Idol (2019) Review

"Idol" Theatrical Poster

“Idol” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Su-jin
Cast: Han Suk-Kyu, Sol Kyung-Gu, Chun Woo-Hee, Yoo Seung-Mok, Joe Byeong-Gyu, Kim Jae-Hwa, Hyun Bong-Sik, Jo Dae-Hee, Kang Mal-Geum
Running Time: 144 min.

By Paul Bramhall

The topic of political corruption has always provided fertile ground for filmmakers in Korea, almost to the point that if a politician turns up in a Korean movie, it’s a safe bet that they’ll either end up corrupt (if they’re not already), or at the very least be involved in a plot involving corruption in some way. While the predictability of such characters may be expected to result in overly familiar storylines, on the contrary some filmmakers have used the theme to create pieces of work that range from devastating to devilishly entertaining. The likes of Woo Min-ho’s Inside Men, Lee Kyoung-mi’s The Truth Beneath, and Han Jae-rim’s The King all tackle themes of corruption either as part of or the central theme of their stories, and all rank as some of the best productions to come out of Korea in recent years.

In 2019 director Lee Su-jin released his sophomore feature Idol which also uses the theme of political corruption to frame a broader story that focuses on the dark follies of human nature. Han Suk-kyu (The Prison, The Gingko Bed) plays a popular member of the city council who’s angling to run for governor, plans which are put at risk when he returns home one night to find his wife (Kang Mal-geum – The Chase, Lucky Chan-sil) cleaning up a bloody mess in the garage, a mangled body wrapped in plastic. It turns out their son (Cho Byeong-kyu – Miss and Mrs. Cops, Slow Video) was involved in a hit and run, and panic stricken made the decision to stuff the body in the trunk and bring it back home.

In most movies which cover similar territory the plot would go down the path of Suk-kyu’s involvement in hiding the body, but Idol quickly defies expectations by having his character report the hit and run to the police, and hand his son in to the authorities to confess his guilt. It’s revealed that the victim was the mentally disabled son of small store owner Sol Kyung-gu (Memoir of a Murderer, The Merciless), here sporting a shock of dyed blonde hair, and instead the narrative centres its focus on the relationship that forms between the 2 fathers. When it’s revealed that the victims girlfriend was also present at the time of the incident, a Chinese immigrant who’s not been seen since, both Suk-kyu and Kyung-gu begin a frantic search to track her down – one to hide the truth, and the other to uncover it.

Any movie which opens with the line “I jerked my son off” is clearly looking to grab the audience’s attention from the get-go, and director Su-jin’s intentional shock tactics serve their purpose without coming across as cheap or manipulative. Only the 2nd time to sit in the director’s chair, for his sophomore feature Su-jin casts 2 of the biggest names from the early days of the Korean Wave in the form of Han Suk-kyu and Sol Kyung-gu, here sharing the screen together for the first time, and their pairing doesn’t disappoint. Working from his own script, Idol marks Su-jin’s long awaited sophomore feature after 2014’s powerhouse of a debut Han Gong-ju, and like his debut Idol also uses an element of mystery to keep events unfolding in increasingly twisty and unexpected ways.

While both of his movies so far deal with the aftermath of a traumatic even, in Idol Su-jin seems keen to explore broader themes, with a narrative that touches on the inherent ambition of man and what it takes to get there, as well as the divides that exist between the different parts of society. Far from making Kyung-gu a revenge seeking father figure, instead he finds himself manipulated to become a part of Suk-kyu’s bigger plans, ones which see him smartly using the incident as a way to cement his perception of an honest and upright candidate in the eyes of the public. The dynamic between the pair develops concurrently to their individual searches for the missing girlfriend, which sees the setting shift to the small-town hostess bars and rural farms illegal Chinese immigrants usually find themselves working in.

The ace up Idol’s sleeve is the casting of Chun Woo-hee as the girlfriend in question. Woo-hee played the title character in Su-jin’s debut Han Gong Ju delivering a career best performance, and although she’s appeared in the likes of The Piper and The Wailing since, it seems to be Su-jin who knows exactly what kind of role best utilises her talents. While the plot dictates that her presence become another piece of the puzzle in unravelling exactly what happened that night (which it’s worth mentioning Su-jin makes the admirable decision to never actually show), Idol’s off-kilter structure has other ideas in mind. Woo-hee’s arrival in the 140+ minute runtime changes the tone significantly, essentially making her a 3rd leading character. 

As an immigrant looking to find her way in a foreign country it becomes clear that neither Suk-kyu is prepared for the type of person he’s going to be dealing with, nor that Kyung-gu had any idea about her past before he arranged for her to enter his sons life. Woo-hee’s character is difficult to pin down, an unpredictable force of nature capable of lashing out if she feels backed into a corner, but also willing to show enough humanity that she remains relatable. As secrets begin to bubble to the surface, Suk-kyu’s willingness to resort to increasingly desperate measures to ensure his image is protected collides head on with Woo-hee’s willingness to do anything to survive, and the combination pushes Idol into some gruesome territory.

There’s a lot to unpack in Idol, and the feeling that more is going on underneath the surface than what we see onscreen is rarely far away. Each character is desperate in their own way, whether it be to protect their reputation, to continue living, or to find the truth, the sense of that desperation becomes more palpable as the narrative relentlessly barrels forward, giving Idol a slightly unhinged tone. There are similarities here between the previously mentioned The Truth Beneath in the way both involve a hunt for truth with political undertones, and the increasingly violent paths our characters choose to follow to get there. While Su-jin never saturates the screen with violence, when it comes it hits hard, with one particularly grotesque dream sequence that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie sure to linger in the memory.

Su-jin shows a deft hand at incorporating elements of pitch-black humour into the storyline that are reminiscent of Park Chan-wook’s gift for doing the same. When Suk-kyu and his family go to visit Kyung-gu at his store to apologise, disco style karaoke lights are accidentally switched on that can’t be switched off, causing the scene to descend into the absurd as the conversation takes place bathed in brightly coloured flashing lights. Later on a commotion in a brothel while searching for Woo-hee results in a crowd of semi-naked customers congregating to watch on in the background, culminating in the owner sending everyone home with the promise of a refund for anyone who didn’t climax. These offbeat scenes are infrequent but achieve their intention despite the grim nature of the plot, an element of Su-jin’s repertoire which is on show for the first time in Idol.

While sophomore features that follow outstanding debuts are always tricky, with Idol Lee Su-jin has cemented his place as one of the most fiercely original voices working in the Korean film industry today. Idol is a movie which grabs you by the throat from the get go, and doesn’t let go for the entirety of its lengthy runtime, a dark but never less than entertaining tour de force into how far humans are willing to go to achieve what they feel they rightfully deserve. In life most of us have our idols, but have we ever questioned what they may have done to get there?

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 8.5/10

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged |

Live-action videogame adaptation of ‘Dynasty Warriors’ starring Louis Koo is heading to Netflix on July 1

"Dynasty Warriors" Theatrical Poster

“Dynasty Warriors” Theatrical Poster

On July 1, 2021, Dynasty Warriors, the live-action film based on the popular videogame of the same name, is heading to Netflix.

The fantasy actioner, directed by Roy Chow (Nightfall, Rise of the Legend), stars Louis Koo (Three), Wang Kai (Railroad Tigers), Han Geng (The Great Detective), Tony Yang (The Adventurers), Justin Cheung (3-D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy), Ray Lui (Flash Point), Gulnazar (Police Story 2013) and Carina Lau (From Vegas to Macau II).

The games brought The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Luo Guanzhong’s classic novel about a wartorn era in Chinese history, to the hack-and-slash genre. KOEI released the first Sangoku Musō (Dynasty Warriors) game in 1997 for the PlayStation as a spinoff Continue reading

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How to Become a Social Media Influencer

Those who exercise their authority and have active followers on social media are usually called social media influencers. People have a reputation for their knowledge and special experience. They regularly share their daily content on their social networks. There are a lot of enthusiastic and passionate people who value their opinions.

Patience and determination are needed to become a social influence. You have to work hard for at least a year to see the real results. With hard work and perseverance, you can become a social media influencer. Do you specialize in a particular subject on social media? Are you knowledgeable about Facebook, Twitter or any other social media? Are you thinking of becoming a social media influencer? If so, here are some helpful guidelines to help you quickly gain an influential position.

What is a Social Media Influencer?

Mainstream social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, etc., usually have more followers. There is no clear definition or a certain number of followers to protect social media influencers. We all impact social media and it’s just because of the reviews to post.

Adequate audience engagement is required to consider a brand as influential. One thing to keep in mind is that social media influencers don’t make a living from here. Most influencers have come here freely and diligently, consistently editing content strategies.

Is it Right for You to Become a Social Media Influencer?

Before starting your journey as a social media influencer, you need to determine if this is right. There is no guarantee that you will succeed here, but you have to work hard for it. If you do not do what you normally would like to do, you may struggle to find the willpower to stick with it.

Suppose you got your content strategy right and became influential through social media. In that case, you can make a living by doing whatever you like.

What Do You Need to do for a Social Media Influencer?

To become a social media influencer, you need followers. Gradually, you will automatically receive subscribers, but you will receive more for more publications and continuous publication.  Before you get carried away and talk about it more, let me tell you one thing. Getting thousands of people to follow you is not easy. It is much more complicated than it sounds. It isn’t easy but achievable. Let’s take a look at a detailed guide on how to become a social media influencer.

  1. Find a niche: It would be best to choose the right niche because the niche will define your entire career as influential. For example, if you like photography or are into photography, photography can be your niche.
  2. Social channel: Suppose you want to be a social media influencer; you have to choose the right channel. You need a social media platform to publish your content. Nowadays, many people have chosen Instagram as the central platform.
  3. The target audience: You have to develop yourself as a good personality and present oneself perfectly to your audience. You need to know which ones they are interested in and whether they like any social media platform.

 

Posted in News |

Brotherhood of the Wolf | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Brotherhood of the Wolf | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Brotherhood of the Wolf | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2021

On July 27, 2021, Shout! Factory is releasing a 2-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray for Christophe Gans’ 2002 thriller Brotherhood of the Wolf, starring Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Emilie Dequenne, Monica Bellucci, Jérémie Rénier and martial arts Mark Dacascos (Drive, The Driver).

Check out the official details below:

The incredible hit that took audiences and critics alike on “a wild ride” (Premiere) is back with more chilling adventure that’s sure to have pulses racing all over again!

When a mysterious beast ravages the countryside, two unlikely heroes are called in to fight the evil. And now, their battle against dark, unspeakable terror is even more gripping with a daring Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

What are the Practical Uses of the Times Table?

Multiplication and division are concepts that many of us learned in school. As a class, we chanted and recited the full sets of multiplication tables, and we revised them with our parents at home. Perhaps you even hung a poster on the wall of our bedroom. Even today, it is still crucial to learn these mathematical basics, despite the outdated nature of many of the methods for teaching multiplication with times table. Mathematics, such as algebra, equations, and calculus, depend heavily on the multiplication function. In the first grade, children usually master multiplication tables from 1 to 10 first and then 11 to 15, which means they are ready to tackle more challenging math, such as algebra.

As they progress through their education, they will feel more familiar with the teachings and will feel more confident about them. Learning time’s tables and tables from 1 to 10 can be challenging for many children; it requires both patience and dedication

1. They can be used in real life

A student’s times table comes in handy outside of the classroom as well as during weekly multiplication tests. If three comics cost $2 each, how much would three comics cost? You just need to multiply 3 by 2! When each of my four friends has five chocolates, how many total? Exercise four times a week! There are endless possibilities.

2. Makes Mathematics Confident

A child’s confidence in multiplication will increase if he or she understands the concept, has fluency and can recall the sums immediately.

Their basic skills will be required for many tasks at school and in-home.

Here are a few examples:

  • If you have guests over for dinner, you should set the table.
  • In order to spend money on holidays, you’ll need to calculate exchange rates.
  • Calculating how many days are in a week, month, or year.
  • The regular use of multiplication in daily life reinforces the importance of learning it at an early age as these daily uses come naturally to many people.

3. Multiplication and Division Is an Essential Skill

As your child advances through their school years, fluency in multiplication will allow him to use these necessary skills and build on them with greater ease as the mathematics presented becomes more complex.

A child’s curriculum usually begins with basic multiplication, followed by division and long multiplication. It would be much harder to understand and process the following stages without this foundation of knowledge.

4. Supports Complex Work and Builds Mathematical Blocks

Having the ability to multiplication is one of the basic skills that a student should have in his or her mathematical toolbox, as it will help your child be successful in what can often seem to be a daunting subject.

You can actually enjoy learning about and understanding multiplication when you master it.

5. Develops an Attitude to Numbers

The purpose of mathematics is usually to manipulate numbers, often in different ways. Regardless of how simple or complex a task might appear it requires a strong sense of numbers.

When your child practices key skills regularly, he or she will become more comfortable with numbers. Skills in the following areas can be developed through this process:

  • Counting
  • Estimation
  • Time
  • Distance
  • Grouping
  • Quantity

6. Performances in Problem Solving

Children who become more adept at recalling 2-12 times tables will be able to solve more complex math problems in a shorter amount of time. As a result, there’s already a basic understanding established. In time, they will become more adept at this skill, enabling them to concentrate more on the more difficult aspects of the task.

7. Commendations and Encouragements

The use of encouragement and praise that you can provide your child while she or he is going through his or her education gives them the confidence they need to succeed and feel good about themselves.

An example of good praise is prioritizing the effort over the final result when motivating your child to learn something new.

Was it when you were a child that you learned your times table? Would you mind telling us what real-world uses you make of the timetable knowledge?

Posted in News |

Benefits Of Mixing CBD Sleep Tincture and Coffee

CBD is available in many forms. One of the most popular forms of taking CBD is CBD sleep tinctures. Many users take CBD sleep tinctures with coffee to enhance the benefits of both the coffee and CBD. Mixing CBD sleep tincture and coffee can drastically strengthen your CBD experience, and it can exponentially improve the overall effects. If you want to try mixing CBD sleep tincture and coffee, you can get some CBD sleep tinctures here – https://cbdfx.com/products/cbd-oil-sleep-tincture-500-6000mg/. If you love coffee and use CBD, combining them is the most obvious thing. Let us look at the benefits of mixing CBD sleep tincture and coffee.

Benefits of CBD Sleep Tinctures 

CBD sleep tinctures contain cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is present naturally in hemp plants. When you take CBD, your body’s endocannabinoid system reacts with the CBD sleep tincture, leading to various benefits. Many users take CBD sleep tinctures to address their sleep-related issues and issues like anxiety, pain, depression, and inflammation. Consuming CBD sleep tinctures results in improved sleep duration and sleep quality. You will no longer be restless at night, and you will have a genuinely restful sleep. CBD sleep tinctures work most effectively when you ingest them directly. A significant portion of CBD sleep tincture users, therefore, prefer mixing CBD sleep tincture and coffee. This mixture enables users to enjoy their cup of coffee while drastically enhancing the benefits of taking CBD.

The Combined Benefits of Mixing CBD Sleep Tincture and Coffee

Many people love coffee because it contains caffeine, which helps them feel alert, focused, and ready. However, coffee can also make people feel anxious and even increase heart rate. Adding CBD sleep tincture to coffee negates the adverse effects of drinking coffee. These benefits are prominent in people who are sensitive to caffeine. If you are a regular drinker of coffee, you will know the side effects of taking coffee. However, once you combine CBD sleep tincture and coffee, you get the best of both worlds.

The mental alertness that coffee gives is more effective because of CBD. If you feel tired after taking coffee, you can offset any drowsy effects by adding CBD. Additionally, when CBD interacts with coffee, it can stimulate serotonin activity responsible for keeping us happy. So, once you take CBD with coffee, you will feel much more alert, and you will feel much more comfortable.

A lot of people feel anxious after drinking coffee. This anxiousness might be partly due to the increase in alertness. However, when you mix CBD with your coffee, the worry disappears. CBD is famous for treating anxiety and several other issues. CBD can help tackle generalized anxiety and specific problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD). If you feel on edge after taking coffee, CBD will help you relax while simultaneously ensuring that you do not lose focus.

When you mix caffeine and CBD, you get to experience the benefits of both for a longer duration. When you take CBD and caffeine together, your liver experiences an overload in enzymes and essentially stocks up because it cannot process everything at once. Due to this reason, you will realize that you are experiencing the benefits of CBD and caffeine for a longer duration of time

Both CBD and coffee have antioxidant properties that play a vital role in increasing your well-being. Antioxidants also help protect us from toxins that can damage our cells. Further, antioxidants nullify unwanted elements in the bloodstream, which results in a lower risk of developing diseases. CBD and coffee both give you a considerable boost in energy. This boost is beneficial before you work out. In addition, CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in your recovery process after a workout. Not only that, but CBD can also reduce pain, and it can help your headaches and hangovers. Many users take CBD mixed with coffee when they are hungover because the combined properties of both have an almost instantaneous effect on the body. As soon as you take CBD mixed with coffee, you will feel much better.

Many users prefer to be discreet about their CBD consumption. It is entirely understandable that you might not want other people to know that you are consuming CBD. So, when you mix CBD with your coffee, you can enjoy the benefits of both with a carefree mind. There is no distinct smell or overpowering feature of CBD that will let anyone know that you have mixed CBD in your coffee. This quality is a significant reason behind the popularity of CBD tincture for sleep because people can consume them openly, even at their workplace. Taking CBD combined with coffee will drastically enhance your productivity, and you will not need to worry about people finding out that you take CBD.

Mixing CBD with coffee is an excellent tool for managing your sleep cycle. Due to the stress and pressure of modern life, we often get caught up in situations that negatively affect our well-being. CBD is highly effective in treating insomnia. CBD is directly responsible for helping you sleep, but it will also help you reduce stress. When you are not constantly worried or anxious about several things, you will have a much easier time falling asleep. Moreover, when you take CBD mixed with coffee regularly, you can give a much-needed structure to your life.

How To Make CBD Infused Coffee?

There is no prescribed dosage of CBD sleep tincture. You are free to use it based on your needs. You can even incrementally change your dosage to maximize your benefits. The process is pretty straightforward. First, you need to add some drops of your CBD sleep tincture to your coffee when it is ready. Once you have added the CBD sleep tincture, mix it thoroughly. That is it, drink your CBD-infused coffee, and you will drastically improve your quality of life.

Conclusion 

Mixing CBD sleep tincture with coffee is a great idea. It enables coffee lovers to keep enjoying their coffee while letting them experience the various benefits of taking CBD. Not only that, CBD and coffee interact well with each other and enhance the effects of both products. There are no restrictions to which coffee you should use, and you are in complete control of the entire experience. You can even change the dosage incrementally but ensure that you do not go overboard with it. 

Posted in News |

Double Tap (2000) Review

"Double Tap" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Double Tap” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lo Chi-Leung
Cast: Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Alex Fong Chung Sun, Ruby Wong Cheuk Ling, Monica Chan Fat Yung, Vincent Kok Tak Chiu, Joseph Cheung Man Kwong
Running Time: 95 min.

By Paul Bramhall

There can be no denying that the Hong Kong film industry was in a miserable place at the turn of the century. There were 2 key factors behind the slump, the first being that many of its biggest directors and stars were still trying their hand in Hollywood, having made the jump based on the uncertainty of what the 1997 handover would bring. The second, and arguably bigger problem (little did we know at the time, but the fear of closer ties to China wouldn’t really manifest until the 2010’s), was that movie piracy was ravaging the film industry to the point of extinction. Despite this, there were some directors who rose to prominence during these dark days. The first who many will think of will likely be Johnnie To (and specifically his Milkyway Image Production house), but there’s also a solid case to be made for Lo Chi-Leung, who made his solo directorial debut with 2000’s Double Tap.

Chi-Leung was a frequent collaborator with Derek Yee, having worked in the capacity of assistant director on Yee’s C’est Le Vie Mon Cheri and Full Throttle, before rising to co-director status for 1996’s Viva Erotica. For Double Tap Yee would step into the producers chair, and gave Chi-Leung the opportunity to direct from his own script. Re-uniting with megastar Leslie Cheung from Viva EroticaDouble Tap follows the relationship between Cheung and Alex Fong (Angels 2, Thunder Run), who play a champion marksman shooting instructor Continue reading

Posted in All, Chinese, Golden Harvest, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Are Instant Followers For Instagram The Measure Of Quality?

It wouldn’t be fair to say “Likes” only measure your posts’ success on Instagram. There’s more to them than that. Since the time that Instagram stopped being an easy place to navigate, and by “since” I mean 2016 onwards, “Likes” also somewhat got given a bigger role than before. The algorithm for the platform is characterized to work toward finding what the user likes. “Instagram followers” also form a part of the analytics which are obtained by tracking our activity on the platform, piecing it together and personalizing content for us. In the midst of all this, having your content show up at the right place and time has become a gambit. Needless to say, so has the “likes” part of it.

Instagram followers = Quality + Networking 

Everyone on Instagram sometime or the other becomes akin to the scene. It is so much about an immersive and aesthetic experience. The artwork that the posts are, contributes a lot to grab the attention of the followers. If given a split second the post must succeed in letting the viewer spend more time on it. Everyone works on this aspect before they post it. After which the only thing that remains is to get the post where it wants to be seen. To those looking for a similar experience, where it lands a “Like”. A good post isn’t guaranteed to get a like but a good post via a great network will gain you more of those.

Fool proof your post for “likes” 

Soliciting “likes” by tags, hashtags and captions all work their way toward the engagement of the viewer. Follow the tips below to ensure full exposure without spamming the algorithm.

  • CTA posts- Run a contest or giveaways calling the viewers to action. To make an entry into such a contest ask the viewer to follow you if they haven’t, leave a like and share your post. More and more viewers would find it worthwhile for the returns.
  • Location Tags- A post with a location tag has another stream through which it could be found. It will put you on the map for those who are surfing by location.
  • Hashtags- Be careful with them. Don’t overdo it here since there’s a high probability that you might get shadow banned. You want the hashtags to relate to your post, if you have brands to tag even better and if there’s someone you want to credit that’ll do too. All their traffic can find you by means of your tag.
  • Caption it right- This is your chance to express yourself through words so do it right. Be engaging, entertaining and up on the new trends, anything that makes your viewers take action.

How to buy Video views?

It is a very easy process. All you need to do is to choose the required video count and make the payment. The results are usually delivered within 30 minutes. You just need to provide your Instagram username, except this, no other information is needed. 

A new ace in the hole- The “hide likes” option

Although at its initial phases of being tried out, Instagram’s new “Hide Likes” option, if implemented, could change the way your post performs. It would eliminate the chances of your post being liked under the influence of its pre-existing popularity.

This feature works both ways, the users themselves can hide their likes or the followers may choose to hide the likes on their incoming feed. Creators have an option to hide likes per post, so hiding likes on a less liked picture could end up giving it a fair trial. But no one party really has control over it. In such a case following the above rules and maintaining the quality of your post will have higher chances at getting you some minimal engagement, that of a “like”.

Individuals and businesses will keep growing on Instagram no matter what features change. Instant followers for Instagram will keep morphing into a mixture of elements but will always be about connecting with people. Tap into a connection that binds most people. Through the network you spend your time building more and more of those billion people will stumble upon you. Your work on the post and your work for it will keep you from being lost in this sea of content.

Posted in News |

Catch the latest Trailer for ‘Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins’ starring Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Iko Uwais and more!

"Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" Theatrical Poster

“Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins” Theatrical Poster

The upcoming G.I. Joe spin-off, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (aka Snake Eyes), a martial arts-heavy actioner with an all-star cast hits theaters on July 23, 2021.

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins stars Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) as the iconic titular character with Andrew Koji (Bruce Lee’s Warrior) stepping into the role of Storm Shadow.

Rounding out the cast is Iko Uwais (The Raid) as Hard Master, Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist) as The Baroness, Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) as Scarlett, Haruka Abe (47 Ronin, She’s Just A Shadow) and Takehiro Hira (The Eternal Zero). Kenji Tanigaki, known for his work in Big Brother, Wu Xia and SPL will be handling the film’s fight/stunt work.

The film centers on Snake Eyes Continue reading

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Silat Warriors: Deed of Death | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Silat Warriors: Deed of Death | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Silat Warriors: Deed of Death | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: July 6, 2021.

On July 6, 2021, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for the action-packed martial arts epic Silat Warriors: Deed of Death (aka Geran).

When a reckless young gambler’s wild lifestyle of illegal gambling, drag racing, and betting on brutal street fights pits him against a ruthless criminal betting ring, his luck finally runs out. The gang shows up at his family’s home to collect on the debt, forcing his family to fight in order to save their land and his life—before their limited time runs out.

In addition to actors Namron (One Two Jaga, Dukun, Redha) and Fad Anuar (Dollah Superstar, TV’s KL Gangster: Underworld), first-time film director Areel Abu Bakar Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

From the Highway (1970) Review

"From the Highway" Blu-ray Cover

“From the Highway” Blu-ray Cover

Director: Chang Tseng-tse
Cast: Peter Yang Kwan, Ingrid Hu Yin Yin, Chui Fook Sang, Suen Yuet, Lee Hung, Yeung Fui Yuk, Lee Man Tai, Ko Fei, Man Man, Chang I Fei, Gam Dai
Running Time: 80 min.

By Martin Sandison

Part of the journey into living in the moment, as far as I can see it, is to admit when someone has more knowledge than you, about the thing you love. And to drop your ego when you do it. Such a thing happened to me last year, when I was on the phone to Matija Tomic, my fellow writer and Kung Fu bro. I was talking about The Chinese Boxer and how it was the first proper Kung Fu movie. He stopped me, and said there was one made before that. The movie is From the Highway. Life is for learning, and thanks to the tireless efforts of my fellow Scots at Little Shop of Robbers with their custom titles, I picked up the movie subbed on Blu-ray. They found a good print of this rare movie, and it’s one to drop what you’re doing and become immersed in.

One of the most interesting things about From the Highway, aside from the fact it was the first film to feature overwhelmingly open-hand combat in the post-60s Wuxia era, and started the kung fu movie craze, is that it was made by Cathay studios. During the first half of the 60s the studio (under the name MP & GI) was like what Golden Harvest was to Shaws in the 70s; its biggest rival in the production of many types of genres of movies. Cathay took a more measured approach, producing far less pictures a year than Shaws, and by the late 60s was in decline. They crafted a few Wuxia films of note, especially those who came to the genre with a lighter, more comedic approach Continue reading

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Golden Needles | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Golden Needles | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Golden Needles | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

RELEASE DATE: September 21, 2021

On September 21, 2021, Kino Lorber will be releasing a Blu-ray for 1974’s Golden Needles, an actioner directed by Robert Clouse (Enter the Dragon, Game of Death, The Big Brawl). The film will be presented with a New 2K master.

A priceless ancient Chinese statue is pursued halfway across the world. The legend of the golden statue (which contains seven youth-restoring acupuncture needles) promises the owner health and incredible vigour, but can also deliver a painful death.

The film stars Joe Don Baker (Cape Fear, Goldeneye, Walking Tall), Burgess Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

Baccarat – game explanation, strategy, and tips

Anyone who is a fan of the earlier James Bond movies will know that the British spy has a fondness for the casino, and specifically for the game Baccarat. In Macau they also love Baccarat, that’s where most of the revenue comes from the game.

The popularity of the game is easily explained: its simplicity. You can’t do anything wrong in baccarat and the action is fast-paced. This makes it the ideal game for novice casino goers, but even players who visit more often will get plenty of adrenaline from dealing the cards.

We first explain the rules of the baccarat game, including Punto Banco which is the dutch version of baccarat, then briefly discuss optimal strategy to ensure you play it right at your favorite online casino. Finally, cover the history of the game and answer several frequently asked questions.

Baccarat Game Rules

Baccarat exists in several variants. The one played in the Netherlands is called Punto Banco but is sometimes also called simply Baccarat. Also in casinos in Las Vegas, the United Kingdom, Macau, and Australia you will encounter this version of the game. Other variants of the game, we’ll cover later.

In Punto Banco, all you have to do as a player is bet. The dealing of the cards, making all further decisions, and paying out are all done by the dealer. A decision to take another card or not, as in Blackjack, for example, is not an issue but is done automatically where necessary.

In baccarat, the one who gets closest to 9 wins. The value of the cards you add up but the cards have slightly different values than you are used to from many other games. The ace counts as one and the Jacks and Tens are worth 0 points. The cards with a value of 2 through 9 are worth their own value.

Value of cards in baccarat

The player and the banker are dealt two and sometimes three cards in baccarat. With that, you can easily go over 9 of course, but tens don’t count in baccarat. So if you have 10 or more after adding up your cards, another ten goes off. 

Punto, Banco, or Equality

The first and only decision you have to make as a player is to bet on “punto,” “banco,” or “egalité. Since no information is known yet, this is a pure guess.

Although “punto” stands for player and is also called “player” in English casinos, and “banco” stands for banker, there is no further meaning in this. The dealer performs all the operations, and as a player you can also choose “banco” without any problem. You only gamble on who gets closer to 9.

If you bet on ‘egalité‘, you are betting that ‘punto’ and ‘banco’ will score exactly the same amount of points.

Two for Punto and two for Banco

Once the bets are made, the dealer will deal the first four cards. From a slipper (a large closed box usually containing six or eight decks of cards, called a “shoe” in English), the dealer first draws a card and places it in the “punto” (or player, or player) box and then one in the “banco” (or bank, or banker) box.

Then both squares on the table receive another card so that both ‘punto’ and ‘banco’ both have two open cards.

Right away eight or nine?

Usually, the dealer will immediately pronounce how many points ‘punto’ and ‘banco’ have. If you play Punto Banco at an online casino, the software will indicate how many points each person has.

If either the ‘punto’ or the ‘banco’ has eight or nine, then the game is over immediately. The one with the highest score (eight or nine) then wins immediately and the dealer will make the payout.

For example, if the player has eight and the bank has nine, the bank wins. If the player would have eight and the bank six, the player wins.

If the player and the bank both do not have eight or nine, the game continues. The player’s turn comes first. If he has 6 or 7, he does not get another card and the action goes to the bank. If the player has a total score of 0 to 5, he gets one more card.

Although the action is now with the bank, the first thing to look at is what the player has done. If the player has a 6 or a 7 (and therefore did not get a card) then the same rules apply to the bank. If the banker has a 6 or a 7 then he takes no card and if he has a score of 0 to 5 then he gets one more card.

Baccarat rules – act of the bank

If the player has received a third card, then special rules apply for the bank. The bank then first looks at its own score, and acts on it according to the following rules:

Bank score  Act of the bank  Only if 
0, 1, 2  Another card 
Another card  The player’s third card was not an 8 
Another card  The player’s third card was a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 
Another card  The player’s third card was a 4, 5, 6, or 7 
Another card  The player’s third card was a 6 or 7 
No third card 

 

With all the action now behind us, it’s simple to see who wins. Whichever of the two – punto or banco – is closest to 9 wins. If all two have the same point total (no matter which cards or how many cards) then it is egalitarian; a tie.

The payout varies by the casino and can always be found on the provider’s website, or you can ask the dealer about it.

Baccarat house edge

Because you have no influence on the course of the game, you cannot increase or decrease the house edge. After all, you can do nothing wrong with the game.

The house edge in Punto Banco depends on the different rules that the casino applies. In the variant where you pay five percent commission on successful bets on banco, then the following house advantages apply:

  • If you bet on Banco, the house edge is 1.06%.
  • If you bet on Punto, the house edge is 1.24%.
  • If you bet on Egalité, then the house edge is 14.36% (if you get 8 times your bet)

If a casino applies different rules then the house advantage will be different. For example, if you receive 9 times your winnings when successfully betting on Equality, the house edge falls from 14.36% to 4.85%. And for Straight Punto Banco (also called No Commission Baccarat) the house edge depends very much on the point total on which you get paid only half.

The house edge on the egalitarian bet is often very high.

Baccarat Strategy

About a strategy for Baccarat we can be clear: always bet on Banco/Bank/Banker. Punto Banco is a pure gambling game, there is no dexterity factor in it. But if you bet on Banco you are the least far behind, even if they still take 5% of the winning bets. The rules of the game are such that Banco wins most often.

A bet on Egalité is the least strategic thing you can do. With this betting option, you are furthest behind.

The correct strategy in Punto Banco is therefore always to bet on Banco. The rest comes down to luck!

Many casinos offer various side-bets with sometimes high payout options. For example, you can bet on the number of points won, or the exact combination used to win. Especially pairs (for example, two fours for a score of 8) are popular side-bets. Whatever these side-bets are, the house edge is always significant and is therefore not recommended. This applies not only to Punto Banco/Baccarat but to virtually all side bets in traditional casino games.

The correct strategy in Punto Banco is therefore always to bet on Banco. The rest comes down to luck!

Baccarat and superstition

Anyone who has ever been to Macau knows that the gamblers there are superstitious. Baccarat players are allowed to turn up their cards and almost squeeze the cards to increase the tension. They also blow at the cards, sometimes before flipping them open but also afterward if they didn’t get what they wanted.

If the cards are really bad, some players crumple up the cards making them useless. Because the game is so popular and casinos like to see baccarat players, this is allowed in many casinos. However, the casinos then use special cardboard cards whose decks are only used once.

In some cases, wads of cards are thrown at the dealer by players expressing their displeasure. Although this is against the rules of all casinos, it is often turned a blind eye in the case of high rollers.

In casinos in Macau, it is common for players to walk from one Baccarat table to another looking for trends. Special displays next to the table showing who (punto or banco) won in each round. If players see the same player win several times in a row, they play along with that player on that table.

The phenomenon of superstition in Baccarat can also be seen in some Las Vegas casinos, and the crumpling and tearing of cards have also made its appearance in the gambling capital of the world.

Baccarat history

Baccarat has been played for centuries, although the game has gone through some transformations. Because games and gambling were not considered high arts, historiography is often limited. This is also true of baccarat, for which no written sources exist from before the 19th century.

The exact history of the game remains a mystery, although some historians have ventured into the subject. Some of them draw a parallel to Pai Gow, the Asian game originally played with special stones. The similarities between the two games are very limited, but the similarity is in the name. Pai Gow means “to make nine,” which is also the ultimate goal in baccarat.

Other historians see similarities with the nine-sided die that was said to have been used in ritual in ancient Rome. Roman priestesses, the so-called Vestal Virgins, depended on their fate on the nine-sided die. If they rolled an 8 or a 9 then they would become a high priestess. A 6 or a 7 meant they would be allowed to live but would lose their priesthood. Lower than a 6 meant they would be forced to walk into the sea to commit suicide, so the story goes.

Although there are similarities between Baccarat and the legend of the 9-sided die, the evidence that the two are related is paper-thin.

Using Tarot Cards, the Italian Felix Falguiere introduced a game similar to today’s Baccarat. Under the name Baccara the game was described where players aimed for a score of 9. Also, games like Macao and Le Her had a similar setup but it is unknown which game was introduced in which year.

Baccarat is known today primarily as a French game, although it is played all over the world and is especially popular in Asia. According to historiography, Baccarat (the French wording for the game then known as Baccara) was brought home by French soldiers when they returned from a conflict with Italy in the 1490s.

After the game was introduced to France, it quickly became popular at the French court. Even when gambling was banned in France, the popularity of Baccarat remained unprecedented. Since the game “Chemin de fer” is French for railroad (literally iron road), it can be assumed that this variant emerged after the introduction of the first French railroad in 1827. However, it is also possible that “Chemin de fer” is a name that the game received later after being known by another name before that.

In 1847, M. van-Tenac publishes the book “Album des Jeux” with an explanation and mathematical approach to various games. To Baccarat, 13 pages (pages 84 to 97) are devoted in the book and the calculation of probability is discussed in detail.

The crossing to America was soon made. The first time the game of Baccarat is mentioned in a source still available today is in 1871 in the New York Times. In the gossip article dated August 14 of that year, it is mentioned that visitors to the Club-House in Long Branch, New Jersey could play the games Faro, roulette, and Baccarat. If you search for the term Baccarat on nytimes.com and sort by oldest first, you will see that Baccarat is frequently written about in the years after 1871, although many articles are also about what is happening in Europe (especially France).

A handhold for historians is the book ‘The Official Rules of Card Games Up to Date’ by Edmond Hoyle, published in 1911. This reference work describes the variants ‘Baccarat en Banque’ and ‘Chemin de Fer’.

So although Baccarat had been played in America since at least 1871 and the rules were widely known since 1911, the game was not mentioned in the law that legalized gambling in the state of Nevada in 1931. In that law, nicknamed the “Wide Open Gambling Bill” roulette, keno, twenty-one, blackjack, and several other games are mentioned, but Baccarat remains unmentioned.

In 1958, the Sands (the hotel in Las Vegas where The Venetian stands today) introduced Baccarat to Las Vegas according to various sources. It was the ‘Chemin de for a variant that made its appearance. The popularity of the game did not really increase until Punto Banco was introduced a year later. Tommy Renzoni, who wrote a book about the game, claimed to have introduced the game in Las Vegas after he found it had been played in Argentina for some time.

Baccarat is hugely popular in Asia today. Most of the revenue in casinos in Macau is garnered from the game. Although card games have always been popular in Asia and there is evidence that a similar game was played in the East even before its popularity in Europe, it is likely that the game as played today has blown over from America and Europe. Casinos in Macau are full of Baccarat tables.

Baccarat Knew-Knows

  • Baccarat is an umbrella term for several games, including Punto Banco, Chemin de fer, and Baccarat Banque. Because the Punto Banco variant is so immensely popular, this game is also often called Baccarat for short.
  • Straight Punto Banco is the most popular form of Punto Banco and therefore Baccarat. In Straight Punto Banco (also known as No Commission Punto Banco) you don’t have to pay commission on your winnings whereas with traditional Punto Banco you have to. But this does not mean that you are better off in this variant, the rules have been changed slightly so that the house still has an advantage.
  • Punto Banco is one of the simplest games in the casino because you have no influence on the final outcome. You just have to bet on who you think will win punto or banco (or choose a tie). You can’t do anything wrong.
  • Punto Banco is one of the games in the casino with the lowest house edge. Therefore, if you want to spend a long time with your money, this is a great game to play. If you choose Banco, the casino has an advantage of just over 1%.
  • At Punto Banco choosing Banco is the best option? With a house edge of 1.06%, you’re the least far behind here. If you go for Tie or bet on one of the many side-bets, the house edge is many times greater.
  • James Bond played Baccarat as early as the first movie? In the 1962 film Dr. No, Bond took on Sylvia Trench at the Chemin de fer table, a variant of Baccarat.
  • Baccarat is known as a French game but probably originated in Italy? Historians don’t quite agree but as early as the 1,400s a game was played in Rome that bears similarities to the game we know today as Baccarat.
  • Baccarat is the most popular game in casinos in Macau. More than XX% of the revenue of casinos in Macau comes from Baccarat tables.
  • Players in Macau often crumple up the cards at Baccarat and that is allowed. The casinos use cardboard cards on purpose and throw away each deck after it has been used once.
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Seaman No. 7 (1973) Review

"Seaman. No 7" Theatrical Poster

“Seaman. No 7” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lo Wei
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Maria Yi, James Tien Chun, Tien Feng, Han Ying Chieh, Kelly Lee Hoi Lee, Gam Saan, Chin Yuet Sang, Lo Wei, Lam Ching Ying, Ma Man-Chun
Running Time: 100 min. 

By Ian Whittle

I think we’ve found a winner for the Most Underwhelming Kung Fu Movie Title…no wonder the UK VHS was re-named Wang Yu’s Magnificent Fights.

For some reason, after a winning streak of top-notch wu xia films at Shaw Brothers, and his blockbuster hits with Bruce Lee at rival studio Golden Harvest, director Lo Wei seemed to lose all momentum in 1973 and despite working with top talent Cheng Pei-pei and Jimmy Wang Yu (not to mention Chuck Norris!), his films became increasingly stodgy and over-reliant on dull dialogue passages. This would continue onto his independent productions, where he would try and fail (and then try again) to launch Jackie Chan as a star. Ironically, once Jackie became a star when loaned out to Seasonal Films, Lo would find his groove again in time for the above-average Dragon Fist.

Produced on location in Japan alongside A Man Called Tiger, Seaman No.7 involves a hot-headed sailor played by Jimmy Wang Yu, whose constant wolf-whistling here is presumably meant to stress he is a sailor (as if the gaudy t-shirts and cap weren’t a giveaway) but equally could be a case of “Well, Bruce Lee wolf-whistled in his last picture, and that grossed millions…” Wang Yu, being Wang Yu, hates the Japanese and leaps into a brawl with some Japanese sailors at a bar. During the frey, he accidentally kills a bystander, and escapes by stowing away on a ship bound for Kobe Dock in Japan. He is discovered by the crew and suddenly finds himself in demand Continue reading

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Throw Down | Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion)

Throw Down | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Throw Down | Blu-ray (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: September 21, 2021

On September 21, 2021, Criterion Collection is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Johnnie To’s Milkway Image 2004 classic thriller Throw Down.

Check out the official details below:

One of the most personal films by the prolific Hong Kong auteur Johnnie To is a thrilling love letter to both the cinema of Akira Kurosawa and the art and philosophy of judo. Amid the neon-drenched nightclubs and gambling dens of Hong Kong’s nocturnal underworld, the fates of three wandering souls—a former judo champion now barely scraping by as an alcoholic bar owner (Louis Koo), a young fighter (Aaron Kwok) intent on challenging him, and a singer (Cherrie Ying) chasing dreams of stardom—collide in an operatic explosion of human Continue reading

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