Category Archives: Reviews

Kung Fu Dunk | aka Slam Dunk (2008) Review

"Kung Fu Dunk" American DVD Cover

AKA: Shaolin Basket Director: Chu Yen Ping Cast: Jay Chou, Eric Tsang Chi-wai, Wilson Chen, Charlene Choi, Ng Man Tat, Wang Gang, Huang Bo, Will Liu Keng Hung, Leung Kar Yan, Eddie Ko Running Time: 98 min. By Mighty Peking Man From Chu Yen Ping (aka Kevin Chu), the director of Fantasy Mission Force (1982) comes Kung Fu Dunk… Since when did Chu Yen Ping become a hot shot director … Continue reading

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Chinatown Kid (1977) Review

"Chinatown Kid" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh Producer: Run Run Shaw Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Shirley Yu, Siu Yam Yam, Philip Kwok, Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Jenny Tseng, Wong Lik, Johnny Wang, Jamie Luk Running Time: 120 min. By Jeff Bona After getting into trouble with both the Hong Kong police and the local crime syndicate (headed by Johnny Wang Lung-Wei), Tang Dong (Alexander Fu Sheng) heads to San Francisco to hide … Continue reading

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Saga of the Phoenix (1990) Review

Director: Lau Shut Yue, Nam Nai Choi Cast: Yuen Biao, Gloria Yip Wan Yi, Rachel Lee Lai Chun, Shintaro Katsu, Jacqueline Ng Suet Man, Lau Sek Yin, Pauline Wong Siu Fung Running Time: 93 min. By JJ Hatfield Saga of the Phoenix is a sequel to Peacock King. Ashura, Hell’s virgin really wants to visit outside Hell. She wants to feel the sunshine and smell the flowers. Peacock and his … Continue reading

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Hero of Swallow, The (1996) Review

Director: Siu Sang Writer: Siu Sang Studio Producer: Cheung Chung Ping, Hu Chin, Allen Lan Hai Han Cast: Yuen Biao, Athena Chu Yan, Eddie Ko Hung, Lily Chung Suk Wai, Ma Chung Tak, Elvis Tsui Kam Kong, Yvonne Yung Hung, Allen Lan Hai Han Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield “The Hero Of Swallow” is set in pre – WWII China. There is a tremendous amount of misery caused … Continue reading

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Picture of a Nymph (1988) Review

AKA: Painting of a Nymph Director: Wu Ma Writer: Wu Ma, Chan Kam Cheong Producer: Sammo Hung Kam Bo Cast: Yuen Biao, Joey Wong, Wu Ma, Lawrence Ng Kai Wah, Elizabeth Lee Mei Fung, May Lo Mei Mei, Fanny Sit Chi Lun, Yuen Wah, David Lam Wai Running Time: 95 min. By JJ Hatfield Tsui Hark has done a simply wonderful film with “A Chinese Gho…” Wait. My apologies but … Continue reading

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Frozen Flower, A (2008) Review

"A Frozen Flower" Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Yu Ha Cast: Jo In-seong, Joo Jin-Mo, Song Ji-hyo, Shim Ji-Ho, Im Ju-Hwan, Yeo Wook-Hwan, Song Joong-Gi, No Min-Woo, Do Ye-Seong, Jang Ji-Won, Lee Jong-Gu Running Time: 133 min. By JJ Hatfield A Frozen Flower is a fictional drama set sometime near the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, 918 – 1392. The region is under control of the King (Jin-mo Ju) however it is always being watched by China. … Continue reading

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Fantasy Mission Force (1982) Review

"Fantasy Mission Force" Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Fire Dragon Director: Chu Yen Ping Cast: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Jimmy Wang Yu, Adam Cheng Siu Chow, Pearl Chang Ling, Paul Chang Chung, Chen Hung Lieh, Suen Yuet, Hui Bat Liu, Gam Dai, Cheng Fu Hung, Fong Ching, Fong Ching, Lee Kwan Running Time: 90 min. By Numskull Mere words cannot express how bad this movie is (I call it Fantasy Mission FARCE). It has something to do … Continue reading

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King Boxer | aka 5 Fingers of Death (1972) Review

"King Boxer" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Invincible Boxer, Iron Palm Director: Jeong Chang Hwa Cast: Lo Lieh, Tung Lam, James Nam Gung Fan, Fang Mien, Wong Chin Feng, Wong Ping, Tien Feng, Chiu Hung, Goo Man Chung, Chan Shen, Chan Chuen Running Time: 102 min. By Joe909 I love cityonfire.com, but I’ve noticed there’s just a widespread disrespect for old-school martial arts movies on this site. Spoiled by “New Wave” slickness and stuntman Jackie Chan’s … Continue reading

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Avenging Fist, The | aka Legend of Tekken (2001) Review

"The Avenging Fist" Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Andrew Lau Co-director: Corey Yuen Cast: Stephen Fung, Wang Lee Hom, Sammo Hung, Chin Kar Lok, Roy Cheung, Gigi Leung, Kristy Yeung, Yuen Biao, Cecilia Yip, Ekin Cheng, Benjamin Yuen, Brian Banowetz, Sammul Chan, Brian Ireland, Jackson Ng Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield This movie had a number of reasons why it should be good entertainment. The names Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao starts things off right. … Continue reading

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Most Wanted, The (1994) Review

Director: Wong Kam Sai Producer: Clarence Yip Cast: Lau Ching Wan, Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Eileen Tung Ai Ling, Kent Cheng Jak Si, Robin Shou Wan Bo, Gam Hing Yin, Lee Gwok Lun, Marx Cheung Lui, Lee Siu Kei, Leung Hak Shun Running Time: 90 min. By JJ Hatfield Many law enforcement agencies across the globe have used officers to infiltrate crime organizations. It isn’t a new idea however the … Continue reading

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Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) Review

"Godzilla vs. Megalon" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Jun Fukuda Producer: Tomoyuki Tanaka Cast: Katsuhiko Sasaki, Hiroyuki Kawase, Yutaka Hayashi, Robert Dunham, Kotaro Tomita Running Time: 81 min. By Woody My fondest memories of Palmdale, California are of visiting my Grandma Mary, eating TV dinners, and sitting in the guest room to watch the weekly Japanese monster movie on channel 5. It was the high point of my week. Living in Palmdale in the early nineties was … Continue reading

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Peacock King, The | aka Legend of the Phoenix (1989) Review

Director: Nam Nai Choi Producer: Chua Lam Cast: Yuen Biao, Gloria Yip Wan Yi, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Gordon Liu Chia Hui, Eddie Ko Hung, Philip Kwok Chung Fung, Ken Boyle, Siu Tak Foo, Yuen Bun, Kara Hui Ying Hung Running Time: 83 min. By JJ Hatfield All is dark except for an area forming a rough circle around an ongoing archaeological dig. Without warning a … Continue reading

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Hard Boiled (1992) Review

"Hard Boiled" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: John Woo Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Philip Chan, Teresa Mo, Kwan Hoi San, Philip Kwok, Stephen Tung, Bowie Lam, Bobby Au-Yeung Jan Wa Running Time: 122 min. By Joseph Kuby As far as gun battles go, this is the best action film of all time! Cinematically speaking, it doesn’t hold a candle to Bullet In The Head or The Killer for that matter, but it … Continue reading

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Bruce Lee the Invincible (1978) Review

AKA: Bruce Li the Invincible Director: Law Kei Cast: Bruce Li (aka Ho Chung Tao, James Ho), Chan Sing, Bolo Yeung, Mars, Fung Hak On, Eric Tsang, Michael Chan Wai Man, Chan Wai Ying, Cheung Lik Running Time: 90 min. By Jeff Bona After disrespecting his fellow countrymen, Chang Lee Kung (Michael Chan Wai Man) promises his teacher (Bolo Yeung) that he’ll start a new, positive life in Malaysia. However, … Continue reading

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Goemon | aka The Legend of Goemon (2009) Review

AKA: Goemon: The Robin Hood of Japan Director: Kazuaki Kiriya Writer: Kazuaki Kiriya, Tetsuro Takita Cast: Yosuke Eguchi, Takao Osawa, Ryoko Hirosue, Gori, Eiji Okuda, Eiji Okuda, Kazuaki Kiriya, Jun Kaname, Masato Ibu, Hashinosuke Nakamura, Susumu Terajima, Mikijiro Hira, Tetsuji Tamayama, Choi Hong-man Running Time: 128 min. By Ningen A revisionist take on the titular legendary Japanese thief, this Hero/300-esque follow-up from the director of the live-action Casshern emphasizes his … Continue reading

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