Author Archives: Z Ravas

Catch the 2010 Korean “A Better Tomorrow” remake on Netflix Instant

In 2010, Korean director Hae-sung Song remade John Woo’s heroic bloodshed classic “A Better Tomorrow” – with Woo’s blessing – as a slick Korean melodrama. Released on blu-ray and DVD just a few weeks ago from distributor Well Go USA, the film is now streaming on Netflix Instant in HD. Watch the film and see how you compare it to the original. In the meantime, check out our reviews.

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Chaser, The (2008) Review

"Chaser" Theatrical Poster

AKA: Chugyeogja Director: Na Hong-jin Cast: Kim Yun-Seok, Ha Jung-Woo, Seo Yeong-Hee, Park Hyo-Joo, Jung In-Gi, Jo Duk-Je Running Time: 123 min. By HKFanatic It took me a second viewing to realize it but “The Chaser” is probably one of the best films I’ve ever seen. It’s also an extremely frustrating experience. “The Chaser” is a thriller that refuses to behave like one as writer/director Na Hong-jin embraces the sad … Continue reading

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On January 24, get ‘Punished’ by Johnnie To

Get Ready For Action Packed Excitement PUNISHED Available on DVD, Digital and Movies on Demand on January 24, 2012 Indomina Releasing is adding another action-packed drama to its release titles, PUNISHED, produced by critically acclaimed Johnnie To and directed by Law Wing Cheong, starring Anthony Wong (Infernal Affairs, Exiled), Richie Jen (Life Without Principle, Fire of Conscience), Janice Man (Basic Love) and Maggie Cheung (Clean, Song of Exile). Punished will … Continue reading

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Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City (2010) Review

Director: Takashi Miike Writer: Kankuro Kudo Cast: Sho Aikawa, Riisa Naka, Tsuyoshi Abe, Masahiro Inoue, Naoki Tanaka, Guadalcanal Taka Running Time: 106 min. By HKFanatic No matter what, you can always count on Takashi Miike to do the last thing you expect of him. Just a few months before “13 Assassins” hit theaters in Japan, becoming yet another benchmark in the director’s storied career, Miike directed a sequel to his … Continue reading

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Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 12/6/11

The holidays are getting closer with each week. Have you finished shopping for gifts – or not even started yet? Here are the Asian and genre movie blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 12/6/11: ASIAN CINEMA Triple Tap (blu-ray/DVD) – Well Go USA offers this 2010 Hong Kong thriller set in the world of competitive shooting, starring Louis Koo and Daniel Wu Lady Ninja Kaede Complete Collection (DVD) … Continue reading

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Pierce Brosnan is back as 007…at least on Netflix

They say your favorite James Bond tends to be the one you grew up with. For many who came of age during the 90’s, that would be Pierce Brosnan, who staked his claim as the famous secret agent in a string of films from 1995 to 2002. Today, his first three outings as 007 have arrived on Netflix streaming. Goldeneye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and The World is Not … Continue reading

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Midnight Madness DVD imprint haunts Netflix Instant

Back in late September, Image Entertainment released a slew of out-of-print 80’s horror and cult movies on DVD, many of which had previous been released by Anchor Bay, as part of their new “Midnight Madness” imprint. Just yesterday, most of those titles ended up streaming on Netflix Instant. Not all of them are winners but there’s certainly a little something for everyone and many of these movies have long since … Continue reading

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‘Triple Tap’ is reloaded and ready for blu-ray and DVD on December 6

“HIGH ADRENALINE ACTION” – Twitch “Superior fascinating thriller!” – Beyond Hollywood “Yee continues to surpass his demanding audience expectations” – A Nut Shell Review The Stakes are Higher, the Danger Greater and the Sharpshooter Much, Much Deadlier TRIPLE TAP Louis Koo, Daniel Wu and Li Bingbing Star in Director Derek Yee’s Action Thriller on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6 Bonus Materials Include Deleted Scenes, Behind-the-Scenes Featurette … Continue reading

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‘Chillerama’ comes to Netflix Instant

Some noteworthy titles have been added to Netflix instant. These films are actually arriving day and date with their blu-ray/DVD counterparts, perhaps a sign of things to come. Will advertisements in the future read “coming soon to blu-ray, DVD, and Netflix”? The Spanish-language home invasion thriller “Kidnapped” has been added to streaming, as well as the horror movie anthology “Chillerama” and Werner Herzog’s latest documentary “Cave of Forgotten Dreams.”

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Blu-Ray and DVD Releases for 11/29/11

The last week of November finds plenty to get excited about. Time to get started on your Christmas shopping if you haven’t already. Who doesn’t love a good Asian blu-ray stocking stuffer? So here is our list of Asian and genre blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 11/29/11: ASIAN CINEMA Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City (Blu-ray + DVD combo) – Zebraman is back for a futuristic adventure … Continue reading

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Netflix’s dirty little secret: a failure to stream

When Netflix added a surplus of Asian films to their streaming catalog, cinema fans everywhere rejoiced, including the folks here at City on Fire. However, as their increased price hike and falling stock prices have proved, Netflix can’t seem to do anything these days without some kind of hiccup. Recently Netflix made a deal with distributor Asian Crush that saw many Korean titles bypass blu-ray/DVD distribution altogether in the West … Continue reading

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Asian movie murders and executions – I mean, mergers and acquisitions

Today Crunchyroll reports that Funimation has acquired the rights to Hong Kong superhero parody “Incredibly Ever After” (known as “Mr. and Mrs. Incredible” in Hong Kong). The film follows retired superheroes Gazer Man (Louis Koo) and Aroma Woman (Sandra Ng), and is set for a DVD release in the fall of 2012. Here’s some older news but still good to know: Twitch Film reported earlier in the month that Well … Continue reading

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Better Tomorrow, A (2010) Review

Director: Song Hae-Seong Cast: Joo Jin-Mo, Song Seung-Heon, Kim Gang-Woo, Jo Han-Seon, Kyeong-yeong Lee, Ji-yeong Kim, Hae-gon Kim, Hyeong-jun Lim, Tae-hwa Seo, Sin-seong Lee Running Time: 124 min. By HKFanatic Considering Hong Kong cinema’s rich history, particularly during the New Wave of the 80’s and early 90’s, it’s surprising that producers haven’t indulged in more remakes. Then again, the Hong Kong film industry has changed so much during the last … Continue reading

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , |

Palisades Tartan titles expiring soon from Netflix Instant

Just a heads up that a few Asian films released by distributor Palisades Tartan will be expiring from Netflix Instant at the end of the month (11/30/11). Most of them are Asian horror movies, but if you’re interested in watching any of them you might want to do so in the next few days! KOREA Face (2004), Address Unknown (2001), The Coast Guard (2002), Sorum (2001), Bloody Reunion (2006), Whispering … Continue reading

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Chinese historical epic ‘The Warring States’ now on Netflix Instant

“The Warring States” is a 2010 Chinese historical epic, co-starring Francis Ng, that combines elements of romance, comedy, and action. The film just arrived on DVD last week but you can watch it streaming on Netflix Instant, along with a host of other Asian titles. Recent additions to the Netflix streaming catalog include the 1990 Ultraman TV series and the Andy Lau/Anita Mui fantasy epic “Saviour of the Soul.” As … Continue reading

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