Directed by Todor Chapkanov and produced by Isaac Florentine, Boyka: Undisputed (2017), also known as Undisputed IV, is a direct-to-video martial arts masterpiece that solidifies Yuri Boyka as a genre icon. Starring Scott Adkins in his signature role, alongside Teodora Duhovnikova and Alon Aboutboul, this fourth installment in the Undisputed franchise delivers breathtaking fight choreography, a compelling redemption arc, and surprising emotional depth. Eight years after its release, it remains a standout for action fans craving raw, bone-crunching thrills. Enter the ring for a knockout!
The Story: Redemption Through Combat
Yuri Boyka (Scott Adkins), the self-proclaimed “most complete fighter in the world,” is now a free man fighting in Ukraine’s underground MMA scene after escaping prison in Undisputed III: Redemption (2010). When he accidentally kills opponent Viktor in the ring, Boyka’s newfound faith and purpose are shaken. Learning Viktor’s widow, Alma (Teodora Duhovnikova), is enslaved by Russian mob boss Zourab (Alon Aboutboul) in a small town, Boyka travels to Russia to free her. Striking a deal to fight in Zourab’s brutal tournament for Alma’s freedom, Boyka faces lethal opponents, including the towering Koshmar (Martyn Ford), while grappling with guilt and seeking forgiveness. The 86-minute plot is lean, serving as a vehicle for action and Boyka’s emotional journey.
The Stars: Adkins’ Mastery, Duhovnikova’s Heart
Scott Adkins is phenomenal as Boyka, blending jaw-dropping martial arts with a brooding, soulful intensity that elevates him from villain (Undisputed II) to tragic hero. His acrobatic spins, double kicks, and “Guyver kick” are mesmerizing, yet his quiet moments of remorse add depth—Adkins himself called this his Hamlet. Teodora Duhovnikova brings warmth and resilience to Alma, grounding the film’s emotional stakes, while Alon Aboutboul’s Zourab is a cunning, cruel antagonist. Martyn Ford’s Koshmar, a 6’8” behemoth, is a visually striking but underutilized foe, his fight lacking buildup. The ensemble supports Adkins’ star turn, though the focus remains on Boyka’s fists and soul.
The Craft: Chapkanov’s Gritty Precision
Chapkanov, stepping in for Florentine (who produced due to personal circumstances), delivers a film that feels like a Florentine classic, with dynamic, cleanly shot fight scenes choreographed by Tim Man. Long takes and soaring camera work showcase Adkins’ athleticism, from a tense Boyka vs. Viktor bout to a two-on-one double knockout. The final fight against Koshmar, while thrilling, ends too quickly, missing the epic crescendo of prior films. Shot in Bulgaria’s Nu Boyana Studios, the gritty prisons and dusty arenas pop via Ross W. Clarkson’s cinematography, though the micro-budget shows in sparse non-fight scenes. Steve Edwards’ score is serviceable but lacks the punch of past entries. The editing keeps the pace relentless, making every kick land hard.
Why It Slaps
Boyka: Undisputed is a martial arts fan’s paradise, delivering “brutal, hard-hitting, dynamic yet graceful fight scenes” that match or rival Undisputed II and III. Adkins’ Boyka is a force of nature, his 540s, 720s, and triple kicks dazzling in bouts like the Viktor fight, shot in aggressive long takes. The redemption arc adds surprising heart, with Boyka’s quest for forgiveness and Alma’s struggle giving the action emotional weight. Fans cheer his growth from arrogant villain to humbled warrior, and moments like his church donations or Alma’s forgiveness hit soft spots unexpectedly. It’s a Saturday-night, adrenaline-pumping watch you quote (“I’m the most complete fighter!”) and rewatch for the fights.
Why It Stumbles
The plot is “pretty silly” and clichéd, with a familiar mob-debt storyline and thin supporting characters. Non-fight scenes lack polish, and the writing can feel like a “dull” B-movie, leaning on melodrama. Koshmar’s hyped-up fight disappoints due to its brevity and lack of buildup, paling compared to Undisputed III’s climactic showdown. Some fans feel it lacks the intensity and emotional peak of parts II and III, and the ending feels rushed, unsure of Boyka’s future. Still, the fights and Adkins’ performance overshadow these flaws, making it “essential viewing” for martial arts fans.
Legacy and Vibe Check
Premiering at Fantastic Fest 2016 and released on Blu-ray/DVD in 2017, Boyka: Undisputed grossed modestly but won cult acclaim, earning a Best Fight Award and a Jackie Chan Best Action Movie Actor Award for Adkins at the 2017 Shanghai Film Festival. It’s hailed as a DTV action pinnacle, though many rank Undisputed III higher for its tighter story and fights. For American and English-speaking fans, it’s a martial arts benchmark, rivaling The Raid for choreography and cementing Adkins as a genre king. A fifth film and TV series are in development, with Adkins eager to continue Boyka’s saga. Perfect for action junkies or a high-octane movie night, it’s a film that “rules” for fans of “beautiful bloody violence.”
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Boyka: Undisputed is a thrilling, heartfelt addition to the Undisputed saga, with Scott Adkins delivering spectacular fights and soulful depth as Yuri Boyka. While not as flawless as Undisputed III, its action and redemption arc make it a must-watch for martial arts fans.