Hero, The | aka Rage of the Master (1972) Review

"The Hero" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Hero” Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Wang Yu the Destroyer
Director: Wong Hung Cheung
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lee I Min, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Lung Fei, Shan Mao, Cheng Fu Hung, Sit Hon, Cho Kin,
Cheung Bing Yuk, Hong Hoi
Running Time: 80 min.

By Ian Whittle

Every once in a while, you will encounter a kung fu film where the English dubbing is so bad it dominates your views of the film. Fearless Hyena, with its Monty Pythonish British accented caterwauling, comes to mind, as does the “Joey” dub for Chang Cheh’s Nine Demons.

But the fault of the dubbing for The Hero is that it is too authentic: the dubbers appear to be Asian, but the trouble is they clearly don’t speak English as a first language, resulting in bizarre pronunciations (“You eedjit!”) and conversations full of non sequiturs (“Our master wouldn’t have thrown me out of the school, if you had not told a tale!”). It’s hard to enjoy a bad dub Continue reading

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‘SPL II’ helmer delivers unrelenting creepiness in ‘Limbo’

"Limbo" Chinese Teaser Poster

“Limbo” Chinese Teaser Poster

Master filmmaker Soi Cheang Pou Soi (SPL II, Accident, The Monkey King) proves his diversity with Limbo, an upcoming horror film that’s currently making its rounds at the first online edition of Hong Kong FilMart (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market).

Limbo stars Gordon Lam (Trivisa, Z Storm), Mason Lee (The Legend of the Cat Demon), Cya Liu (Foolish Plans), and is produced by Soi Cheang affiliates Wilson Yip (Ip Man 4) and Paco Wong (The Brink, Paradox), and written by Au Kin-yee (Running on Karma).

In the film, Lam plays a cop who is tracking down a serial killer lurking around Hong Kong, with police partner played by Lee.Sun Entertainment Culture, Erdong Pictures Group and Bona Film Group Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Blade of the Immortal | Blu-ray | Only $7.99 – Expires soon!

Blade of the Immortal | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnet Releasing)

Blade of the Immortal | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnet Releasing)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Takashi Miike’s (13 Assassins, Terra Formars) live-action movie adaptation of Hiroaki Samura’s manga, Blade of the Immortal.

This period samurai film (read our review) stars Takuya Kimura (2046), Hana Sugisaki (Mozu: The Movie), Sota Fukushi (Library Wars), Hayato Ichihara (Yakuza Apocalypse), Erika Toda (Goemon), Ebizo Ichikawa (Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai), Tsutomu Yamazaki (As the Gods Will) and Min Tanaka (The Eternal Zero).

Manji, a highly skilled samurai, becomes cursed with immortality after a legendary battle. Haunted by the brutal murder of his sister, Manji knows that only fighting evil will regain his soul. He promises to help a young girl named Rin avenge her parents, who were killed by a group of master swordsmen Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Peninsula (2020) Review

“Peninsula” IMAX Poster

“Peninsula” IMAX Poster

Director: Yeon Sang-Ho
Cast: Gang Dong-Won, Lee Jung-Hyun, Lee Re, Kwon Hae-Hyo, Kim Min-Jae, Koo Gyo-Hwan, Kim Do-Yoon, Lee Ye-Won, Kim Kyu-Baek, Moon Woo-Jin
Running Time: 116 min.

By Paul Bramhall

4 years since the breakout zombie hit Train to Busan, director Yeon Sang-ho returns to make it a trilogy with 2020’s Peninsula. Korea’s seen plenty of zombie action in the years in-between, with the genre supplanted to ancient times with Rampant and the TV series Kingdom, given a quirky take with The Odd Family: Zombie On Sale, and most recently in the form of #ALIVE. It’s safe to say that the zombie genre is no longer a fresh one on Korean shores, so the biggest question is can Sang-ho up the ante enough for Peninsula to be as bigger a success as Train to Busan?

As the title suggests, from the initial animated feature Seoul Station, to the confines of a train for its sequel, for the third outing the scope has increased to the whole of the Korean peninsula. We’re introduced to a new set of characters for this round, with Gong Yoo replaced by Gang Dong-won as the main character. Dong-won plays a soldier Continue reading

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Danny Chan returns as ‘Bruce’ for ‘The Winds of Jingwu’

"The Winds of Jingwu" Theatrical Poster

“The Winds of Jingwu” Theatrical Poster

The fictional character of Chen Zhen – previously made famous by Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury (1972), Jet Li in Fist of Legend (1994) and Donnie Yen in both a 90’s Hong Kong TV show and in Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (2010), and recently by Li Hao in Chen Zhen Legend (2020) – is once again proving that Chinese are not “the sick men of Asia” in The Winds of Jingwu (aka Chen Zhen), an upcoming film from director Zhu Xian.

Back in the heels in the character of Chen Zhen (at this point we’re making it official: the character’s name is a synonym for “Bruce Lee”) is Danny Chan Kwok-kwan, who stars alongside cult kung fu icon Bruce Leung Siu Lung (Bruce and Iron Finger, Kung Fu Hustle).

Of course, this far from the first time Danny is playing “Bruce”. His breakout Continue reading

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Tenet (2020) Review

"Tenet" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Tenet” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh, Clémence Poésy, Andrew Howard, Himesh Patel, Martin Donovan, Anthony Molinari
Running Time: 150 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Director and writer Christopher Nolan may be well known for his high concept blockbusters, but for me he’s also responsible for some of the most exciting action sequences Hollywood has produced in the last 15 years. From the adrenaline pumping vehicular chase in The Dark Knight, to the zero-gravity fight scene in Inception, Nolan’s insistence on filming these sequences for real rather than with a green screen means not only will they never get old, they’ll also likely never be replicated. For all the attention Nolan gets for his concepts and style of directing, it’s rarely mentioned how much he clearly understands the art of action, and his insistence Continue reading

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What’s CBG and How Does it Differ from Other Cannabis Products?

What's CBG and How Does it Differ from Other Cannabis Products?

What’s CBG and How Does it Differ from Other Cannabis Products?

The global cannabis industry is worth $340 billion.

The cannabis plant is believed to have more than 100+ cannabinoids. These cannabinoids include CBD and THC which are the most popular.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is an unpopular, yet important component of the cannabis plant. Researchers often refer to it as the stem cell or the mother of the cannabinoids. This is because it breaks down to form CBD, THC, CBC, and other cannabinoids acids.

Keep reading to know what’s CBG, and how it differs from the other cannabis products.

What’s CBG?

As mentioned, CBG is one of the active components (cannabinoids) of the cannabis plant. Experts consider it a minor component compared to the others because the harvested products contain less than 2% of the CBG.

A growing cannabis plant produces Cannabigerol acid (CBG-A). As the plants mature, the acid breaks down to form four main components: the CBG itself, CBC-A, THC-A, and CBD-A. With time, the acidic components undergo a decarboxylation process which removes the acid.

The compounds which remain after the decarboxylation process are CBD, THC, and CBC. Only small amounts of CBG-A that remain are converted to CBG, and this CBG percentage is lower than the other cannabinoids.

The best time to harvest high CBG yields is when the plant is still young. At that time, the CBG-A is usually pure, considering that it’s yet to break down and form the other components. You can also get more CBG yield by crossbreeding the Sativa plant with the breeds that produce more CBG.

However, crossbreeding is quite risky and requires an expert.

CBG Benefits

CBG was first discovered in 1964. Most of its information is still under study; hence very little information is known about it. However, some reports show that CBG has many potential health benefits.

Like the other cannabinoids, CBG can reduce inflammation and manage various health problems. Here are the main benefits of CBG.

Improves Bones Growth

Everyone needs healthy bones, with more emphasis on athletes. Strong bones help athletes to remain competitive and avoid getting fractures.

In line with recent studies, CBG oil can strengthen the bones. It can also facilitate healing to people who suffer from bone fractures.

Helps You Sleep Better

CBG oil can help you fight insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. As mentioned by multiple studies, CBG oil minimizes the effects of stress and depression, which prevents you from having a good sleep. For better sleep, you should add a few drops of CBG oil to your food before you sleep.

Stimulates Appetite

Do you have appetite issues? If yes, then the high-quality CBG oil can boost your appetite.

A 2016 study done on rats found that the rats which took CBG had an improved appetite compared to the rest. The few humans who have tried it have also experienced an increased desire to eat.

Have Antibacterial Properties

Multiple studies show that CBG can treat bacterial infections. It has powerful antibacterial features that fight many infections. It’s better than most antibiotics, but you should only take it under your doctor’s guidance.

Prevents Cancer

Cancer is caused by abnormal growth of cells. When the cells over-multiply, they cause a tumor which later turns out to be cancerous.

Health experts believe that CBG oil control’s over multiplication of body cells. This means the right dosage of high-quality CBG can prevent the spread of cancer.

It may not cure it entirely, but it can control its spread and minimize chemotherapy treatment’s adverse effects.

CBG Effects

Limited research on CBG products means that information on the possible side effects is limited. However, CBG users should take the right dosage to minimize the possibility of experiencing side effects. Like the other natural products, the effectiveness and the side effects of CBG rely on the dosage.

To reduce the effects, you should follow your doctor’s prescription. You should also buy the CBG product from a reputable seller. If taken in the right dosage, CBG oil can bring little or no side effects at all.

Nevertheless, you should inform your doctor immediately if you experience adverse effects when taking it. The doctor may change the dosage, or recommend another medication.

CBG vs. CBD

Both CBG and CBD are cannabinoids. They treat many similar ailments, and above all, they don’t have psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, you can consume both CBG and CBD oil without experiencing any psychoactive effects, mainly if you take the right dosage.

They are gentle on the body and that’s why they are the best for medicinal purposes. The only differentiating aspect between CBG and CBD is in the mode of interaction with the body system. CBD has a low affinity for the cannabinoid receptors; thus, it indirectly interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

On the other hand, Cannabigerol interacts with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors directly. The direct interaction with the brain receptors results in more therapeutic benefits to the user.

The other difference between these two compounds is on costs. CBG products are quite costly, and this is because it’s hard to extract.

Should You Use CBG?

Yes, CBG does not bring psychoactive effects like THC, and you can use it for medicinal purposes. Just make sure that you get it from a reputable seller. Confirm that a third-party lab has tested it, and it’s not expired.

Unlike the other cannabinoids, CBG is rare and you might not find it in many stores. If you can’t find the pure CBG product, look for the full spectrum products.

The full spectrum contains all cannabis components, including CBG. When you take it, you will enjoy the benefits of CBG, too.

Consult an Experienced Health Care Provider

CBG is increasingly booming popular. It has many health benefits and it’s gentle on the body too. If you would like to try it, get the right dosage information, and understand the possible side effects.

Consult an experienced doctor too before you take it. The doctor will help you know what’s CBG and tell you more details about it. The doctor will also examine your health and age to recommend the right dosage.

Do you like Asian movies? Our website provides informative reviews of the latest movies in Asia. We also update regular posts on all issues affecting the Asian movie industry.

Read the other articles on the website to learn more and stay updated with what’s happening in the movie and filming industry.

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Watch List (2019) Review

"Watch List" Theatrical Poster

“Watch List” Theatrical Poster

Director: Ben Rekhi
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, Jake Macapagal, Arthur Acuna, Jess Mendoza, Angeli Bayani
Running Time: 94 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

Before viewing Watch List it’s important to understand the very real backdrop that the production is set in. When Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the Philippines in 2016 he launched the War on Drugs, encouraging both the police force and citizens alike to kill anyone they knew was involved with illicit substances. Believing the country was becoming a ‘narco-state’, within the first 3 months officials put the death toll at 3,000, and writing this in 2020 some human rights groups put the figure close to 30,000. While many Filipino’s voted for Duterte based on the fact he’d promised this exact hard-line approach, the ugly reality of implementing such a policy in a country Continue reading

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Bullied Asian Americans band together in the racially-charged Trailer for ‘Dynasty Boys’

"Dynasty Boys" Promotional Poster

“Dynasty Boys” Promotional Poster

Never discuss race, religion or politics… unless you’re Chris Soriano, indie filmmaker behind Dynasty Boys. At first glance, the promotional poster for the film looks like a Fast and Furious knock off, but its Teaser Trailer shows otherwise.

It’s almost as if Soriano took a page out of Leroy Nguyen’s Black Scar Blues – a movie that showcased grittier, uglier side of Asian Americans – and added the elements of COVID-19 and racism.

Soriano describes the film as “A drama with hate crimes, A tragedy with justice, which leads to a world of stereotypes and bullying”.

Dynasty Boys is currently in-production with a planned VOD release in February 2021 Continue reading

Posted in News |

How to Choose a Life Insurance Company

How to Choose a Life Insurance Company

How to Choose a Life Insurance Company

When it comes to life insurance, the older you get, the more expensive a policy becomes. That is why experts recommend finding a life insurance company while you’re still young.

There are a few things to consider before deciding on a life insurance policy. The options can seem overwhelming because there are so many companies to choose from. But fear not; we’ve got you covered. We are going to help you narrow down the options.

Read on to learn about what life insurance policies offer and how to choose a life insurance company that will fit your needs best.

Rates 

When considering how to choose a life insurance company, one of the first things that naturally comes to mind is the price. Rest assured that life insurance comes in all shapes and sizes, so you will likely find one that fits your budget.

Before settling on a company or thinking you don’t qualify for a policy, shop around. Life insurance policies are not one size fits all, so life insurance quotes will vary based on the individual and their details. Age and location are a couple of the things an insurance company will take into consideration.

Work out your budget, and then contact several companies to get a few different quotes. This will give you enough information to then compare the costs and services each company provides.

Financial Stability and Track Record

Don’t be tempted by a low rate until you have done your research. It is worthwhile to look into how financially stable a company is before making any decisions.

After all, life insurance is supposed to last quite some time. It will probably be many years until you kick the bucket, so you will want to make sure that the life insurance company is going to be in good standing and still in existence well into the future.

Research the company’s track record in terms of whether it follows through with promises and treats its customers well. You can find this information through insurance departments, which keep track of complaints, disputes, policy cancellations, and so on.

Coverage

And now for the question of the day—what does life insurance cover?

There are a couple of types of life insurance to choose from depending on your needs. There is term life insurance, which is valid for a particular period, and then it disappears. There is also whole life insurance, which is more expensive, but it will be valid for the rest of your life.

Life insurance covers all the needs of your beneficiaries in the case of your demise. This includes child care costs, household bills, funeral costs, medical care expenses, and any debt that is owed.

Now You Know How to Choose a Life Insurance Company

Although there is a lot to consider before committing to a life insurance company, if you follow the tips in this article, you shouldn’t have any problems locking in a contract with the company that will serve you best.

Now that you know how to choose a life insurance company, don’t wait any longer because your policy options will continue to become more expensive. Get out there, find the best policy for you, and sign on the dotted line before your rates skyrocket.

Browse our website for more helpful content. We’re sure that you will find advice for whatever you’re looking for.

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Tribal: Get Out Alive (2020) Review

"Tribal: Get Out Alive" Theatrical Poster

“Tribal: Get Out Alive” Theatrical Poster

Director: Matt Routledge
Writer: Johnny Walker
Cast: Zara Phythian, Ross O’Hennessy, Rachel Warren, Thomas Dodd, Valerie Thomas, Grayson James Matthews, Charlene Aldridge, Kenan Ali
Running Time: 86 min.

By Martin Sandison

As a kid growing up in the UK during the 90’s, I adored Jackie Chan movies. They were my first taste of the vast well that is golden age Hong Kong action cinema. And I certainly wasn’t alone. Thanks to the guys and girls at VPD, many were released on to the home video market, some of which I still have in my collection. Then along came Eastern Heroes, with Ricky Baker and Toby Russell releasing countless classics, old and new. The scene was burgeoning in the UK at this time, and I still remember making my first friend who was in to these types of movies at the age of 13, something I thought would never happen growing up in small town Scotland. Now some of the people of my generation who grew up on these flicks are creating a scene in the UK: low budget films that incorporate Hong Kong style fights. Nightshooters is the pinnacle Continue reading

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Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai | Blu-ray (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2020

On November 17, 2020, Criterion is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 cult actioner, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, starring Forest Whitaker (Bloodsport).

Read the official details below:

Jim Jarmusch combines his love for the ice-cool crime dramas of Jean-Pierre Melville and Seijun Suzuki with the philosophical dimensions of samurai mythology for an eccentrically postmodern take on the hit-man thriller.

In one of his defining roles, Forest Whitaker brings a commanding serenity to his portrayal of a Zen contract killer working for a bumbling mob outfit, a modern man who adheres steadfastly to the ideals of the Japanese warrior code Continue reading

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

Hydra (2019) Review

"Hydra" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Hydra” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Kensuke Sonomura
Cast: Masanori Mimoto, Miu, Tasuku Nagase, Takaya Aoyagi, Takashi Nishina, Satoshi Kibe, Kensuke Sonomura, Tsutomu Uchigasaki, Naoki Hayashida
Running Time: 75 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Ask anyone about the best martial arts movies from Japan during the 2010’s, and chances are the unanimous vote would go to the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, the adaptation of the manga that spanned 2012 – 2014. The reason for why these movies are so revered is interesting, in that their aesthetic completely disregards the traditional chambara conventions, in which one swift thrust of the sword would end a duel in an instant, and instead looked towards the Hong Kong action aesthetic for their inspiration. This was due to the presence of Kenji Tanigaki as the action choreographer, a long-time member of Donnie Yen’s action team, and while purists may have cried foul, it was also a reminder of how the rhythm and speed of the Hong Kong action Continue reading

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5 of the Best Mortgage Software Programs Your Brokerage Should Be Using

5 of the Best Mortgage Software Programs Your Brokerage Should Be Using

5 of the Best Mortgage Software Programs Your Brokerage Should Be Using

Mortgage software doesn’t have to be boring. Mortgage brokerage firms may think that mortgage CRM software has to be clumsy and boring, but they’d be mistaken. The right mortgage software can help you easily manage your customers’ information.

Keep reading to see the top five mortgage software programs your brokerage should use now or in the future.

1. Unify CRM

Unify CRM has a marketing library offering various marketing materials. It supplies direct mail templates and campaign ideas. You can clean and sync data to avoid making duplicates or excluding details.

There are also specific email campaign features for your benefit. If you want to better your clients’ experience through post-close marketing and real-time LOS integration, give Unify a try.

2. SureFire

True to its name, SureFire is a surefire choice for loan officers. It works with over 1,000 apps, in addition to having its very own intake online 1003 app. This app makes custom links for users and notifies you upon submission of new applications.

When clients reach loan milestones, SureFire sends in-process videos to educate them. How’s that for customer service that’s a cut above?

3. Mortgage iQ

This is a high-IQ database and mortgage CRM software. In a recent update, it launched “quick action” menus that let loan officers find their way through their most popular tasks by clicking on only one button.

With its partner relationship management features, Mortgage iQ sparks stronger relationships between officers, lenders, and realtors.

4. BNTouch

Then there’s BNTouch. A primary benefit of BNTouch is its ability to custom-design digital mortgage applications. It’s simple and fast to set up, thus satisfying its users.

BNTouch nurtures leads, providing personalized promotional materials to inform clients about the mortgage process and develop relationships with them. BNTouch works especially well for small businesses but is well-equipped for large companies too.

5. Velocify LoanEngage

Velocify LoanEngage can almost do it all. It’s an all-in-one solution for marketing and sales. It approaches lead conversion from a scientific perspective so that loan officers can automate prospecting and keep track of applicants’ sales cycles.

Its Dial-iQ and LeadManager tools can merge with SalesForce to enhance the sales process. Not only that, but Velocify has also partnered with EllieMae to offer cloud-based mortgage finance software.

Velocify’s well-suited for enterprise and mid-market systems that consistently manage large volumes of leads.

In addition to all of the above, mortgage loan origination software is just a click away.

Mortgage Software Programs for Days  

There you have it. Those are five of the very best mortgage software programs. As you can see, each program has unique strengths.

While all are powerful in their own ways, you should choose the one that helps your business the most. The next time that your mortgage brokerage firm needs new software (or even before then), give one of these programs a try.

For more content that can help your business, browse the News section of the site.

Posted in News |

The Irishman | Blu-ray (Criterion)

The Irishman | Blu-ray (Criterion)

The Irishman | Blu-ray (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: November 24, 2020

On November 24, 2020, Criterion is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Martin Scorsese’s 2019 crime-thriller The Irishman, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

Read the official details below:

Martin Scorsese’s cinematic mastery is on full display in this sweeping crime saga, which serves as an elegiac summation of his six-decade career. Left behind by the world, former hit man and union truck driver Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) looks back from a nursing home on his life’s journey through the ranks of organized crime: from his involvement with Philadelphia mob boss Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) to his association with Teamsters union head Continue reading

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