Author Archives: JJ Bona

‘Unity of Heroes’ helmer Lin Zhen-Hao strikes back with ‘The Tai Chi Master’ starring Wu Yue and Ada Liu

Lin Zhen-Hao, the filmmaker behind Vincent Chiu Man Chuk’s Unity of Heroes, is back with The Tai Chi Master, an upcoming martial arts epic starring Wu Yue (Paradox, Ip Man 4: The Finale, The Brink) and Ada Liu (Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy, The Thousand Faces of Dunjia). The Tai Chi Master may or may not have something to do with Yuen Woo Ping’s 1993 Jet Li/Michelle Yeoh film of … Continue reading

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Watch the New Trailer ‘Jiu-Jitsu’ starring Tony Jaa, Frank Grillo, JuJu Chan, Alain Moussi and Marrese Crump

Alain Moussi (Kill Order, Street Fighter: Resurrection), the rising action star from Kickboxer: Vengeance and Kickboxer: Retaliation, is re-teaming with his Kickboxer: Vengeance filmmaker Dimitri Logothetis for Jiu-Jitsu, which releases on November 20, 2020. This upcoming sci-fi martial arts film (read our review) features an all-star cast that includes Nicolas Cage (Outcast, Face/Off), Frank Grillo (Beyond Skyline), Tony Jaa (Triple Threat), JuJu Chan (The Empty Hands), Rick Yune (The Man with the Iron Fists), Marrese Crump (Tom Yum Goong … Continue reading

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Beast Clawing At Straws | Blu-ray (Artsploitation)

Beast Clawing At Straws | Blu-ray (Artsploitation)

RELEASE DATE: December 15, 2020 On December 15, 2020, Artsploitation is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Kim Young-Hoon’s Beast Clawing At Straws (aka Beasts that Cling to the Straw), a 2020 thriller starring Bae Sung-Woo (Metamorphosis), Jung Woo-Sung (Asura City of Madness), Jeon Do-Yeon (Memories of the Sword), Shin Hyun-Bin (Confidential Assignment) and Jung Ga-Ram (Believer). A Luis Vuitton bag stuffed full of cash sends a group of hard-luck lowlifes … Continue reading

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

James Bond’s connection with Asian and Martial Arts Cinema

Being an avid James Bond fan, as well as a writer for City on Fire, I’ve put together a list of Bond titles that are relevant with Asian and martial arts cinema. Whether it be ninjas, samurai, kung fu masters – or just well-known Asian talent  – there’s definitely a connection between 007 and the types of films that are usually covered here at City on Fire. Of course, considering the impact Bond films have had … Continue reading

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‘The Villainess’ director Jung Byung-gil brings some ‘Havoc’

Filmmaker Jung Byung-gil – known for his films Confession of Murder and fan favorite The Villainess – is stepping into Hollywood for Monarch Media’s Havoc (not related to Gareth Evans’ planned film of the same name), a thriller written by Eric Tipton, off an original idea by Steve Barnett (300) and Daniel Myrick (The Blair Witch Project). Inspired by actual events, Havoc tells the story of a U.S. helicopter crashing on … Continue reading

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Best Hong Kong Movie Locations

When you hear about Hong Kong, the first thing that comes into your mind is beautiful sceneries, Chinese culture, and even place of excellent movies. Hong Kongers are known for their commitments to their work in the world. Whether you’re planning to visit Hong Kong to have the adventure of excellent movies or even enjoy the entertainment, prepare yourself to step in Hong Kong Tower, Repulse Bay Beach, and Ten Thousand … Continue reading

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A ‘Battle Royale’ ripoff has been ‘Triggered’ in this New Trailer

"Triggered" Theatrical Poster

Looking for another round of Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale? If so, look no further (kinda, sorta). Director Alastair Orr (House on Willow Street) has teamed up with writer David D. Jones (The Stem) for Trigger, which releases on November 6 from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Nine friends, all harboring a dark secret, go camping in the woods. After a wild night of partying, they wake up with suicide bombs strapped to their … Continue reading

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The Black Dragon & Enforcer from Death Row | Blu-ray (Dark Force)

The Black Dragon & Enforcer from Death Row | Blu-ray (Dark Force)

RELEASE DATE: January 19, 2021 On January 19, 2021, Dark Force Entertainment is releasing the Blu-ray Drive-in Double Feature for Ron van Clief’s The Black Dragon (aka Tough Guy) and Leo Fong’s Enforcer from Death Row (aka Ninja Assassin). Made from the only known existing 35mm print with extensive scene by scene color correction, 1974’s The Black Dragon stars Ron van Clief (Fist of Fear, Touch of Death), Jason Pai Piao (Shaolin Prince), Thompson Kao … Continue reading

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

Deal on Fire! I Saw The Devil | Blu-ray | Only $8.99 – Expires soon!

"I Saw the Devil" Theatrical Poster

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for I Saw The Devil (read our review), a 2010 action-thriller directed by Kim Ji-woon (Age of Shadows, The Good, the Bad, the Weird) and stars Choi Min-sik (New World, Old Boy) and Lee Byung-hun (A Bittersweet Life). The embodiment of pure evil, Kyung-chul is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure. On a freezing, snowy night, his latest victim is the beautiful Juyeon, daughter of … Continue reading

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Blade | 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (Warner)

Blade | 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2020 On December 1, 2020, Warner Home Video will be releasing Blade on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital. This 1999 cult actioner stars Wesley Snipes (Passenger 57), Stephen Dorff (Somewhere) and Kris Kristofferson (Payback). Awakened to consciousness – and pain – before birth by the bite of the undead vampire that kills his mother, a young boy grows into a mythical warrior (Snipes) bearing a … Continue reading

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

Michael Jai White actioner ‘Welcome to Sudden Death’ welcomes itself to Netflix and DVD

Welcome to Sudden Death | DVD (Universal)

Welcome to Sudden Death (aka Sudden Death 2), a sequel/remake (mostly by name) to Jean-Claude Van Damme’s 1995 actioner, Sudden Death (proving our 2015 article Van Damme is the most ‘remade’ action star in the world was spot on) has finally arrived to DVD and Netflix. Filling in Van Damme’s shoes is cult martial arts star Michael Jai White (Triple Threat, Accident Man). Co-stars include comedian Gary Owen (Ride Along), Gillian White (Never Back Down: … Continue reading

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‘Furie’ and ‘Rebel’ action star Veronica Ngo teases Vietnamese superhero film ‘Vinaman’

"Furie" Vietnamese Theatrical Poster

Ever rising Vietnamese star Veronica Ngo (House in the Alley, Furie) has taken to social media to tease Vinaman, an upcoming superhero flick produced by Studio68, Ngo’s own production company. “The world has Iron Man, Spider Man and Superman. So what does Vietnam have?” says Ngo, in a lengthy post on social media on Monday. She later adds “…Young people need a hero. And Vietnam needs a representative face.” (via FCS) … Continue reading

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 4K SteelBook Edition | Blu-ray (Sony)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2020 On December 1, 2020, Sony Home Entertainment is releasing the 2-Disc Blu-ray for the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 4K SteelBook Edition. Two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. … Continue reading

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

New Explosive Trailer for Herman Yau’s ‘Shock Wave 2’

"Shock Wave 2" Teaser Poster

A sequel to Herman Yau’s 2017 box office hit Shock Wave (read our review) is on the verge of being released to either streaming platforms or in theaters this December. In the upcoming Shock Wave 2 (read our review), Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau (Switch) is back in place. Philip Keung (Chasing the Dragon), who appeared in the first film, also returns. New cast members include Lau Ching-wan (Integrity) and Ni Ni (The Warrior’s Gate). Shock Wave … Continue reading

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Korean Thriller ‘Door Lock’ is getting a Chinese remake

"Door Lock" Teaser Poster

The trend of Asian films remade from other Asian films (as noted in our article Made (& Remade) in Asia) continue with Door Lock, a Chinese remake of the 2018 Korean thriller of the same name (which itself was based on the 2011 Spanish film, Sleep Tight). The Chinese remake of Door Lock is directed by Wu Bai (The Big Shot) and stars Bai Baihe (Monster Hunt), Wang Zixuan (The Golden Years), Bai Ke … Continue reading

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