Incredible Shaolin Thunderkick (1982) Review

"Incredible Shaolin Thunderkick" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Incredible Shaolin Thunderkick” Korean Theatrical Poster

AKA: Water Retailer of Shantung
Director: Kim Seon-Gyeong
Cast: Benny Tsui, Eagle Han Ying, Chae Eun-hui, Nam Po-Dong, Choe Myeong-hui, Jang Cheol
Running Time: 78 min.

By Paul Bramhall

There can be no denying that the old-school Korean kung fu movie comes with a bad reputation, one which in my humble opinion isn’t entirely warranted. Sure they have a lot going against them, number one being that almost all were picked up for international distribution by Godfrey Ho’s Asso Asia Films, and subsequently chopped up, re-edited, and dubbed into atrocities rarely resembling the original version. However even without the legendary cut ‘n’ past ninja master’s interference, Korea’s output was decidedly different from its Hong Kong and Taiwanese counterparts. Bizarre humor, wire-work that can best be described as ‘imaginative’, and clearly low budget, all amount to a sub-section of the genre that’s an acquired taste. It just so happens that I’m one of the few whose tastes have been manipulated enough over the years to find a certain charm in Korea’s always unique take on the genre.

If I was going to attempt to make someone a fan of old-school Korean kung fu flicks though, lets establish now that it wouldn’t start with an introduction involving Benny Tsui (whose real name is Seo Byeong-heon). One of the many enigmatic stars of the kung fu genre Continue reading

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Michael Jai White actioner ‘Welcome to Sudden Death’ welcomes itself to Netflix and DVD

Welcome to Sudden Death | DVD (Universal)

Welcome to Sudden Death | DVD (Universal)

Welcome to Sudden Death (aka Sudden Death 2), a sequel/remake (mostly by name) to Jean-Claude Van Damme’s 1995 actioner, Sudden Death (proving our 2015 article Van Damme is the most ‘remade’ action star in the world was spot on) has finally arrived to DVD and Netflix.

Filling in Van Damme’s shoes is cult martial arts star Michael Jai White (Triple Threat, Accident Man). Co-stars include comedian Gary Owen (Ride Along), Gillian White (Never Back Down: No Surrender), Marrese Crump (Tom Yum Goong 2) and Kristen Harris (Channel Zero).

Jesse Freeman (White) is a former special forces officer and explosives expert now working a regular job as a security guard in a state-of-the-art basketball arena. Trouble erupts when a tech-savvy cadre of terrorists kidnap the team’s owner and Jesse’s daughter during Continue reading

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‘Furie’ and ‘Rebel’ action star Veronica Ngo teases Vietnamese superhero film ‘Vinaman’

"Vinaman" Teaser Poster

“Vinaman” Teaser Poster

Ever rising Vietnamese star Veronica Ngo (House in the Alley, Furie) has taken to social media to tease Vinaman, an upcoming superhero flick produced by Studio68, Ngo’s own production company.

“The world has Iron Man, Spider Man and Superman. So what does Vietnam have?” says Ngo, in a lengthy post on social media on Monday. She later adds “…Young people need a hero. And Vietnam needs a representative face.” (via FCS)

To Western audiences, Ngo is mostly known for her work in the acclaimed Vietnamese martial arts features The Rebel and Clash with Johnny Tri Nguyen, not to mention a minor role in Yuen Woo-ping’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny with Michelle Yeoh and Donnie Yen. And her recent appearances in BrightStar Wars: The Last Jedi and Da 5 Bloods have gotten her more exposure in mainstream Hollywood. Continue reading

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 4K SteelBook Edition | Blu-ray (Sony)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 4K SteelBook Edition | Blu-ray (Sony)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 4K SteelBook Edition | Blu-ray (Sony)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2020

On December 1, 2020, Sony Home Entertainment is releasing the 2-Disc Blu-ray for the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 4K SteelBook Edition.

Two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy – and the inescapable, enduring power of love. Set against 19th-century China’s breathtaking landscape, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the action-packed box office smash from two-time Best Director Academy Award winner Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) and featuring stunning martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo Ping Continue reading

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New Explosive Trailer for Herman Yau’s ‘Shock Wave 2’

"Shock Wave 2" Theatrical Poster

“Shock Wave 2” Theatrical Poster

A sequel to Herman Yau’s 2017 box office hit Shock Wave (read our review) is on the verge of being released to either streaming platforms or in theaters this December.

In the upcoming Shock Wave 2 (read our review), Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau (Switch) is back in place. Philip Keung (Chasing the Dragon), who appeared in the first film, also returns. New cast members include Lau Ching-wan (Integrity) and Ni Ni (The Warrior’s Gate).

Shock Wave 2 is said to feature new characters in a related storyline that revolves around a bomb disposal officer who is injured in a blast and then named as a suspect in a terrorist bombing (via SD).

For now, check out the film’s latest Trailer Continue reading

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Korean Thriller ‘Door Lock’ is getting a Chinese remake

"Door Lock" Teaser Poster

“Door Lock” Teaser Poster

The trend of Asian films remade from other Asian films (as noted in our article Made (& Remade) in Asia) continue with Door Lock, a Chinese remake of the 2018 Korean thriller of the same name (which itself was based on the 2011 Spanish film, Sleep Tight).

The Chinese remake of Door Lock is directed by Wu Bai (The Big Shot) and stars Bai Baihe (Monster Hunt), Wang Zixuan (The Golden Years), Bai Ke (Fresh Teachers) and Fan Chengcheng (via AFS).

The 2018 Korean film revolved around a woman (Kong Hyo-Jin) – living alone in a studio apartment – who finds evidence that someone broke into her apartment, which is connected to a brutal murder.

For an idea of what to expect from Continue reading

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Live-action adaptation of ‘Yakuza’ videogame in-the-works

"Yakuza" Videogame Artwork

“Yakuza” Videogame Artwork

Following Sega’s unexpected success of their film adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog (the 3rd highest-grossing film of 2020, after The Eight Hundred and Bad Boys for Life), the videogame company is developing a Live-action adaptation of Yakuza with 1212 Entertainment and Wild Sheep Content.

The first game in the Yakuza franchise, which has been widely praised for its story and character-driven plot, follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu being released from a 10-year prison sentence after taking the fall for the murder of his family’s patriarch. After the entire Japanese underworld is pulled into the search for $100 million stolen from the vault of his former clan, Kiryu is forced back into the lawless world of the yakuza (via Variety).

Yakuza is being produced by Erik Barmack (November 13: Attack on Paris), Roberto Grande Continue reading

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Wong Kar-Wai to write (and possibly direct) a sequel to his 1994 masterpiece ‘Chungking Express’

"Chungking Express" French Theatrical Poster

“Chungking Express” French Theatrical Poster

Renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai (The Grandmaster, Ashes of Time) is writing a sequel to what’s arguably his most popular film, Chungking Express.

China’s National Film Bureau has officially approved Wong Kar-Wai’s new project to shoot tentatively-titled Chungking Express 2020. The sequel will take place in 2036, with Wong Kar-Wai attached as the screenwriter. It remains unclear whether he will return as the director or any of the original stars reprising their roles (via SHK).

Wong Kar-Wai is currently in sequel/follow-up mode, as he’s also working on the fouthcoming release of Blossoms with Kris Wu (Europe Raiders), which  is said to be connected to his previous films, In the Mood for Love and 2046.

We’ll keep you updated on Continue reading

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Survivor Ballads: Three Films by Shohei Imamura | Blu-ray (Arrow Films)

RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2020

On December 8, 2020, Arrow Films/Arrow Academy will be releasing the Blu-ray collection for Survivor Ballads: Three Films by Shohei Imamura, which will include The Ballad of Narayama, Zegen and Black Rain.

Read the official details below:

Throughout the 1980s, Shohei Imamura (The Pornographers, Profound Desires of the Gods), a leading figure of the Japanese New Wave era of the 1960s, cemented his international reputation as one of the most important directors of his generation with a series of films that all competed at Cannes to great critical acclaim. This exclusive box set from Arrow Academy Continue reading

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

The Untold Story | Blu-ray & DVD (Unearthed Films)

The Untold Story | Blu-ray (Unearthed Films)

The Untold Story | Blu-ray (Unearthed Films)

RELEASE DATE: October 13, 2020

On October 13, 2020, Unearthed Films is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for The Untold Story (aka Bunman), a 1993 Hong Kong film from cult director Herman Yau (Shock Wave, Ebola Syndrome) that stars Danny Lee (Run and Kill) and Anthony Wong (Still Human).

In 1978 in Hong Kong, a grisly murder takes place. Eight years later, on a Macao beach, kids discover the severed hands of a fresh victim. A squadron of coarse, happy-go-lucky cops investigate, and suspicion falls on Wong Chi Hang, the new owner of Eight Immortals Restaurant, which serves delicious pork bun. The hands belong to the missing mother of the restaurant’s former owner; he and his family have disappeared; staff at the restaurant continue to go missing; and, Wong can’t produce a signed bill of sale: but there’s no evidence. The police arrest Wong and try to torture him into a confession. Can they Continue reading

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

Miss Baek (2018) Review

"Miss Baek" Theatrical Poster

“Miss Baek” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Ji-won
Cast: Han Ji-Min, Kim Shi-A, Lee Hee-Joon, Kwon So-Hyun, Baek Soo-Jang, Jang Young-Nam, Kim Sun-Young, Lee Joo-Young, Jung Kyung-Ho
Running Time: 98 min.

By Paul Bramhall

While many argue that Korean cinema has lost the gritty edge that drew selected audiences to it in the first place, what can’t be argued is that in the 10’s, some of the best examples of uncompromising cinema came from women directors. From Jeong Joo-ri’s A Girl at My Door, to Shin Su-won’s Madonna, to Lee Kyoung-mi’s The Truth Beneath. Much like the Korean economies own Miracle on the Han River, so it also feels like its film industry went through a similarly rapid modernisation, with its output from the mid-90’s becoming increasingly sophisticated. One aspect of the film industry which has been slower to change though, is the fact that it remains a largely male dominated arena when it comes to directors, so it’s been a pleasure to see how much female directorial talent has come to the fore over the last decade, and hopefully it’ll continue to do so.

If Miss Baek is any indication to go by, then that looks to definitely be the case, which marks the directorial debut of Lee Ji-won. While it may be the first time for Ji-won to sit in the directors’ chair, she’s been involved in the film industry for the last 20 years, having worked on the Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! John Wick: Chapter 2 | Blu-ray | Only $6.96 – Expires soon!

John Wick: Chapter Two | Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

John Wick: Chapter Two | Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Chad Stahelski’s John Wick: Chapter 2 (read our review).

Keanu Reeves returns in the sequel to the 2014 hit as legendary hitman John Wick who is forced to back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers.

The film also stars Common (The Informer), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), Riccardo Scamarcio (Welcome Home), Ruby Rose (The Doorman), Lance Reddick (The Wire), Peter Stormare (Kill ’em All), Bridget Moynahan (Lord of War), Franco Nero (Enter the Ninja) and John Leguizamo Continue reading

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Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos, The (2019) Review

"The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos" Theatrical Poster

“The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos” Theatrical Poster

Director: Son Yong-ho
Writer: Han Jeong-hoon
Cast: Kim Sang-Joong, Ma Dong-Seok, Kim A-Joong, Jang Ki-Yong, Gang Ye-Won, Kim In-Woo
Running Time: 115 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Feature length spin-offs of TV shows are a rarity in Korea, so it came as a surprise when the announcement was made that Bad Guys was going to be heading for the big screen. The concept of writer Han Jeong-hoon, Bad Guys aired as an 11-episode series in 2014, and focused on a world-weary detective who’s given the opportunity to put together a special crime squad to tackle violent crime. The hook was the squad he assembles comprised of incarcerated criminals – a gangster (played by a pre-Train to Busan Ma Dong-seok), a psychopathic serial killer, and a hitman. Not so surprisingly, the show was a success.

Jeong-hoon would script a follow-up in 2017 with Bad Guys: Vile City, a thematic follow-up which gave us a whole new cast of characters, and was notable for marking Park Joong-hoon’s return to the screen (and first time in a TV series) as the lead after a 6 year hiatus Continue reading

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Do You Need Money Now? Check Out These 4 Ways To Get Money Fast

Do You Need Money Now? Check Out These 4 Ways To Get Money Fast

Do You Need Money Now? Check Out These 4 Ways To Get Money Fast

More than 78 percent of the workforce lives paycheck to paycheck every month. If you’re one of them, you know just how tough things can get when you desperately need money to pay the bills.

Counting your pennies and looking for ways to cut your expenses can help, but they’re not always enough. Unfortunately, figuring out how to get money when bills are coming due can be tough.

If you’re not sure where to start, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are a few proven ways to get money quickly.

1. Ask the People You Know for Help

If you find that your finances are a bit tighter than you’d like or you’re coming up short on a few bills, the best place to start is with the people you know. Don’t hesitate to ask your family members or friends for a loan.

You can even treat it like a conventional loan and draw up a contract so both you and your lender know where you stand. Just make sure you stick to the agreement you make.

The last thing you want to do is strain your personal relationships just because you need money fast.

2. Look for Short-Term Loans

If you’re not comfortable asking the people you know for loans, start looking for traditional lenders. These can be big banks or credit unions, but if you’re only borrowing a small amount to help you get by until payday, a short-term loan will be a better choice.

There are many lenders that specialize in these loans and allow you to apply and get a decision instantly online. Just make sure you understand the repayment terms in detail before you accept the money. Otherwise, you could end up biting off more than you can chew and get stuck with more debt than you can bear.

3. Find a Side Hustle

If you’re worried about money, the easiest way to create a long-term fix is to start earning more. Look for side hustles that you can do in your spare time.

If you love driving, consider becoming a rideshare driver. If you love animals, try becoming a pet sitter or dog walker. Follow your passions and look for ways to earn a little extra money doing what you love.

4. Sell Your Junk

Everyone has extra stuff lying around the house that they don’t want or need. Instead of donating it to charity, sell it.

Host a garage sale over the weekend with a few neighbors. List items online and sell them to people who prefer to shop from their computers. The options are endless.

Be Proactive When You Need Money Fast

The most important thing to remember when you realize that you need money fast is that you need to be proactive. Look for ways to earn money rather than giving up or racking up debt on your credit card.

Try these simple ways to earn money fast and you’ll improve your finances in no time.

Looking for more helpful tips to take control of your financial situation? Check out our latest posts.

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7 Wonderful Ways To Use CBD Oil

7 Wonderful Ways To Use CBD Oil

7 Wonderful Ways To Use CBD Oil

Using marijuana to treat different types of pain is nothing new. But the recent legalization of CBD as a form of medical treatment has given more flexibility to its use.

Many people are learning about the benefits of marijuana for the first time as they navigate major health setbacks. Here are 7 benefits of CBD oil you need to know.

1. Aches and Pains

One of the leading reasons to use CBD oil is to manage aches and pains in the body. You won’t have to worry about heavy medications the next time your back goes out.

Taking CBD oil gives your body endocannabinoids to help soothe your nervous system by blocking pain receptors. This isn’t harmful to the body since it’s possible for the body to still heal while the nervous system is eased.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints and bones of aging adults. Medication doesn’t always provide the instant relief necessary to live with the illness comfortably.

You can live for years on the same pain medication without relief. Enter CBD oil.

Another benefit of CBD oil is improving pain from chronic illnesses like arthritis. Research shows that CBD oil can help with inflammation which is stifling in the joints.

If you have arthritis, expect your sleep to improve after taking CBD oil. You’ll also have less pain when you’re just sitting which is common for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

3. Destress

One of the top reasons for marijuana use, in general, is to relieve anxiety or stress. But in its CBD form, the oil can produce much healthier results because it doesn’t require the typical feelings of being ‘high.’

You’ll feel less on edge when adding CBD oil to beverages after a long day of work or in the morning if you have a tough day ahead. The amounts of CBD oil you need vary depending on your situation.

Typically, a healthcare professional can tell by your size and height the right dosage for medication. With CBD oil, there may be other factors at play like how many other medications you’re taking and the contents of those medications.

Consider CBD oil if you need an all-natural alternative to anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a doctor. These medications often come with side effects that take away the benefits of using the drug.

4. Improves Cancer Symptoms

One of the top complaints of cancer patients receiving chemo is feelings of nausea. The high doses of radiation in the body have disorienting effects that leave some patients wanting to vomit.

Ease your post-chemo blues with a healthy dose of CBD oil. It’ll take away the feelings of nausea and might even kill cancer cells.

Some research shows that cancer cells die in the face of CBD. At a minimum, you can expect the spread of cancer cells to be impacted by taking CBD.

Studies are still very early so it might not be a guarantee for each patient, but it’s worth trying since the supplement is plant-based. You can take it without worrying about worsening your symptoms throughout the chemotherapy process.

The worse that can happen is you’ll feel less nauseous while treating the cancer cells in your body.

5. Acne

It’s possible CBD oil can help with the treatment of acne. Visit a vendor like Colorado Breeders Deport to find CBD varieties that can help reduce the inflammation in your skin.

Inflammation is the main culprit when dealing with heavy acne. You can soothe the layers of your skin from within the body using CBD oil.

It does this by taking away cytokines, an inflammatory agent in the body. CBD oil ensures your body doesn’t produce too much sebum leading to outbreaks in the skin.

6. All Natural

People are increasingly skeptical of traditional medicine. Documentaries poke holes in the healthcare system and its treatment of patients.

Critics argue that profit is more important than patients causing many ethics to be broken. As a result, people seek more natural ways to treat conditions.

CBD oil is one of the leading pain relief options for aging adults with chronic conditions. Its benefits are now being recognized by younger adults who also prefer to skip pharmaceutical drugs in exchange for something with fewer side effects.

The benefits of CBD oil is still being uncovered, but the more scientists learn, the more they realize that nature seems to have a cure for everything.

7. Food Friendly

A final benefit of CBD oil is that it’s one of the few supplements that can be added to food. Incorporate CBD oil into your favorite holiday recipe or lunchtime soup.

It’s a wonderful way to treat party guests after a long week of work. Find CBD oils or butter that are already in cooking form.

This means the texture blends easily into your dish so you won’t have to worry about it impacting the flavor. A good CBD cooking ingredient isn’t noticeable in its taste but is noticeable in its side effects.

You should be more relaxed after a CBD ingredient gets added to your food.

Finding the Right CBD Products

Not all CBD products are created equal. Keep in mind that one product might have lots of fillers that take away its status as all-natural.

Do your research to find an oil that provides you with the best results without a lot of additives. CBD isn’t a cure-all, but there are enough health benefits to warrant even a skeptic to give it a try to remain in good health.

For more information and tips, visit our blog for updates.

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