1990s R-Rated Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic Adaptation Being Forgotten Even By Fans
An adaptation of a manga series of the same name, the Fist of the North Star movie catapults its viewers into the heart of a dystopian world, where societal order has crumbled and survival hangs by a thread. Released in 1995, this American action-fantasy film has seen a handful of home video releases but is currently not available for streaming.
Fist Of The North Star
Fist of the North Star takes place in a future ravaged by nuclear war, where the haves and have-nots battle for scarce resources. At the story’s center is our protagonist, Kenshiro. He is the successor of Hokuto Shinken, an ancient martial arts technique, who is left for dead by the antagonist, Shin.
Shin has not only scarred Kenshiro’s body, but also kidnapped his fiancée Julia, spurring Kenshiro on a quest for vengeance and justice. The plot tells a classic hero’s tale of Kenshiro’s journey through despair, hope, and redemption.
The Cast
The movie stars the English martial artist and actor Gary Daniels as Kenshiro who takes on the antagonist Shin, played by Costas Mandylor. Meanwhile, Isako Washio stars as Julia, the movie’s emotional backbone. Malcolm McDowell, Chris Penn, and MTV’s Downtown Julie Brown also appear in Fist of the North Star.
Fist of the North Star Has Mixed Reviews
Though Fist of the North Star didn’t quite achieve blockbuster status, it managed to carve out a niche for itself among fans of the original manga series and lovers of action films alike. It has been hailed for its gritty portrayal of a dystopian future and the innovative fight sequences.
Despite the criticism targeted towards its lack of character development and divergence from the original manga, the film initially garnered a cult following. While Fist of the North Star never lived up to reputation of the manga or some of its other spinoffs, some die-hard fans were just happy to see their favorite character brought to life anew.
The Manga
The Fist of the North Star manga was penned by Buronson and illustrated by Tetsuo Hara, first gracing the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1983 to 1988. As a flagship creation of Shueisha’s Jump Comics imprint, this series displayed a groundbreaking blend of action, emotion, and plot development that resonated deeply with its audience.
Fist of the North Star continues to bask in the glow of enduring popularity and critical acclaim, leaving an indelible mark on the world of manga. It garnered an overwhelmingly positive reception from fans and critics alike, thanks to its engaging plot, compelling characters, and exceptional artwork.
It has left a lasting legacy, influencing not only the manga and anime industry but also inspiring numerous spin-offs, adaptations, and merchandise. From video games and animated series to a live-action film — even a stage musical that toured throughout Japan — its cultural impact is undeniable.
Not On Streaming
Apart from its original theatrical release, Fist of the North Star has seen several releases in various formats—although it has been a quarter of a century since its last release. This includes a DVD version by BMG in 1998 and a re-release by East West DVD in 1999.
Without a proper rerelease, or at least the availability to stream somewhere, the 1995 film Fist of the North Star could end up forgotten, even by fans of the franchise.
