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DVD Underground
 Run time: 83 min Rating: 7.0 Genres: Action | Drama Director: Wilbert Berthaud Jr. Writers: Wilbert Berthaud Jr. Stars: Wilbert Berthaud Jr., Emanuel Ward, Mike Harb |
| Storyline Michael’s (Wilbert Berthaud Jr.) life is turned upside down when his parents die in a mysterious fire. At the age of seventeen, he is forced to take care of his two younger brothers (Lee Berthaud & Michael Berthaud). He tries to find legitimate work, but the constant rejections due to his lack of education and experience along with the death of his parents leave him feeling disillusioned. Through an incidental encounter with two thugs (Don Foley and Rob Young) Michael learns of an underground organization where people fight for money. Ignoring his friend Jason’s (Mike Harb) advice, Michael meets with the head of the “Underground.” A brief audition piques Monro’s (Emanuel Ward) interest as he is impressed by Michael’s raw talent. Despite Jason’s warnings and constant pleas to stop, Michael is lured in by the promise of fortune and is willing to do whatever it takes to support his family. Obsessed with this goal and convinced that he is doing the right thing; Michael remains unaware of … Written by Teamwork Productions |
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| Plot Keywords: underground, internal struggle, mentor, sadness, revenge | |
| Details: Country: USA Release Date: 26 March 2010 (USA) |
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4 comments
The film "Underground" has a Parallel with the movie classic,"Enter the Dragon!" The character "Mike" was a modern day Bruce Lee."Monro" played by "Emanuel Ward" was a Very convincing "Han". Mike Harb was Identical to the Character played by john Saxon.Although Saxon's character was a mercenary that later in the film,developed a "Conscience",Harb's character did not!(Which actually was Quite refreshing.and to coin a phrase from Chris tucker in Rush Hour…His *ss won't be in "Underground2!") From the word "Go",Monro took control of the Film's Direction,and had theater goer's anticipating what was to be His"Impending demise!" that "Twist" Still haunts me till today!" Mike displayed a "Humbleness" that is sometimes overlooked except by very seasoned actors!(I call Your attention to actor Don Cheadle in all of his lead roles for similarity and reference.) Don Foley-Hoodlum2,was beyond what is considered to be"Comic Relief." He actually captured the proverbial"White,deep-cover,in the Hood,wanna be player,tough guy!His character shined. Sarah Walsh-Jade was similar to the female lead that played Han's femme fatale,Who ultimately fell in love with john Saxon's character in enter the dragon.However,the only thing that Jade was in love with was pleasing Monro,And "Kicking everybody's %ss!" and she did that "Well,and with Conviction!" The supporting cast earned kudos for their plot focus.Not Overdone,which is easy to do,particularly in Choreographed fight scenes.This genre is an obvious comfort zone for the main character/Producer/Screenwriter/Director/Chief cook and bottle washer.I welcome his next film entry that strays from this formula.I also look forward to "Underground2!"
Underground is an awesome action packed drama that is the heart and soul of what indie film making is all about. Mike's parents are killed in a house fire and he's left to fend for himself and his little brothers. He's no good at getting jobs because fighting is all he's ever known and been good at and so begins his descent into the life and death world of underground pit fighting. All seems to go smoothly at first but drama and betrayal ensue as Mike is forced to fight for his survival, and the survival of his relationship with his girlfriend. And let's not forget about the comedy, of which this movie has plenty thanks to its talented dynamic duo of hapless thugs who get in over their heads in the sprawling intrigue. This is a passionate movie with a heart, some of the best and most exhilarating action scenes you'll ever see in an indie flick, topped off with great acting and an epic moving score. This movie gets two thumbs up.
I highly recommend "Underground" just because it is pushing the boundaries of indie action films where it needs to go. It is a true inspiration to see something so raw and creative get made just through discipline, and pure will power….Don't get me wrong I love big budget Hollywood blockbusters and some of the stylized wire choreography of todays action pictures. However, the grit is being lost in some of these movies. "UNDERGROUND" without overstating, gives you a glimpse at a direction that action martial arts movies could explore at the same time a reflection of movies like "ENTER the DRAGON" & the Chop Soki movies of the 80's…
The passion, hard work and dedication that these actors took to put this movie together is absolutely remarkable, inspiring and downright extraordinary. Wil, Emanuel, Mike and Sara all did a superb job portraying their parts. The action scenes were very carefully choreographed and were exceptionally professional. The story line is one of greed, hope, betrayal and love. The perfect storm creating a gripping and unique plot. The flash back scenes must be my favorite as it shows the back story, where the main character came from in a creative manner. The chemistry of the characters is fascinating to watch and they work very fluently together. The cliff hanger of an ending has me wanting more. I can't wait for past 2 to come arrive!! I highly suggest this movie – if its action you love, you must start underground.