Unleashing the Fury: A Compelling Oral History of the Action-Packed Classic Blood and Bone
The Unforgettable Fury of Blood and Bone: An Oral History
The year was 2009, and I was just a college student trying to find my way. Then, ActionMax, a genre spinoff of Cinemax, aired a three-film action marathon that would change my life. The first two films were decent, but it was the third film, Blood and Bone, that truly left an impact. This underground fight movie, led by Michael Jai White, surrounded him with professional fighters, action movie legends, and industry professionals who would become household names. The result was an unforgettable display of bodies in motion.
The Magic of Michael Jai White
Directed by Ben Ramsey, Blood and Bone tells the story of an ex-con seeking to dominate an underground fighting ring to fulfill a promise to a dead friend. Michael Jai White, a true martial artist, brought a level of authenticity to the film. His character’s strategy was to outmaneuver his opponents, studying their moves and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. This approach, coupled with his impressive physicality, made the film’s fight scenes truly captivating.
The Making of Blood and Bone
Polygon spoke with many of the people involved with Blood and Bone to understand how they brought this film to life. Sam Hargrave, the stunt coordinator and second unit director, had this to say about working with Michael Jai White: "Michael is fantastic. He’s a true martial artist from way back, and getting to work with somebody with his control, speed, technique, and acting skills is an honor… He could stop a punch within centimeters of your face. Just so much control, so much experience. It was really an honor to work with him."
Legacy of Blood and Bone
Fifteen years later, Blood and Bone still holds a special place in the hearts of those involved. Luke LaFontaine, a stuntman and actor, believes the film’s influence extends beyond the action genre: "I cannot talk enough about how much this influenced my life. And I had no idea that the movie would live on so long. Even nowadays in São Paolo, people will be like, ‘Aren’t you the guy in Blood and Bone?’"
Sequel Dreams
While there has been talk of a sequel, Scott Adkins, who co-starred in the film, is open to revisiting the world of Blood and Bone: "Do I want to go back and do another Blood and Bone? If it was Mike and Scott Adkins, bro, I’ll go. I’ll go because those are my homeboys. Let’s go."
Conclusion
Blood and Bone is a true testament to the power of martial arts and the enduring impact of a well-crafted action film. Whether you’re a fan of action movies or just looking for a thrilling ride, this film is definitely worth your time.
