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  • Drifter TKD (2008)
  • 100 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Drifter TKD (2008)
100 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Jesse Tyler, a martial arts enthusiast who lives in Los Angeles, California, and enjoys success in local karate competitions, faces turmoil in his life as a young business executive. The only child in a wealthy family, he has always been ...See moreJesse Tyler, a martial arts enthusiast who lives in Los Angeles, California, and enjoys success in local karate competitions, faces turmoil in his life as a young business executive. The only child in a wealthy family, he has always been pressured to succeed in every aspect of his life. His father's expectations were imprinted in him early in life and graduating at the top of his law class wasn't enough to satisfy his father. Over the years he has learned to suppress his feelings and desires to live in his father's shadow and to strive to become who his father wants him to be. In a board meeting Jesse's father, Thomas Tyler, announces that he will be stepping down as CEO and names Jesse as his successor. Jesse is stunned and disillusioned at the idea of running the corporation. To add to Jesse's chaotic feelings, his father announces that Tylertech has acquired ten of the largest taekwondo schools in the greater L.A. area. Jesse has been in martial arts for close to 20 years and he understands the traditions and values that these schools uphold. He knows that the acquisition would not have gone over well with the school owners. Additionally, he is distressed in the fact that his Sabum Nim ("master'), Harrison Luke, is one of the casualties in this hostile take over. Jesse has been in martial arts for close to 20 years and he understands the traditions and values that these schools uphold. He knows that the acquisition would not have gone over well with the school owners. Additionally, he is distressed in the fact that his Sabum Nim ("master'), Harrison Luke, is one of the casualties in this hostile take over. Harrison, holds to his true path in life and leaves town to continue his journey as a martial artist. He goes on a quest for serenity, peace of mind, and to re-connect with a relative in a small town in AZ. Jesse learns of his Sabum's displeasure about the take over and sets off to make things right. While in Arizona Harrison finds more disruption and corruption than he left behind. Harrison chooses to settle into a small homeless community and befriends, Kelly, a young runaway. Jesse catches up to Harrison and expresses his dismay in what his father has done. Together they continue their passion and live their lives as martial artists. The duo faces the town's most affluent family, the Pennington's, in a quest to restore order and protect the rights and freedom of the homeless and the young runaway. The Pennington's have dishonestly taken over Luke's uncles parcel of land and have heartlessly allowed him to die in the homeless community. The Pennington's eldest son, Carlos, operates a very successful prostitution ring utilizing the young homeless and runaway girls. Due to their power and influence in this small town, the Pennington's have encouraged the law enforcement officers to turn a blind eye to their illegal activities. With the "keys to the city" the Pennington's have the freedom to do as they please, that is until Jesse and Luke take a stand. To add to the pandemonium of battling the Pennington's, Jesse struggles for his independence from his father's strong influence. While developing a relationship with Kelly, Jesse discovers that his father has hired a private investigator to find him and take him back to L.A. At first Jesse, Luke, and Kelly decide to abruptly leave the small town in order to avoid any conflict with the investigator. Their departure is unexpectedly cut short when Carlos and his boys abduct Kelly. Jesse and Luke head back to town in pursuit of Kelly. The private investigator observes Kelly in the car with Carlos and his boys and realizes what has transpired. He confronts Jesse and uses Kelly's abduction as leverage to take Jesse back to his father. Together with Luke they come up with a plan to rescue Kelly. With the help of some people from the homeless community Kelly is rescued from Carlo's grasp and his unethical schemes. However, the clash isn't over. Jesse needs to decide to flee or fight. While Jesse is going through a myriad of emotions, he has an epiphany. For the first time in life he comprehends what it truly means to be a martial artist. It is a way of life and he must BECOME the art itself. Through this transformation Jesse recognizes that he needs to fight and correct the wrongs that have accrued over time. Through these series of events Jesse learns about believing in himself, standing up for what is right and choosing his own path in life. He boldly heads back to L.A. an evolved man, ready to face his father and take on any challenge that may come his way. Written by Ron Pohnel See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Writers
Charl Pohnel (screenplay) | Ron Pohnel (screenplay)
Producers
Composer
Frankie Blue (original musical score)
Cinematographer
Editor
Casting Directors
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Status
Edit Released
Updated May 31, 2008

Release date
May 31, 2008 (United States)

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Cast

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43 cast members
Name Known for
Ron Pohnel
Harrison Luke Harrison Luke   See fewer
Mel Novak
Thomas Tyler Thomas Tyler   See fewer
Blake Foster
Jesse Tyler Jesse Tyler   See fewer
Leo Fong
Master Lee Master Lee   See fewer
Charl Pohnel
Carla (as Charl) Carla (as Charl)   See fewer
Solara Key
Kelly Miles Kelly Miles   See fewer
David Fultz
Charlie Wig Charlie Wig   See fewer
Luis Banuelos
Carlos Pennington Carlos Pennington   See fewer
Ron Hall
Matthew Stevens Matthew Stevens   See fewer
Joshua Butcher
Homeless Guitar Player Homeless Guitar Player   See fewer
Barbara Findeisen
Bag Lady Bag Lady   See fewer
Tara Shultz
Shopkeeper Shopkeeper   See fewer
Christa Parrot-Pohnel
Chicken Coop Lady Chicken Coop Lady   See fewer
Jennifer Parrott
Snake Girl Snake Girl   See fewer
Bradford Robbins
Master 1 Master 1   See fewer
Kendall Key
Johnny Johnny   See fewer
Jordan Thabet
Mr. Jordan Mr. Jordan   See fewer
Ron Encarnacion
Kimo / Jack Marco Kimo / Jack Marco   See fewer
Gerry Gilbert
Family Services 1 (as Gerald Gilbert) Family Services 1 (as Gerald Gilbert)   See fewer
George Chatalas
Family Services 1 Family Services 1   See fewer
Erik Anderson
Young Jesse Young Jesse   See fewer
Trent Warren
Teen Jesse Teen Jesse   See fewer
Phoenix Banuelos
Homeless Boy Homeless Boy   See fewer
Borin Khoun
Punk 1 Punk 1   See fewer
Anthony Vinning
Hoodlum 2 (as Anthony Vining) Hoodlum 2 (as Anthony Vining)   See fewer
Omar Lizarraga
Hoodlum 1 Hoodlum 1   See fewer
Abe Enochs II
Hoodlum 2 Hoodlum 2   See fewer
Barry Bostain
Driver Driver   See fewer
Mai-Ly Duong
Sheila Sheila   See fewer
Christopher Burnham
Chip Davis Chip Davis   See fewer
Jacob Dean Jackson Stiver
Luis (as Jacob Stiver) Luis (as Jacob Stiver)   See fewer
Ronanld H. Pohnel Sr.
Ron 'The Roofer' / Golf Teacher Ron 'The Roofer' / Golf Teacher   See fewer
Richard Pines
Henry Pennington Henry Pennington   See fewer
Roger Lacombe
Troy Combe Troy Combe   See fewer
Bernie Krasnoo
Master 2 (as Bernie 'Pops' Krasnoo) Master 2 (as Bernie 'Pops' Krasnoo)   See fewer
Don Baird
Master 4 Master 4   See fewer
Tom Cole
Master 3 Master 3   See fewer
Emily Bradford
Little Blondgirl Little Blondgirl   See fewer
Annie Oakner
Master 5 Master 5   See fewer
David Kemp
Homeless Homeless   See fewer
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