Author Archives: JJ Hatfield

About JJ Hatfield

i like movies

36th Chamber of Shaolin | aka Master Killer (1978) Review

"36th Chamber of Shaolin" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lau Kar-Leung Writer: Ni Kuang Cast: Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, Lau Kar Wing, Wilson Tong, Wong Yu, Lee Hoi San, Henry Yu, Hon Gwok Choi, Wai Wang, Austin Wai, Aai Dung Gwa, Billy Chan, Peter Chan, Chan Shen, Chan Si Gaai, Cheung Chok Chow Running Time: 115 min. By JJ Hatfield This film is far more than just another Shaolin monk tale. Several things combined to propel this movie … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , |

Name of the Rose, The (1986) Review

"The Name of the Rose" American Theatrical Poster

AKA: Der Name der Rose Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud Cast: Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Michael Lonsdale, Ron Perlman, F. Murray Abraham Running Time: 126 min. By JJ Hatfield In 1327 The Franciscan Order representatives are gathering with Pope John to determine if the Church should take vows of poverty or profit. This is a most important meeting hosted by the Franciscan Benedictine Abbey in the north of Italy. The Franciscan Monks … Continue reading

Posted in Italian, Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Ong-Bak 3: The Final Battle (2010) Review

"Ong-Bak 3" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Tony Jaa Co-director: Panna Rittikrai Cast: Tony Jaa, Primrata Det-Udom, Dan Chupong, Sarunyu Wongkrajang, Nirutti Sirijanya, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Chumphorn Thepphithak, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Sorapong Chatree, Santisuk Promsiri Running Time: 95 min. By JJ Hatfield Before viewing “Ong Bak” 3 it is essential to have watched “Ong Bak” 2, or as some people refer to it as the first half of the film. It was written and planned as being one … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews, Thai | Tagged , , |

Ong-Bak 2: The Beginning (2008) Review

Director: Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai Cast: Tony Jaa, Nirut Sirichanya, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyoo Wongkrachang, Santisuk Promsiri, Primorata Dejudom, Natdanai Kongthong, Prarinya Karmkeaw, Patthama Panthong, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Dan Chupong, Tim Man Running Time: 92 min. By JJ Hatfield Five hundred ninety years ago in a place known as Siam struggle for power was tearing the country apart. Violence of immense proportions seized the land, from both royalty and bandits. The citizens … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews, Thai | Tagged , , , , , |

Born to Fight (2004) Review

"Born to Fight" German Theatrical Poster

Director: Prachya Pinkaew Cast: Dan Chupong, Noppol Gomarachun, Suntisuk Phromsiri, Piyapong Pue-On, Somluck Kamsing, Amornthep Waewsaeng, Suebsak Phunsueb, Nantaway Wongwanichsilp, Kessarin Ektawatkul, Rattanaporn Khemtong Running Time: 91 min. By JJ Hatfield This movie was made right after the original Ong Bak. It is essentially the same team minus Tony Jaa replaced with Dan Chupong. The writer and director is Prachya Pinkaew, this being only his second time directing with Ong … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews, Thai | Tagged , , , |

Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978) Review

"Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chan Chi Hwa Producer: Lo Wei Cast: Jackie Chan, Nora Miao Ke Hsiu, Kam Kong, Gam Ching Lan, Lau Nga Ying, Miu Tin, Lee Man Tai, Miu Tak San, Tung Lam, Wong Gwan, Chiu Chun Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield Although Chan Chi Hwa directed the movie, this is another film Lo Wei credits himself for; however it was all Jacky (as spelled in the Simitar DVD) … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , |

14 Amazons, The | aka The Fourteen Amazons (1972) Review

Director: Cheng Kang Co-director: Charles Tung Cast: Lily Ho Li Li, Ivy Ling Po, Li Ching, Yueh Hua, Lisa Lu Yan, Tina Chin Fei, Karen Yip Ling Chi, Wong Ping, Ha Ping, Lam Jing, Chan Shen, Chen Yan Yan Running Time: 117 min. By JJ Hatfield This is a wonderful old school film from the Shaw Brothers. Truly an epic, the plot and characters are a small part of the … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Dragon Fist (1978) Review

"Dragon Fist" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lo Wei Producer: Hsu Li Hwa Cast: Jackie Chan, Nora Miao, James Tien, Pearl Lin Yin Zhu, Yen Shi Kwan, Ko Keung, Hsu Hsia, Ou-Yang Sha Fei, Chui Yuen, Wong Kwong Yue, Chui Fat, Eagle Han Ying, Wang Yao, Wong Ching, Lam Ching Ying Running Time: 92 min By JJ Hatfield This is one of Jackie Chan’s early films. It is also one of a handful or so produced … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Saga of the Phoenix (1990) Review

Director: Lau Shut Yue, Nam Nai Choi Cast: Yuen Biao, Gloria Yip Wan Yi, Rachel Lee Lai Chun, Shintaro Katsu, Jacqueline Ng Suet Man, Lau Sek Yin, Pauline Wong Siu Fung Running Time: 93 min. By JJ Hatfield Saga of the Phoenix is a sequel to Peacock King. Ashura, Hell’s virgin really wants to visit outside Hell. She wants to feel the sunshine and smell the flowers. Peacock and his … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , |

Hero of Swallow, The (1996) Review

Director: Siu Sang Writer: Siu Sang Studio Producer: Cheung Chung Ping, Hu Chin, Allen Lan Hai Han Cast: Yuen Biao, Athena Chu Yan, Eddie Ko Hung, Lily Chung Suk Wai, Ma Chung Tak, Elvis Tsui Kam Kong, Yvonne Yung Hung, Allen Lan Hai Han Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield “The Hero Of Swallow” is set in pre – WWII China. There is a tremendous amount of misery caused … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , |

Picture of a Nymph (1988) Review

AKA: Painting of a Nymph Director: Wu Ma Writer: Wu Ma, Chan Kam Cheong Producer: Sammo Hung Kam Bo Cast: Yuen Biao, Joey Wong, Wu Ma, Lawrence Ng Kai Wah, Elizabeth Lee Mei Fung, May Lo Mei Mei, Fanny Sit Chi Lun, Yuen Wah, David Lam Wai Running Time: 95 min. By JJ Hatfield Tsui Hark has done a simply wonderful film with “A Chinese Gho…” Wait. My apologies but … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Frozen Flower, A (2008) Review

"A Frozen Flower" Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Yu Ha Cast: Jo In-seong, Joo Jin-Mo, Song Ji-hyo, Shim Ji-Ho, Im Ju-Hwan, Yeo Wook-Hwan, Song Joong-Gi, No Min-Woo, Do Ye-Seong, Jang Ji-Won, Lee Jong-Gu Running Time: 133 min. By JJ Hatfield A Frozen Flower is a fictional drama set sometime near the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, 918 – 1392. The region is under control of the King (Jin-mo Ju) however it is always being watched by China. … Continue reading

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , , |

Avenging Fist, The | aka Legend of Tekken (2001) Review

Director: Andrew Lau, Corey Yuen Writer: Thirteen Chan Sap Sam Producer: Andrew Lau, Wong Jing Cast: Stephen Fung, Wang Lee Hom, Sammo Hung, Chin Kar Lok, Roy Cheung, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Kristy Yeung, Yuen Biao, Cecilia Yip, Benjamin Yuen, Brian Banowetz, Sammul Chan, Brian Ireland, Jackson Ng, Ron Smoorenburg, Yu Ka Ho, Ekin Cheng Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield This movie had a number of reasons why … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Most Wanted, The (1994) Review

Director: Wong Kam Sai Producer: Clarence Yip Cast: Lau Ching Wan, Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Eileen Tung Ai Ling, Kent Cheng Jak Si, Robin Shou Wan Bo, Gam Hing Yin, Lee Gwok Lun, Marx Cheung Lui, Lee Siu Kei, Leung Hak Shun Running Time: 90 min. By JJ Hatfield Many law enforcement agencies across the globe have used officers to infiltrate crime organizations. It isn’t a new idea however the … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , |

Peacock King, The | aka Legend of the Phoenix (1989) Review

Director: Nam Nai Choi Producer: Chua Lam Cast: Yuen Biao, Gloria Yip Wan Yi, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Gordon Liu Chia Hui, Eddie Ko Hung, Philip Kwok Chung Fung, Ken Boyle, Siu Tak Foo, Yuen Bun, Kara Hui Ying Hung Running Time: 83 min. By JJ Hatfield All is dark except for an area forming a rough circle around an ongoing archaeological dig. Without warning a … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Japanese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , |