Schemes in Antiques (2021) Review

"Schemes in Antiques" Theatrical Poster

“Schemes in Antiques” Theatrical Poster

Director: Derek Kwok
Cast: Lei Jiayin, Li Xian, Xin Zhilei, Ge You, Qin Yan, Qingxiang Wang, Yong Mei, Tao Guo
Running Time: 123 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Movies about antiques may not necessarily sound like the most exciting proposition on paper, but if there’s one thing that 2003’s Ong Bak taught us, it’s that if the antique in question is a buddha’s head, then prepare for your expectations to be subverted. 18 years later, and China has released Schemes in Antiques, which focuses on the quest to retrieve a, you guessed it, buddha’s head. Uninspired title aside, this particular outing is based on Ma Boyong’s novel of the same name, and involves the mission to repatriate the national treasure in question from Japan, whom it was gifted to by a traitor in World War II. It’s now 1992, and Japan want to give it back, a significant gesture which will be televised with the full bells and whistles. There’s just one catch – the Japanese wish to handover the head to a descendent of the traitor that originally gifted it to them.

Enter Lei Jia-Yin (Cliff Walkers, A Writer’s Odyssey) who plays the traitors grandson, a gifted antiques expert with an eye for telling the real from the fake, but who spends most of his time in a drunken stupor while half heartedly running a dilapidated electronics repair shop. Jia-Yin’s shoddy state is explained by the fact his family have been treated as “the pariahs of the antique world” ever since his grandfathers’ betrayal, his interest in antiques now limited to running scams at local auctions, where he uses his skills to cast doubt over items authenticity and pick them up for cheap. Now finding himself thrust back into the spotlight as the intended recipient of the head, upon having the opportunity to witness it for the first time, Jia-Yin suspects a fake. What’s the deal – are the Japanese Continue reading

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Shaolin Mantis | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Shaolin Mantis | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Shaolin Mantis | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2022

On March 22, 2022, 88 Films will be releasing the Blu-ray for Lau Kar-Leung’s Shaw Brothers classic, Shaolin Mantis. A UK (Region B) version of the film will also be available on March 21, 2022.

Otherwise known as Deadly Mantis in the states, the irrepressible talents of David Chiang (Vengeance) are put to the test both characteristically and physically in a role often regarded as his second finest (Vengeance, naturally being the first). Here he was allowed a little more vulnerability than his general typecasting of grinning rogues or flighty swordsmen as Wei Feng – a Ching (Manchu) official ordered to investigate a wealthy family suspected of having pro ‘Han’ revolutionary connections. Posing Continue reading

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New York Ninja | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

New York Ninja | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

New York Ninja | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

RELEASE DATE: January 25, 2022

Although the deluxe Blu-ray is currently available exclusively at Vinegar Syndrome, a standardized New York Ninja (read our review) will be available through Amazon.com on January 25, 2022.

This “lost” John Liu film, which he not only starred in, but also directed, was originally abandoned during its 1984 production. Therefore, all original sound materials, scripts and treatments were lost. That is, until Vinegar Syndrome’s Kurtis Spieler got a hold of it. And it gets better…

Kurtis Spieler enlisted the help of Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Showdown in Manila, The Martial Arts Kid), Michael Continue reading

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Neo catches up with Morpheus in a New Clip from Lana Wachowski’s ‘The Matrix Resurrections’

"The Matrix Resurrections" Theatrical Poster

“The Matrix Resurrections” Theatrical Poster

Lana Wachowski, who created The Matrix trilogy with Lilly Wachowski (the two visionary directors are collectively known as “The Wachowskis”) is currently hard-at-work putting finishing touches on the fourth installment of The Matrix series, titled The Matrix Resurrections (read our review), with returning stars Keanu Reeves (John Wick 3), Carrie-Anne Moss (Memento) and Jada Pinkett Smith (The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions)

Chad Stahelski (John Wick 2, John Wick 3) and David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) have been enlisted in assisting with the development of the training and choreography. Stahelski stressed to Collider that it’s mostly conceptual as opposed to a full-on second unit position.

“They asked us to help out with the choreography and some of the physical training for the guys. I’m helping out Continue reading

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Kung Fu Vs. Acrobatic (1990) Review

"Kung Fu Vs. Acrobatic" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Kung Fu Vs. Acrobatic” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Taylor Wong Tai Loy
Cast: Andy Lau, Nat Chan Pak Cheung, Yuen Wah, Joey Wong, Cutie Mui Siu Wai, Lau Shun, Walter Tso Tat Wah, Chen Jing, San Kuai, Lee Hang, Mama Hung
Running Time: 99 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Kung Fu Vs. Acrobatic is one of those movies that I remember constantly reading about back when I was first getting into the genre in the late 90’s and early 00’s. Perhaps the reason why it stuck in the memory is that every review or feature in which it got mentioned would make a point of saying how there was no kung fu or acrobatics in said movie, regardless of the title. Being in the midst of the kung fu frenzy that I was back then, such statements essentially guaranteed I was never going to check it out. But what can I say, times change, we grow older, become more mellow, and suddenly you see a movie that features Andy Lau and Yuen Wah facing off against each other in an early 90’s Hong Kong movie and think – how bad can it be!? 

Let’s address the elephant in the room straight away, all of those reviews were right, for the most part there really is no kung fu or acrobatics. Power poses, animated energy blasts, and gravity defying leaps are in plentiful supply, but for anyone who clocks into movies expecting them to do exactly what they say on the tin, much like with Golden Swallow, here only disappointment would await. With that out of the way, the question of course is what type of movie is Kung Fu Vs. Acrobatic if it doesn’t come with the kind of awe inspiring feats of physicality that many Hong Kong cinema fans Continue reading

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Watch Well Go USA’s Trailer for Derek Kwok’s heist adventure ‘Schemes in Antiques’ releasing this month

"Schemes in Antiques" Theatrical Poster

“Schemes in Antiques” Theatrical Poster

On December 17, 2021, Well Go USA is giving Schemes in Antiques (read our review) a limited theatrical release. The film is the latest from director Derek Kwok (Gallants, As the Light Goes Out, Full Strike).

The film stars Lei Jiayin (Cliff Walkers), Li Xian (The Captain), Xin Zhilei (Brotherhood of Blades 2) and Ge You (Farewell My Concubine).

Despite his family’s famed expertise on ancient relics, Xu Yuan makes a simple living as the owner of an electronics shop, eager to distinguish himself from a disgraced ancestor executed for treason after stealing a Chinese artifact for Japan. But when a descendant offers to return the relic to China, Xu Yuan uncovers a decades-old mystery and embarks on a journey that could finally restore his family’s reputation—and may also cost him his life.

Don’t miss Well Go USA’s Trailer Continue reading

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Our weather forecast today calls for a Latest Trailer for David Lam’s latest storm chapter ‘G-Storm’…

"G-Storm" Theatrical Poster

“G-Storm” Theatrical Poster

David Lam’s (Street Angels) popular Hong Kong crime franchise will continue with G-Storm, the 5th follow up to 2014’s Z-Storm, 2016’s S-Storm, 2018’s L-Storm and 2019’s P-Storm.

The first four films followed the predicaments of William Luk Che Lim, a lead investigator in the ICAC unit (Independent Commission Against Corruption), and his war with naughty organizations.

G-Storm stars Louis Koo (The White Storm), Julian Cheung (The Suspect), Kevin Cheng (The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake), Jessica Hester Hsuan (A Witness Out of the Blue), Wu Chun (14 Blades) and Michael Tse (Golden Job).

Don’t miss the Newest Trailer Continue reading

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What are the Top Bruce Lee Films of All Time?

Martial arts films didn’t start with Bruce Lee and they have continued long after his tragic 1973 passing at age 32. But Lee changed the way that Asians are portrayed in film and bridged the gap between the East and the West, in the process redefining what it was possible to do in martial arts movies.

Many of the Vegas casino online real money slots have been influenced by Lee. You can binge on some of the top Bruce Lee movies, play some slots and read about this remarkable actor, stuntman, fight choreographer and filmmaker who truly understood how important it is to the viewer to see a realistic fight seen in a long, unbroken take.

Lee’s films departed from the then-accepted standard of careful shooting and quick cutting that allowed a stuntman to substitute for the actor. Lee’s movies were famous for giving viewers a chance to see the real deal — Lee himself, kicking and throwing punches.

Lee was recognized as a charismatic actor, a natural star who drew viewer admiration and inspiration as he brought the image of an intelligent and well-schooled Asian leading man to the screen. After his first appearance as Kato, the driver/bodyguard in The Green Hornet, Lee left Los Angeles to produce his films in Hong Kong where, he was sure, he would be able to make movies in a way that would promote his vision of how an Asian man could and should be portrayed to the Western world.

Some of the top Bruce Lee movies for a binge festival include:

The Big Boss

The Big Boss was released in 1971 and is Bruce Lee’s first starring role on the big screen. In the film, Lee portrays an ice factory worker in Thailand. He discovers that the Big Boss is a crime lord who uses the ice factory to cover up a drug smuggling operation.

Lee wants to stop this criminal enterprise but he is bound by an oath that he made to his mother to forgo violence at all costs. After the crime boss and his henchmen continue to threaten Lee and the honest way of life that he wants to defend he has no choice but to take on the whole criminal crew and do his part to ensure that they are unable to carry out their plans.

Fist of Fury

Fist of Fury was made in 1972 and was Lee’s second film in which he had a starring role. In the movie he portrayed Chen Zhen, a kung fu student of Huo Yuanjia in Shanghai in 1910. Yuanjia was a controversial historical figure who was the co-founder of the Chin Woo Athletic Association and practitioner of the Mizongyi martial art which he used to defeat foreign fighters in highly publicized matches, earning him the admiration of many Chinese and the enmity of many enemies.

In the film, Yuanjia dies and Japanese karate dojo students show up at the funeral to mock him. Zhen suspects foul play and prepares to fight with the resulting kung fu vs. karate delivering a high-action martial arts event.

The Way of the Dragon

In 1972 The Way of the Dragon Bruce Lee wrote,  starred and directed the story which takes place in Italy. The plot revolves around  a restaurant owner in Rome who calls home for help after he is threatened by the Mafia. Bruce Lee, seemingly a bumbling country bumpkin, is the one who arrives to protect the business and he quickly makes it clear that he’s anything but clueless which then forces the Mafiosos to get some reinforcements of their own.

Chuck Norris, as one of the Mafia’s back-ups, goes head to head in several scenes which gives movie-goers a chance to see Norris’s debut in his own line of fighting flicks. The Way of the Dragon was Lee’s last film to be released during his lifetime, making this a special viewing experience.

Game of Death

Game of Death was originally scheduled to be released in 1972 but after Lee’s death, director Robert Clouse, who directed Enter the Dragon,  filmed the final scenes and released the movie in 1978, a decision that ignited a firestorm of criticism. In the movie, Lee plays a movie star who is also a professional martial arts master. He resists pressure from a criminal syndicate that wants him to pay them a percentage of the film’s take.

An assassin shoots Lee in the face but he survives and undergoes reconstructive plastic surgery before going undercover  with an altered appearance. Now he can exact revenge on those who tried to terrorize him.

The final Game of Death includes only 11 minutes of footage from Bruce Lee before an alternate actor is cast but those 11 minutes are action-packed Bruce Lee at his best as he takes on his real-life student, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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Michael Jai White and Mickey Rourke kick ass in the New Trailer for ‘The Commando’

"Commando" Theatrical Poster

“Commando” Theatrical Poster

The two stars from Take Back are going at it for another round! Filmmaker Asif Akbar – director of the Gary Daniels sci-fi thriller Astro – is currently prepping The Commando, an upcoming actioner starring Mickey Rourke (Year of the Dragon, Double Team) and martial arts star Michael Jai White (Blood and Bone, Accident Man, Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing).

Here’s what you can expect from the film’s plot: A DEA agent with PTSD returns home after a botched mission and must now protect his family from a home invasion after a newly released prison criminal and his henchmen come after their stash of millions inside of the agent’s home.

The film also stars Brendan Fehr (Final Destination), Jeff Continue reading

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Escape From Mogadishu | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Escape From Mogadishu | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Escape From Mogadishu | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: January 18, 2022

On January 18, 2021, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Escape From Mogadishu (read our review), the latest from action director Ryoo Seung-wan (Veteran, Battleship Island).

The film stars Kim Yoon-seok (Chaser, The Yellow Sea), Zo In-Sung (The Great Battle), Heo Jun-Ho (Illang: The Wolf Brigade) and Jeong Man-Sik (The Swordsman).

Dramatically constructed based on actual events: when civil war explodes in 1991 between rebel factions and Somali government forces under dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, rival North and South Korean diplomats are trapped in the capital city, surrounded on all sides Continue reading

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Hiruko the Goblin | Blu-ray (Mondo Macabro)

Hiruko the Goblin | Blu-ray (Mondo Macabro)

Hiruko the Goblin | Blu-ray (Mondo Macabro)

RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2022

On February 8, 2022, Mondo Macabro is releasing a Special Edition Blu-ray for Shinya Tsukamoto’s 1991 Japanese thriller, Hiruko the Goblin.

Read the official details:

Hieda (Kenji Sawada, Samurai Reincarnation) is an eccentric archaeologist, disgraced among his peers for his theories on the supernatural. One day he receives a letter from his brother-in-law, Yabe, telling him of an ancient burial mound he has discovered in the grounds of the local high school, a discovery that might help prove Hieda’s theories to be true. When Hieda arrives at the school, which is now closed for summer vacation, he discovers that Yabe has gone missing, along with one of the school’s female Continue reading

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Contemporary and restored Asian Blu-ray releases are coming to the U.S. from Kani Releasing

"Cain & Abel" Poster

“Cain & Abel” Poster

Kani Releasing, an upcoming Blu-ray label headed by Hong Kong-based sales agent Pearl Chan and programmer Ariel Esteban Caye, will follow the footsteps of successful labels like Well Go USA, to bring U.S. audiences contemporary and restored Asian films.

Chan is the founder of Good Move Media, a Hong Kong-based boutique sales agency that focuses on new talents in East and Southeast Asia. Cayer oversees the Camera Lucida section and co-directs the Asian programming at Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Canada (via SD).

Partnering up with OCN Distribution (sister company of Connecticut-based Vinegar Syndrome), Kani Releasing’s first release will be Tadashi Nagayama’s Being Natural (2018), followed by newly a restored version of Lino Brocka’s Tagalog film Cain & Abel (1982), Akiko Ohku’s Tremble All You Want (2017) and Daisuke Miyazaki’s Videophobia (2019).

We look forward to more releases in the near future. Until then, don’t miss the Trailer for Kani Releasing’s Being Natural, which ships out on December 28th.

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100% Genuine Followers & Likes for Instagram Profile Enhancement 

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Looking back on How Japanese Horror Gem Bingo Uses the Classic Game

Japan has certainly become known for its horror films, but perhaps what the country isn’t known for is its love of bingo. As one of the few forms of gambling to be permitted in Japan, alongside the likes of pachinko, bingo has become very popular in gaming halls as well as online.

As a result, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Japanese cinema concocted the novel movie Bingo, from Yôhei Fukuda, with the 2012 movie being based on a short story by writer Yusuke Yamada. However, instead of the thrills of getting the correct numbers in the classic game, having the right numbers spells doom in Bingo.

Bingo has changed drastically over the last couple of decades, and yet, at its core, it’s still the game of numbered balls that people love. This is especially true in Japan, with the online variety proving to be the major draw for bingo players.  

Now, when you play online bingo games, you’re met with colorfully animated games that are filled with features and exciting graphics. You’re still looking to get your numbers virtually dabbed on your bingo sheet, but you could be hoping for a feature to trigger in a game like Age of the Gods bingo, or the jackpot to fall.

In the Japanese movie Bingo, the opposite is true. Rather than having a sheet of numbers that you’re hoping to get called, the people in the movie Bingo become the numbers and await their fate. The premise of this dark bingo game is that Japan has altered its death penalty in the future to include the families of victims, who can then play bingo to decide who of the guilty party’s relatives get executed.

Starring Sakiko Matsui (formerly of AKB48) and Kazuki Shimizu (Super Sentai series) as one of the game’s operators and a prisoner, respectively, Bingo makes even its namesake game nerve-wracking. From prisoners trembling at the sound of the ball cage turning to them having to face the victims while this torturous game plays out makes for a quintessentially Japanese horror, not unlike the recent hit series Squid Games.

A love of making the mundane horrifying

Many western horrors often run with a supernatural being suddenly presenting themselves as a threat or someone going crazy and on a killing spree. They’ve often contained films that attempt to deliver the adrenaline rush through jump scares.

By comparison, the best Japanese horror films are more nuanced, taking something mundane and turning it into a source of tension or even as a reflection of the writer’s view of society. The trailblazer of this genre to break out of Japan was Ringu, or Ring. It expertly creates tension, chills, all while playing off of the late-90s paranoia of technology, being centered on a VHS tape.

Bingo sets itself up as a way in which a futuristic Japan has brought back the death penalty. Still, in order to bring the kind of closure to victims that is very innate and even vengeance-driven, as so many people feel they desire, it incorporates the lottery game, adding tension by the bucket load. Battle Royale similarly commentates on fear of youth violence in society through a game of last-person-standing turned deadly.

Bingo truly is one of those Japanese horror gems that you should add to your watch list. It may not be the greatest of the genre, but its eerie application of the classic lottery game will have it stick in your mind forever.

 

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Hong Kong stars Jordan Chan and Sam Lee return in the ultra violent Trailer for ‘Back on the Society’

"Back on the Society" Theatrical Poster

“Back on the Society” Theatrical Poster

We’ll soon see Hong Kong action stars Jordan Chan (Golden Job, Trivisa) and Sam Lee (Beast Cops, Wild City) light up the screen in Chen Siming’s upcoming actioner, Back on the Society.

In the film, a criminal is sent to prison for gang related activities. While serving time, his pregnant wife had died prematurely due to dystocia (difficult birth, typically caused by a large or awkwardly positioned fetus), leaving his daughter growing up in a Welfare Institute. Once released from prison, he tries to raise his daughter on his own, but things get complicated when an enemy from his past walks back into his life.

There’s not much more known about Back on the Society, but judging from the film’s Trailer, it’s apparent that Jordan Chan and Sam Lee are definitely delivering Continue reading

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