“Who's the Master?” For fans of 80s cinema, Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon remains an iconic cult classic that blends martial arts action, comedy, romance, and the electric energy of Motown music. This 1985 film is a unique gem that holds a special place in pop culture history. With unforgettable characters, high-octane fight scenes, and a soundtrack that defined a generation, The Last Dragon is a film that continues to shine decades later.
Overview of the Film
Released on March 22, 1985, Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon was directed by Michael Schultz and produced by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. It tells the story of Leroy Green (affectionately called “Bruce Leroy”), a young martial artist on a journey to achieve the ultimate level of mastery, known as "The Glow." Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s New York City, the film is a fusion of martial arts action and Motown-inspired musical energy, making it unlike anything else from the era.
The film follows Leroy Green, a martial artist who idolizes Bruce Lee and seeks to attain the ultimate level of martial arts mastery, where mind, body and soul are "one" (perfectly aligned). Known as “The Glow,” this power is represented by a radiant aura that only the true master can achieve.
Leroy’s journey becomes intertwined with Laura Charles, a VJ whose music show, 7th Heaven, is targeted by Eddie Arkadian. Meanwhile, Leroy must also contend with Sho’nuff, the self-proclaimed “Shogun of Harlem,” who constantly challenges him to prove his strength.
Through a series of action-packed confrontations, humorous moments, and soul-searching, Leroy discovers that the true power of “The Glow” lies within himself. The film climaxes with a visually stunning showdown between Leroy and Sho’nuff, set to the electrifying Motown soundtrack.
The Cast: Where Are They Now?
Taimak (Leroy Green/Bruce Leroy): Taimak was a martial artist before landing the lead role, and The Last Dragon remains his most famous work. After the film, Taimak continued acting in smaller projects, working in fitness, and sharing his love for martial arts. He also wrote a memoir titled Taimak, The Last Dragon.
Vanity (Laura Charles): Born Denise Matthews, Vanity was a former lead singer of Vanity 6 and a protégé of Prince. After her acting and music career, Vanity left the entertainment industry and became a born-again Christian, working in ministry. Sadly, she passed away in 2016 at the age of 57.
Julius J. Carry III (Sho’nuff, The Shogun of Harlem): Carry’s over-the-top performance made Sho’nuff one of the most iconic villains of the 80s. After The Last Dragon, he appeared in numerous TV shows, including Murphy Brown and Boy Meets World. Carry passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2008 at the age of 56.
William H. Macy ( JJ ): Before becoming a household name, Macy had a small role in The Last Dragon as JJ, one of Laura’s colleagues. Macy went on to star in critically acclaimed films like Fargo and the hit TV series Shameless.
Keshia Knight Pulliam (Sophia Green): Best known as Rudy Huxtable from The Cosby Show, Keshia played a small role as one of Leroy’s students. Today, she continues acting and is a producer and philanthropist.
Faith Prince (Angela Viracco): Prince went on to have a successful career in theater, earning a Tony Award for her role in Guys and Dolls. She has also appeared in numerous TV shows and films.
The Soundtrack: A Motown Masterpiece
The music in The Last Dragon is an essential part of its legacy. Produced by Motown, the soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s themes of empowerment, love, and self-discovery. It features an unforgettable mix of ballads, upbeat anthems, and soulful tunes. Standout tracks include:
"Rhythm of the Night" by DeBarge: This infectious hit became a signature song of the 80s and is featured prominently in the film.
"The Glow" by Willie Hutch: A powerful anthem encapsulating Leroy’s journey to find his inner strength.
"Inside You", also by Willie Hutch, along with The Temptations, and in the same vein of "The Glow" and "The Last Dragon".
"The Last Dragon" by Dwight David: A triumphant track that captures the film’s spirit of courage and perseverance.
"Upset Stomach" by Stevie Wonder: A funky, soulful track that showcases Wonder’s genius and adds depth to the soundtrack.
"First Time on a Ferris Wheel" by Syreeta and Smokey Robinson: A romantic duet that perfectly underscores the tender moments between Leroy and Laura.
"Peeping Tom" by Rockwell: An edgy, playful track that adds a quirky vibe to the mix.
"7th Heaven" by Vanity: A sultry, catchy tune that highlights Laura Charles's glamour and talent.
The full soundtrack, available on Spotify, is a must-listen for fans of the film and lovers of classic 80s music. Its timeless appeal continues to bring joy and nostalgia to listeners today. I listen to it several times throughout the year, over and over again and listened to it while writing this post.
Who Should Star in a Remake?
A remake of The Last Dragon has been discussed for years, and with the right cast, it could honor the original while bringing new energy to the story. Here are some suggestions:
Deon Cole as Sho’nuff: Cole, who famously dressed as Sho’nuff for Halloween, has the comedic timing and charisma to make the character larger than life, or
Busta Rhymes as Sho’nuff: Busta channeled Sho’nuff’s energy in his Dangerous music video, proving he could bring the Shogun of Harlem back to the big screen.
Miles Brown, Lonnie Chavis, Caleb McLaughlin, or Marcus Scribner as Leroy Green: Each of these talented young actors brings a unique combination of charisma, range, and physicality that would make them a great fit for Bruce Leroy’s journey.
Sofia Wylie, Rachel Justice, Riele Downs, Coco Jones, or Chandler Kennedy as Laura Charles: These rising stars bring the elegance, charm, and musical talent needed to play the glamorous VJ and love interest of Leroy.
Peter Dinklage as Eddie Arkadian: Dinklage’s versatility and ability to balance humor with menace make him a perfect choice for the sleazy, over-the-top music promoter. His nuanced acting would add depth to the character while still embracing Eddie’s comedic side.
With this cast, a remake could capture the magic of the original while introducing The Last Dragon to a new generation of fans.
Fan Project: "Rise of The Last Dragon"
For fans eager to see The Last Dragon reimagined, there’s an exciting fan project in the works titled Rise of The Last Dragon. This project aims to honor the original film while bringing fresh energy and perspective to the story.
The creators of this project are committed to preserving the essence of The Last Dragon—its unique blend of martial arts, music, and heart—while exploring new dimensions of the characters and plot. With a focus on celebrating the legacy of the original film, Rise of The Last Dragon has generated significant excitement among fans.
Visit their website to learn more about the project, support its development, and stay updated on its progress.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Last Dragon became a cult classic for several reasons:
Representation: As a film with a predominantly Black cast, it showcased diverse talent in a genre often dominated by non-Black leads. Leroy’s story resonated with audiences as a rare example of a Black hero in a martial arts film.
Genre Fusion: The film’s blend of martial arts, comedy, romance, and music created an experience that felt fresh and unique.
Sho’nuff: Julius J. Carry III’s portrayal of Sho’nuff elevated the film to legendary status, with the character becoming a pop culture icon.
Empowerment: The film’s central theme of finding strength within oneself continues to inspire audiences.
Timeless Quotability: Lines like “Who's the Master?” and “Kiss my Converse!” have cemented the film’s place in pop culture.
Why I Love The Last Dragon
Watching The Last Dragon as a kid was an unforgettable experience. The film had everything I loved: action, comedy, romance, and a killer soundtrack. I couldn’t get enough of Bruce Leroy’s journey, Sho’nuff’s hilarious antics, and Laura Charles’s style and grace. It was one of the first films where I saw Black heroes and villains portrayed with such flair and charisma. And let’s not forget the Motown magic that tied it all together—it’s impossible to hear “The Glow”. "Inside You" or "The Last Dragon" without feeling uplifted and wanting to do a few karate moves.
Why It’s a Timeless Classic
Decades later, Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon remains a cinematic treasure. It’s a celebration of individuality, perseverance, and self-discovery that continues to resonate with new generations. Whether it’s the martial arts action, the Motown music, or the unforgettable characters, the film has a timeless charm that makes it “The Master” of cult classics.
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