‘Best of the Best’ actor Phillip Rhee is back with ‘Underdog Kids’

June 15, 2015
"Underdog Kids" Director Phillip Rhee

“Underdog Kids” Director Phillip Rhee

"Underdog Kids"

“Underdog Kids”

By Christine Ha

Fans of the taekwondo-centric “Best of the Best” series from the 1990s will be happy to see star Phillip Rhee back in form with “Underdog Kids.”

The film, which focuses on a group of kids who enter a karate tournament looking to take the top spot against all odds, will premiere July 7 and is written, produced and directed by Rhee.

It stars Rhee, as well as talents Beau Bridges, Ryan Potter, Tom Arnold and Mirelly Taylor.

Rhee said he understands many remember him from the “Best of the Best” films. They’ve garnered somewhat of a cult following – Fandango ranked the first in the series among its top 15 Most Inspirational Sports Movies: “Hey, Chuck Liddell called it his favorite martial arts film — if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for us.”

Rhee said he is reminded of the importance of emotions in films every time he hears how fondly remembered those projects are.

“The image of Koreans in movies is very important because films have such a big influence,” he said. “I experienced racial discrimination after immigrating here when I was 9 years old, and I’ve experienced what it’s like for an Asian actor to struggle in Hollywood. I created this film wanting to impart to the younger generation the image that Koreans, and Asians, are strong and compassionate.”

Rhee is the second son of Rhee Min-hui, a former president of the Korean American Federation, and brother to martial artist and Hollywood stuntman Simon Rhee.

“Underdog Kids” will show in 30 theaters, he said. The Los Angeles preview will open inside AMC Universal CityWalk 19 at Universal Studios on June 21.

5 Comments

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  4. Drew.w

    April 27, 2016 at 6:32 PM

    Philip keep doing what you do,much love God bless

  5. Donna k Alexander

    August 20, 2017 at 9:37 AM

    I just got through watching one of your movies I like all the best of the best movies I’ve been watching them ever since I was a young girl and I’m sixty-five 64 years old now keep keep doing what you doing you are you are a great actor and you are very good looking keep up the good work