aligns Michael's journey toward self-recovery with the possibilities of internal strength offered by the martial arts. Verily, "Lion Killer" will have a strong appeal to those practitioners, yet it doesn't immerse itself in those machinations to the point of excluding a wider audience. What results is an engrossing film with a wide appeal to anyone who has had to look within to pull themselves up by the bootstraps. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)
Good watch
Goingpro1216 February 2020
Love's power to heal
prescotttolk27 February 2020
Really enjoyed this sweet story about two souls struggling to overcome their past traumas. The director clearly has a specific POV reflected in the tone and aesthetic of the film. It was refreshing to watch a film that revolves around real issues and self-discovery. We all have our struggles in life and I found the individual arcs of Michael and Noelle very relatable. Definitely worth watching!
inspirational film about overcoming traumas and internal demons
lbruhnca14 April 2020
I really love dramas with an inspirational message about overcoming hardships. This film showcases that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a path forward onward - a method to overcome trauma. I learned quite a bit about Jiu-Jitsu too and am inspired to explore this more. I've seen other drama films where the characters use art as a method of overcoming. Love can help heal as well is a fantastic message in this film. My congratulations to these filmmakers for creating this moving film that so many people will relate to.
Such a good film!
craigahrens29 March 2020
What a terrific film! I'm not a big martial arts guy so I didn't know what to expect. But boy, was I ever pleased I took a flyer out on this one and checked out this gem of an indie film. Derek Fury did a wonderful job as an actor, director and writer. I can appreciate that's no easy thing to do. I really enjoyed the story and the pacing of the film. The story was so well written! The actors I thought were all quite good. Especially the leads. Bravo to all!!
Learning to be a Lion
kjs114427 November 2019
A real Killer of a film
juanv-126919 April 2020
Worthwhile watch!
Smgrte2358607 April 2020
Deftly balances difficult themes in an exemplary way
JCanni689 April 2020
A superb drama that thoughtfully tackles multiple dark themes-violence, domestic abuse, hurt, regret, acceptance. It explores them maturely, without being cliche or sentimental, and I credit writer/director Derrick Fury for balancing them carefully and delivering such an excellently crafted film. He gets sincere performances from his actors, and finds absolution for them in a satisfying, earned way. The camera-work and editing compliment the story effectively. I would highly recommend.
Incredibly Entertaining!
pameehan-700728 April 2020
This movie was engaging and relatable from start to finish. The fight scenes were expertly choreographed and executed, and the love story between Michael and Noelle is so pure. What really got me emotional was the ending, no spoilers but it was SO GOOD!
Enjoyed the Journey
abuckeye-9363214 April 2020
Lion Killer is a movie that is not in my wheel house but I must say it surprised me. Life is a fight whether it's Jiu-Jitsu a relationship or otherwise. There is a lot of heart and messages in this movie. Two thumps up.
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