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DOA: Dead or Alive

Fri Jun 27 2025

Dead or Alive: A High-Kicking Spectacle

“Dead or Alive,” inspired by the renowned Tecmo 3D fighting game, explodes onto the screen with a flurry of fists and breathtaking action. Directed by Corey Yuen, the film stars Devon Aoki, Sarah Carter, and Jaime Pressly, leading a cast of formidable fighters. Released in China in August 2006, the movie throws viewers headfirst into a secretive island tournament, where skilled female warriors clash in battles where survival is the ultimate prize.

Dead or Alive movie cover

The Enigmatic Disappearance of Hayate

The narrative gains intrigue from the perplexing disappearance of Hayate following the Dead or Alive tournament. While those close to Kasumi presume Hayate’s demise, she harbors doubts and embarks on a mission to discover the truth. Joined by Hayabusa, her childhood companion and protector, Kasumi’s quest deepens their bond.

Kasumi and Hayabusa

A Diverse Roster of Fighters with Personal Stakes

Tina Armstrong, daughter ofan American wrestler, seeks to prove wrestling as a valid combat style in the arena. She quickly discovers that she needs to fight against her own father.

Tina Armstrong

The film features Zack, adding to the diverse martial arts tournament entrants, who features a green mohawk, goatee, who is also a black boxer .

The film truly shines its action filled set pieces, each figure displays special weapons, along with distinct sets of fighting moves. Yuen’s craftmanship truly makes the atmospheric sets of the film, adding for an intense atmosphere, while keeping viewers at the edge of their seats. Character building may not have been fully explored due to the amount of fighters in the tornument, but it is well represented by the action packed set pieces.

Zack in Action

A Visual Feast of Martial Arts Excellence

“Dead or Alive” delivers as an amazing entertainer for those seeking visual thrills. It makes you immersed inside it’s martial arts set pieces. Even though there could be improvements to be made to certain aspects, such as story telling, the martial art performances are on full display!

Dead or Alive group

The set design and Yuen’s action filming allows for viewers to immerse themselves within an intense world.

Lei Fang fight scene

While the plot may lack complexity, the intense action, stunts and martial art set pieces will certainly satisify all of it’s viewers.