Game Trilogy | Blu-ray (Arrow)

RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2023

On June 20, 2023, Arrow Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A) collection for Toru Murakawa’s Game Trilogy, which will include 1978’s The Most Dangerous Game, 1978’s The Killing Game and 1979’s The Execution Game spread across 2 discs.

In 1978’s The Most Dangerous Game, Yusaku Matsuda (Ridley Scott’s Black Rain) stars as an assassin who gets involved in a corporate feud when he’s hired to kill a rival conglomerate. In The Killing Game (made the same year), Matsuda returns, only this time, he gets crossed between two crazy yakuza bosses. For 1979’s The Execution Game, Yusaku Matsuda Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, News |

Fist of the Condor (2023) Review

"Fist of the Condor" Theatrical Poster

“Fist of the Condor” Theatrical Poster

Director: Ernesto Díaz Espinoza
Cast: Marko Zaror, Eyal Meyer, Gina Aguad, Fernanda Urrejola, Man Soo Yoon, Jose Manuel, Cristian Garin, Francisco Castro, Andrés Cid, Joaquin Puig
Running Time: 80 min. 

By Paul Bramhall 

Chile isn’t the country that first springs to mind when you think about martial arts cinema, however since their debut with 2006’s Kiltro, the director and leading man pair of Ernesto Díaz Espinoza and the ‘Latin Dragon’ Marko Zaror have ensured their home country should at least get a mention. Friends from high school, together they cranked out a steady stream of DTV action flicks from the mid-2000’s to mid-2010’s, including 2007’s Mirageman, 2009’s Mandrill, and 2014’s Redeemer. At one point Zaror was even going to star in an English language remake of Mirageman called Defender 3D, which was set to be directed by Andy Cheng, but it unfortunately never got further than a trailer. While it seemed like we’d seen the end of Espinoza and Zaror’s collaborations together, in 2023 they finally reunited for Fist of the Condor, almost 10 years after their last collaboration.

In the intervening years Zaror has taken on a number of supporting turns in big budget Hollywood productions like Alita: Battle Angel and John Wick Chapter 4, as well as taking on villainous roles in DTV action flicks like Savage Dog (which offered up a rematch against Scott Adkins from Undisputed 3: Redemption) and Invincible. Espinoza on the other hand has largely been quiet, only going on to direct the comedy sequel Fuerzas Especiales 2: Cabos Sueltos in 2015, and Continue reading

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Violent Streets | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

Violent Streets | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

Violent Streets | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

RELEASE DATE: May 16, 2023

On May 16, 2023, Film Movement will be releasing the Blu-ray for 1974’s Violent Streets (aka Violent City). Directed by Hideo Gosha (Samurai Wolf 2: Hell Cut), the film stars Noboru Ando (Violent Fraternity), Akira Kobayashi (Tokyo Mighty Guy), Isao Natsuyagi (I Want To), Bunta Sugawara (Cops vs. Thugs) and Tetsuro Tanba (You Only Live Twice).

In Violent Streets, a retired yakuza is caught in the middle of a growing conflict between two rival clans.

Violent Streets is one of the wildest, bloodiest and most visually stunning Yakuza yarns ever made. Violent Streets is a masterpiece, plain and simple. One of Gosha’s best (just maybe his very best) and one of the Continue reading

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Daniel Lee’s dark ‘n bloody wuxia thriller ‘Code of the Assassins’ arrives on Digital, Blu-ray & DVD on March 28

Code of the Assassins | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Code of the Assassins | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Daniel Lee’s dark ‘n bloody wuxia thriller Code of the Assassins has arrived! The film debuts on Hi-YAH! on March 3rd, then goes to digital, Blu-ray & DVD on March 28th from Well Go USA.

This upcoming actioner is directed by Daniel Lee, the Hong Kong director behind films such as Jet Li’s Black Mask, Donnie Yen’s 14 Blades, Leon Lai’s White Vengeance and Jackie Chan’s Dragon Blade.

Code of the Assassins sees the filmmaker re-uniting with his White Vengeance and Dragon Blade star William Feng (Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon).

After completing his training, an elite young assassin embarks on his first mission and is quickly ensnared in an intricate plot laid by Continue reading

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Furies | aka Thanh Soi (2023) Review

"Thanh Soi" Theatrical Poster

“Thanh Soi” Theatrical Poster

Director: Veronica Ngo
Cast: Hoa Thanh, Veronica Ngo, Dong Anh Quynh, Toc Tien, Rima Thanh Vy, Thuan Nguyen
Running Time: 112 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

Multi-talented star Veronica Ngo has maintained an enduring presence since first coming to international audiences attention in The Rebel and Clash during the late 2000’s, both of which served to briefly put Vietnamese action cinema on the map. Naturally Hollywood came calling, however minor supporting roles in the likes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Bright failed to fully utilise her magnetic screen presence. The same could be said for her role in 2016’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, a Hong Kong production which brought her into contact with producer Bey Logan, and the pair would go on to work together in the capacity of star and producer in 2019’s Furie.

No longer relegated to supporting turns, Furie saw Ngo return to Vietnam to headline a contemporary set actioner, and confirmed everyone’s suspicions that she was able to hold her own as an action lead. Very much a localised version of Taken, she plays a single mother whose daughter is kidnapped by traffickers, framed through a gritty tale of hunting down those responsible via a combination of fists and kicks. While it’s unlikely anyone was clamouring for a prequel, 4 years later we’ve got one in the form of 2023’s Furies, which once more sees the pair reunite, only this time Ngo Continue reading

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Hideo Gosha’s samurai classics ‘Samurai Wolf’ and ‘Samurai Wolf 2: Hell Cut’ arrive on Blu-ray from Film Movement in May

Samurai Wolf 1 & 2 | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

Samurai Wolf 1 & 2 | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

On May 16, 2023, Film Movement will be releasing a Blu-ray that will include two films by Hideo Gosha (The Geisha): 1966’s Samurai Wolf and 1967’s Samurai Wolf 2: Hell Cut.

In Samurai Wolf, Isao Natsuyagi stars as Kiba, a charismatic ronin who wanders into a small town and ends up ensnared in a local conflict that’s more than meets the eye. After dispatching a pair of highway criminals seen robbing a courier wagon, Kiba agrees to assist a beautiful blind woman who runs the local shipping compny.

In Samurai Wolf 2: Hell Cut, charismatic ronin Kiba (Natsuyagi) returns, once again entangled in a complex web of intrigue, involving a crooked goldmine owner, a cynical swordsman, and an Continue reading

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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Review

"John Wick: Chapter 4" Theatrical Poster

“John Wick: Chapter 4” Theatrical Poster

Director: Chad Stahelski
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, Ian McShane, George Georgiou, Marko Zaror, Aimée Kwan
Running Time: 169 min.

By Henry McKeand

Midway through John Wick: Chapter 2, the titular boogeyman guns his way down a subway escalator and passes a blink-or-you-miss it poster that reads:

“The Only Way Out Is To Go Through.”

Like so much in the series, this doubles as a piece of meta-commentary. Yes, John Wick the man must fight and kill and bleed if he wants to reach some semblance of peace, but John Wick the series realized early on that it, too, needed to have a tunnel-visioned dedication to ceaseless conflict if it wanted to surpass its sleeper hit original. 

That film’s brilliant “they killed my dog” simplicity made it easy to root for the stoic hitman even as he slaughtered people only tangentially related to his dog’s fate. It’s not news to anyone now that he decisively succeeded in his revenge. Nevertheless, the acclaim and box office success demanded a sequel. The question was this: why would Wick Continue reading

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A Beginner’s Guide to Playing and Making Money at Online Poker

Photo by istockphoto

Are you looking for an exciting way to make money online? If so, online poker may be the perfect option for you. Online poker has become one of the most popular online card games in recent years and is a great way to make some extra cash. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will give you all the information you need to start playing and winning at online poker. We’ll cover everything from setting up your account to tips on how to maximize your earnings. So if you’re ready to get started, let’s dive right in!

Overview of Online Poker

Online poker has become a popular way to play the beloved traditional card game from the comfort of one’s home. Instead of gathering a group of friends around a table, modern-day poker enthusiasts can play competitively against people from all over the world with just the click of a button. 

With options like real-time play and live streaming, as well as a wide range of tournaments for players of all skill levels, playing poker online is fun and rewarding for everyone. As long as you are ready to play responsibly and accept that there is always an element of risk involved, playing poker online is an enjoyable pastime available to anyone with internet access.

Photo by istockphoto

Setting Up Your Account

GGPoker is the world’s largest poker room and can be an excellent starting point for anyone looking to start playing and making money with online poker. Whether you are an experienced veteran or a new player, the app offers endless fun and excitement and the potential to make serious profits. 

To get started, all it takes are a few steps to set up your GGPoker account, starting with validating your email address and choosing a unique username that will be associated with your account. You’ll also need to make and confirm a secure password, choose a security question in case you forget your login information, and click “Create Account.” With this incredible app, you are just steps away from becoming an online poker champion!

Photo by istockphoto

Basic Rules and Strategies for Playing Online Poker

Poker is a card game where players compete to win by creating the best poker hand with the cards they are dealt. For those new to online poker, free online poker games offer an ideal introduction. Beginners can learn the basics of the game and improve their skills without risking any of their own money when they play free online poker. Knowing how hands rank, understanding when it is appropriate to raise, and developing strategies to bluff will give you the skills needed to move on from free sessions and start attempting to make real money at online poker. Practice makes perfect, so get ready to hone your skills at free online poker sites before diving in for real-money games.

Tips on How to Maximize Your Earnings

If you’re just starting out as an online poker player, you might be intimidated by the thought of taking on more advanced players. However, free video poker can provide a great foundation to build your skill set while you learn the nuances of the game. Not only will free video poker help sharpen your abilities, but it also offers you a chance to learn and improve at the game without any risk. Take advantage of free tournaments and promotions that may have smaller winnings than cash games but can still quickly add up. 

You can maximize your earnings and eventually compete in real money poker matches by gradually building up your confidence through free play, combined with smart bet sizing as your skills improve.

Different Types of Online Poker Games to Choose From

If you’re interested in playing online poker, there are many different options to choose from. Most online poker sites offer free poker games with play money, so you can get a feel for the types of games and find out which ones you like best without risking any real money. When you’re ready to take it up a notch, you can try your hand at the various types of real-money poker available, such as Texas Holdem and Omaha. Hi/Lo. 

Whether you prefer free or real-money games, playing online can be an exciting way to have fun and possibly earn some extra cash in your spare time!

Where to Find the Best Deals and Bonuses for Playing Online Poker

If you’re looking to get in on the action when it comes to playing and making money at online poker, then you’ve come to the right spot. Whether you’re just beginning your journey in the world of online poker or are an experienced player, there is a wealth of opportunity available for you to start earning money. 

There are a lot of websites that offer great deals and bonuses that both new and experienced casino players can easily take advantage of to keep getting better. From welcome bonuses to affordable sit-and-goes, these types of sites provide players with a means to succeed at little or no cost to them. Of course, the key is finding the best deals for your particular needs—everything from stakes and games offered to how quickly you need access to your funds plays a part in determining which website will be most beneficial for you.

In conclusion, playing online poker can be a great way to have fun and potentially make some extra money. By taking advantage of free games or tournaments with smaller winnings, you’ll be able to hone your skills before risking real money in the game. Additionally, there are many different websites that offer amazing deals and bonuses for both new players and experienced casino gamers alike. If you take the time to research these sites carefully and find what works best for you, then you might just find yourself one step closer to becoming an online poker champion!

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The Benefits of Video Games for Seniors

It’s a common misconception that video games are just for kids. While it’s true that the majority of gamers are young, there’s no reason why seniors shouldn’t enjoy the benefits of playing too. In fact, gaming can provide seniors with numerous mental and physical benefits. 

Moreover, there is such a huge variety of genres and styles available in the gaming industry today! Everyone can find something that will suit their preferences, be it challenging puzzles or the best online Zodiac casino Canada, which can give you all the fun from the comfort of your home. So how exactly can video games be beneficial for you? Let’s explore this together!

Mental Stimulation & Cognitive Benefits

Video games help to keep your mind sharp as you age. As we get older, our brains start to slow down and forget things more easily. However, studies have shown that playing video games can help to improve cognitive functioning and overall mental acuity. 

This is because video games require players to think quickly, strategize, and solve problems in order to win or complete levels. This helps to keep your brain active and engaged which can lead to improved memory retention and recall abilities.

Social Connections & Community Involvement

Video games aren’t just fun; they also provide an excellent way for seniors to stay connected with peers and loved ones as they age. With online gaming communities, seniors can easily join other gamers from all over the world who share similar interests. This provides an opportunity for seniors to not only engage in stimulating conversations but also form meaningful relationships with those who understand and share their passions.

Physical Benefits  

Certain types of video games also offer physical benefits such as increased hand-eye coordination or reflexes. Certain games help improve motor skills thanks to continuous practice –this is especially true for racing titles or sports simulators. 

Gaming can also be used by physical therapists to help train patients who are recovering from injuries or trying to regain function after a stroke or other medical event. They can easily scale the difficulty level in order to achieve the desired goals without any risk of injury or overexertion due to fatigue.

Conclusion

Playing video games isn’t just fun; it’s beneficial, too! Whether you’re looking for some mental stimulation or physical benefits, gaming has something for everyone, including seniors. 

With its ability to provide enhanced cognitive functioning and social connections while simultaneously offering physical benefits like improved hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and motor skills, gaming is an ideal activity for older adults looking for something new and exciting! So don’t let age be a factor – get out there (or jump on your couch) and game away!

Posted in News |

A Family (2020) Review

"A Family" Theatrical Poster

“A Family” Theatrical Poster

AKA: Yakuza and the Family
Director: Michihito Fujii
Cast: Go Ayano, Hiroshi Tachi, Machiko Ono, Yukiya Kitamura, Hayato Ichihara, Hayato Isomura, Shun Sugata, Suon Kan, Ryutaro Ninomiya, Taro Suruga
Running Time: 135 min.

By Henry McKeand

“Lately, I’m getting the feeling that I came in at the end. The best is over.”

It’s been nearly twenty-five years since Tony Soprano, perhaps America’s last real mafia icon, said these words in the pilot episode of The Sopranos. For at least three decades, crime films (or at least their protagonists) have bemoaned the fact that being a mobster isn’t what it used to be, but that hasn’t done anything to control audiences’ appetite for underworld stories. This puts crime filmmakers in a tough position: they can either look back to the mid-20th-century, when organized crime was at the height of its powers, or try to tell a topical crime story that reckons with the decline of traditional gangster subcultures.

Japan cinema has been dealing with this dilemma for years. Cultural changes and legal crackdowns have led to decreasing numbers of Japanese Yakuza, who have been staples of cinematic gangsterdom since the 70s. Some films, such as Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage trilogy, have tackled this steady fall. Sure, Kitano served up the requisite bloodshed and backstabbing, but his Yakuza characters, with their severed pinkies and feudal mindsets, seemed out of place in the modern Continue reading

Posted in All, Japanese, News, Reviews |

The Brave Archer Collection | Blu-ray (Shout!)

The Brave Archer Collection | Blu-ray (Shout!)

The Brave Archer Collection | Blu-ray (Shout!)

RELEASE DATE: April 18, 2023

On April 18, 2023, Shout! Factory is releasing a 5-disc Blu-ray (Region A) collection for The Brave Archer Collection, which will includes The Brave Archer, The Brave Archer 2, The Brave Archer 3, The Brave Archer and His Mate and Little Dragon Maiden.

Officie details:

Adapted from The Legend Of The Condor Heroes, the wuxia novel by Jin Yong, this phantasmagorical martial arts saga – The Brave Archer Trilogy – stars Alexander Fu Sheng. In addition to the celebrated original trio of beloved films, this set also includes the two unofficial sequels: The Brave Archer and His Mate which also stars Alexander Fu Sheng, and Little Dragon Maiden which stars Leslie Cheung Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Heart of Dragon | Blu-ray (Arrow)

Heart of Dragon | Blu-ray (Arrow)

Heart of Dragon | Blu-ray (Arrow)

RELEASE DATE: April 11, 2023

On April 11, 2023, Arrow Video is releasing a Blu-ray (Region A) for Sammo Hung’s 1985 action-drama, Heart of the Dragon (aka First Mission). In the film, Jackie Chan plays a cop who gives up his dream of being a sailor to take care of his mentally challenged brother, played by Hung.

Note: An alternative slipcase, featuring original artwork, will be available exclusively through Arrow’s official website.

The film also stars Emily Chu (Millionaire’s Express), Lam Ching Ying (Mr. Vampire), Meng Hoi (The Blonde Fury), Peter Chan (Hocus Pocus), Yuen Wah (Eastern Condors), Chin Kar Lok (Project A), Melvin Wong (Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars), James Tien (The Tattooed Dragon).

You can also currently Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

Returned Single-Legged Man | aka The Korean Connection (1974) Review

"Returned Single-Legged Man" Theatrical Poster

“Returned Single-Legged Man” Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Korean Connection
Director: Lee Doo-yong
Cast: Han Yong-cheol, Kwan Yung-moon, Jeong Sonyeo, Lee So-yeong, Kim Mun-ju, Nam Chung-il, Bae Su-chun, Kwon Il-soo, Cho Chun, Elton Chong, Hwang Jang Lee, Nam Chung-il, Lim Hae-lim, Kim Ki-bum
Running Time: 88 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Being a fan of Korea’s martial arts output, which spanned from the 1960’s through to the 1990’s, has never been a particularly rewarding endeavour. Want to check out one of the titles from the 90’s? The only option available is to hunt down a rare domestic VHS release that definitely won’t come with any English subtitles (not to mention sourcing a VHS player!). Curious to see what the 70’s and 80’s had to offer? Chances are you’ll end up watching a horribly re-edited, chopped up, and dubbed into a completely different story atrocity that Godfrey Ho purchased the international distribution rights to, and changed to fit what he believes appealed to western audiences at the time. How about the 60’s? Forget about it, if you didn’t see it in a Korean cinema at the time of its release, chances are you never will. 

One such title from the 70’s that I had the opportunity to check out many years ago was The Korean Connection. Released on DVD in the U.S. by Pathfinder Entertainment in 2003, it was such a dark (literally, not plot wise) incomprehensible mess that I felt sure it mustn’t have been the original version. In many ways, I probably have that DVD to thank for starting my journey to uncover the truth behind much of Korea’s so-called kung-fu flicks available in the west. It turned out its title wasn’t The Korean Connection at all, with its real one being the grammatically challenged Returned Single-Legged Man. A 1974 production, the Pathfinder DVD was missing 10 minutes Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Fist of Legend & Tai Chi Master | Blu-ray | Only $25.49 – Expires soon!

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Ronin Flix’ 2-Disc Jet Li Double Feature that includes two Yuen Woo Ping-choreographed martial arts classics: 1994’s Fist of Legend and 1993’s Tai Chi MasterMasters for both films have been cleaned, and stabilization issues in previous releases have been fixed. The films will be available in a double feature set, as well as standalone releases.

When Chen Zhen (Li) discovers that his martial arts teacher has been murdered, he swears to avenge his death! Fist of Legend is a modern day remake of Bruce Lee’s 1972 film, Fist of Fury. It also stars Chin Siu Ho (The Blonde Fury), Yasuaki Kurata (Eastern Condors) and Billy Chow (Tai Chi II).

Two friends (Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho), ex Shaolin monks, part ways as they brush with the ongoing rebellion against the government. The ambitious one rises up to be a powerful military commander, while his betrayed friend resorts to learn the calm ways of Tai Chi. Also known as Twin Dragons, Yuen Woo Ping’s Tai Chi Master also stars Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

What are the top 5 most popular oriental style slot machines in 2023?

With gambling fast becoming one of the most popular forms of entertainment, it’s no wonder that there are more casinos available online than ever before. And with more online casinos available than ever before, there are more slots. This is great news for established players, who have thousands of slots and casino games to choose from at their favourite sites. For new players, it’s still great news, but it can feel overwhelming to know which slots are the best, and which to avoid.

Some of the most popular online slots are those that have a distinctive feel. Long gone are the days of slots taking on the traditional fruit theme, or maybe bars and zeros. Now, players have hundreds of great themes to choose from in new releases, along with the ability to play them on stakes as low as $0.05, thanks to the surge in $5 minimum deposit casinos now appearing. One of the most popular themes is an oriental one, with the following slots making the top 5 list.

1.     Floating Dragon

From studio Reel Kingdom, Floating Dragon is one of the most popular online slots in general, as well as being arguably the most popular oriental slot. The concept is a simple one – players must trigger a bonus game, in which they need to land female symbols to collect cash values on screen. With Floating Dragon it is possible to win up to 20,000 times their bet.

2.     MonkeyPop

Having the most distinctive art style makes MonkeyPop number 2 on our top 5 list. From studio AvatarUX that have brought us more than a dozen ‘PopWins’ releases, MonkeyPop focuses on Japanese artwork that is equal parts beautiful and memorable. With a host of features on offer, players can win more than 5,000 times their stake on MonkeyPop.

3.     Bruce Lee

The oldest release on our list is Bruce Lee from SG Digital – released more than a decade ago. At first glance, Bruce Lee serves as a great point of reference for how much artwork has improved in slot production over that decade, but there’s no denying that it is distinctively oriental. After all, it’s based upon the legend himself – a Hong Kong martial artist. Players can win over 4,000 times their bet in Bruce Lee. 

4.     Bushido Ways xNudge

Better known as simply ‘Bushido’, this release from Nolimit City has the biggest winning potential out of all the slots on our list. Based around the literal meaning of the word – that is, the code of honour and morals according to the Japanese samurai – Bushido Ways xNudge dives deep into an oriental world, tying the theme into every aspect of this release, in which players can win 30,000 times their stake.

5.     Big Bamboo

If it were slightly more distinctive in its oriental style, Big Bamboo from Push Gaming would make the top spot on this list. However, rather than using characters like the slots above, Big Bamboo chooses to use oriental symbols and animals, like a panda for its highest paying symbol. Big Bamboo has quickly become one of the most popular slots of all time, offering players the potential to win up to 50,000 times their bet.

These are just some of the plethora of oriental slots available online, with Neko Night: Dream Drop, Warrior Ways, Fu Fortunes, and Tiger Kingdom making up some of the other most popular releases. No matter what kind of release you’re looking for, you’ll find one to suit you, with features, maximum wins, Return to Player values, and pay mechanics that you consider to be worth your time and money.

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