Facet to release Bobby Kim’s ‘Manchurian Avenger’ in 4K

"Manchurian Avenger" Theatrical Poster

“Manchurian Avenger” Theatrical Poster

Later this year, Facet Films is giving Ed Warnick’s 1985 actioner, Manchurian Avenger, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release. Yes, you’ve read that right: You’ll soon see martial arts star Bobby Kim in all his 4K glory!

So who is Bobby Kim? Well, let’s pass it over to Paul Bramhall: “Bobby Kim (Kill Line, The Deadly Kick) is a Taekwondo grandmaster who briefly enjoyed a spell as an action star in Korea. Bearing a striking resemblance to Charles Bronson, he quickly got dubbed as the Asian version of the Death Wish star. Active just for a few years between 1975 – 1979, he cranked out a total of 9 movies, some of which even got picked up by the infamous IFD Films for international distribution, such as Mad for Vengeance. Then he moved to Colorado, where he settled and opened up a Taekwondo school, while still finding the time to occasionally make a movie”.

Set in America’s 1860 wild-west, Manchurian Avenger pits Bobby Kim against Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (The Protector), with explosive results. Joe returns home to Colorado to help his adoptive family who are being terrorized by local gangs that have taken over the gold-rush town. The gangs are searching for a horde of gold rumored to have been discovered by Joe’s uncle. As a martial arts Master and walking weapon Bobby Kim fights off one gang only to be confronted by another more deadly band led by Bill “Superfoot” Wallace in an exciting battle to the finish.

Look out for Manchurian Avenger later this year.

Posted in News |

Jackie and Bruce to the Rescue | aka Fist of Death (1982) Review

"Jackie and Bruce to the Rescue" Theatrical Poster

“Jackie and Bruce to the Rescue” Theatrical Poster

AKA: Fist of Death
Director: Wu Chia Chun
Co-director: Choe Dong-Joon
Cast: Kim Tai-chung, Lee Siu-Ming, Wang Pao-Yu, He Ying, Chang Il-Sik, Eagle Han Ying, Ma Sha, Chen Shan, Baek Hwang-ki, Park Yong-Pal
Running time: 90 min. 

By Ian Whittle

You’d think a film featuring a Bruce Lee clone AND a Jackie Chan clone (not to mention maverick exploitation producer Dick Randall’s name on the credits) would be a lot of fun, but well, no, it’s not.

In a way, this is a Fist of Fury knock-off with the Jing Wu school vs the… well, the dialogue says “YMCA” but the logo on the school is clearly YMGA! Either way, the masters of both schools get bumped off, although the expected school vs. school rivalry peters out fairly early on as it’s blatantly obvious some no good gangsters are behind it, in order to get a document, for reasons that seem to have slipped everyone’s minds until it’s mentioned with less then 10min to go – and I swear this is what they say:

“Master always said that document was important. It has a list of the YMCA members, also a treasure map. If it fell into the wrong hands, it would be too terrible to comtemplate!”

Yes, well, I’m sure the YMCA wouldn’t want people to know they were involved in this mess too!

Anyway, it takes us a good 15 min before we get to see our Bruce Lee clone, although a title card at the beginning assures us of his credentials. And look, it’s none other than Kim Tae-Chung (credited as Tong Lung), late of Game of Death and Tower of Death (and later of No Retreat, No Surrender). It’s just as well the title card was there, as he looks nothing like Bruce Lee at all except when he bugs his eyes in moments of stress. As an actor, he’s not awful and is good looking enough, but yeah, you can see why they used that cardboard cut out in Game of Death!

Lee Siu-Ming (credited as Jackie Chang), playing “Jackie” and seemingly cast because his nose was reasonably big, comes off surprisingly well in his intro, exhanging in a wacky brawl using a rickshaw as a weapon. He doesn’t really get much later chance to shine, but at least his scenes are less po-faced.

The two characters wander in and out of each other’s plotlines at regular intervals, but there’s little to hold the attention aside from some fun fights. Sadly, the film comits further cinematic crimes by ignoring the likes of Eagle Han Ying and Chen Shan, and reserving the main villian role for Hei Ying, who is a boring actor, and spends most of his fight scene teleporting and disapearing in tricks that are probably meant to evoke the then current ninja fad but are more likely to remind you of a school production of The Wizard of Oz. And the end fight ends abruptly with a freeze frame denying us from seeing the final death blow! Honestly!

Ian Whittle’s Rating: 3/10

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

Arrow to release Tomu Uchida’s ‘Mad Fox’ to Blu-ray in June

The Mad Fox | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

The Mad Fox | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

On June 23, 2020, Arrow Video, under their Arrow Academy banner, will be releasing the Blu-ray for Tomu Uchida’s 1962 fantasy/drama, The Mad Fox (aka Love, Thy Name Be Sorrow).

Read the official details below:

In stark contrast to the monochrome naturalism of his earlier masterwork Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji, visionary master director Tomu Uchida took inspiration from Bunraku and kabuki theater for arguably his strangest and most lavishly cinematic film, The Mad Fox.

Amidst a mythically-depicted medieval Japan, a court astrologer foretells a great disturbance that threatens to split the realm in two. His bitter and treacherous wife conspires to have the astrologer killed, as well as their adopted daughter, Sakaki. The astrologer’s master apprentice, Yasuna, who was in love with Sakaki, is driven mad with grief and escapes to the countryside. There, he encounters Sakaki’s long-lost twin, Kuzunoha, and the pair meet a pack of ancient fox spirits in the woods, whose presence may be the key to restoring Yasuna’s sanity, and in turn bringing peace to the fracturing nation.

Finally available outside Japan for the first time, Uchida’s stunning, wildly stylised widescreen tableaux – using expressionist sets and colour schemes – are highlighted in a world premiere Blu-ray™ release.

Special Features:

  • Brand new restoration by Toei
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  • Original uncompressed mono Japanese audio
  • Optional newly translated English subtitles
  • Brand new audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp, recorded exclusively for this release
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Image gallery
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Griffin
  • First Pressing Only: Illustrated collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Ronald Cavaye and Hayley Scanlon

Pre-order The Mad Fox from Amazon.com today! 

Posted in News |

5 Cool Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

5 Cool Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

5 Cool Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

The city of Kuala Lumpur is the capital, and heart, of the country of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is a growing city that is home to a multicultural community of Malay, Chinese and Indian residents, making it an ideal place to place to experience a vibrant culture and a fascinating history.

If you are planning to visit, or are considering a visit to Malaysia, here are seven cool things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Visit Petronas Twin Towers

If you are wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur, visiting the Petronas Twin Towers should be at the top of your list.

These glass and concrete twin towers are 88 floors high and held the title of the world’s highest buildings from 1998 to 2004. Cross the glass-bottom, double-decker Sky Bridge for a breathtaking view or relax on the Observation deck and experience the full impact of the city.

While the Petronas Twin Towers are mainly used to house corporate headquarters, tourists still have access and can experience the stunning views. Overlooking the entire city from the Petronas Twin Towers is a must-do when you visit Kuala Lumpur.

2. Explore Merdeka Square

When you visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia make sure to stop by and explore the historic Merdeka Square, the birthplace of Malayan independence. Here, you will find one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, beautiful Malay architecture and plenty of historical buildings and attractions to explore.

3. Visit the National Mosque of Malaysia

One of the main Kuala Lumpur points of interest is the National Mosque of Malaysia. The mosque is made up of the main prayer area and 48 surrounding domes. Here, you will find a mix of Malay and Korean culture, combined with religious elements of Islam.

While you can enter the mosque, you must be dressed appropriately and wait until the prayers are completed.

4. Explore Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most interesting Kuala Lumpur attractions.

By day, Chinatown is a place to wander and enjoy the beautiful street art that decorates the various side streets, or experience the rich history of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest temple in the city. By night, Chinatown is a lively night market that is a paradise for bargain hunters, with hundreds of stalls filled with Chinese herbs, delicious foods, and inexpensive shopping.

5. Enjoy the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

The Sunway Lagoon theme park is one of the most popular things to see in Kuala Lumpur. The park is actually a combination of six different parks, including:

  • Amusement Park
  • Wildlife Park
  • Water Park
  • Extreme Park
  • Scream Park
  • Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon Park

The park is spread out over a massive 88 acres and offers something fun to do for the whole family. You can even plan a multi-day trip and stay at the nearby Sunway Hotel and Spa.

There Are Many Fun and Interesting Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

By taking advantage of the many things to do in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll have a great experience and create memories that will last a lifetime

Don’t forget to bookmark our site and never miss a post.

Posted in News |

Hurt In a Florida Car Accident: Understanding Florida Car Accident Laws

Hurt In a Florida Car Accident: Understanding Florida Car Accident Laws

Hurt In a Florida Car Accident: Understanding Florida Car Accident Laws

Palm trees, beaches, and car accidents?

Florida may be the sunshine state, but it’s also home to some of the worst drivers in the nation. When you compare annual car accident statistics throughout every state, Florida ranks as the 4th most dangerous state to drive in. On top of being the 4th most dangerous state, Florida also has the highest rate of uninsured drivers.

If you’ve encountered one of Florida’s dangerous drivers, you’re probably wondering how Florida car accident laws work. Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, let us help. We’ve created a guide, highlighting everything you need to know about Florida’s no-fault laws, accident reporting rules, and more.

Are you ready to step out of the darkness of confusion, and let us shed light on the truth? Read on to find out how to put car accident laws to work for you, in the state of Florida.

What to Do After a Florida Car Accident

Before we dive into the different Florida car accident laws, we want to make you aware of common mistakes car accident victims tend to make. No matter how big, or small your damages, and injuries are, you should always take the same steps following a crash.

Here’s a shortlist of what to do after being in a car accident:

  • Call the police
  • Photograph the accident scene
  • Wait for medical treatment
  • Report ALL injuries to your doctor
  • Go to a doctor with car accident injury experience
  • Use a car insurance for your medical treatment
  • Review the police report
  • Hire an experienced attorney

First, you should always call the police after being in a car crash. Next, get as many photographs of the scene as you possibly can. If you’ve already missed your chance to photograph the accident scene, there’s still hope. If your car isn’t totaled, get a picture of you sitting in your car in your driveway.

If you were driving, sit in the driver’s seat, if you were a passenger, sit in whatever passenger’s seat you were in. Make sure you put your body in the exact position it was when the crash took place. If you were looking out the window, turn your head to look out the window, if you were looking down, look down for the photo. Once you’re in position, have your friend open the door closest to you, and take a photo that includes your entire body position.

Now, when you hire a car accident attorney, they may be able to use the photo to prove the extent of your injuries. Even if the impact from the crash was minor, experienced counsel, like this car accident attorney, can use the photo, along with a biomechanical engineer, to prove how your injuries took place. For instance, having your body out of position, or head turned, could cause severe injuries, even for a tiny fender bender.

Florida Car Accident Laws

Florida is a no-fault car accident insurance State. What does this mean for you? After a car accident, you’ll probably wind up filing a claim under your insurance’s personal injury protection coverage. Even if you’re not at fault for the accident, Florida expects you to use your insurance to cover initial expenses.

The claim you file will help you get basic compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. If your injuries and expenses meet certain requirements, you can also file a claim directly against the at-fault driver. When you file a claim against the at-fault driver, you’ll have to make sure that you follow the Florida car accident statute of limitations.

Statute of Limitations Auto Accident Laws

A statute of limitations is a deadline you have for filing a lawsuit. If you miss the statutes of limitations, the Florida court system could throw out your case completely. The Florida statutes of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is 4 years. However, you should file your lawsuit as soon as possible to have the best chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Insurance Company Warnings

Avoid giving any recorded statements to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Remember, insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind. Even your own insurance company will be working hard to gather evidence to reduce the amount of your payout. Instead, have insurance companies talk to your lawyer directly. If you don’t have a lawyer, only talk to your insurance company, and only give them facts, not opinions.

Pure Comparative Fault Rule

Did you play a role in causing the car accident? Even if you share some of the responsibility for the crash, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your lawsuit. The State of Florida follows the pure comparative fault rule. What’s that? The rule means that when both drivers share some of the blame for an accident, the jury will use special calculations to determine your payout.

The judge will ask the jury to make their calculations using the total amount of your damages, and a percentage system to assign fault. Keep in mind that damages refer to your medical bills, vehicle damage, any lost income, and pain and suffering.

How Payout Calculations Work

Let’s say that the court system finds you to be 10% at fault for the accident, and the total amount of your damages to be $100,000. Using Florida’s comparative fault rule, you’re entitled to 90%, or $90,000.

However, the good news is, the rule works in reverse as well. If you’re found to be 90% responsible for the accident, you can still claim 10% of the damages you’re owed. If the jury found your damages to be $100,000 you would receive $10,000, even if you were 90% responsible for causing the crash.

Protect Your Rights

Now you know more about how Florida car accident laws operate. Even though it’s a no-fault state, that doesn’t mean justice won’t prevail. If you or a loved one had a car accident, don’t wait to start taking action. Instead, file a lawsuit right away, and follow your attorney’s advice when it comes to dealing with your insurance company.

We understand how difficult it can be trying to get your life back on track after a crash. However, the good news is, we’re here to help! For more insightful articles, go ahead and check out the rest of this site.

Posted in News |

Self-Isolation Blu-ray Box Coming from Fourth Window Films

Self-Isolation | Blu-ray (Fourth Window Films)UK Distributor Fourth Window Films have announced the release of the Limited Edition Self-Isolation Blu-ray Box, containing 3 movies aimed at keeping the Asian cinephile who’s been required to self-isolate both sane and entertained. The full press release is below –

At Fourth Window Films we’re all about getting through this together, and to add our small contribution to the greater good, we’ll be releasing the Self-Isolation Blu-ray Box. The exclusive set contains 3 examples of contemporary Korean cinema with a theme of either self-isolation or surviving a pandemic. All 3 titles have been hand-curated by our in-house Asian cinema expert, and aim to put a fresh perspective on the new normal that we live in, while also entertaining by highlighting some of the best cinema in the world today.

The 3 titles are –

The Flu (2013) – Kim Seong-su’s disaster epic focuses on an aggressive mutated flu virus that kills its victims in 36 hours, and the unrest it causes on the streets of South Korea once it starts to quickly spread. With the virus able to be directly transferred from animals such as rats and birds, soon the whole country is plunged into chaos, with a government reluctant to call for a mass quarantine. All of this results in a nationwide lockdown under military control, as our protagonists desperately attempt to find a cure (and equally importantly – fall in love).

If you’re feeling anxious about the current situation, watch The Flu and be thankful events in reality could never come to such audacious measures.

Deranged (2012) – When bodies start to turn up in the Han River in various grotesque states, it’s revealed that the deaths are a result of a virus outbreak involving mutated parasitic worms, and it doesn’t take long before public panic sets in. It’s easy to understand why, as more and more bodies begin to be discovered in rivers across the country. Somehow this is all connected to a new drug created by a pharmaceutical company and stock manipulation, but how do these factors result in so many grizzly deaths involving water?

For those buying into the conspiracy theories around todays state of affairs, you’re bound to get a kick out of Deranged.

OldBoy (2003) – A classic of the Korean Wave, while Park Chan-wook’s masterpiece doesn’t involve a virus, it does serve as the perfect example of self-isolation on film. After a few too many drinks on a work night Choi Min-sik is kidnapped, and spends the next 15 years locked in a small room, with only a TV for company (and a diet consisting of dumplings!) Long before the smartphone era and Facebook, Min-sik spends his time in isolation shadow boxing, and planning his revenge on whoever it is that has him imprisoned. A plan which is put in motion as soon as he’s released.

If you think a few months is a long time to self-isolate, the 15 years that Min-sik spends alone in OldBoy are certainly enough to put things in perspective!

The Box Set will come in exclusive ‘clean surface’ packaging which is easy to wipe clean, and will be limited to 1000 pieces which are expected to last 6 months. The first 500 pressings will come with an exclusive bottle of hand sanitizer.

A final release date is still pending, but you can be sure we’ll keep you up to date once it’s announced. Until then, stay safe!

– Happy April Fools’ Day from Cityonfire.com!

Posted in News | Tagged |

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

First of all, if you’re reading this and have lost someone dear to you, we offer our condolences. The pain and anger you’re experiencing must feel agonizing, but it will get better.

And if you feel someone’s negligence resulted in the death of your loved one, the pain and anger will grow and grow if you don’t do anything about it. So what options do you have to get justice or at least some semblance of it?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to tell you how to file a wrongful death claim in California.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil suit that you file against a party (be it an individual or group/organization) that you believe acted in a negligent manner, which led to the death of your loved one. Since these claims happen in civil court rather than criminal court, the guilty party will owe you monetary restitution as opposed to serving jail time or paying a fine to the government.

Wrongful death claims have no limit on the type of incident that occurred so long as you have significant cause to believe it was that incident (as a result of another party’s negligence) that led to tragedy.

What to Know Before You File the Claim

One important thing to keep in mind before you file the claim is knowing who has the legal right to file it in the first place. The deceased’s spouse/partner or children have the main priority, but immediate family members can file if neither a spouse/partner or child can file.

What’s more, if you relied on the deceased for financial support and can provide proof, you also have the right to file a claim in California. It’s also important to note that there is a time limit on how long you can wait before filing the claim. Once two years pass after the victim’s death, a wrongful death claim can no longer occur.

How Do The Damages Work?

If your claim wins in court, you will gain restitution for both the income lost due to the victim’s death and a sum to compensate for the emotional grief you and the other loved ones of the deceased endured. These earnings can also include covering the funeral and burial costs or paying off any hospital bills left by the deceased as a result of their fatal injury.

To file a wrongful death claim, speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney rather than claw through the process yourself. They will guide you through the filing and subsequent affairs and offer insight you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Time to Get Some Justice

So now that you know how to file a wrongful death claim, it’s time to get some justice for your loved one. Share this article with anyone you know undergoing a similar ordeal who needs the help.

Now get out there and make it happen! You can’t bring back the person you lost, but you can ensure the guilty pay for their death.

Posted in News |

How to Become a Filmmaker: The Only Guide You Need

How to Become a Filmmaker: The Only Guide You Need

How to Become a Filmmaker: The Only Guide You Need

In 2016, there were about 250,000 people working in the film industry.

If you want to join all of these people, one popular job is that of a filmmaker.

While it can be a really fun and entertaining job, it can be difficult to land a job without knowing a few essential tips first.

Are you trying to learn how to become a filmmaker? If yes, you should check out our guide here on the important things to understand.

Volunteer

One way to get your foot in the door is to always make sure you try and volunteer. It sucks doing free labor, but sometimes there isn’t any other way to do it.

While you won’t get paid with volunteering, you will get valuable knowledge, mentorship, and be able to do something you’re passionate about. It can also be a good way to make sure that you really do enjoy working in the filmmaking industry.

To start, you can find some people who are shooting and ask them if there is any way you can volunteer and help them out. If you’re not expecting to get paid, people may be more likely to let you help them.

You should also tell them that you’re interested in filmmaking; this may convince them to let you volunteer for them.

While you’re volunteering, you should learn all kinds of things and have all kinds of new opportunities. As time goes on and you get more experienced, you’ll be to the point where you’ll be turning gigs down and only taking the ones that pay.

To make it big, you need to start small and work your way up.

Enjoy the Small Victories

You should also make sure that you enjoy and relish the small victories while trying to make it in this career.

You can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s because everyone is different and has a different path.

Hopefully, you have a long journey in the career, but don’t beat yourself up too much if you encounter some obstacles along the way. It’s not always an easy journey, so you have to make sure you don’t get discouraged.

Take Classes

You should also make sure that you try and take some classes or enroll in a film school.

This can really help boost your resume and give you the credentials that some people are looking for.

In these classes, you’ll learn about the craft and be able to make connections with others that also share the same passion as you. You can normally find classes at a community college if there is no film school near you.

You can also check out music licensing for film makers.

Study

You should also make sure that you are studying enough, even if you’re not in a class or film school.

You’ve seen all kinds of films, but have you actually studied them? After you watch a film, make sure that you read as many interviews as you can about it. What kind of team worked on it? What were some of the special features? Read breakdowns on the entire process of your favorite movies.

You can also find plenty of books that talk about how filmmaking works. You can even read bout filmmakers as well, and you may pick up some handy tips you may have never known before.

While watching the film itself, you can break it down and try and figure out why they shot something a certain way. Why did they write that specific plot? What else could’ve been done differently?

Once you do that, you start thinking like a filmmaker.

Network

In the film world, it’s also very important to network as much as you can.

It’s really easy to put it into practice, but you need to make an effort to make a name for yourself. It’s a tight-knit community, but once you’re in, you’re in.

One thing that will help you with networking is to make sure that you pay it forward. If someone hooks you up or drops your name, then you should do the same thing for others when they’re trying to network as well.

Another great way to network is by finding yourself a mentor. To do this, you should find someone who is experienced in the type of filmmaking you’re interested in.

You should ask them if they have any tips or advice for you. if you seem to get along, you can also ask them if you can tag along and shadow them. You may also be able to make connections while you’re shadowing them.

Read

If you’re going into filmmaking, then you may be wondering why you would need to read anything.

Even if you’re extremely talented at filmmaking, you’ll only get so far. In a competitive business, you need to make sure that you’re the best of the best.

To do this, you’ll need to read everything about the trends of the business, developments, and who’s who.

You should also find any books you can about making film; you may learn something you never knew before.

Learn More About How to Become a Filmmaker

These are only a few things to know when figuring out how to become a filmmaker.

You can follow all of these tips, but you won’t get very far unless you have a true passion for this career. That is what will help carry you through any obstacles.

If you enjoyed this article, make sure you check out our website for more just like it!

Posted in News |

Well Go USA says ‘Better Days’ are coming on May 5th

Better Days | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Better Days | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

On May 5th, 2020, Well Go USA will be releasing the Blu-ray for Better Days, a crime/thriller directed by Derek Kwok-Cheung Tsang (Lover’s Discourse) and starring Zhou Dongyu (Kung Fu Monster) and Jackson Yee (Pound of Flesh).

In this dramatic thriller, Derek Kwok-Cheung Tsang paints a bleak picture of an oppressive society, in the guise of a gripping fairy-tale love story, exposing the dark world of bullying and societal pressures of achievement facing todays youth.

Nian finds her life at a standstill when faced by relentless bullying from her peers as she prepares for her college entrance exam. Fate brings her together with small-time criminal Bei, but before they can retreat into a world of their own, both are dragged into the middle of a murder investigation that will change their lives forever.

Pre-order Better Days from Amazon.com today! 

Posted in News |

Fist of Fear, Touch of Death | Blu-ray (The Film Detective)

Fist of Feat, Touch of Death | Blu-ray (The Film Detective)

Fist of Feat, Touch of Death | Blu-ray (The Film Detective)

RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2020

If you’re one of those (Donnie, Mike, Shannon, China, etc) who think Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time in Hollywood was disrespectful to the legacy of Bruce Lee, then the following news is a must-have in your collection! (read our review for the 40th Anniversary Edition)

On May 15, 2020, The Film Detective, the company that released Black Dragon’s Revenge in 2017, has announced the Blu-ray for the 40th Anniversary Edition of 1980’s Fist of Fear, Touch of Death (aka The Dragon and the Cobra).

Read the details below (via CA):

A video staple since its Wizard Video VHS release in the early ‘80s, Fist of Fear, Touch of Death is now getting a surprise 4K restoration from The Film Detective, straight from its original camera negative!

The pseudo-documentary’s plotline ostensibly surrounds a martial arts tournament conceived to find the heir to Bruce Lee’s kung fu throne. Along the way several contemporaries, like Fred Williamson and Ron Van Clief, must traverse inquisitive fans and New York muggers to get to the event. Older footage of Lee is repurposed as events from his life, while narrator Adolph Caesar apparently has no idea that Japan and China are different cultures. Grandmaster Bill Louie dresses up like Kato and protects some female joggers from assault. Film from the Madison Square Garden competition is shown, including a match of World Kickboxing Champion Lou Neglia. Williamson condemns the whole idea of replacing Bruce – not that that stopped anyone.

Special Features:

  • 4K Restoration from the original 35mm camera negative
  • Interviews with producer Terry Levene, scriptwriter Ron Harvey, and actor Ron Van Clief (Black Dragon’s Revenge)
  • Liner notes by film historian Don Stradley
  • Limited pressing of 1,500 Blu-rays
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

Pre-order Fist of Fear, Touch of Death from Amazon.com today! 

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

Attrition | aka Final Mission (2018) Review

"Attrition" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Attrition” Korean Theatrical Poster

Directer: Mathieu Weschler
Cast: Steven Seagal, Fan Siu-Wong, Ting Sue, Vithaya Pansringarm, Yu Kang, Fan Mei-Sheng, Rudy Youngblood, James P. Bennett, Sergey Badyuk, Cha-Lee Yoon, Kat Ingkarat, Bayra Bela, Kang Yu
Running Time: 85 min.

By Paul Bramhall

The last time Steven Seagal undertook one of his passion projects we ended up with 1994’s On Deadly Ground, a bombastic environmental action thriller in which Seagal asks us “What does it take to change the essence of a man?” It would take until 2018 for another Seagal magnum opus to grace our screens, during which time we’ve only had to suffer through close to 40 horrendous DTV productions (ok, some of them were kind of fun), but its finally arrived in the form of Attrition. “I’ve written something…which kind of reminds me of a (Akira) Kurosawa movie” Seagal claimed during pre-production, and (according to an interview in the making-of featurette) is based on his “own personal experiences in one way or another.”

Attrition has had a bumpy journey to the screen. One of its producers was Bey Logan, the Hong Kong cinema expert who became embroiled in various allegations when the #metoo movement swept through Hong Kong in 2017, leading to him (according to Logan himself) volunteering to have his name removed off the production. Considering Seagal himself would have similar allegations levelled against him soon after, I’m not sure it was a move which had any benefit. Logan’s stamp is clearly on Attrition when you look a little closer – it’s directed by Mathieu Weschler, who’s last gig was helming the Logan produced The Borderland, Ross W. Clarkson is on camera duties, who directed the Logan produced Vixen the same year, and it co-stars Fan Siu-Wong, who’s friendship with Logan saw him choreograph the action in the fiasco that was ShadowGuard.

Things didn’t get any easier when it came to its actual release, with a bizarre announcement coming in September 2018 that Attrition would only be available to purchase through a new VOD platform called 365 flix. One of the platforms creators was Philippe Martinez, who produced Attrition alongside Logan and Seagal, and now in 2020 it seems to have disappeared without a trace. Echo Bridge Entertainment eventually picked it up and released it in August 2019, leading me to speculate that while Seagal was in the midst of the sexual misconduct allegations (no charges were pressed in the end), likely no distributor wanted to touch it, so the producers attempted to create their own platform to get it out there.

But enough of all that, what about the movie itself? Attrition opens the same way many a Seagal movie has opened in the past 10 years – he plays a Special Ops agent named Axe, decked out in his usual bandana (which I believe first appeared in Half Past Dead), orange sun glasses, and leading his ‘crew’ through a hostile environment. I swear, if someone told me Seagal was fooled into filming a Special Ops movie 10 years ago, only to find its scenes have been broken up and inserted into every movie he’s made since, well, I’d find that easier to buy into than Richard Harrison’s ninja movie woes. Things go wrong, they’re unable to save the female hostage they’d been sent to retrieve (who, in true Seagal movie form, is found gratuitously naked), and after spending 3 years up a mountain Seagal moves to Thailand to do his best impression of Wong Fei Hung and open up his own Po Chi Lam.

At least, it’s clearly Thailand onscreen, although everyone there either speaks Mandarin or English, so perhaps its filmed in the same universe as Triple Threat. For those who found Seagal’s Buddhist themed musings in The Glimmer Man to be heavy handed (and there he at least had Keenen Ivory Wayans to counter-balance), Attrition takes it to the next level. Seagal also penned the script, and if you were to take his 7-minute closing speech from On Deadly Ground, change saving the environment to Buddhist philosophy, and stretch it out over 85 minutes, that may give you some idea of what to expect. Frequently accompanied by slow motion rain, one such sampling of the many nuggets of wisdom Seagal bestows upon us has him explain that “The mind is infinite, but the body is finite.” Indeed, and so is Attrition’s runtime, clocking in at just 85 minutes, which for the most part works to its benefit.

The plot of Attrition was heavily publicised, involving a kidnapped girl with mystical powers that forces Seagal to temporarily put his peaceful ways on hold, and get the old crew back together for a rescue mission. Onscreen though, the girl in question (played by Thai-American actress Ting Sue) shows precisely zero of these so-called mystical powers. Apart from appearing like a floating apparition in Seagal’s dreams (in which she dispenses lines like “Axe, your destiny awaits you”, and sometimes appears topless) and characters mentioning she has mystical powers, it almost feels like needing to show what they are is a part of the script Seagal forgot about. Oh well.

When Seagal isn’t blathering about in his clinic like some kind of God incarnate able to heal anyone he lays a hand on, we do actually get some action. Attrition comes with the best action pedigree of any Seagal movie since Ching Siu-Tung directed him in 2003’s Belly of the Beast. Under the guidance of the German based foursome that make up Reel Deal Action Design, the style of action is more focused on kung-fu (specifically Wing Chun) than it is Seagal’s usual Aikido. Can Aydin, who can be seen in the Jackie Chan vehicles Kung Fu Yoga and Vanguard is on action director duties, with Phong Giang (One Million K(l)icks) handling fight choreography (and also stunt doubling for Seagal), and Tanay Genco Ulgen (Ultimate Justice) on action design. It’s Cha-Lee Yoon (The Girl in the Spider’s Web) who keeps the busiest, pulling triple duty as stunt coordinator, Fan Siu Wong’s double, and playing a character in front of the camera.

The crew’s skills are complemented by a cast that includes the aforementioned Fan Siu-Wong, and Yu Kang shows up as the main villain. Yes, the same Yu Kang who’s featured in almost every Donnie Yen movie for the past 15 years, and most recently threw down against him in the finale of Big Brother. Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of Attrition though, is that it reunites Fan Siu-Wong with his legendary father, Fan Mei-Sheng. The pair haven’t appeared together in a movie since Siu-Wong’s headline debut in 1992’s Story of Ricky, so seeing them share the screen together again is a nice bonus for fans of Hong Kong cinema, even if it is in the clumsy context of Siu-Wong being Seagal’s ‘martial brother’, and Mai-Sheng their master.

I sense that Weschler himself is somewhat of a Hong Kong cinema fan, as the cinematography throws in some subtle nods here and there, none more so than a shot-for-shot recreation of Yuen Qiu’s introduction in Kung Fu Hustle. Despite his relative inexperience, Weschler shows a keen eye for visuals, highlighted in one particular scene where we see someone’s hand go through a meat grinder in reverse. There’re some nice touches in other aspects of Attrition as well, like when it’s revealed that the filling for Yu Kang’s punching bag is one of his (barely alive) victims, and the fact that proceedings end with Seagal taking the stage to belt out a blues number over the credits while the cast dance along. One of those is being sarcastic.

For the finale Seagal gets his old crew back together, complete with onscreen names (Infidel, Yinying, Scarecrow, and Hollywood!). Embarrassingly, one of them is played by Rudy Youngblood, the breakthrough star of Apocalypto. Remember him? I guess no one else does either. The rest are rounded out by Kat Ingkarat (Troy: The Odyssey), James P. Bennett (Black Water), and Sergey Badyuk (because Seagal has Russian citizenship now, so hey, you have to have a Russian in there somewhere!). Despite the effort to reunite them, they’re given surprisingly little to do, with the finale mostly dedicated to Seagal and Siu-Wong doing their thing. Seagal faces off against Yu Kang with a sword, while Siu-Wong goes toe-to-toe with Lee Yoon (yes, his own stunt double) in a fight that pits axes versus Wing Chun knives. Expect chain punches aplenty, terrible CGI blood, and doubling you could spot from a mile away for Mr. Seagal.

Attrition ends (well, before Seagal straps on his electric guitar) with an On Deadly Ground style coda, as Seagal narrates his woes of how traditional martial arts values are being eroded away, and how we all have to find inner-peace. Indeed. In interviews Seagal states that Attrition is the first time he’s been so heavily invested in a production for years, however when the bar you’ve set for yourself is already as low as it can go, it was never going to be difficult to create a moderately entertaining 85 minutes. It may be meant as Seagal’s love letter to kung-fu, but it’s equally his love letter to himself. If you can digest his constant musings and self-love, Attrition is a fun little action flick, it just seems to think its something a whole lot more.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 6/10

Posted in All, Asian Related, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Satan’s Slave | Blu-ray (Severin Films)

Satan’s Slave | Blu-ray (Severin Films)

Satan’s Slave | Blu-ray (Severin Films)

RELEASE DATE: May 26, 2020

On May 26, 2020, Severin Films is releasing the Blu-ray for Satan’s Slave, a 1980 Indonesian thriller from cult director Sisworo Gautama Putra (The Warrior).

Read the official details below:

In 1980, Indonesian exploitation studio Rapi Films and writer/director Sisworo Gautama Putra (Primitives) unleashed the singular chiller that rocked the Muslim nation, transformed the country’s genre film industry, and remains one of the most influential shockers in Asian horror history!

While mourning the death of his mother, a troubled teen discovers a nightmare world of restless spirits, supernatural vengeance and occult terror with “an intense creepiness that stands the test of time” (The Jakarta Post). Ruth Pelupessy (The Snake Queen) and W.D. Mochtar (Mystics in Bali) star in this “classic from the Golden Age of Indonesian horror” (Monster!) – now scanned from the original negative and packed with all-new special features!

Features include:

  • Satan’s Box Office: Interview with Producer Gope T. Samtani
  • Indonesian Atmosphere: Interview with Screenwriter Imam Tantowi
  • Satan’s Slave Obsession: Audio Interview with Remake Director Joko Anwar
  • Short Films Inspired By SATAN’S SLAVE By Remake Director Joko Anwar: Jenny (2016)/Don’t Blink (2016)

Don’t miss the films Trailer below:

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

Dynamo | Blu-ray (VCI Entertainment)

"Dynamo" Blu-ray Cover

“Dynamo” Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

On May 12, 2020, VCI Entertainment, the U.S. distribution company that recently released 1980’s The Leg Fighters under its kung fu banner The Pearl Collection, will be releasing the Blu-ray for Dynamo.

Yes, Dynamo, one of Bruce Li/Ho Chung Tao’s best films (but not better than Iron Dragons Strikes Back). The movie is also noted for featuring action by the legendary Yuen Woo-ping (The Matrix, Ip Man 4: The Finale).

Check out details from the label’s man-in-charge, Micheal Worth:

The next release in VCI’s imprint The Pearl River Collection will be Dynamo (1978) starring Bruce Li. The transfer will be sourced from a 35MM uncut English print, but also include a 16MM alternate cut sourced from a 2K scan!

Bonus Materials:

  • NEW 2K RESTORATION OF ORIGINAL UNCUT 35MM ENGLISH PRINT
  • BONUS 2K SCAN from a 16mm alternate cut
  • Audio commentary by filmmaker and Kung Fu Film fan Michael Worth (author of The Bruceploitation Bible) and UK radio sensation Iain Lee
  • The Taiwan Connection – Michael Worth’s Journey to Meet a childhood idol: Bruce Li (15-minute original documentary)
  • Kung Fu Reborn: Featurette on restoration and preservation of Kung Fu film elements
  • Drawing Dynamo: featurette on cover artist Ian McEwan
  • Theatrical Trailer to Dynamo
  • Film essays by Michael Worth and bulletproof Cinema
  • Bonus Language Tracks: Spanish, French and German

Pre-order Dynamo from Amazon.com today! 

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

Deal on Fire! Iceman | Blu-ray | Only $9.30 – Expires soon!

"Iceman" Blu-ray Cover

“Iceman” Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Law Wing Cheong’s Iceman, starring International martial arts icon Donnie Yen (Special ID). A remake of the 1989 film Iceman Cometh, Yen plays a Ming era warrior who, along with his three traitorous childhood friends, are accidentally buried and kept frozen in time. 400 years later, they are defrosted and continue their battle in modern times where they left off.

Iceman also stars Eva Huang (Kung Fu Hustle), Wang Baoqiang (Lost in Thailand) and Simon Yam (The Thieves). Don’t miss our review!

Order Iceman from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

White Crane Chronicles: Kung Fu Killer Parts 1-2 | Blu-ray (Mill Creek)

White Crane Chronicles: Kung Fu Killer Parts 1 and 2 | Blu-ray (Mill Creek Entertainment)

White Crane Chronicles: Kung Fu Killer Parts 1 and 2 | Blu-ray (Mill Creek Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: June 9, 2020

On June 9, 2020, Mill Creek Entertainment will release the Blu-ray for 2008’s The White Crane Chronicles, starring the late, cult film icon David Carradine (True Legend). This double feature includes Kung Fu Killer Parts 1 and 2 (not to be confused with the Donnie Yen film of the same name).

This 2-part TV movie follows a monk (Carradine) in Shanghai who infiltrates the underworld to find the killers of his spiritual female Grandmaster.

Co-stars include Daryl Hannah (Kill Bill series), Jimmy Taenaka (Dead Mine) and Shaw Brothers legend Cheng Pei-pei (Come Drink with Me, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

Pre-order The White Crane Chronicles from Amazon.com today!

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