ⓘ Details

Movie TitleThe Last Dragon

Release DateMarch 22, 1985

TaglineHis friends think he’s some kind of kung fu master. But she knows he’s The Last Dragon.

Runtime107 minutes

DirectorMichael Schultz

Screenplay Written ByLouis Venosta

Produced ByRupert Hitzig

Is It a Remake?No. It is an original martial-arts musical fantasy produced for Berry Gordy.

BudgetApproximately $10 million

Box OfficeApprox. $25.8 million domestic

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👥 Main Cast

TaimakLeroy Green / Bruce Leroy

VanityLaura Charles

Julius CarrySho’nuff / The Shogun of Harlem

Christopher MurneyEddie Arkadian

Faith PrinceAngela Viracco

Leo O’BrienRichie Green

Mike StarrRock

Keshia Knight PulliamSophia Green

Glen EatonJohnny Yu

Ernie Reyes Jr.Tai

Jim MoodyDaddy Green

Esther MarrowMama Green

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🏆 Awards

⭐ Golden Globe Nominee — Best Original Song, “Rhythm of the Night”

⭐ No verified Academy Award nominations found.

⭐ Legacy Note — The film became a cult favorite, especially for fans of 1980s martial arts, Motown pop, and urban fantasy cinema.

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📖 Short Plot Summary

Leroy Green, a disciplined young martial artist known as Bruce Leroy, searches for the final level of mastery known as “The Glow.” His quest pulls him into the orbit of video-show host Laura Charles, sleazy music promoter Eddie Arkadian, and flamboyant Harlem martial-arts bully Sho’nuff. To protect Laura, defend his family, and discover his true power, Leroy must stop looking outside himself and become the master he has been seeking.

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❝ Key Quotes

“Who’s the master?” — Sho’nuff

“I am.” — Leroy Green

“Kiss my Converse!” — Leroy Green

“Am I the meanest? Am I the prettiest? Am I the baddest mofo low down around this town?” — Sho’nuff

“You have the power of the Glow.” — The Master

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💡 Trivia

Director

The Last Dragon was directed by Michael Schultz.
The screenplay was written by Louis Venosta.
The 3 Guys and a Flick ratings page lists the film as Episode 112 with Michael Schultz as director.

Cast / Casting

Taimak made his feature-film acting debut as Leroy Green.
Vanity plays singer and video-show host Laura Charles.
Julius Carry’s Sho’nuff became one of the film’s most memorable characters.
Ernie Reyes Jr. made his film debut in the movie as Tai.

Soundtrack / Score

The film’s music was supervised by executive producer Berry Gordy.
The DeBarge song “Rhythm of the Night” became the soundtrack’s biggest hit.
“Rhythm of the Night” received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.

Location

The story is set in New York City.
Production used New York locations including Harlem and 42nd Street.
The Harlem Karate Institute was used for dojo and workout scenes.

Behind-The-Scenes

The film was produced for Berry Gordy’s Motown Productions and released by Tri-Star Pictures.
An open casting call sought young Black male performers with martial-arts and dancing ability for the lead role.
The film blends martial arts, comedy, romance, music-video style, and 1980s pop spectacle.
The film grossed approximately $25.8 million domestically against an estimated $10 million budget.

Nostalgia

The Last Dragon became a cult favorite thanks to its mix of kung fu, Motown music, comic-book energy, and quotable lines.
Sho’nuff’s Shogun of Harlem entrance and Leroy’s final Glow reveal remain signature moments.
The film is strongly associated with 1980s music-video culture and martial-arts fandom.

Easter Eggs

Leroy’s nickname “Bruce Leroy” is a direct nod to Bruce Lee.
The film repeatedly references Enter the Dragon and martial-arts movie culture.
The Glow works as both a martial-arts power-up and a metaphor for Leroy accepting himself as the master.

Misc.

The Last Dragon was released in the United States on March 22, 1985.
The movie runs 107 minutes.
The film is rated PG-13.
Your 3 Guys and a Flick ratings page lists Don at 3.25, Ken at 2.00, Jon at 3.25, and the Overall Rating as 2.83.

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