Big Deal (2025) Review

"Big Deal" Theatrical Poster

“Big Deal” Theatrical Poster

Director: Choi Yoon-jin
Cast: Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Je-hoon, Byron Mann, Son Hyeon-ju, Choi Young-Joon, Kim Ki-Hae
Running Time: 104 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Watch any Korean movie from the last 30 years, and it won’t be too long before the ubiquitous green soju bottle (usually several of them) makes an appearance, the alcoholic beverage that’s remained the number one best selling hangover inducer in the world for almost as long. While soju has always played an integral part in Korean cinema – from the tipsy conversations of practically every Hong Sang-soo movie ever made, to the comedic mishaps in the likes of Daytime DrinkingBig Deal is certainly the first production that can label itself as a soju themed financial drama.

Spanning 6 years from 1997 to 2003, the plot takes its inspiration from the real-life story of Jinro Soju, which was acquired by Hite with a little help from Goldman Sachs in the late 90’s (check the back of any soju bottle in your local Korean restaurant or Asian supermarket, and chances are you’ll find it was made by Hite Jinro). For obvious reasons, in Big Deal the name Continue reading

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Muay Thai vs zombies! Here’s a look at Kulp Kaljareuk’s horror actioner ‘Ziam’ arriving on Netflix later this year

Tae Kwon Dead! In the tradition of 1981’s Kung Fu Zombie, 2014’s Zombie Fight Club and 2022’s Day Zero, comes Ziam, a 2025 Thai-produced action thriller from director Kulp Kaljareuk (The Up Rank). It stars Mark Prin Suparat (My Husband in Law), Nychaa Nuttanicha (Ghost Lab) and Vayla Wanvayla.

In a fight for survival against a horrifying army Continue reading

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Do we have our M. Bison? Walton Goggins in-talks to join Andrew Koji and Jason Momoa in ‘Street Fighter’

"Street Fighter" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Street Fighter” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Kitao Sakura – an up and coming filmmaker who is perhaps best known for 2021’s Bad Trip, as well as a handful of episodes of 2023’s Twisted Metal series  – is directing Legendary Pictures’ live-action Street Fighter, which will be based on the classic Capcom video game of the same name.

Stars attached to Street Fighter include Andrew Koji (Snake Eyes) as Ryu; Noah Centineo (The Recruit) as Ken; Roman Reigns aka Joe Anoa’i (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) as Akuma; Jason Momoa (Aquaman) as Blanka; and musician Orville Peck as an undisclosed character.

And just recently, media outlets have reported that Walton Goggins (The White Lotus, Fallout) is in-talks to play M. Bison.

The history of live-action Street Fighter films started in 1994 with the Steven Continue reading

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Exit the Dragon, Enter the Gold Rush! Ang Lee’s ‘Bruce Lee’ biopic put on hold due to budget disputes

Acclaimed director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) is putting his Bruce Lee biopic aside. The filmmaker admits he’s been struggling with budgeting and is still seeking approval from Sony Pictures to move forward with the film he’s been developing for years (via Deadline).

For now, Lee has hopped onboard Old Gold Mountain, a film set at the twilight of the American “Gold Rush,” tackling the journey of two Continue reading

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George Lucas definitely approves! BFI’s 4K Ultra HD for Akira Kurosawa’s ‘The Hidden Fortress’ arriving in August

On August 11, 2025, BFI is releasing the 4K Ultra HD for The Hidden Fortress, a 1958 classic actioner from director Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai) that stars Toshiro Mifune (Stray Dog).

Presented in a New 4K Restoration, The Hidden Fortress is the story of rival clans, hidden gold and a princess in distress. It was Kurosawa’s first film shot Continue reading

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‘Come’ check out the details for 88 Films’ 4K Ultra HD for ‘Come Drink with Me’ arriving in August

Come Drink With Me | 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)

Come Drink With Me | 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)

On August 25, 2025, 88 Films is releasing a 4K Ultra HD for Come Drink with Me, a 1966 Shaw Brothers actioner from director King Hu (A Touch of Zen).

Bandits kidnap a governor’s son and demand their imprisoned leader to be set free in exchange. The governor’s daughter, Golden Swallow (Cheng Pei Pei, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), a skilled martial artist, is sent to rescue him, but eventually finds herself overmatched and in need of assistance.

Directed by the legendary King Hu for the mighty Shaw Brothers studio, Come Drink with Me shook up martial arts movies and influenced everyone from Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan and beyond. No wonder 88 Films are so proud to present this Continue reading

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Isn’t it adorable? Blu-ray for the 1983 Lo Wei-produced Hong Kong horror film ‘Devil Fetus’ arriving in August

On August 25, 2025, 88 Films will release a Blu-ray (Region B) for Devil Fetus, a 1983 Hong Kong horror film from director Lau Hung-Chuen (Those Were the Days) and producer Lo Wei (The Big Boss).

In the film, a woman becomes possessed and dies after a monster is released from an antique vase she had purchased. Twelve years later the monster Continue reading

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24-karate magic in the air! Martial arts actioner ‘Nine-Ring Golden Dagger’ hits Digital on July 1st from Well Go USA

"Nine-Ring Golden Dagger" Theatrical Poster

“Nine-Ring Golden Dagger” Theatrical Poster

Arriving on Digital on July 1, 2025 is Feng Xiaojun’s Nine-Ring Golden Dagger. Also known as Blocking The Horse, this 2024 actioner stars Song Tianshuo (Cliff Walker), Zhang Xintong (2022’s A Man Called Hero), Wu Yue (Ip Man 4: The Finale) and Yu Kang (Ip Man 3).

During the Northern Expedition of Yongxi in the early Song Dynasty, General Yang Ye heroically sacrificed himself, and his posthumous reward, the NINE-RING GOLDEN DAGGER, fell into Liao territory. A decade later, his daughters, Yang Baba and Yang Jiumei, set out to reclaim it, facing relentless dangers. On their return, they ally with Jiao Guangpu, a former soldier of Yang Ye. Together, they outwit and overcome three enemy attacks, ensuring the dagger’s safe return to Song lands.

Watch Well Go USA’s Trailer Continue reading

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Rebels without a pause! Kazuya Shiraishi’s ’11 Rebels’ on 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray on June 10th from Well Go USA

“11 Rebels” Theatrical Poster

“11 Rebels” Theatrical Poster

On June 10, 2025, Well Go USA will be releasing the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD for 11 Rebels, starring Takayuki Yamada (Gintama) and Taiga Nakano (Under the Open Sky).

Director Kazuya Shiraishi, who is perhaps best known for 2018’s The Blood of Wolves and 2019’s Sea of Revival, is back with a vengeance in Toei’s 11 Rebels.

Amidst the Boshin War’s brutal conflicts, a motley samurai squad undertakes a desperate defense of a fortress, their heroic stand triggered by clashing interests of the Shibata clan, shogunate, and new government.

11 Rebels is a period action film based on a forgotten script by late screenwriter Kasahara Kazuo, known for his work on series including Continue reading

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They got 5 on it! Watch the U.S Trailer for Kang Hyeong-Cheol’s superhero actioner ‘Hi-Five’

"Hi-Five" Theatrical Poster

“Hi-Five” Theatrical Poster

On June 20, 2025, Well Go USA is giving Hi-Five a theatrical release. This upcoming superhero actioner comes from writer/director Kang Hyeong-Cheol (Tazza: The Hidden Card).

Five ordinary people, who developed their superpowers after receiving organ transplants from a previous superpowered being, fight against a cult leader who has similar powers.

The film stars Lee Jae-in (Svaha: The Sixth Finger), Ra Mi-ran (Lady Vengeance), Oh Jung-se (Fabricated City), Park Jin-young (Christmas Carol), Ahn Jae-hong (Time to Hunt), Kim Hee-won (The Merciless), Shin Gu (Bluebeard) and Yoo Ah-in (Burning).

Watch the New Trailer Continue reading

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Gods, Masked Avengers, Max Zhang and Kwangtung Tigers! Here’s what’s streaming on Hi-YAH for the month of June

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Releases for the month of June.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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Hey, why am I Mr. Pink? Details for Shout’s 4K Ultra HD release for Ringo Lam’s ‘City on Fire’ arriving in June

On June 24, 2025, Shout Studios is releasing the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray for City on Fire, a 1987 Hong Kong classic from acclaimed director, Ringo Lam (Maximum Risk, Sky on Fire, Full Alert).

Ringo Lam crafted this superb action drama, which is best known in the west for inspiring Quentin Tarantino’s directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs. Chow Yun-fat bagged the best actor trophy for his emotionally charged performance as the undercover cop Continue reading

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Don’t miss Goodie Emporium’s New Release update!

We hope you’ll take a minute to visit our trusted partner, The Goodie Emporium, a U.S.-based online store that currently has many Import Shaw Brothers, Golden Harvest and martial arts/cult DVD/Blu-ray movies in-stock – with New titles being added regularly!

New & Recent Releases: 

  • Quatermass Xperiment Limited Collectors Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray (Hammer)
  • American Pie 2 Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)
  • For A Few Dollars More Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (Arrow)
  • Terror In The Fog – The Wallace Krimi At CCC Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Eureka)
  • Themroc Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • Throne Of Blood 4K Ultra HD 4K UHD (BFI)
  • Strange New Worlds – Science Fiction At Defa Limited Edition Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Railroad Man, The Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • Rapacious Jailbreaker, The Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • Seedpeople Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Shoot First Die Later Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Raro)
  • Slade in Flame – Blu-ray (BFI)
  • Jason Goes To Hell Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (Arrow)
  • Jason X Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (Arrow)
  • Lady of the Law Blu-Ray Limited Edition Blu-ray (88 Films)
  • Tokyo Pop Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Third Window)
  • Zebraman Limited Edition Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Zebraman 2 Limited Edition Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Bells Of Death, The Limited Edition Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Shatter Limited Collectors Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray (Hammer)
  • Shut Up I Love You Blu-ray (88 Films)
  • Night Train Murders Limited Deluxe Collectors Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Nine Guests For A Crime Limited Deluxe Collectors Edition Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • Andromeda Strain, The Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (Arrow)
  • Erotic Sex Games Blu-Ray (88 Films)
  • A Fistful Of Dollars Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (Arrow)
  • Killer Cop Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Raro/Radiance)
  • River Of Grass Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • Va Savoir Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • V Cinema Essentials – Bullets and Betrayal Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Arrow)
  • A Tale Of Sorrow And Sadness Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • Coffee Table, The – Limited Edition Blu-ray (Second Sight)
  • Girl With A Suitcase Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Radiance)
  • House Of The Devil, The Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Second Sight)
  • Trancers Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray (101 Films)
  • Yakuza Wives Limited Edition Blu-Ray
  • The Magnificent Magnificent Chang Cheh Blu-ray (Eureka)
  • Brother Blu-Ray (BFI)

In addition, Goodie Emporium also carries an assortment of multi-region 4K UHD/Blu-ray players, so you can play every single UHD/Blu-ray/DVD from any region in the world… guaranteed! Continue reading

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Project Silence | 4K Ultra HD | Only $24.99 – Expires soon!

Project Silence | 4K Ultra HD (Capelight)

Project Silence | 4K Ultra HD (Capelight)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the 4K Ultra HD SteelBook for Project Silence, a South Korean disaster thriller from writer/director Kim Tae-Gon (Familyhood, Sunshine Boys).

The film stars the late Lee Sun-Kyun (Parasite, Kingmaker) and Ju Ji-Hoon (Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days).

Co-written by Kim Yong-Hwa of Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds and Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days, Project Silence follows an accident that occurs on a foggy bridge and, as a result, an unknown beast is unleashed.

Project Silence also stars Kim Hee-Won (The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful), Moon Sung-Geun (Burning), Ye Soo-Jung (The Hunt), Kim Tae-Woo (Rampant), Park Continue reading

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Ready for round 7? FULL details on ‘Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 7’ arriving in August from Shout!

Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 7 | Blu-ray (Shout)On August 5, 2025, Shout! Factory will be releasing Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 7, another multi-film Blu-ray (Region A) collection, following the label’s Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 1 through Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 6, as well as The Brave Archer Collection and the Ti Lung/David Chiang Collection.

Eleven thrilling adventures from the legendary Shaw Brothers stand ready in the seventh volume of the Shaw Brothers Classics collection! Packed with timeless Continue reading

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