Author Archives: JJ Bona

The Sword with No Name aka Like Fireworks, Like Butterflies Blu-ray/DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2011 Also known as Like Fireworks, Like Butterflies. In 19th-century Korea, a bounty hunter becomes the bodyguard of the queen he secretly loves. Directed by Kim Yong-Gyun (“The Red Shoes”) and starring Cho Seung-Woo (“Marathon”) and Soo-Ae (“Once in a Summer”). Check out the trailer here.

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

Higanjima: Escape from Vampire Island aka Barefoot Dream, Equinox Island Blu-ray/DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2011 Higanjima is an eerie island occupied by vampires, from where none has ever come back alive. When teenager Akira hears that his missing brother has been seen in the island, he decides to investigate with several friends. Check out the trailer here.

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

Tajomaru: Avenging Blade Blu-ray/DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011 “TAJOMARU is the famous ‘bandit’ of the forest from RASHOMON. Whoever kills Tajomaru inherits his name, status and sword. A royal brother leaves his kingdom to protect the princess he loves, only to find a series of harrowing adventures along the way which lead him back to where he came from, and then disinheriting his past to become the bandit TAJOMARU.” Check out the trailer … Continue reading

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

Mr. Vampire (1985) Review

"Mr. Vampire" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Ricky Lau Producer: Sammo Hung Cast: Lam Ching-Ying, Chin Siu Ho, Ricky Hui, Moon Lee, Pauline Wong, Yuen Wah, Billy Lau, Choi Fung-Li, Wu Ma, Yuen Wah, Anthony Chan Running Time: 98 min. By Numskull I sat down to watch Mr. Vampire at least half-expecting to see a Chinese Night of the Living Dead acid-trip shitfest, and to say that I was pleasantly surprised would be a big understatement. … Continue reading

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Storm Riders, The (1998) Review

"The Stormriders" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Stormriders Director: Andrew Lau Cast: Ekin Cheng, Aaron Kwok, Sonny Chiba, Kristy Yeung, Michael Tse, Lawrence Cheng, Wayne Lai, Roy Cheung, Shu Qi, Jason Chu, Alex Fong, Anthony Wong Running Time: 128 min. By Sergio Martorelli Lord Conquer (Sonny Chiba) leads the greatest clan of medieval China, the creatively named Conquer Clan. He collects rare, funny-named swords like a kid amasses Pokémon cards, and only wants two things … Continue reading

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Blades of Blood aka Like the Moon Get Out the Clouds, Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 During a turbulent time when political upheaval, rebellion, and invasion are coming to a head with a clash between two swordsmen caught up in a violent and bloody struggle to seize control of the country they love. With their army of alliance standing behind them they will meet for the most important battle of their lives. Swords will be drawn while many lives are lost, … Continue reading

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

Avenging Eagle aka Shaolin Hero DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 Directed by Sun Chung, Avenging Eagle proves that the Shaw Brothers were still at the top of their game, even toward the end of their movie-making empire. With its charismatic leading actors, witty rapport, hateful villains, and out-of-this-world weaponry, this one is a definite source of delight for the old-school kung-fu fan. Starring Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng, Guk Fung, Si Si, Yue Wing, Johnny … Continue reading

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

Golden Swallow aka Girl with the Thunderbolt Kick DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 “Golden Swallow” is the sequel to King Hu’s 1966 masterpiece, “Come Drink With Me.” Chang Cheh takes over the director’s chair and transforms Hu’s classic theatrical-style flick into an extravaganza of extreme violence and comic book-like gore! Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Cheng Pei Pei, Lo Lieh and many more! Check out the the trailer (beware of possible spoilers). Read cityonfire.com’s review.

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

Blood Brothers aka Dynasty of Blood DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 Set in the waning years of the Ching Dynasty, this dramatic, tragic, romantic, blood-soaked martial arts tale of betrayal and revenge explores one of the most sensational scandals in Chinese history. Directed by Chang Cheh and starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Ching Li and Wang Lung Wei! Check out the the trailer (beware of possible spoilers). Read cityonfire.com’s review.

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

Killer Clans aka Killer Clan DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 Based on a popular swordplay novel by Ku Lung, this action packed 1976 Shaw Brothers classic is directed by Chor Yuen (“The House of 72 Tenants”), and stars Chung Wa, Chan Ping, Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh, Wong Chung and many more! Featuring choreography by Yuen Cheung-yan (Yuen Woo Ping’s brother). Check out the the trailer (beware of possible spoilers).

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

Iron Fisted Monk, The (1977) Review

"The Iron Fisted Monk" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Sammo Hung Producer: Raymond Chow Cast: Sammo Hung Kam-bo, Chan Sing, Lo Hoi Pang, Fung Hak On, James Tien, Dean Shek, Chiu Hung, Wong Hap, Chin Yuet Sang, Chu Ching, Casanova Wong, Hsiao Ho, Meng Hoi, Eric Tsang, Wu Ma Running Time: 90 min. By Perkele Sammo’s directorial debut, The Iron Fisted Monk is somewhat of a very impressive start for his directing career. Even though it’s his first time, he … Continue reading

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Hapkido | aka Lady Kung Fu (1972) Review

"Hapkido" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Huang Feng Producer: Raymond Chow Cast: Angela Mao, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik, Pai Ying, Teruo Yamane, Nancy Sit Kar Yin, Bruce Leung, Paul Wei, Gam Dai, Ji Han Jae, Suen Lam, Jackie Chan, Lam Ching Ying, Yen Shi Kwan, Yuen Wah Running Time: 92 min. By Lawgiver You don’t get much more old school than this one. Tons of fights, with tons of people. The plot … Continue reading

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Odd Couple | aka Eternal Conflict (1979) Review

"Odd Couple" Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Lau Kar Wing Cast: Sammo Hung, Lau Kar Wing, Leung Kar Yan, Mars, Lee Hoi San, Dean Shek Tien, Yeung Sai Gwan, Karl Maka, Billy Chan Wui Ngai, Peter Chan Lung, Benny Lai Keung Kuen, Lam Ching Ying, To Wai Wo Running Time: 97 min. By Numskull Another of Sammo Hung’s comedic period kung fu films, this time with him and Lau Kar Wing each playing two of the … Continue reading

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Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives Blu-ray/DVD (Strand)

RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2011 Winner of the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives is a unique tale of a man embracing life’s greatest mystery. Choosing to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside, Boonmee is visited by his dead wife (a ghost) and his lost son (an strange hairy beast with red glowing eyes) who … Continue reading

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Dragon Inn (1992) Review

"New Dragon Inn'" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: New Dragon Gate Inn Director: Raymond Lee Co-director: Tsui Hark Co-director: Ching Siu-tung Cast: Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka-Fai, Donnie Yen, Hung Yan-yan, Yuen Bun, Ng Kai-wah, Lan Tun, Yam Sai-Kwoon, Yuen Cheung-Yan Running Time: 88/99 min. By Numskull While I wouldn’t refer to this movie as an “epic” it does have a wide narrative and visual scope that places it head and shoulders over many other … Continue reading

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