Hard Target (1993) is an action-packed thriller directed by John Woo in his Hollywood debut. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, the film offers a high-octane blend of martial arts, explosive action, and intense suspense set against the backdrop of New Orleans.

Van Damme plays Chance Boudreaux, a tough, down-on-his-luck drifter and former Marine. When a woman named Natasha Binder (Yancy Butler) hires him to help find her missing father, Chance soon uncovers a deadly underground hunting operation. Wealthy thrill-seekers, led by the ruthless Emil Fouchon (Lance Henriksen) and his cold-blooded enforcer Pik van Cleef (Arnold Vosloo), are hunting homeless veterans for sport. As Chance digs deeper, he becomes a target himself and must use his combat skills and quick reflexes to survive and dismantle the brutal game.

John Woo’s signature style—slow-motion shootouts, elaborate stunts, and a heavy dose of stylized violence—gives Hard Target a distinctive flair, setting it apart from typical action movies of its era. Van Damme’s athleticism and stoic charisma, paired with Woo’s cinematic flair, create a memorable and adrenaline-fueled experience.

Hard Target is often credited with introducing Woo’s kinetic action style to American audiences, paving the way for other Hollywood successes. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, perfect for fans of intense, stylish ’90s action films.