China to allow more Hollywood blockbusters into their country

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Z Ravas

Chinese audiences enjoying a 3D Film

For decades, China has allowed 20 “blockbuster” foreign films to be screened in its country year round. Last year, movies like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Transformers: Dark of the Moon ended up becoming breakout hits in the country, much to the chagrin of the Chinese government, who were hoping that historical pieces like Beginning of the Great Revival would garner higher ticket sales. Now it appears that the tide is turning.

Yesterday, it was announced that China would be increasing that foreign film quota to 34 blockbusters, which is quite the boost. There is a catch, though: these extra 14 films must be in either IMAX format or 3D. In addition, Hollywood studios will be allowed to keep 25% of the box office gross rather than the current 13%.

The new status quo is part of a last minute deal struck by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and American Vice President Joe Biden during Jinping’s visit to the country. How this new deal will affect China’s own film industry remains to be seen but one thing is for certain, now there will be even more big-budget movies competing for Chinese theater screens and ticket sales.

Posted in News |

War of the Arrows (2011) Review

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Z Ravas
"War of the Arrows" Korean Theatrical Poster

“War of the Arrows” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Han-Min
Cast: Park Hae-Il, Ryu Seung-Ryong, Moon Chae-Won, Kim Moo-Yeol, Park Gi-Woong, Lee Han-Wi, Lee Kyung-Young, Park Ki-Woong, Ryohei Otani, Kim Ku-Taek
Running Time: 122 min.

By HKFanatic

“War of the Arrows” is a blockbuster Korean film set during the Second Manchu invasion of Korea in the mid-17th century. Our hero, Nam-Yi, is the best archer in all the land – but his father was murdered when he was just a boy for opposing the laws of the King. Nam-Yi and his sister, Ja-In, were taken in as orphans by a local lord. Time has passed and now the lord’s son is asking for Ja-In’s hand in marriage. Nam-Yi reluctantly agrees to give his sister away. All is well on the happy wedding day…until some damn Manchus come riding over the hill and ransack the entire village. They kidnap Ja-In and her groom and set Nam-Yi on the trail to rescue them both. But can he overcome his inner doubt and hone his bow skills in time to save them?

This film ended up becoming the #1 box office hit in South Korea last year with over 7 million admissions. I wish I could say I knew why it captivated audiences as much as it did but I found “War of the Arrows” to be merely serviceable as an historical action piece. It is handsomely produced, there’s no doubt about that, with solid special effects and lengthy action sequences. If you just want to see characters whizzing arrows at each other for 2 hours, you’ll probably be entertained.

On that note, the last thirty minutes of the movie is devoted almost entirely to an extended chase sequence, featuring our protagonist on the run from a well-trained team of Manchus. They hide behind rocks, fire arrows at each other, jump across cliffs, and even do battle with a computer-generated tiger. There’s not much dialogue during this segment of the film and it admittedly goes on much longer than necessary, but this is definitely the height of the action quotient in “War of the Arrows.”

Much like Ridley Scott’s attempt at reviving “Robin Hood” in 2010, “War of the Arrows” is a lavishly mounted epic that left me feeling disconnected with what was happening onscreen. It wasn’t long before I realized this was not a movie where logic would come into play: during the first five minutes, some pursuit dogs run right past a pair of hiding kids as though they’ve suddenly lost their sense of smell. Later on, about a dozen characters make a inhuman leap across a chasm and climb a sheer rockface, a feat that would be impressive even in an episode of “Dragonball Z.”

Lately I’ve found that Korean movies sometimes have a habit of making their protagonists foible to a fault. I understand that we need to feel like our hero isn’t perfect and that he has some personal adversity to overcome in addition to defeating the bad guys. But scenes of Nam-Yi puking his guts out after a night of binge drinking, breaking down in tears, or continually missing the target with his arrow don’t inspire much confidence in our hero. I want a good guy who comes across as capable, not one who seems like he might not even be up to the occasion. I had similar feelings with another recent Korean film, “The Sword With No Name.” Nam-Yi seems to persevere in this film not because he’s particularly brave or smart but because, in the end, he’s the best shot with a bow

“War of the Arrows” arrives on Region 1 Blu-ray+DVD combo from distributor Well Go USA. Once again, they have done an excellent job packing an Asian film for the Western market. The visual transfer is superb and allows the scenery and costume details to truly pop. The only effect that sticks out like a sore thumb is the tiger that is alternately CG and green-screened into the movie but, hey, what are you going to do. You can’t exactly dump a live tiger into the midst of actors anymore. Overall, “War of the Arrows” has its slow parts and its predictable moments but if you’re craving arrow-slinging action and fierce Manchu warriors, it should fit the ticket.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 6/10

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , |

Japanese horror discovers the found footage genre with ‘POV’

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Z Ravas

"POV ~Norowareta Film ~" Japanese Theatrical Poster

It had to happen sometime. The Japanese horror genre appears to have gone all Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield on us with a new film titled POV ~Norowareta Film~. The good news is POV actually looks like it could be a lot of fun. The film just hit Japanese theaters on February 18th and Far East Films has the trailer.

In the movie, two high school girls set out to capture physic phenomena on film and soon discover strange things afoot in their own school. The trailer trots out the usual J-horror tropes like creepy female ghosts but seems to deliver it in a fresh way thanks to the unique video camera-style cinematography. A more detailed synopsis of the plot is available at the link.

Posted in News |

The ‘Star Blazers’ of your youth are back as ‘Space Battleship Yamato 2199’

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Z Ravas
"Space Battleship Yamato 2199" International Poster

"Space Battleship Yamato 2199" International Poster

Ah, who can forget the 1980’s practice of taking popular and long-running anime series and chopping them down, editing them for content, and dubbing them for American children?

Cartoons like Robotech and Star Blazers were landmark shows for a generation of kids who had no idea these high-tech space operas were from Japan until they got much older.

Now the series that inspired Star Blazers, Space Battleship Yamato, is making a comeback in a big way. Ain’t It Cool News has an early look at the amazing concept art and animation for Space Battleship Yamato 2199.

Upon completion, the first two episodes of this new show will actually screen in Japanese theaters before the TV show kicks off on April 7, 2012.

In the meantime, you may wan

Posted in Asian Import Titles, News |

1992’s ‘New Dragon Inn’ remastered and back on the big screen

Posted on February 20, 2012 by JJ Bona
"New Dragon Inn'" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"New Dragon Inn'" Chinese Theatrical Poster

1992’s New Dragon Inn is remastered and back on mainland big screens this February 24 (in other words, none of us are seeing it). Directed by East is Red’s Raymond Lee, New Dragon Inn is a remake of King Hu’s 1966 classic, Dragon Gate Inn. It stars Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka Fai and Donnie Yen.

New Dragon Inn is widely regarded as the peak of wuxia dramas and was a huge hit at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival, which had audiences cheering. According to hkcinemamagic.com, both Ching Siu Tung and Tsui Hark (who also wrote and produced) are given credit as directors. Check out the HKL DVD trailer.

Posted in News |

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 2/21/12

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Z Ravas
"War of the Arrows"American Blu-ray Cover

"War of the Arrows"American Blu-ray Cover

It’s slim pickings this week as far as Asian cinema goes but, hey, there’s plenty for fans of global cinema and classic Hollywood films to enjoy. So let’s get cracking. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 2/21/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

War of the Arrows (Blu-ray/DVD) – the biggest Korean box office sensation of 2011 comes to home formats courtesy of top Asian film distributor Well Go USA

Left Handed (DVD) – Vanguard Films releases this micro-budgeted 2008 Japanese-language film about a young boy who shuts himself in his room for two years

Alien vs. Ninja (Blu-ray+DVD combo) – this silly but fun 2010 Japanese splatterflick gets an update to a Blu-ray+DVD combo pack from Funimation

IMPORT ASIAN

Turning Point 2 (Blu-ray/DVD) – Michael Tse brings his popular character of Laughing Gor to life once again in this 2011 sequel to the blockbuster film. Also starring Francis Ng and Chapman To. On All Region Blu-Ray or Region 3 DVD from your friends at DDDHouse. Available February 23

Sector 7 (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2011 South Korean monster movie comes to 3D Region A Blu-ray and Region 3 DVD from DDDHouse. Available February 23

FOREIGN CINEMA

World on a Wire (Blu-Ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s landmark, surreal 1973 science fiction film in hi-def

Maigret – Set 1 (DVD) – the crime fiction of Georges Simenon comes to life in this series of adapted French-language films, collected together on DVD

Octubre (DVD) – a 2010 Spanish language dark comedy that won accolades at Cannes, about a loan shark who is left with a baby

MAINSTREAM

J. Edgar (Blu-ray/DVD) – Clint Eastwood’s 2011 biopic starring Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover

Martha Marcy May Marlene (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2011 critically acclaimed film starring Elizabeth Olson as a runaway member of a cult

Tower Heist (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 film from “Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner features the duo of Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller

London Boulevard (Blu-Ray/DVD) – the directorial debut of the writer of “The Departed” brings together Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley for a 2011 London crime thriller

The Son of No  One (Blu-ray/DVD) – Channing Tatum stars alongside Ray Liotta in a 2011 cop drama from the director of “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”

Retreat (DVD) – Cillian Murphy, Jamie Bell, and Thandie Newton co-star in this 2011 paranoid thriller

Track 29 (DVD) – Gary Oldman, Theresa Russell, and Christopher Lloyd star in this 1988 drama. Is Gary Oldman a troubled woman’s long lost son or just a figment of her imagination?

Blood Shed: Brother Revenge (DVD) – not much is known about this 2011 film but the cover art features a gun and promises “A Thrilling Jamaican Movie!”

CLASSICS

Anatomy of a Murder (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection offers this classic 1959 legal thriller starring Jimmy Stewart and Ben Gazzara

Fort Apache (Blu-ray/DVD) – John Ford directs John Wayne and Henry Fonda in this 1948 film

Conflict (DVD) – this 1945 classy crime thriller starring Humphrey Bogart will be available on February 23

Chain Lighting (DVD) – a 1949 Humphrey Bogart film of romance and heroics on DVD this February 23

In the Cool of the Day (DVD) – this 1963 film full of romantic intrigue and starring Peter Finch and Jane Fonda will be available on February 23 as well

The Stranger/Kansas City Confidential (Blu-ray) – two classic films on one Blu-ray. “Kansas City Confidential” came out in 1952. “The Stranger” stars Orson Welles and came out in 1946.

Sherlock Holmes and The Secret Weapon (DVD) – a 1943 film starring Basil Rathbone in the famous role

HORROR

Double Exposure (DVD) – Katrina’s Nightmare Theater presents a remastered widescreen version of this 1983 horror flick that has a cover reminiscent of Brian De Palma’s “Body Double”

Zaat (Blu-ray) – this 1971 creature feature is considered by many to be one of the worst movies of all time. And now it’s on Blu-ray

Big Foot (DVD) – a 1970 movie about big foot. What more could you ask for? The cover says “the greatest monster movie since King Kong”

Inkubus (DVD) – veteran character actors Robert Englund and William Forsythe star in this 2011 chiller involving a demon

Mark of Cain/Thrillkill (DVD) – Katrina’s Nightmare Theater offers two vintage 80’s horror flicks on one DVD

Whispers (DVD) – Katrina’s Nightmare Theater rolls out this 1990 adaptation of Dean R. Koontz’s novel

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 |

The Shock Labyrinth Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Posted on February 20, 2012 by JJ Bona
The Shock Labyrinth Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Shock Labyrinth Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

[RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2012

Get ready for The Shock Labyrinth (aka The Shock Labyrinth 3D), directed by Takashi Shimizu (Ju-on: The Grudge). The Shock Labyrinth is the story of a group of teenagers who are suddenly confronted with the return of a friend who was thought to be dead. The film takes place in an amusement park called Fuji-Q Highland, which features “The Haunted Hospital,” the largest haunted house in the world. Check out the trailer.

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

The Front Line Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Posted on February 19, 2012 by JJ Bona
The Front Line Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Front Line Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2012

Well Go USA announces Jang Hun’s The Front Line which is Korea’s 2011 submission to the Academy Award category of Best Foreign Picture. The film tells the story of the fierce struggle to establish a border between North and South Korea at the end of the Korean War and is currently a box office smash in its native country. Check out the trailer.

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

Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie DVD (Phase 4 Films)

Posted on February 19, 2012 by JJ Bona
Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie DVD (Phase 4 Films)

Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie DVD (Phase 4 Films)

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2012

From Enter the Dragon to Kung Fu Panda and everything in between, Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie features the genre’s greatest on-screen warriors, and reveals the legend, the lore, and the loony of the Kung Fu film genre like it has never been seen before. Based on Ric Meyers’ best-selling book, Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Book. Check out the trailer.

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

Lethal Weapon: The Complete Collection Blu-ray (Warner Bros.)

Posted on February 19, 2012 by JJ Bona
Lethal Weapon: The Complete Collection Blu-ray (Warner Bros.)

Lethal Weapon: The Complete Collection Blu-ray (Warner Bros.)

RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2012

Warner Bros. presents the Lethal Weapon: The Complete Collection on Blu-ray. Along with Die Hard, the first Lethal Weapon is one of the greatest action films of all time. The sequels that followed have nothing on the original, but as a whole, the franchise is solid entertainment. All films are directed by genius filmmaker, Richard Donner (“Superman”).

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

Kinji Fukasaku’s ‘Battle Royale’ at a theater near you

Posted on February 18, 2012 by JJ Bona
"Battle Royale” Japanese Movie Poster

"Battle Royale” Japanese Movie Poster

42 Students, Three Days, One Survivor, No Rules. Clever, creepy and ultra-violent, Battle Royale, one of the most controversial cult films ever made, will be shown in North American theaters for a limited time.

According to Blu-ray.com, Anchor Bay Entertainment, who acquired Battle Royale’s (and its sequel) North American rights, is hosting a limited theatrical run for the director’s cut of the movie. The film will not be shown in 3D, which is what was originally planned.

Both Battle Royale Parts 1 and 2 will also be available on Blu-ray & DVD on March 20th.

Posted in News |

Donnie Yen has a history of violence in ‘Wu Xia’ on Import Blu-ray and DVD

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Z Ravas
"Wu Xia" Chinese DVD Cover

"Wu Xia" Chinese DVD Cover

Here at Cityonfire.com, we universally love Peter Chan’s 2011 film Wu Xia. Guest reviewer DiP gave it a 10/10; Mighty Peking Man said that if it was the kind of martial arts film Bruce Lee would make if he were still alive; while HKFanatic called it Donnie Yen’s best role since 2008’s Ip Man.

In the film, Donnie Yen plays a family man with a dark past. When two criminals wander into his town, he’s forced to raise arms once again in order to protect his family. Forensic detective Takeshi Kaneshiro is called on the scene to investigate and each clue leads him closer to uncovering Donnie’s past – but that’s the last of their worries with an army of assassins waiting in the wings.

The Weinstein Company bought the rights to Wu Xia but have yet to distribute it in the West. Over at trusted retailer DDDHouse, you can import the film on Region A Blu-ray for $23.72 or Region 3 DVD for $15.38.

Part of the reason I mention this is that over at Twitch, James Marsh has received word from Peter Chan that the Weinsteins will be releasing Wu Xia in North American theaters, most likely in May. The Weinsteins are giving the film the more generic title Dragon and, not surprisingly given their history, have cut the film to be “leaner, pacier.” Plenty of viewers have enjoyed Wu Xia just the way it is, even if the movie is not as action-packed as some of Donnie’s other work like Killzone or Flash Point. Wu Xia is a one of a kind of film; an intense character drama that combines elements of high-flying martial arts with CSI-like forensic work. Our recommendation is to see it the way Peter Chan intended it.

Posted in Asian Import Titles, News |

Gantz (2010) Review

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Z Ravas
"Gantz" International Theatrical Poster

"Gantz" International Theatrical Poster

Director: Shinsuke Sato
Writer: Hiroya Oku, Yusuke Watanabe
Cast: Kazunari Ninomiya, Ken’ichi Matsuyama, Yuriko Yoshitaka, Kanata Hongo, Natsuna Watanabe
Running Time: 130 min.

By HKFanatic

Much like “Death Note,” 2010’s “Gantz” is a two-part live-action adaptation of a popular and long-running manga/anime. While “Death Note” sticks closely to the realm of the supernatural, “Gantz” is pure science-fiction. At times it feels like a cross between “The Matrix” and “Men in Black.” The premise offers an immediate hook: right as they’re about to be flattened by a subway train, two childhood friends are transported to a starkly furnished room with a group of complete strangers. It’s there that a giant black orb explains their mission: aliens are among us and must be hunted down. Our protagonist, Kei, and his unlikely allies suit up in “X-Men”-like black leather and hit the streets to take down aliens with powerful weaponry unlike anything on this earth. “Gantz” is one of the few films that manages to deliver on its high concept with two hours of violent action and existential dilemmas, leaving the viewer hungry for Part Two.

My experience with the “Gantz” anime was limited to the first four or five episodes and I have to admit I found the live-action film to be something of an improvement. The movie tones down the more “ecchi” (perverted) elements of the anime, removing the overtly sexual content but keeping the blood ‘n gore intact. While this certainly softens the story in some regards, making Kei more likable than he was in the anime, I feel like the changes are acceptable to allow “Gantz” to reach a wider audience. In other words, Kei is no longer imagining that every girls he sees is naked – but you still get your fill of exploding aliens. I know some have called the film a “dumbing down” of the source material but I wasn’t bothered by the trade off.

For the most part, “Gantz” is a slick piece of pop entertainment with great production design and costumes, fairly decent special effects, and a convincing cast. Most of the flaws in this film can be traced back to the anime and manga: although the characters are equipped with extremely effective weapons, they have a habit of aiming their guns at an enemy and standing there, mouths open in shock or rattling off about their latest existential crisis. You can kind of get away with this storytelling crutch in an animated series but once it’s in live-action it becomes even more noticeable and plenty of reviewers have already criticized “Gantz” precisely for this  issue. However, it might not be as much of a problem if the viewer knows what to expect. Just be warned the characters of “Gantz” have a habit of crying and yelling when they could just pull a trigger and solve most of their problems.

While “Gantz” is only one part of a two-part series, it does a fairly decent job of telling a complete story. The only thing disappointing about the third act, really, is that it degenerates into an endless series of CG-infused battles. The computer effects are acceptable but not necessarily up to the standards of a Hollywood blockbusters. I suppose the nature of “Gantz’s” enemies necessitates that they be conceived with digital effects – they are aliens, after all – but I found that the first two, more humanoid opponents provided more satisfying action sequences. The last 20 minutes of “Gantz” prove to be CG overkill.

Regardless, “Gantz” is an enjoyable popcorn movie. The characters are anguished, the costumes are tight, and the aliens are out for blood. Chances are you either love these live-action anime adaptations or you’re driven nuts by how they deviate from the source material. Depending on where you stand, “Gantz” should be another satisfying entry in this particular genre, which seems to be enjoying a renaissance as of late. As for me, I’m looking forward to popping in “Gantz: Part II – Perfect Answer” as soon as I get the opportunity.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 8/10

Posted in Japanese, Reviews | Tagged |

Life Without Principle DVD (Indomnia)

Posted on February 17, 2012 by JJ Bona
Life Without Principle DVD (Indomnia)

Life Without Principle DVD (Indomnia)

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2012

Directed by Johnnie To, 2011’s Life Without Principle delves into Hong Kong’s money-obsessed culture through three characters whose destinies collide one fateful day when a loan shark gets assaulted after withdrawing $10 million from the bank. Starring Lau Ching Wan, Richie Ren and Denise Ho. Watch the trailer.

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

Gael Garcia Bernal to star in ‘Zorro Reborn’

Posted on February 16, 2012 by JJ Bona
"Zorro" (1975) Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Zorro" (1975) Japanese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: There are now plans for a post-apocalyptic take on the classic swash-buckler last portrayed in movies by Antonio Banderas. X-Men special FX artist Rpin Suwannath is attached to direct Zorro Reborn. Plans are for the film to be darker than its predecessors. Although I have to say that someone already beat that company to the punch on the premise of a post-apocalyptic swordsman.

Updates: This Zorro is not to be confused with an attempted Sony reboot. Dark Horizons suggests the Sony version will either be called The Forging of Zorro or Zorro: The Legend Begins.

BREAKING NEWS: Variety, via cinemablend.com, states that Amores Perros’ Gael Garcia Bernal is now attached to star in Zorro Reborn.

Posted in News |
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