When Bruce Lee died under mysterious circumstances in 1973 at age 32, the actor and martial artist left a hole in the action star firmament that seemed irreplaceable. That did not stop the Hong Kong film industry — and the rest of the world, for that matter — from trying anyway.
As Lee’s final (complete) film “Enter the Dragon,” released just six days after his death, became a worldwide box office phenomenon, “Bruceploitation” was born, enlisting look-alike performers to replace and imitate the trailblazing martial artist on screen. Decades after these copycat films deceived viewers — while still delivering some genuinely thrilling fight sequences — Severin Films is releasing “The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1,” a compilation of 14 titles starring Bruce “impostors” like Ho Chung Tao, who went by the name Bruce Li, Ryong Keo (Dragon Lee), Chang Yi-tao (Bruce Lai) and Wong Kin-lung, who to this day goes by the name Bruce Le.
As Lee’s final (complete) film “Enter the Dragon,” released just six days after his death, became a worldwide box office phenomenon, “Bruceploitation” was born, enlisting look-alike performers to replace and imitate the trailblazing martial artist on screen. Decades after these copycat films deceived viewers — while still delivering some genuinely thrilling fight sequences — Severin Films is releasing “The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1,” a compilation of 14 titles starring Bruce “impostors” like Ho Chung Tao, who went by the name Bruce Li, Ryong Keo (Dragon Lee), Chang Yi-tao (Bruce Lai) and Wong Kin-lung, who to this day goes by the name Bruce Le.
- 5/31/2024
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Star Wars: The Acolyte premieres on Disney+ on June 4, and the first reactions from critics have started finding their way online (via SFFGazette.com).
These are made up of a mix of people who attended a splashy premiere for a screening of the two-part premiere and reviewers who were sent the first four instalments to view online. It's worth noting then that not everyone here will have been caught up in the excitement of yesterday evening's event, meaning these verdicts may hold more weight than usual.
Regardless, the reactions so far are overwhelmingly positive. It sounds like the mystery elements work well, as do The Acolyte's practical stunts and the new ways this series utilises the Force. The cast, and particularly Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae, is also praised.
Despite taking place long before the Skywalker Saga began in The Phantom Menace, many critics have pointed out how interesting it...
These are made up of a mix of people who attended a splashy premiere for a screening of the two-part premiere and reviewers who were sent the first four instalments to view online. It's worth noting then that not everyone here will have been caught up in the excitement of yesterday evening's event, meaning these verdicts may hold more weight than usual.
Regardless, the reactions so far are overwhelmingly positive. It sounds like the mystery elements work well, as do The Acolyte's practical stunts and the new ways this series utilises the Force. The cast, and particularly Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae, is also praised.
Despite taking place long before the Skywalker Saga began in The Phantom Menace, many critics have pointed out how interesting it...
- 5/24/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Ma Hsin Yi was an eminent officer and a military general of the late Qing Dynasty who, together with other prominent officers, formed the Green Standard Army to fight against the rebels during the Taiping Rebellion. Chang Cheh's “The Blood Brothers” is an epic historical drama retelling his assassination by his officer and sworn brother Chang Wein Hsiang, played by David Chiang. Ti Lung's incredible portrayal of Ma won him the Special Award for Outstanding Performance at the 11th Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan and Best Actor Award at the Asia Pacific Film Festival.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The detailed written confession of Chang in the courthouse after his capture also serves as the narrative of the film and it works well with the engrossing script thanks to Ni Kuang and Chang Cheh which keeps the audience invested in the characters'...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The detailed written confession of Chang in the courthouse after his capture also serves as the narrative of the film and it works well with the engrossing script thanks to Ni Kuang and Chang Cheh which keeps the audience invested in the characters'...
- 4/10/2024
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
It takes The Matrix about three minutes to become the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. That’s when Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) evades a cop by breaking his arm, punching his throat, and then freezing mid-air so the camera can whip around her before she unleashes a kick that sends him across the room. Three minutes. And everything changed.
But the most impressive part may be the fact that the amazing stuff doesn’t stop there. For the 117 minutes that follow, The Matrix directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski offer an improbable mix of kung fu action, Continental philosophy, and fin de siècle cool. It’s no wonder their movie became a hit in theaters and on video. Nor is it any wonder that so, so many movies and TV shows borrowed from The Matrix, at once cementing the original film’s legacy while also cheapening its effect. In immediate years...
But the most impressive part may be the fact that the amazing stuff doesn’t stop there. For the 117 minutes that follow, The Matrix directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski offer an improbable mix of kung fu action, Continental philosophy, and fin de siècle cool. It’s no wonder their movie became a hit in theaters and on video. Nor is it any wonder that so, so many movies and TV shows borrowed from The Matrix, at once cementing the original film’s legacy while also cheapening its effect. In immediate years...
- 4/10/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Shaw Brothers Studio left an indelible mark on the landscape of Kung Fu cinema. Founded in 1925 by the Shaw brothers, Runje, Runme, and Run Run, the studio became synonymous with high-quality martial arts films during the 1960s and 1970s. Their meticulous attention to choreography, intricate fight scenes, and dramatic storytelling revolutionized the genre, setting new standards for action-packed entertainment. Through iconic films like “The One-Armed Swordsman” and “Come Drink with Me,” Shaw Brothers Studio not only popularized Kung Fu cinema globally but also shaped the artistic direction of future martial arts films. Their legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and enthusiasts, underscoring their enduring impact on the world of cinema. In this list, we present 50 of the most iconic titles the company produced, in alphabetical order.
1. Bloody Parrot (1981) by Hua Shan
One of the better elements found here is the fact that the film manages to work in plenty of fun from its two main components.
1. Bloody Parrot (1981) by Hua Shan
One of the better elements found here is the fact that the film manages to work in plenty of fun from its two main components.
- 4/7/2024
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
The Matrix is one of the most acclaimed projects in the sci-fi genre, directed by the Wachowskis. Its groundbreaking visual effects and iconic action sequences contributed to its mega success. However, this movie gives a different feel thanks to its fusion of Western and Eastern fighting styles, skillfully choreographed by Hong Kong martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping.
Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
Known for his work in the Hong Kong martial arts cinema, he never actively pursued opportunities to work in Hollywood. Given that he was offered to work on The Matrix, he requested a strict condition that would be required to be fulfilled only to convince him to become involved in the project. The filmmakers ultimately agreed to his condition.
Woo-Ping Yuen Wanted to Take Control of The Matrix‘s Action Scenes
The success of the 1999 movie spawned a whole franchise featuring Keanu Reeves in the lead role of Neo.
Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
Known for his work in the Hong Kong martial arts cinema, he never actively pursued opportunities to work in Hollywood. Given that he was offered to work on The Matrix, he requested a strict condition that would be required to be fulfilled only to convince him to become involved in the project. The filmmakers ultimately agreed to his condition.
Woo-Ping Yuen Wanted to Take Control of The Matrix‘s Action Scenes
The success of the 1999 movie spawned a whole franchise featuring Keanu Reeves in the lead role of Neo.
- 4/2/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
Watch too many movies and chances are you can predict the outcome within the opening minutes. Wuxia can feel often feel like this and so the enjoyment comes in the journey and not always the destination, as satisfying that inevitable confrontation might be. “The Swordsman of all Swordsmen” thus comes as a surprise with a twist in the expectations that focuses on the honor and chivalry as much as the notions of revenge. It's a perfect opportunity to revisit it with Eureka Entertainment releasing a restored version onto Blu-ray.
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As a young boy, Tsai Ying-jie (Tien Peng) witnesses the slaughter of his family by Yun Chun-chung (Tsao Tsien) and his accomplices in search or the Spirit Chasing Sword. Growing up into a swordsman in his own right, he seeks to exact revenge from those responsible. An encounter with Flying...
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As a young boy, Tsai Ying-jie (Tien Peng) witnesses the slaughter of his family by Yun Chun-chung (Tsao Tsien) and his accomplices in search or the Spirit Chasing Sword. Growing up into a swordsman in his own right, he seeks to exact revenge from those responsible. An encounter with Flying...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
After weeks of moving through scuzzy bars with off-beat cybernetic accouterment, toiling under a static-grey sky to gain control of cyberspace, our heroes have made it to Zion. The Rastafarians who greet these travelers from a ship named for an important historical figure pay little mind to our male protagonist. However, they cannot believe their luck in meeting his female companion, whose reputation far exceeds his.
Regardless of the chilly reception, the protagonist remains undeterred. Zion is, after all, a key part in mission to understand a powerful AI controlling reality.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the above description comes form The Matrix, the groundbreaking sci-fi action movie from 1999 or its sequels. But I’m not describing Neo and Trinity aboard the Nebuchadnezzar. I’m talking about Case and Molly reaching the Rastafarian colony of Zion with help from their ship the Marcus Garvey in the 1984 novel Neuromancer by William Gibson.
Regardless of the chilly reception, the protagonist remains undeterred. Zion is, after all, a key part in mission to understand a powerful AI controlling reality.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the above description comes form The Matrix, the groundbreaking sci-fi action movie from 1999 or its sequels. But I’m not describing Neo and Trinity aboard the Nebuchadnezzar. I’m talking about Case and Molly reaching the Rastafarian colony of Zion with help from their ship the Marcus Garvey in the 1984 novel Neuromancer by William Gibson.
- 2/29/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Though he’s known today as one of Hong Kong’s most distinctive contemporary filmmakers, in the early 1990s Johnnie To was still a gun for hire. Having apprenticed for the region’s Tvb broadcasting network for most of the ’80s, he had only recently established himself as a reliable maker of action and comedy films. And chief among his early successes is 1993’s wuxia superhero film The Heroic Trio, which is at once indebted to his genre forebears in Hong Kong cinema and possessed of his own idiosyncratic skills.
Like so many wuxia classics, the film’s plot is at once unnecessarily convoluted and little more than justification for moving from one stunt set piece to the next. In the sewers beneath present-day Hong Kong’s bustling streets, an ancient court eunuch, Evil Master (Yen Shi-Kwan), abducts newborns of imperial blood and raises them as potential new emperors in...
Like so many wuxia classics, the film’s plot is at once unnecessarily convoluted and little more than justification for moving from one stunt set piece to the next. In the sewers beneath present-day Hong Kong’s bustling streets, an ancient court eunuch, Evil Master (Yen Shi-Kwan), abducts newborns of imperial blood and raises them as potential new emperors in...
- 2/18/2024
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
Merian C. Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack's classic monster movie "King Kong" was released in 1933, so the monster turns 91 years old in 2024. That means he's definitely too old for this sh*t.
In Adam Wingard's 2021 film "Godzilla vs. Kong," the 70-year-old nuclear gorilla-whale and the 91-year-old mega-ape, both drawn by an ineffable, in-born monstrous instinct, had to fight. Over the course of many decades, Godzilla movies have taught us that if two kaiju ever appear in the same film, they instantly hate one another and have to start wailing on each other. It won't be until a tertiary monster appears — usually an "evil" one — that the primary and secondary monsters put aside their differences and team up to hang a beatin' on the new guy. This is what happened in "Godzilla vs. Kong." At first, the title monsters were enemies. When Mechagodzilla appeared, however, Kong and Godzilla pounded the interloper into the dirt.
In Adam Wingard's 2021 film "Godzilla vs. Kong," the 70-year-old nuclear gorilla-whale and the 91-year-old mega-ape, both drawn by an ineffable, in-born monstrous instinct, had to fight. Over the course of many decades, Godzilla movies have taught us that if two kaiju ever appear in the same film, they instantly hate one another and have to start wailing on each other. It won't be until a tertiary monster appears — usually an "evil" one — that the primary and secondary monsters put aside their differences and team up to hang a beatin' on the new guy. This is what happened in "Godzilla vs. Kong." At first, the title monsters were enemies. When Mechagodzilla appeared, however, Kong and Godzilla pounded the interloper into the dirt.
- 2/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire didn’t release a big game TV spot during the Super Bowl. However, a new trailer for the film is set to premiere sometime this week. Until then, Empire has teased us with a new unseen image of the two gargantuan monsters as they team up against a new threat. Godzilla vs Kong brought our favorite movie monsters to a head-to-head rumble, and since the release of the teaser trailer, the money shot of Godzilla and Kong running side-by-side on the attack is a memorable image that fans have been gushing over.
The end of Godzilla vs Kong saw the two join forces when a greater threat surfaced and MechaGodzilla was revealed. The final moments between the two saw them give each other respectful glances. Adam Wingard returns to direct Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and he confirms that they are still united against a new villain,...
The end of Godzilla vs Kong saw the two join forces when a greater threat surfaced and MechaGodzilla was revealed. The final moments between the two saw them give each other respectful glances. Adam Wingard returns to direct Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and he confirms that they are still united against a new villain,...
- 2/12/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire’s ‘Buddy-Cop’ Dynamic Is Inspired By Lethal Weapon – Exclusive Image
When Godzilla and King Kong last graced the screen together, it was in a battle royale – going toe-to-toe in Adam Wingard’s Godzilla Vs. Kong. Now, they’re begrudgingly teaming up. The kaiju duo are united in Wingard’s upcoming sequel Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire – a film whose streetwear-collab-aping title confirms that, yes, they’re working together this time. But as the filmmaker tells Empire, Skull Island’s finest and the nuclear-powered lizard aren’t exactly best friends.
“There’s a bit of a truce — Godzilla’s in control of the surface world and Kong is down in Hollow Earth,” explains Wingard of where the sequel finds the pair. “It wasn’t, ‘Okay, give me a call when something goes wrong, Kong. And I, Godzilla, will rush to the rescue!’” But when the threat of new simian villain Skar King looms, an alliance is necessary – bringing together a...
“There’s a bit of a truce — Godzilla’s in control of the surface world and Kong is down in Hollow Earth,” explains Wingard of where the sequel finds the pair. “It wasn’t, ‘Okay, give me a call when something goes wrong, Kong. And I, Godzilla, will rush to the rescue!’” But when the threat of new simian villain Skar King looms, an alliance is necessary – bringing together a...
- 2/12/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
By the early 1980s, the Shaw Brothers Studio had been eclipsed as Hong Kong’s most popular genre film studio by Golden Harvest and their more comedic take on martial arts cinema with stars like Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. Plagued by lower theatrical returns, which was exacerbated by the explosion of piracy in Southeast Asia with the advent of home video, the studio would—barring the occasional efforts in later years—cease film production in 1986 and pivot to making TV. As such, Shout! Factory’s fourth box set of Shaw Brothers films, all of which were released between 1980 and 1984, presents a cross-section of the studio’s last great burst of filmmaking.
In terms of directorial variety, this set has the least of any of these collections to date: Of the dozen films on offer, seven are helmed by Chang Cheh and feature all or some of his Venom Mob...
In terms of directorial variety, this set has the least of any of these collections to date: Of the dozen films on offer, seven are helmed by Chang Cheh and feature all or some of his Venom Mob...
- 12/28/2023
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
The film is out of the running due to a “conflict of interest” among the selection committee.
The producer of Hong Kong film A Light Never Goes Out has spoken out following the disqualification of the feature from the 2024 Oscars race.
The drama was submitted by the Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong for the international feature film category of the 96th Academy Awards in September. But when the Academy revealed the list of eligible titles last Thursday, A Light Never Goes Out was not included and the Federation is trying to figure out why.
Despite the outcome,...
The producer of Hong Kong film A Light Never Goes Out has spoken out following the disqualification of the feature from the 2024 Oscars race.
The drama was submitted by the Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong for the international feature film category of the 96th Academy Awards in September. But when the Academy revealed the list of eligible titles last Thursday, A Light Never Goes Out was not included and the Federation is trying to figure out why.
Despite the outcome,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
One of the great thrills of old school kung fu flicks is the juxtaposition between the dance-like choreography and bone-crunching violence. Bright splashes of blood are made more shocking by the balletic quality of the fights themselves. This is the contradiction at the core of almost all classic martial arts films; the spirituality inherent in Shaolin Kung Fu coexists with its potential to cause serious bodily harm. Many of the best releases of the 70s and 80s golden age understood how to blend Zen-like philosophy with animalistic anger, and revenge storylines allowed for especially potent drama. Here are five of the most down-and-dirty payback plots from the heyday of Hong Kong action.
5. The Duel
Chang Cheh's Ti Lung and David Chiang team-up from the year before, “Vengeance,” might be the obvious choice, but “The Duel” is an underrated slice of Triad grittiness. Lung and Chiang are two of the coolest...
5. The Duel
Chang Cheh's Ti Lung and David Chiang team-up from the year before, “Vengeance,” might be the obvious choice, but “The Duel” is an underrated slice of Triad grittiness. Lung and Chiang are two of the coolest...
- 12/2/2023
- by Henry McKeand
- AsianMoviePulse
Shout! Factory’s Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 3, covering the years 1976 to 1980, coincides with Shaw Brothers Studio’s creative zenith, when a decade’s worth of honed techniques and emergent competition at the Hong Kong box office propelled the studio to new artistic heights. That, though, means that this is the period that’s been most thoroughly mined by specialty home video labels looking to preserve the legacy of the studio’s work and Hong Kong genre movies in general. Most of the classics of these years, such as Lau Kar-leung’s The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Chang Cheh’s Shaolin Temple, have already been released on home video. Notably, Cheh’s work, the usual highlight of these Shout! collections, is somewhat underrepresented here due to a smaller selection pool of titles.
This collection, though, still represents a stellar opportunity to discover some of the less-heralded gems of the Shaw Brothers Studio’s golden era,...
This collection, though, still represents a stellar opportunity to discover some of the less-heralded gems of the Shaw Brothers Studio’s golden era,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
By 1982, the martial arts movie in its traditional guise was starting to flounder. The era of the Kung Fu comedy was starting to fade, and the era of Jackie Chan was just starting to hit full gear as “Project A” was to come the next year and the modern action movie would begin to form. “The Postman Strikes Back” consequently falls somewhere in between and as it receives a fresh Blu-ray release from 88 Films, it’s time to step back and revisit a movie that probably deserves a bigger audience.
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Errand Horse (Leung Kar-yan) is a postman delivering mail to remote villages. With the impending railway, on the way his work will be obsolete. A chance encounter with a young thief (Yuen Yat Chor) leads to a meeting with Hsu (Eddie Ko), an official who has an offer...
on Terracotta by clicking on the image below
Errand Horse (Leung Kar-yan) is a postman delivering mail to remote villages. With the impending railway, on the way his work will be obsolete. A chance encounter with a young thief (Yuen Yat Chor) leads to a meeting with Hsu (Eddie Ko), an official who has an offer...
- 9/21/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Hot on the heels of their first collection of Shaw Brothers movies, Shout! Factory’s Shaw Brothers Classics Vol. 2 continues the ongoing, multi-label effort to restore and release notable entries in the Hong Kong studio’s vast catalog. As it did with their previous collection, Shout! limits the selections for this second box set to a concentrated period of the studio’s productions. Whereas the 1967-69 range of the first box showed the studio frantically capitalizing on the breakout success of The One-Armed Swordsmen with a slew of like-minded wuxia films, the broader selection here among the first half of the ’70s finds Shaw Brothers both setting and chasing after trends.
Shout!’s first volume demonstrated how the Shaw Brothers studio made so many functionally identical movies, between the revenge-based plots, sword-based action, and reused sets, that within two years of The One-Armed Swordsmen’s paradigm shift, the house brand was already getting stale.
Shout!’s first volume demonstrated how the Shaw Brothers studio made so many functionally identical movies, between the revenge-based plots, sword-based action, and reused sets, that within two years of The One-Armed Swordsmen’s paradigm shift, the house brand was already getting stale.
- 8/31/2023
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
Another Shaw Brothers collaboration between novelist Gu Long, director Chor Yuen and actor Ti Lung, this third installment of the Chu Liu Hsiang film series is actually a follow up to “Legend of the Bat” (1978) which started with “Clans of Intrigue” back in 1977. The English title is rather misleading since it has nothing to do with Chu's “The Sentimental Swordsman” film series which starred Ti Lung as Little Flying Dagger Li, a different character altogether.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Also by adapting the story from the fifth novel “Phantom Manor” of another Gu's wuxia series “The Legend of Lu Xiao Feng” and not from “The Legend of Chu Liu Hsiang” series itself, this further makes things more complicated. Chor adapts the story but replaces the protagonist Lu with Chu Liu Hsiang instead. However, the Chinese title which translates as “Chu Liu Hsiang:...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Also by adapting the story from the fifth novel “Phantom Manor” of another Gu's wuxia series “The Legend of Lu Xiao Feng” and not from “The Legend of Chu Liu Hsiang” series itself, this further makes things more complicated. Chor adapts the story but replaces the protagonist Lu with Chu Liu Hsiang instead. However, the Chinese title which translates as “Chu Liu Hsiang:...
- 8/2/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
In the pantheon of the best action films ever, many of the same worthwhile titles come up: Die Hard, Speed, Aliens…And of course there’s Predator, The Killer, Runaway Train – well, not according to Variety, at least, who made some glaring omissions and curious inclusions on their list of “The 50 Best Action Movies of All Time”.
This ranking of the best action movies has, expectedly, come under scrutiny, with many readers wondering, Where’s this movie? and Where’s that movie? Of course, even with the prestige of Variety, this list of “The 50 Best Action Movies of All Time” is still just opinion. Still, we can’t help but notice a few things here…
The 50 Best Action Movies of All Time https://t.co/NWrrY0jfzE
— Variety (@Variety) July 14, 2023
Where are movies like Predator and True Lies? Predator stands as a fan favorite with some terrific action sequences and...
This ranking of the best action movies has, expectedly, come under scrutiny, with many readers wondering, Where’s this movie? and Where’s that movie? Of course, even with the prestige of Variety, this list of “The 50 Best Action Movies of All Time” is still just opinion. Still, we can’t help but notice a few things here…
The 50 Best Action Movies of All Time https://t.co/NWrrY0jfzE
— Variety (@Variety) July 14, 2023
Where are movies like Predator and True Lies? Predator stands as a fan favorite with some terrific action sequences and...
- 7/15/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
If you are into martial arts films, especially those produced by Shaw Brothers Studios in the late 70s, the Flying Guillotine would probably be your favorite weapon from the Qing Dynasty. It looks very much like a hat with a netting full of razor sharp blades in the rim and there is a long chain attached to it. The skillful wielder or assassin throws it from a distance onto someone's head and with a pull of the chain, the blades circle in and cut the poor victim's head clean off. It is a very effective way to kill and besides it is quiet and almost impossible to defend against.
Though associated with Emperor Yung Cheng and his elite squad of assassins during the Qing Dynasty, no one really knows if such a device actually existed. But this deadly legendary Chinese killing machine sure looks great flying across the silver screens...
Though associated with Emperor Yung Cheng and his elite squad of assassins during the Qing Dynasty, no one really knows if such a device actually existed. But this deadly legendary Chinese killing machine sure looks great flying across the silver screens...
- 4/20/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
A common ploy in the creation of anthologies is to attempt to complete a picture by using uncompleted or unfinished work from several sources and merging them together in order to make a return on the investments. Such is the case for this amalgamation of tales, as the backstory of each segment is equally troubled as much as enjoyable. The first segment from Yuen Chor was started five years earlier as a film titled “Hellish Soul” before it got shelved and needed reshoots by Ho Meng Hua several years later as “The Ghost” before that got shelved again. Meanwhile, Mou Tun-fei's film “The Prize Fighter” was eventually halted midway through production and turned into a short. These two shorts then form the basis for this solid Shaw Brothers anthology.
First, in the Yuen Chor/Ho Meng Hua version of “The Ghost,” Yali (Ching Li) and her husband Lifan Zhou, (Yun Ling...
First, in the Yuen Chor/Ho Meng Hua version of “The Ghost,” Yali (Ching Li) and her husband Lifan Zhou, (Yun Ling...
- 4/10/2023
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Star Wars Celebration is happening right now in the U.K. and we are learning an awful lot about the future of a galaxy far, far away, both on the big and small screen. The opening day panel was all about the future of "Star Wars," and those in attendance were treated to a first look at the upcoming series "The Acolyte," which is set in The High Republic era, long before the beginning of the prequels. We're going back hundreds of years in the timeline, and the furthest back we've ever seen in live-action.
/Film was in attendance at the panel, and we've got all the details shared by the cast and crew, as well as a description of the footage that was shown. Showrunner Leslye Headland stepped out on stage to share what she could about what they're cooking up. "This is when the bad guys are outnumbered,...
/Film was in attendance at the panel, and we've got all the details shared by the cast and crew, as well as a description of the footage that was shown. Showrunner Leslye Headland stepped out on stage to share what she could about what they're cooking up. "This is when the bad guys are outnumbered,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
“Jumping off is easy, Stepping off is hard”. A line uttered by Jackie Chan in his latest feature, a tribute to the role of the stuntman. In many ways a line that echoes the career of the great performer. Over the past decade, we have gone from the expectation of a Jackie Chan release, to hope after recent disappointments such as “Kung Fu Yoga” and “The Vanguard”. Whilst those made references to his advancing years, they still felt like imitations of what we had seen and become accustomed to before. With “Ride On”, we get a glimpse of a man finally coming to terms with his own mortality. Consequently, we got one of his most interesting works in quite some time.
Trinity CineAsia proudly presents heart-warming action comedy Ride On, starring international superstar Jackie Chan, in selected UK cinemas from 7th Apri
Luo (Jackie Chan) is a washed up stuntman...
Trinity CineAsia proudly presents heart-warming action comedy Ride On, starring international superstar Jackie Chan, in selected UK cinemas from 7th Apri
Luo (Jackie Chan) is a washed up stuntman...
- 4/6/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Wong Kar-wai isn't a filmmaker particularly known for his sense of humour. His work is many things: romantic, sumptuous, sensual, atmospheric. When he does attempt comedy, it's often tied to one character, an oddball outlier who provides a humorous foil to one of his stony-faced protagonists. The last thing you would expect his name attached to is a wacky parody wuxia movie less in line with King Hu and more on the same page as a Zucker Brothers production, and yet, from the spare change of the enormously expensive and troubled production behind his own “Ashes of Time”, “The Eagle Shooting Heroes” exists.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Jet Tone Films was established after the release of Wong's first two sensitive tough guy movies (“As Tears Go By” and “Days of Being Wild”), and its initial efforts went towards adapting Jin Yong's classic wuxia novel,...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Jet Tone Films was established after the release of Wong's first two sensitive tough guy movies (“As Tears Go By” and “Days of Being Wild”), and its initial efforts went towards adapting Jin Yong's classic wuxia novel,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Simon Ramshaw
- AsianMoviePulse
When "John Wick" dropkicked its way into theaters in 2014, it raised the bar on U.S. action films but didn't quite feel like a total game changer at the time. Keanu Reeves as the sympathetic rogue assassin was undeniably cool and relatable without reaching instant icon status. The gun-fu interplay felt fresh and exciting with clear influences from Hong Kong cinema that most audiences were already at least somewhat familiar with. Director John Woo, for example, imported his unique blend of action and artistry with the shoot 'em up classics "The Killer" and "Hardboiled," introducing international audiences to a rebirth of cool in hitman movies that also had a soul.
Fast forward to "John Wick: Chapter 4." Reeves, director Chad Stahelski and the entire creative and technical teams have taken all of their influences from some of the greatest choreographers and martial artists to truly transcend the action genre. At nearly three hours long,...
Fast forward to "John Wick: Chapter 4." Reeves, director Chad Stahelski and the entire creative and technical teams have taken all of their influences from some of the greatest choreographers and martial artists to truly transcend the action genre. At nearly three hours long,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
There is a particular challenge in most cinema genres in making your work stand out. “Code of the Assassins” had a particularly hard route to the screen. Initially started in 2017, all sorts of production and financial problems led to a 5 year wait for it to be completed. Taking a steam punk aesthetic and directed by visual stylist Daniel Lee it certainly has potential. The only question is that after five years and a troubled production will it live up to that?
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The Assassins of Ghost Valley adhere to an ideal that their role is to maintain the order of the world. Blue Asura (William Feng) is a relatively new recruit that has recently completed his training. His motivation is revenge on those that wiped out his clan and family and joined so that he could seek vengeance. Ghost Valley...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The Assassins of Ghost Valley adhere to an ideal that their role is to maintain the order of the world. Blue Asura (William Feng) is a relatively new recruit that has recently completed his training. His motivation is revenge on those that wiped out his clan and family and joined so that he could seek vengeance. Ghost Valley...
- 3/21/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Adapted from the first novel of Gu Long's “Xiao Li Fei Dao” (“Little Li Flying Dagger”) a wuxia series which consisted of five novels, “Duo Qing Lian Ke Wu Qing Jian” published in 1968, narrates the adventure of swordsman Li Xun Huan and his trademark use of daggers hidden in his fan. This Shaw Brothers production was a success and went on to become one of their highest grossing films ever.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Renowned and proud swordsman Li Xun Huan (Ti Lung) has been wandering the country side with his loyal servant Chuan Jia (Fan Mei Sheng) for ten years after retiring from the martial arts community, after willingly giving up the woman he loves to his savior. But he is happy with his simple life and finds comfort in drinking wine. However, news of the reappearance of the “Plum Blossom...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Renowned and proud swordsman Li Xun Huan (Ti Lung) has been wandering the country side with his loyal servant Chuan Jia (Fan Mei Sheng) for ten years after retiring from the martial arts community, after willingly giving up the woman he loves to his savior. But he is happy with his simple life and finds comfort in drinking wine. However, news of the reappearance of the “Plum Blossom...
- 3/14/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Inspired by the craze for kung fu aroused by Bruce Lee in the 1970s, “Ring of Fury” is the first and only martial arts film from Singapore staging the local karate champion, Peter Chong. The movie was shot in 1973, but the censorship rules of the country at the time considered it incompatible with the effort deployed by Singapore to flush out criminality and put an end to vigilantism and banned it. The ban lasted for 32 years before it had its first showing, expected for a long time, in 2005 at the Singapore International Film Festival.
“Ring of Fury” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
Fei Pah, a simple pasta vendor, refuses to pay the protection fee imposed by the local gang led by a man in an iron mask, a decision that has dire consequences, with his house getting burned down and his mother killed. Around that time,...
“Ring of Fury” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
Fei Pah, a simple pasta vendor, refuses to pay the protection fee imposed by the local gang led by a man in an iron mask, a decision that has dire consequences, with his house getting burned down and his mother killed. Around that time,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
David Chiang was a child actor before he joined the Shaw Brothers Studio as a stuntman and fight instructor; after seeing potential in him, director Chang Chen started to groom him. After the sudden departure of their biggest star, Jimmy Wang Yu, Shaw was looking for a replacement which led to the pairing of Chiang and Ti Lung in films like “Dead End” and “Have Sword, Will Travel” in 1969. However, with “The Wandering Swordsman” Chiang had a chance to shine as a solo leading star without Ti Lung hanging around him.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The film kicks off with a happy-go-lucky nameless young man (David Chiang) who prefers people to call him the “Wandering Swordsman”, quietly trailing two bandits who plan to rob a rich family. He shows up later and takes the loot from one of them during their getaway and...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The film kicks off with a happy-go-lucky nameless young man (David Chiang) who prefers people to call him the “Wandering Swordsman”, quietly trailing two bandits who plan to rob a rich family. He shows up later and takes the loot from one of them during their getaway and...
- 2/21/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
This article contains Fast and Furious franchise spoilers
Coinciding with its “bigger and louder” trend, The Fast and the Furious franchise significantly upped its villain game as the series progressed. Bad guys in the early entries are forgettably bland, but the latter films feature some incredible villains.
In this ranking, we’ve excluded characters who were antagonists but not true villains, heroes briefly coerced into turning heel, and garden variety henchmen. The caveat to this is the Shaw brothers, who were the villains of the sixth and seventh films but eventually allied with the heroes (we can only assume they were redeemed by the sheer power of Family). But since they were villains, they remain on the list.
14. Johnny Tran
The first The Fast and the Furious villain is also the worst one. Johnny Tran (Rick Yune) is an amalgamation of every high school bully ever put to film. He’s forgettable,...
Coinciding with its “bigger and louder” trend, The Fast and the Furious franchise significantly upped its villain game as the series progressed. Bad guys in the early entries are forgettably bland, but the latter films feature some incredible villains.
In this ranking, we’ve excluded characters who were antagonists but not true villains, heroes briefly coerced into turning heel, and garden variety henchmen. The caveat to this is the Shaw brothers, who were the villains of the sixth and seventh films but eventually allied with the heroes (we can only assume they were redeemed by the sheer power of Family). But since they were villains, they remain on the list.
14. Johnny Tran
The first The Fast and the Furious villain is also the worst one. Johnny Tran (Rick Yune) is an amalgamation of every high school bully ever put to film. He’s forgettable,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Considered one of the greatest and most influential Indian films of all time (just a glance at the wikipedia page about the film is enough) “Sholay” is a true masala film, a true epic, and a truly impressive production that has stood the test of time even now, almost 50 years after its initial release.
The film begins with Thakur, a police inspector, tasking a man with finding two small-time crooks, Jai and Veeru, who had helped him in the past, proving both their fighting abilities and their integrity. The focus switches on the two and their time in prison and their escape, until the three protagonists are finally united in Thakur’s village in Ramgarh. The now retired inspector asks them to capture a notorious dacoit named Gabbar Singh, who has been terrorizing the area for years, promising them an additional reward of ₹20,000, on top of the ₹50,000 of the bounty for his head.
The film begins with Thakur, a police inspector, tasking a man with finding two small-time crooks, Jai and Veeru, who had helped him in the past, proving both their fighting abilities and their integrity. The focus switches on the two and their time in prison and their escape, until the three protagonists are finally united in Thakur’s village in Ramgarh. The now retired inspector asks them to capture a notorious dacoit named Gabbar Singh, who has been terrorizing the area for years, promising them an additional reward of ₹20,000, on top of the ₹50,000 of the bounty for his head.
- 1/18/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Born in Vietnam in 1927, Pan Lei later immigrated to Taiwan after doing time with the army back in 1943 and joined the Shaw Brothers Studio in 1963 as scriptwriter and director which resulted in “Lovers’ Rock” starring the young and beautiful new star Cheng Pei Pei. Selected as Taiwan’s nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 37th Academy Awards but not making the shortlist, this Taiwanese film nonetheless did generate fame for both Cheng and Pan.
During the bus ride returning home from the city to her small remote fishing village in Taiwan after her graduation, a young girl from a rich family, Lin Qiu Zi (Cheng Pei Pei) becomes friendly with a young man Qin Yu (Chiao Chuang). Qin immediately takes a shine to her and decides to stay in her village and hooks up with a local fisherman Su Da Gui (Huang Chung Hsin) who had just returned from the sea.
During the bus ride returning home from the city to her small remote fishing village in Taiwan after her graduation, a young girl from a rich family, Lin Qiu Zi (Cheng Pei Pei) becomes friendly with a young man Qin Yu (Chiao Chuang). Qin immediately takes a shine to her and decides to stay in her village and hooks up with a local fisherman Su Da Gui (Huang Chung Hsin) who had just returned from the sea.
- 1/10/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Joseph Koo, a leading music composer during Hong Kong cinema’s golden era, has died in Vancouver, Canada. He was 91.
Local media report his death as happening on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023, but do not state a cause of death.
Born in Guangzhou, China on Feb. 23, 1931, Koo Ka-fai moved with his scholarly and musical family from mainland China to Hong Kong in 1948.
Koo spent much of his career in the Hong Kong film, TV and pop music industries. And, even after he emigrated to Canada in the 1990s, he maintained active links with the Hong Kong industry.
As a youngster, Koo learned the piano and composed songs for his sister Koo Mei, who was a major recording artist in her own right. Later he became a performer and band leader performing at venues including the Luk Kwok Hotel in Hong Kong.
His first composition for a film was “Dream,” a song performed...
Local media report his death as happening on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023, but do not state a cause of death.
Born in Guangzhou, China on Feb. 23, 1931, Koo Ka-fai moved with his scholarly and musical family from mainland China to Hong Kong in 1948.
Koo spent much of his career in the Hong Kong film, TV and pop music industries. And, even after he emigrated to Canada in the 1990s, he maintained active links with the Hong Kong industry.
As a youngster, Koo learned the piano and composed songs for his sister Koo Mei, who was a major recording artist in her own right. Later he became a performer and band leader performing at venues including the Luk Kwok Hotel in Hong Kong.
His first composition for a film was “Dream,” a song performed...
- 1/4/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Did An Affectionate Hot Dog Fingers Scene In Everything Everywhere All At Once Take Cues From Carol?
Variety's "Actors on Actors" series is a beautiful exercise in relatability. Actors with very disparate filmographies or backgrounds often find surprising connections when they sit down to talk — whether it be in their interests, their processes, or their frequent collaborators. One pairing in particular from the 2022 season, Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh, have a lot more in common than anyone might have believed at first glance. Among other, more profound connections, both recently worked with fellow actor Jamie Lee Curtis. Blanchett herself is a big fan of Yeoh and Curtis' work in "Everything Everywhere All At Once" — but even before she saw the film in its entirety, Curtis gave her a sneak peek of the film when they were filming their own yet-to-be-released project.
"She was showing me the strangest pictures I've ever seen in my life," Blanchett told Yeoh of her experience with Curtis. The pictures in question were...
"She was showing me the strangest pictures I've ever seen in my life," Blanchett told Yeoh of her experience with Curtis. The pictures in question were...
- 12/8/2022
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
Nostalgia fuels Quentin Tarantino’s career, as his movies bear the DNA of his obsessions, be it blaxploitation (“Jackie Brown”), Shaw Brothers classics (“Kill Bill”) or the Los Angeles of his youth (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”).
Yet the last few years have marked a turning point for the auteur. Instead of letting his movies do the talking, Tarantino has embraced more of a professorial role. In July, he launched the podcast “Video Archives” with former video store co-worker and “Pulp Fiction” co-writer Roger Avary, in which the pair pick random selections from their former rental place (the inventory of which Tarantino bought once they shuttered) and analyze them. It’s a joy to hear motormouthed Tarantino shoot the shit with an old friend who can break him out of filibuster.
On Nov. 1, Tarantino released a more formal analysis of film with his first non-fiction book, “Cinema Speculation.” Structured as essays mixed with memoir,...
Yet the last few years have marked a turning point for the auteur. Instead of letting his movies do the talking, Tarantino has embraced more of a professorial role. In July, he launched the podcast “Video Archives” with former video store co-worker and “Pulp Fiction” co-writer Roger Avary, in which the pair pick random selections from their former rental place (the inventory of which Tarantino bought once they shuttered) and analyze them. It’s a joy to hear motormouthed Tarantino shoot the shit with an old friend who can break him out of filibuster.
On Nov. 1, Tarantino released a more formal analysis of film with his first non-fiction book, “Cinema Speculation.” Structured as essays mixed with memoir,...
- 11/17/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to have worked at the highest levels of both Hollywood and the Chinese film industry. These days, though, he says he’s putting all his focus in the singular project of elevating Chinese commercial cinema’s reputation on the world stage.
Yen made his breakthrough way back in 1992 in Tsui Hark’s Wuxia classic Once Upon a Time in China II thanks to a memorable fight scene against the film’s hero, played by Jet Li. Scores of roles in Hong Kong, Chinese and Hollywood cinema have followed, including parts in Zhang Yimou’s Hero, Wilson Yip’s brutal crime flicks Spl: Sha Po Lang and Flash Point, Chinese tentpoles like The Monkey King 3D and Raging Fire, and most memorably as the star of the semi-biographical Ip Man movie series, which...
Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to have worked at the highest levels of both Hollywood and the Chinese film industry. These days, though, he says he’s putting all his focus in the singular project of elevating Chinese commercial cinema’s reputation on the world stage.
Yen made his breakthrough way back in 1992 in Tsui Hark’s Wuxia classic Once Upon a Time in China II thanks to a memorable fight scene against the film’s hero, played by Jet Li. Scores of roles in Hong Kong, Chinese and Hollywood cinema have followed, including parts in Zhang Yimou’s Hero, Wilson Yip’s brutal crime flicks Spl: Sha Po Lang and Flash Point, Chinese tentpoles like The Monkey King 3D and Raging Fire, and most memorably as the star of the semi-biographical Ip Man movie series, which...
- 10/24/2022
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After starring in and directing the hugely successful “One Armed Boxer Vs the Flying Guillotine / Master of the Flying Guillotine” (1976) Jimmy Wang Yu was back with both arms and fighting yet another version of the famed Shaw Brothers flying guillotine in this low-budget Taiwanese clone.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Nicknamed the Silver Spear, Lung Fei Yung is a ruthless assassin for hire and he only kills people who deserve to die. Apparently during a massacre ten years ago, a trio of powerful experts known as The Devil’s Three was responsible for the downfall of one hundred and twenty members from eight kung fu schools. Now for some unknown reason, a certain female clan leader has decided to have them killed and trusting that Lung the Spearman is the only one who can do the job, she promptly hires him.
Lung easily dispatches...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Nicknamed the Silver Spear, Lung Fei Yung is a ruthless assassin for hire and he only kills people who deserve to die. Apparently during a massacre ten years ago, a trio of powerful experts known as The Devil’s Three was responsible for the downfall of one hundred and twenty members from eight kung fu schools. Now for some unknown reason, a certain female clan leader has decided to have them killed and trusting that Lung the Spearman is the only one who can do the job, she promptly hires him.
Lung easily dispatches...
- 10/8/2022
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
The Films
Though she’s a familiar name to kung fu movie fans, Angela Mao Ying has never had the crossover recognition of contemporaries like Bruce Lee and Sammo Hung. Perhaps this 50th anniversary reissue of two of her films will do something to address that.
Both films in this set date from 1972, and were directed by Huang Feng, but Lady Whirlwind was made and released first. In this, Mao plays Tien Li-Chun, who is on a mission of vengeance against Ling Shih-hua (Chang Yi), who she blames for her sister’s suicide. However, Ling Shih-hua is engaged in a battle with some local gangsters. Tien agrees to spare Ling, but only until he can kill Tung Ku.
Lady Whirlwind is an early effort from Golden Harvest studios, and despite some beautiful scenery provided by the Korean locations, it feels very creaky today. The problem with it in this set is that,...
Though she’s a familiar name to kung fu movie fans, Angela Mao Ying has never had the crossover recognition of contemporaries like Bruce Lee and Sammo Hung. Perhaps this 50th anniversary reissue of two of her films will do something to address that.
Both films in this set date from 1972, and were directed by Huang Feng, but Lady Whirlwind was made and released first. In this, Mao plays Tien Li-Chun, who is on a mission of vengeance against Ling Shih-hua (Chang Yi), who she blames for her sister’s suicide. However, Ling Shih-hua is engaged in a battle with some local gangsters. Tien agrees to spare Ling, but only until he can kill Tung Ku.
Lady Whirlwind is an early effort from Golden Harvest studios, and despite some beautiful scenery provided by the Korean locations, it feels very creaky today. The problem with it in this set is that,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Sam Inglis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Passionately acknowledged for his traditional kung fu flicks, this was Lau Kar Leung’s Hong Kong’s version of the popular Hollywood buddy-cop action comedy genre of the 80s which borrowed heavily from Peter Hyams’s “Running Scared” (1986) to Richard Donner’s “Lethal Weapon” from 1987. Due to its success, a sequel soon followed in 1990 starring Danny Lee but only Conan Lee reprised his role. It was nominated for the Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1989 but “Police Story 2” was the winner.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
In a total contrast to his heroic character in “A Better Tomorrow” (1986), Chow Yun Fat portrays the womanizing and cowardly police Sergeant Francis Li mostly for laughs. Incidentally, this is the kind of clowning role his Asian audiences preferred and were fond of instead of the tough action hero type favored by the West.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
In a total contrast to his heroic character in “A Better Tomorrow” (1986), Chow Yun Fat portrays the womanizing and cowardly police Sergeant Francis Li mostly for laughs. Incidentally, this is the kind of clowning role his Asian audiences preferred and were fond of instead of the tough action hero type favored by the West.
- 9/28/2022
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Starting with “The Flying Guillotine” back in 1975, director Ho unleashed his deadly decapitating machine on the big screen and started a trend. But he was too busy doing other horror projects like “Black Magic”, “Oily Maniac” and “The Mighty Peking Man” that he was not able to do the official follow-up. Even so with “The Dragon Missile” (1976), he did manage to do a quick knock off version while other directors and actors were finishing off the troublesome sequel. Interestingly, when it finally came out in 1978, Ho also released the concluding chapter concerning the flying guillotine for the Shaw Brothers in the form of “The Vengeful Beauty” or “Bloody Hibiscus” as in the Chinese title.
Set again in the Qing Dynasty under the ruthless Emperor Yung Cheng who, with the service of his flying guillotine squad continues to kill anyone who he considers a rebel, he now also sets his sight...
Set again in the Qing Dynasty under the ruthless Emperor Yung Cheng who, with the service of his flying guillotine squad continues to kill anyone who he considers a rebel, he now also sets his sight...
- 9/22/2022
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Back in 1975, Ho Meng Hua introduced his cool but deadly decapitating flying machine and caused a sensation. But the problematic official sequel didn’t really take off till 1978, a very long time for a follow-up. For a start, Ho was too busy with other projects like “Black Magic”, “The Mighty Peking Man” and “Vengeful Beauty”. Conversely, in 1976 both Chen Kuan Tai and Liu Wu Chi were keen to reprise their roles but Liu unexpectedly disappeared from the movie industry altogether but they quickly replaced her with Hsiao Yao.
Then in late 1967, leading man Chen abruptly left Shaw Brothers, and if that was not enough, Hsiao Yao also left the studio. At this point and not wanting to abandon the project, they signed up Ti Lung to take over Chen as Ma Teng and the role of his wife went to Chen Szu Chia. Meanwhile, the original director Cheng Kang (“14 Amazons...
Then in late 1967, leading man Chen abruptly left Shaw Brothers, and if that was not enough, Hsiao Yao also left the studio. At this point and not wanting to abandon the project, they signed up Ti Lung to take over Chen as Ma Teng and the role of his wife went to Chen Szu Chia. Meanwhile, the original director Cheng Kang (“14 Amazons...
- 8/20/2022
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
One-sheet for Death Machines (1976). Artist unknown.Movie-lovers!Welcome back to The Deuce Notebook, a collaboration between Mubi's Notebook and The Deuce Film Series, our monthly event at Nitehawk Williamsburg that excavates the facts and fantasies of cinema's most infamous block in the world: 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. For each screening, my co-hosts and I pick a title that we think embodies the era of 24-hour theater hopping, and present the venue at which it premiered…Our friend and guest collaborator Chris Poggiali (of Temple of Schlock fame) takes the helm once again; last July, he contributed to our column with an incredible piece about Japanese samurai films and their entry into the US mainstream. This month, Chris introduces us to the world of director Paul Kyriazi.Chris is an authority on genre films and we’re excited to promote his recent book, co-written by Grady Hendrix,...
- 7/25/2022
- MUBI
Wong Fei-hung (1847-1925) was a real person, but through the many interpretations of him and his life, played by actors like Kwan Tak-hing, Jackie Chan (Drunken Master), Jet Li (Once Upon a Time in China and Last Hero in China) and, briefly, Sammo Hung (Around the World in 80 Days), he has become something of a mythic figure. Gordon Liu first played the role in Challenge of the Masters, and reprises it here.
Though he’s the central figure, Martial Club is more of an ensemble piece than one focused purely on Wong Fei-hung. Broadly, the film is about an outwardly friendly, but escalating, rivalry between three Kung Fu schools: Wu Guan, Jeng and Luk. Eventually Wong Fei-hung, his friend Yan-lam (Robert Mak) and Yan-lam‘s sister (Kara Hui) are put in a position where they have to fight back.
The first half of the film focuses almost entirely on...
Though he’s the central figure, Martial Club is more of an ensemble piece than one focused purely on Wong Fei-hung. Broadly, the film is about an outwardly friendly, but escalating, rivalry between three Kung Fu schools: Wu Guan, Jeng and Luk. Eventually Wong Fei-hung, his friend Yan-lam (Robert Mak) and Yan-lam‘s sister (Kara Hui) are put in a position where they have to fight back.
The first half of the film focuses almost entirely on...
- 7/15/2022
- by Sam Inglis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Hong Kong novelist and screenwriter Ni Kuang, who penned some 300 screenplays including The One-Armed Swordsman and The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, has died. According to local media, he passed away on Sunday at age 87.
Tenky Tin Kai-man, actor and spokesman of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, confirmed Ni’s passing to the South China Morning Post. The cause of death was reportedly skin cancer.
Hailed as a giant in the Chinese literary world, Ni rose to fame with the New Adventures Of Wisely series which was first published in Chinese daily Ming Pao in 1963. He specialized in martial arts, wuxia and science fiction.
Beginning in 1965, Ni branched out into screenwriting, often working for the Shaw Brothers. His credits include 1967’s The One-Armed Swordsman; 1975 superhero movie Infra-Man; and 1978’s The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin and Enter The Fat Dragon (the latter directed by and starring Sammo Hung); along with hundreds of others.
Tenky Tin Kai-man, actor and spokesman of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, confirmed Ni’s passing to the South China Morning Post. The cause of death was reportedly skin cancer.
Hailed as a giant in the Chinese literary world, Ni rose to fame with the New Adventures Of Wisely series which was first published in Chinese daily Ming Pao in 1963. He specialized in martial arts, wuxia and science fiction.
Beginning in 1965, Ni branched out into screenwriting, often working for the Shaw Brothers. His credits include 1967’s The One-Armed Swordsman; 1975 superhero movie Infra-Man; and 1978’s The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin and Enter The Fat Dragon (the latter directed by and starring Sammo Hung); along with hundreds of others.
- 7/4/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Chang Cheh is recognized as perhaps the greatest martial arts director of all time and 1977’s The Brave Archer provided him with one of his biggest box office successes.
Reinventing the kung-fu formula in the era of Bruce Lee knock-offs, this period-set bout of fist-to-fist fighting and swashbuckling action used the hit Cantonese novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes as its basis.
With a whimsical sense of ‘old China’, The Brave Archer undoubtedly paved the way for such later wuxia blockbusters as Once Upon A Time In China and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by weaving a lavish costume-packed story of rival kung fu schools pitting their best fighters against a series of trials and tribulations.
Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Alexander Fu Sheng (Heroes Shed No Tears) and Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow), the action comes furious and fast, the atmosphere is so strong you can almost taste...
Reinventing the kung-fu formula in the era of Bruce Lee knock-offs, this period-set bout of fist-to-fist fighting and swashbuckling action used the hit Cantonese novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes as its basis.
With a whimsical sense of ‘old China’, The Brave Archer undoubtedly paved the way for such later wuxia blockbusters as Once Upon A Time In China and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by weaving a lavish costume-packed story of rival kung fu schools pitting their best fighters against a series of trials and tribulations.
Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Alexander Fu Sheng (Heroes Shed No Tears) and Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow), the action comes furious and fast, the atmosphere is so strong you can almost taste...
- 6/24/2022
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Set in the Ming Dynasty, the film is loosely based on the Brocade Guards or Jin Yi Wei (the movie’s Chinese title), the secret police force of the Ming Court in which the members wear distinctive embroidered uniforms. This grim wuxia and melodrama is a late Shaw Brothers outing before they rescheduled film making and concentrate on television productions through their broadcasting company, Television Broadcasts Limited (Tvb).
on Amazon
At the palace, a cruel and ambitious eunuch, Wang Zhen who is both the personal guard and adviser to the Emperor Ying Zong, is showering the young Emperor, a childish and womanizing weakling, with gifts like beautiful women. The cunning Wang is trying to persuade the busy Ying who at times has to play hide and seek with four naked women, to hand the country‘s affairs over to him, and to his anticipation, the Emperor agrees.
on Amazon
At the palace, a cruel and ambitious eunuch, Wang Zhen who is both the personal guard and adviser to the Emperor Ying Zong, is showering the young Emperor, a childish and womanizing weakling, with gifts like beautiful women. The cunning Wang is trying to persuade the busy Ying who at times has to play hide and seek with four naked women, to hand the country‘s affairs over to him, and to his anticipation, the Emperor agrees.
- 6/20/2022
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
“They call me Drunken Cat”
King Hu’s Come Drink With Me (1966) will be available on Blu-ray March 22nd from Arrow Video. It can be pre-ordered Here
Years before Shaw Brothers’ kung fu films made them the biggest film studio in Hong Kong, local audiences flocked to their wuxia pian films: mythic tales of swordfighting (and often gravity-defying) heroes fighting for honor. In his final film for the studio, Come Drink With Me, director King Hu (A Touch of Zen) broke fresh new ground in martial arts storytelling, and catapulted fresh-faced lead actress Cheng Pei-pei to stardom in the process.
When the Governor’s son is taken hostage by bandits, a mysterious swordsman named Golden Swallow (Cheng) is hot on their trail to ensure the son’s release. What the bandits don’t realize, however, is that Golden Swallow is actually a woman, and that the hostage is her brother.
King Hu’s Come Drink With Me (1966) will be available on Blu-ray March 22nd from Arrow Video. It can be pre-ordered Here
Years before Shaw Brothers’ kung fu films made them the biggest film studio in Hong Kong, local audiences flocked to their wuxia pian films: mythic tales of swordfighting (and often gravity-defying) heroes fighting for honor. In his final film for the studio, Come Drink With Me, director King Hu (A Touch of Zen) broke fresh new ground in martial arts storytelling, and catapulted fresh-faced lead actress Cheng Pei-pei to stardom in the process.
When the Governor’s son is taken hostage by bandits, a mysterious swordsman named Golden Swallow (Cheng) is hot on their trail to ensure the son’s release. What the bandits don’t realize, however, is that Golden Swallow is actually a woman, and that the hostage is her brother.
- 2/10/2022
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Many of the books on Asian cinema I have read and reviewed feature impressive research, thorough analysis, and intelligent, accurate comments. This is the first one, however, that the part of the (cinema) history it focuses on, and the way Lee Sang-joon has written about it, could easily provide the script for a captivating, “true story” movie. Particularly the way a decision from US Intelligence to counter communism through cinema eventually led to Run Run Shaw becoming a Pan-Asian film mogul, and Shin Sang-ok the maharajah of Korean cinema, is a truly wondrous part of history, that finally gets told in all its glory. Since I am oversimplifying, however, let us take things from the beginning.
As mentioned in the author’s introduction, “This book is a history of postwar Asian cinema (…) the first book-length examination of the historical, social, cultural, and intellectual constitution of the first...
As mentioned in the author’s introduction, “This book is a history of postwar Asian cinema (…) the first book-length examination of the historical, social, cultural, and intellectual constitution of the first...
- 6/17/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
When you read comments like “You’ll never find another book on Hong Kong cinema that is so informative and so much fan” and “Lisa Stokes and Michael Hoover have written the best book on Hong Kong cinema” and even more, and when these comments come from the likes of Stanley Tong and John Woo respectively, you know you are in a for a treat and “City on Fire” definitely does live up to the comments.
However, before I delve into the many pros of the book, allow me to mention the very few cons. To begin with, the format of “City on Fire” is one of the most uncomfortable to read I have ever stumbled upon, particularly due to its width, which makes its reading on a desk almost a prerequisite..
Secondly, the blight of the extensive notes at the end of the edition, which is...
However, before I delve into the many pros of the book, allow me to mention the very few cons. To begin with, the format of “City on Fire” is one of the most uncomfortable to read I have ever stumbled upon, particularly due to its width, which makes its reading on a desk almost a prerequisite..
Secondly, the blight of the extensive notes at the end of the edition, which is...
- 8/24/2020
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
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