Author Archives: Z Ravas

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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Dream Home (2010) Review

Dream Home DVD (MPI)

Director: Pang Ho Cheung Cast: Josie Ho, Michelle Yip Suen, Eason Chan, Norman Chu Siu Keung, Lawrence Chou Jun Wai, Nina Pau Hei Ching, Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, Lo Hoi Pang Running Time: 96 min. By HKFanatic “Dream Home” generated a great deal of controversy upon its 2010 Hong Kong release, due in large part to its graphic violence. Despite carrying a Category III rating (basically the equivalent to our … Continue reading

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Drop (2009) Review

Director: Hiroshi Shinagawa Writer: Hiroshi Shinagawa Producer: Taiichi Inoue Cast: Hiroki Narimiya, Hiro Mizushima, Yuika Motokariya, Yusuke Kamiji, Noriko Nakagoshi, Kazuki Namioka, Junichi Komoto, Yuji Ayabe Running Time: 122 Min. By HKFanatic “Drop” is a live-action filmed based on the autobiographical novel by Japanese comedian Hiroshi Shinagawa. Shinagawa also stepped behind the camera for this, his directorial debut. I’m not sure how true-to-life this story is since the characters continually … Continue reading

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Clash | aka Bay Rong (2009) Review

"Clash" International Theatrical Poster

Director: Le Thanh Son Cast: Johnny Tri Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Hieu Hien, Hoang Phuc Nguyen, Lam Minh Thang Running Time: 100 min. By HKFanatic Hot on the heels of their 2007 martial arts hit “The Rebel,” still the highest grossing Vietnamese film of all time, the creative team behind that movie reunite for another high-octane action film, “Clash.” This time the plot is set in modern day Saigon rather than … Continue reading

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Five Shaolin Masters | aka 5 Masters of Death (1974) Review

"Five Shaolin Masters" Hong Kong Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh Writer: Ni Kuang Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan Chun, Meng Fei, Leung Kar Yan, Fung Hak On, Kong Do, Choi Wang, Johnny Wang, Chan Dik Hak, Chan Sam Lam, Chen Chin, Cheung Yee Kwai, Chik Ngai Hung, Chui Chung, Chui Fat, Dang Tak Cheung Running Time: 105 min. By HKFanatic Most action films, even martial arts ones, are scenes of dialogue interrupted … Continue reading

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BKO: Bangkok Knockout (2010) Review

"BKO: Bangkok Knockout" International Theatrical Poster

Director: Panna Rittikrai Cast: Gitabak Agohjit, Speedy Arnold, Supakson Chaimongkol, Sorapong Chatree, Virat Kemgrad Running Time: 105 min. By HKFanatic Director and fight choreographer Panna Rittikrai has stated his goal in cinema is to push the human body to its limit. “BKO: Bangkok Knockout,” then, is his magnum opus. Panna builds on style of his 2004 free-for-all stunt spectacular “Born to Fight” and unleashes a film that either pays tribute … Continue reading

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Rammbock: Berlin Undead | aka Siege of the Dead (2010) Review

Director: Marvin Kren Writer: Benjamin Hessler Producer: Sigrid Hoerner Cast: Michael Fuith, Theo Trebs, Anka Graczyk, Brigitte Kren, Emily Cox Running Time: 64 min. By HKFanatic “Rammbock” is a 2010 German-language zombie film that takes its cues from “28 Days Later”: the dead aren’t coming back to life, it’s the living that are being infected by a virus that turns them into rabid flesh-eaters. The filmmakers obviously didn’t have access … Continue reading

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Well Go USA to release two films from Grudge director Takashi Shimizu

Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller TORMENTED from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films.  They have simultaneously also acquired all rights to the 2010 horror classic THE SHOCK LABYRINTH. Both films were directed by edgy auteur Takashi Shimizu, best known for the original 2002 Japanese hit The Grudge (Juon) and the 2003 sequel The … Continue reading

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Executioners from Shaolin | aka Shaolin Executioner (1977) Review

"Executioners from Shaolin" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Executioners of Death Director: Lau Kar-leung Cast: Chen Kuan Tai, Lo Lieh, Lily Li Li Li, Wong Yu, Kong Do, Hsiao Ho, Cheng Hong Yip, John Cheung, Shum Lo, Gordon Liu, Fung Hak On, Fung Ming, John Cheung, Wilson Tong, Peter Chan Lung, Lam Ching Ying Running Time: 96 mins. By HKFanatic Tonally, this film is all over the place even for a Shaw Brothers movie. The story opens … Continue reading

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Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979) Review

"Mad Monkey Kung Fu" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Liu Chia Liang Writer: I Kuang Cast: Hsiao Ho, Lau Kar Leung, Lo Lieh, Kara Hui, Ching Chu, San Sin, Lam Fai Wong, Lin Ke Ming, Chan Ling Wai, Wong Ching Ho, Cham Siu Hung Running Time: 116 min. By HKFanatic This 1979 kung fu film starring Hsiao Ho and Lau Kar-leung is another minor masterpiece from the Shaw Brothers. At nearly two hours long, this movie stuffs in … Continue reading

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Tactical Force (2011) Review

"Tactical Force" Japanese DVD Cover

Director: Adamo Paolo Cultraro Cast: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Michael Jai White, Candace Elaine, Lexa Doig, Steve Bacic, Michael Shanks, Michael Eklund, Darren Shahlavi Running Time: 90 min. By HKFanatic If you rent a movie with “Stone Cold” Steven Austin dead center on the cover, you probably know what you’re in for. There’s gonna be low production values, Stone Cold is gonna spout off a few one-liners like “You can … Continue reading

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