Hard Target (1993), directed by John Woo, is an action-packed thriller starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Chance Boudreaux, a skilled drifter who helps Natasha Binder (Yancy Butler) search for her missing father in New Orleans. Natasha discovers that her father was the victim of a deadly hunting game orchestrated by Emil Fouchon (Lance Henriksen), who targets homeless veterans for sport.
As Chance and Natasha uncover the horrifying truth, Fouchon sends his team of mercenaries to silence them. Using his martial arts skills and military expertise, Chance turns the tables on the hunters, leading to intense and stylized action sequences in the New Orleans bayou.
The film is known for John Wooโs signature slow-motion gunfights, elaborate combat choreography, and explosive stunts. It also explores themes of exploitation and survival while delivering relentless action and suspense.
Praised for its innovative direction and Van Dammeโs performance, Hard Target became a cult classic, solidifying Wooโs place in Hollywood and leaving a lasting impact on the action genre.