Happy New Year from Cityonfire.com!

Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest New Year!

– From your friends at Cityonfire.com

For Dragons in 2024, it’s a year of creativity and lots of new ideas. But it’s important to stay down-to-earth and avoid being too arrogant. Money-wise, things look good with prosperity on the way (via HT).

Dragon date of birth years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Famous Dragons: John Lennon, Shigeru Miyamoto, Keanu Reeves, Scott Adkins, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Martin Luther King Jr., Rihanna, Shirley Temple, Ringo Starr, Adele, Stanley Kubrick, Al Pacino, Betty Grable, Andy Warhol, Emma Stone, Roseanne Barr, Shakira, Paul Reubens, Fred Rogers, Richard Pryor, Herbie Hancock, Burt Bacharach, Joan Baez, Martin Sheen, Ja Rule, Marisa Tomei, Russell Crowe, Jack Ma, Guillermo del Toro

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Crazy Samurai Musashi | Blu-ray | Only $11 – Expires soon!

Crazy Samurai Musashi | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Crazy Samurai Musashi | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Crazy Samurai Musashi. This samurai film, described as “The world’s first 77-minute, one-take action film sequence”, re-teams Japanese action star Tak Sakaguchi (Versus) with Re:Born director Yuji Shimomura (Death Trance).

When a master samurai arrives to duel the disgraced Yoshioka dojo, he walks into an ambush. In the world’s first 77-minute, one-take action film sequence, Miyamoto Musashi (Tak Sakaguchi) fights for his life against 400 warriors, earning a place in history as the Crazy Samurai Musashi.

Sakaguchi rose to fame with the 2001 cult favorite Versus, a movie that managed to combine the low-budget charms of Evil Dead-like horror Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Mindful Meditation and Cannabis: Exploring the Connection

The use of cannabis is gaining attention as a potential tool for enhancing the practice of mindful meditation. This intriguing combination allows individuals to delve into a deeper state of relaxation and self-awareness. This article will delve into the connection between mindful meditation and cannabis, examining how this plant has found its place in the world of mindfulness. Additionally, it will explore a unique element of the cannabis ritual – the use of RAW rolling papers – and how they continue to be a convenient way to experience cannabis, particularly in light of the successful outcome of the RAW Rolling Papers Lawsuit.

An Unconventional Pairing

Mindful meditation is all about achieving a heightened state of awareness, fostering emotional balance, and reducing stress. It encourages us to be fully present in the moment, letting go of distractions and negative thoughts. Cannabis, with its complex blend of cannabinoids, has the potential to align seamlessly with these goals.

When used in moderation and with intention, cannabis can help individuals quiet their minds and open themselves to a deeper exploration of their thoughts and feelings. Some users report enhanced sensory perception, which can be particularly beneficial when practicing mindfulness. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that responsible and mindful consumption is key. Overindulgence may hinder rather than facilitate the meditative experience.

Mindful Consumption of Cannabis

To incorporate cannabis into your mindfulness practice effectively, it’s important to approach it with intention and mindfulness. Here are some tips for mindful consumption:

Choose the Right Strain: Different strains of cannabis have varying effects. Sativa strains may provide a more energetic and creative experience, while Indica strains are often associated with relaxation and calmness. Experiment to find the strain that aligns with your meditation goals.

Control Dosage: Start with a low dose to avoid overconsumption. The goal is to achieve a mild and balanced effect that supports your meditation, not to become heavily intoxicated.

Set an Intention: Before using cannabis in your mindfulness practice, set a clear intention. What do you want to explore or gain insight into during your meditation session?

Create a Sacred Space: Prepare your meditation space with items that promote relaxation and focus, such as candles, soft music, or incense.

Mindful Breathing: Combine mindful breathing techniques with cannabis use to deepen your meditation experience. Focus on your breath to anchor yourself in the present moment.

Enhancing the Ritual

One unique aspect of cannabis consumption is the ritual of rolling a joint. Many cannabis enthusiasts find that the act of rolling their own joint can be a meditative practice in itself. This is where RAW rolling papers come into play.

RAW rolling papers are crafted from unbleached, natural fibers and are free from added chemicals or dyes. They offer a clean and pure smoking experience that complements the mindful approach to cannabis use. And in 2023, they are riding high after winning the long-running RAW Rolling Papers Lawsuit. Rolling your own joint with RAW papers can become a sacred ritual, allowing you to connect with the plant on a deeper level.

The tactile experience of grinding the cannabis, rolling it into the paper, and carefully sealing the joint can be a form of moving meditation. It encourages you to slow down, focus your attention, and be fully present in the moment. As you light the joint and take that first mindful inhale, you may find that the act of smoking becomes an integral part of your mindfulness practice.

Conclusion

The connection between mindful meditation and cannabis is a fascinating exploration of how ancient practices and modern herbal remedies can intersect to promote well-being. When approached with intention and mindfulness, cannabis has the potential to enhance the meditative experience, providing a path to deeper self-awareness and relaxation.

Remember, responsible consumption is paramount. Always prioritize your well-being and use cannabis mindfully and in accordance with the laws and regulations of your area. Whether you choose to incorporate cannabis into your mindfulness practice or not, the journey toward self-discovery and inner peace is a personal one, and there are many paths to explore along the way.

Posted in News |

Viki’s Contribution to K-Drama in Reaching Global Audiences

Viki has managed to penetrate cultural boundaries through its multilingual subtitles, which makes K-Drama easily accessible to different audiences. In an interview with AdRoll, Jay Lee, the company’s growth manager, indicated that strategic marketing was one of the key contributors to this tremendous success.

Viki’s Monumental Rise

The company identifies the right audience and nurtures them with the right content. For example, Lee mentioned that they identified four to five cultural groups in the US as potential consumers and focused on crafting personalized marketing messages for each group, which had remarkable results. The availability of Viki’s app on Android and iOS has also contributed to the widespread penetration of the company.

Many other entertainment companies, like casino companies, have also continued to establish mobile apps that can allow them to offer personalized experiences. For instance, PENN Entertainment partnered with Hollywood Casino at Greektown to develop the Hollywood Online Casino app. With this one app, players can access various games anytime without having to visit a physical location. Mobile apps are also convenient as they allow casino companies to keep players on alert through push notifications, enhancing engagement and retention.

How Viki Engages Audiences

A 2021 Rakuten Advertising report indicated that Viki reached over 27 million people using advertising-video-on-demand (AVOD) services. Of the 27 million, 7 million were Asian, 14 million were Americans, and 6 million were from Europe. AVOD allows customers to enjoy free, ad-funded content, which attracts more customers as they don’t have to pay for the content they access.

As streaming services become more available, many customers are turning to these services. Some statistics project that the video streaming market share will reach $1,902.68 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.3%. With the AVOD platform, content creators can reach the many viewers who are turning from traditional TV content.

The platform also allows Viki to engage customers in a more customized way through contextual targeting. That way, potential customers feel that their preferences are well taken care of, which results in higher conversion rates. During an interview with Martech, Karen Paek, Viki’s Director of Integrated Marketing, indicated that her team’s responsibility was to craft ways of increasing the time spent on the platform by creating customized and segmented journeys for potential customers. That also included messaging viewers in their desired language.

Source: Unsplash

Moreover, although other streaming platforms like Netflix have popularized several Korean shows, Viki has been at the forefront for over a decade. Consequently, the platform hosted its first-ever global K-Drama Day on November 29th, 2023, to celebrate its extensive customer base and reach out to new viewers. The celebration was characterized by dynamic offers such as grand prices that allowed the winner to fly to Korea on an all-expense paid trip. Furthermore, fans could claim a one-day-only 29% discount, allowing access to K-dramas like Suspicious Partner and A Good Day to be a Dog.

In summary, Viki’s strategic marketing tactics have significantly contributed to the popularity of K-Drama in different continents. As technological advancements continue shaping how businesses interact with consumers, Viki stands a great chance to penetrate even more cultural boundaries.

Posted in News |

How To Get More Out Of Your Favorite Video Game

When you really love a video game, it’s more than just a fun thing to do that passes the time; it can become something you become invested in, and you’ll probably want to do all you can to enhance your gameplay and get more out of your favorite game

That might not sound possible at first – after all, when you play the game, you’re probably already doing all you can to immerse yourself in it. However, the fact is there are many different ways you can get more out of a game when you start to think about it. Read on to get some ideas to help you get started. 

How To Get More Out Of Your Favorite Video Game

Photo by Alexander Kovalev

Visit Locations 

Depending on the game you’re playing, it can be a fun idea to go traveling and visit some of the locations featured in the game. If you’re playing a fantasy game or a game that has no set location, then this might not be something you can do (although it’s worth looking more deeply into the game – it might be that the game location was inspired by a real-life place after all), but if there is definitely a location, make it your mission to go there. 

You can go to all the spots that you’ve only seen digitally before and take photos of yourself there, or even make a vlog about your travels so you can share it with other fans of the game. Not only does this idea mean you get to travel, but it also means you have a focus so you’ll really enjoy the trip while you’re away from home (even if it makes playing the game itself a challenge!). 

Go To Conventions 

There are conventions for everything these days, from movies to musicals to technology, so it could be that your favorite game has a convention (or con) devoted to it as well. At the very least, there’s sure to be a more general gaming con you can go to – and that’s the very thing we’re suggesting: go to a con and completely immerse yourself in the gaming culture. 

At a con, you can meet other fans and make friends, you can see the latest games and tech that are going to be coming to the market in the near future, you can meet creators, and you can get involved in workshops that help you understand how games are made, among many other fund things (and of course, you can buy games while you’re there!). 

Many people dress up as their favorite characters so you could do that too – it’s a great way to enjoy the day more. Of course, you might not want to get on public transport in your costume, so why not take it in a bag and get changed at the station once you arrive – you can leave your clothes in luggage storage and collect them when you’re done. 

Join Online Communities

The last two suggestions were about getting out and about and meeting people in real life or going to new places, and although that’s exciting, it’s not going to be something that everyone wants to do or has the budget to do. Don’t worry, though; you still have plenty of options. 

One that takes the best of these things and still gives you the chance to do it all from home and for free is to join online communities. When you think about it, although gaming can be a solo activity, it’s often the community aspect of it that takes it to the next level of enjoyment, so actively looking for an online community where you can discuss your favorite game, talk about tactics, chat about your favorite characters or how to defeat difficult levels, and so on, it always going to enhance your gameplay. 

For one thing, you’ll feel good because you’re talking to (even if it’s actually typing) people who feel the same way about the game you love as you do – you’ll actually activate feel-good hormones when you do this, so you really will feel good as a result. For another thing, you might end up being able to play the game better because you get some hints and tips from people who know what they’re talking about. 

Experiment With Mods 

Many video games allow you to download ‘mods’, which means you can make changes to the game. That could be different graphics, different maps, new characters, and much more. 

Mods, or modifications, are a lot of fun, and they’ll often be free, created by lovers of the game just like you who want to have some fun and help others do the same. You can experiment with all kinds of mods until you find something that you like, and perhaps at some point when you’re feeling a little more confident, you might even make your own mod and ask your online community to try it out – what could be a better way to get more out of your favorite game than that? 

Posted in News |

Wellson Chin’s all-star Hong Kong actioner ‘Inspector Wears Skirts’ now on Blu-ray from 88 Films

The Inspector Wears Skirts | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Inspector Wears Skirts | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Now available is 88 Films Blu-ray (Region A/B) release for The Inspector Wears Skirts (aka Top Squad), a 1988 Hong Kong film directed by Wellson Chin Sing Wai (Naughty Boys) that stars Sibelle Hu (Tai Chi Boxer), Cynthia Rothrock (Yes Madam!), Kara Wai (Angel Terminators), Sandra Ng (Thunder Cops 2), Regina Kent (Legacy of Rage), Ellen Chan (Aces Go Places V: The Terracotta Hit) and Billy Lau (Master Z : The Ip Man Legacy).

The film also stars Alex To (On The Run), Bill Tung (Police Story), Jeff Falcon (The Blonde Fury), Amy Yip (Miracles) and Ann Bridgewater (Full Contact).

In The Inspector Wears Skirts, Madame Wu (Sibelle Hu) has been assigned to the Hong Kong Police Academy to train female Banshee Squad Members, next door to the male Tiger Squad Members lead by Continue reading

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Train to Busan & Peninsula | 4K Ultra HD | Only $18.99 – Expires soon!

Train to Busan & Peninsula | 4K UHD (Well Go USA)

Train to Busan & Peninsula | 4K UHD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is for a 4K Ultra HD collection that includes 2016’s Train to Busan and its 2020 follow up, PeninsulaBoth films captivated audiences worldwide, thanks to acclaimed South Korean director, Yeon Sang-Ho (Jung_E).

Train to Busan follows a group of terrified passengers fighting their way through a countrywide viral outbreak, trapped on a suspicion-filled, blood-drenched bullet train ride to the Safe Zone…which may or may not still be there.

Train to Busan stars Gong Yoo (The Suspect), Ma Dong-Seok (Veteran), Jung Yu-Mi  (A Bittersweet Life), Choi Woo-Sik (Big Match), Kim Soo-Ahn (The Net) and Ahn So-Hee (Hellcats).

Four years after South Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Is 2024 the year Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh for ‘Lethal Weapon 5’?

"Lethal Weapon 5" Teaser Poster

“Lethal Weapon 5” Teaser Poster

Even during his post-legendary Hollywood status, Mel Gibson has been consistently delivering the action with films like Edge of DarknessGet the Gringo, Blood FatherDragged Across Concrete, and his directorial comeback, Hacksaw Ridge – not to mention the recent John Wick spin-off, The Continental.

It has been in the air for the last two years, but Gibson has been vocal about re-teaming with Danny Glover to reprise their roles as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, respectively, in a 5th Lethal Weapon film, which Gibson will also direct off a semi-completed script by the late Richard Donner (Superman, Lethal Weapon franchise).

Gibson is also enlisting the help of Richard Wenk, who is perhaps best known Continue reading

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The Benefits of Incorporating Ballet Barres into Your Workout Routine

Want a fun way to get fit? Have you thought about using ballet barres in your workouts?

Ballet isn’t just for dancers, it’s great for everyone. With ballet bars, you can get stronger, more flexible, and better at balancing. These bars, which are about as tall as your waist, aren’t just for ballet moves.

They can help you shape your body and get healthier. So why wait? Try workouts with ballet bars. You’ll see how they can change your body and make you feel better too.

Improved Balance

Ballet barre workouts can greatly improve your balance. By focusing on your core and using your body weight, these exercises help you find your center of gravity.

This improvement in balance is not just beneficial for your workout, but also for everyday activities. If you’re interested in taking your barre workouts to the next level, consider getting a Barre Certification here.

This will help you deepen your understanding and potentially guide others in their fitness journey.

Increased Strength

Adding ballet barres to your workout routine can make you stronger. These workouts make you hold different poses, which builds up your strength slowly but surely. This not only makes you better at your other exercises but also keeps you from getting hurt.

The great thing about ballet barre workouts is that they make your muscles stronger without hurting your joints. So, it’s a great part of any workout routine, helping you become stronger overall.

Enhanced Flexibility

Ballet barres are great for making your body more flexible. These workouts mix ballet, Pilates, and yoga, focusing on smooth movements that improve flexibility and posture.

These exercises are easy on the body and help build strength and flexibility without jumping or bouncing. Additionally, ballet barre workouts contribute to better core stability, which is key for balance and coordination.

In short, adding ballet barres to your workout can help you move more easily and flexibly.

Better Posture

Adding ballet barre exercises to your workout can help improve your posture. These exercises focus on the core and back muscles that keep your body upright. By strengthening these muscles, you can stand taller and straighter.

Good posture is not just about looking confident, it’s also important for your overall health. It helps reduce back pain and strain on your muscles. So, if you want to improve your posture and feel better, try adding ballet barre exercises to your routine.

Embrace the Ballet Barres for a Healthier You

Ballet barres are more than just dance tools. They are an essential part of fitness routines, offering benefits for posture, flexibility, and overall health.

Whether they are commercial-grade studio barres, portable ones for home use, or custom-made, they all serve the same purpose – to help you achieve better physical form and wellness.

They allow for warm-ups and stretching that improve blood flow and lessen muscle strain. So, whether you’re a professional dancer or someone looking to enhance your fitness routine, incorporate ballet barres into your workouts for maximum benefits.

It’s time to embrace ballet barres for a healthier you.

Did you find this article helpful? You can check out our website for more awesome content like this.

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‘Dead Heat’-esque sci-fi actioner ‘Blue Jean Monster’ starring Shing Fui-On now on Blu-ray from 88 Films

The Blue Jean Monster | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Blue Jean Monster | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Now on Blu-ray (Region A/B) is 88 Films’ The Blue Jean Monster, a 1991 Hong Kong film directed by Ivan Lai Gai Ming (Erotic Ghost Story 3, The Imp) that stars Shing Fui-On (Horrible High Heels), Pauline Wong (Mr. Vampire 2), Tse Wai-Kit (Fight Back to School), Kunimua Jun (The Wailing) and Gloria Yip (Miracles).

After a brave Hong Kong lawman is killed in a shootout, his body is reanimated by a Frankenstein style bolt of lightning. Provided he gets ‘Crank’-style regular jolts of electricity, he continues to fight crime as an invulnerable zombie cop…

Perennial Cantonese movie tough guy Shing Fui-on gets a lead of his own in this Hong Kong version of Dead Heat, with a supporting cast including Gloria Yip and Pauline Wong. The Blue Jean Monster blends gross out horror, comedy and action in a unique Continue reading

Posted in News |

Wandering Earth II, The (2023) Review

"The Wandering Earth II" Theatrical Poster

“The Wandering Earth II” Theatrical Poster

Director: Frant Gwo
Cast: Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Ning Li, Andy Lau, Wang Zhi, Zhu Yanmanzi, Sha Yi, Zhang Yi
Running Time: 173 min. 

By Will McGuire

The Wandering Earth 2 represents a new high-water mark for production values in Chinese cinema. One look at the opening credits will tell you that both this film and its 2019 first installment are the product of literally the entire Chinese cinematic apparatus, working in concert to try and produce a spectacle film that speaks to a worldwide audience. The story is sprawling, and by design, it hops madly across the globe in both setting and language. It is China’s attempt to measure itself against the benchmark of Hollywood spectacle and to announce their capability to tell stories that speak to the world.

The nearly three hour story begins with such an in depth summary of the situation at hand: the Sun is becoming unstable and in 100 years, the Earth will be uninhabitable, in 300 years the solar system will be destroyed. The governments of the Earth have unified to construct a propulsion system for the Earth to move it back to a safe distance, but the project and the enormous associated cost has come under fire from political dissidents and is in danger of suffering Continue reading

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

Celebrity Contact: The Secret Behind Reaching Your Favorite Stars

Searching for the secret behind reaching your favorite celebrity? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot! We’re here to spill the tea on all of the best tips and tricks when it comes to connecting with your favorite stars. Let’s dive in!

Chatting with the Stars: Your Guide to Connecting with Celebrities!

Direct Chats

Imagine sending a message to the people who manage the day-to-day magic for these stars, like their publicists or managers. They’re the wizards behind scheduling all those cool interviews and appearances. Or, think about reaching out to their agents, the master negotiators who make all those dazzling contracts and deals happen. It’s like having a backstage pass to the world of fame!

Social Media Buzz

Social media is the new fan mail! It’s a fun, digital playground where you can connect with the celebs you adore. Picture this: You’re scrolling through Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and there they are—your favorite stars, just a comment or DM away. It’s like having a direct line to Hollywood! But remember, some celebs might have their social media managed by others, so don’t feel blue if they don’t reply right away. They’re super busy, but they love your support!

Fan Mail and Email

There’s something timeless about sending a heartfelt letter, isn’t there? Fan mail is a classic way to express your admiration. You can send your thoughts and well-wishes to your celeb crush’s fan mail address, often found on their official website or through their fan club. And guess what? Some celebs even have email addresses for fan messages! Keep in mind, they get tons of mail, so they might not be able to respond to each one. But don’t lose heart; your words mean a lot!

Event Encounters

Ever thought about meeting your idol in person? Events like movie premieres, award shows, and fan conventions are great places for these once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Imagine getting a photo or an autograph during a meet-and-greet session! Remember, though, these special moments might need some planning and maybe even a ticket purchase. But the experience? Totally worth it!

Contact Platforms

Contact platforms like Celebrity Access and Booking Agent Info have made it easier for fans to contact their favorite celebrities. Fans can use these platforms to send fan mail, request autographs, and even book celebrities for events. However, it’s important to note that not all celebrities are accessible through these platforms, and some may have strict policies regarding fan contact.

Networking with the Stars: Making Connections in the Celeb World

Mastering the Art of Networking

Networking isn’t just about who you know, but who knows you. It’s all about creating genuine connections that sparkle. Think of it as planting seeds for future friendships in the glitzy garden of fame. You’ll need a dash of patience and a sprinkle of effort, but the results can be star-studded!

Industry Events

Picture yourself at industry events, surrounded by the glitz and glamor of the celebrity world. These events are like treasure chests filled with opportunities to meet and mingle with the stars. To shine at these events, do your homework. Find out who’s going to be there and plan your approach. Imagine rehearsing what you’d say to your favorite director or actor. It’s like preparing for your own personal red carpet moment!

Charity Functions

Charity events are the secret garden of celebrity networking. Many celebrities are passionate about their causes and attending these functions puts you right in the heart of their world. Remember to keep the focus on the charity and be respectful. You’re there to contribute to something bigger, and who knows, you might just end up chatting with your favorite philanthropic star!

Professional Introductions

Know someone who knows someone famous? Professional introductions can be your golden ticket. It’s like having a friend pass you the baton in a relay race straight to celebrity land. If you have a connection who can introduce you to a celebrity, go for it! But always be mindful and respectful. Ensure your mutual friend is comfortable with making the introduction. It’s all about trust and respect in these circles.

Navigating Celebrity Contact: Overcoming Challenges and Avoiding Pitfalls

Clear Communication: Avoiding Misunderstandings

Ever tried reaching out to a celebrity and felt like you’re just not getting through? Miscommunication is a common hurdle. Picture this: Your message, lost in translation or buried under heaps of fan mail. To cut through the noise, clarity is key. Keep your messages short, sweet, and to the point. No room for confusion or misinterpretation here! And if you can, loop in a pro, like an agent or intermediary, to make sure your words land just right.

Respect Boundaries: Keeping It Cool

Imagine you’re trying to strike up a conversation with a celeb, but you’re coming on a bit too strong. Yikes, right? Overstepping boundaries is a big no-no. Celebs, like all of us, cherish their privacy and personal space. It’s super important to respect that. If they don’t reply, it’s not a cue to double down—it’s a signal to step back gracefully. Remember, they’re people too, with their own lives and choices. Respect and understanding go a long way!

Realistic Expectations: Keeping It Real

So, you’ve sent a message to your favorite star, and you’re waiting with bated breath. But here’s the thing: Not all celebs can or will respond to fan messages. They’ve got packed schedules and a zillion demands on their time. It’s essential to keep your expectations in check. Avoid asking for too much and remember, a reply is a bonus, not a given. It’s all about appreciating the attempt, even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for.

Your Star-Studded Journey Awaits!

Navigating the world of celebrity contact is a bit like a delicate dance. It requires clear communication, respect for boundaries, and realistic expectations. Keep these tips in mind, and who knows? You might just have a successful, respectful interaction with your favorite star! 

 

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Chasing the Dragon | Blu-ray | Only $8.99 – Expires soon!

Chasing the Dragon | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Chasing the Dragon | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Donnie Yen and Andy Lau’s Chasing the Dragon (read our review), an action/thriller directed by Wong Jing (Mercenaries from Hong Kong) and renowned cinematographer Jason Kwan (As the Light Goes OutHelios).

Donnie Yen (Big Brother, Ip Man 4: The Finale) plays real-life gangster Ng Sek-ho (aka Crippled Ho). Andy Lau (Switch, Mission Milano) reprises his role as Lee Rock (he starred in a pair of movies as the character in the early 90’s)

In Chasing the Dragon, an illegal immigrant (Yen) from Mainland China sneaks into corrupt British-colonized Hong Kong in 1963, transforming himself into a ruthless and emerging drug lord Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Ghost Station, The (2022) Review

"The Ghost Station" Theatrical Poster

“The Ghost Station” Theatrical Poster

AKA: Ghost of Oksu Station
Director: Jeong Yong-ki
Cast: Kim Bo-ra, Kim Jae-hyun, Shin So-yul, Obon, Kim Kang Il, Kim Soo Jin, Kim Kwang Hyun
Running Time: 80 min.

By Henry McKeand

“Write a provocative article with a clickbait headline!”

This is one of many pieces of questionable advice given to Na-Young, the journalist protagonist of Jeong Yong-Ki’s The Ghost Station. Played by Kim Bo-ra, she’s the standard cinematic reporter: young and ambitious and borderline obsessed with getting the next big story. As a junior writer for a middling gossip rag, her desire to do serious work is at odds with the salacious reality of her actual job.

The quote could also be seen as a sort of mission statement for the film, which takes a blunt-edge approach to a type of supernatural material that is so often given the slow-burn treatment. It cribs from a wide variety of influences, most notably Y2K J-Horror. Then, in its brief runtime, it streamlines the nightmare-fuel imagery from those classic films and makes sure that crowd-pleasing thrills come first and foremost. Even the unimaginative title feels designed Continue reading

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews |

Hong Kong star Anthony Wong to appear in a remake of the 1974 cult erotic film ‘Emmanuelle’

"Emmanuelle" Theatrical Poster

“Emmanuelle” Theatrical Poster

We’ll soon be seeing Hong Kong star Anthony Wong (Untold Story, Untold Story 2, Visible Secret) appear in Emmanuelle, an erotic thriller from director Audrey Diwan (Happening).

Wong will star alongside an all-star cast that’s headlined by Noémie Merlant (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) and Naomi Watts (Boss Level, The Ring), with co-stars Will Sharpe (The White Lotus), Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things) and Chacha Huang (Money Heist).

According to Deadline, plot details are being kept under wraps but Diwan’s film will deviate from the lucrative and cult 1974 movie adaptation of Arsan’s novel, which starred Sylvia Kristel as the wife of a French diplomat in Bangkok who embarks on a voyage of sexual Continue reading

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