Challenge of Five Gauntlets

Synopsis

Challenge of Five Gauntlets is a 2018 action film directed by and starring Len Kabasinski. The movie centers around a martial arts tournament where fighters from diverse backgrounds compete in an intense fight for honor and survival. The story follows a skilled but conflicted fighter who must navigate the brutal competition and confront formidable opponents while uncovering deeper conspiracies behind the event. Combining elements of martial arts choreography with a gritty crime thriller atmosphere, the film offers an adrenaline-fueled narrative focused on stakes both physical and personal. With themes of resilience, honor, and redemption, Challenge of Five Gauntlets presents a raw depiction of underground fighting culture and personal determination.

Cast

• Len Kabasinski

  Kane

• 

  Leo Fong

  Sang-Jin

• 

  Donna Hamblin

  Ruby

• Jawn Gross

  Michael

• Jenna M. Fryer

  Riku

• 

  Tim O'Hearn

  The Scot

Reviews

Critical reception for Challenge of Five Gauntlets has been generally mixed to negative, with many reviewers pointing out its low-budget production values and a storyline that can feel somewhat derivative. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 4.9/10, reflecting a largely average viewer experience. Some critics praised the film's dedication to martial arts sequences and the effort made by Len Kabasinski, who not only stars but also directed the film. For instance, audience members familiar with Kabasinski’s work have noted that the choreography, while not Hollywood level, delivers a certain gritty authenticity appreciated by fans of underground action films. However, other reviews have criticized the film for its thin character development, pacing issues, and technical weaknesses, such as inconsistent editing and sound quality. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score due to limited critic reviews, but user comments often echo a sentiment of "a niche action flick that will appeal primarily to dedicated genre enthusiasts." Overall, Challenge of Five Gauntlets is considered a modest entry in the martial arts action genre, catering more to fans of indie fight cinema rather than a broad audience.