DVD Review: Twelve
12: one prize... 12 fighters... only one will survive...!
9 times out of 10 when asked to review a DVD, I’m not blessed with a shop retail release version. On this occasion I’ve been spoilt, having in my hands Twelve in all it’s glossy covered goodness.
Past the glossy cover, Twelve is all about grittiness. A British martial arts action flick, pitting 12 fighters of different fighting skills and backgrounds, in bouts organised by high-rollers. £500,000 is up for the taking, it’s a submission or knock-out to win each bout, other than that it’s no-holds-barred.
Having recently reviewed American made MMA-movies, the raw, rough, grittiness of this British made fight-flick is very refreshing. 12 doesn’t boast a huge line-up of UFC names, accompanied by a big budget, however the smaller budget works as an advantage, picturing a realistic rawness, leaving the required impact on the viewer.
Fight venues the 12 tournament contestants battle it out in include warehouses, nightclubs, scrap yard and even the back of a lorry, whilst being filmed on CCTV, viewed by the room of high-rollers, betting on the outcome, each backing a chosen fighter.
Brutal, blood-thirsty fantastically choreographed kick-ass scenes aplenty here, throughout the 88 minutes.
The story is told via a narrator, although we are introduced to the competitors individually, being made aware of their backgrounds and martial skills there isn’t one lead hero focussed on, unlike a traditional Kung-Fu flick with Bruce Lee or Jet Li. Twelve presents a unique style, it’s very much a 21st century post-modern British picture. What we get here is a grittier, grimey film, which feels very realistic.
Brit-MMA fans will recognise the Cage Warriors logo, when the final showdown happens in a cage. This final scene is Brit UFC competitor Ross Pearson’s favourite fight of the entire film by the way. Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping comments his favourite fight scene is The Triad vs The Soldier.
Left to right - Martial Arts Legend Joe Lewis, Chee Keong Cheung, Mark Strange. Photo copyright www.fightshop.com
Look out for some recognisable faces in Twelve, including Danny John Jules AKA The Cat in Red Dwarf, amazing record breaking female martial arts expert Zara Pythian, Gary Webster from Minder plus see Eastenders Dr Legg actor playing one of the fighter money-backers.
Director Chee Keong Cheung has done a brilliant job conjuring up a very realistic scene-scape of an underground no-holds-barred illegal fight world.
Seni 2010: Chee & Mark signing at the 12 stand. Photo copyright www.fightshop.com
The DVD comes with many special features, including biogs of the actors, a look behind the scenes plus an exclusive fight between Leon Walters vs Guy Golden from Pain & Glory kick-boxing event.
My home-town Bournemouth & local ultimate fighting gym – Bulldog is featured in a mini documentary, following Twelve actor and fighter Mark Strange prepare for a special cross-promotion bout on a Pain & Glory card. The special features round off the package brilliantly.
Twelve is out now on DVD, available from all good retailers.
Visit www.intenseproductions.co.uk and the official Twelve DVD website www.12dvd.co.uk for further information.
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DVD review by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com