Author Archives: Henry McKeand

Hard Hit (2021) Review

Director: Kim Chang-Ju Cast: Jo Woo-Jin, Lee Jae-In, Jin Kyung, Kim Ji-Ho, Jun Suk-Ho, Ji Chang-Wook, Haerry Kim Running Time: 94 min. By Henry McKeand The best Korean thrillers are successful because they push traditional genre elements to new extremes, creating violent psychodramas that value intensity above all else. These films often have runtimes of at least two hours, but there’s almost zero room for Hollywood sentimentality or warmed-over narrative … Continue reading

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A Touch of Sin (2013) Review

Director: Jia Zhang-Ke Cast: Jiang Wu, Wang Bao-Qiang, Zhao Tao, Luo Lan-Shan, Zhang Jia-Yi, Vivien Li Meng Running Time: 130 min. By Henry McKeand At its most extreme, cinematic violence can serve either as a satisfying catharsis or a stark reminder of real-world suffering. The bloodshed in Jia Zhangke’s A Touch of Sin accomplishes each, sometimes simultaneously. The film is both a seething commentary on exploitation in present-day China and … Continue reading

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Dynamite Shaolin Heroes, The (1977) Review

Director: Lee Hyeok-Su Co-director: Godfrey Ho Cast: Lo Lieh, Kim Young-In, Choi Sung-Kyu, Kim Ki-Bum, Choe Bong, Kwan Yung-Moon, Roman Lee Kang-Jo, Kwon Il-Soo, Kim Wang-Kuk, Kim Min-Jeong Running Time: 77 min.  By Henry McKeand It’s not always easy to find behind-the-scenes information on the more obscure martial arts flicks from the 70s, but it’s almost impossible when Godfrey Ho is involved. Ho is perhaps best known for his low-budget … Continue reading

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Message Man (2018) Review

AKA: Kill Vengeance Director: Corey Pearson Cast: Paul O’Brien, Aji Santosa, Verdi Solaiman, Mario Irwinsyah, Agni Pratistha, Mike Lewis, Alfridus Godfred, Ronny P. Tjandra, Gary Plant, Denny Baskar Running Time: 91 min. By Henry McKeand “He Killed for Money. Now He’s Out for Justice.” If this tagline isn’t enough to tip you off, Corey Pearson’s Message Man shares a lot in common with films you’ve already seen. It stars South African-Australian … Continue reading

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Sword of the Beast (1965) Review

AKA Samurai Gold Seekers Director: Hideo Gosha  Cast: Mikijiro Hira, Go Kato, Toshie Kimura, Kantaro Suga, Takeshi Kato, Shima Iwashita, Yoko Mihara, Shobun Inoue, Kunie Tanaka, Eijiro Tono Running Time: 85 min.  By Henry McKeand “I want to become a beast like you. I can’t stand living for a mission anymore.” While Hideo Gosha has never come close to reaching the same level of Western acclaim as Akira Kurosawa, his … Continue reading

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