Don’t get bitten by a pig in Kim Seok-jung’s ‘Zombie School’

"Zombie School" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Zombie School" Korean Theatrical Poster

With upcoming titles like Maggie, Life After Beth and a possible World War Z sequel, the zombie genre is alive and well. Now, a South Korean zombie flick is on the verge of being released… George Romero, move over! Get ready for Kim Seok-Jung’s Zombie School!

Here’s the plot: Jung-sik (Baek Seo-bin) is a troublemaker and a bully, so he’s transferred to reformatory school, located on a lonely island where diseased pigs are buried alive. But when one of the pigs escapes a pit and rage fully attacks the teachers, the school becomes a zombie union! Now, Jung-sik and his friends have to survive or become zombies themselves!

Update: Better late than never… here’s the trailerZombie School will get a domestic release on September 25, 2014.

Posted in News |

Well Go USA sets off ‘As The Lights Go Out’ on November 18th

"As The Lights Go Out" Blu-ray Cover

"As The Lights Go Out" Blu-ray Cover

To save Hong Kong from an fiery disaster, a team of dedicated firefighters battle an out-of-control blaze that threatens to plunge the city into catastrophic darkness in As The Lights Go Out, blazing onto Blu-ray, DVD and digital November 18th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Written and directed by Derek Kwok (Gallants), the action-packed suspense drama stars Nicholas Tse (The Stool Pigeon), Shawn Yue (Legend of the Fist), Simon Yam (Iceman 3D), Hu Jun (Firestorm), William Chan (Triad), Bai Bing (The Viral Factor), Andy On (Special ID) and a cameo by the legendary Jackie Chan (CZ12).

Synopsis: It’s Christmas Eve in Hong Kong, and while the residents prepare to celebrate, a dedicated band of brothers – the firefighters of Pillar Point Division (Tse, Yue, On) – are dispatched to a warehouse fire. What they find there first plunges the city into darkness, then threatens a far worse fate for them all. When every move could mean sudden death, the bonds between the men are tested, and dangerous truths uncovered. Will they be able to trust each other enough to make it through the night, saving themselves and the city they’ve sworn to protect?

As The Lights Go Out hits Blu-ray and DVD on November 18th, so pre-order today. Until then, don’t miss the original trailer.

Posted in News |

Never mind The Expendables, ‘Raw Force’ is coming to Blu-ray!

"Raw Force" Blu-ray Cover

"Raw Force" Blu-ray Cover

Vinegar Syndrome has announced a Blu-ray/DVD combo release for the 1982 cult classic, Raw Force (aka Kung Fu Cannibals or Shogun Island), a U.S./Filipino martial arts action film directed by Edward D. Murphy (Heated Vengeance) and starring John Dresden (Final Mission), Geoffrey Binney (Hot Potato), Jewel Shepard (Return of the Living Dead) and Camille Keaton (I Spit on Your Grave).

Raw Force involves a group of mercenaries (headed by Dresden) who arrive on an island to battle a group of cannibal monks, ninja warriors, piranhas and zombies; not to mention a Hitler lookalike, who runs a female slavery operation!

The Blu-ray/DVD combo for Raw Force hits on October 7th, which can now be pre-ordered at Amazon.com. Don’t miss the trailer.

Posted in News |

Steven Seagal’s ‘Gutshot Straight’ hits DVD on December 2nd

"Gutshot Straight" DVD Cover

"Gutshot Straight" DVD Cover

THE MOVIE: When a gambler named Jack is down on his luck, he makes a deal with a slick-talking, wealthy man in Las Vegas to make some quick money in order to repay his debts. When the deal turns deadly, Jack must learn to play smarter in order to get ahead of the game.

Steven Seagal is back in Gutshot Straight, a crime thriller directed by Justin Steele (Death and Cremation). Don’t let the misleading poster fool you: Seagal is only a co-star of an entourage cast that includes George Eads (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), AnnaLynne McCord (Scorned), Stephen Lang (In the Blood), Ted Levine (A Single Shot), Vinnie Jones (Midnight Meat Train) and Tia Carrere (Showdown in Little Tokyo).

Also, if you’re expecting Seagal to snap necks and break bones, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Judging from the trailer, Seagal’s role looks like it’s dialogue-based. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

BREAKING NEWS: Lionsgate is releasing the Gutshot Straight DVD on December 2. Check out the new artwork.

Posted in News |

The Art of War | Blu-ray (Warner)

The Art of War | Blu-ray (Warner)

The Art of War | Blu-ray (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2015

Warner presents the Blu-ray for The Art of War, starring Wesley Snipes (The Blade Trilogy), Marie Matiko (The Corruptor), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Mortal Kombat), Michael Biehn (Terminator), Donald Sutherland (Hunger Games), James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China), Glen Chin (Knock-Off) and Ron Yuan (The Girl from the Naked Eye).

Fun Fact: The Art of War was intended to be Jet Li’s first starring role in a Hollywood movie, but after he turned it down for Romeo Must Die, the lead role was given to Snipes.

Pre-order The Art of War from Amazon.com today!

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

Flu, The (2013) Review

"The Flu" Korean Theatrical Poster

“The Flu” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Sung-Soo
Cast: Jang Hyuk, Soo Ae, Park Min-ha, Yoo Hae-jin, Ma Dong-seok, Lee Hee-joon, Kim Ki-hyeon
Running Time: 121 min.

By Kyle Warner

Films about deadly outbreaks are cinema’s new favorite kind of disaster movie. I guess it’s easy to understand why. Movies about floods and tsunamis remind us too much of the recent disasters in New Orleans and Japan. Earthquakes make for grim stories, not blockbuster entertainment, and there’s only so much you can do with a tornado movie. The outbreak sub-genre allows filmmakers to have fun with the ‘what if’ of the disaster movie again, because we’ve yet to see such horrifying scenarios play out on a truly massive scale. Similar to how we made films about the horrors of radiation in the 1950’s, we now seem obsessed with the concept of annihilation via infectious disease…

The latest film to play with our fears of ‘what if’ is Sung-su Kim’s The Flu. It begins when a shipping crate of illegal immigrants is brought into South Korea. At the beginning of the trip, somebody inside the crate has a cough. By the time the crate finally arrives at its destination, everyone inside is dead with the exception of patient zero. It’s not long before the infected man is loose in the city of Bundang, unknowingly spreading a deadly virus to all those he comes in contact with.

At the center of the story are two heroes, a rescue worker named Ji-goo (Hyuk Jang) and a doctor named In-hae (Soo Ae). Before the virus becomes an epidemic, we are treated to one of the most awkward and unnecessary romances in recent memory, as Ji-goo saves In-hae in one of the opening scenes and then tries to woo her despite the total lack of chemistry shared between them. The first twenty minutes play out like a romantic comedy with a bird flu subplot. It’s awful.

So, it’s almost a relief when panic takes over the city and people start vomiting blood in the streets.

The Flu is at its best during its darkest moments. Scenes of mass hysteria are well done and the many extras in the film give it an epic scope. Soon the government starts rounding up the citizens of Bundang and sending them to camps where they will be tested and studied. Moments where the citizens are forced to strip and march towards a dark unknown are truly unnerving, bringing to mind images of the Holocaust. Rumors begin circulating throughout the camp that the infected are being executed. The truth is far worse, however… The film’s cinematographer Mo-gae Lee (I Saw the Devil) is one of the best in the business and he captures some great visuals in these dark moments of the film.

On the outside looking in is the President of South Korea (In-pyo Cha). Constantly aware that the world is watching his every move, the President vows to help the people of Bundang, but it won’t be an easy task. Making his job even harder are the bickering bureaucrats who seem too worried about their own jobs and the American experts from the CDC who are concerned about the virus going global. It’s nothing new but it works to up the suspense.

It’s too bad that director Sung-su Kim and co-writer Yeong-jong Lee seem not to trust their own dark vision. They overpopulate the film with melodrama, romances that the viewer never buys into, and stupid character choices that had me pulling my hair out. Thankfully the comic elements of the film fade into memory (indeed, the first twenty minutes feel like an entirely different film by the time the end credits roll), but we’re still forced to sit through a dull romance between our two leads.

Undoubtedly the roles should have been written differently and the romance should have been put in the background where it belonged—but the two leads don’t help matters much by delivering some uninspired performances. Hyuk Jang does an all right job playing the hero, but besides being a nice guy, there’s not much to him. It’s also difficult to understand just why he’s so smitten with Soo Ae’s doctor. Soo Ae’s performance is difficult to like from the start, coming across as pushy and snobby. Making matters worse is that her character makes some truly stupid and selfish decisions later on. The film needed me to like her for me to accept her questionable choices. I didn’t, so I don’t.

Child actress Min-ha Park puts the two leads to shame with her role as Soo Ae’s daughter. Her performance shows off a wide range of emotions and she easily takes command of nearly every scene she’s in.

This is director Sung-su Kim’s first time behind the camera since 2003’s romantic comedy Please Teach Me English. In 2001 he directed Musa the Warrior, one of the best historical action films to come out of Korea in the past fifteen years. He’s a good director, but with The Flu I can sort of sense him second-guessing himself. Underneath it all, there is a lean, mean disaster thriller here—but maybe he felt that wasn’t enough to get people in the theatre. Overcrowding the film with a bad romance and some soap opera melodrama almost kills the movie. But thankfully the good stuff outweighs the bad. Anyway, here’s hoping that Kim doesn’t take so long before making his next film.

The Flu is not the finest example of the genre, but it’s far from being the worst. If you can ignore the things it does wrong, then you may enjoy it for the many more things it does right.

Kyle Warner’s Rating: 6/10

Posted in Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Cityonfire.com’s ‘American Muscle’ Blu-ray Giveaway! – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

"American Muscle" Blu-ray Cover

"American Muscle" Blu-ray Cover

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of American Muscle to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. If you’ve never heard of it, watch the trailer.

To enter, simply add a comment to this post with your answer to the following question: What’s your favorite revenge flick? Please explain. We will be selecting a winner at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, you must ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for American Muscle will be officially released on September 30, 2014, so we will announce the 3 winners on that day and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by September 29, 2014 to qualify. U.S. residents only please. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors. Winners must respond with their mailing address within 48 hours, otherwise you will automatically be disqualified. No exceptions. Contest is subject to change without notice.

CONGRATULATIONS: Chris, Melanie A and Adam S. You have been notified via email!

Posted in News | Tagged |

‘You’re Next’ duo to helm ‘I Saw the Devil’ English remake

"I Saw the Devil" Theatrical Poster

"I Saw the Devil" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Producers Adi Shankar (Dredd) and Spencer Silna (Escape Plan) have acquired English language remake rights to Kim Jee Woon’s I Saw the Devil, which is widely regarded as the most violent and elaborate revenge story ever told onscreen.

Shankar says, “Kim Jee Woon’s I Saw the Devil is perfect in so many ways. The intention is not to remake the film per say but rather to ‘port’ it console style for international audiences.”

We’ll keep you updated on this project. In the meantime, if you haven’t seen I Saw the Devil, purchase it right now. You won’t be sorry.

Updates: According to Collider, director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett – the duo responsible for directing and writing both You’re Next and The Guest, respectively – have been hired to direct/write the English language remake of I Saw the Devil.

Posted in News |

Cityonfire.com’s ‘Firestorm’ Blu-ray Giveaway! – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Firestorm | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Firestorm | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Andy Lau’s Firestorm to three lucky Cityonfire visitors.

To enter, simply add a comment to this post with your answer to the following question: What’s your favorite movie with the word “fire” or “storm” in its title? Please explain. We will be selecting a winner at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, you must ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for Firestorm will be officially released on September 23, 2014, so we will announce the 3 winners on September 24, 2014 and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by September 22, 2014 to qualify. U.S. residents only please. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors. Winners must respond with their mailing address within 48 hours, otherwise you will automatically be disqualified. No exceptions. Contest is subject to change without notice.

CONGRATULATIONS: Stan B, Nick and Shaun W. You have been notified via email!

Posted in News | Tagged |

Guardian | DVD (Millennium)

Guardian | DVD (Millennium)

Guardian | DVD (Millennium)

RELEASE DATE: October 21, 2014

Millennium presents the DVD for the Indonesian action thriller, Guardian. If you’re a fan of Merantau, The Raid or The Raid 2, then Guardian might be your cup of tea. Just keep in mind, this is definitely an action flick where guys take the back seat!

Written and directed by Helfi Kardit (Suster Keramas), Guardian stars Sarah Carter (DOA: Dead or Alive), Dominique Diyose (Love for Share), Belinda Camesi (Laskar Cilia) and Tio Pakusadewo (The Raid 2: Berandal). Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Guardian from Amazon.com today!

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

Deal on Fire! Sorcerer and the White Snake | Blu-ray | Only $9.91 – Expires soon!

"Sorcerer and the White Snake" Blu-ray Cover

"Sorcerer and the White Snake" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Sorcerer and the White Snake, directed by the legendary Ching Siu-tung (Duel to the Death) and starring martial arts superstar Jet Li (Flying Swords of Dragon Gate).

The story centers around a man who falls in love with a 1000 year old white snake disguised as a woman. Discovering the white snake’s true identity, the sorcerer goes to battle believing that in so doing, he is restoring balance and order between man and the supernatural.

Order Sorcerer and the White Snake from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles | Blu-ray (Warner)

4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles | Blu-ray (Warner)

4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles | Blu-ray (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: October 28, 2014

Warner presents the Blu-ray set for the 4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles Collection. This 4 disc set includes 1995’s Mortal Kombat, 1997’s Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, 2011’s Mortal Kombat: Legacy and 1997’s Spawn.

The above films feature the following stars: Michael Jai White, Matt Mullins, Darren Shahlavi, Robin Shou, Christopher Lambert, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, John Leguizamo and Martin Sheen.

Pre-order 4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles from Amazon.com today!

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

Exclusive North American trailer for ‘Friend 2: The Legacy’

Friend 2: The Legacy | DVD (Inception Media)

Friend 2: The Legacy | DVD (Inception Media)

Filmmaker Kwak Kyung-taek, the acclaimed director of the original Friend, is back with Friend 2 (aka Chingu 2), a South Korean crime/drama about three generations of gangsters.

Friend 2 begins 17 years after the events of the first movie. Yoo Oh-Sung (Champion) reprises his role as Joon-seok, who has just been released from prison. He now faces a world that is unfamiliar to him as the leader of a criminal organization.

Friend 2 also stars Joo Jin-mo (A Better Tomorrow) and Kim Woo-bin (Runway Cop). Watch the Korean trailer.

Updates: Watch our exclusive North American trailer for CJ Entertainment’s Friend 2 DVD release, which will be available to purchase on September 16th, so pre-order today!

Posted in News |

September delivers Yen, Lau, Leone, Sakaguchi, Walker, Mothra, Godzilla, Gangsters, Psychos and more!

Warrior Princess | aka Queen Ahno | DVD (Lionsgate)

Warrior Princess | aka Queen Ahno | DVD (Lionsgate)

It’s the tail end of the summer and it’s time to cool off and catch up on some must-see movies! So, get ready for the latest roll of new Blu-ray & DVD releases handpicked by cityonfire.com!

For the month of September, we have an amazing list of action, sci fi, gangster, cult, horror, martial arts, kaiju flicks, Asian shoot ’em ups and even one of the most important Anime series of all time!

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles, we’re hoping you’ll click on our Amazon.com links to show your support towards cityonfire.com.

14 Blades: September 2, 2014

Anchor Bay presents the Blu-ray and DVD for 2010’s 14 Blades, starring Donnie Yen and directed by Daniel Lee (White Vengeance). 14 Blades is a kung fu thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and centered on a secret service agent (Yen) in the emperor’s court who is betrayed and then hunted by his colleagues.

Baby Blues: September 2, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Baby Blues, directed by Leong Po Chih (Hong Kong 1941). When a young couple moves into a home, they find a doll that changes their lives forever (and not in a good way). Originally released in 3D during its 2013 theatrical release, Baby Blues is bound to please The Ring and The Conjuring fans.

Space Raiders: September 2, 2014

Scorpion Releasing presents the DVD for 1983’s Space Raiders, directed by Howard R. Cohen (Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans). If you need something to hold you down while waiting for Star Wars: Episode VII, I have two words for you: Space Raiders! This entertaining cult/sci fi flick features recycled footage, special effects from music from 1980’s Battle Beyond the Stars. Hey, at least they were being resourceful, right?

Tomio: September 9, 2014

Tokyo Shock presents the DVD for 2011’s Tomio, a Japanese horror film directed by Junji Ito (writer of Uzumaki). Based on Ito’s manga franchise, Tomie, Yuki Furukawa plays a young man named Tomio who visits a fortune teller with his girlfriend. While there, he meets a sexy and mysterious older woman (Aya Kiguchi) who clouds his mind. Tomio features creature effects and make up supervised by Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police).

Brick Mansions: September 9, 2014

Fox presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Brick Mansions, a remake Pierre Morel’s Parkour-based action film District B13 (aka Banlieue 13). It stars the late Paul Walker, RZA and Parkour co-founder David Belle (who is reprising District 13 role), and like the original, the plot is as follows: An undercover cop tries to take down a ruthless crime lord with access to a a neutron bomb by infiltrating his gang.

Horror Mansion: The Blind: September 9, 2014

Tokyo Shock presents the DVD for Ochazukenori’s Horror Mansion: The Blind, a 2011 Japanese horror flick. One night, Sakura (Aizawa Rina) witnesses a murder through the blinds of her apartment. However, she is unable to identify the killer because he’s masked. The more Sakura thinks about it, she begins to suspect her older sister’s boyfriend as the murderer! Horror Mansion: The Blind features creature effects and make up supervised by Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police).

Mothra Triple Feature: September 9, 2014

Sony presents the Blu-ray for the Mothra Triple Feature. In 1996’s Rebirth of Mothra, the three-headed Desghidorah begins to destroy Japan, so Mothra leaves her island paradise to help save it. In 1997’s Rebirth of Mothra II, two young kids unleash a giant sea creature. Mothra’s keepers, the tiny twins Moll and Lora, quickly rouse the gentle giant in order to combat this latest threat to peace. In 1998’s Rebirth of Mothra III, King Ghidorah returns to destroy the Earth. Now it’s up to Mothra to stop it!

Godzilla Double Feature: September 9, 2014

Sony presents the Blu-ray for the Godzilla Double Feature, featuring 2002’s Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and 2001’s Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. In Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla: After the appearance of a new Godzilla, the government builds a robotic Godzilla from the bones of the original monster that attacked in 1954. In Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, three ancient guardian beasts awaken to protect Japan against Godzilla.

Godzilla 2000 –  US & Japanese Cuts: September 9, 2014

Sony presents the Blu-ray for 1999’s Godzilla 2000, which features both the 99 minute U.S. version 99 minutes, and the 107 minute Japanese version! The action heats up when a UFO reveals itself as a massive alien monster with awesome destructive powers. The alien monster heads straight for the behemoth Godzilla who’s just crushed the entire city for the battle of the millennium. But Godzilla’s furious heat beam may not be enough to destroy the death-dealing alien, and the future of humankind is in jeopardy.

Friend 2: The Legacy: September 16, 2014

Inception Media presents the DVD for Friend 2: The Legacy. Directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, Friend 2 (aka Chingu 2) is an upcoming South Korean film about three generations of gangsters, starring Yu Oh-seong (Friend), Joo Jin-mo (A Better Tomorrow) and Kim Woo-bin (Runway Cop). It’s the sequel to the 2001 box-office hit Friend, which was also directed by Kwak Kyung-taek.

Evil Feed: September 16, 2014

Screen Media presents the DVD for Kimani Ray Smith’s Evil Feed. A group of young martial artists infiltrate an underground pit fighting ring where the loser is chopped up and served in a Chinese restaurant called The Long Pig… two men enter, one course leaves! If you tap out, you’re take out!

Texas Chain Saw Massacre – 40th Anniversary Edition: September 16, 2014

MPI Media Group presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Tobe Hooper’s 1974 cult horror film Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In this new 40th Anniversary Edition, the classic film has undergone a new 4K restoration by NOLO Digital Film.

Warrior Princess: September 16, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Shuudertsetseg Baatarsuren’s Warrior Princess (aka Queen Ahno), Mongolia’s highest-grossing film to date! In a time when honor was everything, discover how one woman’s (Otgonjargal Davaasuren) sacrifice inspired the courage of a nation’s army in their fight for freedom! Based on the true story of Queen Ahno of Mongolia, who gave her life to save her husband and sons in battle.

Godzilla (2014): September 16, 2014

Warner presents the Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D & DVD for 2014’s Godzilla. In this sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world’s most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Firestorm: September 23, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Firestorm, starring Andy Lau. This high-octane action/thriller is set in modern day Hong Kong. It follows Lau as a senior police inspector out to bring a vicious gang of thieves to justice.

Found: September 23, 2014

Xlrator presents the DVD for Scott Schirmer’s Found. Marty is the ideal fifth grader. He gets good grades, listens to his teachers, and doesn’t start trouble in class. But a darkness is beginning to fall over his life. Classmates won’t stop picking on him, his parents don’t understand him, and now Marty must grapple with a terrible secret that threatens to destroy life as he knows it — his big brother is a serial killer!  Found is known of its gore and disturbing subject matter. Nevertheless, it’s critically acclaimed for being a work of cinematic art!

Game of Assassins: September 23, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Matt Eskandari’s Game of Assassins (aka The Gauntlet). A group of misfits find themselves trapped in what they believe to be an underground incinerator, and come together in the hope of discovering a way out. But they quickly realize that to get out alive, they’ll each be tested in ways that are specific to their past – ways that will leave their future changed forever. Game of Assassins stars Dustin Nguyen (Once Upon a Time in Vietnam), Bai Ling (The Crow), Jaime Ray Newman and Warren Kole.

Danger Dolls: September 23, 2014

Millennium Entertainment presents the DVD for Danger Dolls, directed by Shusuke Kaneko, creator of the 1990s Gamera series, the manga-inspired Death Note films and Godzilla, Mothra & King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, which many consider to be the best entry in the entire Godzilla film series. Danger Dolls follows a quartet of cute idol singers who moonlight as butt-kicking action heroines.

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1: September 23, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for the Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1, a 4-disc set that includes Episodes 1-18. This action-filled collection that contains the landmark 1985 television broadcast version – along with the original and uncut episodes from the Japanese series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross.

Samurai Cop: September 30, 2014

Cinema Epoch presents the Blu-ray for 1991’s Samurai Cop. Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazer) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) team up to take on the Yakuza in this 1991 cult classic. Directed by the late Amir Shervan (Killing American Style), Samurai Cop found a whole new audience during its midnight theatrical circuit and film festival re-release.

Krull: September 30, 2014

Mill Creek Entertainment presents the Blu-ray for 1983’s Krull, directed by Peter Yates (Bullitt). This British-American, fantasy-science fiction film follows a prince and a fellowship of companions who set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet. When I was a kid, I used to think this movie was about an oversized ninja star!

Osaka Badass: September 30, 2014

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Takahiro Ishihara’s Osaka Badass (aka Snake of Violence). This crime-filled epic revolves around three troubled youth and their intense history with the Yakuza. Elitsi calls Osaka Badass “A higher class of cinema.” Osaka Badass stars Tak Sakaguchi (Versus), Takashi Nishina, Kanade Matsuzaki, Takaya Yamaki, Arata Yamanaka and Nanako Kodama.

Osaka Violence: September 30, 2014

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Takahiro Ishihara’s Osaka Violence. After witnessing a gang murder, 12 year old Masashi asks his father what he’d do if he were killed by a Yakuza. Exact vengeance his father promptly replies. The next day, in an unfortunate turn of fate, Masashi’s father is hospitalized with serious injuries, leaving Masashi on his own. Osaka Violence stars Ryosuke Kimura, Shouji Oomiya, Yuusuke Mizuno, Taro Saba and Hisashi Ueno.

Stunt Squad: September 30, 2014

Raro Video USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1977’s Stunt Squad, directed by Domenico Paolella (Hercules and the Tyrants of Babylon). Also known as Elimination Force or La polizia è sconfitta, this poliziottesco film stars Marcel Bozzuffi, Vittorio Mezzogiorno, Riccardo Salvino and Claudia Giannotti. The character of Mezzogiorno is described as “perhaps the most gruesome and ruthless villain of the Italian crime cinema.”

American Muscle: September 30, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Rafvi Dhar’s American Muscle. Falcon (Nick Principe) did 10 years of hard time in prison, now he’s got 24 hours to get revenge on every person who sent him there. It isn’t exactly a post-apocalyptic flick, but judging from the trailer, it has enough road action, sex and brutal violence to keep up us pre-occupied until Mad Max: Fury Road finally gets released.

Once Upon a Time in America: Extended Director’s Cut: September 30, 2014

Warner presents the Blu-ray & DVD combo for 1984’s Once Upon a Time in America: Extended Director’s Cut, directed by Sergio Leone (Dollars Trilogy). The Extended Director’s Cut (251 minutes) contains the Extended Director’s Cut, the 1984 theatrical edition, Digital HD with UltraViolet, plus the 32-page book with rare photos and chronicles of the movie’s production,

Looking for new import releases?
If you’re looking for a new import release, please visit DDDhouse.com. The trusted retailer carries new and upcoming releases that are not yet available in North America, such as Donnie Yen’s Iceman and Louis Koo’s Z Storm.

Posted in News |

14 Blades (2010) Review

"14 Blades" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“14 Blades” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Daniel Lee
Writer: Abe Kwong, Daniel Lee
Cast: Donnie Yen, Vicky Zhao Wei, Wu Chun, Qi Yu Wu, Kate Tsui, Chen Kuan Tai, Wu Ma, Sammo Hung, Xu Xiang Dong, Chen Zhi Hui, An Ruiyun, Ding Xiao Lung, Fung Hak On, Lam Chi Tai, Damian Lau, Law Kar Ying
Running Time: 114 min.

By Kyle Warner

Donnie Yen’s 14 Blades was first released internationally back in 2010. The film took its time making its way to the US, finally debuting here in 2014. Was it worth the wait? Well… no. But it’s not without its charms, however familiar they may be.

Taking place during the time of the Ming Dynasty, the film focuses on the Jinyiwei, the military police/super assassins who served the Emperor. As depicted in the film, the Jinyiwei were made up almost entirely of orphans, and were trained from an early age in ways of combat and assassination. Stripped of their names and their humanity, the new inductees were trained until there was nothing left but obedient killing machines. The story begins when the Jinyiwei leader Qinglong (Donnie Yen) is tasked with assassinating an official and retrieving a sacred treasure in his possession… but not all is at it seems. The mission is a lie, just the first part of a detailed conspiracy to overthrow the Emperor. During his mission, Qinglong learns that the sacred treasure is in fact the Emperor’s Seal. Before he can figure out what it all means, the Seal is stolen, Qinglong’s men are slaughtered, and he is made to look like a traitor and a thief.

The beginning of the film is shot on dark sets with drab colors and oppressive shadows. It’s like kung fu noir and I found it to be an interesting choice of style. However, when Qinglong goes on the run, he escapes to sunny desert locales and the entire visual scheme of the film changes. The film’s visual style is cut in two and it’s the first sign of writer/director Daniel Lee’s uncertainty about what to do with the movie he’s making.

Some have criticized the film’s overuse of CGI and wirework in its fight scenes—as is their right—however, I believe that the use of technology fits with the kind of film Lee was trying to make here. Reading the description, it sounds like just another historical action movie, but I’m almost convinced that 14 Blades was trying to be a Ming Dynasty superhero epic. Donnie Yen’s hero runs around with a box of fourteen special blades, most of which pop out with a mechanical whir, like some kind of giant, automated Swiss Army knife. The film’s most prominent villain, Tuo Tuo (Kate Tsui), jumps around with a metal whip and some serious dreadlocks, always accompanied by the sound of rattlesnakes. Tuo Tuo also has the ability to disappear and reappear during fights (always losing one layer of clothing in the process). On top of that we also get Sammo Hung as a conniving Prince who walks around on crutches and peg legs, Chun Wu as a Jack Sparrow-like bandit of the desert, and some random assassin who jumps out of a coffin on the side of the road (played by an almost unrecognizable Chen Kuan Tai). Oh, and at one point Donnie Yen beats up a couple guys with a chicken dinner. It’s an odd little film, and I personally liked these moments of strangeness and all the colorful characters.

… So it’s a shame that Donnie Yen’s character is so flat by comparison. Yen plays the part of the stoic hero well, grimacing and glaring at all those who share a scene with him, but there’s simply not much to the role. Zhao Wei plays the female lead, a character who helps Qinglong in his quest, alternating back and forth between willing ally and unwilling hostage for most of the film’s runtime. Her primary role in the film is to constantly remind Qinglong that the world is in need of heroes—which is about as obvious as sitting down across from Bruce Wayne and talking about how much Gotham needs Batman. Still, despite a rather bland role, I think the film needed her. Zhao Wei effortlessly brings humor and warmth to the film almost singlehandedly, which helps in the moments when Donnie Yen is not kicking ass.

My main issue with the film is that the plot is so bland and features so many borrowed parts. The stolen Seal of the Emperor is about as dull a McGuffin that you could come up with, comparable only with the spy genre’s missing microfilm. And of course there’s also an evil eunuch in the film, because you always need one of those.

These borrowed ideas and uninspired plot twists wouldn’t matter so much if the colorful nature if the film had more depth to it. Sammo Hung with peg legs sounds like an interesting character, but he only has one scene of note. Chun Wu’s bandit leader is actually kind of fun, but he comes from out of nowhere. There is a scene where Yen and Wu meet for the first time, then fight, then end the scene by agreeing to help each other with a heist. Um, okay? Who is this guy and why do you trust him? Most puzzling of all are the 14 blades. It’s an interesting device with some cool weapons tucked away inside it, but we never really get a good look at the blades themselves. In the end, the device and its blades never amounted to much.

Watching Daniel Lee’s films, I can’t decide if he’s lacking talent as a writer, a director, or both. Lee’s 2011 film White Vengeance was well written and featured a few decent performances. However, the historical epic also featured awful action sequences, poor editing, and a dull visual style. 14 Blades feels like the opposite side of the coin, where the action is the best part of the film, and the writing is its weak point. Daniel Lee’s career has been marked by inconsistency and indecision about what kind of filmmaker he wants to be. This trend continues with 14 Blades.

Fellow contributor Paul Bramhall notes that 14 Blades is a remake of the Shaw Bros. film Secret Service of the Imperial Court (aka Police Pool of Blood). I have not seen the original, so I cannot comment on the differences in plot or quality between the 1984 film and Daniel Lee’s adaptation.

Donnie Yen is one of the busiest movie stars in the world. With a seemingly constant output of new films, some productions are bound to fall shorter than others. 14 Blades is not the next Ip Man, Dragon (aka Wu Xia), or Iceman… but I’d put it a notch higher than Special ID and The Legend of the Fist. I think in time, 14 Blades will be remembered more as a curiosity. It’s a film with unfulfilled potential and some half-baked ideas, but it’s not devoid of entertainment value. Watch it for the action and you might have an okay time.

Kyle Warner’s Rating: 5/10

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