Great Battle, The (2018) Review

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Paul Bramhall
"The Great Battle" Theatrical Poster

“The Great Battle” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Kwang-Sik
Cast: Jo In-sung, Nam Joo-Hyuk, Park Sung-Woong, Bae Sung-Woo, Um Tae-Goo, Seol Hyun, Park Byung-Eun, Oh Dae-Hwan, Jung Eun-Chae, Sung Dong-Il, Jang Gwang, Stephanie Lee, Yeo Hoi-Hyeon, Jung In-Gyeom
Running Time: 135 min.

By Pau Bramhall

The Korean historical blockbuster became particularly heavy handed under the years Park Geun-hye was president, with her policies and influence on the film industry resulting in a number of jingoistic productions which rivalled some of Mainland China’s most bombastically patriotic efforts. The likes of The Admiral: Roaring Currents, Northern Limit Line, and Ode to My Father all ensured the audience walk away knowing how self-sacrificing and tenacious their Korean heroes are, even if being imbued with that knowledge felt like being constantly hit over the head with it for 2+ hours. When Geun-hye was impeached in 2017 and Moon Jae-in took over as president, a politician keen to bridge ties between the North and South, the historical epic largely dropped out of favour from Korean multiplexes, and was replaced by the theme of North and South collaborating (see the likes of Confidential Assignment and Steel Rain).

The Great Battle felt like somewhat of an anomaly then when it was released in 2018, being the true story of how a few thousand soldiers defended the strategically important Ansi Fortress from hundreds of thousands of the invading Tang Army, keen to make the Goguryeo Dynasty a part of the Tang Dynasty. The parallels with The Admiral: Roaring Currents are blatant, with the only difference on paper being that this particular battle will take place on land rather than sea. Thankfully, on paper are where the Continue reading →

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

Is ‘Counter Attack’ Vincent Zhao’s answer to ‘Wolf Warrior’? Watch the English-subtitled Trailer and see for yourself…

Posted on February 1, 2021 by JJ Bona

"Counter Attack" Martial arts star Vincent Zhao (Kung Fu League, Unity of Heroes) has demonstrated his skills in countless film and TV projects – both traditional kung fu and modern day action – and while The Blade, Black Sheep Affair and True Legend have been his highlights, he’s often been shortchanged by many projects and at times fallen foul of politics such as his departure from Donnie Yen’s Special ID.

With that said, Zhao is taking a sizable amount of control with Counter Attack, a project he’s not only starring in, but also directing. Co-stars include Jiang Yiyi (Once Upon a Time in Shanghai) and Continue reading →

Posted in News |

When West Meets East: 25 Hollywood Stars in Asian Cinema

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Paul Bramhall

When West Meets East: 25 Hollywood Stars in Asian Cinema

We all know there have been plenty of Asian stars who have tried their hand at Hollywood, with the likes of Jackie Chan, Lee Byung-hun, Ken Watanabe, and even Tony Jaa all having varying degrees of success in Tinseltown. But what about those Hollywood stars who attempted their hand at the Asian film market?

Those who have ventured to the East have done so for reasons as broad as the movies they appear in – maybe they’re washed up stars from yesteryear, they’re offered a chance to work with an acclaimed director, or perhaps lost a bet (it’s as good an explanation as any for some of the appearances in these movies!).

Below we take a look at 25 familiar faces from Hollywood who have appeared in Asian productions since 2000, and 1 who didn’t (it’ll make sense once you get to it). The criteria is a little fast and loose when it comes to things like co-productions, but essentially if a movie has a predominantly Asian cast, is filmed in Asia, and has an Asian director (The Great Wall for example), then we’re including it. If a movie has more than one Hollywood star in it, then we choose one of them and give the other an honourable mention in the text (The Great Wall, again, as an example). We hope you enjoy reading, and if we’ve missed anyone, give them a shout out in the comments! Listed in alphabetical order Continue reading →

Posted in Features, News |

Yuen Biao, Ray Lui, Kathy Chow and Raquel Xu are called into action in New Characters Posters for ‘Heroes Return’

Posted on January 29, 2021 by JJ Bona

We’ll soon see the return of kung fu movie legend Yuen Biao (knockabout, On The Run) in the suitably titled Heroes Return (read our review), from director Hu Guo.

Sure, we’ve seen the 3rd famous Seven Little Fortune return in semi-recent films like Sifu vs. Vampire and The Bodyguard, but hopefully with Heroes Return, he’ll be used to his fullest potential (yeah, yeah, we know he’s not the same young guy from Wheels on Meals, but we’re sure he still has some tricks up his sleeve).

Heroes Return also stars a handful of known Hong Kong actors like Ray Lui (To Be Number One), Ken Tong (Chasing the Dragon), Ng Man Tat (Shaolin Soccer), Kathy Chow (Cheap Killers) and Raquel Xu (Chasing the Dragon).

Heroes Return releases domestically on January 30, 2021. Don’t miss the Trailer Continue reading →

Posted in News |

New English-subtitled Trailer for Andy Lau and Xiao Yang’s action-comedy ‘Endgame’

Posted on January 29, 2021 by JJ Bona
"Endgame" Theatrical Poster

“Endgame” Theatrical Poster

It’s a case of mistaken identity for Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau (Shockwave, Chasing the Dragon, The Adventures), as he returns to the big screen in Endgame, a dark, action-comedy from director Rao Xiaozhi (The Insanity, A Cool Fish), which releases domestically on February 25, 2021.

According to AFS, the upcoming film centers around a jobbing actor who is mistaken for a world-class hitman. The film is a remake of Kenji Uchida’s 2012 Japanese film, Key of Life, that starred Masato Sakai, Teruyuki Kagawa and Ryoko Hirosue.

Joining Lau for Endgame is Xiao Yang (Dragon Blade, Detective Chinatown) and Regina Wan Qian (Butterfly Lovers, God of War).

Don’t miss the film’s New English-subtitled Continue reading →

Posted in News |

Russian Raid | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Posted on January 28, 2021 by JJ Bona
Russian Raid | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Russian Raid | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: March 9, 2021

Denis Kryuchkov’s debut feature, Russian Raid – a Russian production inspired by Gareth Evans’ 2011 cult martial arts hit The Raid (what action movie isn’t?) – will finally be getting U.S. release on Digital & Blu-ray on March 9, 2021 from Well Go USA.

Long after the murder of his father—a secret agent killed in a missile factory raid—former special forces operative Nikita (played by renowned stuntman Ivan Kotik) returns to Russia as a mercenary. He leads an elite team on a top-dollar heist targeting the same facility, but no one else knows his true objective is revenge.

The film also stars Powerlifting world record holder Kirill Sarychev, world heavyweight kickboxing champion Vladimir Mineev, as well as “the best-known MMA fighters in Russia”.

Don’t miss the film’s U.S. Trailer Continue reading →

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

Deal on Fire! Master Z: Ip Man Legacy | Blu-ray | Only $9.96 – Expires soon!

Posted on January 28, 2021 by JJ Bona
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Master Z: Ip Man Legacy | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, starring Max Zhang, the rising star of The Grandmaster, S.P.L. II and Ip Man 3 and The Brink. This Ip Man 3 spin-off directed by legendary martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping (The Thousand Faces of Dunjia).

Zhang reprises his scene-stealing role as Cheung Tin-chi from Ip Man 3. The film also stars Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny), Tony Jaa (xXx: Return of Xander Cage) and Dave Bautista (Kickboxer: Vengeance).

After defeated by Ip Man, Cheung Tin Chi (Zhang) lives a depressed life and stays low profile. While Tin Chi tries to stay out of trouble, he gets himself into a fight Continue reading →

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Bloody Brotherhood (1989) Review

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Paul Bramhall
"Bloody Brotherhood" Theatrical Poster

“Bloody Brotherhood” Theatrical Poster

Director: Wang Lung Wei
Cast: Andy Lau Tak Wah, Michael Chan Wai Man, Irene Wan Pik Ha, David Lam Wai, Shum Wai, Ku Feng, Dick Wei, Philip Ko Fei, Tin Ching, Wong Hap, Cheung Gwok Wa, Ken Lo Hui Kwong, Sham Chin Bo, Lee Sau Kei, Cho Wing
Running Time: 95 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

While Wang Lung-Wei is perhaps most synonymous for his various villainous turns during his tenure at the Shaw Brothers studios, I’ve always considered him to be an underrated director. Sure, he only helmed 9 movies, all made between 1985 – 1992, and none of them can be said to break the mould or offer up anything particularly innovative. But regardless, the guy knew how to crank out lean no nonsense action movies that didn’t skimp on the violence, and contained the kind of frantic high impact fight scenes that audiences today can only dream of. This is the guy who even managed to make Michael Wong look like a bad ass thanks to 1988’s Fury (although it is, admittedly, the weakest of his oeuvre).  Many (including myself) consider Lung-Wei’s sophomore feature, 1985’s Hong Kong Godfather to be his masterpiece (although Angry Ranger comes close), thanks in no small part to its no holds barred blood-soaked finale. 

It’s understandable then that when Lung-Wei secured the talents of HK megastar Andy Lau for 1989’s Bloody Brotherhood, he tried to combine what made his best work so popular with one of HK’s most bankable stars. Lau gets a lot of flak for his performances in the 80’s, with common criticisms being that he looks like a pretty boy teenage popstar (which was half true) and couldn’t act (also open to debate). Personally, I may have been blind to both critiques due to my love of action cinema, and regardless of not being a legitimate martial artist, onscreen Lau looked like the real deal. From his tussle against Lu Feng in The Shanghai Thirteen, to holding his own alongside Jackie Chan Continue reading →

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

How to Know What CBD Oil Dosage Is Right for You

Posted on January 23, 2021 by JJ Bona

Cannabis is reaching new heights these days as more people in the medical field are beginning to acknowledge its positive qualities.

It can be used to remedy many things; often, cannabis acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, not to mention it can relieve feelings of depression and anxiety.

Previously there were only a few ways you could obtain the benefits of cannabis, but now there have been further developments in its implementation and consumption.

CBD oil is a great way to enjoy some of these benefits. But you should first know what your CBD oil dosage is. Here is a quick guide to help you understand what CBD oil is and how to properly deal with it.

CBD Oil: The Basics

Cannabinol, otherwise known as CBD, is a chemical compound from the Sativa plant, also called marijuana.

Unlike THC (or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the major active ingredient in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive. So you won’t get high off of CBD.

For you to make the oil, the CBD is first extracted from the cannabis plant. After this, the extract is diluted with another “carrier oil” like hemp seed, coconut, or other kinds of oil.

The good thing about oil is that you can carry it everywhere but, more importantly, use it everywhere without finding yourself in any situations or problems with the law.

There are many places that you can get your hands on these oils now, such as CBD stores and weed shops. For those whose states do not allow open distribution, you can even buy CBD online as well.

How Much Is Right for You?

When trying to figure out the best dosage for yourself, that relies on several factors:

  • Your weight and size (similar to BMI)
  • What condition you’re treating and its severity
  • Your tolerance level to CBD
  • Body chemistry, and
  • The general potency of the CBD oil that you choose to use

If you are unsure of any of these, make sure you seek the answers first. Then if you are unsure of what you can tolerate, begin with a low dosage.

The common dose, to begin with, is usually between 20 and 40 milligrams per dose. But again, this depends on the factors stated previously.

Also, understand that this subjective even with the dosage you choose to take. Two individuals with the same weight and height might respond differently.

The first might think that a dose of 20ml is enough for him, but the other might need double the dosage. Figure out what works best for you. But keep in mind the strength.

Choosing the Right CBD Oil Dosage

CBD oil comes with many benefits that can help you in your everyday life, and understanding your CBD oil dosage is a great start to that.

Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any underlying issues first to see if the CBD oil will benefit you, but there’s no denying that CBD oil can make you feel a lot better.

For other interesting and informative articles like this one, be sure to browse the rest of our blog.

Posted in News |

Falcon Rising | Blu-ray & DVD (MVD Visual)

Posted on January 21, 2021 by JJ Bona
Falcon Rising | Blu-ray (MVD Visual)

Falcon Rising | Blu-ray (MVD Visual)

RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2021

On March 30, 2021, MVD will release the Blu-ray & DVD for Falcon Rising (read our review), a 2014 actioner directed by Ernie Barbarash (Abduction, Assassination Games) and starring Michael Jai White (Triple Threat, Blood and Bone, Black Dynamite).

John “Falcon” Chapman (White), a dark anti-hero driven by guilt and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, who will destroy himself unless given something else to destroy – a useful weapon-of-last-resort for the U.S. State Department. When Chapman’s sister is brutally attacked while on assignment in Brazil, Chapman flies into Sao Paulo to track down her assailants, quickly entering the city’s seedy underbelly and discovering Continue reading →

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

Skyfire | Blu-ray (Screen Media)

Posted on January 21, 2021 by JJ Bona
Skyfire | Blu-ray (Screen Media)

Skyfire | Blu-ray (Screen Media)

RELEASE DATE: April 6, 2021

On April 6, 2021, Screen Media will release the Blu-ray for Skyfire, a 2020 disaster film directed by Simon West (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Expendables 2).

This special effects driven thriller stars Hannah Quinlivan (S.M.A.R.T. Chase), Jason Isaacs (Hotel Mumbai), Wang Xueqi (Monk Comes Down the Mountain) and Shawn Dou (Nightfall).

A young scientist (Quinlivan) invents a cutting-edge volcanic warning system and returns to the tropical island where her mother tragically died, hoping she can prevent future deaths. The island is now home to the world’s only volcano theme park and resort, the brainchild of its reckless owner Jack (Isaacs). Chaos soon erupts when the once dormant volcano starts to rumble. It’s a battle with nature to get off the island while fiery death and Continue reading →

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

Herman Yau re-teams with Andy Lau for ‘Angels of the Pandemic’

Posted on January 20, 2021 by JJ Bona
"Ebola Syndrome" Chinese DVD Cover

“Ebola Syndrome” Chinese DVD Cover

With dozens of credits as a cinematographer and director, Herman Yau (The Untold Story, Ebola Syndrome, Taxi Hunter) is one of the most prolific filmmakers ever to have worked in Hong Kong cinema. Considering that he’s gone all respectable with historical action pictures like The Legend is Born: Ip Man and The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake – not to mention edge-of-your-seat blockbusters like Shock Wave – it’s easy to forget that Yau got his start in the grimy, nasty world of Category III.

Now, Yau is taking a stab at the COVID-19 pandemic with a thriller titled Zhan Yi Tianshi (roughly translated to Angels of the Pandemic). The upcoming film will reunite Yau with his Shock Wave and Shock Wave 2 star Andy Lau (Chasing the Dragon, The Adventurers). Yang Zishan (Till the End of the World) co-stars (via AFS).

Zhan Yi Tianshi is just one of the many Continue reading →

Posted in News |

Circus Kids (1994) Review

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Paul Bramhall
"Circus Kids" Theatrical Poster

“Circus Kids” Theatrical Poster

Director: Wu Ma
Cast: Yuen Biao, Donnie Yen, Irene Wan Pik-Ha, Lily Lee Lee-Lee, Wu Ma, Lam Wai, Woo Ying-Man, Ken Lo Wai-Kwong, Bey Logan, Yuen Miu, Bei Lou-Kam, Yuen Miu
Running Time: 109 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In 1994 Wu Ma brought together 3 of the best kickers of the era – Yuen Biao, Donnie Yen, and Ken Lo – to feature in the tale of a circus troupe that find themselves looking for a new life, after their travelling show is blown away by the invading Japanese forces in 1942. This all takes place in the opening minutes, which consist of an extended circus acrobatics routine (prominently featuring Biao doing his thing), before the big top tent is blown away in an impressive explosion, the kind that makes you weep for the CGI explosions that dominate current HK cinema. The movie in question is the decidedly bland sounding Circus Kids (seriously, out of all the Hong Kong movies distributors re-titled for their western release, they chose this one to stick with the direct translation!), however the blandness of the title is sadly nothing compared to the movie itself.

For a second in the mid-90’s it looked like Wu Ma and Yuen Biao were going to become a successful director and star pairing. They made Kickboxer together in 1993, a Once Upon a Time in China inspired tale that pacified Biao’s grievance at only playing a supporting role in Tsui Hark’s 1991 masterpiece, so when they reunited the following year for Circus Kids it seemed like a cause for celebration. However by 1994 it was clear Biao’s popularity was on the wane, and while he would feature opposite Brigitte Lin in the wuxia Deadful Melody the same year, the following year he was reduced to featuring Continue reading →

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

‘Step Up China’ filmmaker Ron Yuan to direct ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Bruce Lee-actor Mike Moh in ‘8 Dragons’

Posted on January 19, 2021 by JJ Bona
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" Theatrical Poster

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” Theatrical Poster

Martial arts actor/filmmaker Ron Yuan (Step Up China, The Paper Tigers) is teaming up with actor/martial artist Mike Moh (Marvel’s Inhumans) for an upcoming thriller titled 8 Dragons.

8 Dragons is being written by James Frey (Queen & Slim, I Am Number Four) and Ray Wong (Burnt Grass). Plot details for the film are currently under wraps (let’s pray that Paul’s synopsis in the comments is legit), but here’s hoping the film will further showcase more of Moh’s footwork.

Moh is perhaps best known for his role as Bruce Lee in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ryu in the series Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist and Street Fighter: Resurrection.

Ron Yuan is currently putting finishing touches on his futuristic sequel to Continue reading →

Posted in News |

Sheep Without a Shepherd | DVD (Artsploitation)

Posted on January 17, 2021 by JJ Bona
Sheep Without a Shepherd | DVD (Artsploitation)

Sheep Without a Shepherd | DVD (Artsploitation)

RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2021

On March 23, 2021, Artsploitation Films will be releasing the DVD for Sheep Without a Shepherd, a 2019 crime/thriller by Sam Quah that stars Xiao Yang (Dragon Blade), Tan Zhuo (Gone with the Light) and Joan Chen (Purple Storm).

Read the official details below (via SA):

Artsploitation Films has announced the acquisition of Sheep Without a Shepherd, a 2019 film that grossed over $192,000,000 in it theatrical Chinese release.

Malaysian director Sam Quah’s debut feature film is a big budget noirish thriller and a remake of the 2013 Indian film, Drishyam. The film follows family man and self-described movie-geek who is thrown into a battle of wits with the law after his daughter accidentally kills a fellow student who was blackmailing her. The dead Continue reading →

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