Tai me up! 88 Films 4K UHD release for Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh and Yuen Woo-ping’s ‘Tai Chi Master’ arriving in October

Posted on September 23, 2024 by JJ Bona
Tai Chi Master | 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)

Tai Chi Master | 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)

On October 7, 2024, 88 Films is releasing a 4K Ultra HD for Tai Chi Master, a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts classic from director Yuen Woo-ping (In the Line of Duty 4) and stars Jet Li (League of Gods) and Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once).

Jet Li stars in this thrilling martial arts epic about two childhood friends falsely accused of cheating and expelled from their Shaolin Temple. As they grow up, their paths diverge, with one embracing the peaceful teachings of Tai Chi and the other seeking power and joining the military. Set against the backdrop of a civil war, their friendship deteriorates into betrayal, leading to a climactic showdown between the two.

Michelle Yeoh co-stars Continue reading →

Posted in News |

Young, drunk and full of Tao! Blu-ray for The Yuen Clan’s ‘Taoism Drunkard’ and ‘Young Taoism Fighter’ now shipping!

Posted on September 23, 2024 by JJ Bona
Two Taoist Tales | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Two Taoist Tales | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Now shipping from Goodie Emporium is Eureka’s Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Two Taoist Tales, which includes both 1984’s Taoism Drunkard and 1986’s Young Taoism Fighter. 

In the wake of Encounter of the Spooky Kind, the Hong Kong film industry launched headlong into a prolific genre cycle that drew upon Taoist folklore. Popular throughout the 1980s and into the next decade, these films combined elements of horror, fantasy, comedy and martial arts as they pit their protagonists against hopping vampires, vengeful ghosts and evil sorcerers. Here, Eureka Classics is proud to present two of the most mind-bending tales of Taoist magic ever committed to film: Taoism Drunkard and Young Taoism Fighter!

Directed by and starring Yuen Cheung-yan (The Miracle Fighters), Taoism Drunkard follows Continue reading →

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Publicity stunts? ‘Twilight of the Warriors’ stars Terrance Lau and Philip Ng reunite in the New Trailer for ‘Stuntman’

Posted on September 22, 2024 by JJ Bona
"Stuntman" Theatrical Poster

“Stuntman” Theatrical Poster

Albert Leung (Twins Mission), real-life stuntman-turned-filmmaker and his brother, director Herbert Leung (Twins Mission), are teaming up for Stuntman.

Plot details are thin, but the film revolves around a rising stuntman, played by Terrance Lau (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In), who works in the highly competitive Hong Kong film stunt industry.

The film features an all-star cast that includes Stephen Tung Wai (Hitman), Philip Ng (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, Undercover Punch and Gun) and Cecila Choi (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In).

Edko Films Ltd. is releasing the film domestically on September 26, 2024. Trinity Continue reading →

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Deal on Fire! The Miracle Fighters | Blu-ray | Only $16.99 – Expires soon!

Posted on September 20, 2024 by JJ Bona
The Miracle Fighters | Bu-ray (Eureka)

The Miracle Fighters | Bu-ray (Eureka)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Miracle Fighters, a 1982 kung fu fantasy classic from the legendary choreographer/director Yuen Woo-ping (Dreadnaught, In the Line of Duty 4).

Hailed as one of the “weirdest” kung fu/fantasy movies to be distributed under the Golden Harvest banner – and certainly shouldn’t be confused or compared with Tsui Hark’s seminal masterpiece Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain (also 1982) – The Miracle Fighters is an octane fueled tale of despotism, ego-based ambition and insanely cerebral magical practices. Again using Yin/Yang metaphors, Ping’s physical depictions of Chinese occultism is clearly defined by both ‘light’ and ‘dark’ forces, regardless of its signature trappings or banal dialogue. Its true magical sturdiness lies in the picture’s motion and fluidity, not in the Continue reading →

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Erotic Ghost Story: I-III Collection | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Posted on September 20, 2024 by JJ Bona

RELEASE DATE: December 16, 2024

On December 16, 2024, 88 Films is releasing a Blu-ray set for the Erotic Ghost Story: I-III Collection, which will include 1990’s Erotic Ghost Story, 1991’s Erotic Ghost Story and 1992’s Erotic Ghost Story III. 

This triple-bill of paranormal perversion delivers everything you’d want from a Category III movie, plus a bit more besides. In the first tale from Story of Ricki director Ngai Choi Lam, a trio of sexy spirits fall for the same hunk. The second movie, the directorial debut of Peter Ngor (Legendary Couple) has the God of Carnal Desire, God Wu Tung on a quest for revenge after his favourite conquest is zapped by other god like beings and in the third piece from Kai-Ming Lai (The Blue Jean Monstter), a man journeys into the afterlife only to be greeted Continue reading →

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

Smugglers (2023) Review

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Paul Bramhall
"Smugglers" Theatrical Poster

“Smugglers” Theatrical Poster

Director: Ryoo Seung-Wan
Cast: Kim Hye-Soo, Yum Jung-Ah, Zo In-Sung, Park Jeong-Min, Kim Jong-Soo, Go Min-Si, Kim Jae-Hwa, Park Jun-Myun, Park Kyung-Hye, Kwak Jin-Seok
Running Time: 129 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

Any discussion on modern Korean action cinema will invariably also be a discussion on director (and sometime actor) Ryoo Seung-wan. An avid Hong Kong action cinema fan when he was growing up, Seung-wan would debut in 2000 with Die Bad, a gritty slice of machismo that provided a first look into what would become his distinctive style – pulpy storylines, stylised violence, and an energetic pace. While there’s no other mainstream director in Korea who’s continued to consistently crank out new movies for more than 20 years, Seung-wan’s last 2 productions have pivoted away from his usual style, instead opting for the “based on true events” approach. While both 2017’s The Battleship Island and 2021’s Escape from Mogadishu were perfectly serviceable crowd pleasers, they also lacked the touches that make a Seung-wan directed movie stand out from the crowd.

So it was a relief in 2023 to see him return to the kind of movie that established his popularity in the first place, with the 1970’s set caper flick Smugglers. It’s also the first time for Seung-wan to cast a pair of actresses as his leads since his sophomore feature No Blood No Tears in 2002. It’s easy to get a feeling that Seung-wan may be feeling nostalgic for those Continue reading →

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

No time for losers! Now shipping is Eureka’s Blu-ray for 1983’s ‘The Champions’ starring the legendary Yuen Biao

Posted on September 18, 2024 by JJ Bona
The Champions | Blu-ray (Eureka)

The Champions | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Now shipping from Goodie Emporium is Eureka’s Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Champions, a 1983 soccer-infused, action-comedy directed by Brandy Yuen (In the Line of Duty III) and starring Golden Harvest legend, Yuen Biao (Circus Kids).

Sports, action and comedy collide in Golden Harvest’s The Champions, the precursor to Shaolin Soccer from the first family of Hong Kong martial arts cinema: the inimitable Yuen Clan!

Lee Tong (Yuen Biao, Dreadnaught) is a young farmer who has grown up in an isolated rural community. When an indiscretion lands him in hot water, he leaves his home in the countryside and heads for the big city – where he meets Suen (Cheung Kwok-keung, Eastern Condors), a street footballer who recognises Tong’s talent Continue reading →

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Andy Lau and Karen Mok get themselves into a disaster! Watch the Trailer for Fletcher Poon’s thriller ‘Cesium Fallout’

Posted on September 17, 2024 by JJ Bona
"Cesium Fallout" Teaser Poster

“Cesium Fallout” Teaser Poster

Hong Kong superstars Andy Lau (Shock Wave 2, Walk on Fire) and Karen Mok (The Great Hypnotist, So Close) are pairing up for Cesium Fallout, an upcoming thriller that’s being described as an “epic radiation disaster” flick.

The film is directed by Anthony Pun (aka Fletcher Poon), who is perhaps best known for co-directing 2017’s Extraordinary Mission.

Cesium Fallout centers on a fire at a Hong Kong recycling factory, which turns into a radiation crisis. On top of it all, an illegal smuggling operation is uncovered!

Cesium Fallout also stars Bai Yu (The Long Night), Kwan-Ho Tse (Shock Wave 2), Ivana Wong (12 Golden Ducks), Fish Liew (Anita), Michael Continue reading →

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Panda express to GO? Jackie Chan’s ‘Panda Plan’ arriving to U.S. theaters on October 18 from Well Go USA

Posted on September 16, 2024 by JJ Bona
“Panda Plan” Theatrical Poster

“Panda Plan” Theatrical Poster

Martial arts superstar Jackie Chan (Hidden Strike, Ride On) is headed to the zoo with Panda Plan (aka Project P), Mandarin Motion Pictures’ upcoming film directed by Zhang Luan (Song of Youth, Give Me Five).

The film centers on a rare baby panda with a dark circle around just one eye, who becomes a worldwide sensation when he’s born at China’s Noah Zoo. But when a Middle Eastern tycoon dispatches international mercenaries to kidnap the zoo’s baby pandas, Chan, playing a version of himself as an international action star, is forced to get involved in a rescue mission (via THR).

Panda Plan also stars Shi Ce (Hi, Mom), Wei Xiang (Full River Red), Han Continue reading →

Posted in News, Top 4 Featured |

Eastern Condors | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Posted on September 16, 2024 by JJ Bona
Eastern Condors | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Eastern Condors | Blu-ray (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: December 12, 2024

On December 12, 2024, Criterion will be releasing the Blu-ray for Eastern Condors, a 1987 Golden Harvest actioner directed by, and starring, Sammo Hung (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In).

Legendary actor-director Sammo Hung delivers a bazooka blast of pure adrenaline in this exemplar of Hong Kong action cinema at its most entertaining. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood war films like The Dirty Dozen, Eastern Condors follows a ragtag band of Asian American prisoners dropped into Vietnam on a secret suicide mission to prevent a cache of weapons from falling into the hands of the Viet Cong, who are more than ready for a fight.

Propelled by a dynamic ensemble cast that includes the ever-charismatic Continue reading →

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

Officer Black Belt (2024) Review

Posted on September 15, 2024 by Paul Bramhall
“Officer Black Belt” Netflix Poster

“Officer Black Belt” Netflix Poster

Director: Kim Joo-hwan
Cast: Kim Woo-bin, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Hyun-geol, Lee Joong-Ok, Kang Seung-Ho, Yoon Dae-Yul, Park Ji-Yeol, Jin Mi-Sa, Lee Jung-Gwi, Bang Byung-Hyun
Running Time: 105 min.

By Paul Bramhall

The latest in Korea’s steady stream of post-Squid Game Netflix produced movies, Officer Black Belt hit the platform in 2024, offering a look into a rarely seen part of the law enforcement system – the parole officers who monitor ex-offenders once they’re released from prison. The production marks a welcome return to the director’s chair for Kim Joo-hwan, who spent the latter half of the 2010’s establishing himself as the helmer of entertainingly action-centric productions like Midnight Runners and The Divine Fury. After the turmoil of directing the 2023 series Bloodhounds (also made for Netflix), which saw the entire script rewritten when co-star Kim Sae-ron got involved in a drunk driving incident mid post-production, it felt debatable if we’d be seeing Joo-hwan return to filmmaking anytime soon. It’s a relief to see him bounce back so quickly, and as the title indicates, action is again the order of the day.

For his latest Kim Woo-bin (Master, The Con Artists) stars as a directionless slacker whose 2 passions consist of “sports and e-sports”, with his one rule for anything he gets involved in being that it has to be fun. When he’s not flexing his skills in judo, taekwondo, and kendo, he’s usually playing online games with his 3 closest friends, with any time left over spent making deliveries for the fried chicken restaurant his father runs (who he also lives with). I’m not exactly Continue reading →

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

Deal on Fire! The Challenge | Blu-ray | Only $13.49 – Expires soon!

Posted on September 15, 2024 by JJ Bona
The Challenge | Blu-ray (Kino)

The Challenge | Blu-ray (Kino)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Challenge (aka Sword of the Ninja), a 1982 actioner directed by John Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate, Ronin) and written by John Sayles (Eight Men Out).

This swashbuckling cult-classic stars Scott Glenn (Urban Cowboy) as a down-and-out American boxer who becomes involved in a feud between two Japanese brothers.

The Challenge also stars Toshiro Mifune (Incident at Blood Pass), Donna Kei Benz (Pray for Death), Atsuo Nakamura (47 Ronin), Calvin Jung (RoboCop), Clyde Continue reading →

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Norman Tsui, ‘Duel to the Death’ and ‘Zu: The Warriors from the Magic Mountain’ Hong Kong actor, Dies at 73

Posted on September 15, 2024 by JJ Bona

Norman Tsui, Veteran Hong Kong actor widely known for his roles in ‘The Sword’, ‘Duel to the Death’, ‘Zu: The Warriors from the Magic Mountain’ and ‘Tiger on the Beat’, has died at age 73 from esophageal cancer. Continue reading →

Posted in News |

Land of Happiness, The (2024) Review

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Paul Bramhall
"The Land of Happiness" Theatrical Poster

“The Land of Happiness” Theatrical Poster

Director: Choo Chang-min
Cast: Cho Jung-Seok, Lee Sun-Kyun, Yoo Jae-Myung, Woo Hyeon, Lee Won-Jong, Jeon Bae-Su, Song Young-Kyu, Choi Won-Young, Kang Mal-Geum
Running Time: 124 min.

By Paul Bramhall

The 8 months spanning October 1979 to May 1980 are some of the most tumultuous in Korea’s recent history, marked by the assassination of president Park Chung-hee on the 26th October, and culminating in military dictator Chun Doo-hwan ordering the Gwangju Massacre that took place from 18th – 27th May. What was hoped to create a pathway to democracy instead led the country into one of its darkest periods, and in recent years the fateful events that took place across those months have proved to be fertile ground for Korean cinema. Movies such as 2017’s A Taxi Driver, 2020’s A Man Standing Next, and 2023’s 12.12: The Day all cover significant events from the period, and in 2024 The Land of Happiness tells a story which also unfolds across the same time period.

While the titles mentioned cover significant historical moments – Park Chung-hee’s assassination, Chun Doo-hwan’s military coup, and the Gwangju Massacre – The Land of Happiness differentiates itself by telling a lesser-known story from the era. Set in the context of its peers, much like in 12.12: The Day the narrative opens directly after the final scene in A Man Standing Next. The Head of the KCIA has just assassinated Park Chung-hee, leading to his arrest Continue reading →

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

Psst… we’ll soon see Jackie Chan explore the drama and humor of Alzheimer’s disease in ‘Whispers of Gratitude’

Posted on September 12, 2024 by JJ Bona
"Whispers of Gratitude" Teaser Poster

“Whispers of Gratitude” Teaser Poster

In a move reminiscent of what Jet Li did in the 2010 drama, Ocean Heaven – a movie that explored the subject of parental love and autism in kids – another martial arts superstar is turning to family drama… Jackie Chan!

Next year, we’ll see Jackie in Whispers of Gratitude, where he’ll play a character he’s never played before: someone with Alzheimer’s disease (not to be confused with someone with amnesia, as with his character in 1998’s Who Am I?). Obviously, if you’re expecting an action flick, you’ll be disappointed.

Whispers of Gratitude, which is marketed as a drama-comedy, follows a young man from a small town who flees his home to try to reach Beijing. On the way, he crosses paths with Ren Jiqing, an old man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who mistakes him for his Continue reading →

Posted in News |
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