The movie “Undisputed 4: Boyka” (2016) can be described as a rough and emotionally charged martial arts movie that touches on the themes of redemption, guilt, and moral strength. It is about the life of Boyka a fierce fighter that is troubled by the accidental death of his opponent Viktor. This awful event triggers the inner conflict turning every struggle into the symbolic struggle about inner peace. The movie is rough and violent, with a raw and hard action followed by moments of vulnerability that expose the desire of redemption in Boyka.
The acts are strong particularly the role played by Boyka as a broken but strong warrior who finds purpose in violence other than war itself. Viktors wife, Alma, also contributes to the emotional level, as a symbol of hope and forgiveness in the mess. The second characters such as the treacherous Zourab and the mighty Koshmar are worthy opponents who help to bring Boyka to his physical and moral boundaries. The maneuvers and camera work are used to focus on the intensity of every battle, and the raw energy and closeness. The music enhances the emotional and adrenaline levels and increases the emotional involvement of the viewer.
The most striking part was how martial arts were promoted in the film as a spectacle, yet it has been raised to a level of a metaphor of self-development. The story of Boyka can be seen as an example of inner strength and persistence that in the end offers hope that the only way to win the battle is to fight the inner demons. Although certain fight scenes and plot lines are based on similar tropes, the earnestness of the struggles that the characters are going through makes this entry worth viewing. Undisputed 4″ is a mighty message that salvation is worth struggling to achieve and that heroism could bring redemption even in the most troublesome times.
