From gory martial arts tournaments to intergalactic bounty hunters, action films are dominating Belgian screens this season. Discover the hidden behind-the-scenes facts that make each movie a must-see, including the surprising origin of the film that started it all.
Action cinema is having a thrilling moment in Belgian theaters. The genre, which has evolved from the silent-era stunts of Buster Keaton to the CGI-laden spectacles of today, is currently showcasing a diverse range of films that prove why it remains a box-office powerhouse. Did you know that the very first action film is often considered to be The Great Train Robbery (1903), which used innovative editing to create a sense of chase and danger?
Leading the charge is Mortal Kombat II (8.02/10), which brings back iconic fighters like Johnny Cage. Behind the scenes, the actors underwent grueling months of martial arts training to ensure every bone-crushing hit was authentic. The film's gory fatalities were achieved through a mix of practical effects—like squibs and plaster molds—and subtle CGI, a technique that honors the franchise's arcade roots.
For fans of high fantasy, Masters of the Universe (7.3/10) offers a homecoming tale where the Sword of Power is the key. Fun fact: The original 1987 film was famously panned, but this reboot incorporates fan feedback by focusing on the emotional bond between Prince Adam and his steed, Battle Cat, which was actually performed by a trained horse in a green-screen suit.
Sci-fi enthusiasts are flocking to The Mandalorian and Grogu (6.79/10), which expands the Star Wars mythos. The show's creators used a groundbreaking technology called 'The Volume'—a massive LED wall that displays real-time backgrounds—allowing actors to interact with immersive environments, a technique that saved millions on location shoots.
Rounding out the list, Disclosure Day (6.75/10) explores alien contact with a psychological twist, while Fuze (6.46/10) delivers a ticking-clock thriller about an unexploded WWII bomb in London. And for a classic treat, Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (8.1/10) returns to theaters, uniting both volumes into one epic revenge saga, complete with the infamous Bride's yellow jumpsuit—a nod to Bruce Lee's Game of Death.
