Dragon Family, The (1988) Review

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Z Ravas
"The Dragon Family" Chinese DVD Cover

“The Dragon Family” Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Lau Kar Wing
Cast: Alan Tam, Andy Lau, Max Mok Siu Chung, Ken Tong Chun Yip, Norman Chu, Michael Miu Kiu Wai, William Ho Ka Kui, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Stanley Fung, Kent Cheng, Ku Feng, Lau Kar Wing, Shing Fui On, Philip Ko Fei, Wayne Archer, Charlie Cho, Kara Hui Ying Hung, Blacky Ko
Running Time: 88 min.

By HKFanatic

Andy Lau and Alan Tam must have had a good offscreen friendship during the late 80’s or 90’s, or maybe the same agent, since they managed to star in at least three movies together in that period. Thankfully, the two actors made for quite the dynamic duo, especially in action films. Much like in their ’91 collaboration “The Last Blood,” Andy and Alan are two of the only ones left standing for the heroic bloodshed-style finale at the end of “The Dragon Family.”

And what an ending it is: “Dragon Family” features what has to be the one of the earliest instances of gun fu as Alan Tam, Andy Lau, and Max Mok take on a warehouse of evil Triad scum with guns blazing, martial arts fighting, and even some fencing, all choreographed by Lau Kar-leung (“36th Chamber of Shaolin,” “Mad Monkey Kung Fu“). Kar-leung has a small supporting role and the film itself was directed by his younger brother, Lau Kar-wing. Although “Dragon Family” isn’t exactly heralded as a classic, the climax is one of the best Hong Kong shootouts I’ve seen outside of a John Woo movie.

By its release in 1988, “Dragon Family” was probably the 100th retelling of Coppola’s “The Godfather” in a Triad setting but, you know what, it works. The script takes its time setting up the story which means the film moves at a slower pace, but it also means we get to know the characters well enough that we actually care about them when the shit does hit the fan. Ko Chun Hsiung plays the head of the Dragon Family, a true Don Corleone figure if there ever was one. Hsiung is a the most kind and fair Triad leader you could possibly imagine – he even forgives his accountant for losing track of $4 million HK dollars. He’s also a loving father, despite being immersed in the underworld.

Hsiung has only one rule: if you’re part of his Triad family, you can’t deal in drugs. Anyone caught dealing in drugs will be executed, no questions asked. Early in the film we see Alan Tam, one of Hsiung’s surrogate sons and and enforcers, march into a crowded office complex and murder a man in cold blood with the emotional detachment of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the first “Terminator.” Turns out the portly fellow, now deceased, had been dealing drugs. Shortly after the killing, Alan Tam is shuttled off to Taiwan to lay low; he’ll be absent for most of the film but come back in a big way during the ending.

Unfortunately, Hsiung’s harsh stance against drugs will be his downfall. The execution of ‘Golden Teeth Shing’ upsets one of the other four leading Brothers in the Dragon Family, played by Ku Feng. Ku Feng teams up with the Family’s accountant (William Ho), a spineless worm of a man, to plot Hsiung’s demise. Once their associate played by Norman Chu returns from the Phillipines, having spent two years there negotiating heroin traffic into Hong Kong, the three men set in motion a dark plan that will lead to the downfall of Hsiung and his sons. Soon the stage is set for a bloody tale of revenge, including a shocking moment at a funeral that has to be seen to be believed.

If there’s a downside to “Dragon Family” besides its slow pace, it’s the fact that the Region 1 DVD’s subtitles are horrendous. I can deal with a faded, scratchy image as long as the aspect ratio is correct; however, half the subtitles don’t make any sense and read like they were translated backwards. You really have to pay attention to be able to follow the story at all. I believe the disc was put out by Tai Seng in 2004; this has to be one of their worst efforts. Hardcore fans might be better off springing for the Hong Kong all-region DVD, just to see if the subtitles on that version are remotely readable.

Performance-wise, “Dragon Family” is excellent. Ko Chun Hsiung is a natural as the honorable patriarch of the Family. Alan Tam may be more popular as a singer than a movie star but he was one of the most charismatic Hong Kong actors of his era. His unconventional good looks are at home in front of the camera and he clearly took to Lau Kar-leung’s action choreography as well, from the scenes of him rolling backwards off crates and diving onto the floor, pistols blazing. Andy Lau was still early in his career here but he manages to give a more subdued and natural performance unlike in “The Last Blood.” During the final battle there’s a shot of him leaning back on the floor, firing away with a pistol in his bandaged hand, that has to be the most bad-ass Andy has ever looked.

At first glance, there’s not much to differentiate “Dragon Family” from the dozens of other Triad flicks from the 80’s. But much like “Tiger on Beat,” also choreographed by Lau Kar-leung, it has a showstopper of an ending that’s worth waiting for. There might not be an ideal way to view “Dragon Family” for English speakers, but for my money it’s worth putting up with gibberish subtitles just to get to the finale. It’s cliche but true: ‘They don’t make ’em like this anymore.’ If you have any passion for heroic bloodshed or ‘bullet ballet’ films, then “Dragon Family” is a must see.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7.5/10

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Netflix Instant Asian Film Archive

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Z Ravas

Have sword, will travel

Here’s a look at select Asian titles streaming on Netflix Instant. Be advised that a few of these films are only available on streaming [dubbed] in English and that earlier movies on this list may have expired:

11/4/12

White Vengeance (2011) – a Chinese historical epic from the director of “Black Mask,” Daniel Lee. Streaming in HD

The Viral Factor (2012) – Dante Lam directs this explosive Hong Kong action flick starring Nicholas Tse and Jay Chou. Streaming in HD

Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (2011) – John Woo produced this Taiwanese epic about the aborigines’ battle against the Japanese Imperial army. Streaming in HD

My Way (2011) – one of the most successful Korean films of all time, this tells the story of two friends – one Korean, one Japanese – as they are separated and reunited during the war. Streaming in HD

Fireball (2009) – this Thai action movie combines basketball with the brutal martial art of Muay Thai. Streaming in HD

Wind Blast (2010) – a modern Chinese action picture with a Western spin, co-starring Francis Ng. Streaming in HD

Butterfly Sword (1993) – a high-flying wuxia from the director of “A Chinese Ghost Story,” starring Michelle Yeoh, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, and Donnie Yen. Streaming in HD

Dragon Lord (1982) – Jackie Chan directs and stars in this vintage martial arts picture. Streaming in HD but [dubbed]

Riki-Oh: Story of Ricky (1991) – the outrageously violent Hong Kong cult classic. Streaming in HD

Gothic & Lolita Psycho (2010) – also known as “Psycho Gothic Lolita,” this Japanese splatter/action flick comes in the vein of “The Machine Girl.” Streaming in HD

Hana & Alice (2003) – a drama about two teenage friends divided by their mutual attraction for a boy. From the acclaimed director of “All About Lily Chou-Chou,” Shunji Iwai

Hansel & Gretel (2007) – this Korean horror film unfolds as a dark fairy tale for adults. Highly recommended. Streaming in HD

Headshot (2011) – in this acclaimed Thai thriller, a hitman recovers from a bullet to the head and discovers he now sees everything upside down. Streaming in HD

Kagemusha (1980) – a drama set in Medieval Japan from internationally renown director Akira Kurosawa. Streaming in HD

Mutant Girls Squad (2010) – the latest shocking Japanese splatterflick from Sushi Typhoon. Streaming in HD

Salvage Mice (2011) – an obscure martial arts beat-em-up from Japan, featuring a cast of female fighters. Streaming in HD

Jan Dara (2001) – this controversial Thai drama co-stars Hong Kong starlet Christy Cheung in a tale of sexual obsession

Blood Brothers (2007) – a glossy remake of John Woo’s “Bullet in the Head” set in 1930’s Shanghai, starring Daniel Wu and Shu Qi

I Wish (2011) – a heartfelt Japanese drama about two young brothers separated by their parents’ divorce. Streaming in HD

7/16/12

The Chaser (2008) – this grim ‘n gritty film is a must see for fans of Korean revenge flicks. Streaming in HD

Dark Forest of Death (2006) – four campers become stranded in this Korean horror movie. Streaming in HD

Finding Mr. Destiny (2010) – a woman tries to reunite with her first love in this winsome Korean romantic comedy. Streaming in HD

Glove (2001) – a Korean baseball drama. Streaming in HD

Open City (2008) – a Korean drama about pick-pockets. Streaming in HD

Parallel Life (2010) – a newly appointed judge discovers the tragic events of his life mirror those of a judge who lived 30 years ago in this Korean drama. Streaming in HD

Private Eye (2012) – a private detective is on the case of a mysterious murder in this Korean period thriller. Streaming in HD

Punch (2011) – based on a popular young adult novel, this Korean coming of age tale follows a poor kid living in the slums and the cranky teacher who inspires him. Streaming in HD

See You After School (2006) – in this Korean film, a geeky kid picks a fight with the school bully before he realizes what he’s done. Streaming in HD

Silenced (2011) – based on a true story, this haunting Korean drama follows a teacher as he tries to uncover abuse at a school for the hearing impaired. Streaming in HD

Sunny (2011) – a Korean film about a group of seven female friends preparing for a dance festival. Streaming in HD

The Story of Mr. Sorry (2009) – a bizarre and surreal Korean animated film about a shy man who suddenly shrinks down to the size of a spider. Streaming in HD

The Shock Labyrinth (2009) – set in a haunted amusement park, this new experience in terror arrives from “The Grudge” director Takashi Shimizu. Streaming in HD

Norwegian Wood (2010) – a melancholy Japanese love story based on the novel by internationally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami. Streaming in HD

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009) – a live-action adaptation of the popular anime from the French director of “Kiss of the Dragon.” Streaming in HD on your TV

In the Mood For Love (2001) – Wong Kar-Wai’s modern romantic classic starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung

Sector 7 (2011) – a group of oil riggers are besieged by a deadly sea monster in this special FX-infused Korean movie. Streaming in HD

6/24/12

Battle Royale (2000) – it’s ‘Lord of the Flies’…with machine guns! Streaming in HD

Battle Royale II (2003) – the sequel was not as well received, though. Streaming in HD

Let the Bullets Fly (2010) – Chow Yun Fat plays the bad guy in a blood-splattered Chinese homage to the spaghetti Western. Streaming in HD

6/18/12

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010) – Tsui Hark’s visually stunning wuxia-detective story, featuring Andy Lau in the title role. Streaming in HD

The Twins Effect 2 AKA Blade of Kings (2004) – a martial arts fantasy from Hong Kong, featuring appearances by Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan

Attack the Gas Station Part 2 (2010) – a sequel to the popular Tarantino-esque Korean film. Streaming in HD

Blood Rain (2006) – a murder mystery set in early 19th century Korea. Streaming in HD

The Curse of February 29th (2006) – a grisly Korean horror flick revolving around Feb 29th. Streaming in HD

Ghost (2010) – believe it or not, this is a Korean remake of the famous Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore movie. Streaming in HD

Lump of Sugar (2006) – a Korean film about the bond between a young girl and her horse, named Thunder. Streaming in HD

My Scary Girl (2006) – a college lecturer finds out his new love may not be as sane as she appears in this Korean romantic comedy. Streaming in HD

Over the Border (2006) – a South Korean family flee to the North when they lose everything in this drama. Streaming in HD

Project Makeover (2007) – a fashion assistant tries to become a designer in this Korean comedy. Streaming in HD

The Recipe (2010) – an inspiration Korean drama revolving around a death row inmate’s one of a kind recipe. Streaming in HD

Sex is Zero II (2007) – Korean college kids are up to all sorts of hijinks in this sex comedy. Streaming in HD

White (2011) – an all-girl pop group gets more than they bargained for when they record a haunted song in this Korean horror film. Streaming in HD

Hwang Jin Yi (2007) – in 16th century Korea, a well-to-do woman purposefully chooses the life of a commoner. Streaming in HD

5/25/12

Dragon Tiger Gate (2006) – Nicholas Tse and Donnie Yen headline this martial arts fantasy in the “Storm Riders” vein [dubbed]

Full Contact (1992) – a classic early 90′s Hong Kong action film from director Ringo Lam that features plenty ‘o testosterone, spent bullets, and Chow Yun Fat [dubbed]

House of Fury (2005) – actor Stephen Fung steps behind the camera to direct this action/comedy about a family of super spy martial artists [dubbed]

Initial D: Special Edition (2005) – Jay Chou is in the driver’s seat for this Hong Kong film based on the popular Japanese anime about racing [dubbed]

Kung Fu Fighter (2007) – considered by many to be a rip-off of “Kung Fu Hustle.” You may want to pass on this one since it’s [dubbed]

4/20/12

Fire of Conscience (2010) – one of Dante Lam’s best films is a gritty cop tale starring Leon Lai and Richie Ren. Streaming in HD

Punished (2011) – a dark Hong Kong revenge film, produced by Johnnie To and starring Anthony Wong and Richie Ren. Streaming in HD

War of the Arrows (2011) – this bloody Robin Hood-esque tale was a smash hit at the Korean box office. Streaming in HD

Ocean Heaven (2010) – Jet Li stretches his acting chops in this heart-warming father/son story. Streaming in HD

Yakuza Weapon (2011) – more gory madness from Japanese production house Sushi Typhoon, starring Tak Sakaguchi of “Versus” fame. Streaming in HD

4/2/12

Flash Point (2007) – Donnie Yen headlines one of the best modern Hong Kong action flicks of the past ten years. Streaming in HD

A Tale of Two Sisters (2004) – the terrifying Korean horror tale that launched the career of director Kim Ji-woon (“I Saw the Devil”)

Triad Election (2006) – the sequel to “Election” is Johnnie To’s electrifying tale of Triad deception and manipulation

A World Without Thieves (2004) – Andy Lau headlines this big-budget Chinese film about international thieves

Romeo Must Die (2000) – Jet Li’s urban take on “Romeo & Juliet” proved to be one of his more successful American ventures. Streaming in HD

Samaritan Girl (2004) – Korean bad boy director Kim Ki-duk offers this tale of a teenage prostitute

Shutter (2004) – this Thai tale of a camera that captures ghosts is exactly the kind of Asian horror flick you’d expect

Oldboy (2003) – this Korean revenge tale most likely needs no introduction to Cityonfire.com readers

Phone (2004) – you may want to think twice before answering the phone in this Korean horror flick

The Quest (1996) – Jean Claude Van Damme made his directorial debut with this glorified remake of “Bloodsport” that is actually pretty damn good. Streaming in HD

R-Point (2004) – this South Korean military horror flick is set during the Vietnam War and quite effective in its chills

The Heroic Duo (2003) – Hong Kong actors Ekin Cheng and Leon Lai team up for action maestro Benny Chan film that somehow feels less than the sum of its parts

The Maid (2005) – an Asian horror film courtesy of the Philippines, which actually ended up breaking box office records there

Enter the Dragon (1973) – okay, yeah, not much I can add here. This Bruce Lee film is an institution. Streaming in HD

Face (2004) – this Korean horror film involves a conspiracy around organ theft

Ghost of Mae Nak (2005) – more creepy Asian horror, this time courtesy of a British director and a Thai cast

The Ghost (2004) – a college girl suffers from amnesia as her friends are killed off by various water-related incidents in this Korean horror flick

Carved: The Slit Mouthed Woman (2007) – a Japanese horror film about the mysterious slit mouthed woman, who is presumably up to no good

Cinderella (2006) – an art school student fears her plastic surgeon mother is up to no good in this Korean horror movie

Divergence (2005) – director Benny Chan delivers a cast of Hong Kong regulars including Daniel Wu, Aaron Kwok, and Ekin Cheng in this action flick

Dorm (2006) – a Thai horror film set in, where else, but a dormroom

Bloody Reunion (2006) – a high school reunion ends up bloody in this Korean horror film

Ab-Normal Beauty (2004) – a young photographer discovers a disturbing fascination with death in this horror film from one half of the Pang Brothers

Broken Arrow (1996) – one of John Woo’s more successful American ventures, starring John Travolta and Christian Slater. Streaming in HD on your TV

Mandril (2009) – the bad guy from “Undisputed III,” Marko Zaror, breaks out in his own spy-action movie. Streaming in HD

The Assailant (2009) – the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira gets its own spotlight at last with this film based on a true story. Streaming in HD

1911 (2011) – Jackie Chan goes all political for his 100th film, this Chinese historical piece. Streaming in HD

My Kingdom (2011) – a Chinese historical romance with the occasional flair for action, featuring Yuen Biao and Rongguang Yu in supporting roles. Streaming in HD

3/1/2012

Outrage (2010) – Takeski Kitano’s outrageously violent Yakuza thriller comes to Netflix. Streaming in HD

Dororo (2008) – a Japanese action/fantasy film based on the popular manga by the creator of Astro Boy. Streaming in HD

Wushu (2008) – a Mandarin-language martial arts film aimed at younger audiences and produced by Jackie Chan. Streaming in HD

Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011) – the Cityonfire.com favorite Mixed Martial Arts flick directed by and starring Michael Jai White. Streaming in HD on TV

Midnight Eagle (2007) – a suspenseful Japanese action-adventure film based on a popular novel. Streaming in HD

Godzilla vs. Monster Zero (1965) – it’s Godzilla vs. Monster Zero AKA the three-headed menace Ghidorah

Ran (1985) – legendary Japanese auteur Akira Kurosawa retells Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear as a samurai epic. Streaming in HD

1/27/12

Beginning of the Great Revival (2011) – a history of the rise of the Communist Party, featuring Hong Kong heavies like Andy Lau and Daniel Wu in “blink and you’ll miss them” cameos. Streaming in HD

Dynamite Warrior (2006) – a mystical Thai martial arts movie starring Dan Chupong, co-star of Muay Thai Stunt Team flicks like “Born to Fight,” “Ong Bak 3,” and “Muay Thai Giant”

Exiled (2007) – a gritty gangster picture about loyalty and brotherhood from the master of the genre, Johnnie To. Starring top actors Anthony Wong and Francis Ng. Streaming in HD

Audition (1999) – Takashi Miike’s landmark horror film shocked audiences around the world and helped put his name on the map. Wanna know why Miike himself has a cameo in “Hostel”? This is it

Caterpillar (2010) – acclaimed Japanese director Kôji Wakamatsu tells the story of a soldier who returns gravely injured from the Second Sino-Japanese War

United Red Army (2007) – Kôji Wakamatsu’s critically acclaimed docudrama details the political unrest in Japan during the early 1970’s. Streaming in HD

Kiltro (2006) – Chilean stuntman and martial artist Marko Zaror of “Undisputed III” fame stars in this kung fu film by way of Latin America. Streaming in HD

Oliver Stone Presents: Bang Rajan (2007) – set in 18th century Thailand as 11 villagers stand their ground against an invasion of the Burmese Army. At only 71 minutes, there is word this film heavily cut for its Western release

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003) – the original “Ong Bak” and most would still say the best. This bone-crunching martial arts flick announced Tony Jaa as an international talent to watch. Streaming in HD

Tears of the Black Tiger (2002) – a hallucinatory spaghetti Western-style film from Thailand. Unfortunately, the version available on streaming is the Miramax edit as opposed to Magnolia’s DVD release so it’s cut by 30 minutes. Streaming in HD

The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman (2010) – Doug Liman of “Go” and “Bourne Identity” fame presents this Chinese action-comedy told from multiple perspectives. Streaming in HD

Mirageman (2007) – Mark Zaror of “Kiltro” and “Undisputed III” returns with a comedic martial arts take on the superhero genre. Streaming in HD

Triple Tap (2010) – Hong Kong filmmaker Derek Yee (“Shinjuku Incident”) directs Louis Koo and Daniel Wu against each other in this action-thriller. Streaming in HD

1/1/12

A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) – the supernatural kung fu love story that would become a Hong Kong new-wave classic, starring the late great Leslie Cheung. Streaming in HD

A Chinese Ghost Story 2 (1990) – director Ching Siu-Tung (“Swordsman” series) returns for the sequel to his landmark film. Streaming in HD

A Chinese Ghost Story 3 (1991) – a loosely related sequel, produced by Tsui Hark and once again directed by Ching Siu-Tung. Streaming in HD

City on Fire (1987) – this is it, the movie that started it all! Chow Yun Fat stars in a gritty crime film directed by Ringo Lam, which would go on to inspire Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs.” Streaming in HD

Swordsman (1990) – Ching Siu-Tung of “A Chinese Ghost Story” fame directs the first entry in this popular wuxia series, starring Jacky Cheung. Streaming in HD

Bunraku (2010) – what do you get when you cross the Western with film noir and classic martial arts flicks? Somethign like “Bunraku,” which stars Josh Hartnett, Japanese rock god Gackt, Woody Harrelson, and Ron Perlman. Streaming in HD

Helldriver (2010) – the latest and greatest in blood-soaked Japanese splatterpunk from your friends at Sushi Typhoon, the creators of “Machine Gun Girl” and “Tokyo Gore Police.” Streaming in HD

Cold Fish (2010) – a chilling exercise in real world horror from Sion Sono, the director of “Suicide Club.” Highly recommended for fans of extreme Asian cinema. Streaming in HD

Secret Sunshine (2007) – a powerful and moving Korean language drama, which won a Best Actress award at Cannes for lead actress Jeon Do-yeon

12/14/11

Shaolin (2011) – Benny Chan’s ode to the Shaolin Temple stars Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bingbing, Wu Jing, and Jackie Chan. Streaming in HD

A Better Tomorrow (2010) – John Woo’s classic heroic bloodshed film is re-imagined as a slick Korean melodrama in this remake. Streaming in HD

Avalon (2001) – from the director of “Ghost in the Shell” comes this Polish language science-fiction film, praised by James Cameron for its stylish and artistic filmmaking. Streaming in HD

A Beautiful Life (2011) – a romantic drama from top Hong Kong director Andrew Lau (“Infernal Affairs”) and starring Shu Qi (“The Transporter,” “So Close”). Streaming in HD

If You Are the One: Love and Marriage (2010) – get a double dose of Shu Qi and romance as she stars in this 2010 romantic comedy. Streaming in HD

11/23/11

The Warring States (2010) – a Chinese historical epic co-starring Francis Ng that combines romance, comedy, and action

Ultraman: Towards the Future (1990) – feeling nostalgic? The early 90’s American version of the Japanese superhero TV show Ultraman is now on streaming

11/19/11

The Haunted Drum (2007) – a Thai horror movie about a musician who has a cursed placed on him

Wu Ho: Undercover Operation (2006) – a Hong Kong Triad movie cashing in on “Infernal Affair’s” success, starring Eric Tsang, Francis Ng, and Jordan Chan

Saviour of the Soul (1993) – Hong Kong superstars Andy Lau, Anita Mui, and Aaron Kwok take center stage in this wire-fu fantasy epic from director Cory Yuen

11/17/11

Zen of Sword (1992) – two lovely and talented ladies, Kara Hui and Cynthia Khan, star in this Hong Kong wire fu spectacle

Heavenly Mission (2006) – Ekin Cheng and Stephen Fung headline this gritty Triad drama

11/16/11

Swordsman 2 (1991) – the classic Jet Li picture is presented on streaming with subtitles so can finally say good-bye to your crappy Miramax dub!

Jet Li’s Fearless (2006) – Jet Li teamed up with “Bride With White Hair” director Ronny Yu for what may end up being Jet’s last truly great martial arts epic

Tai Chi Fist AKA Tai Chi II (1996) – Jacky Wu and Billy Chow star in Yuen Woo-Ping’s ode to Tai Chi, the film that gave Darren Shahlavi of “Ip Man 2″ fame his first big break

The Three Swordsman (1994) – Brigitte Lin and Andy Lau headline this early 90′s wire fu period action flick

Doctor Mack (1995) – Tony Leung Chiu Wai headlines this drama about a doctor who works in the red light district, viewed as an angel to the poor and dispossessed but as an outcast by mainstream society

Cup Unbowed (2004) – Alex Fong plays a cop looking to escape his troubled line of work in this action-packed crime thriller

Dating a Vampire (2006) – in this Hong Kong thriller, two med students become smitten with their beautiful vampire. Only problem is, she’s a vampire

Ghost Mother (2007) – a Thai horror movie about a mommy who returns from the afterlife to protect her kids from vicious drug lords

Slim Till Dead (2005) – Anthony Wong stars in a thriller about the then-popular Hong Kong trend of crash dieting. Directed by Wong Jing so you have been warned

11/15/11

49 Days (2006) – a Hong Kong horror flick starring Stephen Fung and Gillian Chung

C’est La Vie, Mon Cherie (1994) – a Hong Kong romance about love and rock ‘n roll, starring Anita Yuen

Dr. Lamb (1992) – notorious Category III nastiness about a taxi driver who murders for a thrill, starring Simon Yam and Donnie Yen

Eternal Evil of Asia (1995) – another notorious Category III flick, featuring black magic and lots of skin on display

Eye in the Sky (2007) – a Milkyway Production about crime and police surveilance starring Simon Yam and Tony Leung Ka Fai

Green Snake (1993) – Tsui Hark’s early 90’s fantasy romance starring Maggie Cheung is a dreamy, sensual masterpiece

Kung Fu Mahjong (2005) – Yuen Wah stars in this slapstick cash-in on the popularity of “Kung Fu Hustle”

Isabella (2006) – from the director of “Dream Home” comes this drama about a fired cop who tries to seduce a young woman, only to discover that she is his long lost daughter

New Legend of Shaolin AKA Legend of the Red Dragon (1994) – Jet Li stars in this off-the-wall martial arts flick co-directed by Wong Jing and Cory Yuen

Perhaps Love (2005) – Takeshi Kaneshiro stars in this romantic musical from “Wuxia” director Peter Chan

Red Trousers (2004) – “Mortal Kombat” actor Robin Shou headlines this half-documentary, half-action flick about Hong Kong stuntment

Rich and Famous (1987) – Chow Yun Fat and Andy Lau headline the first part of this vintage Triad film

Tragic Hero (1987) – the sequel to “Rich and Famous,” featuring one of the most gloriously violent ‘heroic bloodshed’ endings of all time. A must see for Chow Yun Fat fans!

Shamo (2007) – from the director of “Dog Bite Dog” comes this violent adaptation of a manga, co-starring Francis Ng

Treasure Hunt (1994) – action, comedy, romance, and CIA intrigue with Chow Yun Fat

What Women Want (2011) – superstars Andy Lau and Gong Li headline this remake of the American romantic comedy of the same name. Streaming in HD

Yesterday Once More (2004) – Johnnie To directs onscreen super couple Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng in this caper romantic comedy

11/3/11

Shinjuku Incident (2009) – Jackie Chan stretches his acting chops in this gritty drama with violence that will surprise you

The Sky Crawlers (2008) – the director of “Ghost in the Shell,” Mamoru Oshii, helms this meditative and gorgeous-looking anime

Triads: The Inside Story (1989) – this film received a Category III rating in Hong Kong due to its detailed look at Triad initiation rituals. Chow Yun Fat stars in a supporting role

The Stool Pigeon (2010) – Dante Lam’s explosive Hong Kong thriller set in the world of cops and criminal informants stars Nicholas Tse and Nick Cheung

Machete Maidens Unleashed! (2010) – a rousing documentary about Filipino exploitation cinema from the 70’s and 80’s, chock full of plenty of clips from the wildest drive-in movies you can imagine

The Warrior’s Way (2009) – one of the biggest stars in Asia, Dong-gun Jang, stars in this green-screened action movie that combines Eastern sword-slaying with a Western setting

Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991) – not an Asian movie but it does features Bruce Lee’s son, Brandon Lee, in one of his precious few starring roles. Alongside him is that lumbering hunk of a man, Dolph Lundgren, in this action-packed buddy flick

10/15/11

The Wall (2002) – a Hong Kong crime thriller starring Jordan Chan, from director Marco Mak

The Unseeable (2006) – Thai horror film about a small town woman whose lover may be more than human

Tokyo Gore School (2009) – Japanese horror film about students pitted against each other by an mysterious website

Tiramisu (2002) – Dante Lam directs this ghostly Hong Kong love story starring Nicolas Tse

To Catch a Virgin Ghost (2004) – this Korean horror-comedy has gangsters stuck in a haunted town

Siamese Outlaws (2004) – Thai action/crime flick about crooks who end up at each other’s throats when it comes time to split the money

Shiver (2003) – Francis Ng stars in this Chinese language horror film about a marriage on the rocks after the wife is injured in a robbery

The Show Must Go On (2007) – Korean drama starring Song Kang-ho (“The Host”) as a family man who also happens to be a criminal kingpin

Short Time (2005) – Korean film about a corrupt cop who learns he has a brain tumor

Screen at Kamchanod (2007) – Thai horror movie concerning a rumor that film projectionists screened a movie for an audience of ghosts

Searching for the Elephant (2009) – Korean drama about a gorup of childhood friends who each suffer from a social disorder

Running on Empty (2010) – Japanese film about a fed-up girlfriend who stages a kidnapping in order to get back the money her ex-boyfriend owes her

The Righteous Thief (2009) – Korean film about a descendent of Robin Hood who fights corrupt businessmen

On the Edge (2006) – Hong Kong crime drama about an undercover cop played by Nick Cheung who has difficulty recovering from his time spent in the underworld

Once Upon a Time in Corea (2008) – Comedy-adventure film from Korea about the Japanese government trying to transport a priceless diamond from Korea to Japan

Once Upon a Time in Seoul (2008) – Korean film about two brothers who find themselves pitted against local gangsters after the Korean War

One Night: Choice of Evil (2010) – Japanese movie about four people whose paths cross on one fateful night

Persona (2008) – Japanese fantasy drama about a grieving widow who follows a mysterious girl into the park

The Pit and the Pendulum (2009) – Korean film about classmates who reunite for a funeral and each have a different version of their friend’s death

Possessed (2002) – a college student may be possessed in this Chinese language horror film

The Pot (2009) – hit Korean horror movie about a family who moves to the countryside and becomes embroiled in an ancient ritual

Psychedelic Cop (2002) – Danny Lee stars as, what else, a cop in this Hong Kong crime thriller

The Replacement Suspect (2001) – Hong Kong crime thriller in the “Infernal Affairs” mold from director Marco Mak

Rainbow Eyes (2007) – in this Korean thriller, two cops investigate a murder case tied to their past on a military base

The Loner (2008) – Korean horror film about a girl who begins to talking to people who aren’t there after the death of her best friend

M (2006) – in this Japanese film, a disturbed young man tries to save his housewife neighbor from a life of prostitution

Missing Person (2009) – dark and disturbing Korean movie about a real estate agent immersed in a dog-eat-dog world

Meatball Machine (2002) – a Japanese splatterhorror flick in the vein of “Tokyo Gore Police”

Monopoly (2006) – Korean crime thriller about a scheme to steal millions from Korean banks

Mr. Tadano’s Secret Mission (2008) – Japanese film about a businessman who is an undercover agent by night

Muoi: The Legend of the Portrait (2007) – a novelist searches Vietnam to solve the local legend of a haunted painting in this Korean horror film

Nightmare Detective II (2008) – Shinya Tsukamoto directs the follow-up to his film about a man who can enter dreams

No Doubt (2010) – Korean drama about a father out to solve the mystery of his daughter’s death

Hissatsu: Sure Death (1984) – Japanese samurai movie about a band of merchants who are really mercenaries

Hellevator: The Bottled Fools (2005) – Japanese horror film set in a future where elevators are a main mode of transportation

Heat Team (2004) – Dante Lam directs this Hong Kong action-comedy starring Aaron Kwok and Eason Chan

Hit Team (2001) – Dante Lam also directs this more serious Hong Kong action flick starring Daniel Wu

Holiday (2006) – Korean film about protestors who are jailed after rallying against the government’s destruction of poor neighborhoods before the 1988 Olympics

Insadong Scandal (2009) – Korean movie about a recently discovered painting and the disgraced artist hired to restore it

Leave Me Alone (2004) – Danny Pang of the Pang Brothers directs this Hong Kong thriller about a fashion designer forced to assume his twin brother’s identity, starring Kenny Bee, Ekin Cheng, and Charlene Choi

The Last Days of the World (2010) – Japanese film about a student who is taken on a surreal journey after he learns the world will soon be destroyed

Dream (2008) – a dark and surreal fantasy from acclaimed Korean director Kim Ki-duk

Elevator Trap (2009) – in this Korean movie, four people find themselves trapped in an elevator for reasons they must unravel

Epitaph (2007) – a Korean horror anthology, centered around a Korean hospital

The Evil Twin (2008) – Korean horror film about a girl who awakes from a coma and finds her village plagued by a terrible family secret

The Executioner (2009) – the first scheduled execution in 12 years creates tension among prison guards in this Korean drama

Fly High (2006) – Korean drama about a young man whose life is sent upside down when the girl he loved returns after a two year disappearance

For Bad Boys Only (2000) – a young Ekin Cheng and Louis Koo tear it up as two bad boys with an eye for trouble and the ladies in this Hong Kong action-comedy

Ghost Photos (2006) – Japanese horror film about a girl who receives a text from her brother, foretelling of death

Green Chair (2005) – this Korean drama about the real life affair between a housewife and an underage boy won a Sundance Jury Prize

Handphone (2009) – in this Korean thriller, a movie agent will go to any means to protect his actress client from a looming sex scandal

Bloody Innocent (2010) – a Korean drama about two students whose friendship is torn apart after the girl they love is found murdered

The Boat (2009) – a Korean/Japanese co-production about two smugglers who are hired to kidnap the daughter of a Korean businessman

Boys on the Run (2010) – Japanese film about a socially awkward virgin nearing 30  who tries to win the heart of his co-worker

Crazy ‘n the City (2005) – an underrated ‘slice of life’ cop comedy/drama from Hong Kong starring Francis Ng and Eason Chan

The Death Curse (2003) – a Hong Kong horror comedy starring the Twins of “Twins Effect” fame

Dachimawa Lee (2008) – a box office smash in Korea that spoofs the James Bond movies

Antarctic Journal (2005) – a Korean film about a journey across the Antarctic which may prove fatal

Ashura (2005) – a surreal Japanese film which arrives on streaming just as the DVD from AnimEigo goes out of print

Bestseller (2010) – Korean thriller about a plagiarism scandal

The Big Swindle (2004) – Korean crime thriller about a group of thieves trying to find the whereabouts of their missing loot

10/1/11

Arahan (2004) – this action-packed, special-effects laden superhero flick was a blockbuster hit in Korea. Streaming in HD

I’m a Cyborg, But That’s Okay (2006) – from the director of “Oldboy” comes this quirky love story set in a mental institution

The Unjust (2010) – this gritty Korean crime film from the director of “No Blood, No Tears” and “City of Violence” follows a battered detective trying to solve a string of child murders

Silmido (2004) – this hit Korean film is based on the true story of a group of North Korean soldiers trained to infiltrate the South and attempt to assassinate the President in 1968

Supercop (1992) – the Miramax edit and dub of “Police Story 3” with Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh is now on streaming. There is an upside: Streaming in HD.

Castaway on the Moon (2009) – this hit Korean romantic-adventure follows a man stranded on a tiny island and the woman who observes him from her window

Moss (2010) – in this Korean thriller a man returns to his father’s remote village for a funeral, only to discover that the town may have terrible secrets. Streaming in HD

No Mercy (2010) – in this Korean thriller, a forensic pathologist must race against time to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Streaming in HD

Rikidozan (2010) – this Korean biopic tells the real story of sumo wrestler Rikidozan, who was held back in his career solely because of his half Korean heritage

Secret (2010) – after the death of his son, a detective discovers his estranged wife may have links to a murder case in this Korean crime movie. Streaming in HD

Murder, Take One (2005) – this Korean crime movie shows what happens when a murder investigation becomes the subject of a reality television show

Going By the Book (2007) – this Korean crime comedy involves a group of police officers who attempt to stage a bank robbery for the benefit of the public. Streaming in HD

Sophie’s Revenge (2008) – this Chinese romantic comedy stars Fan Bingbing and Zhang Ziyi. Can you handle that much cute? Streaming in HD

The King and the Clown (2005) – this Korean period piece concerns two clowns who stage a play mocking the king

Love In Between (2010) – a Korean thriller about a jilted wife who secretly attempts to befriend her husband’s mistress

Killer Bride’s Perfect Crime (2009) – this Korean road trip comedy follows a young bride with a corpse on her hands

Sayonara, Itsuka (2010) – this Japanese film is a romantic drama about two people who reunite after 25 years and realize they’re still in love

Good Morning President (2009) – this Korean comedy mixes complex national politics with personal drama

The Servant (2010) – this Korean movie is labeled as a comedy period piece about a servant who falls in love with a girl her Master also desires

9/30/11

BKO: Bangkok Knockout (2010) – this Thai stunt-filled spectacular from the director of “Born to Fight” and “Ong Bak 2” is a must see for action fans. Streaming in HD

9/23/11

Tiger Cage II (1990) – this Hong Kong action flick was directed by Yuen Woo-Ping and stars “Ip man” Donnie Yen. In other words: watch it! [dubbed]

Rumble in the Bronx (1995) – the dubbed, Miramax cut of Jackie’s classic 90’s movie is available courtesy of Starz Play, which usually means poor visual quality on streaming [dubbed]

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) – this anime from the revered Studio Ghibli is also streaming courtesy of Starz Play [dubbed]

Dream Lovers (1986) – this 80’s romance starring Chow Yun Fat and Brigitte Lin (“The Bride With White Hair”) is billed as Hong Kong’s answer to “Somewhere in Time” with a dreamy, synth-pop soundtrack. Streaming in HD

The King of Masks (1999) – this arthouse drama from Mainland China is about an aging street performer looking to pass his tradition on

9/22/11

Little Big Soldier (2010) – Jackie Chan’s latest action-comedy, this time set during the Warring States period, makes it way to streaming. Streaming in HD

Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars (1985) – this Hong Kong action comedy, the third in the Lucky Stars series, stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao with Jackie Chan in a supporting role. Also look for Andy Lau and Michelle Yeoh, the latter making her big screen debut. Streaming in HD

Dr. Wai in the Scripture With No Words (1996) – martial arts icon Jet Li stars with Takeshi Kaneshiro (“House of Flying Daggers”) in this global action adventure that has an Indiana Jones vibe. Directed by Ching Siu-tung of “A Chinese Ghost Story” fame. Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Sun Valley (1996) – this ‘Chinese Western’ was a Chinese-Hong Kong co-production from the director of “Warriors of Heaven and Earth.” Streaming in HD

9/21/11

Dragons Forever (1988) – this vintage Hong Kong action film was the last to star Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao together as the Three Dragons, and is considered by many to be their best. Streaming in HD

Wheels on Meals (1984) – another classic starring Jackie, Sammo, and Yuen! This film was shot on location in Spain and features a legendary fight scene between Jackie and Benny “the Jet” Urquidez. Streaming in HD

Zu: Warriors From the Magic Mountain (2001) – in a confusing twist, this film is falsely labeled on Netflix as 1983’s “Zu: Warriors From the Magic Mountain” but it’s actually the uncut, subtitled version of 2001’s “The Legend of Zu,” which is also available on streaming in its cut and dubbed version. Streaming in HD

Yes, Madam (1985) – this classic girls-with-guns film from director Cory Yuen teamed up Michelle Yeoh with Cynthia Rothrock. Streaming in HD

Tiger Cage (1988) – a vintage Hong Kong action flick directed by Yuen Woo-Wing and starring Donnie Yen, Jacky Cheung, and Simon Yam. Streaming in HD

Executioners (1988) – Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and Anita Miu return in Johnnie To’s sequel to the popular “The Heroic Trio.” Streaming in HD

Flaming Brothers (1987) – this 80’s Hong Kong gangster film stars Chow Yun Fat and Alan Tang. Streaming in HD

Iron Monkey II (1977) – Netflix says “not to be confused with the sequel to 1977’s smash hit ‘Iron Monkey.'” I’m as confused as you are! Streaming in HD [dubbed]

9/20/11

The Housemaid (2010) – this Korean thriller about an affair that develops between the man of a household and their new maid was an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Streaming in HD

9/14/11

King of Beggars (1992) – this hit martial arts comedy stars Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle), was directed by Gordon Chan (Fist of Legend), and features a cameo from legendary choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping! Streaming in HD

Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge (2007) – billed as an “atmospheric Japanese drama,” this crazy-looking flick follows a hapless high school student who falls for the girl of his dreams – a skilled martial artist gal who must do battle with the Chainsaw Man!

Goth (2008) – this film is a live-action adaptation of a popular Japanese manga about two death-obsessed high school students who try to track down a serial killer, mostly so they can get an up close look at his victims. Streaming in HD

YOGA: The Movie (2009) – silly title aside, this Korean horror film follows a TV reporter who enrolls in a yoga school, only to find that the students are mysteriously disappearing

Geisha Assassin AKA Geisha vs. Ninja (2008) – at a glance, this looks to be low-budget, direct-to-video Japanese action at its finest

City Hunter (2011) – this 20-episode Korean TV series is based off the popular manga that was once adapted into a feature film by Jackie Chan. The show’s been available on streaming for at least a month but it has enough fans that we figure it deserves a mention on this list!

9/1/11

Clash (2009) – high octane Vietnamese action film from the makers of “The Rebel“; starring Johnny Nguyen of “The Protector” fame. Streaming in HD

Kingdom of War: Parts 1 and 2 (2006) – historical action epic from Thaland. Could this be Thailand’s answer to “Red Cliff”? Streaming in HD

8/28/11

The Expendables (2010) – Sly Stallone’s all-star action flick is now streaming in HD. The film features at least two highly trained martial artists, namely Jet Li and Gary Daniels (“Bloodmoon”); and Jason Statham, who underwent some rigorous training from Hong Kong director Cory Yuen before filming “The Transporter.” Streaming in HD

King of Fighters (2010) – live action adaptation of the popular and long-running Japanese video game series, directed by “Fist of Legend” director Gordon Chan and starring the always lovely Maggie Q (“Naked Weapon”). Streaming in HD

Assault Girls (2009) – a surreal and meditative science-fiction film about online gaming in the future, from “Ghost in the Shell” director Mamoru Oshii. Streaming in HD

Bodyguards & Assassins (2009) – this historical action drama from Hong Kong starring Donnie Yen comes highly recommended. Streaming in HD

Drop (2009) – a coming-of-age tale about teenage Japanese delinquents. A mix of humor and brutal fight scenes. Highly recommended. Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Dream Home (2010) – a Hong Kong slasher movie with elements of comedy and drama from acclaimed filmmaker Pang Ho-Cheung. Starring the lovely Josie Ho. Streaming in HD

8/5/11

13 Assassins (2010) – Takashi Miike’s samurai epic is a must see for fans of Asian cinema. Streaming in HD

Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) – an update on the Django tale from “13 Assassins” director Takashi Miike, featuring a cameo by Quentin Tarantino. Streaming in HD

Project A (1983) – one of Jackie Chan’s most beloved films that saw him reuniting with his old friends Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Iron Monkey (1993) – Quentin Tarantino cut and subbed this Donnie Yen martial arts film for Western consumption and had his buddies at Miramax release it. Streaming in HD

Zu Warriors (2001) – Tsui Hark’s special FX-laden blockbuster was to Hong Kong what the Star Wars prequels were to American audiences. Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Dragon Lord (1982) – the opening sequence of this little-known Jackie Chan film served as an inspiration for the tree-climbing scene at the beginning of “Ong Bak.” Streaming in HD [dubbed]

The Game of Death (1978) – the classic Bruce Lee film that the actor was tragically never able to complete. Streaming in HD

Easy Money (1987) – Michelle Yeoh stars in a feminized Hong Kong take on “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Streaming in HD

Project A 2 (1987) – Jackie Chan returns for more action in the sequel to the popular “Project A.” Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Three…Extremes II (2002) – an Asian horror anthology from directors Ji-woon Kim, Nonzee Nimibutr, and Peter Chan

Revenge (1964) – a samurai film from director Tadashi Imai

The Secret of the Urn (1966) – a samurai film from director Hideo Gosha

8/1/11

The Man From Nowhere (2010) – a supremely violent and well done revenge movie from Korea. If you thought “Taken” was bad-ass, you have to see this. Streaming in HD

I Saw the Devil (2010) – from acclaimed director Ji-woon Kim and the star of “Oldboy” comes this relentlessly grim revenge thriller. Streaming in HD

Mother (2009) – the director of “The Host,” Joon-ho Bong, weaves this dark murder mystery, co-starring Won Bin from “The Man From Nowhere.” Streaming in HD

Wing Chun (1994) – this Hong Kong martial arts film stars Michelle Yeoh and Donnie Yen, and was directed by master Yuen Woo-Ping. Streaming in HD

The Heroic Trio (1993) – Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and Anita Mui team up as three superheroines to fight crime in a futuristic Hong Kong. Directed by Johnny To! Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Operation Condor 2: Armour of God (1987) – as you can probably tell from the title, this is an edited and dubbed version of “Armour of God” that was released in America as a sequel to “Operation Condor,” even though that film is actually “Armour of God II.” Confused yet? Streaming in HD [dubbed]

Sonatine (1994) – Takeshi Kitano’s critically acclaimed Yakuza thriller. Streaming in HD

Kung Fu Dunk (2008) – this Hong Kong crowd pleaser features Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou, who played Kato in the most “Green Hornet” movie, and Eric Tsang. Streaming in HD

Mighty Peking Man (1997) – this Shaw Brothers’ take on the King Kong story stars Danny Lee. Streaming in HD

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) – this thought-provoking film from Thailand won the prized Palme d’Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Streaming in HD

Posted in News |

49 Days DVD Set (Ya Entertainment)

Posted on September 27, 2011 by JJ Bona
49 Days DVD Set (Ya Entertainment)

49 Days DVD Set (Ya Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: October 18, 2011

Korean TV drama series 49 Days follows a young woman’s (Nam Gyu-Ri) amazing journey between life and death with some help from a motorcycle-riding Grim Reaper (Jung Il-Woo). Check out the trailer. Come on guys, you know you want it!

PERFECT … The most satisfying ending I’ve seen in a long time. – Dramabeans

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

Blu-Ray and DVD Releases for 9/27/11

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Z Ravas
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky aka Ricky Oh Blu-ray/DVD (Tokyo Shock)

You will believe that a man's stomach can be punched open

Each week, City on Fire does our best to spotlight the Asian and genre-related blu-ray and DVD releases that we suspect our readers might be interested in. Here’s the handy list of releases for 9/27/11:

ASIAN CINEMA

The Stool Pigeon (blu-ray/DVD) – Dante Lam’s 2010 crime thriller arrives on blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Well Go USA. The film stars Nicolas Tse and Nick Cheung. Read CoF’s review here

Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (DVD) – this notoriously ultra-violent Hong Kong action movie gets a rerelease courtesy of Tokyo Shock [Blu-ray release on 10/11/12]

The Butcher, The Chef, and the Swordsman (DVD) – this 2010 Chinese/Hong Kong/American co-production is presented by “Bourne Identity” director Doug Liman. Also available to rent on Amazon Instant Video

Gamera: Triple Feature Collector’s Edition (blu-ray) – Mill Creek Entertainment unleashes this collection of three 90’s Gamera films on blu-ray, including Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996), and Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)

Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (blu-ray) – what many to be consider the best of the 90’s Gamera trilogy, 1999’s “Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris,” is available as a standalone blu-ray disc from Mill Creek Entertainment

ANIME

Trigun: Badlands Rumble (blu-ray/DVD) – this 2010 standalone film is first piece of new Trigun animation in over ten years, on blu-ray and DVD from Funimation

MAINSTREAM

Ben Hur: 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition (blu-ray) – Charleston Heston stars in this 1959 classic, on blu-ray for the first time

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (blu-ray/DVD) – Michael Bay’s latest cacophony of sight and sound, now in the comfort of your own living room

The Matrix Reloaded/The Matrix Revolutions 2-Pack (blu-ray) – if you’re one of ‘those people’ who enjoyed the 2003 “The Matrix” sequels, you can now get both of them on one handy blu-ray disc

Heathers (blu-ray) – this 1989 classic starring Winona Ryder (swoon!) and Christian Slater receives a blu-ray release from Image Entertainment

Benny & Joon (blu-ray) – this 1993 crowd-pleasing romantic drama stars Johnny Depp, now on blu-ray

HORROR

Torso (blu-ray/DVD) – Blue Underground releases this 1973 giallo/slasher film from director Sergio Martino (“The Case of the Scorpion’s Tale”) on blu-ray with two cuts of the film including the Italian Director’s Cut, or on DVD with the Uncensored English Cut

Mimic: Director’s Cut (blu-ray) – from visionary director Guillermo Del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”), this 1997 creature feature is finally being released uncut

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 & 3 (blu-ray) – arguably the last two decent sequels in this horror franchise, 1985’s “Freddy’s Revenge” and 1987’s “Dream Warriors,” now available together on one blu-ray disc

Basket Case (blu-ray) – Something Weird Video presents this 1982 cult horror flick on blu-ray. From the director of “Frankenhooker”!

C.H.U.D. (DVD) – Image Entertainment’s Midnight Madness Series continues with a DVD rerelease of this 1984 cult classic

Mardi Gras Massacre (DVD) – Code Red’s imprint, Maria’s B Movie Mayhem, continues with a DVD release of this 1978 slasher movie

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 |

Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge (2008) Review

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Z Ravas
"Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Takuji Kitamura
Writer: Tatsuhiko Takimoto, Hirotoshi Kobayashi
Cast: Megumi Seki, Hayato Ichihara, Yosuke Asari, Itsuji Itao, Haruma Miura, Maho Nonami, Hiromi Shinjo, Aya Kiguchi
Running Time: 109 min.

By HKFanatic

Don’t let the title fool you: “Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge” is not a film that would fit in with the Sushi Typhoon catalog. There’s no blood, no gore, no strangely appendaged women. The second coming of “Machine Gun Girl” this is not. At its heart, “Negative Happy” is a coming-of-age drama/comedy, with a few special effects-laden battles sprinkled in. There’s action for those who are seeking it, but the emphasis is firmly on the characters and their budding relationships.

The plot of “Chainsaw Edge” almost feels like two films grafted into one; if I have a serious knock against the movie, it’s that the two disparate plots never quite gel. On one hand, there’s the story of high school student Yosuke as he faces the pressures of growing up. He feels his life is pretty unremarkable and envies a friend who recently died in a motorcycle crash. Yosuke figures that if he could just go out in a blaze of glory like that, then his life might mean something. Yosuke finds his cause late one night when he runs into a girl his age, Eri, who routinely engages in battle with a giant chainsaw-wielding maniac. Even though he’s a self-described wuss, Yosuke decides to do what he can to protect Eri and if he dies in the process then, well, so much the better.

The scenes of Eri fighting a “Friday the 13th”-style villain often feel like they come from a different movie entirely and not the one you’re currently watching, with its detailed focus on Yosuke’s teen angst and his burgeoning affection for Eri herself. More often than not, the fights are abbreviated and director Tajuki Kitamura prefers to cut to their aftermath. Fortunately, the film is bolstered by some great performances that help one overlook the uneven tone. Hayato Ichihara stars as Yosuke. He played the lead in “All About Lily Chou-Chou,” one of my favorite films of all time, but a good seven years passed between the two movies so he’s virtually unrecognizable from “Chou-Chou.” His role in “Chainsaw” is the opposite of the tortured soul he played in that film: loud and expressive but still a slacker at heart.

Most of the humor in this film is generated from the relationship between Yosuke and his roommate, Watanabe. Watanabe is a slacker too; he can’t seem to commit to a single passion or hobby. He initially wanted to be a musician but his bandmate and friend, Noto, died in that bike accident. Next he tries his hand at photography and painting. Watanabe spends most of the film attempting to piece together a song that their late friend wrote. Since their friend is played by a real life pop star (Haruma Miura), the actor recorded vocals for the track and performs it during an extended music video sequence.

“Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge” is based on the novel by Tatsuhiko Takimoto, a popular young writer in Japan. Takimoto has admitted he is a recovering “hikikomori,” a Japanese term for people who are reclusive or shut-ins. That feeling of vague discontent, the sense that the life one is leading is mediocre at best, hovers over the story. Even the Chainsaw Man that Eri fights is merely a stand-in for the monster of grief. Eri is a normal girl who must become a strong warrior in order to face the tragedy of her past until she realizes she can’t go it alone.

For a low-budget Japanese film, “Negative Happy” has excellent special effects, with CG work that is better than some mainstream Hollywood pictures I’ve seen. The film has moments of great visual beauty, mostly during action sequences: the Chainsaw Man seems to plummet to earth from the moon above and Eri performs impossible, anime-esque leaps. A scene set in a large indoor pool is a sight to behold even if it doesn’t last very long. However, there are times during the many dialogue-driven scenes that the film, shot on hi-definition camera, looks unappealingly fuzzy.

“Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge” is quite unlike any Japanese movie I’ve seen. It has a style similar to Ryuhei Kitamura’s “Versus” but without the violent action that will please gorehounds. The story is bloodless but endearing; this movie, like its characters, tends to wear its heart on its sleeve. If you enjoyed character-driven but quirky Japanese flicks like “Drop” or “X-Cross,” you should give “Negative Happy” a watch. “Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge” is now streaming on Netflix Instant.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7.5/10

Posted in Japanese, Reviews | Tagged |

Reservoir Dogs (1992) Review

Posted on September 27, 2011 by ningen31
"Reservoir Dogs" Japanese DVD Cover

“Reservoir Dogs” Japanese DVD Cover

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Writer: Quentin Tarantino
Producer: Lawrence Bender
Cast: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino, Randy Brooks, Kirk Baltz, Lawrence Bender, Steven Wright
Running Time: 99 min.

By Ningen

While it’s not a legal or officially acknowledged remake of City on Fire, Reservoir Dogs has (unfairly) achieved so much attention, that it’d be impossible to ignore reviewing it. A number of people have cited me as biased towards Quentin Tarantino, because I single him out as a plagiaristic hack when theft is the norm in Hollywood. But unlike Michael Bay and the Island/Clonus debacle, Quentin has been hailed as an “independent” director, which would suggest a unique vision different from the mainstream movie machine. Yet I don’t really get how ripping off an ear is “edgier” than a decapitation in a slasher film. (Plus I don’t get the double standard for why a Texas Chainsaw Massacre which has essentially the same content is more likely to get panned by certain critics.) And cop movies like Lethal Weapon feature robberies all the time. But despite suggesting “perspective” by shifting to the criminals’ point of view, you don’t really get to know anything about the motives or desires of the characters. They just wax poetic about the meaning of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and the code names they’ve been assigned. Like the director, their lives are meaningless.

My other gripe is the lack of realism in the crimes. Let’s start at the top. You’ve got a mafia don who asks his flunkies to rob a diamond store. Now assuming that it actually went smoothly, where would you sell the loot, and keep the cops and feds from tracking you down? That’s why most criminal organizations engage in money laundering, not stick-ups. (In fact, A Better Tomorrow is the superior gangster film precisely because you see the inner workings of the triad organization.) But to add to the stupidity of the script, the thugs don’t wear masks, gloves, or even bullet proof vests. They just burst in with guns blazing and stumble out as if they’re desperately competing for the Darwin Awards. (Even Quentin’s ex-buddy, Roger Avary, had the decency to explain the set-up for the heist featured in Killing Zoe.) But no, it’s “cooler” to just stage a shoot-out in which the undercover cop gets shot up. Not that it matters that undercovers are usually assigned to gather evidence for drug busts, prostitution rings, and illegal weapons smuggling(as seen in another superior film, Hardboiled). Quentin logic assumes that a police force would waste its resources trying to bust up a penny ante robbery from the inside, when it’d just would result in a bunch of (literally) dead leads. It also assumes that gangsters holed up in a werehouse would avoid taking hostages, and just torture them while leaving their backs open to cops.

The violence itself is dumbed down with scattered camera shots, while its impact is diluted by a pointless dance number with generic 70’s music which adds nothing to the tension. (A sign of things to come in Kill Bill.) Sure, the narc is a sight to see when he’s a bloody mess, but you don’t even know where he’s been shot, so it’s hard to sympathize with him. So in conclusion, Rerservoir Dogs doesn’t really deliver when it comes to shock value, characterization, or the script.

Ningen’s Rating: 4/10

Posted in Asian Related, Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , |

Police Woman | aka Young Tiger (1973) Review

Posted on September 26, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Police Woman" Thai Theatrical Poster

“Police Woman” Thai Theatrical Poster

AKA: Rumble in Hong Kong
Director: Zhu Mu
Cast: Yuen Qiu, Charlie Ching, Jackie Chan, Chiang Nan, Hu Chin, Betty Pei Dee, John Cheung Ng Long, Feng Yi, Lee Man Tai, Helena Law Lan
Running Time: 90 min

By Alvin George

I bought this movie for three bucks from Circuit City, hoping it would be better than the other ’70s Jackie Chan movies I’ve seen due to its modern (1970s) setting. Boy, did I think wrong. This movie is a piece of crap!

Jackie plays a bad guy with a big mole on one side of his face. A cabbie and a policewoman are out to get him. The dubbing is sh*t, the dialogue is lame, and the fight scenes are mediocre at best. Even the ’70s-style music score isn’t that good.

It is allegedly the first movie where Jackie Chan performs his first real stunt, where he leaps onto a taxicab going about ten miles an hour. At least the cab moves faster after that, but a somewhat similar scene in the American action movie Action Jackson, where Carl Weathers leaps onto a cab going FORTY miles an hour after outrunning kicks a lot more ass.

I ended up returning the stupid tape to Circuit City, claiming it was a defective product. (It didn’t track well on my VCR anyhow, probably because it was an EP dub.)

Alvin George’s Rating: 1/10 (I would’ve given it 0 if it weren’t for that one stunt and for the modern setting)

By Numskull

Compared to other “Jackie is my co-pilot” flicks like Eagle Shadow Fist, Fantasy Mission Farce and Killer Meteors, this is a masterpiece, but viewed in light of Jackie’s entire body of work, it’s still a travesty…

10 reasons why this film sucks:

1. Main hero advocates censorship.
2. Empty, sealed cardboard boxes.
3. Smack-in-a-can.
4. Audio quality comparable to that of two skeletons copulating on a tin roof.
5. Bell-bottoms.
6. Fight scenes with three sound effects.
7. The main villain’s teeth.
8. The word “daren’t”. Obviously a contraction for “dare not”, but it ain’t in MY dictionary.
9. Heroin withdrawal somehow inducing blue skin.
10. Why do so many JC video boxes insist that the movie is “Approx. 90 Minutes”?!?

Numskull’s Rating: 3/10

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

The Coast Guard Blu-ray & DVD (Palisades Tartan)

Posted on September 25, 2011 by JJ Bona
The Coast Guard Blu-ray & DVD (Palisades Tartan)

The Coast Guard Blu-ray & DVD (Palisades Tartan)

RELEASE DATE: January 17, 2012

First time on Blu-ray! From acclaimed director Kim Ki-Duk (The Isle), The Coast Guard won the Fipresci Prize for its strong and innovative depiction of the illusion of power which destroys humanity on both sides of the fence. Starring Jang Dong-kun (Warrior’s Way) and Park Ji-ah (3-Iron). Check out the trailer.

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

Stool Pigeon, The | aka Informer (2010) Review

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Z Ravas
"The Stool Pigeon" American DVD Cover

“The Stool Pigeon” American DVD Cover

Director: Dante Lam Chiu Yin
Writer: Jack Ng Wai Lun
Cast: Nick Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Chin Kar Lok, Miao Pu, Liu Kai Chi, Lu Yi, Sherman Chung Shu Man, Gwei Lun-Mei, Deep Ng Ho Hong, Derek Kwok Jing Hung
Running Time: 113 min.

By HKFanatic

For the creative team behind “The Stool Pigeon,” making this film must have been a no-brainer. Director Dante Lam previously collaborated with actors Nick Cheung and Nicolas Tse to great success with 2008’s “Beast Stalker.” That film earned Nick Cheung a Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award and a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor, and the screenplay and editing nabbed similar nominations. Their 2010 follow-up “The Stool Pigeon” carries the feeling of a well-earned victory lap: it’s an entertaining if unremarkable Hong Kong thriller.

Dante Lam has had an interesting career trajectory. During the early 00’s he seemed to be mired in comedy and action fluff, co-directing movies like “The Twins Effect” and “Love on the Rocks.” Ambition must have bit Lam in the ass since as of late he’s attempted to become something like the Hong Kong analog to Paul Greengrass (“The Bourne Supremacy”) or Michael Mann. Lam specializes in crime films that provide an in-depth look at their gritty characters. He delivers action scenes with a street-level, handheld-camera style. Although Dante Lam hasn’t achieved the level of Michael Mann when it comes to intense character studies and kinetic violence, one senses that he does have at least one truly great movie in him, waiting to come out.

Lam has stated he was conscious of trying not to repeat “Beast Stalker’s” formula with this film, however successful it was. “The Stool Pigeon” is almost the flipside of the popular “Infernal Affairs” series: instead of following a cop who’s undercover with the Triads, we see what it’s like for criminals who decide to become informants for the police. Nick Cheung plays the main character, a Hong Kong supercop who is haunted by the mistakes of his past. His latest informant is a street racer named Ghost Jr., played by Nicolas Tse. Together they’re working to bring down a ruthless criminal named Barbarian before he pulls of his latest jewelry store heist. In the meantime, Nicolas falls for Barbarian’s girl (Kwai Lun-mei) and Cheung worries that another informant is about to die on his watch.

Nick Cheung brings a heightened level of authenticity to his role, seeing as how he was an actual member of the Royal Hong Kong Police officer for five years; and the RHKP’s most beloved actor, Danny Lee, was the one who helped Cheung get his start in films. Nicolas Tse delivers a dependable performance, even if the script calls for him to smoke more than act. The real revelation here is Taiwanese actress Kwai Lun-mei. I was shocked to read online that Lun-mei has a ‘good girl’ image in the press because in “The Stool Pigeon” she comes across as a smolderingly sexy and dangerous criminal who isn’t afraid to open fire at a moment’s notice. It’s a shame that the screenplay gives her character so little backstory or motivation; Kwai Lun-mei appears to have created this interesting but troubled woman out of thin air.

Viewers who are searching for the next great action movie out of Hong Kong may find themselves slightly disappointed by “The Stool Pigeon.” The film is nearly two hours long but the script favors melodrama over action. Towards the end of the movie, a subplot involving Nick Cheung and his ex-wife takes center stage and injects the film with an almost overbearing amount of emoting. The unpredictable plot twists that follow during the final thirty minutes attempt to recall the bygone era of early 90’s Hong Kong crime films, but what’s missing is an innovative or tensely-staged shootout. The story’s denouement is an exercise in brutal stabbings and bludgeoning that goes for a primal rather than choreographed feel.

“The Stool Pigeon” has a slick look with an earthy color palette that recalls Christopher Nolan’s two Batman films. Hong Kong media outlets reported that Nick Cheung was unhappy with the amount of screentime he received in the film but Cheung later said his words were taken out of context. The film does struggle to focus on two protagonists at once, with Cheung and Nicolas Tse disappearing for periods of time, but I imagine that fans of either actor will go home happy. I personally would have enjoyed “The Stool Pigeon” more if the action quotient was a little higher but, regardless, “The Stool Pigeon” is a gutsy thriller from a region that could use more gutsy thrillers from filmmakers that aren’t Johnnie To.

 

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10

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

Collin Chou and Andy On have the makings of a ‘Five Star General’

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Z Ravas

It's a rumble 'n the jungle with Collin Chou

Currently filming in Thailand is “Wu Xing Shang Jiang,” loosely translated into English as “Five Star General.” This film is a co-production between Thailand and China, and features several big names from Hong Kong. What little is known about the plot involves some female mercenaries active in the jungle, with the producers drawing influence from movies like “Tomb Raider” and “Avatar.” Not surprisingly, the film will be released in 3D when it hits Asian theaters next year. Fans of Hong Kong cinema shouldn’t be too concerned: from the looks of photographs released, “Five Star General” will have plenty of bloody HK-style action. “Avatar” will be the last thing on viewer’s minds!

The film stars Andy On (“True Legend”), Collin Chou (the villain from “Flashpoint”), Shi Yanneng (the actor from “Shaolin” formerly known as Xing Yu), and Ryu Kohata (the villain from “Legend of Chen Zhen: The Return of the Fist”). With guys like these hanging around the Thai jungle, there is sure to be plenty of bloodshed and fisticuffs! Also look for Hong Kong mainstays Simon Yam and Roy Cheung. Director Fu Hua Yang’s biggest film is 2008’s “Kung Fu Hip-Hop” but the action in “Five Star General” is being choreographed by Ma Yuk Sing, who was action director on Benny Chan’s “Big Bullet” and the Jet Li movie “Dr. Wai in the Scripture With No Words,” just to name a few. City on Fire will let you know when a poster or trailer is made available. (Thanks to AlbertV for the heads up!)

Posted in News |

The Devil’s Double Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Posted on September 22, 2011 by JJ Bona
The Devil's Double Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

The Devil's Double Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2011

Lee Tamahori (Die Another Day) directs a chilling tale through the eyes of the man who was forced to become the double of Hussein’s sadistic son. Starring Dominic Cooper, Ludivine Sagnier, Raad Rawi and Philip Quast. “Part Scarface, part Goodfellas. A cinematic tour de force.” – Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV

Check out the trailer.

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

Thundering Mantis | aka Mantis Fist Fighter (1980) Review

Posted on September 22, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Thundering Mantis" Theatrical Poster

“Thundering Mantis” Theatrical Poster

AKA: Mantis Fist Fighter
Director: Yip Wing Cho
Cast: Leung Kar Yan, Eddie Ko Hung, Wong Yat Lung, Chin Yuet Sang, Lee Kwan, Fang Mien, Ma Chin Ku, Suen Lam, Shih Ting Ken, Au Lap Bo
Running Time: 90 min.

By Joseph Kuby

Cannibalistic Cult Classic!

Thundering Mantis (a.k.a. ‘The Mantis Fist Fighter’ or ‘Crazy Mantis’) is a film that has garnered quite a notorious reputation over the years for introducing audiences everywhere to cannibal Kung Fu. Back in the ’70s, the film was hugely popular when shown in the Times Square theater. It was additionally shown in various other cinemas in New York to vivid fanfare.

The story is quite generic with it possessing a formulaic series of plot points that almost form an A-Z narrative prototype. An innocently simple-minded yet easily provoked youngster comes across thugs (A), gets lucky when dealing with the nobodies but gets his ass handed over to him by the head honcho (B), finds master (C), begs master for tuition (D), trains with master (E), a bond develops (F), villain kills master (G) and student takes revenge (H).

Though there are some things which rise this film above average. The story was fairly routine but not completely by-the-numbers. There’s a scene where Leung’s character Ah Chi gets set up in a scenario where the odds are stacked against him to the point that we expect him to take a fall but astonishingly he survives unscathed and as the clear victor no less.

The person who wrote the script was Cheung Yan See. He had been the director for classic flicks such as Shaolin Ex Monk, Struggle Through Death, Incredible Kung Fu Mission and Northern Kicks, Southern Fists. As a screenwriter he was considerably accomplished. He had written the scripts for Traitorous (which featured Sammo), Shaolin Ex Monk, Tattoo Connection, Sleeping Fist, Dance of Death (which Jackie choreographed melees for), 18 Bronzemen, Shaolin vs. Lama, Incredible Kung Fu Mission, Eagle’s Claw, Story of the Dragon (with Bruce Li), as well as The Hot, the Cool and the Vicious.

He penned Bruce Li’s smash hit Exit the Dragon, Enter the Tiger and Return of the Tiger (a.k.a. Silent Killer from Eternity) too. Even Jackie’s Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin had its story written by Cheung. Chen Kuan Tai’s ninja movie A Life of Ninja had its scribe in the form of Cheung too. Ditto with Challenge of the Lady Ninja (the female version of Five Element Ninjas).

There were some ingenious funny gags and the narrative had a good message to make about the importance of modesty and temperance.

Now, granted, The Prodigal Son is arguably the finest Kung Fu film to convey the meaning of restraint and Fist of Fury is probably the most definitive for conveying the second importance. But for a film which is both a Kung Fu comedy and a revenge bloodbath, it succeeds in mixing these elements together in a cohesive whole no matter if they were defined better separately in other movies.

The Kung Fu action was choreographed by Robert Tai Yee Tin. Robert Tai is one of the most influential and underrated Kung Fu directors. Rob’s influence was such that some of the Shaw productions actually came to a standstill when he stormed off set after an argument with Chang Cheh. Another engrossing piece of trivia is that when shooting the fight scenes for these films, Robert would actually give the actors more moves than he intended to shoot; this was to avoid the performers slowing down, due to tiredness, towards the end of each take.

His directorial debut Shaolin vs. Ninja is notable for its innovative use of wirework which was to become a recurring feature of his films and was undoubtedly an influence on fellow film maker Tony Ching Siu Tung. Tony’s brother, Cheng Siu Lung, used to work as a sound effects editor for Robert Tai giving Tony access to the rushes for Robert’s films.

He attended the Fu Shing Opera school in Taipei, Taiwan where his fellow classmates were Angela Mao, Judy Lee, Lee Yi Min, James Tien, Chang Yi and Chiang Sheng. However, the school wasn’t as strict as Jackie Chan’s since Rob was able to skip class to earn extra class by working on film sets.

Rob was responsible for bringing us the martial mayhem in such Shaw B’ classics like Chinatown Kid, The Brave Archer, Kid With The Golden Arm, Five Deadly Venoms, Crippled Avengers, Invincible Shaolin, Shaolin Rescuers, Naval Commandos, Ten Tigers of Kwantung, Heaven & Hell and Shaolin Daredevils.

Outside of the Shaw compound, he had been the fight arranger for classics like Ninja: The Final Duel, Incredible Kung Fu Mission and A Fist Full of Talons.

As expected from a person of such caliber, the action in Thundering Mantis is way above average for the most part. Any shortcomings that can be perceived in the film’s other departments is gleefully compensated with the moves on display here.

The best action scenes in the film are the ambush in the boss’ lair, the ambush at the fish-seller’s house and the final showdown which contains a blistering performance from Leung Kar Yan – making this a sensationally above-average film out of somewhat standard material.

As one may tell from the review I gave for My Life’s on the Life, the performance he gives stupendously comes out of nowhere but is never nonsensical or incoherent due to the events which make him achieve this mental metamorphosis. It’s ironic because when I first read about Thundering Mantis*, a film critic said something to the effect which gave the impression that Leung Kar Yan actually turned into a mantis. I suppose he let the connotation get to his head and worded it in such a way that any viewer who hadn’t seen the film would have taken that comment too literally.

But anyway, when LKY snaps, it sure is quite a sight (and sound) to see (and hear)! The only thing that ruins it is when the main theme tune plays (which undermines the seriousness of what is essentially a cathartic carnage) and, inclusively, when broad humor briefly seeps in (when Ah Chi head butts the stomach of a fat henchman and contorting funny faces due to his head not being powerful enough to churn his opponent’s stomach).

Another thing that slightly ruined it for me is when Leung was doubled for one shot which involved lots of acrobatics. I’m not completely against stunt doubling but the doubling was very obvious as the double was a guy with an afro and slightly different girth. It makes Cynthia Rothrock’s doubling (courtesy of Meng Hoi) in Righting Wrongs seem subtle in comparison).

Though thankfully the music, stunt-doubling and humor is kept to a minimum and only dark humor comes into fruition such as when Ah Chi scares off multiple attackers as he is inflicting considerable pain on a hapless and hopeless lackey. A worthy mention of the black humor on display is when the main villain gets his comeuppance…and, BOY, what comeuppance!

Which also brings us to what may have been if we had Chang Cheh as the director…

If Chang was the director for this, the humor (if any) would be extremely dark (darker than any kind of horror flick made by George Romero, Sam Raimi, Wes Craven, you name it). The violence would have been extremely grotesque, putting films like Crippled Avengers to shame and making something like Five Element Ninjas appear to be PG-13 in comparison. Even the somewhat grim Masked Avengers would have paled in comparison.

To put it simply, the finale alone would have been his most violent work and the sequence alone (had he directed it of course) would have been more violent than all of his films combined.

Now, the finale for THIS take on a ‘revenge tale gone loony’ is still quite macabre. I won’t spoil it but let’s just say that it makes other vengeance-fueled fights look civil. If you saw Jackie’s ‘Bruce Lee moment’ in Dragon Fist and thought “WHOA, look at how savage Chan was when he punched that guy a dozens of times in the face” then you’ll be bewildered by LKY’s maniacal portrayal of an avenger. There’s no element of courtesy such as giving mercy to an injure enemy fleeing for his life.

Judging by this take on the finale alone, it’s easy to see how Chang would have upped the ante….IMMENSELY. We would have seen more biting of limbs (whether they would have been ripped off and then eaten is open to thought), flesh being ripped apart, veins being ripped out with blood squirting everywhere like a garden sprinkler (and perhaps with Ah Chi sucking them as if they were beverage straws) and more limbs being dislocated beyond farcical proportions that you can’t help but wince than laugh.

In Chang’s hands, the violence in this would have been enough to rival the Italian horror flicks of the period (i.e. the cannibal/zombie stuff/fluff) as well as Evil Dead (which began production in the same year Thundering Mantis was made – 1979). With the HK film industry, at this point in time, naïvely eager to win approval of the international market, perhaps this should have been co-directed by an Italian horror maestro to add another layer of violence and gritty realism.

Under that alternative scenario, the British Board of Film Classification would have banned the film under its ‘video nasty’ list due to possibly instigating a series of events where martial artists with vendettas go around chomping on people.

Continuing on that angle, the violence would have been not only enough to make it ‘The Story of Rikki’ of its day (making Five Element Ninjas seem like a joke), not only enough to be banned from most Asian territories (effectively making it, alongside Shogun Assassin, one of the premier video nasties to come from Asia) but it would have been enough to get Chang Cheh fired from Shaw Brothers and possibly blacklisted from every single Hong Kong film studio going.

The previous suggestion may seem far-fetched but bear in mind that as his films became more violent, they played less well to Hong Kong audiences who preferred more cheerful fare. Even Sammo and Jackie have noted that it’s very easy to get blacklisted in Hong Kong as John Woo and Conan Lee have learned the hard way.

Think about it, the sheer controversy of making what would be a typical run-of-the-mill Kung Fu pic into something that resembled a Western horror/exploitation movie whilst alienating audiences, studio heads and critics in the process (ala John Carpenter’s The Thing) would be enough to kill off the career of any Hong Kong movie director.

If anything, Chang would have probably had to relocate to Japan – a country where overly violent films have often made big bucks (even if they flopped or performed moderately elsewhere) e.g. Commando, The Killer, The Thing and Cannibal Holocaust (the latter which became one of the top ten highest grossing films in Japan).

Now, whether Thundering Mantis would have equaled or surpassed Cannibal Holocaust as the most banned film in the world is another question entirely.

In a time when seemingly every famous horror movie is getting revamped, I think Thundering Mantis would make for a delightful remake. I can imagine only Quentin Tarantino or even Bey Logan greenlighting such a possibility. If I was in a position to remake this film, the film wouldn’t fall under the Mandarin Wuxia category. It would be a film where the comedy is mostly subtle with a strong emphasis on the bonding between the protagonist and various characters so that the conclusive descent into madness is made all the more shocking.

The remake should concentrate on ground-based fighting with no wires or CGI. The visual style would be realistic so that it doesn’t feel like you’re watching a movie or a cartoon like a lot of recent Hong Kong films. The acting style would be more Western in flavor with very few melodramatic moments. The structure of the film would be different in that the ending is extended so that the hero goes a rampage where he kills people he deems as callous.

It then becomes something of a slasher narrative or a monster movie with a twist.

The denouement to this film recalls The Victim (Beardy going bonkers) except without the fantastic choreography, camerawork, editing and adept usage of camera speed. Which is a shame since while the action by Robert Tai is very good, it doesn’t hit the same emotional notes as Sammo’s groundbreaking masterpiece. But then again not many people have that same visual and visceral flair for action the way Sammo has.

To clarify more on this, Sammo’s mastery of filming action works not only on an aesthetic level but one that contains just as much emotional power. The way je tends to have that particular grasp of maintaining characterization and perhaps taking it to the next level within the context of an action sequence. Sammo was always perceptive enough to advance a film’s plot through one of his trademark action set-pieces.

His sense of narrative economy is unrivaled; along with his ability to utilize editing and hard-hitting choreography to craft often brutal (yet somehow beautiful) fights. In the realm of fight movies, Sammo is the master of drama, tragedy and memorably brutal action. When someone gets hit in a Sammo movie, you feel it! Unlike most movies of this ilk (not just old school) where power is implied rather than truly felt.

That’s why it’s kind of a missed opportunity that Sammo wasn’t able to work on the movie and explore the psychological hell-hole Ah Chi has fallen into. The trauma, the mania…Sammo would undoubtedly have upped the vehement build-up, overall momentum and emotional power.

Don’t get me wrong, Robert and Leung do make sure they emphasize this competently rather than simply have Leung act crazy during the less active moments; but there’s just this feeling I get that Sammo would have explored more fully the morbid abyss that Ah Chi has sunk to and it would have left one hell of an impression on the viewer (people who’ve seen The Victim will testify to this).

With someone like Ringo Lam as director, you can just imagine how nihilistic the tone of the film would have been.

God knows what would have happened if we had Sammo AND Cheh working on this film!!!

Either way, the action would have been cannibalistic and ballistic in equal measures.

To end this review on a more happier note, there are some positive things to be said…

Regardless of how tame and anemic the film may be for Chang Cheh’s standards, Ah Chi still manages to pull of several things which makes Hannibal Lecter’s attempts at cannibalism look like fancy-pansy tea parties.

The inclusion of the child actor, Wong Yat Lung, makes this film discernible during a time when hundreds of Kung Fu comedies were being produced in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Some of the gymnastic feats Wong does (as can be seen in the opening sequence for instance) is on par with that of Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah.

The acting is generally of a decent quality with memorable moments coming mainly from LKY and Eddie Ko as the dynamically propositioned protagonist and antagonist. Eddie, in particular, succeeds in coming off as a bastard you just wanna leap onto the screen and smack in the face – he’s that evil!

Ma Chin Ku and Chin Yuet Sang aren’t far behind as they lend their amiable qualities to their opposing roles. Though, truth be told, it’s the principal protagonist and antagonist who steal the thunder. If a Western horror movie director had been behind the camera, we would have been subjected to more characterization so that the violence has more of an impact.

Leung shows an admirably keen flair for comic timing and he reminds me a lot of Jackie, not just because he does Kung Fu and is humorous but his mannerisms and the way he goes about his performance tells me that the script must have been originally written for Jackie like another would-be Chan movie, Dragon’s Claws (which was originally written with Chan in mind). Fearless Hyena, as it were, would end up being a film dealing with Thundering Mantis’ theme of a mental approach to fighting.

Just like in Sleeping Fist (which had Simon Yuen Siu Tien), the chemistry being Leung and Wong is heart-felt and displays a level of sincerity which simply can’t be forced (the sort of synergy that can’t be mechanically contrived in a big budget Disney movie).

There’s some nice appearances from notable Kung Fu regulars such as Lee Kwan (who appeared in Bruce Lee’s Lo Wei movies and Jackie Chan’s Fearless Hyena) and Fang Mien (the venerable and honorable Kung Fu master in Wang Yu’s Chinese Boxer).

The English dubbing is the most hilarious I’ve ever heard for ANY foreign film. It had me in stitches!

If the ending makes you depressed about Ah Chi forever staying that way then just bear in mind this: his other master and said master’s daughter are bound to find out about his whereabouts given the fact that they too are aware of the villain’s existence and it’s suggested in the film that the bond between Ah Chi and the old man’s daughter is deep enough for her to wanna find Ah Chi and bring him back to his old self.

The director, Teddy Yip Wing-Cho, had directed Sleeping Fist. He had also directed a triumvirate of Kung Fu films featuring the police instructor Larry Lee – The Chinese Tiger, The Thunder Kick and Bloody Ring (where Sammo was the fight choreographer).

Teddy has long been an accomplice of Sammo in the film industry. Teddy was the planner for Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind, Pantyhose Hero, License to Steal, Blade of Fury and Don’t Give A Damn. He was the producer for Gambling Ghost and was the production manager for Slickers vs. Killers.

Teddy is an actor too and he is the fat gormless-looking guy with mustache we can see in My Lucky Stars and Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind 2. Sammo was incontestably no stranger to independent films so it’s a pity Teddy didn’t think of hiring Sammo to lend more gravitas to the fighting.

Thundering Mantis may not be a classic in the general sense of the word (not because it’s a martial arts film as these genre of films can contain classic and masterpieces on occasions) but it’s unequivocally a cult classic!

* I first read about Thundering Mantis in my local library when I was living in my former hometown Keighley (in the county of West Yorkshire in England). I read about it in a film review book that had equal amounts of reviews for American and Chinese productions.

Joseph Kuby’s Rating: 7.5/10

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

Last Blood, The | aka Hard Boiled II (1991) Review

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Z Ravas
"The Last Blood" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Last Blood” Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: 12 Hours of Terror
Director: Wong Jing
Cast: Alan Tam, Andy Lau, Eric Tsang, Leung Kar Yan, May Lo, Jackson Lau, Nat Chan Pak Cheung
Running Time: 89 min.

By HKFanatic

When I told Mighty Peking Man I’d watched this film, he recalled how back in the early 90’s “The Last Blood” was frequently marketed as “Hard Boiled II” by shady video distributors. Considering that “The Last Blood” was directed by Wong Jing, the notorious shlockmaster of Hong Kong who never saw a trend he couldn’t exploit, I’m not surprised. The ending does unfold in a hospital so I suppose there is at least some basis for a company to try to cash-in on the popularity of “Hard Boiled,” but this movie wrapped filming a full two years before John Woo’s classic hit theaters. The funny thing is, “The Last Blood” is actually pretty damn good. Hey, if you make as many bad movies as Wong Jing, you’re bound to accidentally direct a decent one along the way.

The premise is thus: a Japanese terrorist group known as The Red Army want Buddhist leader Daki Lama dead at any cost. The Lama is currently on his way to Singapore to speak to world leaders about the suffering in his home country and the only one who can keep him safe is the top cop on the case, played by Alan Tam. He is aided by his partner, Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest veteran Leung Kar-Yan. Since this is a Wong Jing film, you can expect plenty of out-of-place humor and general poor taste crammed into what is a decent thriller plot. Be prepared to cringe at jokes about AIDs, an extended scene devoted to Andy Lau going to the bathroom, and children and the handicap serving as cannon fodder for our evil Japanese bad guys.

Even with questionable talent behind the camera, the film has a solid lead in Alan Tam (“Armour of God”), who delivers a charismatic performance. He plays the kind of unflappable detective who can get himself out of any situation based solely on his wits and his skill with a gun. Tam looks pretty dapper too, dressed in a suit coat with thick glasses and his hair slicked back. He handles himself well during the film’s many bloody shootouts, enough so that I wish this guy had a wider filmography. He was made for the heroic bloodshed genre.

Also starring in “The Last Blood” are Andy Lau and Eric Tsang. This is not their finest hour. Andy Lau plays a low-level Triad member whose girlfriend is caught in the crossfire during an assassination attempt on the Daki Lama’s life. If she doesn’t get a blood transfusion within eleven hours, she’s history. Only problem is, the Lama has the same blood type – and there aren’t many donors to go around. Andy Lau decides to take matters into his own hands by grabbing a cop’s gun and hitting the road to look for Eric Tsang, one of the available donors. Still early in his career, it feels like Andy Lau is acting out in front of the camera rather than acting. His character constantly intrudes into police affairs when his girlfriend would be much safer if he minded his own business. He’s a difficult protagonist to root for.

Eric Tsang is playing almost the same exact role he did a year before in 1990’s “Curry and Pepper”: a street peddler who spouts off the occasional line of English dialogue. He’s not too keen on giving up his precious fluids but he’ll do it if the price is right. Unfortunately, the bad guys are willing to kill anybody as long as it means the Lama perishes too. Andy Lau’s gonna have one hell of a night trying to get Tsang back to the hospital in one piece. The two of them spend the next 11 hours hunted by Chin Ho (Sammo Hung’s “Ghost Punting”) and Jackson Lau (“Police Story 4: First Strike“), two ferocious villains with an almost Terminator-like resistance to being killed.

The secret to this film’s success is action director Blackie Ko. Ko was a Taiwense actor, director, and action choreographer who tragically died of blood poisoning, way too young at the age of 49. Before his untimely passing, he directed the action and stunts on many Hong Kong classics such as “In the Line of Duty,” “Yes, Madam,” and “The Legend of Wisely.” “The Last Blood” features some of his finest work, even if he was merely trying to out-Woo John Woo: motorcycle drivers soar through the air; Alan Tam crashes through three windows in a row; the bad guys blow up hospital corridors with a grenade launcher.

During one sequence, our heroes are careening around street corners in a car while being chased by at least twenty motorbikers who are all armed with submachine guns. Their vehicle goes underneath a semi-truck and the entire roof is ripped off. The top of their car now gone, Andy Lau tries to drive while Alan Tam shoots at the cyclists, some of whom go flying off the road and into a nearby body of water. The kind of mayhem Blackie Ko managed to dream up was truly spectacular.

“The Last Blood” is not a ‘great’ film in the traditional sense but for anyone who looks back fondly at the late 80’s, early 90’s heyday of Hong Kong action cinema, it is definitely one to watch. Wong Jing’s ill-advised humor gets in the way, the supporting characters grate at times, and there may be a slow patch or two, but when Jing shuts up and lets Blackie Ko take the reigns, the movie kicks into overdrive and delivers in a big way. This is action movie junkfood of the highest caliber.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10

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

Deep Gold Blu-ray & DVD (Bigfoot Entertainment)

Posted on September 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
Deep Gold Blu-ray & DVD (Bigfoot Entertainment)

Deep Gold Blu-ray & DVD (Bigfoot Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2011

Filipino pride! Michael Gleissner’s Deep Gold, which was released theatrically in 3D, is a 2011 action flick that was shot entirely in and around the exotic islands of Cebu and Palawan in the Philippines. Supposedly, the movie was praised for its originality and breathtaking action sequences. Starring Bebe Pham, Jaymee Ong (Gen-X Cops), Laury Prudent and Kersten Hui. Check out the trailer.

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

One-Armed Swordsmen DVD (First Look Pictures)

Posted on September 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
One-Armed Swordsmen (DVD artwork shown is from a prior release)

One-Armed Swordsmen (DVD artwork shown is from a prior release)

RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2011

Not to be confused with One-Armed Swordsman, 1976’s One-Armed Swordsmen – which has been OOP on DVD for a long time – is an unofficial part of the series; however, it does star Jimmy Wang Yu and David Chiang, the two leads of the official Shaw Brothers One-Armed Swordsman classics. Think of this oddity in the same vein as Never Say Never Again (unofficial Bond movie starring Sean Connery as 007).

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