Dolph: Unbreakable, the Documentary

If Stallone is the “Italian Stallion” and Van Damme is “Muscles from Brussels,” you would think Dolph Lundgren would have a nickname like the “Swedish Lynx.” Nevertheless, he has always been one of action fan’s favorites stars, even though his films have varied widely in quality (as Lundgren would be the first to admit). Yet, the 2020’s represented a career renaissance for the actor. Consequently, fans were amazed to learn that while he was simultaneously filming new films in the Aquaman and Expendables franchises, Lundgren was also battling cancer. Director-screenwriter Andrew Holmes chronicles the action star’s life and career, with a special focus on his cancer treatment, in Dolph: Unbreakable, which releases today on VOD.

There is a lot more to Lundgren’s story than many people probably realized, starting with the abusive childhood he endured (and eventually revealed in a TedTalk). Young Lundgren’s living conditions improved when he was packed off to his grandparents, but he continued carrying the emotional weight well into his adult life.

Nonetheless, the teen Lundgren rebounded, mastering Karate and earning a Fullbright scholarship. However, his physique and martial arts chops led to bodyguard gigs, including celebrity clients like Grace Jones, whose interest was more than professional. Through Jones, Lundgren experienced the international party scene. He also started making movies, quickly eclipsing her film career with his breakout performance in Rocky IV.

Admittedly, Lundgren’s subsequent career has had ups and downs. Holmes covers Rocky IV at length and gives due time to Masters of the Universe, The Punisher, Universal Soldier, and the original Expendables. Most of the rest of his output is rather a blur, but there is no denying Lundgren’s indomitable work ethic. Understandably, Holmes largely structures the film around Lundgren’s cancer fight, but also devotes attention to Lundgren’s work in therapy to overcome the long-term emotional trauma of his father’s abuse.

Perhaps some viewers will feel Holmes lets Lundgren off the hook for his infidelity and drug use a little too easily, but he has clearly made peace with his two grown daughters (who duly appear in the film), so who are we to argue? Regardless, his documentary profile is briskly paced and includes insights from just about everyone you would hope for, including Stallone, Van Damme, fellow Expendable Randy Couture, and Arnold Schwarzegger. Admittedly, it would be interesting to hear Jones’s take on her relationship with Lundgren and fans that follow current marital arts cinema would have appreciated insights from Scott Adkins, but four Expendables (five with Lundgren) is a solid assembly.

However, there is even more to the story, which apparently did not make Holmes’ cut. It is a shame he did not find space for Lundgren’s 2015 human-trafficking thriller Skin Trade, because his research for the film spurred the actor to become a prominent spokesman and fundraiser for trafficking victims (as he himself explains in the documentary, Stopping Traffic).

That is a life worth documenting. Best of all, according to the film, Lundgren is back, stronger than ever. Believe me, those of who regularly review straight-to-VOD action movies need him more than ever. Nobody is better at elevating thin material with a steely look and a slyly understated delivery than Lundgren. That Swedish charm regularly comes through during Holmes’ film. Affectionately recommended for the actor’s fans and viewers interested in his stories of recovery, Dolph: Unbreakable releases today (10/6) on VOD.