"Cold War" Chinese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Cold War is directed by first-time directors, Longman Leung and Sunny Luk. Although the duo have no films to their credit, their riveting script for Cold War is what drew Hong Kong’s biggest stars in. The film stars Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, and Tony Leung Ka Fai, Aarif Lee, Gordon Lam, Andy On, Terence Yin, Charlie Yeung, Eddie Peng, Chin Ka-lok and Ma Yili.

Andy Lau said “Infernal Affairs was a classic gangster film ten years ago. It is my pleasure to play a part in Coldwar and hope it can become the new benchmark for Hong Kong gangster films for the next ten years.” Cold War hopes to be a blockbuster in Hong Kong gangster films.

Updates: Twitchfilm has confirmed that The Corruptor’s Byron Mann has joined the cast.

A teaser poster and synopsis have hit the web. Stars Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung Ka Fai were on hand to promote the film in Beijing yesterday. Kwok said of his co-star Leung: “He is the best actor of all time. After reading the script, I immediately made up my mind to join the film.” Twitch has posted a promotional teaser trailer.

Don’t miss the explosive new trailer for the film! Chinese Films notes that this is the first time Aaron Kwok and Andy Lau have starred in a movie together since 1991’s Saviour of the Soul. Expect Cold War in Hong Kong theaters this October 18th, 2012.

A new promotional trailer for the movie, courtesy of Chinese Films. A new 70-second trailer designed for Mainland Chinese audiences. Finally, we’ve got a decent poster for Cold War, courtesy of Chinese Films. Here’s a  new behind the scenes video. No English subtitles but it’s still an interest looking at the making of the film.

The producers have been pretty shy about publicizing Andy Lau’s cameo in the film, as they reportedly don’t want to spoil his character’s role in the story. But today we’ve got some pics of the famous actor in the movie.

BREAKING NEWS: The final trailer is online at Chinese Films, although it requires a plug-in. We’ll provide a YouTube or similar link when available. Cold War releases in Chinese theaters on November 8th, 2012.

"The Last Tycoon" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Twitch Film has some jaw-dropping news: director Wong Jing (God of Gamblers, Jackie Chan’s City Hunter) and producer Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs, Storm Riders) are uniting Hong Kong legends Chow Yun Fat and Sammo Hung, two men who need no introduction to Cityonfire.com readers, for a new movie.

The film, titled The Last Tycoon, is based on the story of real life crime boss Du Yuesheng, who ruled the Shangai underworld with an iron fist during the 1920’s and 30’s. Twitch notes that Chow Yun Fat previously portrayed Du Yuesheng in The Bund, the television show that launched his career back in the 80’s. In addition, The Last Tycoon is expected to be screened in IMAX in China.

The film also stars veteran Hong Kong actor Francis Ng.

Update: The project is currently being filmed. To add confusion, Wong Jing has apparently decided to release a different movie under The Last Tycoon’s original title Once Upon a Time in Shanghai. Chow Yun Fat has been promoting the film at the Shanghai Film Fest and even posed in costume with the rest of the cast for a photo op.

The production crew of The Last Tycoon threw a wrap-up party recently in Shanghai. Chow Yun Fat stated this was the first time he’d worked with a Hong Kong crew in over 10 years and that the experience was a pleasure. Fat confirms that Sammo Hung is in the film.

A teaser trailer is now online, although be warned that it doesn’t show much of the movie at all. Actor Huang Xiaoming and Chow Yun Fat will play the same character, just in different stages of his life.

A new poster for the film straight out of the Toronto Film Festival. Perhaps even more exciting is this picture of Chow Yun Fat with guns blazing just like the good ‘ol days. While we wait for a full-length trailer for the film, check out some new stills here and here. Check out the new poster, as well as some pictures from the promotional tour.

BREAKING NEWS: Sammo Hung spoke briefly about what it was like to finally collaborate with his longtime box office rival, Chow Yun Fat. And don’t miss the latest trailer online.

"Halloween" Theatrical Re-Release Poster

Forgive me for mixing the Predator 2 tagline with Halloween. The good news is, John Carpenter’s 1978 horror movie classic Halloween – the movie that launched an entire franchise that continues to this day – is returning to the big screen. Michael Meyers will stalk theaters for one night only, October 25th, 2012, in a number of theaters across the country.

Check this space for theatrical listings. If the movie isn’t playing in your state as of right now, don’t fret: theaters will be added continuously until September 28th. Thanks to AICN for the story and thanks to Screen Vision to bringing this American horror classic back to the big screen where it belongs!

Athena: Goddess of War Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

As Halloween approaches, we look ahead to this Tuesday’s fresh batch of Asian and cult films on Blu-ray and DVD. If you’re interested in any of these titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!

Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 10/23/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Athena Goddess of War Movie (Blu-ray/DVD) – Funimation delivers this explosive 2012 espionage thriller from Korea, based on a popular TV show

Midnight F.M. (DVD) – a 2010 Korean thriller about a late night radio DJ who finds her family’s life at stake due to an insane caller

Troubleshooter (DVD) – in this 2010 Korean thriller, an ex-detective turned private eye is on the run after being framed for a murder at a love hotel

Slice (DVD) – a gruesome Thai horror movie from 2009. A notorious ex-hitman is on the trail of a brutal serial killer

Boogiepop and Others (DVD) – Bayview Entertainment offers a budget-priced reissue of this 2000 live-action Japanese film that serves as prequel to the popular “Boogiepop Phantom” anime

Tokyo Playboy Club (DVD) – a 2011 Japanese dark comedy set in the sparkling underbelly of Tokyo’s nightlife

Five Senses of Eros (DVD) – this 2009 Korean erotic anthology film from several directors looks at human sexuality from a variety of angles

Shaolin Deadly Kicks/Chase Step By Step (DVD) – 162 minutes of old-school 70’s kung fu. Just don’t expect an original language track or a gorgeous widescreen transfer

Tree With Deep Roots (DVD) – a popular Korean TV show delivered in a 7-disc DVD set. This period piece chronicles the rule of Korea’s most famous king

FOREIGN CINEMA

The Ambassador (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2012 Danish dark comedy-by-way-of-documentary that explores the exploitation of third world countries

The Slut (DVD) – controversial 2012 title in Hebrew that explores the sexual identity of a single mother living in a small village

Fatherless (DVD) – a 2011 German drama about a group of siblings who suddenly find themselves mulling over the details of their repressed childhoods

Cocktail (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2012 romantic-comedy from Bollywood, which means there’s plenty of song ‘n dance too

MAINSTREAM

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 historically-themed action flick arrives from Timur Bekmambetov, the director behind “Wanted” and the “Night Watch” pictures

Blade Runner (30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) (Blu-ray) – the latest, extra-special edition of Ridley Scott’s 1982 science-fiction classic. Available in a 4-disc Blu-ray and DVD box set

I, Robot (3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray) – Will Smith headlines this 2004 sci-fi/action adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s famous novel. From the director of “The Crow” and now on 3D Blu

Magic Mike (Blu-ray/DVD) – Channing Tatum strips down to his skivvies for director Steven Soderbergh in this 2012 breakout hit drama

Seeking a Friend For the End of the World (Blu-ray/DVD) – apparently Kiera Knightly would hook up with Steve Carrel if he was the last man on earth in this 2012 indie comedy

Freight (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 action feature promises Russian gangs raising hell in England, and features one of the voice actors from the popular Call of Duty video game series

I Am Bish (DVD) – in this 2009 psuedo-documentary from Australia, a film student is filming a project for class and inadvertently ends up capturing the end of the world on camera

CULT

Death Promise (DVD) – greedy landlords are the target in this 1977 vigilante picture in the “Death Wish” vein

Escape From Women’s Prison (DVD) – you’ll wish these feisty ladies had stayed behind bars in this 1978 ‘women in cages’ exploitation flick from Italy

Women Ordered to Love (DVD) – this 1961 German film was one of the first in the once popular genre of ‘Nazisploitation’

Black Cobra/The Big Fight (DVD) – two exploitation movies on one disc; in the 1987 flick “Black Cobra,” cult icon Fred Williamson takes out the trash

CLASSICS

The Penalty: Kino Classics Special Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Kino Video treats horror fans to a restoration of this 1920 crime drama starring Lon Chaney sans makeup

Dracula (Blu-ray) – director Tod Browning’s 1931 horror classic starring Bela Lugosi in the title role – now in hi-def!

Frankenstein (Blu-ray) – the 1931 original, directed by James Whale, and now on Blu-ray

Bride of Frankenstein (Blu-ray) – considered by many to be the best Frankenstein film, this 1935 picture from director James Whale comes to Blu

The Mummy (Blu-ray) – this 1932 Universal monster movie is considered by many to be the best of its kind due to the direction from legendary cinematographer Karl Fruend (Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”)

The Invisible Man (Blu-ray) – H.G. Wells’ novel comes to life in this 1933 picture from “Frakenstein” director James Whale

Phantom of the Opera (Blu-ray) – there have been many filmed versions of this particular story, but this disc Universal’s 1945 picture in Technicolor and starring Claude Rains

The Wolf Man (Blu-ray) – Lon Chaney stars as the lupine creature in this 1941 Universal Monster Movie

HORROR

Wrong Turn 5 (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2012 entry in this surprisingly resilient horror series about a group of backwoods mutants from West Virginia

Octaman (40th Anniversary Edition) (DVD) – a sought after 1972 creature feature from Harry Essex, director of “Creature From the Black Lagoon”

247 F (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 horror/thriller about a group of students trapped in a slowly over-heating sauna reunites Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane of Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” remake

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!

"Knowing" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Move over Kirk Cameron. According to The Playlist (via Variety), Nicolas Cage is set to star in a reboot of the apocalyptic Christian-themed Left Behind. The $15 million picture will be based on the book of the same name by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. The original Left Behind movie starred Growing Pain’s Kirk Cameron and spawned two straight-to-DVD sequels.

If you think the Cage version will be a Hollywood-ized, Christian-free take, think again. The production company responsible for the first three Left Behind movies are financing the reboot. In addition, Paul Lalonde, the writer/producer of the first films will continue his duties. Veteran stuntman Vic Armstrong, who worked on films such as On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and I Am Legend, will be directing.

Nicolas Cage isn’t the only tough guy doing Christian-themed movies between his usual action flicks. Martial arts star Gary Daniels (The Expendables, The Expendables: Director’s Cut, City Hunter) recently wrapped up The Encounter and The Mark, which were both made with a touch of God.

Koji Wakamatsu

Media outlets are reporting that Japanese filmmaker Koji Wakamatsu, aged 76, recently passed away after being struck by a Taxi.

Wakamatsu got his start in filmmaking with ‘pinku’ films, such as Go Go Second Time Virgin, in the 1960’s. These were softcore Japanese titles in which he could insert his subversive, anti-authoritarian themes without raising many eyebrows.

Later in Wakamatsu’s career, he obtained international acclaim thanks to works such as 2007’s United Red Army and 2010’s Caterpillar, both of which are currently streaming on Netflix Instant.

Although Wakamatsu’s films have not been widely available in the West, perhaps his untimely passing will spur Western distributors to take a chance on the considerable body of work he has left behind.

"Killing Them Softly" Theatrical Poster

From director Andrew Dominik, the stylish filmmaker behind The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, comes Killing Them Softly, starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and Richard Jenkins.

Killing Them Softly is about Jackie Cogan (Pitt), a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game. The film is based on the 1974 novel Cogan’s Trade, by George V. Higgins, Also starring Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, Vincent Curatola, Trevor Long, Max Casella and Slaine.

Killing Them Softly opens November 30, 2012. Check out the trailer.

Updates: Indiewire has 6 new awesome posters for Killing Them Softly.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the new international trailer.

"Tai Chi O" International Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Tai Chi 0 (aka Tai Chi Zero) is directed by House of Fury’s Stephen Fung with Ip Man’s Sammo Hung serving as action director. The film stars Xiao-chao Yuan, William Feng, Eddie Peng, Shu Qi, Daniel Wu, Tony Leung Ka Fai and Angela Baby.

The film’s plot revolves around Yang (Xiao-chao Yuan), who travels to Chen Village to learn a powerful form of Tai Chi. Though villagers are forbidden from teaching outsiders, Yang becomes their best hope for survival when a man arrives with a plan to build a railroad through the village.

Updates: Indiewire reports that Well Go USA will be distributing Tai Chi 0.

Check out the first teaser trailer! In addition, HKMDB.com has posted color promotional “subway” posters for the film. Chinese Films has a new Cannes promotional poster for the film, which reiterates the fact that this is part one of a planned trilogy.

Cityonfire.com has received a press release from Well Go USA stating that Stephen Fung’s Tai Chi 0 will see a theatrical release in North America on October 26th. Variance Films will handle distribution. We’ll keep you posted on how wide the release will be. Says Jason Pfardrescher, Vice President of Well Go USA, of the film: “It’s awesome, it’s martial arts, it’s gorgeous and groundbreaking and a no-brainer. We’re massive fans and freaked out when we saw it.”

It was previously announced that Tai Chi 0 would ultimately become a trilogy of films. Now Chinese Films reports that the first two installments of Tai Chi 0 will hit Chinese theaters only a month apart. The first part releases on September 28th, followed by the second part on October 26th. Both films will screen in 2D and 3D. The cast includes famous Hong Kong stars Daniel Wu, Tony Leung Ka-Fai, and Shu Qi.

The second installment is officially titled Tai Chi Hero. Here’s a new trailer for the first film. Stop over here for a ton of new character posters. The American trailer for the film is online, courtesy of Apple Quicktime. Release date is set for October 19th, 2012. A new Chinese language trailer for the film is now online.

Ten new posters for the film are now online. In an interview with Elle Men, creators Stephen Fung and Daniel Wu express some boredom with the state of the Chinese film industry – filled with costume dramas and romantic comedies – and the desire to shake things up. Fung says: “We’re not sure if [Tai Chi 0] will be successful or not, but at least we tried to change.” A new Machinima-exclusive trailer is online, featuring an English dubbed voiceover.

Variety posted an interview with newcomer Xiao-chao Yuan, the star of Tai Chi 0. The two-time world champion and gold medalist (in the practice of wushu) states: “I grew up with Jet Li’s movies, and I was influenced by him.”

BREAKING NEWS: Enjoy a clip of a fight scene!

"Confession of Murder" Korean Theatrical Poster

The Korean commercial moviemaking machine continues to roll out the hits. New film Confession of Murder looks like a slick action/thriller in the vein of the popular Public Enemy movies. The plot follows a dogged detective, played by Jung Jae-Young (Moss), on the trail of a serial killer with 10 victims to his name. 15 years later, the statue of limitations on the crimes has run out – and now a slick, manipulative young man (Park Shi Hoo) has published a tell-all book claiming responsibility for the murders.

It’s up to our protagonist to sort fact from fiction and bring the real killer to justice. Hop on over to Far East Films to catch the full-length trailer for the film, which promises high production values and intense chase sequences. Expect Confession of Murder to reveal itself in South Korean theaters this November.

Legendary Amazons Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

It’s slim pickings this week. Studios are using this time to dump 3D Blu-rays on us, but let’s not overlook some of the quality foreign films and hi-def horror releases coming out as well. If you’re interested in any of these titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!

Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 10/16/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Legendary Amazons (Blu-ray/DVD) – distributor Well Go USA brings Frankie Chan’s 2011 Chinese historical action film to home formats. Starring Cecilia Cheung and Richie Ren in an adaptation of the same story that inspired the Shaw Brothers’ “The 14 Amazons”

Spellbound (DVD) – a horror-themed romantic comedy set in the world of professional magic! This 2011 Korean film arrives courtesy of CJ Entertainment

FOREIGN CINEMA

Turn Me On, Dammit! (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 Norwegian coming-of-age comedy about a sexually frustrated teenage girl won rave reviews from critics

The Forgiveness of Blood (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2011 film about a bloodfeud in northern Albania, in hi-def from the Criterion Collection

Nobody Else But You (DVD) – this 2011 French film is described as a cross between “Twin Peaks” and the Coen Brothers

Sexual Chronicles of a French Family (DVD) – a 2012 French comedy about a family who is forced to confront their sexual mores

MAINSTREAM

Moonrise Kingdom (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 effort from writer/director Wes Anderson is a tale of young love with a high-profile cast, including Bruce Willis and Ed Norton

Avatar (Blu-ray+DVD) – in this re-release of James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster, you’ll receive a 3D Blu-ray + regular Blu-ray + DVD combo

H.B. Halicki’s Original Gone in 60 Seconds (Blu-ray) – not to be confused with the 90’s remake starring Nicolas Cage, this is the 1974 original film about grand theft auto

Dragon Eyes (DVD) – one of the 2012 ActionFest films, this gritty flick from “Universal Soldier: Regeneration” director John Hyams stars MMA fighter Cung Le and Jean-Claude Van Damme

Stash House (DVD) – Dolph Lundgren plays against type as an evil drug dealer in this 2012 ActionFest entry

El Gringo (DVD) – Cityonfire.com’s icon Scott Adkins head South of the Border for some heroic bloodshed in this 2012 ActionFest movie

Transit (DVD) – this 2012 ActionFest entry stars Jim Caviezel as a hapless motorist whose family is caught up in the bad guys’ scheme

Philly Kid (DVD) – in contrast to the other 2012 ActionFest flicks, this is a ‘Rocky’-style underdog story set in the world of UFC fighting

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li (Blu-ray/DVD) – if you can believe it, this extremely unpopular 2009 video game adaptation had long since gone out of print. Now it’s back on Blu-ray and DVD

Last Ride (DVD) – in this 2009 Australian drama, Hugo Weaving plays a petty criminal struggling with fatherhood

Mark (Blu-ray/DVD) – martial arts sensation Gary Daniels co-stars alongside Eric Roberts in this 2012 faith-based action movie made for families

ANIMATION

Pete’s Dragon: 35th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) – this beloved 1977 Disney film offers a blend of live-action and animation

CLASSICS

Letter From an Unknown Woman (Blu-ray) – a 1948 Hollywood melodrama from director Max Ophuls

Suddenly (Blu-ray/DVD) – Frank Sinatra stars as a hitman in this low-budget 1954 film noir

Three Secrets (Blu-ray/DVD) – Olive Films offers this 1950 drama about adoption and a child’s life hanging in the balance from “West Side Story” director Robert Wise

HORROR

The Funhouse (Blu-ray/DVD) – Shout! Factory’s new label Scream Factory presents this 1981 feature from Tobe Hooper, director of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”

Terror Train (Blu-ray/DVD) – Scream Factory also presents this 1980 feature starring Jamie Lee Curtis. One of the first movies to capitalize on the post-“Halloween” slasher movie craze

Exorcism (with Demoniac): Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Redemption Films continues their exemplary hi-def releases of 70’s horror films with this 1974 feature from director Jess Franco

Female Vampire (with Erotikill): Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 1973 outing from the French master of horror sleaze, Jess Franco

Excision (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 sick ‘n twisted horror film follows a high school student who will do anything to please her domineering mother

Rite of Passage (Blu-ray/DVD) – Magnet Films delivers this 2011 horror/thriller about an ancient ritual gone horribly wrong. Starring Stephen Dorff, Wes Bentley, and Christian Slater

Chernobyl Diaries (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2012 horror film about a group of teens who decide to go sight-seeing in the ruins of Chernobyl

Greystone Park (Blu-ray/DVD) – a low-budget, found footage 2012 horror movie debut for Sean Stone, the son of Oliver Stone

Night of the Living Dead 3D: Re-Animation (Blu-ray/DVD) – Jeffrey Combs (“Re-Animator”) headlines this 2012 zombie tale…in 3D

Don’t Answer the Phone: Remastered Edition (DVD) – Katrina’s Nightmare Theater presents this 1980 horror/exploitation flick about a Vietnam vet strangling young women

Airborne (DVD) – a 2012 horror film about terror in the skies stars Mark Hamill as an air traffic controller

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!