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 →

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 →

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 →

In the mid-90s, the Hong Kong film industry ate itself alive. In 1993, it had produced a record 238 films and its doyen director, John Woo, was about to dive, twin guns aflame, through Hollywood’s doors. Six years later, production had crashed to just 40 films a year and not even the local triad gangs could prevent their own films from being pirated: there were bootlegs VCDs on sale everywhere … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

“Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)” director Tom Six has a few words for the British Board of Film Classification, which has banned the sequel to Six’s “Human Centipede” film in the U.K. The BBFC claimed that the movie, about a man who gets “erotically obsessed” with the first film and gets the idea to create his own human centipede, was “sexually violent,” “potentially obscene” and a “real risk” to moviegoers. … Continue reading →

Twitch has posted a trailer for Pen-Ek Ratanaruang’s Headshot (not to be confused with the upcoming Stallone film). Along with Wisit Sasanatieng (Tears of the Black Tiger) and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives), Pen-Ek Ratanaruang is considered one of Thai cinema’s leading “new wave” auteurs. He is best known for his 2003 film Last Life in the Universe. For the trailer please visit Twitch. Also check out … Continue reading →

Directed by Lee Hyeon-Seung (Il Mare) and starring Song Kang-ho (The Good, The Bad, The Weird) and Shin Se-kyung (Five Senses of Eros). Hindsight is about a former gangster who now wants to live a quiet life while hoping to run a restaurant of his own. One day, he meets a daring and spunky young girl in his cooking class, and finds himself drawn to her. She turns out to … Continue reading →

“My Sassy Girl” director Kwak Jae-yong has been hired by China Film Group to direct a movie potentially starring two of China’s biggest celebrities, Chow Yun-fat and Fan Bingbing. This is the first time for a Korean director to helm a Chinese blockbuster. The movie, named “Yang Guifei,” is scheduled to be released next year. Filming is due to begin in October and around 30 Korean staff, including the lighting … Continue reading →