Tag Archives: Takeshi Kaneshiro

House of Flying Daggers (2004) Review

"House of Flying Daggers" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Lovers Director: Zhang Yimou Cast: Zhang Ziyi, Andy Lau, Song Dandan, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Song Dandan Running Time: 119 min. By Owlman Let me start off by saying that House of Flying Daggers is a very beautiful film. The cinematography, the colorful costumes, the action scenes – all very well done and hypnotic during the first viewing of the film. However, like Zhang Yimou’s previous wuxia creation, Hero, House of … Continue reading

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Wu Xia | aka Dragon (2011) Review

Dragon (aka Wu Xia) Blu-ray & DVD (Anchor Bay)

AKA: Dragon, Swordsmen Director: Peter Chan Writer: Aubrey Lam Cast: Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Jimmy Wang Yu, Tang Wei, Kara Hui, Yin Zhusheng Running Time: 115 min. By DiP Donnie Yen is back with another film! Ever since his big breakthrough playing wing chun master Yip Man in Ip Man back in 2008, we have experienced a streak of movies that he starred in. These films were as … Continue reading

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Dr. Wai in the Scripture Without Words (1996) Review

"Dr. Wai in the Scripture Without Words" Theatrical Poster

Director: Ching Siu-tung Cast: Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Charlie Young, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Law Kar Ying, Billy Chow Bei Lei, Collin Chou, Johnnie Kong Yeuk Sing Running Time: 91 min.  By Numskull Holy crap, what a waste. Of time, of money, of energy, of potential. This could have been a remarkable action-adventure with a scope the width of which is rarely seen in Hong Kong cinema. Instead, it’s just ninety yawn-inducing … Continue reading

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Hero | aka Ma Wing Jing (1997) Review

Director: Corey Yuen Writer: Jeff Lau, Corey Yuen Producer: Mona Fong Cast: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Yuen Biao, Valerie Chow, Yuen Wah, Yuen Tak, Jessica Hester, Corey Yuen Running Time: 97 min. By JJ Hatfield Mainland China in the 1920‘s was a time of social upheaval, staggering poverty and petty rulers who cared more about whispered promises from high ranking individuals than the citizens who were suffering horribly. It was a period … Continue reading

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Anna Magdalena | aka Kissing You (1998) Review

Director: Yee Chung Man Writer: Ivy Ho Sai Hong Producer: Claudia Chung Chun Cast: Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Leo Ku Kui Kei, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Wei Wei, Pauline Yeung Yung Lin, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Leslie Cheung Kwok, Josie Ho Chiu Yee, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Anita Yuen Wing Yee Running Time: 98 min. By Vic Nguyen The UFO Film Group and Japan’s Amuse Entertainment collaborated to … Continue reading

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Odd One Dies, The (1997) Review

Director: Patrick Yau Writer: Wai Ka-Fai Producer: Johnnie To Kei-Fung, Wai Ka-Fai Cast: Kaneshiro Takeshi, Carman Lee Yeuk Tung, Ken Choi Fung Wah, Lam Suet, Chiu Chi Shing, Kong Foo Keung, Wong Gwan Hong Running Time: 89 min. By Joe909 Like “Too Many Ways To Be No. 1,” The Odd One Dies was written by that mad genius Wai Kai-Fai. However, whereas “Too Many Ways” is known for its breakneck … Continue reading

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Returner | aka The Returner (2002) Review

Director: Takashi Yamazaki Producer: Toru Horibe Cast: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Ann Suzuki, Kirin Kiki, Goro Kishitani, Yukiko Okamoto, Mitsuru Murata Running Time: 117 min. By Equinox21 Say you are a Japanese film-maker, how do you make an extremely cool sci-fi action movie? Here’s the recipe; start with an alien invasion (ala ID4), sprinkle in a healthy dose of Terminator (humanity’s last hope is to send someone back in time to stop … Continue reading

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Fallen Angels (1995) Review

"Fallen Angels" German Theatrical Poster

Director: Wong Kar Wai Cast: Leon Lai Ming, Michelle Reis, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Charlie Young Choi Nei, Karen Mok Man Wai, Chan Man Lei, Chan Fai Hung, Benz Kong To Hoi, Saito Toru Running Time: 96 min. By Alexander “Fallen Angels,” Wong Kar-Wai’s follow-up to “Chungking Express,” is as stark a movie as “Chungking” is bright and airy. Notable, really, only for Takeshi Kaneshiro’s inspired performance as an amicable, mute “thug,” … Continue reading

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Chungking Express (1994) Review

"Chungking Express" French Theatrical Poster

AKA: Chung King Express Director: Wong Kar Wai Writer: Wong Kar Wai Cast: Brigitte Lin, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Faye Wong, Valerie Chow Kar Ling Running Time: 102 min. By Lady Tequila Wong Kar-Wai’s Hong Kong is an offbeat, stylised, slow-motion blur of colours, sounds, tastes and smells which roll off the screen with the vividness of a dream. The ever-present, streaking neon of the city night is … Continue reading

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Sleepless Town | aka Fuyajo (1998) Review

"Sleepless Town" Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Lee Chi Ngai Cast: Kaneshiro Takeshi, Mirai Yamamoto, Lung Sihung, Eric Tsang, Kathy Chow, Seijun Suzuki Running Time: 122 min. By Alexander “Now it all makes sense,” says Kenichi, Takeshi Kaneshiro’s character near the end of the noir-ish thriller “Sleepless Town”. Well, not quite. This meandering, slick and very Wong Kar Wai-like film is so confusing, you’ll instantly ignore the deluge of plot twists amidst a huge cast of … Continue reading

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