Bringing a popular video game to the big screen is never easy. Fans expect their favourite characters, iconic moves and familiar rivalries to come alive, while newcomers need a story they can connect with. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, Street Fighter attempts to strike that balance with a colourful mix of martial arts, humour and nostalgia. The film stars Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, David Dastmalchian, Vidyut Jammwal and Jason Momoa, alongside Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Set in the 1990s, the film brings together familiar fighters for another World Warrior Tournament. The action is impressive, and the presentation has plenty of energy. However, the screenplay does not always match the spectacle.
Street Fighter Story
The film opens with an anime style prologue that immediately establishes its connection to the video game franchise. The flashbacks follow the same visual approach, giving the film a distinctive look.
The story begins in 1987 with Ryu (Andrew Koji), an orphan who trains under Master Gouken (Don Lee). Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), sent from the United States to learn discipline, joins him. The two develop a strong bond under Gouken’s guidance. Their friendship is tested when Ryu wins the first World Warrior Tournament by defeating Sagat. The situation takes a darker turn when Akuma (Roman Reigns) kills Gouken, separating the two friends.
Years later, in 1993, M. Bison (David Dastmalchian), the dictator of Shadaloo, organises another World Warrior Tournament in Metrolao. Ryu initially refuses to participate but changes his mind when he learns that Ken is involved. Their reunion brings old wounds and unresolved disagreements to the surface.
Meanwhile, Chun-Li (Callina Liang), an Interpol officer with a personal grudge against Bison for killing her father, has her own reasons for entering the conflict. Bison, however, has plans that go far beyond organising a fighting tournament. When Ryu refuses to join his empire, he is forced to fight Blanka (Jason Momoa), a powerful opponent with a troubled past.
As the tournament progresses, the relationships between the fighters become increasingly complicated. Ryu and Ken must confront their differences while uncovering Bison’s real intentions. The film brings together several familiar characters, with multiple twists shaping the battle ahead.
Street Fighter Review
The biggest strength of Street Fighter is its presentation. Director Kitao Sakurai understands that this franchise needs energy, larger than life characters and spectacular fights. He delivers these elements without making the action feel completely disconnected from the world of the game.
The anime style opening is a smart choice. It gives the film a distinctive identity and makes the flashbacks visually interesting. The transition between the animated sequences and the live action portions also helps establish the franchise’s video game roots.
The action is undoubtedly the film’s biggest attraction. The fight choreography is impressive, with several sequences capturing the physical intensity expected from Street Fighter. The film embraces the exaggerated nature of its source material rather than trying to turn everything into a grounded martial arts drama. Fans will appreciate the familiar characters, rivalries and fighting styles.
However, the screenplay is where things become uneven. With so many fighters introduced, the film struggles to give everyone enough space. The central relationship between Ryu and Ken has potential, but the emotional conflict between them could have been explored more effectively. Their history is important to the story, yet the narrative often rushes through moments that needed more depth.
The humour also works inconsistently. A few one liners land well, but some jokes feel forced. The film occasionally tries too hard to be funny, interrupting the momentum of otherwise entertaining scenes.
Another problem is accessibility. Fans of the game will recognise the characters and appreciate the references, but viewers unfamiliar with the franchise may struggle to connect with the story. The film introduces several personalities without always explaining their motivations clearly enough. More attention to character development would have made the experience stronger.
Vidyut Jammwal’s limited screen time is another disappointment, particularly for Indian audiences looking forward to seeing him in the franchise. His character deserved more room, but still he made an impact.
Music And Technical Aspects
Technically, the film delivers. Ken Seng’s cinematography captures the action with impressive clarity, while the visual effects give the fights the required scale. The editing is decent, although the narrative could have benefited from a more focused approach. Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson’s music works particularly well during the anime sequences and helps maintain the film’s energetic tone.
Street Fighter Performances
Noah Centineo makes Ken Masters an entertaining presence. He handles the lighter moments comfortably and brings enough seriousness to the character’s conflict with Ryu. Andrew Koji is equally effective as Ryu. His martial arts skills suit the role, and he gives the character a more restrained personality.
Callina Liang makes a strong impression as Chun-Li. She brings determination to the role, although her character could have received more development. David Dastmalchian is a memorable M. Bison, delivering the menace required from the film’s central antagonist.
Jason Momoa is a likeable presence as Blanka, adding personality to a character who could easily have become a one dimensional fighter. Roman Reigns also makes his presence felt, while Cody Rhodes contributes to the ensemble.
Vidyut Jammwal is impressive in his limited appearance as Dhalsim. His physical abilities make him a natural fit for the franchise, and the film could certainly have used more of him. Andrew Schulz, Mel Jarnson and Eric André add to the supporting cast, while the remaining fighters bring their own energy to the tournament.
Final Verdict
Street Fighter delivers a decent dose of action, nostalgia and larger than life moments. Director Kitao Sakurai gets the spectacle right, the fight choreography is impressive, and the anime style sequences give the film a distinctive visual identity. Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji and David Dastmalchian make their presence felt, while Vidyut Jammwal leaves you wanting more despite his limited screen time.
However, the overcrowded screenplay, inconsistent humour and limited character development hold the film back. With so many fighters sharing the screen, some characters barely get enough time to make a lasting impression. The emotional conflict between Ryu and Ken also deserved more depth. The film will appeal more to fans of the video game franchise, who can enjoy the familiar characters, fighting styles and nostalgic references.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
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