Keep your enemies close and your organs closer in ‘Conspirators’

"Conspirators" Korean Theatrical Trailer

Just what is the upcoming South Korean horror/thriller Conspirators about? Well, as of right now the plot is anyone’s guess. Some suspect it’s about an organ harvester claiming victims on a cruise ship, while the Asian Wiki has a more cryptic summary of Chinese cruise passengers under siege by ‘pursuers.’ Either way, it sounds like this particular oceanbound trip is going to be anything but smooth sailing.

Check out the striking poster and then hop over to Beyond Hollywood for the teaser trailer. Let’s hope that a full-length trailer will be released shortly and shed some light on the plot. We do know the cast includes Im Chang-jeong, Choi Daniel, Oh Dal-soo, Jo Yoon-hee, Jo Dal-hwan, and Jeong Ji-yoon. Expect Conspirators in Korean theaters this August 2012.

Posted in News |

Seven Samurai (1954) Review

"Seven Samurai" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Seven Samurai” Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: 7 Samurai
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Daisuke Kato, Isao Kimura, Minoru Chiaki, Seiji Miyaguchi, Yoshio Inaba, Kamatari Fujiwara, Bokuzen Hidari
Running Time: 207 min.

By Numskull

Akira Kurosawa is what I refer to as a “sacred cow” director (others include Ingmar Bergman and Wong Kar Wai). To suggest that any of his films is anything less than perfect in every way is to be labeled a blasphemer by all sorts of people. People generally being untrustworthy and despicable creatures, this is of no consequence to one such as myself, and it is without apology that I consider this film to be… well, actually it’s very good, but still overrated.

This three and a half hour tale of desperate farmers recruiting wandering samurai warriors to protect them from (a.k.a. “annihilate”) a band of forty marauding bandits has a scope and sense of heart and soul that few modern films can hope to match in spite of (or perhaps because of) its fairly straightforward storyline. Though its length is staggering, it does not suffer from excessive pacing problems or any significant amount of sheer monotony. Still, it definitely FEELS like three and a half hours. The film is interesting enough to draw you in and make you feel like a part of the world in which it takes place (you may even believe that life really was black & white back then), but you may get a bit more anxious to leave than it would like you to as the conclusion inches ever closer.

Our dauntless heroes: Kambei, the wizened tactician (Takashi Shimura); Shichijori, his old right hand man (Daisuke Kato); Heihachi, the jesting vagabond (Minoru Chiaki); Kyuzo, the consummate swordsman (Seiji Miyaguchi); Gorobei, the impulsive well-wisher (Yoshio Inaba); Katsushiro, the idealistic youngster (Isao Kimura); and Kikuchiyo, the temperamental wild card (scene-stealing Toshiro Mifune). Their nefarious adversaries: …… uh…… um….. a bunch of….. well…. a bunch of, um, bad guys.

The best antagonists are always the ones with names, faces, and memorable lines and deeds. The bandits in Seven Samurai have none of these things… well, OK, I guess they have faces on their skulls, but there’s still nothing distinct about them (the bandits, not the faces). Rather than existing as a collection of individual characters, the bandits are a collective plot device. Aside from the film’s very first scene, there are no segments that present their perspective or illustrate their reactions to the heroes’ attempts to thwart them (except when the two factions are face to face). Of course, this is not a generic good guys vs. bad guys story, and, considering the length of the film, an argument could be made against more spotlight for the villains as this would only make the movie longer to the point of insufferability. But, considering how much time is spent recruiting the samurai and then getting them to the soon-to-be-besieged village, I think the film would have been better off if Kurosawa had cut back on the philosophy-laden dialogue and presented the additional point of view. On the other hand, philosophy-laden dialogue IS one of the things that makes a Kurosawa film a Kurosawa film. There’s no easy answer. I’ll just shut up about this whole issue.

Another related problem is character exposition for the samurai. For the most part, these guys aren’t exactly bursting with personality. Kambei probably has the most screen time, Kikuchiyo is obviously Kurosawa’s favorite, and Katsushiro is involved in one subplot too many. Gorobei, Heihachi, and Shichijori get somewhat shafted in the spotlight department while Kyuzo hovers between the two degrees of exhibition. This is not to say, however, that our septet of brave warriors don’t have good chemistry together. They do. Kurosawa assembled a cast that seems to have a great sense of camaraderie, and that translates well to the screen.

The second half of the film is more involving than the first and is where the majority of the action takes place. By “action” I mean stuff happening, not just fighting, although there is a small amount of that, all of it brief and about as “un-flashy” as can be, for which it is all the more realistic. These scenes are largely devoid of the sound effects typically associated with scenes of swordplay.

If you have yet to see Seven Samurai, don’t watch the trailer first as it reveals things it shouldn’t (and also promises “A FLAMING LOVE IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH!” Um…yeah). I stand by my belief that this film is not God’s gift to cinema, but nevertheless it fully deserves much of the praise that has been heaped upon it and didn’t spark a transcultural remake (The Magnificent Seven) by accident. It is a standard bearer, if nothing else. So be it.

Numskull’s Rating: 7/10

Posted in All, Japanese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

The latest on Oliver Stone’s ‘The Savages’ – New featurette!

"The Savages" American Theatrical Poster

There’s no denying that director Oliver Stone was one of the top Hollywood provocateurs of the 80’s and 90’s. Films like Wall Street and JFK were guaranteed to get audiences talking as soon as they hit theaters. Hell, I still say that Natural Born Killers is one of the best movies of the 90’s, even if Quentin Tarantino claims Stone mangled his screenplay.

The last decade hasn’t been terribly kind to Oliver Stone, with box office bombs like Alexander and Wall Street 2 trailing behind him, but it looks like he may be able to turn things around with his next film, titled The Savages. Over at AICN, you can scope out the first trailer.

Based on the novel by Don Winslow, this is a movie about what happens when a trio of California rich kid drug dealers crosses paths with a ruthless Mexican drug cartel. The star-studded cast includes Aaron Johnson (Kick Ass), Taylor Kitsch (John Carter), Blake Lively (The Town), Emile Hirsch (Speed Racer), John Travolta (Pulp Fiction), Salma Hayek (Desperado), and Benicio Del Toro (Sin City). While the premise may strain credibility, the trailer still looks like a hell of a lot of fun. Sex, drugs, violence: yup, it’s vintage Stone.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out this new Savages featurette at Cinema Blend, which has the cast admitting their savagery.

Posted in News |

Visceral Hong Kong action returns with ‘Nightfall’ on Import Blu-ray and DVD

"Nightfall"

Actor Nick Cheung famously spent half a year getting into physical shape for director Roy Chow’s dark detective thriller Nightfall. The results apparently paid off, as a slimmed down and toned up Cheung helped Nightfall earn over 40 million yuan at the Chinese box office. American audiences eager to view the film no longer have to wait as trusted retailer DDDHouse is offering Nightfall on Import and Blu-ray starting today, June 26th.

The Region A Blu-ray will play on any American Blu-player and is going for only $24.36. Or you can snag the Region 3 DVD for $13.46, but be advised you’ll need an Import or All-Region DVD player to view it.

In Nightfall, Nick Cheung plays a seasoned Hong Kong cop looking into the brutal murder of a famous celebrity.

The deeper he digs into the case, the more he puts his own life in danger – uncovering shocking secrets along the way. The film also stars veteran actors Simon Yam (Ip Man) and Michael Wong (Knock Off). Check out our previous coverage of the film here or view the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Import Titles, News |

Norris kicks ass on Blu-ray: Anchor Bay brings us ‘The Octagon’ and ‘A Force of One’

Only a "Chuck Norris Blu-ray" can be a Walmart exclusive

Only a "Chuck Norris Blu-ray" can be a Walmart exclusive

MGM and 20th Century Fox Entertainment are proud to announce three Chuck Norris classics on Blu-ray: Joseph Zito’s Missing in Action (1984), Lance Hool’s Missing In Action 2: The Beginning (1985), and Menahem Golan’s The Delta Force (1986). All films will be available exclusively at Walmart on June 5th.

As of yet, no technical specifications or bonus feature details have been announced. Given that they’re Cannon/Golan Globus era films, don’t expect much more than a trailer.

All three titles are Rated R for torture, dismemberments, bodies getting sprayed with bullets, people getting thrown off moving planes and terrorists getting shot in their faces.

Updates: Two more titles have been added to the Chuck Norris Blu-ray lineup: Lone Wolf McQuade (click here to see artwork) and Code of Silence (click here to see artwork). Unlike the other three, these are not Walmart exclusives. Oh, yeah, if you’re a really big Norris fan, don’t forget about Forest Warrior (click here to see artwork), which is currently available.

BREAKING NEWS: According to Beyond Hollywood, Anchor Bay is releasing some other Norris films that MGM doesn’t hold the rights to: 1980’s The Octagon and 1979’s A Force of One are both getting the Blu-ray treatment on August 6, 2012. Both movies will include: Making of Featurette, How America Changed Hollywood Forever, Trailer, TV Spot and Director’s Commentary. In addition, Anchor Bay is also releasing the Blu-ray for Dolph Lundgren’s Pentathlon on July 30, 2012. Please check back at cityonfire.com for pre-ordering information.

Posted in News |

The kid from ‘Battle Royale’ grows up with ‘I’m Flash!’

"I'm Flash!" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Tatsuya Fujiwara, the fresh-faced teen who fought his classmates to the death in Battle Royale and made a deal with some devils in Death Note, is all grown up. As someone who was indoctrinated into Asian cinema partially based on the strength of 2000’s Battle Royale, that makes me feel kinda old. But at least Fujiwara’s next film looks promising.

I’m Flash! arrives from director Toshiaki Toyoda (Blue Spring) and features Tatsuya Fujiwara as the celebrity leader of a cult who must go into hiding to escape from a media scandal. While on the lam, he sets up shop on a desert island where he is protected by three bodyguards (including Nightmare Detective’s Ryuhei Matsuda) and makes a startling decision that will affect everyone around him.

Beyond Hollywood has the trailer for the film. Expect high drama, slow motion, and bloody squibs. While you’re waiting for I’m Flash! to come out, you might want to watch Toyoda’s film Blue Spring as it’s once of the best films about nihilistic Japanese youth out there.

Update: Enjoy the new poster and a music video for the film. Thanks to Beyond Hollywood for the link.

Posted in News |

The Raid: Redemption Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)

The Raid: Redemption Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)

The Raid: Redemption Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: August 14, 2012

Sony Pictures presents the Blu-ray & DVD for The Raid: Redemption. It’s a rookie member (Iko Uwais) and a special forces team vs. every killer, gangster and thief in a fifteen-story apartment block building. This groundbreaking martial arts spectacular is already considered one of the best action movies of our time. Check out the trailer.

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

Love Exposure Blu-ray (Olive Films)

Love Exposure Blu-ray (Olive Films)

Love Exposure Blu-ray (Olive Films)

RELEASE DATE: September 18, 2012

Olive Films presents the Blu-ray for Love Exposure (see our review). Four hours of love, family, lust, religion and the art of upskirt photography. Love Exposure is written and directed by Sion Sono (Cold Fish) and stars Takahiro Nishijima, Hikari Mitsushima and Sakura Ando. DVD currently available. Check out the NSFW trailer.

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

‘Motorway’ promises ‘A Karate Showdown on Wheels’ – new music video

"Motorway" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Chinese Films has the scoop on a new Hong Kong action picture with an impressive pedigree, called Motorway. The project has culled together talent from the Hong Kong, Mainland, and Taiwan film industries. In the film, produced by the legendary Johnnie To, Anthony Wong (Hard Boiled) and Shawn Yue (Infernal Affairs II) play two traffic cops who go after speeding bad guys in their disguised police car.

Director Pou-Soi Cheang promises that the car chase sequences will thrill audiences. “More than that,” he added, “[Motorway] also includes the most classic elements of Hong Kong gangster films.” The rest of the cast includes Michelle Ye, Ka Tung Lam, Barbie Hsu, and Guo Xiaodong.

Expect Motorway to rev into Mainland and Hong Kong theaters this summer.

Update: Twitch has the full-length trailer and a new poster for the film. Over at Chinese Films, you can find more details and pictures of the cast promoting the movie. Motorway hits Chinese theaters in June. A brand-spankin’ new trailer at Twitch Film.

A cool new poster, as well as an international trailer and drifting outtakes at Chinese Films!

BREAKING NEWS: A new music video featuring clips of the film. It has some dubstep-y moments if that’s your thing.

Posted in News |

Safe Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Safe Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Safe Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: September 4, 2012

Lionsgate present the Blu-ray & DVD for Safe, starring Jason Statham. When a second-rate cage fighter, Luke Wright, is tormented by the Russian Mafia and wanders the streets of New York, he witnesses a young Chinese girl Mei, being pursued by the same mafia who want her for a priceless numerical code that they would kill for. Check out the trailer.

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

Woman Knight of Mirror Lake, The (2011) Review

"The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Herman Yau
Cast: Betty Huang Yi, Dennis To Yue Hong, Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Kevin Cheng Ga Wing, Rose Chan Ka Wun, Pat Ha Man Jing, Hung Yan Yan, Lam Suet, Lau Siu Ming, Chui Tien You, Wong You Nam, Mia Yam
Running Time: 115 min.

By HKFanatic

Former b-movie auteur Herman Yau (“Ebola Syndrome,” “Troublesome Night”) has successfully re-invigorated his career as of late, refashioning himself as a director of action-packed historical dramas. His 2010 film “The Legend is Born – Ip Man,” an unofficial “Ip Man” prequel of sorts, could have easily been a tasteless cash-in but the movie ended up entertaining more than it had any right to. Yau follows closely on the heels of that effort with another biopicture, this time turning his attention to the Chinese feminist revolutionary Qiu Jin.

“Woman Knight of Mirror Lake” is an even more successful effort than “The Legend is Born,” as Yau manages to play to his strengths as a filmmaker. Sure, he’s no Wilson Yip, but he knows how to avoid the trappings of many other Chinese historical pictures, which sometimes fail to capture the attention of Western audiences unfamiliar with the surrounding events. Yau keeps his film grounded by focusing on relatable human characters and vintage Hong Kong action.

Herman Yau may play fast and loose with historical fact but it’s clear his intention is to make a movie, not a documentary. Unlike Jackie Chan’s “1911,” with assailed the viewer with countless dates and names throughout its entire runtime, “Woman Knight” takes a look at a related moment in Chinese history – events leading up to the fall of the Qing Dynasty – but maintains a laser focus on the character of Qiu Jin. Actress Huang Yi does an admirable job bringing this woman to life. What’s most interesting about Qiu Jin is her contrast as both a warrior and a poet, as well as her progressive feminist beliefs. Qiu Jin may have been more of an admirer of martial arts than a practitioner, but for the sake of the film – and the audience’s entertainment – Jin is fashioned onscreen as fierce fighter.

At nearly two hours, the film suffers from some uneven pacing – there’s a long stretch without much action as Qiu Jin moves to Japan to study, while the third act is almost overstuffed with fighting as the film depicts the uprising in Anqing. The uprising, while exhilarating to watch, leaves our main character of Qiu Jin entirely off camera for a long stretch of time. The good news is that Dennis To, who was merely adequate as Yip Man in “The Legend is Born,” steps up as a force to be reckoned with in “Woman Knight of Mirror Lake” and carries the third act. In fact, I was more impressed by Dennis’ martial arts moves and screen presence during the ending of “Woman Knight” than I was during the entirety of “The Legend is Born“; I now find myself expecting great things from this actor’s future.

There’s admittedly a certain level of fatigue setting in with the nonstop stream of nationalistic pictures coming out of China lately. “Woman Knight of Mirror Lake” doesn’t exactly erase that feeling but it’s still one of the better examples of the genre and a refreshing change of pace, suffused as it is with almost wuxia-like action. The film is also carried by an able supporting cast, including Milkyway veteran Lam Suet and Anthony Wong, the latter delivering one of his most restrained and on-point performances in some time. Meanwhile, the intense martial arts sequences choreographed by Tony Leung Siu-Hung (“Blood Moon,” “Ip Man“) serve as a nice throwback to classic 90’s Hong Kong cinema.

Herman Yau continues to grow more respectable with each film he makes. Who knows? In a couple of years he might be rubbing elbows with likes of Wilson Yip and Dante Lam.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 6.5/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , |

MegaForce DVD (Hen’s Tooth Video)

MegaForce DVD (Hen's Tooth Video)

MegaForce DVD (Hen's Tooth Video)

RELEASE DATE: September 4, 2012

Hen’s Tooth Video presents the DVD for 1982’s MegaForce, a U.S.-made action film that Golden Harvest produced in the 1980′s. Directed by The Cannonball Run’s Hal Needham, MegaForce stars Barry Bostwick, Persis Khambatta, Michael Beck, Edward Mulhare, Evan C. Kim, Ralph Wilcox and Henry Silva. Check out the trailer.

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

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 6/26/12

"The Samurai Trilogy" Blu-ray Cover

"The Samurai Trilogy" Blu-ray Cover

June has come and gone. But we’re still standing! And there’s plenty of Asian cinema to explore this week. So without any more stalling, here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 6/26/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

The Samurai Trilogy (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents three classic 1950’s samurai films from director Hiroshi Inagaki and starring the indomitable Toshiro Mifune

Sector 7 (Blu-ray/DVD) – this big-budget 2011 Korean creature feature comes to North America courtesy of the good folks at Shout! Factory

The Last Samurai (DVD) – a 1974 Japanese samurai tale from director Kenji Misumi (“Zatoichi, the Blind Blind Swordsman,” “Lone Wolf and Cub”)

Zebraman (DVD) – Tokyo Shock re-releases director Takashi Miike’s 2004 cult superhero flick as a Tokyo Shock Classic

FOREIGN CINEMA

Bullhead (Blu-ray/DVD) – this gritty 2011 Belgian crime thriller has won rave reviews for its tale of a cattle farmer caught in a battle with the mob over his new growth hormone

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 Turkish film is a 150-minute crime/mystery tale that many have called a meditative, existential masterpiece

The Hedgehog (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2009 French existential comedy about a young girl ready to commit suicide and an older woman learning how to live again

Numero Deux (DVD) – a 1975 experimental film from French iconoclast Jean Luc Godard (“Breathless”)

Sound of Noise (DVD) – a 2012 Swedish comedy about a group of bank robbers who use live music to aid their heists

Ici et Ailleurs (DVD) – Jean Luc Godard continued his late 70’s experimental streak with this 1976 mixture of tape of film

Toxic Lullaby (DVD) – a 2010 German-language film about a woman who wakes up in a post-apocalyptic landscape after a bad drug trip

The Walerian Borowczyk Collection (Immoral Women / Private Collections / Art of Love) (DVD) – a collection of films, ranging from the late 70’s to early 80’s, from the controversial Polish director who was always pushing the limits of the erotic in cinema

Mimi (La bouche de Jean-Pierre) (DVD) – a 1996 French short film (52 minutes) presented by “Irreversible” director Gasper Noe

MAINSTREAM

21 Jump Street (Blu-ray/DVD) – the surprise hit comedy of 2012 comes to home formats with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in tow

Wrath of the Titans (Blu-ray/DVD) – somehow a dismal remake warranted an even worse sequel with this 2012 Greek mythology flick

The Artist (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Weinstein’s 2011 Oscar-winning ode to silent cinema hits home formats

Mirror Mirror (Blu-ray/DVD) – “The Fall” and “The Cell” director Tarsem Singh tried his hand at a children’s movie with this 2012 fairy tale and, perhaps unsurprisingly, he failed miserably

RE-RELEASES

Christopher Nolan Director’s Collection (Blu-ray) – in one box set you receive “Memento,” “Insomnia,” “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight,” and “Inception.” Okay, cool, but where’s “The Prestige”?

4 Film Favorites: Harrison Ford Collection (DVD) – an oddball selection of Harrison Ford films in this DVD set: “The Mosquito Coast,” “Presumed Innocent,” “The Fugitive,” and “Firewall”

CULT

Ator the Fighting Eagle (DVD) – a low-budget 1982 swords and sandals flick from notorious Italian sleazemeister Joe D’Amato

Nina: Crazy Suicide Girl (DVD) – a 2012 neo-giallo/grindhouse-style flick from Italy

The Night of the Grizzly (Blu-ray/DVD) – Clint Walker tries to fend off a giant grizzly bear in this 1966 Western adventure

CLASSICS

The 39 Steps (Blu-ray/DVD) – Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 romantic thriller arrives in hi-def, courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Deliverance (Blu-ray) – director John Boorman’s 1972 survivalist classic comes to hi-def

The Hangman (Blu-ray) – a 1959 Western starring Robert Taylor, now on Blu-ray

HORROR

Tales That Witness Madness (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1973 horror anthology features a host of stars including Donald Pleasance and Kim Novak

The Spirit is Willing (Blu-ray/DVD) – a spooky 1967 horror-comedy courtesy of legendary producer/director William Castle

Father’s Day (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2011 horror flick from your friends at Troma Entertainment

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!

Posted in News |

Judge Dredd Blu-ray (Disney/Buena Vista)

Judge Dredd Blu-ray & DVD (Disney/Buena Vista)

Judge Dredd Blu-ray & DVD (Disney/Buena Vista)

RELEASE DATE: September 18, 2012

Disney/Buena Vista presents the Blu-ray for Judge Dredd, starring Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, Rob Schneider and Max von Sydow. In The Future…One Man Is Judge, Jury and Executioner! In a time when all-powerful and coldly efficient “Judges” act with the supreme authority of both the police force and legal system, Judge Dredd is the most feared law enforcer of them all. Check out the trailer.

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

Beyond the Black Rainbow Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

Beyond the Black Rainbow Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

Beyond the Black Rainbow Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: September 11, 2012

Magnolia presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Beyond the Black Rainbow. Set in the 80’s – a young woman, kept captive in a secluded compund by drugs and a mind control sadistic leader – tries to escape her confinement. It’s like a strange fever dream of THX-1138 and Nicolas Winding Refn’s films. Check out the trailer.

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