Square-Enix lines up big Asian acting talent for ‘Sleeping Dogs’

"Sleeping Dogs" Box Art

We don’t typically cover video games here at Cityonfire.com but publisher Square-Enix has gone out of their way to hire some high-profile Asian talent as voice actors in their new game, titled Sleeping Dogs.

In this open world action title, you play as an undercover cop working to rid the streets of Hong Kong of organized crime. Naturally, this involves going deep undercover in the Triad.

Fans of Asian cinema can look forward to hearing several familiar voices among the cast. In the lead role is Korean actor Will Yun Yee, who previously starred in Hollywood films like Die Another Day and the upcoming Total Recall remake.

Also keep your ears peeled for Edison Chen (Infernal Affairs II); James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China); Tzi Ma (Rush Hour); Parry Shen (Better Luck Tomorrow); Steph Song (War); Terence Yin (New Police Story); and Jerry Ying (The Girl From the Naked Eye).

Sleeping Dogs hits retail on August 14th, 2012 for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Click here to order.

Posted in News |

White Vengeance Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

 White Vengeance Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

White Vengeance Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: September 4, 2012

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray and DVD for White Vengeance, starring Leon Lai, Jordan Chan, Anthony Wong, Andy On, Crystal Liu and Zhang Hanyu. Directed by Daniel Lee (14 Blades), White Vengeance centers on the Feast at Hong Gate/Hongmen Banquet, one of the important events in the Chu–Han Contention. Check out the trailer.

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

Sacrifice DVD (Indomina)

Sacrifice DVD (Indomina)

Sacrifice DVD (Indomina)

RELEASE DATE: September 4, 2012

Indomina presents the DVD for Sacrifice, a story of epic revenge, written and directed by Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine), focuses on a power hungry general who wipes out his rival along with his entire family, save for one newborn. The infant is protected by the doctor who delivered him and raises him as his own, hoping to mold him into his own instrument of retribution. Check out the trailer.

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

‘Karate-Robo Zaborgar’ strikes crime on Blu-ray and DVD this September 11th

Karate-Robo Zaborgar Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Karate-Robo Zaborgar Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com has received the following press release from Well Go USA:

… fans of Iguchi and Nishimura’s brand of madness will be delighted … ” – Ard Vijn, Twitch Film

“… a triumph of popcorn-crunching entertainment. – Matthew Sorrento, Film Threat

Part Motorcycle, Part Karate Expert, ALL ROBOT!

KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR

The Exciting, Over-the-Top Action-Comedy
From Sushi Typhoon and Director Noboru Iguchi
Debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital September 11th

Bonus Materials Include Go, ZABORGAR, Go! Short Films

Director Noboru Iguchi and Special Effects Director Yoshihiro Nishimura, creators of Mutant Girls Squad, reunite for the cyborg-filled action-packed comedy-thriller Karate-Robo Zaborgar debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital September 11th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film stars Itsuji Itato (Tokyo Gore Police) as a secret-police officer who teams up with his super robot “Zaborgar” to battle all manner of mechanized super weapons in their quest for justice. The film also stars Asami (Mutant Girls Squad) as a rampaging school-girl robot and Akira Emoto (Ichi) as the leader of the sinister Sigma organization who plans to unleash a giant, transforming robot weapon to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting world.

Synopsis:

Following the death of his scientist father, secret police officer Yutaka Daimon (Itsuji Itao) inherits a mighty robot warrior named “Zaborgar.” With its array of super weapons, expertise in karate and its ability to transform into a motorcycle, Zaborgar assists Daimon in his fight against the Sigma, the nefarious crime organization responsible for his father’s death.

Bonus Features Include:
–  Go, ZABORGAR Go! Short Films
–  Sushi Typhoon Trailers

Karate-Robo Zaborgar has a runtime of approximately 114 minutes and is not rated.

Posted in News |

Brigitte Lin to come out of retirement for Zhang Yimou’s next film

"East is Red" Chinese DVD Cover

"East is Red" Chinese DVD Cover

Brigitte Lin was one of the most charismatic and screen-dominating presences of 80’s and 90’s Hong Kong cinema, with star-making turns in films like The Bride With White Hair and New Dragon Gate Inn. And like many actresses of that era, she chose to retire in her prime, marrying wealthy and disappearing from the acting game.

However, it appears that internationally acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, of Hero and House of Flying Daggers fame, has successfully managed to woo Brigitte Lin out of retirement.

His latest film, Dragon’s Kisses, will carry a budget of around $15 million US dollars and feature Chinese talent alongside Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. The plot is rumored to involve time travel but, for the time being, it’s safe to say that Hong Kong movie buffs are most excited about Brigitte Lin’s return to the big screen.

Posted in News |

An “Expendables 2” star and Harrison Ford sign up for Chinese/Indian co-production

Liam Hemsworth in "The Expendables 2"

Chinese Films has the scoop on a new Hollywood independent film called Paranoia, which – perhaps in a sign of things to come – is funded by Chinese company E Stars Entertainment and the Indian-owned Reliance Entertainment. The techno-thriller boasts a high-profile cast that includes Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2), Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones & the Crystal Skull), Amber Heard (The Ward), Julian McMahon (Fantastic Four), Josh Holloway (TV’s Lost), and Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws).

The budget sits at $40 million and follows Liam Hemsworth’s character as a tech-whiz who discovers a dangerous secret and gets in over his head. Sitting in the director’s chair is Robert Luketic, who previously helmed 21 and Legally Blonde. Production on Paranoia actually started today.

Posted in News |

Headshot Blu-ray & DVD (Lorber Films)

Headshot Blu-ray & DVD (Lorber Films)

Headshot Blu-ray & DVD (Lorber Films)

RELEASE DATE: October 2, 2012

Lorber Films presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Pen-Ek Ratanaruang’s action-thriller Headshot. Along with Wisit Sasanatieng (Tears of the Black Tiger) and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Ratanaruang is considered one of Thai cinema’s leading “new wave” auteurs. He is best known for his 2003 film Last Life in the Universe. Check out the trailer.

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

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 7/24/12

My Way Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

My Way Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

What do you know, it’s another great week of releases for fans of Asian cinema. So without any fuss, let’s get started. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 7/24/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

My Way (Blu-ray/DVD) – distributor Well Go USA brings this 2011 sprawling, big-budget World War II movie to America. From the director of Korean blockbusters such as “Shiri” and “Tae Guk Gi”

Iris: The Movie (DVD) – the loyalty of two friends in the Special Forces is tested when a woman comes between them. This 2012 Korean action thriller stars Byung-hun Lee of “I Saw the Devil”

Kunoichi (DVD) – High Kick Girl herself, Rina Takeda, stars in this low-budget 2011 Japanese action movie about female ninjas. From the director of “Alien vs. Ninja”

Heartbeat (DVD) – this 2012 Korean film is a pulse-pounding thriller about a woman trying desperately to secure a heart transplant for her daughter

Crippled Masters 2 & Crippled Masters 3 – Double Disc Set (DVD) – Apprehensive Films presents kung fu exploitation flicks “The Crippled Masters 2” and “The Crippled Masters 3” together on DVD

The Black House (DVD) – Tokyo Shock re-releases this 2007 Korean horror movie as a Tokyo Shock Classic

The Suicide Song (DVD) – Tokyo Shock also re-releases this 2007 Japanese horror movie about a cursed song. Starring Ryuhei Matsuda (“Nightmare Detective,” “Taboo”)

Red Eye (DVD) – not to be confused with the Wes Craven movie, this 2005 Korean horror movie brings the terror to a train. Also releasing as a Tokyo Shock Classic

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2011 documentary about Jiro Ono, a man many consider to be the greatest sushi chef alive

FOREIGN CINEMA

Footnote (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 Israeli character study was one of last year’s nominees for Best Foreign Picture

La Ardilla Roja (The Red Squirrel) (DVD) – the director of “Lovers of the Arctic Circle” spins this 1993 tale of a suicidal young man who convinces an amnesiac woman that she’s in love with him

Shanghai (DVD) – this 2012 Bollywood movie weaves a complex tale of political corruption and intrigue set in a bustling Indian city

Berlin Nights: The Grand Delusion (The Edwin Brienen Collection) – the controversial 2003 German film about a group of Amsterdam artists who try to set up a live show only for everything to go wrong

MAINSTREAM

Girl From the Naked Eye (DVD) – martial arts sensation Jason Yee stars in this 2012 action-thriller that’s “Sin City” with a dash of “Oldboy”

Meeting Evil (DVD) – Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Wilson star in this 2012 psychological thriller that skipped theaters

Brake (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 thriller shows what happens when Secret Service agent Stephen Dorff gets locked in the back of a car

Treasure Island (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2012 TV mini-series adapting the classic pirate novel and starring Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood, and Donald Sutherland

The Deep Blue Sea (Blu-ray/DVD) – Rachel Weisz and Tom Hiddleston star in this 2012 drama about a married woman who falls for a younger man

On the Inside (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2011 prison drama starring Nick Stahl and Olivia Wilde

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Mystery Men (Blu-ray) – the underrated 1999 superhero send-up starring Ben Stiller and William H. Macy comes to hi-def

The Island of Dr. Moreau (Unrated Director’s Cut) – Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando headline this much-maligned 1996 version of H.G. Wells’ classic novel. Perhaps the director’s cut will shed light on things?

Metropolitan (Blu-ray) – the 1990 debut of director Whit Stillman (“Last Days of Disco”) receives the hi-def treatment courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Last Days of Disco (Blu-ray) – Criterion also offers this 1998 film from director Whit Stillman, starring Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny

ANIMATED

Superman vs. the Elite (Two Disc Special Edition) (DVD) – Superman must decide to uphold his principles as he faces off against an immoral superteam in this 2012 animated film

Golgo 13: The Professional (DVD) – this 1983 feature-length anime is the third film based off the “Golgo 13” manga and one of the first anime to incorporate CG elements

Armitage: Movie Collection – Armitage III (Classic) – Funimation re-releases the out-of-print 1995 anime feature film “Armitage III,” although it’s disappointing to learn the picture and audio haven’t been touched up at all

CLASSICS

Jungle Drums of Africa (DVD) – a 1953 black-and-white Republic serial depicting the dangers of the jungle

Kino Classics Presents: They Made Me a Fugitive (aka I Became a Criminal) – a 1947 noir thriller starring Trevor Howard

HORROR

The Monitor (DVD) – Noomi Rapace (“Prometheus,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) stars in this 2011 horror film about a woman who begins hearing strange noises over her child’s baby monitor

Silent House (Blu-ray/DVD) – Elizabeth Olson headlines this 2011 horror remake that presents itself as filmed in one continuous shot

Dracula vs. Frankenstein (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1971 horror film, remastered for Blu-ray

The Hearse / Blood of Dracula’s Castle (DVD) – two old-school horror flicks from the Katrina’s Nightmare Theater imprint

The Day After Halloween (DVD) – back in the day, the title of this horror cheapie tricked audiences into thinking it was related to John Carpenter’s classic “Halloween.” It’s actually a 1979 movie also called “Snap-Shot”

The Corridor (DVD) – IFC releases this 2011 film about a male bonding camping trip that goes horribly wrong when five men discover…something…in the woods

Bathory: Countess of Blood (DVD) – this 2012 horror film traces the life of Elizabeth Bathory, the famous countess who bathed in the blood of virgins to maintain her youthful looks

I Spit on Your Grave (Blu-ray) – get the original 1978 exploitation film and the more slick 2010 remake on one Blu-ray

Butterfly (DVD) – a 2012 indie horror film about an over-zealous fan who kills people for real to impress her favorite horror director

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

Posted in News |

Nope, it’s not a ‘Phantasm’ sequel – but ‘The Tall Man’ returns

"The Tall Man" Theatrical Poster

French director Pascal Laugier made a big impression on horror fans worldwide with his 2008 effort Martyrs. The boundary-pushing film took the ‘torture porn’ genre to new heights – or was it new lows? – but actually managed to transcend its Hostel-like trappings thanks to a metaphysical spin on the story.

Along with Inside, there’s no denying that Martyrs remains one of the key films of the New French Extremity, the batch of contemporary French films that are single-handedly reviving the tired horror genre.

Now Pascal Laugier is making his American-language debut with a Jessica Biel-starring vehicle. The French trailer is online but thankfully for us English speakers it’s only subtitled in French.

The story follows Jessica Biel as she travels to a small American town and investigates the urban myth surrounding The Tall Man, a dark figure who snatches children like some monster out of a fairy tale.

Based on the trailer, it’s difficult to tell if Laugier has been able to keep his distinct vision intact in the transition to American shores – or if The Tall Man will end up like any number of failed, generic scary movies starring actresses like Jessica Biel or Sarah Michelle Geller. Expect the movie in limited theatrical release this August 31st, 2012.

Update: The official U.S. trailer is now online!

Posted in News |

At the end of ‘The Day’ how much post-apocalyptic action can you really handle?

"The Day" Theatrical Poster

"The Day" Theatrical Poster

There’s been a lot of good buzz circulating around Douglas Aarniokoski’s The Day, a post-apocalyptic action-thriller that recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). According to imdb, the capsule plot is as follows: Open war against humanity rages. 5 survivors; lost and on the run. The pursuit is relentless, the bullets are dwindling and the battle is everywhere. This is a 24hr look into their lives. Fight or die.

The Day opens everywhere on August 17, 2012. If you haven’t yet, be sure and check out the trailer. As far as Douglas Aarniokoski is concerned, he’s definitely a filmmaker to look out for. He’s currently wrapping up Nurse 3-D with Enter the Void’s Paz De La Huerta (she just loves getting naked… check out the poster).

Posted in News |

Man of Vendetta DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

"Man of Vendetta" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Man of Vendetta" Korean Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2012

Cinema Asia Releasing presents the DVD for Man of Vendetta (aka Broken Man). Joo Young-soo is a well-respected minister. One day, his life is shattered to pieces when his five-year old daughter is kidnapped. The minister and his wife cling onto God with desperate prayers but she never returns. Feeling betrayed and distraught with anguish, Joo renounces his faith and turns to a completely secular life. Check out the trailer.

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

Gordon Chan expands his wuxia hit ‘The Four’ into a trilogy

"The Four" Character Poster with Collin Chou

The Four is a new wuxia film from director Gordon Chan (Fist of Legend), based on author Wan Ray-an’s famous novels about four detectives in ancient China. The cast includes Deng Chao, Ronald Cheng, Collin Chou, and Crystal Liu.

Gordon Chan and the cast were in Beijing yesterday to promote the film, which is considered one of the most anticipated Chinese films of 2012. They unveiled the trailer, which will hopefully appear online any day now. Says Chan, who co-directed the film with Janet Chun: “I never shoot real wuxia films. In this field, my best teacher was Tsui Hark, and I don’t dare get involved in this casually. I hope my teacher is able to see my efforts in this film.”

It was announced that The Four will open in China on July 12th, 2012, just a week after director Lu Chuan’s historical epic The Last Supper.

Enlight Media is the company behind The Four; CEO Wang Changtian claims that this film is just the first installment of a planned trilogy – and that shooting has already begun on Parts 2 and 3. Wang added, “I’m crazy about wuxia.”

Updates: Here’s the teaser trailer, courtesy of Twitch. Chinese Films has some high resolution stills revealing the four warriors in question. And here’s two conceptual posters. The cast promoted the film in Beijing the other day and unveiled seven new character posters. A brand new trailer and even more character posters over at Chinese Films.

A visually-stunning and action-packed new trailer. You probably figured nothing could top that last trailer, right? And you’d be right. So today we’ve got a trailer of behind-the-scenes footage. Can you really believe there’s yet another trailer? Chinese Films has a Special Trailer now online.

Some new images emphasize the supernatural aspect of the film. Makes sense since the plot has our four detective heroes discovering and battling an army of the undead.

BREAKING NEWS: Gordon Chan’s The Four has grossed 100 million yuan at the Chinese box office, making it a smashing success. Which can only mean one thing: sequel time. The cameras have already started rolling on Chan’s second installment of The Four trilogy, with word that Part Three will begin shooting as soon as Part Two is completed. Both Anthony Wong and Collin Chou are returning for the sequels.

Posted in News |

The Outlaw DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

"The Outlaw" Korean Theatrical Poster

"The Outlaw" Korean Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2012

Cinema Asia Releasing presents the DVD for The Outlaw. Detective Jung-soo constantly comes face to face with victims of brutal, senseless murders, which makes him outraged. During one investigation, he meets Ji-hyun, a victim that survived a brutal attack. Eventually, she and Jung-soo are married and sh*t goes down. Check out the trailer.

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

Action fans, do yourself a favor and watch the trailer for ‘The King of the Streets’

"The King of the Streets" Chinese Poster

The King of the Streets is a new Chinese-language action film produced, written, directed, and starring martial artist Yuen Song. Very little is known about the movie, including the plot or even a release date, but this new trailer at Chinese Films speaks for itself. Although most of the fighting is rapidly edited, there’s no denying that the trailer itself has more action than many recent Hong Kong movies in their entirety.

It looks like Yuen Song is trying to get back to the good old days, when one skilled fighter could hold off about twenty opponents in a ramshackle warehouse, making use of nearby props and boards to cause maximum damage. Stay tuned to Cityonfire.com for more info on the film as we discover it. In the meantime, you can check out a few stills and some self-made videos of Yuen Song at this blog.

Update: The film had its premiere in Beijing recently. In The King of the Streets, actor/martial artist Yuen Song squares off against more than 10 top world boxers. The plot concerns Yuen Song as an angry young man looking to avenge the death of his parents some eight years ago to local gangsters.

Posted in News |

Resident Evil: Damnation Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)

Resident Evil: Damnation Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)

Resident Evil: Damnation Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2012

Sony Entertainment presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Resident Evil: Damnation (aka Biohazard: Damnation). In this sequel to Resident Evil: Degeneration, Damnation will revolve around bio-organic weapons used in the European war zone, with the return of Leon S. Kennedy as the protagonist. Check out the trailer.

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