Where to Watch
Checking availability in your country…
Cast
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1996
Runtime1h 35m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresAction, Drama
Votes5
DirectorSteven Kaman, Michael Lee Baron
WritersSteven Kaman
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.6 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsFor Life or Death
About For Life or Death
A man named Kaan Woo (James Lew) is escaping his dark past, having been involved with a cult of brown shroud-wearing, druid-like monk warriors that have mystical powers. He apparently wanted out, because their evil queen, Ling Li (Nancy Kwan), has sent her servant, Sir Xavier (Richard Norton), to do her bidding - i.e., eliminate Woo. During a battle with the dark forces, Woo's soul is transferred into the body of homeless drunkard Earl Stockman (Mark Pellegrino). Now this bum is as surprised as anybody to find out he has mystical kung-fu abilities. Now "Superbum" must take on the evil cult and win the day.
Directed by Steven Kaman, Michael Lee Baron, For Life or Death leans on a strong ensemble — James Lew, Karen Sheperd, Mark Pellegrino — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1996.
Read More on the Blog
You Might Also Like
More like For Life or Death, picked from what people are watching
7.7Mexicali
2026 7.7
A former special forces contractor is forced out of retirement as an avocado farmer in Mexico when local gangsters try to force him and his family off their farm.
Mexicali
2026
5.8Birth of the Dragon
2017 5.8
Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s Chinatown, this cross-cultural biopic chronicles Bruce Lee’s emergence as a martial-arts superstar after his legendary secret showdown with fellow martial artist Wong Jack Man.
Birth of the Dragon
2017
6.8In Full Bloom
2019 6.8
Set shortly after the end of World War II, a philosophical boxing drama of two fighters from opposite worlds (USA and Japan) who are pulled together for a questionable fight arranged by their unscrupulous managers and the Yakuza.
In Full Bloom
2019
6.0Rev
2020 6.0
A young thief with a history of grand theft auto becomes an informant and helps police bring down a criminal enterprise involved in the smuggling of hundreds of exotic super cars.
Rev
2020
6.3Beast
2026 6.3
MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in one championship against the brutal champion Xavier Grau.
Beast
2026
6.1Welcome to Sudden Death
2020 6.1
Jesse Freeman is a former special forces officer and explosives expert now working a regular job as a security guard in a state-of-the-art basketball arena. Trouble erupts when a tech-savvy cadre of terrorists kidnap the team's owner and Jesse's daughter during opening night. Facing a ticking clock and impossible odds, it's up to Jesse to not only save them but also a full house of fans in this highly charged action thriller.
Welcome to Sudden Death
2020
User Reviews
5.6
Community rating
Loading reviews…
From the Blog
All Posts
News
Michael OTT Release Date: The Michael Jackson Biopic Streams August 29
The Michael Jackson biopic arrives on JioHotstar on August 29, 2026. Here is where to watch it, what you need, and why it is one of the year’s biggest music films.
Guides
What Should I Watch Tonight? How to Decide in 5 Minutes
The average person spends more time scrolling than watching. Here's a 5-minute method to pick tonight's movie or show by mood, not by endless browsing.