Author Archives: Z Ravas

Rebel, The (2007) Review

"The Rebel" Vietnamese Theatrical Poster

Director: Charlie Nguyen Cast: Johnny Tri Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Dustin Nguyen, Chanh Tin Nguyen, Nguyen Thang Running Time: 103 min. By HKFanatic If you’ve heard of “The Rebel,” it’s probably for one of two reasons. (1.) Upon the time of its release in 2007, it was the most expensive Vietnamese production of all time, with a budget somewhere between 1.5 and 3 million US dollars. (2.) It stars Dustin Nguyen … Continue reading

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Fireball: Muay Thai Dunk | aka Fire Ball (2009) Review

Director: Thanakorn Pongsuwan Writer: Thanakorn Pongsuwan, Kiat Sansanandana, Taweewat Wantha, Adirek Wattaleela Cast: Preeti Barameeanat, Khanutra Chuchuaysuwan, Kumpanat Oungsoongnern, Phutharit Prombandal, 9 Million Sam, Arucha Tosawat Running Time: 97 min. By HKFanatic You just got out of prison only to find out that your twin brother is a coma, beaten half-to-death by the same thugs he borrowed money from to ensure your release. So what do you do? If it’s … Continue reading

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Muay Thai Giant | aka Somtum (2008) Review

Director: Nonthakorn Thaveesuk Cast: Nathan Jones, Nawarat Techaratanaprasert, Sasisa Jindamanee, Chupong Changprung Running Time: 99 min. By HKFanatic “Somtum” is something of a novelty film, a Thai action movie that I suspect a lot of people are either going to love or think is the corniest thing ever. Personally, I got a kick out of this movie. It’s the first headlining vehicle for Nathan Jones, a guy that you’ve probably … Continue reading

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Vengeance | aka Ekdikisi (2006) Review

AKA: Phairii Phinaat Paa Mawrana Director: Pleo Sirisuwan Cast: Nattanun Jantarawetch, Chalad Na Songkhla, Sorachai Sang-aakaat, Watchara Tangkaprasert, Nattaree Wiboonlert, Chirapat Wongpaisanlux Running Time: 90 min. By HKFanatic “Vengeance” is a slick, commercial flick from Thailand with a decent plot hook: some dangerous bandits have escaped from prison (though we never actually see their big breakout) and headed into a mystical forest. A steely-eyed cop with a dark past is … Continue reading

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Sanctuary, The | aka The Warrior’s Path (2009) Review

AKA: Sam Pan Boke Director: Thanapon Maliwan Writer: Thanapon Maliwan, Anuwat Kaewsopark Cast: Michael B., Russell Wong, Intira Jaroenpura, Patharawarin Timkul, Erik Markus Schuetz, Winston Sefu, Lak-Khet Waslikachart Running TIme: 86 min. By HKFanatic As a stuntman for Tony Jaa (“Ong Bak”), Mike B. probably had to learn to take a few hits. Unfortunately, he brings that same philosophy to his own starring vehicle, the Thai martial arts flick “The … Continue reading

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Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (2010) Review

"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" Hong Kong Theatrical Poster

Director: Andrew Lau Cast: Donnie Yen, Shu Qi, Anthony Wong, Huang Bo, Kohata Ryu, Yasuaki Kurata, Zhou Yang, Huo Siyan, Shawn Yue, Ma Yue, Ma Su, Chen Jiajia Running Time: 106 min. By HKFanatic The premise for “Legend of the Fist” sounds like a surefire hit: Donnie Yen (he’s so hot right now!) teams up with “Infernal Affairs” director Andrew Lau to return to the role of Chen Zhen, which … Continue reading

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Tetsuo: The Iron Man | aka The Ironman (1988) Review

"Tetsuo" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Shinya Tsukamoto Producer: Shinya Tsukamoto Cast: Tomoro Taguchi, Kei Fujiwara, Shinya Tsukamoto, Nobu Kanaoka, Renji Ishibashi Running Time: 67 min. By HKFanatic Back in 1988, Japanese filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto unleashed “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” upon an unsuspecting world. The movie was a seething techno-fusion of flesh, sex, and machinery that aimed to shock and disturb. It has since become a cult classic and rightfully so: despite borrowing elements from … Continue reading

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