The Kick is a Thailand/South Korean co-production directed by Prachya Pinkaew (Tom Yum Goong). The film is about Korean family of Taekwondo experts who immigrate to Thailand. The film stars Cho Jae-hyun (Bad Guy), Yea Ji-won (Hanji), Yanin Vismistananda (Chocolate) and Petchtai Wongkamlao (Ong Bak 3). The Kick marks the first movie ever to be produced between Thailand and South Korea. Check out the trailers here. – Thanks to The … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →