Deal on Fire! Train to Busan & Peninsula | Blu-ray | Only $12.99 – Expires soon!

Train to Busan & Peninsula | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Train to Busan & Peninsula | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is for a 2-movie Blu-ray collection that includes 2016’s Train to Busan and its 2020 follow up, PeninsulaBoth films captivated audiences worldwide, thanks to acclaimed South Korean director, Yeon Sang-Ho (Jung_E).

Train to Busan follows a group of terrified passengers fighting their way through a countrywide viral outbreak, trapped on a suspicion-filled, blood-drenched bullet train ride to the Safe Zone…which may or may not still be there.

Train to Busan stars Gong Yoo (The Suspect), Ma Dong-Seok (Veteran), Jung Yu-Mi  (A Bittersweet Life), Choi Woo-Sik (Big Match), Kim Soo-Ahn (The Net) and Ahn So-Hee (Hellcats).

Four years after Continue reading

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Return of the 18 Bronzemen, The (1976) Review

"The Return of the 18 Bronzemen" Theatrical Poster

“The Return of the 18 Bronzemen” Theatrical Poster

Director: Joseph Kuo
Cast: Carter Wong, Polly Shang-Kuan, Tien Peng, Ko Yu-Min, Yuen Sam, Wong Fei Lung, Lau Lap Cho, O Yau Man, Chiu Ting, Shaw Luo Hui, Chen Chiu
Running Time: 96 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Following the success of the previous years 18 Bronzemen, director Joseph Kuo realised that he still had a few tubs of bronze paint leftover, so got the gang back together for a sequel, Return of the 18 Bronzemen, that made its debut less than 8 months later. The trio of Carter Wong, Polly Shang-Kuan, and Tien Peng all return, as does Ko Yu-Min as the shaolin abbot. However Yu-Min is the only actor reprising his role from the original, with everyone else stepping into different parts. The approach makes sense when considering how 18 Bronzemen ended (and indeed the concept as a whole – why would anyone want to go through the bronzemen test twice!?), so this time around Carter Wong takes centre stage as the villainous 4th son (and master of Muslim kung-fu!) of the recently deceased emperor, who through some will altering shenanigans quickly ascends himself to the emperor’s throne.

While the original shared top billing between the Wong, Shang-Kuan, and Peng, here it’s very much the Carter Wong show. Shang-Kuan is severely underused, although whenever she is onscreen it’s a delight, and Peng clocks in little more than a cameo as the shaolin trained boyfriend of a girl Wong has his eye on. The decision is an understandable one though, exuding charisma as the constantly seething emperor, Wong delivers a performance full of intense stares Continue reading

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Beach of the War Gods (1973) Review

"Beach of the War Gods" Theatrical Poster

“Beach of the War Gods” Theatrical Poster

Director: Jimmy Wang Yu
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lung Fei, Tin Yau, Sit Hon, Shan Mao, Choi Wang, Kwan Hung, Cheung Yee Kwai, Su Chen Ping, Hsieh Hsing, Cho Kin, Blacky Ko Sau Leung, Jack Long Sai Ga, Lui Jun, Man Man, O Yau Man
Running Time: 97 min.

By Will McGuire

There’s a delightful contradiction between form and content at the heart of Beach of the War Gods: formally the film stands as a love letter to the action cinema of Japan, particularly the work of Akira Kurosawa but all of that love is deployed in a story that is built on the pain and shame of the Japanese occupation during World War 2. It’s as if someone wrote a play in a perfect pastiche of Shakespeare’s blank verse about the Easter Rising.

There’s been a recent reappraisal of Jimmy Wang Yu in the time since I’ve been learning about Eastern cinema. When I began collecting, it was en vogue to highlight his shortcomings and personal warts and praise was handed out sparingly; as if there were a danger should he get too much. Thankfully, things seemed to have swung back in the other direction, and new attention is being paid to his merits, not just as a performer, but as a filmmaker. That’s why it’s so important Continue reading

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Eureka’s Blu-ray for Stephen Chow’s 1994 James Bond spoof ‘From Beijing With Love’ now shipping

From Beijing With Love | Blu-ray (Eureka)

From Beijing With Love | Blu-ray (Eureka)

On October 23, 2023, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for 1994’s From Beijing With Love. Hong Kong’s King of Comedy Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle) directs and stars in this hilarious spoof of the James Bond franchise.

Martini swilling butcher (and disgraced former spy) Ling Ling Chat is dispatched to recover a stolen dinosaur skull from a golden-gun wielding supervillain. Equipped with the latest gadgets, our hero dons his tuxedo and swaggers into a world of danger, beautiful women, and metal mouthed assassins. Sound familiar?

Co-stars include Anita Yuen (Handsome Siblings), Law Kar Ying (Shaolin Soccer), Pauline Chan Bo Lin (Hong Kong Showgirls), Joe Cheng Continue reading

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Jade Raksha, The (1968) Review

"The Jade Raksha" Theatrical Poster

“The Jade Raksha” Theatrical Poster

Director: Ho Meng-Hua
Cast: Cheng Pei-pei, Tang Ching, Wong Ching Wan, Ku Feng, Yeung Chi Hing, Fan Mei Sheng
Running Time: 91 min.

By Will McGuire

In the midst of the current avalanche of Shaw Brothers titles getting top-shelf physical releases in America, it’s only natural that fans will look for hidden gems in the enormous Shaw catalog. As publishers get deeper into the backlog, and more obscure films begin to compete for your hard-earned dollar, fans want to know where the real classics are, and which titles are more fantastic than formulaic.

The Jade Raksha is what you’re looking for.

This 1968 wuxia film was totally unknown to me just a few months ago, but the beautiful photography, strong central performances from Cheng Pei-pei (Come Drink With Me), Tang Ching (Bat Without Wings) and Ku Feng (The Avenging Eagle), along with a healthy dose of swordplay and surreal violence mark this along with The One-Armed Swordsman as one of the gems of early Shaw wuxia.

The story begins conventionally before introducing a number of interesting complications to the typical formula: Cheng plays the Jade Raksha, a beautiful swordswoman traveling as a man and seeking vengeance for her dead family. Overcome with rage, she’s beheading any man with the surname Yan because she doesn’t know which member of the family betrayed her clan. Tang Ching plays a fellow swordsman out for vengeance named Xu Ying Hao Continue reading

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Jackie Chan’s latest martial arts actioner ‘Ride On’ hits Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Well Go USA on October 24

Ride On | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Ride On | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Jackie Chan teams up with writer/director Larry Yang (Another Shot) for the light-hearted action film titled Ride On (read our review), which was released on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on October 24, 2023 from Well Go USA.

After two debt collectors attempt to seize a stunt horse belonging to washed-up stuntman Luo (Jackie Chan), video of the ensuing confrontation―and the dynamic duo’s narrow acrobatic escape―goes viral on social media. Furious, humiliated and out for revenge, the vicious debt collectors return, so Luo and his horse Red Hare engage in several hilarious action-packed stunts and antics that outdo the most daring acts from their glory days to outmaneuver and outsmart the bad guys.

The film also stars Continue reading

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Chin Siu-Ho and Richard Ng battle zombies in Bayview Films’ Blu-ray for ‘Bio Raiders’ arriving in October

Bio Raiders | Blu-ray (Bayview Films)

Bio Raiders | Blu-ray (Bayview Films)

On October 17 2023, Bayview Films and Orchid Tree Media is releasing the Blu-ray for Bio Raiders, a 2017 horror-actioner that marks the directorial debut of actor-turned-director, Tommy Leung Ka-Ming (The Best Plan Is No Plan).

The film stars Chin Siu-Ho (The Boxer from the Temple, Hand Rolled Cigarette), Richard Ng (Money Crazy, Private Eyes), Billy Lau Nam-Kwong (Inspector Wears Skirts IV, Big Brother) and Eddy Law Tin-Chi (Wong Fei Hung – Master of Kung Fu, The Grand Grandmaster).

When a great herbalist cures his daughter of a deadly disease, he excludes a missing flower that allows her new body to produce blood, turning her into a zombie. A follower of the herbalist uncovers the terrible truth, trying to fix the problem while Continue reading

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Martial arts legend Chuck Norris teams up with Vanilla ice and Sophie Monk in the action comedy ‘Zombie Plane’

"Slaughter in San Francisco" Theatrical Poster

“Slaughter in San Francisco” Theatrical Poster

Martial arts legend Chuck Norris (Code of Silence, Slaughter in San Francisco) is teaming up with Vanilla Ice (Cool as Ice) and Sophie Monk (Click) in Zombie Plane, an upcoming Australian production from Radioactive and Entertainment Squad.

Directed by Lav Bodnaruk and Michael Mier, Zombie Plane centers on a secret government organization that recruits celebrities to be undercover agents, who together must save humanity from an imminent zombie attack. Norris, Ice and Monk play themselves (actually, Norris plays Commander Chuck Norris, who mentored and trained Ice into becoming a deadly secret agent), but the feature is reportedly full of of celebrity cameos, with a ’90s pop soundtrack including tracks by Ice himself (via THR).

This will be Norris’ first acting gig since appearing in a 2020 episode of the Hawaii Five-0 series, and Continue reading

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Unveiling the Secrets: CSGORadar’s Methodology Behind Rating CSGO Gambling Sites

Navigating the CSGO Gambling Scene

Welcome, fellow gamers and thrill-seekers! In the bustling world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), the adrenaline rush doesn’t stop at the battleground. With the rise of CS:GO gambling sites, the stakes are higher, the excitement is palpable, and choices are aplenty. At the heart of this digital casino lies CSGORadar, your trusty guide in the labyrinth of CS:GO gambling platforms.

The Essence of Transparency: Our Approach to Ratings

At CSGORadar, transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our guiding principle. We believe every gamer deserves a fair chance at making informed choices. Our rating methodology is a blend of meticulous analysis, user feedback, and a dash of gaming intuition. The process starts with an in-depth exploration of the site’s features, from the variety of games offered to the usability of the interface. We engage in hands-on experiences to feel the pulse of each platform.

Breaking Down the Criteria: What We Look For

Game Variety and Quality  

CS:GO is a diverse world, and so should be its gambling sites. We scrutinize the variety and quality of games offered. Whether you’re into classic roulette, high-stakes jackpot games, or strategic card battles, we ensure the platform caters to all tastes. A robust game selection is a testament to a site’s commitment to keeping its users engaged.

Security and Fairness 

Security is non-negotiable in the digital gaming realm. Our radar is fine-tuned to spot sites with state-of-the-art encryption, protecting your data like a virtual fortress. Beyond that, we delve deep into the algorithms governing games, ensuring fairness is not just a promise but a reality. After all, every spin should be a roll of the dice, not a gamble with your trust.

User Experience 

User experience is the heartbeat of any online platform. We assess the site’s navigation, responsiveness, and overall design. A user-friendly interface is the gateway to a seamless gaming experience. From swift deposits to hassle-free withdrawals, we test every nook and cranny to ensure you enjoy every moment spent on the platform.

Going Beyond the Surface: The Importance of Reputation

Community Feedback

No one knows a platform better than its users. We actively seek out and analyze community feedback. The pulse of the players is the heartbeat of our reviews. By tapping into the collective experiences of the gaming community, we can paint a comprehensive picture of a site’s reputation.

Trustworthiness and Track Record 

Trust is earned over time, and we don’t take that lightly. We dig into the track record of each gambling site, exploring its history and evolution. A trustworthy platform isn’t just born; it’s built through consistent and reliable service. Our radar ensures that you’re placing your bets in a zone of trust.

The Human Element: Hands-On Testing and Evaluation

Putting It to the Test 

Numbers and statistics only tell part of the story. We go beyond the quantitative data, infusing our reviews with the human touch. Our team of dedicated gamers immerses themselves in the gaming experience, testing features, probing customer support, and living the virtual thrill. This hands-on approach ensures our reviews are more than just scores – they’re authentic narratives of the gaming journey.

Navigating the Waves: Trends and Updates

Adapting to Trends 

The CS:GO gambling scene is dynamic, with trends ebbing and flowing like a virtual tide. Our radar is finely tuned to these shifts, keeping you ahead of the curve. From emerging game modes to innovative features, we keep our finger on the pulse to provide you with the freshest insights.

Regular Updates 

Gaming platforms evolve, and so do our reviews. We believe in the power of timely information. Our commitment to regular updates ensures that you’re never left in the dark about the latest in the CS:GO gambling universe. What’s hot today might not be tomorrow, and our updates reflect this ever-changing landscape.

The Verdict: Helping You Make Informed Choices

Summing It Up 

In the end, our mission at CSGORadar is simple: empower you to make informed choices in the vast world of CS:GO gambling. Our methodology isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a commitment to excellence, transparency, and the thrill of the game. So, the next time you’re ready to roll the dice or spin the wheel, let csgobook.com be your guide.

Stay Connected: Join the Conversation

Engage With Us 

The gaming community is a diverse and vibrant space, and we want to hear from you! Share your experiences, insights, and suggestions. Together, we can create a gaming landscape that’s fair, exciting, and, above all, enjoyable. Connect with us on social media, join the conversation, and let’s keep the thrill alive.

Your Adventure Awaits

CSGORadar isn’t just a rating system; it’s your compass in the exhilarating world of CS:GO gambling. Armed with our transparent methodology, dive into the gaming universe with confidence. Remember, every bet is a new adventure, and CSGORadar is here to ensure it’s one worth remembering. Happy gaming!

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Boudica: Queen of War (2023) Review

“Boudica: Queen of War” Theatrical Poster

“Boudica: Queen of War” Theatrical Poster

Director: Jesse V. Johnson
Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Clive Standen, Peter Franzén, Lucy Martin, Nick Moran, James Faulkner
Running Time: 101 min.

By Henry McKeand

One thing you could never call Jesse Johnson is complacent. Just a few months ago, his 21st-century western, One Ranger, was released. Now, he’s delivering Boudica: Queen of War, a film that swaps out Johnson’s typical pulpy crime narratives for a blood-soaked take on the story of Boudica, a legendary British queen who waged war on her Roman oppressors in AD 60. 

It’s a far cry from the modern prisons and back alleyways that DTV action fans are most used to seeing, but the transition makes sense if you’ve been following Johnson’s recent filmography. After all, 2021’s Hell Hath No Fury transposed his brand of DTV action to a WWII potboiler about a woman fighting against the Nazis. Johnson seems committed to trying out as many sub-genres as possible, and it’s hard to deny that he’s evolving as an artist. 

Normally, I wouldn’t be too excited about a DTV sword-and-sandal flick (very few performers look “convincing” in Roman armor, and ex-UFC fighters are no different). It’s a testament to Johnson’s ability, then, that Boudica is not merely watchable—it’s a legitimately Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Ip Man: Kung Fu Master | Blu-ray | Only $7.99 – Expires soon!

Ip Man: Kung Fu Master | Blu-ray (Magnet)

Ip Man: Kung Fu Master | Blu-ray (Magnet)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Ip Man: Kung Fu Master. This version of the Ip Man story stars Dennis To (Zombie 108), who portrays the Wing Chun grandmaster for a third time, following 2010’s The Legend is Born – Ip Man and 2018’s Kung Fu Big League.

Ip Man: Kung Fu Master harks back to Ip’s early days before the Communist Revolution in 1949. Ip, portrayed by Dennis To for the third time as the martial artist who famously tutored Bruce Lee, was then a police captain who was framed for the murder of a ruthless but honorable mobster, and targeted for vengeance by his dangerous daughter. Forced to quit the force, Ip soon also has to contend with the arrival of the Japanese army in Guangzhou.

Directed by Liming Li (who is also helmed Young Ip Man: Crisis Time), the film also stars Tong Xiaohu (Young Ip Man: Crisis Time), Yuan Li Ruoxin (The Cage of Time), Chang Qinyuan (Those Flowers), Zhao Xioguang (Eternal Wave), Ren Yu Continue reading

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Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (2023) Review

"Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" Theatrical Poster

“Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms” Theatrical Poster

Director: Wu Ershan
Cast: Kris Phillips, Narana Eryeneeva, Huang Bo, Yafan Wu, Ci Sha, Yu Shi, Li Xuejian, Chen Muchi
Running Time: 148 min.

By Paul Bramhall 

There was a time in the mid-2010’s when the Mainland Chinese film industry seemed to be obsessed with producing big budget CGI driven fantasy spectacles, with what felt like a new title being announced with alarming frequency. One such example was 2016’s League of the Gods, an adaptation of a 16th century Chinese novel titled Investiture of the Gods, that combined real history with Chinese myth. Planned as the first in a series, the production came with an all-star cast of popular faces from the era, including the likes of Tony Leung Ka Fai, Fan Bingbing, Louis Koo, and Jet Li. However a further instalment never came, in what’s widely believed to be down to the tax evasion scandal Fan Bingbing found herself embroiled in during 2018, in which it was discovered she was using ‘yin-yang contracts’ to divert payments through a company she owned to lower the tax she had to pay.

The scandal had wider implications though, with the Chinese fantasy flick practically disappearing overnight. The reasons behind the abrupt drought of CGI spectacles were largely believed to be a result of film studios turning inwards, allowing them to frantically ensure their financial records would pass a government audit, which many were expecting was on the way thanks to Fan Bingbing’s misdemeanour. While many such productions could hardly be called stellar pieces of filmmaking, personally I was looking forward to director Koan Hui On’s continuation Continue reading

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Babyjohn Choi, Chin Siu-Ho, Richard Ng and Lo Meng run the ‘Vampire Cleanup Department’ arriving on Blu-ray this month

Vampire Cleanup Department | Blu-ray (Bayview Films)

Vampire Cleanup Department | Blu-ray (Bayview Films)

On October 17 2023, Bayview Films and Orchid Tree Media is releasing the Blu-ray for Vampire Cleanup Department (read our review), a 2017 horror-actioner directed by Chiu Sin-Hang and Yan Pak-Wing.

In the film, a secret vampire busting group hires a young recruit (Babyjohn Choi, Shockwave) only to see him fall in love with one of vampires he must destroy. Learning on the job and fighting his attraction, the man struggles to keep his focus on saving humanity.

Vampire Cleanup Department  also features Chin Siu-Ho (Blonde Fury), Richard Ng (Invincible Dragon), Lo Meng (Five Element Ninjas), Yuen Cheung-Yan (Sakra) and Bonnie Chiu (Second Life).

Pre-order today Continue reading

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Chan Pang-Chun’s 2019 horror flick ‘Binding Souls’ hits Blu-ray on October 17th from Bayview Films

Binding Souls | Blu-ray (Bayview Films)

Binding Souls | Blu-ray (Bayview Films)

On October 17 2023, Bayview Films and Orchid Tree Media is releasing the Blu-ray for Binding Souls, a 2019 horror film directed by Chan Pang-Chun (Daughter).

When a group of students decide to return to their former high school, they find the school’s history as a former Japanese army military laboratory during World War II has caught up to them. When they stumble across a former student’s diary, they are beset by strange visions and happenings, all asking them to solve the question of a mysterious disappearance whether they like it or not.

Binding Souls stars Tsao Yu-Ning (Go), Angie Shum Yat-Ka (Lucky Fat Man), Carlos Chan Ka-Lok (The Goldfinger) and Janelle Continue reading

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Ride On (2023) Review

"Ride On" Theatrical Poster

“Ride On” Theatrical Poster

Director: Larry Yang
Cast: Jackie Chan, Xing Yu, Andy On, Yu Rongguang, Wu Jing, Stanley Tong, Aarif Rahman, Liu Haocun
Running Time: 126 min.

By Paul Bramhall

For fans of Jackie Chan, on paper Ride On is the movie we’ve (yes, I count myself amongst them!) been waiting for him to make for at least the last 10 years. Since Mainland China became a box office juggernaut in the 2010’s Chan has spent much of his time either cast in roles that he was already too old for in the late 90’s, or looking miserable in dour nationalistic epics. Understandably, for fans who either grew up (or became familiar with) him through his Hong Kong classics, the desire to see him play a more age-appropriate character that doesn’t rely on recycling his old action style is one that’s been voiced frequently. Ride On grants that wish, taking a decidedly meta-approach by casting Chan as an aging stuntman who spent his heyday as a star in Hong Kong, but now spends his days largely forgotten about in China where he lives with his best friend, a horse.

Making ends meet by hanging around the local movie set and allowing passers-by to have their photo taken with his 4-legged friend, Chan frequently finds himself hassled by a debt collector to whom he owes money, but his real problems start when he receives news his late friends company has gone bankrupt. Paid a visit by a pair of legal representatives, they break the news that the horse was apparently bought using company funds, which as a result means it can be ceased as collateral, leaving Chan to face the reality that he could lose his nearest Continue reading

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