Category Archives: Reviews

Tale of Two Sisters, A (2003) Review

"A Tale of Two Sisters" Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Ji Woon Writer: Kim Ji Woon Cast: Im Su-Jeong, Mun Geun-Yeong, Yeom Jeong-A, Kim Gap-Su, Park Mi-Hyeon, Wu Gi-Hong Running Time: 115 min. By JJ Hatfield A Tale of Two Sisters is a finely crafted work of art from the skilled hands of Kim Jee-woon. Kim not only directed the film but wrote the screen play as well. This is beautiful and imaginative in a very subdued fashion. … Continue reading

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One-Armed Swordsman, The (1967) Review

"The One-Armed Swordsman" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh Producer: Runme Shaw Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Pan Yingzi, Chiao Chiao, Wong Chung Shun, Tin Fung, Guk Fung, Liu Chia Liang, Yeung Chi Hing, Chen Yan Yan, Fan Mei Sheng, Wong Kwong Yue, Tong Gaai, Gai Yuen, Cliff Lok, Yen Shi-Kwan Running Time: 110 min. By JJ Hatfield When I first saw this film I was certain it would be bad. Absolutely terrible. I have seen enough … Continue reading

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Teahouse, The | aka The Tea House (1974) Review

"The Teahouse" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Kuei Chih Hung Cast: Chen Kuan Tai, Yeung Chi Hing, Lee Sau Kei, Karen Yip Ling Chi, Ha Ping, Cheung Chok Chow, Shum Lo, Fung King Man, Chung Chaan Chi, Yeung Chak Lam, Wong Yu, Chan Laap Ban, Chan Mei Hua, Chan Shen, Ching Gong, Fan Mei Sheng Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield “The Teahouse” is a story on film more than a movie. It begins rather … Continue reading

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Spiritual Kung Fu | aka Karate Bomber (1978) Review

AKA: Karate Ghostbuster Director: Lo Wei Writer: Poon Lui Producer: Lo Wei Cast: Jackie Chan, James Tien Chun, Mo Man Sau, Lee Tung Chun, Lee Kwan, Dean Shek Tien, Ko Keung, Lee Hoi Lung, Lee Man Tai, Wong Kwong Yue, Yuen Biao Running Time: 91 min. By JJ Hatfield Spiritual Kung Fu is an odd mix of virtually no plot, infantile Lo Wei humor and some fantastic action. Whether or … Continue reading

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Half a Loaf of Kung Fu (1978) Review

"Half a Loaf of Kung Fu" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chan Chi Hwa Cast: Jackie Chan, James Tien Chun, Doris Lung Chung Erh, Gam Ching Lan, Kam Kong, Lee Hoi Lung, Miu Tin, Dean Shek Tien, Julie Lee Chi Lun, Che Dei Running Time: 92 min. By Stockton22 And so the debate rages on. Is this movie a flawed but entertaining transition film, or a completely forgettable mess? Well, I have to say that with a starting point of … Continue reading

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Crazy Shaolin Disciples | aka Enter the 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1985) Review

Director: Yau Fung Hung Cast: Wong Yu, Chin Siu Ho, Gordon Liu Chia Hui, Lo Meng, Lo Lieh, May Cheung Choi Mei, Chun Wong, Philip Kwok Chung Fung, Yuen Qiu, Lee Hoi San Running Time: 87 min. By JJ Hatfield I would prefer to primarily review only good films. However there are times a viewer warning should be advised when movies pretend to be something they are not. This is … Continue reading

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Musa | aka Musa the Warrior (2001) Review

Director: Kim Sung-su Writer: Kim Sung-su Cast: Ju Jin-mo, Jung Woo-sung, Ahn Sung-kee, Zhang Ziyi, Park Yong-woo, Park Jeong-hak, Yu Hye-jin, Jeung Seok-yong, Lee Du-il, Han Yeong-mok, Yu Rong Guang Running Time: 158 min. By Alexander Ignoring Public Enemy’s pleas to not believe the hype, I prowled misspelled listings of all-region Musa DVDs on eBay until I found a dealer who wasn’t charging $40+ for a cheaply pressed bootleg solely … Continue reading

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Touch of Zen, A (1971) Review

"A Touch of Zen" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: King Hu Writer: King Hu Cast: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Pai Ying, Tin Peng, Roy Chiao Hung, Sit Hon, Cho Kin, Go Ming, Miu Tin, Melvin Cheung Wan Man, Liu Chu, Cheung Bing Yuk Running Time: 180 min. By JJ Hatfield A Touch of Zen (Xia nu) is an amazing film. Generally overlooked as just another “chop socky” movie most of the western world has never seen this piece … Continue reading

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Invincible Kung Fu Guy, The (1994) Review

Director: Will Martin Writer: Will Martin Cast: Elise Beller, Dee Chilcote, Randy Foster, Rohana Kenin, Ralf Langenheim, Will Martin, Dave Matucha, Rip Reed, Nick Ridge, Ethan Schutz, David Swagerty, Julie Yoon Running Time: 23 min. By JJ Hatfield Everyone who has seen old school martial art movies must see this film! In fact the more old movies you have watched you will find this very funny or fall down laughing. … Continue reading

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Disciples of the 36th Chamber | aka Disciples of the Master Killer (1985) Review

"Disciples of the 36th Chamber" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Master Killer 3 Director: Lau Kar Leung Cast: Hsiao Ho, Gordon Liu Chia Hui, Lily Li Li Li, Jason Pai Piao, Lau Kar Leung, Lee Hoi San, Yeung Sai Gwan, Shum Lo, Lau Siu Kwan, Yeung Chi Hing Running Time: 89 min. By JJ Hatfield Disciples of the 36th Chamber is one of the all time best films of the genre! This was essentially the last of the fantastic … Continue reading

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Return to the 36th Chamber | aka Return of the Master Killer (1980) Review

AKA: Master Killer 2 Director: Lau Kar Leung Writer: Ni Kuang Producer: Run Run Shaw Cast: Gordon Liu Chia Hui, Johnny Wang Lung Wei, Hsiao Ho, Kong Do, Kwan Yung Moon, Ching Chu, Kara Hui Ying Hung, Bruce Lai, Yeung Jing Jing, Wong Ching Ho Running Time: 99 min. By JJ Hatfield After the astounding success of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin there were two sequels planned by the Shaw … Continue reading

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36th Chamber of Shaolin | aka Master Killer (1978) Review

"36th Chamber of Shaolin" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lau Kar-Leung Writer: Ni Kuang Cast: Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, Lau Kar Wing, Wilson Tong, Wong Yu, Lee Hoi San, Henry Yu, Hon Gwok Choi, Wai Wang, Austin Wai, Aai Dung Gwa, Billy Chan, Peter Chan, Chan Shen, Chan Si Gaai, Cheung Chok Chow Running Time: 115 min. By JJ Hatfield This film is far more than just another Shaolin monk tale. Several things combined to propel this movie … Continue reading

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Name of the Rose, The (1986) Review

"The Name of the Rose" American Theatrical Poster

AKA: Der Name der Rose Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud Cast: Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Michael Lonsdale, Ron Perlman, F. Murray Abraham Running Time: 126 min. By JJ Hatfield In 1327 The Franciscan Order representatives are gathering with Pope John to determine if the Church should take vows of poverty or profit. This is a most important meeting hosted by the Franciscan Benedictine Abbey in the north of Italy. The Franciscan Monks … Continue reading

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Ong-Bak 3: The Final Battle (2010) Review

"Ong-Bak 3" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Tony Jaa Co-director: Panna Rittikrai Cast: Tony Jaa, Primrata Det-Udom, Dan Chupong, Sarunyu Wongkrajang, Nirutti Sirijanya, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Chumphorn Thepphithak, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Sorapong Chatree, Santisuk Promsiri Running Time: 95 min. By JJ Hatfield Before viewing “Ong Bak” 3 it is essential to have watched “Ong Bak” 2, or as some people refer to it as the first half of the film. It was written and planned as being one … Continue reading

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In the Mood For Love (2000) Review

"In the Mood for Love" Theatrical Poster

Director: Wong Kar-wai Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung, Lai Chen, Lai Chin, Rebecca Pan, Joe Cheung Running Time: 127 min. By Alexander Exquisite. From the lush hues of the set design, to Maggie Cheung’s seemingly infinite supply of cheongsams, to Shigeru Umegayashi’s haunting music, to Tony Leung’s performance, to Wong Kar Wai’s direction–everything about “In the Mood For Love” is exquisite. And while I’ve praised the beauty of a … Continue reading

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