Author Archives: Z Ravas

Well Go USA’s release of ‘Flash Point’ to feature new subtitles

Relatively minor news here but it should be of interest to martial arts fans: Well Go USA revealed via their Facebook page that they will be completely re-doing the subtitles on “Flash Point” for their upcoming blu-ray and DVD release of the film on January 24, 2012. So if you already own the 2007 Donnie Yen film via the Dragon Dynasty DVD, here’s another reason to upgrade besides the obvious … Continue reading

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Gamera Trilogy (1995-1999) Review

Director: Shusuke Kaneko Cast: Shinobu Nakayama, Ayako Fujitani, Yukijiro Hotaru, Ai Maeda, Toshiyuki Nagashima Running Time: 100/100/108 min. By HKFanatic In the mid-90’s, director Shusuke Kaneko (later responsible for the live-action “Death Note” films) was tasked with rebooting the “Gamera” franchise. Gamera originally appeared in the 1960’s as a giant monster, or kaiju, to rival Godzilla: a space turtle who was known as “The Friend of All Children.” Although Gamera … Continue reading

Posted in Japanese, Reviews | Tagged |

Bunraku (2009) Review

"Bunraku" Blu-ray Cover

Director: Guy Moshe Cast: Josh Hartnett, Woody Harrelson, Gackt Camui, Kevin McKidd, Ron Perlman, Demi Moore, Shun Sugata, Jordi Molla, Emily Kaiho, Mike Patton (voice) Running Time: 118 min. By HKFanatic 2009’s “Bunraku” is nothing if not ambitious. Shot in four weeks on soundstages in Romania for a minuscule (by Hollywood standards) budget of $20 million, the film tells the tale of a “cowboy without a gun” (Josh Hartnett) and … Continue reading

Posted in Asian Related, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , |

Well Go USA invites you to ‘A Better Tomorrow’ on November 8

“A remake that’s on the money.” – The Hollywood Reporter “A classic unto itself.” – Film Critics United Brothers.  Enemies.  Killers. A BETTER TOMORROW From Executive Producer John Woo Comes the Stylish Action Drama Starring Jin-mo Ju and Seung-heon Song. The accent is on action when Jin-mo Ju (A Frozen Flower, The Warrior) and Seung-heon Song (So Close, Ghost) star in the remake of John Woo’s 1986 cult classic A … Continue reading

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Netflix Instant Asian Horror Spooktacular

Looking for a bloody good time? In the spirit of the Halloween season, we spotlight a few Asian horror movies now streaming on Netflix Instant: Thirst (2009) – the director of “Oldboy,” Chan Wook-Park, presents his unconventional take on the vampire myth Retribution (2006) – arguably the master of Asian horror, director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, weaves a bleak ghost story with apocalyptic ramifications Infection (2005) – a fan-praised Japanese horror film … Continue reading

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Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 11/1/11

Not a whole lot for Asian film buffs to choose from this week but martial arts fans will probably want to check out “Bunraku” and perhaps there’s an older catalog title you’d like to upgrade to blu-ray on. Alright, let’s get cracking! ASIAN CINEMA Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (blu-ray/DVD) – from Wayne Wang, the director of “Joy Luck Club,” comes this tale of lifelong friendship starring Li Bingbing, … Continue reading

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Dante Lam’s ‘The Stool Pigeon’ – now streaming on Netflix Instant

The Stool Pigeon is 2010 Hong Kong police thriller directed by Dante Lam (The Beast Stalker, Fire of Conscience) and starring Nicholas Tse, Nick Cheung and Kwai Lun-mei. The film explores the dangerous world of police informants and the lengths they must go to in order to maintain their cover. The Stool Pigeon is now streaming on Netflix Instant in HD. Watch it, then check out our review!

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Fire of Conscience | aka Fire Dragon (2010) Review

Director: Dante Lam Chiu Yin Cast: Leon Lai, Richie Ren, Liu Kai Chi, Wang Bao Qiang, Michelle Yip Suen, Pinky Cheung, Vivian Hsu, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Vanessa Yeung Jung, Adam Chan Chung Tai, Chan Hung, Ringo Chan Ka Leung Running Time: 106 min. By HKFanatic “If you don’t have faith, you’re not alive.” So says Leon Lai’s beleaguered detective in Dante Lam’s 2010 film “Fire of … Continue reading

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Dante Lam delivers another explosive thriller with ‘Fire of Conscience’

“What turns out to be an unexpected delight in Dante Lam’s latest – Fire of Conscience – is how he blends his trademark riveting action sequences with equally gripping character-driven drama into quite possibly one of the most exciting action thrillers we will see this year.”-Gabriel Chong, Moviexcluive.com “It scorches the screen, and you cling onto your seat…”-Japancinema.com Get ready for a hard-hitting rush of adrenaline as the action-packed crime drama Fire of … Continue reading

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Hero of Tomorrow (1988) Review

Director: Poon Man Kit Writer: Clarence Yip Wai Chung Cast: Michael Miu, Max Mok, William Ho, Cheung Wing Jing, Gam Siu Mooi, Joan Tong, Lung Ming Yan, Fong Ming Git, Ku Feng, Chan Chung Yung, Mak Wai Cheung, Jackson Ng, Sham Chin Bo, Sin Ho Ying, Wang Yao, Philip Chan, Chen Jing, Ho Pak Kwong, Blacky Ko, Philip Kwok, Lam Chung, James Tien, Tommy Wong Running Time: 86 min. By … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , |

Well Go USA invites viewers to protect the ‘Shaolin’ temple

“Brilliant action sequences boasting martial arts on par with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”– FilmInk “A big-budget action film packed full of stars and showcasing Shaolin kungfu and philosophy …”– Heroic Cinema SHAOLIN Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse and Jackie Chan Star in the Epic Martial Arts Masterpiece Debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD October 25 Collector’s Edition Includes More Than Two Hours of Bonus Materials, Including a Behind-the-Scenes Featurette and Deleted Scenes … Continue reading

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Blu-Ray and DVD Releases for 10/25/11

There’s plenty to get excited about this week, especially if you’re a fan of giant monsters and dinosaurs. So without further adieu, let’s take a look at some Asian and genre-related blu-ray and DVD releases for 10/25/11: ASIAN CINEMA Shaolin (blu-ray/DVD) – Benny Chan’s 2011 ode to the Shaolin Temple features an all-star cast including Andy Lau, Nicolas Tse, Fan Bingbing, and Jackie Chan Fire of Conscience (DVD) – Dante … Continue reading

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Phase 7 | aka Faze 7 (2011) Review

Director: Nicolas Goldbart Writer: Nicolas Goldbart Producer: Sebastian Aloi Cast: Daniel Hendler, Jasmine Stuart, Yayo Guridi, Federico Luppi, Carlos Bermejo, Abian Vainstein Running Time: 95 min. By HKFanatic “Phase 7” is the latest in a string of viral outbreak films to land before horror moviegoer’s eyes, following the underrated “Carriers” with Chris Prine and the cult Spanish-language hit “[REC].” “Phase 7” is also in Spanish, though this time it arrives … Continue reading

Posted in Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged |

Fatal Move (2008) Review

Fatal Move DVD Cover.

AKA: Duo Shuai Director: Dennis Law Sau Yiu Cast: Sammo Hung, Simon Yam Tat Wah, Tien Niu, Danny Lee Sau Yin, Wu Jing, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Lam Suet, Ken Lo, Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Jacky Heung Cho, Fung Hak On, Hui Siu Hung Running Time: 116 min. By HKFanatic Dennis Law may just be the most incompetent director working in Hong Kong. And yet, much … Continue reading

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Unjust, The | aka Bad Deal (2010) Review

"The Unjust" Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Ryoo Seung-wan Writer: Park Hun-Jeong Cast: Hwang Jeong-Min, Ryu Seung-Beom, Yu Hae-Jin, Cheon Ho-Jin, Ma Dong-Seok, Jo Young-Jin Running Time: 119 min. By HKFanatic When I sit down to watch a slick, commercial thriller, this is exactly what I want it to be. The director of “No Blood, No Tears” and “City of Violence” weaves an im-morality tale of police corruption, political maneuvering, and gangland-style justice with no discernible … Continue reading

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , , |