"The One-Armed Swordsman" Chinese Theatrical Poster
RELEASE DATE: March 22, 2011
One-armed Jimmy Wang Yu trains to defend his martial arts school and honor the name of his dead father when the school is threatened by the same gang that killed his father. This is an import Blu-ray, which amazon.com will be carrying. Read review here.
"Crime Story" Chinese Theatrical Poster
RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2011
Directed by Kirk Wong (“The Big Hit”), Crime Story is based on actual facts. Jackie Chan plays a special agent assigned to protect a wealthy business magnate. Things get complicated when the tycoon is kidnapped in a daring ambush. This is an import Blu-ray, which amazon.com will be carrying.
“My Young Auntie” Chinese Theatrical Poster
Director: Lau Kar-Leung
Cast: Lau Kar Leung, Kara Hui, Hsiao Hou, Wang Lung Wei, Gordon Liu, Wilson Tong Wai-Shing, Kwan Yung-Moon, Walter Cho Tat-Wah, Yuen Tak, Robert Mak Tak-Law, Wang Ching-Ho, Wang Sha, Ngai Tung-Gwa
Running Time: 119 min.
By JJ Hatfield
My Young Auntie is one of the best period pieces with Lau Kar Leung at the helm. His job was made a lot easier with a cast that included Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui and Dick Wei and the usual Shaw Brothers including Gordon Liu.
In order to keep a family fortune away from his evil younger brother, senior uncle marries a young woman who has worked for his household most of her life. He has always been very kind to her and as a favor she marries him to keep the inheritance safe until she can deliver the deeds to Jing – chuen, played to perfection by Lau Kar Leung. Even though Dai nan is quite young she warrants the title of “Senior” due to her position within the family.
Young Auntie is played wonderfully by Kara Hui Ying-Hung. Not only does she demonstrate why she was the first woman to win a Hong Kong Best Actress Award, she performs the fight scenes as skillfully and realistically, even better than anyone could have asked for! I have tremendous respect for Kara Hui. Lau took her under his wing and taught her how to showcase her amazing potential with too many different styles and weapons to count, but he also made certain she also had a chance to stretch a bit in her acting skills.
While Jing-cheun is out, his son (Hsiao Ho) returns home early and brings along several pals. He has been studying in Hong Kong and when he arrives he finds a strange woman in his father’s bed and she even claims to own the house! This turns into a great fight scene that damages and messes up the artifacts and calligraphy Jing – chuen has been lovingly collecting and protecting for decades. Although the fight is between Jing – chuen’s “Auntie” and Toa, Dai nan uses her position as a senior of the family to have Tao punished.
When Young Auntie has decided she needs some new clothes appropriate for her role as a senior, Jing – chuen sends a very reluctant Tao with her into town to buy new clothes. Though a family senior, she has never experienced anything like the wares and goods sold in town. She is positively mesmerized by all the colored lights, beautiful clothes and jewelry. Toa has no interest in shopping so he let’s Young Auntie shop while he waits elsewhere.
While spell bound by the wonders she sees in the stores, she is criticized as being a *bumpkin* with out-dated clothes and an old fashioned hair style. You must see this for yourself; so, let’s just say things don’t go as planned and before you know it Tao and Auntie are having an undeclared contest to show their kung fu abilities skills. Their competing with each other is a constant and amusing aspect of the film. When they arrive home Jing – chuen is near hysteria, and you really can’t blame him. He is very much grounded in the behaviors and actions of traditional Chinese and has great difficulty comprehending the changes around him. And the changes have just begun!
Third Uncle tricks his relatives and takes advantage by stealing the deeds belonging to Young Auntie. The only way they can make things right is by retrieving the documents that prove Auntie is the senior of the family, preventing third uncle from gaining all. Third uncle, his Godson and the rest of his gang are not about to allow that to happen so they form a trap. The resolution involves one of the largest fights involving individuals (as opposed to a war scene) and one of the best fight scenes in a Lar Kar Leung list of credits! Everyone involved in the constant changing enemy and weapon fighting play their part to perfection. The characters tend to fight along the lines of their personality and it works great! Lau does make sure there is some comedy however it works well enough to help provide material for the film and characters, good and bad.
The film’s third act is virtually non stop. “Auntie” puts the guys through a little fitness training and the rest of the film is well choreographed, intense multiple fights! The screen is filled with two or three of the main cast but you can almost always see other fights taking place around the actors. There is no shortage of action especially martial arts and martial arts with well over a dozen different weapons.
If it looks cool, it’s in the movie. Young Auntie is a film you will definitely enjoy and want to see again!
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9/10
“Jade Warrior” International Theatrical Poster
Director: Antti-Jussi Annila
Cast: Tommi Eronen, Zhang Jingchu, Krista Kosonen, Markku Peltola, Hao Dang, Taishen Cheng, Elle Kull, Liansheng Tong, Qiupu Tao, Xiaomei Tong
Running Time: 110 min.
By JJ Hatfield
When most people think about martial arts they think of China, Japan, and places like Thailand. Don’t leave out other countries or regions though. If martial arts are practiced in most countries we know of why wouldn’t every place have such a discipline? Naturally the geography, climate and culture shape the degree and the type of teaching. The tale of the “Jade Warrior” is relevant to any one, any where.
From Finland comes the story of the creation of earth, and the awesome struggle of good and evil that rages in all times. Ancient lives and loves leading to a fate that seemingly cannot be changed.
This movie is often advertised as “Finland’s First Martial Arts Film!” If you are looking for some fairly mindless kick ass this is not the right disk. I’m sure someone thought they could get more people to buy the DVD if they thought heads would be busted and ass was well kicked. And this is a very good film. But do not look for stunts and triple kicks. If you let that expectation go you will find a very engaging film.
This film is a fantasy/folklore/drama, born of the epic poem “Kalevala”. One of the main characters in “Kalevala” is a heroic smith (blacksmith) named Seppo who creates a machine called the Sampo. Finland’s folklore says the Sampo has the ability to be the source of happiness. In a rare blending of countries and culture Finnish and Chinese mythology are woven together beautifully like a fine tapestry.
Kai (Tommi Eronen) is the modern day smith living alone in the country after his girlfriend left him. Ronja (Krist Kosonem) is moving away from Helsinki despite his ardent pleas for her to stay. Before Ronja leaves she takes in sone of Kai’s old belongings to an antique dealer. This seemingly mundane event unleashes a world from ancient times and immerses her boyfriend into a past life thousands of years ago in China.
Unknown to Ronja the antique dealers Berg (Makku Peltola) and Weckstrom (Elle Kull) happen to be experts on the Kalevala. When they discover something clutched by a mummified man in a swamp it turns out to respond to Kai’s belongings. This realization sends Berg out to find the ninth son of the legend, returned as Kai though he does not yet know it. Berg takes the object to Kai, explaining the folklore, and encouraging him to accept his past. This acts like a spark from the forge to flame the ancient battle between good and evil. It also begins to merge the warrior and the smith into one again. The link grows stronger between the ninth son, Sentai and Kai reviving memories of a woman, Pin Yu (Zhang Jing-Chu) whom he loved deeply. The warrior dared to evade his destiny by wishing for happiness with his love in the future, in the icy isolated far north.
“Jade Warrior” is set in two different times and places that begin to merge – ancient China and modern day (released 2006) Finland. Driven by his past, subtly at first then growing stronger until Kai is existing in both worlds determined to change his fate to be with the woman he loves. It is not so simple to change one’s destiny and the forces involved can create or destroy.
This is a fresh entertaining film! The basic idea comes from an epic poem and translated well to the screen. The Finnish actors, especially Tommy Eronen who has the dual role and Makku Peltola were exceptional and very believable even in a fantasy plot.
The director and writer Anitti-Jussi Annila loved the wuxia and sword fight films of China.
So much so in fact that he wrote the script as an homage to those Chinese films he adored. There is an element of wuxia to be sure however this is not CTHD.
The cinematography is superb and striking. The landscape is at times stark and frozen, then green with life, another cyclic theme throughout the film. These scenes are from Finland and Estonia. The ancient Chinese village felt authentic as did the forge details.
The actors, primarily Tommi Eronen spent months in preparation for the action scenes and studying Mandarin which would be required for the dialog scenes set in ancient China.
Zhang Jing-Chu (Seven Swords) also trained for her fight. Yu Yan Kai is the action choreographer who has worked with Sammo Hung and Cory Yuen when in his native China. There are not a lot of fights but there is one very beautiful kungfu/wuxia type exchange and swordplay. Modern day/Kai weapons include a sledge hammer and a lot of special effects, which are good to great.
I highly recommend this fine film! It is a very interesting premise and affords the viewer a chance to experience something new and different. A worthy entry in anyone’s collection.
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 7/10
“Moment of Romance” Korean Theatrical Poster
Director: Benny Chan
Cast: Andy Lau Tak-Wah, Wu Chien-Lien, Ng Man-Tat, Tommy Wong Kwong-Leung, Leung Shan, Lau Kong, Sandra Lang, Wong Sa-Lei, Wong Man-Wai, Yuen Bun
Running Time: 88 min.
By Mighty Peking Man
“Good girls always go for the bad boys”…
I can definitely understand why and Benny Chan’s Moment of Romance makes me understand the line better. What we have here is a modern day Romeo and Juliet meets “Hong Kong Gangsterism” – only better.
I’m not much of an Andy Lau fan but I’ve gotta hand it to ’em – he’s quite a cool cat portraying a street-smart, triad punk. Surprisingly, Wu Chien Lien steals the show from him, her true-to-life acting and natural appeal grabbed my attention the moment she popped on the screen. It’s no wonder why she’s one of the most sought after Hong Kong actresses in the business.
Director Benny Chan has earned my respect in the same ranks as Johnny To, John Woo and Ringo Lam. He seems to be the master of pacing and is more than just an “action film” director. Keep close watch at an excellent action scene where Andy takes an empty pillow case, fills it up with a few cans of beer and whacks out his enemies!
The climax of the film is pretty bloody and for those of you who hate sad endings – you might wanna stay away from this film.
Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 8/10
Synesthesia DVD (Funimation)
RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2011
Funimation presents their re-release of Synesthesia (The version is called S.A.V.E., which stands for Super Amazing Value Edition). Mari suffers from synesthesia, a rare disorder that mixes up the senses. She’s lived a sheltered life, but when her adoptive parents die mysteriously, Mari’s condition may hold the key to catching a dangerous serial killer. Now she and Shinsuke, another synesthete, must catch the killer before Mari becomes his next victim.
RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2011
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced The Green Hornet for Blu-ray release on May 3, in three editions: single disc DVD, single disc BD, and a three-disc 3D BD / 2D BD / DVD combo set. This superhero movie, a remake of the classic TV series (most noted for starring the legendary Bruce Lee) directed by Michel Gondry and starring Seth Rogen, Jay Chou and Cameron Diaz.
"Deep Gold" International Theatrical Poster
Directed by Michael Gleissner (Irreversi), starring Vietnamese model/actress Bebe Pham (Midnight Movie), Australian model/acress Jaymee Ong (Gen-X Cops) and filmed and produced in the Philippines. Could this be the first filipino 3-D production?
Plot: Shortly after free diver Amy Sanchez breaks an important freediving record, her boyfriend – Air Force Pilot Tony – mysteriously vanishes together with a flight that was bringing millions of dollars worth of gold to the Central Bank. Determined to discover the truth, Amy goes off with her sister to find out. Tony actually dead? Or if not, is the man she loved really part of the plot to steal the gold? But she has no idea that she is about to discover the unexpected, and entangles herself in a web of lies and deceit before she finds out that somebody used her for what turns out to become a much larger conspiracy. Check out the trailer. Opens in April in 3D!
Gallants DVD (Tokyo Shock)
RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011
Tokyo Shock will be releasing the martial arts comedy, Gallants. Directed by Derek Kwok Clement Cheng. Cast includes: Wong You Nam, Teddy Robin Kwan, Bruce Leung, Chen Kuan-tai, Michael Chan Wai-man, Lo Meng, Jin Au-Yeung (aka MC Jin) and Jia Xiao-Chen.
Black Rat DVD (Tokyo Shock)
RELEASE DATE: June 21, 2011
Black Rat is a Japanese horror movie directed by Kenta Fukasaku (Battle Royale 2) and written by Futoshi Fujita. Cast includes: Haruka Shimizu, Hiroya Matsumoto, Makoto Sakamoto, Mika Shimizu, Misaki Yonemura, Rihoko Shimomiya, Rina Saito. Check out the Tokyo Shock trailer.
Lion Vs Lion DVD (Tokyo Shock)
RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2011
Tokyo Shock will be releasing the 1981 Shaw Brothers martial arts classic Lion Vs. Lion (aka Roar Of The Lion). It is written and directed by Hsu Hsia (Cheetah On Fire) and Chien Yuen Sheng (Spooky Family), both are well-known action directors as well. Cast includes: Johnny Wang Lung Wei, Lo Meng, Wong Yue, Sharon Yueng and Chien Yuen Sheng.
Whore Angels
RELEASE DATE: March 14, 2011
Komasa is a cow-girl drifter who works at the whore house, Hot-Lips . One day, she saves the life of Monroe, a pink-haired woman, who is being attacked by a demon. Monroe gets a job at Hot Lips where it s quickly discovered that her magical touch has magical healing powers. Soon she s the most popular girl there as lines of sick and handicap men seek special treatment from the woman who has the healing powers of an angel… Director Mototsugu Watanabe ( Sexy Battle Girls ) directs this irreverent sexy comedy! Directed by Mototsugu Watanabe Starring Shiori Kuroda, Nao Nishifuji, and Shoko Kudo.
“El Topo” Theatrical Poster
Director: Alejandro Jodorowsky
Cast: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Brontis Jodorowsky, Mara Lorenzio, David Silva, Paula Romo
Running Time: 125 min.
By JJ Hatfield
“El Topo” is not an easy film to review. For some it is not an easy film to watch. “El Topo” was made in 1968 and hitting the non -conventional movie theatres in 1970. This was the beginning of “midnight movies” that immediately garnered a fanatically devoted cult audience. Even “Rocky Horror Picture Show” would be still a minimum of five years away. I saw the film years ago and again recently. I’m a bit surprised to say my responses were virtually the same despite the years in between viewings.
The film has been called everything from “genius” to “despicable” but in truth if you chip away at the movie it loses it’s power. It must be taken as the whole experience not by acts or specific scenes or what exactly this symbol or that means. “El Topo” begins as a black clothed rider on a horse (Jodorowsky) with a young naked boy(Jodrowsky’s son in real life) riding with him, sheltered from the hot desert sun by an umbrella. They stop in the middle of nowhere as “El Topo” (The Mole) tells the boy he must bury his first toy and then he will be a man. He also tells the boy the mole spends his entire life digging tunnels trying to reach the sky but when it does it will be blinded.
I don’t wish to reveal too much about the plot or images. There really is a plot and Jodrowsky isn’t too bad an actor. The movie had a relatively large budget. Movie goers were looking for something fresh, new – maybe even a tad daring, at least in the late 60’s and 70’s. The viewer must remember this was a different world then. Visuals in “El Topo” that made people gasp probably don’t raise an eyebrow now. From sex to violence to religion, it’s all in there in enormous amounts.
This is not Sergio Leone, make no mistake. Leone is a very talented man but even he kept the gore score fairly low. Framing “El Topo” are a few of the things Jodorowsky loved, essentially things different, the more the better. The movie has an enormous cast of “different people” many of them considered physically/mentally disabled. Some scenes are uncomfortable for some viewers.
People being killed in violent ways, large pools of blood, dead animals, abdominal eviscerations, a couple of hangings….but the viewer has to take it all in context and that can only be done by watching the film in one sitting.
Rigid in the box thinkers need not bother viewing. It is self defeating in terms of understanding the film. Symbols and symbolic acts are used everywhere and in everything. Jodorowsky doesn’t hesitate to make them Christian, Buddism, Metaphysical or virtual carnival. He delights in showing you things you have never seen before in a film. “El Topo” doesn’t fit into any film genre. It is unique,surreal, with often sadistic violence. I don’t think anyone has written a “correct” review, as each person will be effected differently. As for me I am left with a taste of something nasty.
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 7/10
“Django” Japanese Theatrical Poster
Director: Sergio Corbucci
Cast: Franco Nero, Loredana Nusciak, José Bódalo, Ángel Álvarez, Eduardo Fajardo
Running Time: 97 min.
By JJ Hatfield
“Django” (no not the jazz great) may be considered amongst the “spaghetti westerns” seeing that it was made in Italy and helmed by Sergio Corbucci, with Bruno Corbucci and made Franco Nero a name associated with stardom. “Django” (1966) should really be categorized as a sub genre, with movies such as a “Fistful Of Dollars” (1964) and “A Few Dollars More” (1965) setting the standard. “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” (1966) is in a class all of it’s own.
“Django” makes typical western’s look like kids playing cowboys. This is no Sergio Leone film, make no mistake. “Django” is balls to the wall action from beginning to end. Unlike most westerns there is no real hero to be found here. This is an over the top, extremely graphic violent powerhouse of a movie that still is censored in some countries, and was even banned in the UK up until 1993. Some versions were edited (Spain and several other countries) and was never rated in the US.
“Django” travels alone dragging a coffin filled with who knows what. He doesn’t have any particular destination other than the next encounter when he unleashes hell on those who provoke him. And Django provokes rather easily much to the audiences delight! Franco Nero really owes this film a tribute for launching him into stardom. He is the perfect “Django”! And that is really all you need to know. There is very little exposition and you won’t find many answers about how or why he lives such a life. But there is no idle time to ponder such things.
“Django” is full tilt brutal with action that doesn’t stop until the end of the movie! Django is one of those films that likely would never be made in the current day politically correct atmosphere. The villains and the not so bad villains are difficult to separate by actions. If the villains were “Italians” this movie would have never made a pitch. The explosive violence however is not gratuitous, it is the movie! No one would pronounce this a fine film but it is one great ass kicking of an entertaining movie!
Of course there is a little more to the story, including two different gangs in a near ghost town, a map, some gold, bigotry, betrayal…but it is the unashamed no hesitation brutality and savagery that is the movie. And what makes it great! There are no forgettable scenes in this one. Images stay with the viewer a lifetime. The photography/cinema director leaves us with sharp memories and some great performances, in and amongst the major battles.
“Django” is a movie you should own. If possible get the Blue Underground versions which is uncensored and unedited. The last major screening was in Italy in the 2007 Venice Film Festival which started a slow but increasing demand for the movie. The third and final reason you should see “Django” is because it is a real blast!
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 8/10
All's Well End's Well 2011 (Tai Seng)
RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2011
All’s Well, Ends Well 2011 is a 2011 Hong Kong romantic comedy film directed by Chan Hing-ka and Janet Chun. It is the sixth installment in the All’s Well, Ends Well film series. Its all-star cast include: Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Carina Lau, Raymond Wong, Cecilia Cheung, Cecilia Cheung, Chapman To, Lynn Hung and Yan Ni.
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