Warhorse One (2023) Review

"Warhorse One" Theatrical Poster

“Warhorse One” Theatrical Poster

Director: William Kaufman
Co-director: Johnny Strong
Cast: Johnny Strong, Athena Durner, Raj Kala, James Sherrill, Siya, Todd Jenkins, Danny Augustus, Michael Sauers, Xander Gòmez, David Ibrahim
Running Time: 125 min. 

By Henry McKeand

Is the POW-MIA action film making a comeback? It’s been nearly four decades since John Rambo went back into the jungle to retroactively win Vietnam, but “The War Ends When I Say It Ends!” flicks seem to be resonating in 2023. Earlier this year, we had Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, which saw Jake Gyllenhaal’s soldier head back into hostile territory to rescue the Afghani interpreter who saved his life. The concept played on a First Blood-esque idea of taking care of the loose ends left after America pulls out of a country it’s invaded. Warhorse One, the latest team-up between William Kaufman and frequent collaborator Johnny Strong, is now also using the US withdrawal from Afghanistan as a narrative backdrop.

Not that it’s much of a narrative. The film opens on a phone call between two government agents discussing a last-minute plan to help a family of Christian missionaries escape Afghanistan as American troops are leaving the country. The rapid, politically charged dialogue and frantic direction suggest that this’ll be the kind of jargon-heavy thriller that Paul Greengrass was making during the height of the war. However, any complexity soon disappears to make room for the real plot: A Navy Seal Master Chief (Strong) has to save the daughter (Athena Durner) of the Continue reading

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Dark Force Entertainment announces Blu-ray for “lost” 1973 Kung Fu film ‘Shadow Fist Hunter’

Shadow Fist Hunter | Blu-ray (Dark Force Entertainment)

Shadow Fist Hunter | Blu-ray (Dark Force Entertainment)

Later this Month, Dark Force Entertainment will be releasing a Blu-ray (Region A) for Shadow Fist Hunter, a 1973 “lost” kung fu epic starring Yip Tai Kong and Cheung Ling (Code Name Flash).

Also known as Bruce Lee Shadow Fist (an obviously misleading title), this upcoming release – never even released even on VHS – will be presented in a New 4K scan from the original uncut 35mm camera negative in 2.35: cinemascope, plus a Limited Edition Collector’s Slipcover and an audio commentary track from a film historian.

Shadow Fist Hunter revolves around a Kung Fu fighter who avenges his slain father while recovering stolen gold.

If anyone knows anything else about this mystery film, feel free to comment below!

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Shaolin Kids, The (1975) Review

"The Shaolin Kids" Theatrical Poster

“The Shaolin Kids” Theatrical Poster

Director: Joseph Kuo
Cast: Polly Shang-Kwan, Chang I Fei, Tin Peng, Carter Wong, Kam Kong, Yee Yuen, Chang Yi, Jimmy Lee Fong, Cliff Lok, Chen Chiu, Sham Chin Bo
Running Time: 91 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Like every genre kung-fu cinema has continued to evolve throughout the years, and perhaps no decade was more transformative than the 70’s. While the swordsplay dominated wuxia genre still ruled the roost at the start of the decade, by the mid-70’s open handed combat had risen in popularity thanks to the likes of Jimmy Wang Yu’s The Chinese Boxer, the type of movie that came to be commonly known as the basher. Taiwanese director Joseph Kuo was in tune with the shifting of audience tastes, and by the mid-70’s had shifted away from his early 70’s wuxia output like The Ghost’s Sword and The Matchless Conqueror, and was cranking out basher flicks like 1974’s Iron Man and Shaolin Kung Fu. It’s in considering this that his 1975 production The Shaolin Kids is such an odd outlier, in that it both looks and feels like a throwback to the kind of wuxia themed tales that had long since fallen out of fashion at the time it was made.

Notable as being the first of Kuo’s movies to bring together the trio of Polly Shang-Kuan (The Ghostly Face, General Stone), Tien Peng (The Ghost Hill, The Majesty Cat), and Carter Wong (The Skyhawk, The Magnificent), who would reunite to make The 18 Bronzemen and Return of the 18 Bronzemen, out of the 3 productions it’s The Shaolin Kids that gives Shang-Kuan the lead role. Much like the time Shang-Kuan spent with Union Film at the start of the decade, it shouldn’t Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Sakra  | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

Sakra | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Sakra | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Sakra (read our review), the latest from martial arts superstar Donnie Yen (Raging Fire). It’s a film he not only stars in, but also producing and directing it, along with co-producer, Wong Jing (Chasing the Dragon). The big budget wuxia actioner is based on Jin Yong’s 1963 novel, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.

Yen himself describes Sakra as both China’s Shakespeare and Marvel — as a potential franchise starter, with the book’s manysub-plots and compelling characters ripe for further big-screen adaptation (via THR).

In the film, Yen takes on the role of Yen of Master Qiao Feng, who is one of the main protagonists of an intertwining story line that includes Continue reading

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Yakuza, Aliens, Vincent Zhao, Hags and Avengement! Here’s what’s on Hi-YAH for the month of November

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up for the month of November, which includes a New title added to Hi-YAH! every Friday.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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Visible Secret (2001) Review

Visible Secret | Blu-ray (Radiance Films)

Visible Secret | Blu-ray (Radiance Films)

Director: Ann Hui  
Cast: Eason Chan, Shu Qi, Sam Lee, Wayne Lai, James Wong Jim, Kara Hui, Anthony Lau Wing, Lee Fung, Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Perry Chan Ping Chi, Samuel Yau Man Shing, Cheung Tat Ming
Running Time: 98 min.

By Will McGuire

Visible Secret is not so much a horror film as it is a phantasmagoria. The aim of the picture is neither to inspire fear in the viewer or create a sense of dread but rather to employ high style, dream imagery, and a strong sense of irony to capture the unreality of life in Hong Kong, and even more centrally the alienation we can feel when we allow another person whom we are attracted to to begin to know us. Like Hui’s filmography as a whole there’s a sense of intertwining political and existential anxieties which reaffirm each other and create a general, unnamable anxiety at the center of life in Hong Kong in the years which surround the 1997 handover.

In the superb Radiance Films Blu-ray release of the film critic Alexandria Heller-Nichols has a visual essay which highlights many of the film’s symbolic touchstones and, in particular, contextualizes the picture along with Made in Hong Kong as one of the great films made in the wake of the handover which address the anxiety and hopelessness of growing up in a place which is rapidly shifting its identity. I recommend that essay wholeheartedly and don’t wish Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Snowpiercer | Blu-ray | Only $12.99 – Expires soon!

"Snowpiercer" Blu-ray Cover

“Snowpiercer” Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Snowpiercer (read our review), directed by Bong Joon-Ho (Parasite, The Host) and produced by Park Chan-Wook (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance).

After a failed experiment to stop global warming, a new ice age destroys most life on the planet. The only human survivors are the inhabitants of the Snowpiercer, a vast train traveling around the globe, powered by a sacred perpetual-motion engine. A rigid class system evolves on the train, with the poorest and hungriest imprisoned in the rear cars while others prospers and indulge at the front, but a revolution brews.

Snowpiercer stars Chris Evans (Captain America) Ed Harris (The Rock), Song Kang-Ho (A Taxi Driver), Ko Ah-Sung (Office), John Hurt (Alien) and Tilda Swinton Continue reading

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Via Vision Entertainment is excited to announce its newest media distribution expansion with the launch of Imprint Asia

Here’s some great news for import Blu-ray collectors who love Asian films!

New label, Imprint Asia, will deliver ongoing releases of contemporary & classic Asian cinema across film festival, multi digital platforms, and physical media including 4K & Blu-ray for Australia and New Zealand.

Already working with some of the biggest Asian licencing partners in the market, the new brand will be launching with a host of key properties including Rui Cui’s 2023 box office megahit Lost In The Stars, Larry Yang’s 2023 action comedy Ride On starring Continue reading

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Revenge of Dr. X, The (1967) Review

"The Revenge of Dr. X" Theatrical Poster

“The Revenge of Dr. X” Theatrical Poster

AKA: Body of the Prey
Director: Norman Thomson
Cast: James Craig, James Yagi, Atsuko Rome, Lawrence O’Neill, Al Ricketts, John Stanley
Running Time: 94 min. 

By Ian Whittle

Well, this is a head-scratcher. An Ed Wood written 50s monster movie script, Venus Fly-Trap, produced in 60s Japan as Body of the Prey by a former Orson Welles associate…with funds and possibly a monster suit likely supplied by Toei, who denies all acknowledge! The Japanese title translates as The Devil’s Garden, but due to a mis-translation became known as Double Garden! And by the time the film finally saw the light of day in the mid-80s, courtesy of Regal Home Video (a furniture company subsidiary), the lack of any opening credits on their source wasn’t a hindrance. They simply took the credits from The Revenge of Dr. X, a re-issue version of 60s Filipino gore-shocker Mad Doctor of Blood Island. So apologies to any John Ashley or Angelique Pettyjohn fans…they ain’t in the movie!

Whew!

James Craig (formally the star of classics such as The Devil and Daniel Webster, so a very long way from grace here) plays perennially cheesed-off NASA rocket scientist Dr. Bragan. Following one set-back too many, the raging Bragan receives a suggestion from his long-suffering assistant (James Yagi, formally one of the stars of the atrocious new American scenes inserted into King Kong vs. Godzilla, so this is probably a step-up) to take a vacation in Japan. Bragan travels Continue reading

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Aaron Kwok, Richie Ren and Gordon Lam ‘Rob and Roll’ in the Trailer for Albert Mak’s heist action comedy

"Rob and Roll" Theatrical Poster

“Rob and Roll” Theatrical Poster

After a 10+ year hiatus, Albert Mak (Play with Strangers, Fear Factors, Without Words) – a filmmaker who is perhaps best-known for his assistant director credits for Johnny To-produced films such as Beyond Hypothermia, Running on Karma and Triangle – is prepping Rob and Roll (aka Temporary Robbery)

The upcoming heist-thriller features an all-star cast that includes Aaron Kwok (Port of Call: Director’s Cut), Richie Ren (Legendary Amazons, Bodies at Rest), Gordon Lam (The Brink, Limbo), Stephy Tang (Invincible Dragon, The Empty Hands), Lam Suet (Three, Undercover Punch and Gun), Paulyn Sun (Project Gutenberg) and Maggie Cheung Ho Yee (Punished).

Earlier reports suggest that Andy On (Kung Fu League, Abduction) and Continue reading

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Forced Vengeance | Blu-ray (Shout!)

Forced Vengeance | Blu-ray (Shout!)

Forced Vengeance | Blu-ray (Shout!)

RELEASE DATE: January 2, 2024

On January 2, 2024, Shout! Factory is releasing the Blu-ray for Forced Vengeance, 1982 actioner directed by James Fargo (Every Which Way But Loose, The Enforcer) that stars martial arts legend Chuck Norris (Code of Silence, Slaughter in San Francisco).

Lady Luck has fled Hong Kong’s Lucky Dragon Casino. Its manager has squandered the profits and the owner has been killed by the mob. The heir to the casino is in hiding. But Lucky Dragon still holds one last ace: security expert Josh Randall (Norris). Determined to find the underworld boss behind the death of his friend and boss, Randall goes on the hunt. Trouble will soon follow.

Local mobsters should cash in their chips when Norris is on the case in this alive-and-kicking action Continue reading

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Making Payments with PayID Bankwest: All You Should Know

How to Use PayID with Bankwest – A Step-By-Step Process for Australians

(Source)

Being part of the NPP (New Payments Platform), Bankwest PayID facilitates and simplifies the process of receiving and sending payments in Australia. Connecting PayID to your bank account will make your experience in daily payments several times more accessible and quicker. 

But how do you use PayID with Bankwest? Why is it a preferred option? And what does the whole process of transferring funds via PayID look like? We are going to address all these questions. So, get comfortable, and let’s begin.

What is PayID and How Does It Work

To put it simply, PayID is a one-of-a-kind identifier in the form of your phone number or email address linked to your bank account. Only one mobile ID and up to five email IDs can be registered by one user. To receive transfers, you are required to share your PayID. 

To eliminate any mistakes, Most importantly, PayID displays the registered user’s name. What’s more, Bankwest, in turn, guarantees reimbursement of funds in case of any unauthorized transactions that were made using the online platforms of the bank.

Other features PayID provides include instant money transfers available 24/7 and easy access, as there is no need to remember complex bank details.

Setting Up PayID Bankwest

(Source)

Even though it may seem like a challenging task to set up PayID Bankwest, in reality, it is pretty simple and takes only several minutes of your time. Just follow these detailed instructions below to understand how the whole process works and the order of steps you need to take.

#1 Registering Your PayID 

When it comes to Bankwest, you can register your PayID using either Bankwest Online Banking or the Bankwest App. 

If you prefer to register using the Bankwest Online Banking

  1. Open the Menu from the main page and click the “Self-Service button.”
  2. From the available options, choose PayID and press “Add a PayID.”
  3. Fill in all necessary details and complete the registration.

If you want to register through the App

  1. Head to the Menu section and click the More button.
  2. Then, choose PayIDs and click “Add a PayID.”
  3. Enter all required information and complete the process.

All set! This is as simple as it is.

#2 Sending Funds Through PayID Bankwest

After you set up your PayID, you can send or receive funds whenever you want. To transfer money through PayID Bankwest, follow the steps below.

  1. Head to your preferred online platform and fill in the account details of the user to whom you want to send funds.
  2. Before you press Send, PayID will show you the name of the registered business or person for security purposes. Check it carefully, and then confirm the transfer.

As we mentioned, PayID is a part of the NPP; thus, your funds will be delivered instantly. 

However, if it’s your first time sending funds to a new PayID, security checks will likely be delayed.

#3 Receiving Payments

If you want to get transfers through PayID, you must first share your ID with the sender. For that

  1. Open your Bankwest App, and from the main menu, choose “More> PayIDs.”
  2. Next, pick the PayID you wish to share.
  3. In the prompted window, choose the platform and recipient to whom the information will be sent.

One good thing about the Bankwest App is that it allows users to share their PayIDs on multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook, as well as text messages. Right after the sender gets your ID, they just need to plug it into their bank app and click Send. Once done, you will instantly get your expected payment.

Limits for Bankwest PayID 

(Source)

All payments made to registered PayID users proceed nearly instantly and thus come under Bankwest’s Faster Payments. The limit for such transactions is A$1,000 per payment, with a default daily limit of A$5,000. 

These limits are true for PayID casinos as well, so when playing your favorite pokies recommended by PayID-Casinos.com, you can make fast and safe transfers without any complications.

 

Posted in News |

Lion Girl (2023) Review

Lion-Girl | Blu-ray (Cleopatra)

Lion-Girl | Blu-ray (Cleopatra)

Director: Kurando Mitsutake
Cast: Tori Griffiths, David Sakurai, Katarina Leigh Waters, Derek Mears, Stefanie Estes, Julie Burrise, Erin Marie Hogan, Shelby Lee Parks, Hidetoshi Imura, Kirk Geiger, Akihiro Kitamura, Wes Armstrong, Taishi Tamaki
Running Time: 121 min.

By Paul Bramhall

It’s fair to say that for most of the 2020’s audiences have grown fatigued to the endless superhero fodder that’s dominated cinema screens for the past 15 years, with reboots, sequels, retcons, and just about any other word that connects franchises together being released at a relentless pace. So it may seem like a risky move for director Kurando Mitsutake to make his newest movie exactly that – a superhero movie – but then, Mitsutake can hardly be described as just being any old director.

Since his debut with 2009’s Samurai Avenger: The Blind Wolf, the California based Mitsutake has consistently proven himself to be the 21st century version of the kind of Japanese filmmaker that existed exclusively in the 1970’s – dabbling in obsolete genres like pinky violence and karate exploitation like they never went out of fashion. Hopefully nobody bothers to tell him that they did, otherwise we wouldn’t have titles like Gun Woman, Karate Kill, or Maniac Driver to enjoy, and the cinematic world would be a duller place for it.

Lion Girl is the latest production to find Mitsutake in the director’s chair, 3 years after his pink eiga Maniac Driver, and it proves to be his most ambitious work to date, for the first time clocking in over the 2-hour mark (even if it is just by 1 minute). For fans of manga Continue reading

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Nicholas Tse and Andy Lau now shooting Derek Kwok’s ‘Raging Fire’ follow-up ‘The Unleashed Blaze’

"Raging Havoc" Teaser Poster

“Raging Havoc” Teaser Poster

A thematic sequel to Benny Chan’s 2021 actioner Raging Fire is currently in production from director Derek Kwok, who is perhaps best known for helming 2014’s As the Light Goes Out, 2015’s Full Strike, and the recent 2021 film, Schemes in Antiques.

The follow-up, titled The Unleashed Blaze (aka Raging Havoc), is headlined by Nicholas Tse (The Bullet Vanishes), who starred in the original Raging Fire (opposite Donnie Yen). This time around, Hong Kong heavy Andy Lau (White Storm 2: The Drug Lords) fills the space previously filled by Yen. Ray Liu (Raging Fire, Operation Bangkok) also returns, not to mention the addition of rising star Xie Miao (My Father is a Hero, Eye for an Eye: The Blind Swordsman, Ip Man: The Awakening).

The original Continue reading

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Henry Cavill to re-immortalize ‘Highlander’ for ‘John Wick’ director Chad Stahelski

"Highlander" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Highlander” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Looks like Chad Stahelski, 1/2 of the directing duo responsible for 2014’s John Wick, is stepping up to the plate for Lionsgate’s reboot/remake of the action-fantasy film, Highlander – and the Man of Steel himself, Henry Cavill, will lead the film.

The new movie will be based on the 1986 original, which starred Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown as immortal beings, hunting down one another and collecting more power. The time-jumping film — with its “There can be only one” tagline — spawned four sequels and three TV series including the popular USA series starring Adrian Paul. Queen memorably provided the soundtrack for the original movie. (via Deadline).

“Such great themes of immortality, love, and identity are all wrapped up in such colorful mythology. I can’t think of a better property that gives Continue reading

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