Author Archives: JJ Bona

Once Upon a Time in China (1990) Review

"Once Upon a Time in China" American Theatrical Poster

Director: Tsui Hark Cast: Jet Li, Yuen Biao, Rosamund Kwan, Kent Cheng, Yen Shi Kwan, Jacky Cheung, Yuen Fai, Karel Wong, Jonathan Isgar, Yuen Cheung Yan, Hung Yan Yan, Mark King, Lau Shun, Leung Kam Shan, Sham Chin Bo, Steve Tartalia, To Wai Wo, Wang Yu, Yau Gin Gwok, Anthony Carpio, Bruce Fontaine, Mike Leeder, Wu Ma, Hui Sze-Man Running Time: 128 min. By James H. I wonder if Tsui … Continue reading

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Who Am I? | aka Nobody (1998) Review

"Who Am I?" Japanese DVD Cover

Director: Benny Chan Cast: Jackie Chan, Michelle Ferre, Mirai Yamamoto, Ron Smerczak, Kwan Yung, Ron Smoorenburg, Michael Ian Lambert, Steve Brettingham, Kane Kosugi, Ken Lo Running Time: 108 min. By Vic Nguyen Hot on the heels of the lackluster Mr. Nice Guy, Jackie churns out this little wonder that recalls some of the good ole days. Jackie plays his usual self named character who goes on a secret mission, but … Continue reading

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Iron Monkey | aka The Young Wong Fei Hong (1993) Review

"Iron Monkey" Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Yuen Woo Ping Producer: Tsui Hark Cast: Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Yu Rong Guang, Tsang Sze Man, Jean Wong Ching Ying, Yen Shi Kwan, Yuen Shun Yee, Lee Fai, Mandy Chan Chi Man, Hsiao Ho, James Wong Jim, Chan Siu Wah, Derek Cheung Running Time: 89 min. By Reefer This Yuen Woo Ping directed prequel to Once Upon A Time In China is about as wire-fu-crazy as a film … Continue reading

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Armour of God II: Operation Condor (1991) Review

"Armour of God II: Operation Condor" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Jackie Chan Cast: Jackie Chan, Carol Cheng, Eva Cobo De Garcia, Ikeda Shoko, Vincent Lyn, Jonathan Isgar, Ken Goodman, Bruce Fontaine, Ken Lo, Aldo Sambrell, Wayne Archer, Nick Brandon, Chan Chi Hwa, Condee, Mark King, Dan Mintz, Bozidar Smiljanic, Steve Tartalia Running Time: 107 min. By Ro Jackie’s Indiana Jones type character is back, but they changed his nickname from ‘The Asian Hawk’ to ‘Condor’ (thus the title) and … Continue reading

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Armour of God (1986) Review

"Armour of God" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Jackie Chan Co-director: Eric Tsang Producer: Leonard Ho Cast: Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Lola Forner, Rosamund Kwan, Ken Boyle, John Ladalski, Bozidar Smiljanic, Wayne Archer, Kenny Bee, Anthony Chan Yau Running Time: 98 min. By James H. I see this movie (along with “First Strike”) as kind of a ‘what if’ movie. I can see the big producers sitting around their conference table and someone probably said, “What if … Continue reading

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Dragon Tamers, The | aka Belles of Taekwondo (1975) Review

"The Dragon Tamers" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: John Woo Cast: Ji Han Jae, James Tien, Carter Wong Ka Tat, Yeung Wai, Chan Chuen, Gam Kei Chu, Hsu Hsia, Yuen Wah, Chui Man Fooi, Yue Yin Ching Running Time: 107 min. By Alvin George Long before he was a master of “heroic bloodshed” gangster films, John Woo was just another young director struggling to make it in the Hong Kong film industry. The chop-socky thriller known as … Continue reading

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Kick-Ass (2010) Review

"Kick-Ass" Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Matthew Vaughn Cast: Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Chloe Grace Moretz, Nicolas Cage Running Time: 117 min. By Mighty Peking Man Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a not-so-average comic book dork, has had enough of watching innocent people – including himself – be victimized by the scum of society; he orders a cool wetsuit-like costume from amazon.com, arms himself with a pair of batons and begins training (which mostly … Continue reading

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Tattoo Connection, The | aka Black Belt Jones 2 (1978) Review

"The Tattoo Connection" Theatrical Poster

AKA: Hong Kong Connection Director: Lee Tso Nam Cast: Chan Lau, Chan Sing, Cheng Fu Hung, Jim Kelly, Kong Do, Tony Leung Siu Hung, Sham Chin Bo, Tan Tao Liang, Wan Faat, Bolo Yeung, Lee Hoi San Running Time: 90 min. By Joseph Kuby Disclaimer: The real title for the film is ‘The Tattoo Connection’ though the UK DVD is called Black Belt Jones 2, even the original theatrical trailers … Continue reading

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Avenging Boxer | aka Method Man (1979) Review

AKA: Fearless Young Boxer Director: Jimmy Shaw Feng Producer: Jimmy Shaw Feng Cast: Peter Chang, Casanova Wong, Hwa Ling, Chan Wai Lau, Lee Kwan, Chai Kai, Lung Fei, Ma Chin Ku, Wang Man Chuen, Su Chen Ping, Au Lap Bo, Boon Saam, Geung Yee Gwan, Hui Lap, Philip So Yuen Fung, Wong Gwok Chue, Wong Wing Sang, Woo Hon Cheung, Yuen Sam Running Time: 92 min. By Joseph Kuby This … Continue reading

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Accident, The (1998) Review

Director: Katie Kwan Co-director: Julian Lee Chi Chiu Cast: Gigi Lai Chi, Andrew Lin Hoi, Ben Ng Ngai Cheung, Patrick Tse Yin, Almen Wong Pui Ha, Wong Hei, Christine Ng Wing Meim, Joey Yung Cho Yee Running Time: 83 min. By Gwailo Ponderous 1 hr. 23 min. film by director Julien Lee weaves together stories of lives affected by a train accident. Head scratcher of a film doesn’t seem to … Continue reading

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Now you can get Revenge with Animeigo’s help

Coming April 2011 A minor quarrel escalates into a duel. A death creates a debt of honor. The demands of honor outweigh the demands of justice, and force friends to spill each other’s blood. And the need for victory requires the sacrifice of honor. One simple argument spawns death, madness, and a final confrontation that will leave the sandy soil soaked with blood. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, and directed by Tadashi … Continue reading

Posted in News |

Body Jumper (2001) Review

AKA: Porp Weed Sayong Director: Haeman Chatemee Cast: Danai Samutkochorn, Angie Grant, Chompunoot Piyapane, Chatewut Watcharakhun, Chaicharn Nimpulsawasdi, Napatsanun Thaweekitthavorn Running Time: 98 min. By Numskull Body Jumper is a horror-comedy that has but two settings: “Knowingly Campy” for the former aspect and “Gleefully Lowbrow” for the latter. It’s good fun, but there are no genuine scares to be had, and at some point even the most thick-headed viewer will … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews, Thai |

Bangkok Haunted (2000) Review

Director: Pisuth Praesanegaim Co-director: Oxide Pang Cast: Pete Thong-Jeur, Pramote Sangsorn, Pimsiree Pimsee, Dawan Singha-Wee, Kalyanut Sriboonrueng Running Time: 130 min. By Numskull Three nattering women in a bar each fire off a horror story aimed at the viewer. The first two miss, and the third inflicts only a minor flesh wound. Better luck next time, ladies. To start things off, we have either “Legend of the Drum” or “Arm … Continue reading

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I Love You, Bruce Lee | aka His Last Days, His Last Nights (1975) Review

"I Love You, Bruce Lee" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Bruce Lee & I Director: John Lo Mar Producer: Runme Shaw Cast: Betty Ting Pei, Danny Lee, Wong San, Yuen Cheung Yan, Gam Dai, Shut Ma Wa Lung, Tony Liu, Chan Lau, Tino Wong Cheung, Chow Yun Gin, Yuen Shun Yi, Lee Chiu, Chin Yuet Sang, Corey Yuen Kwai Running Time: 102 min. By Mighty Peking Man To understand the 1975 Shaw Brothers film, Bruce Lee & I, you … Continue reading

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Rebel Intruders, The | aka Killer Army (1980) Review

"The Rebel Intruders" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Guerillas Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Philip Kwok, Wong Lik, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, Lo Meng, Lu Feng, Choh Seung Wan, Wang Han Chen, Yeung Hung, Chui Tai Ping, Chan Hon Kwong, Chan Shu Kei, Chin Siu Ho, Chow Kin Ping, Chui Shing Chan, Keung Hon, Lui Hung, Siao Yuk, Tony Tam Running Time: 90 min. By Joe909 Made towards the end of their run with the Shaw Brothers, … Continue reading

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