Author Archives: Z Ravas

Blu-Ray and DVD Releases for 10/4/11

And we’re back! Check out our handy list of Blu-ray and DVD releases for the coming week of 10/4/11. Be advised that a few of the titles on this list are Imports but we have labeled what Region they are whenever possible. Most of you guys have All-Region players anyway, right? ASIAN CINEMA Once Upon a Time in China & America (blu-ray) – a hi-def release for Sammo Hung’s 1997 … Continue reading

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Flaming Brothers, The | aka Dragon and Tiger Fight (1987) Review

"The Flaming Brothers" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Joe Cheung Writer: Wong Kar Wai Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Alan Tang, Pat Ha Man Jing, Jenny Tseng Yan Lei, Patrick Tse, Philip Chan, James Yi Lui, Norman Chu, Fong Yau, Cheung Chok Chow, Chan Laap Ban Running Time: 101 min. By HKFanatic Chow Yun Fat made this heroic bloodshed film in 1987, smackdab in the middle of “A Better Tomorrow” and “A Better Tomorrow II.” That fact alone … Continue reading

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Dragon Family, The (1988) Review

"The Dragon Family" Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Lau Kar Wing Cast: Alan Tam, Andy Lau, Max Mok Siu Chung, Ken Tong Chun Yip, Norman Chu, Michael Miu Kiu Wai, William Ho Ka Kui, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Stanley Fung, Kent Cheng, Ku Feng, Lau Kar Wing, Shing Fui On, Philip Ko Fei, Wayne Archer, Charlie Cho, Kara Hui Ying Hung, Blacky Ko Running Time: 88 min. By HKFanatic Andy Lau and Alan Tam must have had a … Continue reading

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Netflix Instant Asian Film Archive

Here’s a look at select Asian titles streaming on Netflix Instant. Be advised that a few of these films are only available on streaming [dubbed] in English and that earlier movies on this list may have expired: 11/4/12 White Vengeance (2011) – a Chinese historical epic from the director of “Black Mask,” Daniel Lee. Streaming in HD The Viral Factor (2012) – Dante Lam directs this explosive Hong Kong action … Continue reading

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Blu-Ray and DVD Releases for 9/27/11

Each week, City on Fire does our best to spotlight the Asian and genre-related blu-ray and DVD releases that we suspect our readers might be interested in. Here’s the handy list of releases for 9/27/11: ASIAN CINEMA The Stool Pigeon (blu-ray/DVD) – Dante Lam’s 2010 crime thriller arrives on blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Well Go USA. The film stars Nicolas Tse and Nick Cheung. Read CoF’s review here Riki-Oh: … Continue reading

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Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge (2008) Review

Director: Takuji Kitamura Writer: Tatsuhiko Takimoto, Hirotoshi Kobayashi Cast: Megumi Seki, Hayato Ichihara, Yosuke Asari, Itsuji Itao, Haruma Miura, Maho Nonami, Hiromi Shinjo, Aya Kiguchi Running Time: 109 min. By HKFanatic Don’t let the title fool you: “Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge” is not a film that would fit in with the Sushi Typhoon catalog. There’s no blood, no gore, no strangely appendaged women. The second coming of “Machine Gun Girl” … Continue reading

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Stool Pigeon, The | aka Informer (2010) Review

"The Stool Pigeon" American DVD Cover

Director: Dante Lam Chiu Yin Cast: Nick Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Chin Kar Lok, Miao Pu, Liu Kai Chi, Lu Yi, Sherman Chung Shu Man, Gwei Lun-Mei, Deep Ng Ho Hong, Derek Kwok Jing Hung Running Time: 113 min. By HKFanatic For the creative team behind “The Stool Pigeon,” making this film must have been a no-brainer. Director Dante Lam previously collaborated with actors Nick Cheung and Nicolas Tse to great … Continue reading

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Collin Chou and Andy On have the makings of a ‘Five Star General’

Currently filming in Thailand is “Wu Xing Shang Jiang,” loosely translated into English as “Five Star General.” This film is a co-production between Thailand and China, and features several big names from Hong Kong. What little is known about the plot involves some female mercenaries active in the jungle, with the producers drawing influence from movies like “Tomb Raider” and “Avatar.” Not surprisingly, the film will be released in 3D … Continue reading

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Last Blood, The | aka Hard Boiled II (1991) Review

"The Last Blood" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: 12 Hours of Terror Director: Wong Jing Cast: Alan Tam, Andy Lau, Eric Tsang, Leung Kar Yan, May Lo, Jackson Lau, Nat Chan Pak Cheung Running Time: 89 min. By HKFanatic When I told Mighty Peking Man I’d watched this film, he recalled how back in the early 90’s “The Last Blood” was frequently marketed as “Hard Boiled II” by shady video distributors. Considering that “The Last Blood” was … Continue reading

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Prachya Pinkaew readies ‘The Kick’ with ‘Chocolate’ star JeeJa Yanin

The trailer for the new film from “Ong Bak” director Prachya Pinkaew, the Thai martial arts film “The Kick,” should arrive any day now. In the meantime, Twitch Film has a look at the poster art and some new promotional photos. “The Kick” follows a Korean family of Tae Kwon Do experts who run a martial arts gym in Bangkok, Thailand and encounter all sorts of trouble with some treasure … Continue reading

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Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 9/20/11

Wondering what’s coming out on blu-ray/DVD this Tuesday that would be of interest to your average fan of Asian and genre cinema? Read on because once again City on Fire has you covered with our handy list: ASIAN CINEMA Blades of Blood (DVD) – Lionsgate releases this 2010 Korean historical actioner that is, appropriately enough, “Rated R for bloody violence” The Sword With No Name (blu-ray/DVD) – Funimation releases this … Continue reading

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True Legend (2010) Review

"True Legend" Blu-ray Cover

Director: Yuen Woo Ping Cast: Vincent Chiu Man Chuk, Zhou Xun, Andy On, Jay Chou Kit Lun, Michelle Yeoh, Leung Kar Yan, Jiang Lu Xia, Gordon Liu, David Carradine, Guo Xiao Dong, Feng Xiaogang, Jacky Heung Cho, Cung Le Running Time: 116 min. By HKFanatic Tell me again why Vincent Zhao never became as big as Jet Li? Despite starring in movies like Tsui Hark’s cult classic “The Blade” and … Continue reading

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Hong Kong Godfather (1985) Review

"Hong Kong Godfather" International DVD Cover

AKA: Hong Kong Godfathers Director: Wang Lung Wei Cast: Leung Kar Yan, Norman Chu Siu Keung, Pomson Shi, Richard Cheung Kuen, Shum Wai, Chui Suk Woon, Kong Lung, Paulo Tocha, Shih Kien, Huang Pa-Ching Running Time: 94 min. By HKFanatic Arriving in 1985, “Hong Kong Godfather” is one of the later era Shaw Brothers flick and it’s not necessarily one of their best either. However, this tale of Triad brothers … Continue reading

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Well Go USA obtains the rights to two new Korean films

Deadline Hollywood reports that Well Go USA, one of the premiere distributors of global cinema in the United States, has obtained the rights to two new Korean films.  They include the South Korean War drama “My Way” from the director of the popular “Brotherhood of War.” “My Way” has reportedly grossed more than $64 million in Korea alone. Well Go USA also acquired the rights to the 3D-animated dinosaur movie, … Continue reading

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Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 9/13/11

If you’re curious about what relevant Asian and genre-related movies are coming out on blu-ray/DVD this week, but you don’t want to sift through a bunch of romantic comedies or weepy dramas to get to the good stuff – we’ve got you covered. MARTIAL ARTS Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (DVD) – Michael Jai White’s 2011 Mixed Martial Arts fight flick is finally here on DVD! The film is … Continue reading

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