Pushing Hands | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

Pushing Hands | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

Pushing Hands | Blu-ray (Film Movement)

RELEASE DATE: May 10, 2022

Later this year, Pushing Hands (1991), the debut film of director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), will be available on Blu-ray in a New 2K restoration.

Read the official details:

Having just moved from Beijing, elderly tai chi master Mr. Chu (Sihung Lung, Eight Hundred Heroes) struggles to adjust to life in New York, living with his Americanized son Alex (Ye-tong Wang). Chu immediately butts heads with his put-upon white daughter-in-law, Martha (Deb Snyder), a writer who seems to blame him for her own paralyzing inability to focus. But when Chu begins teaching tai chi at a local school, his desire to make a meaningful connection comes to fruition in the most unexpected of ways.

Stay tuned for pre-order information for Pushing Hands. Until then, check out its Trailer Continue reading

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

Gang | Bu-ray (Media Blasters)

Gang | Bu-ray (Media Blasters)

Gang | Bu-ray (Media Blasters)

RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2022

On February 15, 2022, Media Blasters is releasing the 2019 South Korean crime thriller Gang to Blu-ray. The film is directed by Jo Ba-reun (Slate) and stars Cha Ji Hyuk (One Step), Jo Sun Ki (Crime Solving Special Squad), Baek Jae Min (God of Fight: Sirasoni), Kim Dae Han (The Divine Fury), Lee Jae Han (71: Into the Fire) and Maeng Jae Ryul (The Prison).

Official details:

After getting into serious trouble, Choi Ji-hoon is transferred to Daehoon High, renowned as the worst school in Korea. Ji-hoon’s goal is simple: he wants to become the top dog of the new school’s gang. Attending his first class, Choi gets into everyone’s face and tries to pick a fight but there are no takers. When Continue reading

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

Deal on Fire! Jackie Chan’s Police Story 1-2 | Blu-ray | Only $17.99 – Expires soon!

Jackie Chan's Police Story 1-2 | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Jackie Chan’s Police Story 1-2 | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for Jackie Chan’s Police Story (1985) and Police Story 2 (1988), both with a Brand New 4k Restoration, as well as a endless amount of extra features.

The director/star/one-man stunt machine plays Ka-Kui, a Hong Kong police inspector who goes rogue to bring down a drug kingpin and protect the case’s star witness (Chinese cinema legend Brigitte Lin) from retribution. Police Story set a new standard for rock-’em-sock-’em mayhem that would influence a generation of filmmakers from Hong Kong to Hollywood.

Jackie Chan followed up the massive success of Police Story with an even bigger box-office hit. Having been demoted to a lowly traffic cop for his, ahem, unorthodox policing methods, Chan’s go-it-alone officer Ka-Kui quits the force in protest. But it isn’t long before he’s back Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

New Poster for the Vincent Zhao and David Belle period martial arts actioner ‘Invisible Tattoo’

"Invisible Tattoo" Theatrical Poster

“Invisible Tattoo” Theatrical Poster

Martial arts star Vincent Zhao (The Blade, The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom) and parkour founder David Belle (District B13, Brick Mansions) team up for the 1935-based action film titled Invisible Tattoo.

The long-awaited film, which started production back in 2018, is directed by Lu Yitong (Lost in Wusong) and also stars Mincheng Li (A Better Tomorrow 2018), Kenji Sawada (The Happiness of the Katakuris), Sang Ping (Railroad Tigers), Brazilian model Julia Gama (Delírius Insurgentes) and Raquel Xu (Heroes Return).

The film revolves involves a tattoo artist who lives in a southwestern salt industry town.

Invisible Tattoo opens domestically on January 14, 2022 (so here’s hoping for a U.S. release from Continue reading

Posted in News |

Hand Rolled Cigarette (2021) Review

"Hand Rolled Cigarette" Theatrical Poster

“Hand Rolled Cigarette” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kelvin Chan
Cast: Gordon Lam, Bipin Karma, Michael Ning, Singh Hartihan Bitto, Ben Yuen, Chin Siu-Ho, To Yin-Gor, Tony Ho Wah-Chiu, Tommy Chu Pak-Houg, Tai Bo
Running Time: 110 min.

By Paul Bramhall

From an audience perspective, the Hong Kong crime genre has been extinct since at least the mid-2010’s, with the last production to truly deliver a slice of uncompromising (re: disregarding Mainland censorship requirements) HK cinema being 2015’s Port of Call. The classic crime flicks that populated the golden era like City on Fire, and even in more recent times like Beast Stalker, have long been considered a thing of the past, so whenever a new Hong Kong crime thriller pops up it always feels like the equivalent of stumbling across a dodo. It’s interesting then that in 2021 we got not one but two of them, both starring Gordon Lam (Nessun Dorma, The Brink). Auteur Cheang Pou-Soi returned to the dark and gritty with Limbo, and actor Kelvin Chan made his directorial debut with Hand Rolled Cigarette.

Chan’s name may not be immediately familiar, however as an actor he’s featured in supporting roles in just about every Hong Kong movie that’s been worth watching over the last few years, including the previously mentioned Port of Call, and personal favorties The Midnight After and Robbery. His decision to move behind the camera proves to be a welcome one, as Hand Rolled Cigarette reveals itself to be a masterfully restrained and intimate look at the lives of two Continue reading

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

Of all the Horror Plots – Fishing?

Horror, unlike just about every other genre, has a unique relationship with the sillier things in life. Given how macabre the subject matter often is, that might be considered a bit ironic. The American movie industry is notorious for embracing this almost contradictory approach to movie-making, with franchises like Sharknado somehow getting away with six installments before calling it quits.

Night Fishing

In Asian Cinema, there isn’t as much emphasis on leveraging the meme power of stupid plots. Sharknado got by purely on its viral potential, which, inevitably, had worn off by the sixth film. In fact, based on the numbers, audience numbers were in freefall after the second movie. There’s still apparently much to be said for fish and fishing as a plot device, as 2011’s Paranmanjang (Night Fishing) demonstrates. 

Telling the tale of a fisherman who catches a dead body instead of that evening’s dinner, this South Korean creation is about as low budget as it’s possible to get. The entire spectacle was filmed on an iPhone 4. That might have made it look pretty good back at the turn of the decade but, today, it gives it an eerie, otherworldly feel. Put another way, the degradation takes nothing away from the imagery. 

Night Fishing earned praise and a Golden Bear award at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival, appearing in the Best Short Film category. At just 33 minutes long, it’s more of a taster than a true feature. Oddly enough, it has its origins in quite a commercial venture. Night Fishing was created to promote the device it was recorded on by telecoms company KT. 

Unconventional

Night Fishing’s choice of setting might seem a little unconventional, but movies simply don’t take advantage of this pastime as much as other parts of media do. Fishing is ubiquitous in video gaming, for example. Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Final Fantasy XIV and XV all include fishing as a relaxing counterpart to the hustle of the main game. 

This idea is replicated in online casino gaming, where the Buzz Bingo slot Fishin’ Frenzy offers something different from the many games about cowboys and leprechauns. Accompanying it are fellow piscine playthings, Lucky’s Fish & Chips and Fishin’ Reels. Having said all that, though, South Korea’s 2006 movie The Host does frighten fans with a rampaging sea monster. 

Night Fishing is currently available to watch in its entirety on YouTube, where commenters have praised its poignancy and depiction of traditional shamanism. Unfortunately, other reviewers weren’t as keen on this Chan-kyong Park production. Overall, visitors to IMDb gave it a score of 6.5 out of ten. Night Fishing was Park’s second short after his 2000 debut Sets.

As a final point, ten years ago, Night Fishing represented something of a brief shift in movie-making trends. The idea of making films with mobile phones was an exciting one, though it never quite caught on. Still, the movie Age of Milk (Kim Dae-woo) stands as evidence of this brief craze, too.

 

Posted in News |

A Netflix remake of ‘The Raid’ with ‘Expendables 3’ director to helm, and Michael Bay and Gareth Evans to produce

"The Raid" Theatrical Poster

“The Raid” Theatrical Poster

Back in 2014, an English-language remake of The Raid was announced, but during stages of development the film became stuck in an on again/off again, development hell status. Along the way, director Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Expendables 3) dropped out for reasons unknown. And Frank Grillo (Beyond Skyline, Wolf Warrior 2, Boss Level), who was heavily associated with the project from day one, kept the topic afloat during interviews (i.e.”it’s still happening”).

Then it was announced that Grillo and filmmaker Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) were re-launching the remake from a newly revised script by Carnahan and co-wrtier Adam G. Simon (Man Down).

Cut to Today, January 10, 2022 – It appears that Joe Carnahan (and Frank Grillo) may be off Continue reading

Posted in News |

Top 5 Hemp Seed Oil Uses You Should Know About

Studies show that hemp seed oil continues to increase in market demand.

It comes as no surprise as hemp seed oil provides many health benefits. Some of these are lowering cholesterol levels, treating eczema, and alleviating menstrual cramps. Hemp seed oil offers a wide range of medical uses.

If you’ve been curious about hemp or looking for alternative medicine for your ailment, this could be the guide you need. Here are some common hemp seed oil uses and benefits!

1. Improve Cognitive Function

Hemp oil contains a balanced amount of omega-3 and omega-6. A high concentration of polyunsaturated fats can improve cognitive function. It allows proper blood circulation that leads to better brain performance.

Healthy fats boost memory, reduce the risk of dementia, and decrease depression symptoms.

The polyphenols found in hemp seed oil protects neurons from injuries. It allows your brain to repress neuroinflammation from occurring. Take three tablespoons of hemp oil each day to get the correct number of fatty acids needed in a healthy diet.

2. Promote Cardiovascular Health

Consuming hemp oil can also boost cardiovascular health. The hemp seed oil offers alpha-linolenic that lowers the risk of heart diseases.

The essential fatty acids found in hemp seed contain beta-sitosterol. As a result, it reduces the cholesterol in your blood. Lowering cholesterol levels prevents hypertension and stroke.

Gamma-linoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory component found in hemp seed oil. Regular intake of hemp oil lowers your chances of catching heart inflammation diseases. It includes pericarditis, endocarditis, and myocarditis.

3. Boost Immune System

The essential fatty acids can boost the immune system as well. It synthesizes the endocannabinoids system to stabilize the internal environment of the body.

Hemp seeds contain an essential protein called globulin. It produces antibodies that allow the body to fight infections, strengthening your immunity.

4. Relieve Pain

Relieving pain is one of the hemp seed oil uses you can enjoy. The gamma-linoleic acid present in hemp oil offers anti-inflammatory properties. Applying the oil to the affected area can ease pain and inflammation.

You can use hemp seed oil to relieve organ inflammation, joint pain, and headaches.

Apply the hemp oil right on the inflamed or painful area. You can use the product alongside another pain reliever for faster results. With this, equip your medicinal kit with hemp seed oil for your convenience.

5. Improve Skin Condition

Hemp seed oil provides many benefits to the skin. It can regulate oil production, moisturize skin, and treat skin conditions. You can either drink or apply hemp oil to the skin to see results.

Most skin types can use hemp oil to moisturize the skin without blocking pores. It contains anti-aging properties as well that reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Hemp seed oil evens out the oil your body produces and hydrates other areas.

The gamma-linoleic acid in the oil ease inflammation on the skin, such as acne and psoriasis. Consuming hemp seed oil can reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis as well. Read the article to learn more!

Hemp Seed Oil Uses You Shouldn’t Overlook

Now you know some of the most beneficial hemp seed oil uses. From enhancing digestive health and aiding weight loss, the right amount of hemp oil can be good for you.

To learn more about the different applications of hemp, check out our other blog posts!

Posted in News |

Zhang Hanyu goes ‘Death Wish’ with the the revenge thriller ‘Unspoken’ from director Chen Daming

"Unspoken" Teaser Poster

“Unspoken” Teaser Poster

Director Chen Daming (One Foot Off the Ground) is taking a page out of revenge thrillers like Charles Bronson’s Death Wish, Tetsuya Nakashima’s The World of Kanako and Jackie Chan’s The Foreigner with Unspoken.

The upcoming film – about a Chinese father who travels to the U.S. to avenge his murdered daughter – stars Zhang Hanyu (Manhunt, Operation Red Sea, Wine War), Jake Abel (Love & Mercy) and Michael Cudlitz (Running Scared).

It’ll be interesting to see if Zhang Hanyu will have “a very particular set of skills” that can make this one heck of an action flick, or of it will be more of a gritty, realistic thriller like Clint Eastwood’s Mytic River.

We look forward to a Trailer Continue reading

Posted in News |

Detention | Blu-ray (Dekanalog)

Detention | Blu-ray (Dekanalog)

Detention | Blu-ray (Dekanalog)

RELEASE DATE: January 25, 2022

On January 25, 2022, Dekanalog is releasing the Blu-ray for the 2019 Taiwanese psychological horror film, Detention.

The film marks the full length feature debut of John Hsu and stars Gingle Wang (Possession), Fu Meng-po, Tseng Ching-hua, Cecilia Choi (Beyond the Dream) and Hung Chang Chu.

Read the official details below:

Set during the Taiwanese martial law of the 1960s, this shockingly gruesome and terrifying coming-of-age drama, based on a hugely popular video game, sees two classmates who go looking for their missing friends and teachers, all of whom Continue reading

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

Deal on Fire! The Swordsman | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

The Swordsman | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Swordsman | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Choi Jae-Hoon’s period actioner, The Swordsman (read our review).

The film features an all-star cast that includes South Korean stars Jang Hyuk (The Flu, Windstuck) and Jung Man-sik (The Battleship Island, Rampant), and Indonesian action star Joe Taslim (The Night Comes for Us, The Raid).

After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon’s greatest swordsman (Jang Hyuk) goes into hiding, far removed from his city’s anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more. Also starring Kim Hyeon-soo Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Director’s cut “series” of Longman Leung’s biopic ‘Anita’ to take center stage on Disney+ later this year

"Anita" Theatrical Poster

“Anita” Theatrical Poster

A director’s director’s cut of Anita, based on the life of the late Anita Mui Yim-fong (Drunken Master II, Rumble in the Bronx), will be making its way to Disney+ as part of its 2022 APAC (Asia-Pacific) slate.

The director’s cut is going to be released in five 45-minute installments on Disney+. This new directors cut will have an extra hour of content that was cut from original film (via WODP).

Directed by Longman Leung (Helios, Cold War II), the film stars model Louise Wong, making her acting debut, as the hugely popular Hong Kong singer and actress who died in 2003 aged just 40. Terrance Lau co-stars alongside Wong (via SD).

The film also stars Ayumu Nakajima (Ito), Louis Koo (Paradox), Tony Yang (The Adventurers), Gordon Continue reading

Posted in News |

Top 5 Hemp Seed Oil Uses You Should Know About

Studies show that hemp seed oil continues to increase in market demand.

It comes as no surprise as hemp seed oil provides many health benefits. Some of these are lowering cholesterol levels, treating eczema, and alleviating menstrual cramps. Hemp seed oil offers a wide range of medical uses.

If you’ve been curious about hemp or looking for alternative medicine for your ailment, this could be the guide you need. Here are some common hemp seed oil uses and benefits!

1. Improve Cognitive Function

Hemp oil contains a balanced amount of omega-3 and omega-6. A high concentration of polyunsaturated fats can improve cognitive function. It allows proper blood circulation that leads to better brain performance.

Healthy fats boost memory, reduce the risk of dementia, and decrease depression symptoms.

The polyphenols found in hemp seed oil protects neurons from injuries. It allows your brain to repress neuroinflammation from occurring. Take three tablespoons of hemp oil each day to get the correct number of fatty acids needed in a healthy diet.

2. Promote Cardiovascular Health

Consuming hemp oil can also boost cardiovascular health. The hemp seed oil offers alpha-linolenic that lowers the risk of heart diseases.

The essential fatty acids found in hemp seed contain beta-sitosterol. As a result, it reduces the cholesterol in your blood. Lowering cholesterol levels prevents hypertension and stroke.

Gamma-linoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory component found in hemp seed oil. Regular intake of hemp oil lowers your chances of catching heart inflammation diseases. It includes pericarditis, endocarditis, and myocarditis.

3. Boost Immune System

The essential fatty acids can boost the immune system as well. It synthesizes the endocannabinoids system to stabilize the internal environment of the body.

Hemp seeds contain an essential protein called globulin. It produces antibodies that allow the body to fight infections, strengthening your immunity.

4. Relieve Pain

Relieving pain is one of the hemp seed oil uses you can enjoy. The gamma-linoleic acid present in hemp oil offers anti-inflammatory properties. Applying the oil to the affected area can ease pain and inflammation.

You can use hemp seed oil to relieve organ inflammation, joint pain, and headaches.

Apply the hemp oil right on the inflamed or painful area. You can use the product alongside another pain reliever for faster results. With this, equip your medicinal kit with hemp seed oil for your convenience.

5. Improve Skin Condition

Hemp seed oil provides many benefits to the skin. It can regulate oil production, moisturize skin, and treat skin conditions. You can either drink or apply hemp oil to the skin to see results.

Most skin types can use hemp oil to moisturize the skin without blocking pores. It contains anti-aging properties as well that reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Hemp seed oil evens out the oil your body produces and hydrates other areas.

The gamma-linoleic acid in the oil ease inflammation on the skin, such as acne and psoriasis. Consuming hemp seed oil can reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis as well. Read the article to learn more!

Hemp Seed Oil Uses You Shouldn’t Overlook

Now you know some of the most beneficial hemp seed oil uses. From enhancing digestive health and aiding weight loss, the right amount of hemp oil can be good for you.

To learn more about the different applications of hemp, check out our other blog posts!

Posted in News |

New York Ninja (1984) Review

New York Ninja | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

New York Ninja | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Director: John Liu
Re-director: Kurtis Spieler
Cast: John Liu and voice acting of Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Linnea Quigley, Michael Berryman, Vince Murdocco, Matt Mitler, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Ginger Lynn Allen, Cynthia Rothrock
Running Time: 93 min.

By Paul Bramhall

John Liu’s directorial career spanned 3 productions in total – 1979’s Zen Kwun Do Strikes in Paris, 1981’s Ninja In the Claws of the CIA, and 1982’s Dragon Blood – each looking to extol the virtues of Liu’s image as a sex symbol and the founder of the mysterious martial art Zen Kwun Do. As it turned out though, at the time the world just wasn’t ready to handle Liu’s ego fuelled cinematic odysseys, and they were all box office bombs, leading to Liu disappearing into the ether. That is, until 2021. At some point US based cult film distributor Vinegar Syndrome had purchased the assets from the long gone 21st Century Distribution, of which their reels sat in VS’s film archives. In 2019 newcomer Kurtis M. Spieler had his curiosity piqued by a specific bunch of reels that were sat in a cardboard box labelled New York Ninja, an apparent ninja flick that was believed to never be finished, and destined for the trashcan (even Troma had passed on it).

The rest as they say, is history – Spieler decided to check out what was on them, and discovered literally hours of footage featuring John Liu running around New York in a white ninja costume. We can only speculate, but perhaps fuelled by the success of Sho Kosugi’s Enter the Ninja and Revenge of the Ninja, the now 40-year-old Liu decided to give filmmaking one last shot – and it was go big or go home. Looking to break the American market, he headed to New York and filmed guerrilla style on the streets of Brooklyn, backed by 21st Century Distribution, who thought any movie featuring a ninja was likely to be a hit. However staff changes and money troubles seemingly led to filming Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , |

Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Diane Kruger and Lupita Nyong’o team up in an acton-packed featurette for the all-female thriller ‘The 355’

‘The 355’ Theatrical Poster

‘The 355’ Theatrical Poster

From Simon Kinberg, the director of X-Men: Dark Phoenix, comes The 355, a female-led actioner starring Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther), Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds), Penélope Cruz (Vanilla Sky) and Bingbing Fan (The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom).

It should be noted that Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises) dropped out of the project for “personal reasons” (she can be seen in one of the film’s earlier press photos).

When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, a wild card CIA agent joins forces with three international agents on a lethal mission to retrieve it, while staying a step ahead of a mysterious woman who’s tracking their every move.

The film also stars Sebastian Continue reading

Posted in News |