Mortal Kombat 1995

In a mystical realm where ancient prophecies unfold, the Mortal Kombat tournament serves as a cosmic checkmate, limiting invasions between the realms of existence. The stakes are dire: if Outworld prevails for the tenth time, its ruthless Emperor Shao Kahn will be granted the power to conquer the Earthrealm. The weight of history bears down upon Liu Kang, a stalwart Shaolin warrior (Robin Shou), and his unlikely allies - Hollywood star Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) and U.S. Special Forces operative Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson). Summoned by Raiden, the god of lightning and defender of the Earthrealm, they are tasked with thwarting Outworld’s dominance in this pivotal tournament.

Each competitor harbors a personal vendetta: Liu Kang seeks retribution against Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), the enigmatic host who slaughtered his brother Chan; Sonya pursues vengeance against crime lord Kano (Trevor Goddard) for the murder of her partner; and Johnny Cage aims to redeem himself from the media’s scorn, seeking validation through victory. As the tournament unfolds on Shang Tsung’s mystic island, Liu Kang finds himself drawn to Princess Kitana (Talisa Soto), Shao Kahn’s adopted daughter, who unwittingly becomes embroiled in the conflict.

Sonya exacts her revenge on Kano, while Johnny Cage faces off against Scorpion (Chris Casamassa), a demonic ninja who teleports him to his lair in the Netherealm. The two engage in a brutal battle, with Cage emerging victorious. Liu Kang, meanwhile, encounters Kitana and is privy to her cryptic counsel: “Use the element which brings life.” This wisdom proves pivotal as he confronts Sub-Zero (François Petit), a formidable ninja whose cryogenic abilities seem insurmountable. But Liu Kang’s recollection of Kitana’s words inspires him to turn the tables, exploiting Sub-Zero’s weakness and claiming victory. As the tournament rages on, the stakes escalate, setting the stage for an apocalyptic showdown that will determine the fate of the realms.

As Prince Goro (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson), a formidable Shokan warrior with four powerful arms, dominates the tournament with his merciless victories, one of Johnny Cage’s closest friends, Art Lean (Kenneth Edwards), dares to challenge the behemoth. Unfortunately, Art Lean is no match for Goro’s brute strength and ultimately succumbs to defeat, having his soul stolen by the cunning Shang Tsung. Seeking revenge and a chance to prove himself, Cage approaches Shang Tsung with a proposal: he requests a fight against Goro on the condition that Shang Tsung be granted the freedom to challenge any opponent of his choosing, at any time and place. Raiden attempts to intervene, but the terms are ultimately agreed upon. In a stunning upset, Cage uses cunning and surprise tactics to defeat the formidable champion, sending shockwaves throughout the tournament.

As desperation sets in, Shang Tsung resorts to drastic measures by kidnapping Sonya (hostage), invoking his privilege to challenge any opponent of his choosing. He transports her to Outworld, where his magical powers are rendered ineffective, leaving Sonya no match for the sorcerer’s superior might. Recognizing that Sonya is powerless against Shang Tsung and that he cannot effectively use his powers in Outworld, Raiden dispatches Johnny Cage and Liu Kang on a perilous mission to rescue Sonya and confront Shang Tsung.

Upon arrival in Outworld, Liu Kang faces off against Reptile, absorbing multiple blows before unleashing his pent-up fury and emerging victorious. Kitana, having formed an alliance with the pair after sharing tales of her own origins and those of Outworld, joins forces with Johnny Cage and Liu Kang as they journey to the castle where Sonya is being held captive, determined to rescue their friend and take down Shang Tsung once and for all.

As the desperate situation unfolded inside the castle tower, Shang Tsung confronted Sonya Blade with a dire ultimatum: accept his challenge or witness Earthrealm’s surrender in Mortal Kombat. The stakes were high, and all hope seemed lost for the defenders of Earthrealm. But just as despair was about to consume them, three unexpected allies emerged from the shadows - Kitana, Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage, a trio of monks hailing from Outworld. Kitana’s scornful rebuke of Shang Tsung’s treachery toward their Emperor served as a powerful catalyst, freeing Sonya from her torment.

Shang Tsung, undeterred by his own mortality, issued a fresh challenge to Johnny Cage, only to be met with Liu Kang’s unyielding demand for a one-on-one showdown. As the battle raged on, Liu Kang faced not only Shang Tsung’s formidable fighting skills but also the vengeful spirits of previous Mortal Kombat tournaments and the haunting visage of his long-lost brother, Chan (whose true nature was none other than Shang Tsung’s cunning disguise). Through sheer determination and unwavering focus, Liu Kang rose above the challenges and delivered a crushing energy bolt that sent Shang Tsung plummeting to his doom, impaled on the castle’s spikes.

With Shang Tsung’s malevolent force finally vanquished, the captive souls - including Chan’s - were released from their tormented existence. As the freed spirits ascended to the afterlife, Chan’s ethereal form offered Liu Kang a poignant farewell, promising to remain by his side in spirit until their ultimate reunion.

The triumphant warriors returned to Earthrealm, where a jubilant celebration was underway at the Shaolin temple. However, the revelry was abruptly interrupted by an otherworldly apparition - Shao Kahn’s colossal form looming ominously in the skies. As the Emperor declared his apocalyptic intentions to claim every soul on the planet, Raiden stood firm, delivering a resolute declaration that would rally the defenders of Earthrealm: “I don’t think so!” The warriors, now united and unyielding, prepared to face their nemesis and defend their realm against all odds.