A Good Man | DVD (Lionsgate)

A Good Man | DVD (Lionsgate)

A Good Man | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: August 19, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for A Good Man. Steven Seagal re-teams with director/producer Keoni Waxman (Force of Execution) for the 5th time. After an illustrious special ops career ends in disaster, Alexander (Seagal) goes off the grid and attempts to lead a quiet life as a handyman at an apartment complex. But when one of his tenants and her family fall under the thumb of a Russian gangster, Alexander is dragged into an all-out war between rival Chinese and Russian gangs. Tzi Ma (Rapid Fire, Rush Hour, Dark Vengeance), Victor Webster and Massimo Dobrovic also star. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order A Good Man from Amazon.com today!

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

Danger Dolls | DVD (Millennium)

Danger Dolls | DVD (Millennium)

Danger Dolls | DVD (Millennium)

RELEASE DATE: 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. The film stars Rina Takeda (High Kick Girl), Nana Seino (star of Sion Sono’s upcoming Tokyo Tribe), Rumi Hanai, Kayano and Noboru Kaneko. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Danger Dolls from Amazon.com.

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

Fists of Legend (2013) Review

"Fists of Legend" DVD Cover

"Fists of Legend" DVD Cover

Director: Kang Woo-Suk
Writer: Jang Min-Suk
Producer: Son Jung-Woo, Jung Sun-Young
Cast: Hwang Jung-Min, Yu Jun-Sang, Yoon Je-Moon, Jung Woong-In, Park Jung-Min, Gu Won, Park Doo-Sik, Lee Jung-Hyuk, Lee Yo-Won, Sung Ji-Ru, Ji-Woo, Kang Shin-Il, Kang Sung-Jin, Seo Beom-sik
Running Time: 153 min.

By oneleaf

Fists of Legend is a Korean action-drama directed by mega hit-maker Woo Suk-Kang (Glove, Silmido, Moss, Public Enemy) and scripted by Min-Seok Jang (Secret Reunion, Traces of Love). It’s about three aging men competing in a reality TV show called “Legendary Fighter,” billed as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” In the show, contestants (many of whom were legendary street fighters in their youth) fight professionals and each other to win prize money.

Other than the similar title to Jet Li’s classic hit Fist of Legend (1994), the film bears no resemblance to the former. The title came from its inspiration, the webcomic Legendary Fist, illustrated by Lee Yoon-Gyun and written by Lee Jong-Gyu (published November 25, 2010 to May 19, 2011 via web portal).

Hwang Jeong-min (Man in Love, New World, Dancing Queen) plays Lim Deok-kyu, an aspiring boxer in his youth with dreams of entering the Olympics, but was robbed of his one opportunity by corrupt judges. He now runs a struggling noodle shop and has trouble making ends meet. He has an alienated daughter – an outcast – who’s constantly bullied by her high school mates. His mom, who helps him out at the noodle shop, also gives him a hard time over his financial woes.

Shin Jae-seok (Yun Je-moon of My Dictator, Messenger) is an aging third rate wanna-be gangster who never quite made it to the top hierarchy of organized crime. He is still single and meandering aimlessly through life as a low level thug without any real friends. Shin and Lim were rivals during their high school days, but later struck up an unusual friendship.

Lee Sang-hoon (Yoo Jun-sang of Running Man), was another feared and highly skilled fighter in his heydays in high school. He was Lim’s best friend. Now he works as an executive for Son Jin-Ho (Jung Woong-in of Veteran, Unstoppable Family), his sadistic CEO, cleaning up his boss’ mess regardless of how degrading it is. Lee does not particularly enjoy his work but has no choice but to provide for his son’s expensive schooling overseas.

Hong Kyu-min (Lee Yo-won of Take Care of My Cat, May 18) is the unscrupulous producer of “Legendary Fighter.” Ratings are her only concern. She unabashedly uses men’s desperation to troll for contestants. Seeking out legendary fighters from their youth, she came upon the three men which she shamelessly pursues for her show.

Lim, Shin, and Lee will once again have a reunion after so many years, not in a restaurant, but in the final elimination rounds of the show. Their friendship and loyalty will be put to the test, as will their fighting skills. Who will emerge victorious remains to be seen as they fight their way to the last two contestants standing.

Hwang Jeon-min as Lim Deok-kyu is excellent as the single parent of a troubled youth trying to balance his shaky relationship, while trying to run a money-losing noodle shop. A peaceful man by nature, Lim is a victim of circumstances and reluctantly enters the TV tournament in hopes of bettering his financial woes.

My favorite character in the movie is Shin Jae-seok, craftily played by Yun Je-moon. Bumbling along through life, he hasn’t achieved notoriety or fame and has not done well for himself. But underlying that ineptness is a heart of gold, and true loyalty which shines throughout the movie.

Fists of Legend is a very entertaining film that mixes drama with good action scenes in the ring. The fighting matches were shot from different angles and slow motion close ups to heighten the tension. Bloodletting and sprays from punches to the head and face were kept to a minimum and tastefully done. Kang Woo-suk, best known for his work on box office hits such as Silmido (2003) and the Public Enemy (2002-2008) trilogy has done an excellent job interweaving the drama with the action scenes. The story seamlessly brought to life the troubled lives of the three main characters.

It is apparent that Kang is an admirer of John Woo, particularly A Better Tomorrow (1986), as thematic elements of loyalty and friendship are blatantly lifted and voiced repeatedly.

Clocking in at about 154 minutes, the film is at times too long and drawn out. Certain scenes are overly dramatic, unnecessary and thematically repetitive. However, the film is worth watching.

oneleaf’s Rating: 7/10

Posted in Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged |

Poster for ‘Jackie Brown’ quasi-prequel ‘Life of Crime’

"Life of Crime" Theatrical Poster

"Life of Crime" Theatrical Poster

In the upcoming crime-thriller Life of Crime, ex-prison inmates Ordell Robbie (Mos Def) and Louis Gara (John Hawkes) join forces for one big score: To kidnap the wife (Jennifer Aniston) of a wealthy man. The only problem is her husband doesn’t want to pay her ransom. Look for it in theaters on August 29th, 2014.

Written and directed by Daniel Schechter (Supporting Characters), Life of Crime follows the past adventures of Ordell and Louis, previously played by Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro, respectively, in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. Like the latter, Life of Crime is also based on a novel by Elmore Leonard called The Switch. The film also stars Isla Fisher, Tim Robbins and Will Forte. | First trailer for Life of Crime.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the first poster.

Posted in News |

Zombie 108 | DVD (Tokyo Shock)

"Zombie 108" Promotional Poster

"Zombie 108" Promotional Poster

RELEASE DATE: TBA

Tokyo Shock presents the DVD for Joe Chien’s Zombie 108. A night on the town in Taipei turns into a bloodbath when a group of young friends discover they’ve been infected with a new strain of influenza that turns people into…zombies. Zombie 108 stars Hsiang Rong, Tai Bao and Yvonne Yao. Watch the trailer.

Also, be sure to read about Chien’s next film, Zombie Fight Club, which we describe as The Raid meets George Romero with a dash of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel and David Fincher’s movie!

Stay tuned for pre-order information.

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

Pre-order Chow Yun-Fat’s ‘The Man From Macau’ at DDDhouse.com

"The Man From Macau" Theatrical Poster

"The Man From Macau" Theatrical Poster

DDDHouse.com now has Chow Yun-Fat’s The Man From Macau on Blu-ray & DVD for a June 5th pre-order. Keep in mind that the DVD version is Region 3 coded, so you will need a multi-region DVD player to view the movie. Fortunately, the Blu-ray version is coded for region A, so it’s good to go on your current North American Blu-ray hardware.

In Wong Jing’s The Man From Macau (aka God of Gamblers 4Casino; or From Vegas To Macau), Chow Yun-fat returns to the character of Ko Chun, a world-famous gambler, so renowned and talented at winning various games of chance, that he is referred to as the God Of Gamblers. Nicholas Tse (New Police Story) and Chapman To (Men Suddenly in Black) co-star.

Posted in News |

New poster for Luc Besson’s ‘Lucy’ starring Scarlett Johansson and Choi Min-sik

"Lucy" Theatrical Poster

"Lucy" Theatrical Poster

Luc Besson is returning to the director’s chair for Lucy, a sci-fi action film starring Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers), Choi Min-sik (I Saw the Devil), Morgan Freeman (London Has Fallen) and Claire Tran.

According to Screen Rant, “Lucy is a bout a young woman who is forced to become a drug mule and inadvertently manages to absorb the drug she’s carrying into her own system. Rather than landing her in the hospital, the drug gives her superhuman powers, including telekinesis, the elimination of all sensations of pain or discomfort, and the ability to absorb knowledge instantaneously.”

Update: Lucy is set for a July 25th, 2014 theatrical release. | The first image (courtesy of EW.com, via Collider) from Lucy has been released. | First trailer, courtesy of Apple. | International trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the film’s new poster.

Posted in News |

Ninja Apocalypse | Blu-ray & DVD (Millennium)

Ninja Apocalypse | Blu-ray & DVD (Millennium)

Ninja Apocalypse | Blu-ray & DVD (Millennium)

RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2014

Millennium Entertainment presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Ninja Apocalypse.  From visual effects director Lloyd Lee Barnett – known for his digital work in films like Avatar, Speed Racer and Spider-man – comes Ninja Apocalypse. This upcoming martial arts film sports an impressive cast that includes Christian Oliver (The Three Musketeers), Ernie Reyes Jr. (The Rundown), Les Brandt, West Liang, Kaiwi Lyman, Tara Macken, Isaac C. Singleton Jr., Antoinette Kalaj, Mark Heidelberger and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Mortal Kombat). Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Ninja Apocalypse from Amazon.com today!

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

Deal on Fire! Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume One | Blu-ray | Only $11 – Expires soon!

Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume One | Blu-ray (Mill Creek)

Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume One | Blu-ray (Mill Creek)

Move over Godzilla! Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for the Gamera: Ultimate Collection Volume One, which features Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965), Gamera vs. Barugon (1966), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967) and Gamera vs. Viras (1968). The first 4 films of Daiei Studios’ monster series Gamera are unleashed and available on Blu-ray for the first time! Your favorite giant turtle returns to Earth leaving no fire-spitting scene behind. Also available at a low price, is Volume Two, which features Gamera vs. Guiron (1969), Gamera vs. Jiger (1970), Gamera vs. Zigra (1971) and Gamera: Super Monster (1980).

Order the Gamera: Ultimate Collection today at Amazon.com.

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

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

Eastern Bandits | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Eastern Bandits | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Eastern Bandits (aka An Inaccurate Memoir) to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment to this post telling us what your favorite Western movie is (from any country), along with a brief explanation of why it’s your favorite. We will be selecting three winners 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 Eastern Bandits will be officially released on May 26, 2014, so we will announce the 3 winners on this date and ship out the prizes immediately. Please read the disclaimer below.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by May 25th to qualify. Also, because Well Go USA holds the film’s U.S. rights, only U.S. residents may enter the contest. 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.

WINNERS: Congratulations to Alan T., Tory and Matthew A. You have all been notified via email.

Posted in News | Tagged |

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

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

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

RELEASE DATE: August 12, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Keith Parmer’s action-thriller Swelter, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme plays a member of a bank robbing gang that manages to steal a cool $100 million before some of them are apprehended by the police. Flash forward ten years and Van Damme is now an earnest, hard-working sheriff in a small town… with no memory of his criminal past. But what happens when his old crew rolls into town, anxious to find out where he hid their payload? Swelter also stars Josh Henderson, Brad Carter, Alfred Molina and Lennie James. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Swelter from Amazon.com today!

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

Deal on Fire! The Delightful Forest | Blu-ray | Only $10 – Expires soon!

"The Delightful Forest" Blu-ray Cover

"The Delightful Forest" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for 1972’s The Delightful Forest, a Shaw Brothers classic directed by Chang Cheh (Five Element Ninjas). A newly imprisoned fighter named Wu (Ti Lung) is rescued from getting a brutal jail torture, thanks to officer Shih (Tien Ching). It’s only when thugs (headed by Tien Ching) try to take over “The Delightful Forest” – a restaurant which Shih owns – that Wu returns the favor and takes on the bad guys with his legendary kung fu skills. Watch the trailer for The Delightful Forest.

Order The Delightflul Forest from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

‘Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ is getting a ‘quality’ U.S. remake

"Hwayi: A Monster Boy" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Hwayi: A Monster Boy" Korean Theatrical Poster

According to THR, 2013’s Hwayi: A Monster Boy is getting an English-language, U.S. remake. The original South Korean film, directed by Jang Joon-Hwan (Save the Green Planet), is about a 16-year-old boy of the same name who is raised by five criminal fathers to become the perfect assassin. It starred Yeo Jin-goo (Sad Movie) and Kim Yun-Seok (The Chaser, The Thieves).

Creators of the original will be collaborating with the U.S. crew to avoid another Old Boy remake fiasco: “We have decided to take part in the production as a collaborator in order to ensure the quality of the remake, rather than simply handing over the storyline,” said Lee Jun-dong, head of the original movie’s production company Now Film.

Cityonfire.com will keep you updated on this project.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Planet of the Apes 5-Film Collection | Blu-ray | Only $19.99 – Expires soon!

"Planet of the Apes 5-Film" Blu-ray Set Cover

"Planet of the Apes 5-Film" Blu-ray Set Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is for the 5-Film Planet of the Apes Blu-ray set, which contains 1968’s Planet of the Apes, 1970’s Beneath the Planet of the Apes, 1971’s Escape from the Planet of the Apes, 1972’s Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and 1973’s Battle for the Planet of the Apes. At $4 bucks per ape flick, it’s a banana of a deal!

It’s a perfect (and cheap) way to get prepared for Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which opens in theaters everywhere on July 11, 2014.

Order the Planet of the Apes 5-Film Blu-ray Collection today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Legend of the Bat | aka Clans of Intrigue 2 (1978) Review

"Legend of the Bat" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Legend of the Bat" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chor Yuen
Writer: Chor Yuen
Producer: Mona Fong Yat Wah, Yueh Hua, Cheng Li, Candice Yu On On, Derek Yee, Wang Chung,
Cast: Ti Lung, Ling Yun, Cheng Miu, Yuen Wah, Norman Chu
Running Time: 101 min.

By JJ Hatfield

This breathtakingly beautiful film is a rather unusual mix of martial arts, sword fighting, mystery and intrigue from the Shaw Brothers. Set in the Martial World, two longtime friends return from a journey only to discover something terrible has happened in their absence. They immediately set out to find those responsible and set things right once again. During the investigation the duo encounters the first of an ever increasing host of strange characters one more enigmatic than the last. All have different motivations and tales to tell, but they come to share one thing in common.

In order to obtain what they seek, they must make the journey to Bat Island.

The voyage across the sea is long and fraught with hidden risk. Twists and turns take place among the people and on-board the ship. One by one it is revealed that the passengers are not who they pretend to be. Each of them tries to discern the intentions of the others while giving few clues as to the real reason they have for making such a hazardous venture. Some passengers speak little, one does not speak at all. Suspicion snakes its way through the group as strange and unexplained occurrences increase. The island was rumored to be the secret dominion of the mysterious Bat, his opulent abode the place of exclusive auctions where it was said that anything may be bought any wish may be granted but only for his particular price. The Bat’s fortress, it was said, was an enormous luxurious palace of sumptuous comforts and delights, filled with exquisite finery. But there were also dark whispers about the evil that lies in wait for any who dare trespass.

Legend of the Bat is a sequel to Clans of Intrigue and though there are some slight differences, it does not interfere with the story. Chor Yuen helmed both films and wrote the screenplay, working from the popular wuxia novels by Gu Long. Both movies have the same cast, however not every actor returns as the same character. The story line is not a continuation, but continues the wuxia theme with heroic deeds, dazzling sword fights, deception and deceit, the baffling and the bizarre. It isn’t necessary to see Clans of Intrigue beforehand to be thoroughly entertained by this movie.

The Martial World is a wondrous place where anything can happen. It would not exist if not for the heroes and heroines who are always busy keeping peace or restoring the natural order. Heroic characters fight for honor, justice and to help those less able to defend themselves. There are certain characteristics a hero must possess – a belief in treating everyone the same, honesty, courage and a die hard loyalty to friends, family and country. No one could fill that description better than Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow) as Chu Lui-hsiang, the dashing young martial artist, expert swordsman and hero of the series of wuxia novels written by the prolific and well loved Chinese writer Gu Long. Lui-hsiang is a righteous warrior never hesitating to put himself in harms way for the sake of justice. He is perfect as the charismatic, intelligent, fearless vanquisher of villains. Without him in the title role, the movie would lose its center and some damned impressive sword fights.

Not only is Lui-hsiang a highly skilled fighter, he is also quite clever and uses reasoning to unwrap the tangle of puzzles that spring up around every chamber and and corner. Ti Lung is a powerful presence in nearly all his roles and Legend of the Bat is no exception. He is a delight to watch as he does battle with evil -doers, never hesitating, cool as ice. Lui-hsiang looks fantastic whether gently waving his fan or wielding his flashing sword. The men admire him or they want to kill him or both. Women want him or they want to kill him or both. Ti Lung also has some fun playing Lui-hsiang as confident to the point of being cocky at times with a bit of a swagger and a slight smirk.

Yi Tien-hung who also returns from Clans of Intrigue, is played by Yun Ling (Six Assassins). Not even in this fantasy world would anyone consider Tien-hung righteous, although he does help Lui-hsiang, he often has his own motivations, or more accurately his employment. His piercing gaze can freeze an opponent in their tracks. He always seems to be standing, still, always on alert. The darkness of his clothing mirrors his demeanor.

Also of note is Yuen Wah (Iceman Cometh) who has a substantial role considering how many people are in this movie, but has no lines as he plays a mute. To his credit he makes his presence felt in a very different role than he has played previously. It’s refreshing to see him outside the typical bad guy/gang member or minor character he often played. Wah is far more often in the stunt and fight unit onscreen or directing the action.

Water, water everywhere, but precious little in this ‘sea’. When telling a visual tale involving sea faring vessels, water is usually necessary to complete the illusion but dry ice and smoke take its place for Chor Yuen. As a director with a very specific and spectacular style, he never allows the camera to wander or roam, instead, he frames each and every shot as if it were a single carefully staged photograph. Filming on water doesn’t allow for that kind of direct control, especially considering the technology available when this movie was shot in 1977.  Yuen used a stage at the Shaw Brothers studios to shoot not only Legend of the Bat, but virtually all of his films. Using the indoor stage allowed for far greater control, but it was also considerably cheaper than shooting on location.

Chor Yuen’s wuxia fantasies are always layered in beauty of all forms, but with Legend of the Bat, he surpasses many of his previous films in creating this luscious feast for the eyes. The sets are elaborate, steeped in rich vibrant visuals so detailed it seems you could reach out and feel the warm touch of the sun or the icy cold of an unsheathed blade.

Chor Yuen surrounds every single scene with finishing touches worthy of a precious painting. Everything is meticulously planned. Nothing is left to chance. The sets are bright with artwork, flowers, swathed in soft flowing silk, gardens, statues, trees, fountains anything of a pleasing nature. Cheap stock sets and props are few and far between. Costumes, furnishings, hair, clothes; it does not matter if the scene is in an enchanting palatial manor or a desolate old farm house; attention to detail and skilled use of color are always present in Yuen’s works. As with many of his films, Chor Yuen has included a values message that is fitting for the Martial World.

The sword fights with Ti Lung are excellent, especially when he is up against a number of enemies. There are several extended scenes that involve complicated and dangerous maneuvers. Some of the most impressive include sparkling mountains and rivers made of pure gleaming ice and a lake of leaping flames. The Bat’s throne room is a magnificent piece of art all by itself. Fantastic creations cover every wall, doorway, ceiling, hallway and floor. Secret rooms hold brilliant adorned baskets and jars and many other treasures. The special effects are standard for the time, but they are certainly not annoying or distracting.

Some people may not appreciate the mystery aspect of Legend of the Bat. There are places in the story where it seems the Shaw Brothers version of Hercule Poirot is about to make an appearance. Lui-hsiang does spend a fair amount of time investigating and tracking down clues as well as red herrings. It doesn’t make the movie bad, but it does mean a bit less action in favor of intrigue.

Of course there is more to a movie than looking good no matter how good Chor Yuen can make it look. The biggest problem is the sheer number of characters who come at you at such a rapid pace, it’s difficult to keep track without a cast list in order of appearance. I appreciate Chor Yuen trying to be faithful to Gu Long’s story, but there is too much story with too many people stuffed into too little time. Nor can you easily follow the byzantine story machinations, subplots, sub-subplots, side-plots, or the sudden changes in allegiances, identities, behaviors and ulterior motives.

Some of the costumes and effects almost get out of control. There are funky colored lights in ice caves that kind of look like those lights used on retro aluminum Christmas trees. Some of the Bat’s minions wear ‘bat’ suits (no, not “Batman” suits) with tiny little ‘bat’ ears. People appear and disappear, then sometimes reappear with disturbing frequency with no explanation. This is not a serious type of film, it is purely for entertainment. Oh sure, some serious things happen… people get killed, and then some more people die – well actually there are a lot less people by the end of the movie than when it begins. But it really is a fun time. A movie with sword fights, a mysterious villain and Ti Lung? How can you go wrong with that?

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 7.5/10

Posted in Chinese, News, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , |