When Brandon Lee was marked for death!

Brandon Lee’s penultimate film was Rapid Fire, a 1992 actioner directed by Dwight Little (Marked for Death, Halloween 4). It can be seen as almost a tribute to HK action films. It combines the gun fights of John Woo film and the choreographed Continue reading

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Match, The (2025) Review

"The Match" Theatrical Poster

“The Match” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Hyung-Joo
Cast: Lee Byung-Hun, Yoo Ah-In, Ko Chang-Seok, Hyun Bong-Sik, Moon Jeong-Hee, Jo Woo-Jin, Kim Kang-Hoon
Running Time: 115 min.

By Paul Bramhall

More than 10 years ago I reviewed a Korean movie called The Divine Move, which at one point I described as consisting of “an abundance of scenes with characters playing Go, and then beating the living daylights out of each other”, the implication being that the latter made the former scenes more palatable. While I’m now slightly older, it’s debatable if I’m any wiser, so when I heard there was going to be a movie about 2 of Koreas most famous Go players – Cho Hun-hyun, and his student turned rival Lee Chang-ho – it didn’t necessarily spark that much interest.

The movie in question was The Match, and my lack of interest quickly changed when it was revealed that Lee Byung-hun (The Man Standing Next, Ashfall) had been cast as Hun-hyun, an actor who’s remained someone I’ve religiously watched anything they appear in since the early 2000’s. The casting announcement was followed by Yoo Ah-in (Burning, Veteran) being attached to play Chang-ho, and suddenly my curiosity was piqued. As it was, it would Continue reading

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Carl Scott, ‘Bruce Lee: The Man, The Myth’ and ‘Sun Dragon’ actor and martial artist, passes away

Grandmaster Carl Scott, a martial artist and actor had a short career in Hong Kong films such as 1976’s Bruce Lee: The Man, The Myth, 1977’s Last Strike, 1979’s Sun Dragon and 1981’s Kung Fu Executioner, has passed away.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out Continue reading

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Warner needs to rush in because Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are both game for ‘Rush Hour 4’

"Rush Hour" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Rush Hour” Japanese Theatrical Poster

For the last 10+ years, both Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker (Rush Hour 1-3) have kept the possibility of a Rush Hour 4 in the air. But now, the 4th installment of the popular action comedy is still doable, at least according to Jackie himself.

Speaking with ScreenRant while promoting Karate Kid: Legends, Chan had this to say: “I don’t know. Ask the director, ask the studio, ask the writer,” Chan relayed. “Hurry up! Otherwise, Chris Tucker and me [will be] 100 years old. We’ll be old men doing Rush Hour.

He continued to elaborate that he would sign on for Rush Hour 4 adding, “Yes! And I want to do [another] Shanghai Knights, Shanghai Dawn. Shangai Noon, Shanghai Knights, and Shanghai Dawn. The script is still going on. I want to do a Rush Hour 4.”

The highly successful Continue reading

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The reselling business is a boomin’! Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s action thriller ‘Cloud’ hits U.S. theaters in July

"Cloud" Theatrical Poster

“Cloud” Theatrical Poster

Nikkatsu’s Cloud, an acclaimed action-thriller from director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Creepy, Before We Vanish, Pulse), is headed to U.S. Theaters this summer by way of Sideshow and Janus Films.

The film follows a young man named Yoshii (Masaki Suda, Gintama) who resells goods online only to find himself at the center of a series of mysterious events that put his life at risk.

Cloud also stars Kotone Furukawa (Secret: A Hidden Score), Daiken Okudaira (Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards), Amane Okayama (A Hundred Flowers), YosiYosi Arakawa (The 47 Ronin in Debt) and Masataka Kubota (First Love).

The film will open in New York on July 18, followed by Los Angeles Continue reading

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Peter Kwong, ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ and ‘The Golden Child’ actor and martial artist, dies at 73

Peter Kwong, a martial artist and actor who played one of the Three Storms in Big Trouble in Little China and a henchman in The Golden Child during a prolific acting career and was active in actors union politics and the movie and TV academy Continue reading

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Van Damme trims the enemies down in the U.S. Trailer for ‘The Gardener’ from ‘The Last Mercenary’ director David Charhon

"The Gardener" Theatrical Poster

“The Gardener” Theatrical Poster

Steven Seagal was just a cook in Under Siege. Daisy Ridley is just a window cleaner in Cleaner. Now, Jean-Claude Van Damme is just a gardener in The Gardener (aka Le jardinier), a French action comedy from director from David Charhon, who worked with the “muscles from brussels” in 2021’s The Last Mercenary.

Every year, the Prime Minister keeps a secret list of his political enemies to be removed. Serge Shuster, a senior official close to the presidency, finds himself named on the list, meaning he will be assassinated within 48 hours by a team of elite government hitmen. Condemned to a certain death, Serge, his wife, and his children only have one hope left: their strange gardener, Léo.

The film also stars Michaël Youn (Divorce Club), Carl-Philipp Wengler (Blutspur Antwerpen), Matthias Quiviger (Medellin), Nawell Continue reading

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‘The Raid’ star Iko Uwais is ready for war in XYZ Films’ ‘Skyline: Warpath’ also starring Scott Adkins

Martial arts star Iko Uwais (The Raid, The Raid 2, Headshot) is re-teaming with director Liam O’Donnell (Beyond Skyline) for Skyline: Warpath, an upcoming sci-fi actioner that also stars fellow martial arts star, Scott Adkins (John Wick 4, Ip Man 4).

Set within the Skyline universe and five years after the events of Beyond Skyline, the movie follows Sua (Uwais) as he leads The Resistance against Continue reading

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Calmness on the Go: The Wellbeing Essentials We Should (Literally) Have in Our Back Pocket

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

In this fast-paced world, prioritizing wellbeing is absolutely essential, yet many of us still view it as a luxury. There’s more products than ever that focus on wellness, but they can be financially out of reach for so many of us. Self-care doesn’t have to mean expensive products or elaborate routines. In fact, sometimes it’s the simple, portable essentials that can make the biggest difference. So here’s a practical guide to the items you should keep close and the seven in your back pocket to support your mind and your body throughout the day.

CBD Gummies

CBD has become a popular wellness staple for good reason. Discreet and tasty, they can manage stress, reduce anxiety, and even promote better quality sleep. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially supporting mood balance, easing pain, and reducing inflammation. Many people report feeling calm and having improved focus even after taking just one or two gummies, making them a convenient way to support your health while you’re on the go.

Healthy Snacks

Sometimes we can forget to eat, or we’re just on the go, so we make poor health choices. Healthy snacks make a big difference because they stabilize blood sugar, prevent energy crashes, and keep you feeling satisfied between meals. Whether this is a small pack of nuts, dried fruit, or a granola bar. There’s plenty of protein bars available, but make sure that they have minimal added sugar and plenty of fiber.

Mindfulness Tools

If you feel stressed throughout the day, having a grounding tool can help you when anxiety strikes. One of the best tools to help when you feel overwhelmed is to distract yourself, and a grounding object like a smooth stone, fidget cube, or worry beads can be an invaluable tool for managing stress, bringing you back to the present, and regulating your emotions.

Positive Reminders

Sometimes we need to be reminded that stress comes and goes or that we are great. A small card with an uplifting quote or affirmation can provide you with that quick morale boost when you need it the most. Be sure to rotate your reminders regularly so that your dose of inspiration stays fresh and relevant.

A Pen and Mini Notebook

One of the best tools for gratitude, anxiety, and even simple reminders is a tiny notebook. Making notes can reduce stress, boost creativity, and even improve your self-awareness. What’s more, a little pen and paper provide a far more visceral experience with your thoughts compared to your phone.

Headphones or Earbuds

Of course, our phone can be a portal to so many fantastic wellness tools, but if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the noise of the modern world, sometimes we need to go into ourselves. Whether you need a moment of meditation, a favorite song, or a podcast, earbuds or headphones can help you carve out some peace.

Wellbeing doesn’t have to be about the big things. In fact, it’s the small, everyday choices that we make that can keep us balanced and resilient. Ensuring you have the essentials in your back pocket means you’re ready to support your mind and body.

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Magnificent Bodyguards | Blu-ray (88 Films)

After many delays, mostly due to perfecting its 3D presentation, the hardworking team at 88 Films will finally be releasing the long-awaited Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Magnificent Bodyguards on January 26, 2026. This 1978 kung fu oddity is directed by Lo Wei (The Big Boss) and stars the one and only, Jackie Chan (Hidden Strike, Ride On).

The film has never been legitimately released to Western audiences on VHS, DVD or Blu-ray, UNTIL NOW! And unless you caught it in Hong Kong or grindhouse Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Rush Hour Trilogy | Blu-ray | Only $14.68 – Expires soon!

Rush Hour: Trilogy | Blu-ray (Warner)

Rush Hour: Trilogy | Blu-ray (Warner)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for Warner Bros’ Rush Hour Trilogy.

This set includes Rush Hour 1-3, plus a bonus disc with a brand new featurette documentary titled Brett & Jackie: A Look Back at Rush Hour. Additionally, this 4-disc collector’s set will feature custom illustrations by the stylish Mondo group.

The Rush Hour Trilogy also stars Tom Wilkinson, Tzi Ma, Chris Penn, George Cheung, Roger Fan, John Lone, Ziyi Zhang, Roselyn Sanchez, Kenneth Tsang, Maggie Q, Max von Sydow, Hiroyuki Sanada, Yuki Kudo, Noémie Lenoir, Jingchu Zhang, Roman Polanski and many others. Continue reading

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Cynthia Rothrock is the BEST in the WEST in the New Trailer for the all-star martial arts thriller ‘Black Creek’

"Black Creek" Theatrical Poster

“Black Creek” Theatrical Poster

Cult martial arts action screen icon Cynthia Rothrock (The Blonde Fury, No Retreat No Surrender II, Righting Wrongs) is back with Black Creek, an upcoming western/martial arts action movie, and currently the 3rd most successfully funded action film ‘OF ALL TIME’!

Black Creek is directed by Shannon Lanier, who is perhaps best known for his shorts, Love Between The Sheets and Heidi and Rewind; as well as his cinematography work for films such as Harvey and Under His Control.

Co-starring in Black Creek are Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Death Fighter, Diamond Cartel), Richard Norton (Mr. Nice Guy, Millionaires Express), Keith Cooke (King of the Kickboxers), Benny “The Jet” Continue reading

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Next Sohee (2022) Review

"Next Sohee" Theatrical Poster

“Next Sohee” Theatrical Poster

Director: Jeong Joo-ri
Cast: Bae Doo-Na, Kim Si-eun, Jung Hoe-Rin, Kang Hyun-Oh, Park Woo-Young, Park Hee-Eun, Kim Yong-Joon, Sim Hee-Seop, Park Yoon-Hee, Yoon Ga-I
Running Time: 135 min.

By Paul Bramhall 

It can sometimes be a tough job being a Korean cinema fan, with some of the best directors often taking years between the movies they release. Oh Seung-wook made audiences wait 9 years between 2015’s The Shameless and 2024’s Revolver. Lee Chang-dong kept us hanging for 8 years between 2010’s Poetry and 2018’s Burning. Even a director as popular as Park Chan-wook left 6 years between 2016’s The Handmaiden and 2022’s Decision to Leave. Jeong Joo-ri, a former student of Lee Chang-dong who made her debut with 2014’s Bae Doona starring A Girl at My Door (which Chang-dong notably produced) looks set to follow a similar path, with her sophomore feature Next Sohee finally arriving in 2022.

Once more directing from her own script, Joo-ri has also re-teamed with Bae Doona (The Drug KingTunnel), however Next Sohee for the most part belongs to actress Kim Si-eun as the titular Sohee of the title. Here given her first starring role after minor supporting turns in the likes of The Negotiation and Boys Be!! (along with plenty of K-drama work), Si-eun completely owns the role as a teenager attending a vocational college Continue reading

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Shout, shout, let it all out… to ARROW! UK label to distribute ‘Hard Boiled’, ‘The Killer’ and more in the UK

Great news for Hong Kong cinema fans, especially those who collect physical media from all over the world. Popular UK label Arrow has struck a deal with Shout! Studios to release Golden Princess Hong Kong titles in the UK.

The Golden Princess movie library consists of 156 Hong Kong cinema classics, many of which have been MIA from the market for years. In short, Arrow Continue reading

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Iron Angels Trilogy | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Iron Angels Trilogy | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Iron Angels Trilogy | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Now available for pre-order from Vinegar Syndrome is the Blu-ray (Region A/B/C) for the Iron Angels Trilogy, which includes 1987’s Iron Angels, 1988’s Iron Angels II and 1989’s Iron Angels III.

Read the official details below:

In the world of Hong Kong action cinema, Teresa Woo doesn’t have the same notoriety as many of the other big-name directors. However, unbeknownst to many, she is responsible for bringing us one of the most exhilarating action franchises, the Iron Angels series. Filled with bone-breaking brawls and bullet-riddled action set pieces, Vinegar Syndrome Archive proudly presents this inexplicably overlooked trio of explosive martial arts films for the first time on Blu-ray Continue reading

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