Prisoner of War (2025) Review

"Prisoner of War" Theatrical Poster

“Prisoner of War” Theatrical Poster

Director: Louis Mandylor
Cast: Scott Adkins, Louis Mandylor, Shane Kosugi, Peter Shinkoda, Donald Cerrone, Masanori Mimoto, Michael Copon, Michael Rene Walton, Gary Cairns, Sol Eugenio, Kansuke Yokoi, Atsuki Kashio
Running Time: 110 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Under any other circumstance if someone told me in 2025 that they’d just watched a Philippines shot jungle actioner set during World War II, my assumption would be that another Bruno Mattei helmed Italian B-movie from the 80’s had just gotten a new physical media release. Except Prisoner of War is neither Italian nor from the 1980’s, instead being the latest directorial effort from Louis Mandylor. While most well known for his work in front of the camera, Mandylor has had a steady career as a director since helming his debut Jimmy Bones in 2003, and most recently has taken a particular interest in tales set in Southeast Asia and the Pacific during World War II. 2023’s 3 Days in Malay focused on a ragtag group defending an airfield against the Japanese in Malay, while 2024’s Operation Blood Hunt pits a tale of werewolves and vampires on a South Pacific Island occupied by the Japanese.

While Mandylor also cast himself in front of the camera for these outings, in his latest he stays behind it, instead entrusting leading man duties to British thespian Scott Adkins. No strangers to collaborating thanks to their roles in director Jesse V. Johnson’s The Debt Collector, its sequel Debt Collectors, and Avengement, the fact that the story is based on an idea by Adkins makes their pairing as director and star a natural one. Stepping into the role Continue reading

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Get over here! The Arcade1Up ‘Mortal Kombat II’ Deluxe Arcade Machine is just what you need for the holidays!

Get over here! Unpack all the Fatalities you remember and get ready to hear “FINISH HIM!” Arcade1Up is back with Mortal Kombat Deluxe Edition. With 14 classic games, including 4 different Mortal Kombat versions, you’ve got yourself hours of fighting fun.

The Deluxe Edition crisp 17″ LCD brings all the visual details to life; with a real-feel joystick and buttons, and integrated dual speakers to make this a perfect at home arcade game experience. The sleek, single cabinet design and lit marquee give it an impressive look that would add character and class to any room in the house. The faux front coin door provides that authentic retro look, that will have you instinctively searching your pockets for quarters. And now join the “Konversation” with Wifi leaderboards, you could post your scores and compete with friends and gamers across the country with Online Multi-Player.

Get ready to relive the golden age of gaming and let the battles begin!

Features:

  • Join the legacy: Library of 14 iconic games, including Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2 & 3, Toobin, Rampage, Joust, Rootbeer Tapper, Defender, and more!
  • Authentic gaming at its finest: Relive the golden era of arcade gaming with original licensed artwork, real-feel joysticks and buttons, light up marquee, and a molded faux coin door.
  • Enjoy Wi-Fi enabled gaming and unlimited free play: Compete with friends, post scores to leaderboards and download the Companion App to join a community of gamers across the country.
  • 21st century technology brings retro games to life: Powerful processors deliver crisp graphics on a 17 inch full color high-resolution LCD screen; enjoy arcade-quality sound with integrated dual speakers.
  • Built to be part of your collection: Enjoy the nostalgia of classic arcade games in your home, complete with authentic artwork and real-feel features; Compact design is easy to assemble and fits seamlessly into any dĂ©cor; Assembled Dimensions: 22.44” D x 18.82” W x 61”H; Weight: 68 lbs.

Order today from Amazon.com!

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Preying for a ‘Mantis’? New Trailer for Lee Tae-Seong’s ‘Kill Boksoon’ spin-off arriving on Netflix on September 26

"Mantis" Netflix Poster

“Mantis” Netflix Poster

2023’s Kill Boksoon is getting the “expanded universe” treatment with Mantis, an upcoming spin-off that’s helmed by newcomer Lee Tae-Seong, with co-writing writing help from Byun Sung-hyun (The Merciless), the writer and director of the original.

Mantis is set in the same contract killer world as Kill Boksoon. While the latter explores the story of Gil Bok-soon struggling to balance her life as a single mother and assassin, Mantis shifts the spotlight to a contract killer named Mantis (Yim Si-Wan, Emergency Declaration), a character that was briefly mentioned by Kill Boksoon‘s Cha Min-kyu (Sul Kyung-Gu) to “have gone on a vacation,” and this spinoff will trace Mantis’ return to the industry in search of new Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Vengeance of an Assassin | Blu-ray | Only $10 – Expires soon!

Vengeance of an Assassin | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Vengeance of an Assassin | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Vengeance of an Assassin (read our review) from the late Panna Rittikrai, the director behind fan favorites like Born to Fight and BKO. This time around, Rittikrai is teaming back up with his Born to Fight leading man Dan Chupong.

Natee (Chupong) and Than (Nantawooti Boornrapsap) are orphans raised by their parent’s friend (Ping Lumprapleng). Never knowing their parents or how they died, the two boys had always wondered who was responsible for their murder. The pursuit of vengeance is the centerpiece of Vengeance of an Assassin, the last film by Panna Rittikrai.

The film includes Chupong’s fight with Nui-Kessarin Ektawatkul (Muay Thai Giant). This sequence takes place inside another warehouse Continue reading

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‘Ballerina’ meets ‘Die Hard’ in a remote inn’? Uma Thurman returns in kill mode for ‘Ballerina Overdrive’

Uma Thurman (Paycheck, Kill Bill Vol. 1) is back in kill mode in Ballerina Overdrive, an upcoming female-driven thriller that we describe as a possible “Die Hard in a remote inn”.

Directed by Vicky Jewson (The Witcher: Blood Origin) and written by Kate Freund (Afterlife series), Ballerina Overdrive involves a troupe of ballerinas who find Continue reading

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Affinity (2025) Review

"Affinity" Theatrical Poster

“Affinity” Theatrical Poster

Director: Brandon Slagle
Cast: Marko Zaror, Louis Mandylor, Brahim Chab, Brooke Ence, Jane Mirro, Elliott Allison
Running Time: 81 min.

By Paul Bramhall

At the risk of showing my age, I’ve been following the trajectory of the Chilean Dragon Marko Zaror ever since he landed on action fans radars with the release of Kiltro in 2006, almost 20 years ago. A product of his native Chile, in the succeeding years Zaror has struck a healthy balance of maintaining his presence as a leading man in his home country (usually under the direction of Ernesto Díaz Espinoza), while regularly clocking in villain roles in U.S. DTV productions (including a hat trick of performances against Scott Adkins in Undisputed 3: Redemption, Savage Dog, and Diablo spanning 15 years!). Having become such a reliable presence in the action world, I found myself going back through his filmography just to double (and then triple) check that his latest release, Affinitiy, is in fact the first time for him to headline an English language production.

It was perhaps a welcome inevitability after his scene stealing turn in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4 (that notably also had Scott Adkins in the mix), and his latest clearly marks a passion project for one of the most talented action stars Continue reading

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Here’s the proof! Yusaku Matsuda, Toshiro Mifune and George Kennedy collides in ‘Proof of the Man’ out next week

On September 8, 2025, Arrow is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for 1977’s Proof of the Man. Movie mogul Haruki Kadokawa changed the landscape of Japanese cinema for good when he introduced the concept of the blockbuster to the country with this gripping crime drama featuring an all-star cast.

When mixed-raced Johnny Hayward (Flower Travellin’ Band vocalist Joe Yamanaka) heads from his Harlem home to Tokyo, he becomes the victim of a brutal stabbing in the elevator of a plush hotel hosting a catwalk show by elite fashion designer Continue reading

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How Martial Arts Inspire Modern Gaming

When most people think of martial arts, they imagine high-flying kicks, Bruce Lee movies, or intense training montages. But martial arts aren’t just about fighting in a ring or practicing in a dojo. They’ve shaped entertainment in so many ways, especially video games. From classic arcade fighters to today’s realistic action adventures, martial arts bring a mix of discipline, skill, and excitement into the digital space. They influence not only the moves you see but also the strategies you use while playing. Let’s take a look at how martial arts continue to inspire modern gaming in surprising and exciting ways.

The Core of Fighting Mechanics

If you’ve ever played a fighting game, you’ve probably noticed how real martial arts moves are built right in. Games like Street Fighter feature moves that are inspired by actual techniques: Ryu’s famous fireball, the “Hadouken,” is based on martial arts energy blasts. In Tekken, the character Eddy Gordo fights using Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that looks like a dance but packs a punch. These details make the gameplay feel more real and give players a sense that they’re learning timing, blocking, and countering, just like martial artists do in real life.

Characters That Feel Familiar

Martial arts legends have been inspiring video games for decades. Think of Bruce Lee, whose lightning-fast moves and unique style of Jeet Kune Do inspired characters like Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat and Marshall Law in Tekken. Older games like Kung-Fu Master and Yie Ar Kung-Fu were practically love letters to martial arts cinema, with boss battles and tower levels straight out of kung-fu movies. These characters are not just fighters. They carry stories of discipline, honor, and self-discovery that connect deeply with players, making the games feel more personal and exciting.

Martial Arts in Unexpected Gaming Spaces

Martial arts don’t only live in fighting games. They often sneak into places you wouldn’t expect. Think about VR rhythm titles like Beat Saber, where players slash neon blocks in time with music, moving almost like they’re practicing sword forms. Even outside traditional video games, the influence is clear. For example, this online casino in Canada offers martial arts–themed games that capture the spirit of combat and competition. It proves that martial arts can add excitement and flair to gaming experiences that go far beyond punches and kicks.

The Lessons Behind the Punches

Martial arts aren’t only about flashy kicks and punches. They’re built on discipline, patience, and growth. Some modern games really capture this idea. For example, the game Sifu uses Bak Mei kung fu as the main fighting style, and it has a unique twist: every time your character dies, they age. You might hit harder but lose health faster, which mirrors how real martial artists gain wisdom and skill through struggle but also face the limits of the body. It turns a simple fighting game into a story about learning, sacrifice, and becoming stronger over time.

Martial Arts in Story-Driven Adventures

Beyond the arcade brawlers, martial arts ideas have shaped some of the most memorable action and adventure games. Titles such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice bring authentic sword techniques to life, making every battle feel like a test of timing and focus. Ghost of Tsushima goes further, blending samurai combat with deep lessons about honor, sacrifice, and identity. Even Dragon Ball games take cues from martial arts storytelling, with themes of training, rivalry, and self-mastery. These games show how martial arts aren’t just about fighting. They’re about growth, resilience, and the journey of becoming stronger.

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Don Lee is a gym teacher with a very particular set of skills! ‘The Villagers’ arriving on Digital and Blu-ray on October 7th

"The Villagers" Theatrical Poster

“The Villagers” Theatrical Poster

On October 7, 2025, Well Go USA is releasing The Villagers (aka Ordinary People) on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD. Written and directed by Im Jin-soon (Men of Plastic), this 2018 South Korean thriller stars Ma Dong-seok, aka Don Lee (Derailed, Roundup: Punishment).

Ki-chul (Don Lee) is sent to a high school in the country as its new gym teacher and has a hard time adjusting to his new environment and feels that there’s something definitely wrong about the town and its people. Yu-jin (Kim Sae-ron) is a high school student whose best friend disappeared without a trace. Everyone believes she ran away from home but Yu-jin is the only one who thinks she’s been kidnapped. With the help of Ki-chul, she sets out a dangerous path to uncover the truth


The film also stars Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Ip Man 4: The Finale | Blu-ray | Only $9.19 – Expires soon!

Ip Man 4: The Finale | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Ip Man 4: The Finale | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Ip Man 4: The Finale (read our review). The film sees the return of Donnie Yen (Chasing the Dragon) as the legendary martial arts figure, Ip Man.

Following the death of his wife, Ip Man travels to San Francisco to ease tensions between the local kung fu masters and his star student, Bruce Lee, while searching for a better future for his son.

Joining Yen this time around is Chris Collins (Paradox), Vanness Wu (Dragon Squad), Scott Adkins (The Debt Collector) and of course, Danny Chan Kwok-kwan (Ip Man 3) returns as Bruce Lee. Acclaimed action director Yuen Woo-ping (Ip Man 3) will be handling the film’s fight choreography Continue reading

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A Better Tomorrow Trilogy | 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Shout)

On November 18, 2025, Shout is releasing the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray for A Better Tomorrow Trilogy, which includes 1986’s A Better Tomorrow, 1987’s A Better Tomorrow II and 1989’s A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon.

Brace yourself for the action-packed A Better Tomorrow Trilogy! This legendary and highly influential saga, whose impact shaped cinema both in Hong Kong and Hollywood, brought filmmakers John Woo and Tsui Hark to new heights of fame, and launched Continue reading

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Hard Boiled | 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Shout)

On November 4, 2025, Shout is releasing the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray for Hard Boiled, John Woo’s 1992 Hong Kong action masterpiece.

A tough-as-nails cop (Chow Yun-fat) hell-bent on bringing down the gun smugglers responsible for his partners’ death, along with an undercover cop (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) whose secret identity as a hitman hangs by a thread. The film raises gunfights to an art form, with some of the most celebrated action sequences ever.  Continue reading

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11 Rebels, Jade Leung and more! Here’s what’s streaming on Hi-YAH for the month of September

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Releases for the month of September.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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The Black Panther of Shaolin | Blu-ray (AGFA)

The Black Panther of Shaolin | Blu-ray (AGFA)

The Black Panther of Shaolin | Blu-ray (AGFA)

On September 30, 2025, AGFA is releasing a Blu-ray for Ernesto Ventura’s The Black Panther of Shaolin (aka Bamboo Trap), a 1975 martial arts actioner starring Leo Fong (Low Blow), Ron Van Clief (Fist of Fear, Touch of Death) and George Estregan (Pepeng Shotgun).

This release also includes 1973’s The Black Six and Martial Arts Mayhem Volumes 1-3. Read the official details below:

A skull-smashing double feature from the AGFA grindhouse! Once lost and never legitimately released on home video, The Black Panther of Shaolin is a Filipino knockout that finds martial arts legends Ron Van Clief and Leo Fong locked in mortal combat with a gang of kidnappers.

From Continue reading

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

Hidden Face (2024) Review

"Hidden Face" Theatrical Poster

“Hidden Face” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Dae-woo
Cast: Song Seung-heon, Cho Yeo-jeong, Park Ji-Hyun, Park Ji-Young, Park Sung-Geun
Running Time: 115 min.

By Paul Bramhall 

Hidden Face marks the return of a long missing in action genre for not only Korea’s film industry, but cinema in general – the erotic thriller. While the jury is still out on if we’re currently in a new Puritan age of cinema, what can’t be denied is that sex has largely disappeared from the movies we watch in recent years, to the point that there was even a study conducted in 2019 that confirmed the same (the study concluded that in terms of depictions of sex onscreen in mainstream productions, the most comparable era we’re living is the 1960’s).

While in Hollywood eroticism in cinema peaked in the 1990’s, in Korea it was arguably the 1980’s, when the 1982 released Madame Aema (of which the recent Netflix series Aema adapted its tumultuous production) kicked off the decades wave of erotic cinema, a result of the government loosening its censorship rules of how much skin could be shown Continue reading

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