Gymkata (1985)
A Cold War action oddity that fuses Olympic gymnastics with martial arts combat, sending one very flexible secret agent into the heart of danger.
Gymkata - Movie Information
- Original Title: Gymkata
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Robert Clouse
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 3, 1985 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: 忍者大扑杀 (CN), Gymkata (DE)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Jadran Film
- Production Countries: United States of America, Yugoslavia
Gymkata - Plot
U.S. agents send a gymnastic martial artist to secure a missile-base site in the savage country of Parmistan.
Gymkata - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the gymnastic action unfold:
The skill of gymnastics, the kill of karate.
Where to Watch Gymkata
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Gymkata - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Clouse
Main Cast
- Kurt Thomas
- Tetchie Agbayani
- Richard Norton
- Edward Bell
- John Barrett
- Conan Lee
- Bob Schott
- Buck Kartalian
- Eric Lawson
- Sonny Barnes
Writers
- Charles Robert Carner
Producers
- Fred Weintraub
Gymkata - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch Gymkata?
Gymkata is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not currently included in any major subscription streaming library, so a digital rental or purchase is the most accessible way to watch it.
Is Gymkata based on a true story?
Gymkata is not based on a true story. It is a fictional action film adapted from Dan Tyler Moore's novel 'The Terrible Game.' The lead character Jonathan Cabot was written to showcase the real-life gymnastics skills of Olympic athlete Kurt Thomas, but the plot and setting are entirely invented.
Why is Gymkata considered a cult classic?
Gymkata earned cult status largely due to its absurd premise of blending Olympic gymnastics with martial arts combat. Scenes like a pommel horse inexplicably placed in a village square have become legendary among fans of so-bad-it's-good cinema, making it a beloved fixture of 1980s action movie nostalgia.
What is the pommel horse village scene in Gymkata?
The pommel horse scene is Gymkata's most iconic moment. While being chased through a village by a mob of crazed inhabitants, protagonist Jonathan Cabot conveniently encounters a stone pommel horse in the town square, which he uses to perform gymnastic combat moves against his attackers. It is widely cited as one of cinema's most unintentionally hilarious sequences.
Who are the main actors in Gymkata?
Gymkata stars Kurt Thomas as Jonathan Cabot, a gymnast-turned-secret agent, alongside Tetchie Agbayani as Princess Rubali, Richard Norton as the villain Zamir, Edward Bell as Paley, John Barrett as Gomez, Conan Lee as Hao, and Buck Kartalian as The Kahn.
What is Gymkata about?
Gymkata follows Jonathan Cabot, a U.S. Olympic gymnast recruited by government agents to compete in a deadly game held in the fictional nation of Parmistan. Success would secure a strategic missile-base site. Cabot combines his gymnastics skills with martial arts to survive the lethal competition and its treacherous participants.
What is the age rating for Gymkata?
Gymkata is rated R by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's action violence, combat sequences, and some mature content. It is not recommended for young children and is best suited for adult audiences or older teens with parental guidance.
What are movies similar to Gymkata?
If you enjoy Gymkata, similar martial arts and action films include Enter the Dragon (1973), The Way of the Dragon (1972), Double Impact (1991), and The Matrix (1999). These films share Gymkata's emphasis on hand-to-hand combat, high-energy fight choreography, and action-driven storytelling.
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