First Trailer for Yang Feng’s ‘Railway Heroes’ starring Zhang Hanyu, Fan Wei, Vision Wei and Zhou Ye

"Railway Heroes" Teaser Poster

“Railway Heroes” Teaser Poster

Writer/director Yang Feng is currently putting finishing touches on his directorial debut, Railway Heroes, which hits domestically later this year.

Railway Heroes takes place during the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. The film follows members of an underground group in Lincheng, Shandong that are fighting against the enemy to defend their homeland.

Railway Heroes stars Zhang Hanyu (Wine War, Manhunt) Fan Wei (Monk Comes Down the Mountain), Vision Wei (The Eight Hundred) and Zhou Ye (Better Days).

Don’t miss the film’s first Trailer Continue reading

Posted in News |

Delve Deep into the Magical World of Words

Remember the old song from Bee Gees, ‘It’s only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away…’ Yes, words are indeed magical. Communication amongst each other largely helped the prehistoric human beings to climb up the evolutionary tree.

Speaking of communications, there are essentially two kinds of it: verbal, and the other non-verbal. The modern world uses both forms of communication effectively to convey their feelings.

However, the verbal form of communication uses speech to describe their various kinds of feelings. Speech is the vocal form of communication that humans have been using since times immemorial. The trailing aspect of speech is all about language.

Forming a kind of communicative speech in any language requires a string of words juxtaposed in such a way to form sense to the listener in front.

Speech and Words

Language has been lingering in human civilization since its early days. The origin of language cannot be traced in history, primarily because the existence of language has been even before the practice of written records started. There is a mythological perspective on the existence of language.

The Bible states that, after the Tower of Babel fiasco, God punished the human beings by forcing them to speak different languages, so that they would not understand each other thereby giving birth to the concept of different languages.

Whatever might be the origin, today languages form the primary basis of any kind of speech and communication. Words can be easily described as the building blocks of any kind of language. The syntax and the rules by which a speech is formed in any language are known as grammar.

If we look into any language, for example, English we would be able to understand that the grammar of the language is based on elements commonly known as parts of speech.

In the English language, there are eight elementary parts of speech viz,

  • Noun: This part of speech describes specific names of various kinds of objects and living beings
  • Pronoun: This part of speech describes the generic names of various kinds of objects and living beings
  • Verb: This part of speech describes the various actions performed by those who constitute nouns and pronouns
  • Adjective: This part of speech describes the important features of the objects and beings, which make the nouns and pronouns
  • Article: This part of speech helps with the articulations in a speech by indicating whether the nouns and pronouns are single, multiple, or definite
  • Preposition: This part of speech is like connecting various words within a sentence by describing the position of different words concerning one another
  • Adverb: This part of speech is used to modify any other verb or adjective so that the speech or sentence becomes more implicative
  • Conjunction: This part of speech is like a bridge that is used to connect two different words or sentences

Needless to mention, all the definitions above constitute quite specific words which when used in any form of speech and writing wreaths magic in the form of prose and poetry that comprises literature.

Words and Games

Since their inception, words have been intriguing humankind. As and when civilizations started to form their foundations, the mystery regarding the jumbling up of words also strengthened. Jumbling up of the letters in a word is known as an anagram. Ancient Greeks loved this jumbling up of the letters in words.

This was primarily done as a fun exercise of the brain. Besides, they enhanced the mystical and hidden meaning of any kind of words as well.

While the Greeks might be the pioneers in playing up with jumbled letters in words, the Latin influence carried this practice to the modern world. Throughout the medieval ages, anagrams were the favorite of literary scholars. The modern take on anagrams can be attributed to the Victorian age when the general population took a common interest in solving up anagrams.

Today, almost all the daily newspapers have anagrams in their brain exercise sections. Besides, many computer and mobile games are also based on the concepts of anagrams. The most fun part is there are many sites available online that provide solutions to anagrams as well. For example, if you look at unscramble.org, you would be able to solve almost any kind of anagram given to you.

Why are Anagrams still popular?

If you consider that only jumbled-up letters in a word constitute a modern anagram, then you are mistaken. The current version of the anagram consists of jumbled up words and letters of a complete meaningful sentence along with words as well.

While games and puzzles constitute the primary reason for anagrams’ popularity, there are other aspects as well where anagrams prove to be quite efficient.

Some of the areas where anagrams are useful apart from puzzles & games include:

  • Psychometrics: Many psychologists over the world use anagrams to analyze various kinds of implicit memories of children as well as adults.
  • Priority Establishments: Eminent renaissance scientists like Galileo, Kepler, etc. used anagrams to record their findings. This was mainly done to befuddle the church and ensure their safety in some form. The famous Hooke’s law of elasticity was also published as an anagram for the first time.
  • Pseudonyms: In the literary world, pseudonyms are a common occurrence. By using pseudonyms, writers hide their original identities. Anagrams are a great way of making up pseudonyms that not only hides the writers’ identity but also intrigues the readers’ interest.
  • Coding important messages: Anagrams are widely used in the spy world for ciphering important messages. Despite the advancement in technology over the recent years, still, anagrams remain the favorite of the ciphers to send in encoded messages.

Anagrams have given birth to various forms of word puzzles like palindrome, isograms, pangrams, etc. They are a great way of engaging themselves when the whole world is practically stuck indoors due to the pandemic. Besides maintaining sanity in the locked-down state, they are a great way of exercising the brain without any external help.

Posted in News |

‘Triple Threat’ star Tiger Hu Chen to make directorial debut in ‘Quick Bodyguard’ with Scott Adkins and Miya Muqi

"Quick Bodyguard" Teaser Poster

“Quick Bodyguard” Teaser Poster

Yuen Woo-ping protege, Tiger Hu Chen (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum), who made his leading-man debut in Keanu Reeves’ directorial debut, Man of Tai Chi, will make his own directorial debut in Quick Bodyguard.

The upcoming actioner will see Chen reunite with his Triple Threat co-star, Scott Adkins (Max Cloud, Savage Dog). Also starring alongside Adkins and Chen is Miya Muqi, who is perhaps best known for her appearance in two recent Jackie Chan/Stanley Tong collaborations, Kung Fu Yoga and Vanguard.

Details on Quick Bodyguard are scarce, but a very-preliminary poster (via AFS), which has the film’s release date set for this year, as been released. We’ll keep you updated Continue reading

Posted in News |

What Game Should Students Play in Vegas

Here are some games that students should play in Las Vegas:

1. GamrWorks Las Vegas

According to Andrew, who works at assignment help Australia, Las Vegas offers an advanced arcade that attracts many travelers, young as well as old. GameWorks Las Vegas, with a dozen sites around the country, so guests are aware that there will be no other gaming experience.

While other GameWorks sites offer cups, Las Vegas focuses on delivering fantastic food and drinks. More than 200 of the warmest games are held in various theme sections of the property at every site of GameWorks.

Visitors to GameWorks, together with the newest technology, are certain to have an amazing time with the help of two of the largest giants.

2. Aria Hotel Arcade

Situated on the second level Promenade, the Hotel Aria offers an Arcade with a number of traditional games, such as myself – Pac Man, Centipede and others. Situated on the 2nd floor Promenade area. This arcade is not surprising, yet it is a wonderful spot to murder for a couple of hours.

3. Fun Dungeon at Excalibur

Playing the games in the Excalibur hotel arcade, Fun Dungeon, is the only kid’s pastime that can beat a day at the pool. The Fun Dungeon is located on the lower floor and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Your children will not want to leave once they have discovered this location.

There are 200 games in Fun Dungeon, including 15 carnival midways, 10 kiddie land games, 60 arcade games, 10 sports games, and 106 redemption games! Of course, with all that action and excitement, your children are certain to become thirsty or hungry. It’s not an issue.

In the arcade, you’ll find Dairy Queen and Orange Julius. Fun Dungeon is also far less expensive and busy than the Adventuredome at the Circus-Circus hotel.

4. Midway Arcade at Circus Circus

Step up, guys, to the Circus-Circus Hotel and play the world-renowned Carnival Midway. Students of all ages will like to play the popular games of America that are never out of vogue. The Midway surrounds the stage of the circus and provides the entire family with a vast range of entertaining games.

Regardless of the game you are playing, it’s going to be a terrific win. Don’t forget the latest electronic arcade on the Midway as well. You have plenty to keep you engaged with 200 of the most popular matches. Choose the trendiest new releases or those you always liked.

5. Luxor Arcade

The Games of Gods Arcade, a highly technological entertainment hub featuring the greatest arcade games in Vegas, can be found in the Hotel Luxor. The arcade presents some of the most fascinating and newest goods on the market:

The programmable roller coaster MAXFLICHT VR2002. Go to a simulated ride on this two-passenger unit on the roller coaster you designed. Choose from a track collection and you will never forget about an experience!

In a race to seize the checked-flag, Indy 500 is a motion-based simulator that puts you in the driver’s seat against seven other opponents. Powerboat: an active powerboat game that allows the player to take part in four races, including New York, England, Japan and Russia.

6. Time Out Arcade at The Orleans

According to Michelle, who works at java homework help, the Time Out Arcade provides a good old time for students. It has the most up-to-date and engaging video games. Gain playing tickets and redeem them for several awards including games, cuddly animals and more.

The drawback, the games are not inexpensive, with Connect 4 Basketball Hoops at an average of $ 1.50 and up to $6. Higher arcade prices might be compensated if you buy a game card because they typically have a bonus.

For example, a $20 game card is provided with a $5 bonus; a $40 game card has a $12 bonus; the higher your card is, the larger the benefit. Why not save if you’re going to spend some time at Time Out Arcade? Seven days open per week.

7. MGM Grand Hotel Arcade

MGM Grand hotel’s arcade is a centre of 11,400sq.m. games and child trips, as well as the newest virtual reality video arcades and high-tech playgrounds. The arcade is available for everyone.

8. Level Up 21+ Arcade at MGM Grand

At the MGM Grand Hotel, the way Las Vegas looks at arcades is changing. Providing, a new age for interactive, competent entertaining games in combination with a bar/lounge and transitional games like pool and billiard. The tech-savvy, adult playground offers pay-to-play facilities in a social climate, between Hakkasan Nightclub and the MGM Grand Race & Sports Book, aimed not just to attract next generation players but also to attract players seeking innovation. To enter, it has to be 21 and above.

9. Start-o-fair Arcade at Stratosphere Hotel

In addition to the already-value packed family image, the Stratosphere Casino Hotel recently built a multi-faceted attraction of 17.000square feet. In the halfway point of the Strat-O-Fair is a world fair motif from 1963.

The middle is on the base of the 1,149-foot tower, the restaurant & lounge Top of the World and the observatory decks. The Sky Wheel, 45-foot in diameter of the Ferris wheel that gives guests a view of the Strip at the top of the ride from 80 feet above the pavement, is a major attraction.

Eli Bridge, the oldest Ferris wheel firm in the US, was rebuilt and rebuilt for the Strat-O-Fair about 1958.

10. Big Apple Rollercoster and Arcade

At the New York New York hotel, you can kill two birds with one stone: students can ride the Big Apple Rollercoaster and shoot at ArcadeCome. According to Bryan, who works at EduWorldUSA, the Big Apple Arcade is one of the biggest arcades on the Las Vegas Strip. It has 32,000 square feet of space dedicated to the latest video and arcade games as well as old favourites like Skee-Ball, Air Hockey, and NBA Fever.

The Arcade is located on the second level of the Greenwich Village district, above the casino, and is easily accessible and within walking distance to the casino, restaurants, and bars for adults. Credits and packages for Big Apple Arcade, the costs of arcade games are quite low, especially given the Strip location:

  • 10 Credits – $1
  • 50 Credits – $5
  • 100 Credits – $10
  • 200 Credits – $20
  • 500 Credits – $50
  • 1000 Credits – $100

The Big Apple Arcade is available from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week. It’s a slightly longer weekend hour.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Peninsula | Blu-ray | Only $11.99 – Expires soon!

Peninsula | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Peninsula | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Peninsula (read our review), Yeon Sang Ho’s follow-up to his 2016 smash hit, Train to Busan.

Four years after South Korea’s total decimation in Train to Busan, the zombie thriller that captivated audiences worldwide, acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho brings us Peninsula, the next nail-biting chapter in his post-apocalyptic world. Jung-seok, a soldier who previously escaped the diseased wasteland, relives the horror when assigned to a covert operation with two simple objectives: retrieve and survive. When his team unexpectedly stumbles upon survivors, their lives will depend on whether the best—or worst—of human nature prevails in the direst of circumstances Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Examsnap Google Professional Cloud Architect Certification: One Thing You Must Do to Make an Upward Step

Do you feel it? The little sensation you get every time you consider making a new step in your career. You are not sure what it is, but something is silently telling you that it will be a worthy decision to move further. Not through shortcuts, but through the conventional way of embracing your challenges, expressing your ideas, and finally doing what you love rather than what you simply tolerate. 

You already know that information technology is highly dynamic, Examsnap especially when it comes to modern spheres like cloud computing. Right? And that job replacement and displacement could happen in a split second, even without a warning. So, to strengthen your place in the market, it’s wise to always stay updated, for example, by earning relevant credentials. In this post, find out how you can build a career by attaining the Google Professional Cloud Architect certification. Is it the best move for 2020? Let’s find out shortly. 

Google Professional Cloud Architect: What to Know

The path to earning the Certbolt Google Professional Cloud Architect badge is relatively simple since you only need to pass one exam to get accredited. This test lasts for 2 hours and can only be scheduled after paying the registration fee ($200). It features multiple-select and multiple-choice questions that can be attempted remotely or from a designated center.

The outline of the assessment includes several key cloud topics ranging from designing cloud solution architecture to managing cloud infrastructure to optimizing technical processes, etc. That’s why Google advises that learners should only use valid training materials such as the official exam guide, practice tests, hands-on lab environments, and online courses to prepare. 

3 Main Points to Take into Account When Preparing

Looking for the finest way to kick-start your training? Here are the 3 best tips to help you get started on the right foot:

  • Have a good grasp of the GCP platform

With recent developments around cloud computing technologies, there’s a strong emphasis on linking on-premises infrastructure to the Google cloud platform. So, before you register for the Examsnap Google Professional Cloud Architect training, ensure you have an in-depth understanding of the features of this service.

  • Check your knowledge of working with data

Before enrolling in the Google Professional Cloud Architect certification, ask yourself if you can move data to Google Cloud efficiently, provide its storage and security. If the answer is no, then probably this is the right time to improve your technical skills. 

  • Understand the Google cloud IAM inside out

Google Cloud Identity and Access Management, commonly abbreviated IAM, is important when implementing fine-grained or granular security policies. It gives you a comprehensive outline to help you secure Google cloud resources and achieve business goals. 

Job Description and Salary Considerations

Google cloud architects take pride in directing and implementing solutions on the Examsnap.com GCP. With advanced mastery in the field, these professionals develop, design, and manage scalable, highly secure, and dynamic solutions that push business objectives. According to the salary data from the Forbes magazine, an average Google Professional Cloud Architect earns around $139,529 per year. 

Conclusion 

With its unique approach, it’s evident that Google focuses on building for the future. It provides incredible tech solutions including affordable cloud services to give individuals and businesses to keep their processes in line with modern needs. So, to prove you are the one who can help companies achieve their goals, you must be willing to update your resume and become eligible for the latest job roles. With everything we have covered about the Google Professional Cloud Architect certification, what excuse will you have for not starting your training? 

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The ‘Jailbreak’ team unites with Andy On, Eric Tsang and Waise Lee for an action movie that has everything!

Teaser Poster

Teaser Poster

Post-production for the highly-acticapted Chinese actioner The Guardian (aka Patron Saint: Desperate Rescue) is currently underway from Jimmy Henderson, the mastermind director behind 2017’s hit martial arts film, Jailbreak.

The Guardian features rising action stars Gu Shangwei (The Prey), Jean-Paul Ly (Nightshooters, Jailbreak) and Charlie Ruedpokanon (The Driver), and Hong Kong action legends, Eric Tsang (Golden Job), Waise Lee (A Better Tomorrow) and Andy On (Undercover Punch and Gun) – with action choreography by Du Jinghai and Dara Bokator (Jailbreak)

Written by Gao Yan (Wolf Warrior 2), In the Guardian follows Gao Ran (Gu Shangwei), a widowed underdog boxer who throws fights in order to raise Continue reading

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Gangs of London Season One | Blu-ray (Image)

Gangs of London Season One | Blu-ray (Image)

Gangs of London Season One | Blu-ray (Image)

RELEASE DATE: July 20, 2021

On July 20, 2021, RLJ Entertainment is releasing the Blu-ray set for Season One of Gangs of London, the latest from Gareth Evans, the action filmmaker behind The RaidApostle and Merantau.

Gangs of London stars Joe Cole (A Prayer Before Dawn) and Sope Dirisu (Humans), alongside Lucian Msamati, Michelle Fairley, Mark Lewis Jones, Narges Rashidi, Jing Lusi and Pippa Bennet-Warner.

Evans directed the majority of the 10-part run, including choreographed fight scenes. Other directors for the series include Corin Hardy (The Nun) and Xavier Gens (Hitman).

Gangs of London is set in contemporary London as it is being torn apart by power struggles involving several international gangs. The series begins as the head of one criminal gang is assassinated and the power vacuum threatens Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, News, Other Notable Titles |

Hallyu in Hollywood: Koreans in America in the 1970’s – 1990’s

Hallyu in Hollywood: Koreans in America in the 1970’s – 1990’s

Korean cinema has come a long way since the beginning of the Korean Wave in the late 90’s and early 00’s, culminating in 2020 when Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite cleaned up at the Oscars. Of course Koreans have been present in Hollywood before Parasite gained global attention, with the likes of Lee Byung-hun (Terminator Genisys, The Magnificent Seven), Bae Doona (Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending), and Choi Min-sik (Lucy) all taking on significant roles in Tinsel Town productions. Bong Joon-ho himself helmed the English language production Snowpiercer in 2013, while fellow directors like Kim Ji-woon worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger on The Last Stand, and Park Chan-wook with Nicole Kidman on Stoker (notably all from the same year).

What’s not so well known, is that Koreans were around making movies in the U.S. long before the Korean Wave kicked off, dating back to the mid-70’s. They may not necessarily be the big blockbusters of recent years, or even be any good for that matter, but they were around! So, if you’re looking for an undiscovered gem akin to Parasite, I’ll provide fair warning that you’re in the wrong place. However if you’re into ninjas who seek revenge against bands that sing derogatory songs about them, watching Bruce Lee jump out of his own grave from a bolt of lightning, or even CGI Continue reading

Posted in Features, News |

How to Use a VPN to Expand Your Netflix Roster

As you may already know, Netflix can look very different depending on where you are on the globe. This is easy to understand when we consider how rampant censorship is in certain countries. However, it’s not always about censorship, and certain network agreements or laws may make it difficult for certain programs to be shown in a particular jurisdiction. 

But there’s a solution to this issue, and it’s called a VPN. If you aren’t familiar with these and want to know how they work, let’s take a closer look at VPNs in general, how you can use them, and how to choose the right VPN for Netflix.

What is a VPN Anyway?

VPN is short for virtual private network. It is a system of servers scattered across different locations allowing you to log onto them first and act as if you are connecting to the internet through this machine. Note that these weren’t first meant for internet surfing, but for companies who wanted to provide a way for their employees to connect to their network in a safe way.

Another thing that VPN networks offer is anonymity. When you use a VPN, your own IP doesn’t have to be displayed. Using a VPN, you can now act as if you are connecting to Netflix from whatever country the server is located in. This is why you can watch Netflix from different countries.

Can All VPNs Allow You to Watch Netflix?

No. You should know that you have to use the right VPN service if you want to use them not only to surf anonymously, but to connect to the service. Netflix is not a big fan of people using their service this way, and you might get an error saying that you are using a proxy or unblocker.

This is why you should make sure that the VPN you’re using will not be detected by Netflix. Some of the names you’ll hear include Nord VPN and Surfshark, but if you really want to know if you should pick a VPN, we suggest that you check this out. This is a review of some of the best VPNs on the market and what they can do.

What Should You be Looking for in a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should look for. The first one, of course, is whether you can use them to watch Netflix. A good review should be able to show you that, but there are many other things that you should be looking for.

One is the number of servers the VPN service operates. This will make sure that performance will be distributed across several machines and that the network is never overloaded. You will get top performance every time. Another thing you want to check is how many devices can connect to the network at once and things such as whether you actually need to log in every time as some will allow for no log-ins for convenience.

Another feature to look for is the other services it allows you to connect to. You also want to know if you can do P2P sharing or torrenting. Lastly, you want to know how much it costs to use it and what’s included.

Why is Netflix so Different Depending on the Region?

Like we said earlier, it sometimes has to do with censorship but, often, it’s because certain broadcasting companies have agreements with each other over who will display content depending on the region.

In Canada and the US, for instance, CBS All Access holds the rights to Star Trek: Discovery. So, this means that you’ll have to pay for both services if you want to watch Netflix as well. In most of the world, however, it is readily available from Netflix, so you don’t have to pay for both subscriptions. 

How to Set Up Your VPN for Netflix

Now let’s take a look at how you can actually watch movies and shows on Netflix using your VPN. The first step is finding a suitable one. Make sure that you pick one with fast servers, a reasonable price, and which allows you to connect using all the devices you own and more.

Next, you have to make sure that you download the app on your devices and use the proper version. After this, you can decide which Netflix version you want to watch and log onto a server from this country. 

After this is done, you can connect to Netflix and see if you can watch a video. It should work right away. If it doesn’t, then it could be something to do with your cache and cookies. Clear them along with your search history and try again. If it still doesn’t work, it might be an issue either on your end or with the VPN service.

This is pretty much all you need to know about Netflix and VPNs. Make sure that you pick the right one first, and learn how to use them properly.

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What do you get when you mix ‘Infernal Affairs’ with ‘Z Storm’? You guessed it…

"Infernal Storm" Theatrical Poster

“Infernal Storm” Theatrical Poster

What do you get when you mix Infernal Affairs with Z Storm? You guessed it…Infernal Storm!

This upcoming crime-thriller stars Jordan Chan (Golden Job, White Vengeance), Kent Tong Chun-Yip (Police Story, Chasing the Dragon) and Lam Suet (The Constable, Invincible Dragon).

The movie  focuses on the inner struggle between the drug underworld and the undercover, with elements such as justice and moral brotherhood. It’s dedicated to a Hong Kong-style police and criminal blockbusters that Chinese cinema is known more (via INF)

Infernal Storm streams domestically on the Youku iQiyi dual platform on May 21. Don’t miss the film’s Continue reading

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New Poster for Bowie Law’s military actioner ‘My Ace Dad’ starring Andy On, Ray Lui and Jiang Luxia

"My Ace Dad" Teaser Poster

“My Ace Dad” Teaser Poster

Has Andy On (Abduction, Kung Fu League, Undercover Punch and Gun, Zombie Fight Club) found his Wolf Warrior?

The martial arts star is teaming up with Ray Lui (To Be Number One, Flash Point, Firestorm) and Jiang Luxia (Operation Red Sea, Coweb) for My Ace Dad, an upcoming military-style actioner from director Bowie Law.

In My Ace Dad, the character played by Andy On goes after a criminal organization that’s responsible for the production of a counterfeit vaccine that’s connected to his daughter.

A new Trailer for My Ace Dad is bound to pop up soon. Until then, check out the film’s most recent Trailer below, as well Continue reading

Posted in News |

Watch the Trailer for Liu Ye, Yu Nan and Yu Rongguang’s ‘The EOD Squad’ from ‘Big Brother’ director Kam Ka Wai

"The EOD Squad" Teaser Poster

“The EOD Squad” Teaser Poster

Up next for director Kam Ka Wai (Colour of the Game, Big Brother) is the military-style actioner The EOD Squad.

The film follows the heroic deeds of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD), who are in a race against time while competing with the border drug dealers.

The EOD Squad stars Liu Ye (The Last Supper), Yu Nan (Wolf Warrior, Wolf Warrior 2) and Yu Rongguang (Police Story 2013, Lover of the Last Empress).

The film also features action by Dion Lam, who is perhaps best known for his work on Future CopsLeague of Gods and Shaw Brothers remake Sword Master.

Don’t miss the film’s Trailer Continue reading

Posted in News |

Which Asian Countries Make the Best Films?

Which Asian Countries Make the Best Films?In most parts of the world, Hollywood is the biggest and most influential producer of movies. However, other parts of the planet manage to create more films and sell more cinema tickets than the US, with India, Nigeria, China, and Japan all ahead in numbers. In fact, Bollywood produces 200% more films than Hollywood per year.

Although India and the US often grab headlines in movie production, Asia is a key player in the film world, with each country having its own homegrown industry that serves both local and international audiences. While it’s easy to compare their size to determine which is the biggest, it can be a little trickier to decide just which is the best.

Japan

Japanese cinema is now one of the biggest and oldest film industries in the world, after the country started movie production way back in 1897. Japanese films have changed a lot over the more than 100 years that have passed since then. The earliest movies built on the country’s tradition of “magic lantern” storytelling were silent and very simple when compared to modern productions.

In the last few decades, films based on famous TV shows have become popular, though anime is by far the biggest category in the country, making up around 60% of all movies. If you’ve ever seen a Japanese movie, it is likely animated as this genre has become a global sensation.

Some of the most notable Japanese films of recent years include Spirited Away (2001), The Sky Crawlers (2008), Shogun Assassin (1980) and Steamboy (2004).

Taiwan

Taiwan is a country that’s famous for a number of things. It’s one of the biggest exporters of electronic components and, while you may not have heard of some of its biggest companies like Pegatron, Quanta Computer, and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, it’s likely that you own devices that contain parts made by them.

The nation is also a popular place to host major international events like a round of the APPT Open, the 2019 WBSC Premier12, and the annual Taiwan Cycling Festival.

However, Taiwan isn’t as well known for its cinema. Despite box office revenue exceeding US$10.6 billion a year, only around 7% of this is generated by home-grown productions. However, this figure has been growing in recent years thanks to big-name filmmakers like Edward Yang and Hou Hsia-Hsien.

Taiwanese movies aren’t as popular as releases from other parts of Asia. Despite this, the local studios have produced some great titles in recent years, including You Are the Apple of My Eye (2012), Cape No. 7 (2008), Zone Pro Site (2013), and The Wonderful Wedding (2015).

South Korea

Like Japan and Taiwan, South Korea has been a leading figure in the tech sector for several decades and is home to brands like Samsung and LG. One of its most famous cultural exports is K-Pop with Psy’s Gangnam Style becoming a global sensation back in 2012.

South Korean cinema isn’t as old as Japan, with production first taking place around 1945. Due to historical connections with the country, South Korean movies share many similarities with Japanese films, though there are some unique elements.

One of the biggest differences between the two is that South Korean film tends to be more grounded in reality while those from Japan are more based around manga. South Korean productions also tend to have more in common with Hollywood; they also feature less martial arts-related themes and content when compared to other parts of Asia.

Cinema is big business in South Korea, with annual box office takings of more than $1.5 billion. Additionally, the Busan International Film Festival in Haeundae-gu has grown to become one of the most important of its kind on the continent after first taking place in 1996.

Which is Best?

Each Asian region has its own style of moviemaking, and declaring one better than the other is difficult. They each excel in different areas, are a window into their respective cultures, and are all entertaining in their own ways.

Posted in News |

What to Expect from 2021’s London Indian Film Festival

The UK’s top celebration of Indian cinema begins on June 16 this year as a hybrid festival, allowing viewers to enjoy the movies in various British cities or at home. This is the 12th version of the event and there are some very interesting movies lined up for film lovers this year. So, what can we expect from the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival?

Opening Movie – WOMB

The festival begins with the 2020 documentary WOMB (Women of My Billion), from director Ajitesh Sharma and starring Pragya Prasun Singh and Neha Rai alongside Srishti Bakshi. It runs for just over 100 minutes and will be shown on June 17 at the BFI London. We see how a woman walks 4,000km across India over a duration of 240 days, meeting a diverse group of women along the way.

Srishti Bakshi starts her journey in Kanyakumari, in the South of the country, before heading North to Kashmir. While it is largely focused on the struggles faced by women in modern-day India, it turns into a heart-warming exploration of how they are overcoming these challenges. The movie is followed by a Q&A session with Bakshi and film critic Anna Smith.

The Young Rebels Section – Koozhangal (Pebbles)

The festival’s movies are divided into themed sections, such as the Young Rebels selection. This is where they have gathered together films showing the obstacles facing some South Asian people, some in the form of dramas and others with a lighter or more comedic approach.

Among them is P.S Vinothraj’s debut movie Koozhangal (Pebbles). This 75-minute feature stars Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan. Filmed in Tamil and with English subtitles, it follows a man trying to track down his wife, and his relationship with his son who he takes along with him. It won the Tiger Award when presented at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam this year.

Extraordinary Lives – Karkhanisanchi Waari (Ashes on a Road Trip)

The next section looks at how the selected Indian independent movies show us people living ordinary lives in very different ways. Among the options in this category is called Karkhanisanchi Waari (Ashes on a Road Trip) and is from director Mangesh Joshi.

It runs for 108 minutes and is a dark comedy which was filmed in Marathi and with English subtitles. The head of the Karkhanis family passes away and the rest of them leave the city of Pune in their van to scatter his ashes in the remote village they come from.

Closing Night Gala – Flight

The event comes to a close on July 2 at the Cine Lumiere in the British capital, with this 1997 British movie from director Alex Pillai. The stars featured in it include Mina Anwar, Kulvinder Ghir, and Roshan Seth. Running for 75 minutes, it follows the story of a girl in Northern England from a Hindu family who falls in love with a boy from a Muslim family.

Once people find out about their relationship, she runs away to London. The discovery of a secret women’s shelter gives her a temporary taste of freedom before she is put in danger again. The movie is followed by the director, cast, and crew taking part in a question-and-answer session.

How Indian Culture Has Entered the Mainstream

The growing popularity of Bollywood movies and other Asian films among Western audiences suggests that the London Indian Film Festival in 2021 should be a success. To date, the most internationally successful movie to come out of India was 2016’s Dangal, which is believed to have earned gross overseas revenue of $260 million.

Yet, while the movies from here can be rated as highly as films from other cultures in many cases, it is clear that the Indian culture has crossed over in more areas than simply the cinematic industry. For example, Deepak Chopra has become an important figure in the New Age movement thanks to his books and videos, although his quantum healing theories and suggestion that perfect health can be obtained have proved to be controversial.

Indian games have long been part of the western world, with the classic Snakes and Ladders based on an ancient board game that was called Moksha Patam and Ludo coming to the rest of the world as a simplified version of a game called Pachisi. Snooker also began life here, as British Army officers played it in their Jabalpur base before it went on to extend out over the planet.

In recent times, Andar Bahar has become popular outside of India and can be seen among the options on the Betway live casino. This simple card game asks the player to bet on Andar or Bahar and it originated in Karnataka, with a history going back more than 100 years. Also featured in the same casino is a version of roulette known as Bollywood Roulette, which has a distinctive style reflecting popular Indian decor detailed at livspace.com.

In terms of individuals who have made their mark in different areas, Priyanka Chopra won the 2000 Miss World competition and has since been named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. As well as being a highly successful TV and movie actress, Chopra has gained musical success, written her memoirs, and worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The recent success of Indians as well as games and movies with an Indian background help to show that the London Indian Film Festival should be very well-received. The hybrid approach taken this year should also ensure that more people get to enjoy these movies in a way that suits them.

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