User reviews

"Day of the Panther" begins with a young blonde chick taking on several masked thugs at an abandoned building (in a sequence that would have worked better if it wasn't intercut with other events happening elsewhere - a mistake that the director repeats at the end of the movie). She fights quite well, but she gets killed off (bummer!), and her partner, Jason Blade (Edward John Stazak) takes charge from then on. This guy has zero charisma, but I have to give credit where credit is due: when it comes to the martial arts he knows what he is doing, his execution is fast and smooth. The story is totally formulaic, and the cinematography has a cheap, overexposed look, as if the film stock was left out in the sun too long. (*1/2)

So what does a hot blond (Linda Megier) do when a pig is harassing you? Well, if you are a martial arts master, you take him out, especially if he is just some scumbag in a pig mask. This kinds of humorous things make this Australian chop sockey movie bearable.

Blade (Edward John Stazak) is trying to find out who killed his partner and break up a drug operation. He is using his considerable skills to provide several entertaining bouts against multiple bad guys. Two bumbling cops are tailing him and providing more humor.

Now, it is time for more humor as Blade works out while Paris Jefferson dances around the gym. Soon they are dancing under the sheets.

Blade manages to take out another group using a broom handle. Ouch, that has to hurt.

Of course, you have to have the final battle between Blade and the drug lord's (Michael Carman) henchman (Jim Richards).

There will be a part 2 (IT was filmed at the same time.).

Very bland Australian action flick that really goes nowhere fast as Edward John Stazak's lifeless performance as high-kicking Jason Blade leaves little to distinguish it from other 80's kung-fu flicks. When Blade's partner is chased by thugs in goofy masks and eventually killed by a crimelord's second-hand man, Baxter, he flies back to Australia to seek revenge. Blade, his blonde female partner and her father were all trained Shaolin Monk style by the Panther sect of the Chinese Triad. Funny, I thought the Triads were bad guys too. Anyway Blade teams up with his departed partner's dad and his spandex wearing niece Gemma to take down Perth's underworld boss Damien Zukor whose biggest crime is his atrocious wardrobe. Two idiot detectives tail Blade and act as comic relief assuming you think stupid comments and terrible policework is amusing. Eventually Blade gains the trust of Zukor and goes undercover as one of his enforcers. From there it follows the same connect-the-dots formula that makes this a real snoozefest. There's little doubt that Mr. Stazak is a very capable martial artist which is clear during one of his many spins kicks however I'm not a twelve year old so it gets old real quick. The real mystery is the fact that this was immediately followed by the sequel "Strike of the Panther". Who exactly was demanding this? Another problem I had was the lack of boomerangs, marsupials, mates, or any other Australian stereotypes that we Yanks like so much. This panther doesn't pounce. It sleepwalks instead.

Veteran genre filmmaker BTS revisits his earlier martial arts success with this vehicle starring Edward John Stazak as the indestructible cop Jason Blade, out to avenge the death of his partner. Familiar faces (and voices) Michael Carman and John Stanton feature in supporting roles in a generally fast-moving, colourful and exciting flick made for and of its time.

Garish Miami Vice style wardrobe (that's the pastel shirts and pleated trousers sans belts for the men, whilst the ladies live perpetually in bikinis) and synthesiser sounds paints the 80s excess well, even if it's all cliched. But it's the action sequences which standout, and BTS handles these with his usual flair, beginning with the rooftop foot-chase through the industrial estate, through to the rousing climax with Baxter the enforcer (Richards).

Nicely lit visuals of the Swan river and Perth surrounds, no-nonsense, functional dialogue that doesn't become sentimental nor melodramatic, there's even a half-dozen or so sweaty workout /aerobic dance sequences (including a montage that finishes with a roll in the hay) to keep the pulse-racing in between the well-choreographed roundhouses. It's no 'Man from Hong Kong', but as far as Oz-styled chop-socky goes, it's easy to enjoy matinee-grade material, good enough to go hand in hand with a simultaneously filmed sequel.

Standard story of a martial arts expert out to nail a gangster boss and his right hand man who were responsible for the death of his partner. This film however benefits from excellent fight sequences staged by Eddie Stazak (the star of the film) and Jim Richards who plays the lead heavy. With minimal use of fast editing and slow motion, which hinder the flow of fights in some other martial arts movies, where the same perfectly executed side kick is shown from 10 different angles, the fights are exciting and almost balletic. A small number of obviously accomplished stuntmen / martial artists are used as opponents throughout the film, sometimes wearing masks to hid their numbers. Don't worry about the story just enjoy the fight sequences, particularly the one in the boat show room.

Without doubt one of the best movies ever made ! Set in beautiful Perth Western Austraila it rightly holds the title of the best movie ever made in that fair, if remote, city. Starring that well known son of Boroloola Kadeem Hardison, who is one of the few remaining exponents of the ancient northern Australian martial art of Beltemtokumbukta, it snarls its way through a part of the 1980's where yacht salesmen are important people in town. Oh it's all too too real, frightenly so. I'm utterly serious when I say that this movie is so faithful to the Australia of the time I almost thought it was a documentary, really. I was back there. Stunning is the only word to even come close to describing this cinema gem. Enjoy it in the spirit of filmic perfection it so richly deserves. Note this movie was nominated in 1988 for the prestigous Palm 'd Bunge at the eclectic Missabotti film festival. Anyone who pretends to know film must see this movie. Really.

Austria, Austria .... it's in Europe, unlike Australia.

The title of'Best martial art epic made in Perth,Western Australia in 1988'is not one taken lightly and with the awe-inspiring visionary Brian Trenchard-Smith at the helm this film was always destined for great things like finishing at the end. Featuring Australian male-icon Edward John Stazak as the perennially high-panted hero Jason Blade in his career-defining role along with a galaxy of stars of the silver screen including Jim Richards star of this film,wheezy super-villain and thief of Hulk Hogans dressing gown Michael Carman and the voice of Forty Winks(and its body)John Stanton.'Day of the Panther'also introduces the exciting new talent Paris Jefferson best known previously as a world champion jazzerciser now steaming up the movie world with her stunning sultry looks and confusing dance-routines.Sadly though the film was also the very last for the great Ow Mun Hong in a deeply moving portrayal of Triad Boss as he ceased living after he stopped breathing. Though controversially censored upon release for the scene where an innocent Hush Puppy loafer gets cruelly kicked against a wall the films critics were satisfied when it was pointed out to them that the shoe was a professional stunt slipper and was not hurt.The snare drum used for the punching noises was also content with its role though probably deserved higher billing than Denis Broad who played'Boat Salesman'. Featuring the smash-hit'Take me Back'by the vastly talented Frank Howson and his musical collaborator Allan Zavod the films soundtrack'Takes'us'Back'(?)to the Perth we all remember of the late 80's apparently a time of ugly women,bald men and woolen-net tank tops. A little known fact about the film was the presentation of a humanitarian award to cameraman Carlo Buralli who ignored personal safety and the instructions of the director in an effort to help stunt veteran Lindsay'The Holy Sock'Bijoux from falling onto barbed wire in one of the films many action sequences. A rare treat for fans of the genre is the added bonus of the trailer for the sequel'Strike of the Panther'being screened before the start of the feature which astounded those who had eyes and could remember'Sons and Daughters'. Watch it with loved ones and discover the magic of a simpler time when pink shirts and slacks could happily be made an ensemble and please enjoy'Day of the Panther'...............yes.

When I found out this film was made by the guy who directed Turkey Shoot, I knew I was on to a winner. It's not a mental as that film (no random mutants or extreme gore here) but as a martial arts, eighties body fascism action film it'll do the trick for you, no problem.

A lengthy voice-over introduces us to perpetually bemused looking Jason Blade, trained in Hong Kong and now in Australia to get revenge on the killers of his partner. Warned off by the police, Jason heads off to join the ranks of the local drug lord (after kicking all the drug lord's goon's heads in), and work his way to the top. Henchman Baxter, however, smells a rat and perhaps gets a bit jealous that his shades and pastel suit aren't as good as Jason's, and starts doing a bit of digging. There's also something or other about a tournament but don't get too attached to that because it never happens.

I don't know about Jason Blade as an actor, but as a martial arts hero he's great, taking on up to half a dozen opponents at a time, and he's very quick too. The film is packed with fights, from the 'job interview' in a boat showroom, to a warehouse, underground car park and a basketball court. His partner, on the other hand, takes on three masked goons in a sequence that reminded me of the (relatively) recent console game Manhunt.

It's not without unintentional hilarity either, this one. The sequence where Blade pumps iron while his squeeze does an aerobics dance is pure eighties cheese, as well as someone trying to prevent a stuntman landing on a camera. Great stuff. The end credits announce a sequel, but I have no idea if its available in the UK.

When his partner is killed by an Australian crime syndicate, a studly undercover agent goes vigilante to avenge her death while the Australian authorities try to keep him on a leash so that they can nab the syndicate's ringleader.

"Day of the Panther" is a Van Damme rip off that looks like it was filmed on someone's video camera, but it does have its merits, chiefly among them that it's never boring. It's a hoot to see the 1980s revived in all their pastel splendor, and there's enough unintentional hilarity to keep lovers of bad movies watching.

The fight scenes are choreographed competently if unmemorably and will most likely satisfy your craving for some martial arts sleight of hand. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a little skin, you won't find it in this movie, unless you count that of our hero, who spends much of his screen time shirtless. The rest of us have to make do with a couple of aerobic dance numbers performed by the female lead, one of them, a seductive dance done in a gym while our hero works out and looks on, a real howler.

Grade: B-

It took me 2 days to watch this movie.I started watching it yesterday & got to where I just couldn't stand to watch it anymore.I planned on finishing it later but never got back around to it so I started watching it again today.When I have to stop a movie & watch it again after awhile I restart it from the beginning.With Day Of The Panther I couldn't do it to myself all over again so I skipped ahead to where I left off & finished it from there.Other than the fight scenes, Day Of The Panther was boring.If it wasn't for the fight scenes I would've given up on this movie when I 1st had to turn it off yesterday.The only thing that makes it worth watching are the fight scenes.I enjoyed each & every 1 of them but the best has to be the very 1st.When Blade's partner burst through the wall to fight off the group of masked henchman, it reminded of all those fighting video games I like to play.The fight at the warehouse was pretty good as well.At the end it says Jason Blade will return in Strike Of The Panther.After watching this movie, I don't care enough to watch it unless it's a part of another movie pack I buy or have.There was suppose to be a 3rd named Escape Of The Panther but never got made.I know I wouldn't have any interest in seeing it either.Day Of The Panther is only a movie I'd suggest watching if you like 80's fighting flicks or just happen to buy a movie pack & it's included

For me, this film is a terrible excuse to show a number of no-so-great martial arts moves. I personally found it insulting to any good martial arts film and to the art itself.

It's not even a half-way decent story to keep me interested. The movie tries to pull in elements of horror with the "evil guys" wearing some fairly cool looking masks. The masks are the only thing in the film I pretty neat and interesting.

I enjoy a good martial arts movie but this one I had to turn off mid-way though the film. This is NOT my style of martial arts movie. Others may enjoy this flick but it's a far cry from my type of entertainment.

1/10

It's not every day you see a martial arts film from Australia. Day of the Panther is that film. Set in Perth in western Australia, this film is about a martial arts expert called Jason Blade. Yes, you heard that correctly…Jason Blade. It sure is a no messing name and he is a guy who certainly does not mess about. In this film, he is sent on a mission to Australia to take down a drug lord. Why is it always drug lords who are villains in 80's action movies? Are drugs really that bad? What would be wrong with mixing it up a little and occasionally have our ass kicking hero set about a gang of dishonest tradesmen? Seriously, forget class A drugs, have you ever been overcharged for the installation of a badly fitted kitchen? Now that is something really annoying, certainly bad enough to hire a guy called Jason Blade to kick hell out of them I reckon. Anyway, Day of the Panther features copious scenes featuring men in pastel coloured suits fighting. For what it's worth, I thought that by far the best part of the film was the extended scene where Blade's female partner is chased by three thugs who she dispatches with. A great scene. I was severely vexed when she was immediately killed afterwards though – a bad mistake. On a separate note, when the credits first came up I noticed the director was Brian Trenchard-Smith. It was a name I knew but couldn't think from where, I was pretty sure he was responsible for a good film. Afterwards I used this very website to put my mind to rest and it turned out the movie in question was Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996). It turns out it wasn't a good film.

This film was a guilty pleasure of mine back in the VHS rental days of the early 90s. I was a martial arts film buff as a kid, and this movie hit the spot.

Make no mistake, the acting parts of the film aren't great and can sometimes drag a little, but the whole premise about a guy called Jason Blade who is a member of a secret martial arts society called the "Panthers" is just great fun. It's Australian soap opera level all round in terms of performances, but that is all part of the charm.

These type of films are similar to porn and horror movies - you tend to only watch them for the action, and luckily Day of the Panther delivers. The fights are all well choreographed, and come with some meaty sound effects to give impact to the hits. The film could have used a few more fight scenes and a little less talky ones, but that's typical of this genre.

In conclusion, Day of the Panther is a cheep and cheesy martial arts film which tries to weave some 80s Miami Vice cool into a paper thin plot. The synth soundtrack is awesome, and the film delivers some decent high kicking action.

Watch with a few beers and have a blast!

My review was written in November 1988 after watching the movie on Celebrity video cassette.

The Aussie-made action pic "Day of the Panther" is standard issue martial arts material, well-executed but strictly ho-hum.

Edward John Stazak is physically right as Jason Blade, trained by Chinese cult the Panthers, who heads from Hong Kong to Perth on a secret mission against local druglord Zukor (Michael Carman). His teammate Linda (Linda Megier) is killed and Blade teams up with her cousin Gemma (Paris Jefferson).

The local cops tolerate Blade's activities, later encouraging him when they finally see through his cover story as a mercenary killer and identify his mission. In typical genre format, pic builds to a bloody annual gladiatorial tournament held by Zukor, but oddly omits same, instead staging a climax of Blade one-on-one against Zukor's chief henchman Baxter (Jim Richards).

Fight scenes, staged by thesps Stazak and Richards, are effective and Jefferson makes a beautiful redheaded leading lady. Otherwise pic is perfunctory and ends abruptly with announcement of is sequel "Strike of the Panther", which was filmed back-to-back with this installment.

"Day of the Panther" is a kind of movie you don't see every day - a martial arts movie from Australia. Though watching it will probably reveal why there haven't been that many more martial arts movies coming from that country. In fairness to the movie, there are some positive features. The martial art sequences, while not as fancy as those from Hong Kong movies, do manage to generate some excitement, and at the same time come across as more believable than usual. And while the actors in the movie aren't that great actors, the actors playing the protagonists do come across as likable all the same. However, the movie does all the same have some serious problems. The movie obviously had a low budget, with the general look of movie looking somewhat tacky. The screenplay has assorted plot turns that you will have seen in dozens of other movies before, and has the various characters coming across the same way as well. And the middle of the movie is a long dull stretch. However, I will say this movie all the same is far from the worst martial arts movies I have managed to see.