Best of the Best (1989)

Best of the Best is a classic martial arts sports drama that tells a heartfelt story of determination, teamwork, and personal redemption. With intense training sequences, emotional stakes, and thrilling martial arts competition, the film has become a cult favorite among fans of the genre.
The story revolves around a U.S. national karate team assembled to compete in an international martial arts tournament against South Korea, the reigning champions. The team consists of five fighters, each bringing unique skills and personal baggage to the competition:
Alex Grady (Eric Roberts): A single father from Oregon making a comeback after a career-threatening shoulder injury.
Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee): A martial artist haunted by the tragic death of his brother in a match years ago.
Travis Brickley (Chris Penn): A brash and cocky brawler from the Midwest.
Sonny Grasso (David Agresta): A laid-back fighter with a knack for showmanship.
Virgil Keller (John Dye): A spiritual and disciplined martial artist.
The team is coached by the no-nonsense Frank Couzo (James Earl Jones) and supported by trainer Catherine Wade (Sally Kirkland). As the team trains rigorously, they must overcome personal differences and inner demons to form a cohesive unit capable of competing against the disciplined and elite Korean team.
The tournament’s climactic match pits Tommy Lee against Dae Han (Simon Rhee), the fighter responsible for his brother’s death. In a powerful display of sportsmanship and forgiveness, Tommy spares Dae Han in the final moments, leading to a deeply emotional conclusion where Dae Han apologizes for the past and honors Tommy’s integrity.