Matteo Garrone’s refugee drama Io Capitano, an Oscar nominee this year for Italy in the best international feature category, was the big winner of this year’s 2024 David Di Donatello Awards, Italy’s equivalent to the Oscars, winning best film and director for Garrone.
Io Capitano also picked up prizes for best cinematography, editing, sound, and visual effects.
Paola Cortellesi’s There’s Still Tomorrow, a black-and-white feminist dramedy that became the top-grossing film in Italy last year, won Cortellesi the Donatello honors for best actress, directorial debut, and original script for the screenplay she co-wrote with Furio Andreotti and Giulia Calenda.
“I want to thank those who gave me the opportunity to write this role as I wanted it,” she said, accepting her actress honor.
Cortellesi’s film, a dramedy about an abused woman in post-wwii Rome that manages to combine serious social drama with situational comedy, sight gags and even a musical number,...
Io Capitano also picked up prizes for best cinematography, editing, sound, and visual effects.
Paola Cortellesi’s There’s Still Tomorrow, a black-and-white feminist dramedy that became the top-grossing film in Italy last year, won Cortellesi the Donatello honors for best actress, directorial debut, and original script for the screenplay she co-wrote with Furio Andreotti and Giulia Calenda.
“I want to thank those who gave me the opportunity to write this role as I wanted it,” she said, accepting her actress honor.
Cortellesi’s film, a dramedy about an abused woman in post-wwii Rome that manages to combine serious social drama with situational comedy, sight gags and even a musical number,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A restored 4K version of Tsui Hark's “Shanghai Blues 2024” will be screened in the prestigious Cannes Classics programme at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
Set against the backdrop of wartime Shanghai in the 1940's, the film weaves a poignant love story between a soldier, Tung Kwok-Man (Kenny Bee) and a young woman Shu-Shu (Sylvia Chang), who vow to meet after the war ends. Unfortunately, they walk away not able to recognize each other's faces or remember their names. Through a series of misplaced opportunities, the two lovebirds keep missing their reunion, even though fate has a funny way of bringing them ever so closer to each other.
Infused with a delightful blend of innocent romanticism, satirical wit, and whimsical sophistication, “Shanghai Blues” showcased director Tsui Hark as a burgeoning master who could seamlessly fuse different genre's for the screen.
To bring the film back 40 years later, the “Shanghai Blues...
Set against the backdrop of wartime Shanghai in the 1940's, the film weaves a poignant love story between a soldier, Tung Kwok-Man (Kenny Bee) and a young woman Shu-Shu (Sylvia Chang), who vow to meet after the war ends. Unfortunately, they walk away not able to recognize each other's faces or remember their names. Through a series of misplaced opportunities, the two lovebirds keep missing their reunion, even though fate has a funny way of bringing them ever so closer to each other.
Infused with a delightful blend of innocent romanticism, satirical wit, and whimsical sophistication, “Shanghai Blues” showcased director Tsui Hark as a burgeoning master who could seamlessly fuse different genre's for the screen.
To bring the film back 40 years later, the “Shanghai Blues...
- 4/29/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Scenes of gun shootouts have been an essential fixture in cinema since “The Great Train Robbery” (1903). Serving as a staple of cinematic spectacles, filmmakers have continuously competed to present their unique interpretations, whether through virtuosic camera work or unconventional set-up. Just think back to the final assault in Branded to Kill, John Woo ‘s personal rendition of the Mexican standoff in the iconic restaurant scene from A Better Tomorrow (1986) or more recently the climax shootout of Drug War. The list could go on forever.
Diao Yinan introduced a very peculiar variation of it in his noir film “Black Coal” set in far northern China. Fragments of a recently identified body have been discovered scattered across various coal mining sites, leaving Inspector Zhang with just one lead: a coal truck driver who has just resigned, and whose brother happens to be the proprietor of a hair salon. The scene unfolds as Zhang,...
Diao Yinan introduced a very peculiar variation of it in his noir film “Black Coal” set in far northern China. Fragments of a recently identified body have been discovered scattered across various coal mining sites, leaving Inspector Zhang with just one lead: a coal truck driver who has just resigned, and whose brother happens to be the proprietor of a hair salon. The scene unfolds as Zhang,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Jean Claude
- AsianMoviePulse
The Story: A college kid (Brandon Lee) witnesses a gangland hit. Betrayed by witness protection, he’s recruited by a task force headed by a no-nonsense cop (Powers Boothe) as a pawn, but little do they know he’s more than able to handle himself against any of his foes.
The Players: Starring: Brandon Lee, Powers Boothe, Tzi Ma & Nick Mancuso. Directed by Dwight H. Little.
The History: The early nineties were the heyday of the martial arts movie star. Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme were consistently churning out hits, so if they could become icons, why not a guy like Brandon Lee? He was movie star handsome, could move, was charismatic and could act. Oh yeah – he also happened to be the son of the greatest Kung-Fu movie star of all time, Bruce Lee.
“I wouldn’t want to refer to them as stepping stones. That seems to demean them.
The Players: Starring: Brandon Lee, Powers Boothe, Tzi Ma & Nick Mancuso. Directed by Dwight H. Little.
The History: The early nineties were the heyday of the martial arts movie star. Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme were consistently churning out hits, so if they could become icons, why not a guy like Brandon Lee? He was movie star handsome, could move, was charismatic and could act. Oh yeah – he also happened to be the son of the greatest Kung-Fu movie star of all time, Bruce Lee.
“I wouldn’t want to refer to them as stepping stones. That seems to demean them.
- 3/9/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The 1980s was a seminal period in the development of what we now define as the action movie. This was the decade that cemented the statuses of both Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the muscle-bound box office behemoths eating the competition for breakfast. Having emerged off the back of critically acclaimed efforts like Rocky and The Terminator, the years that followed saw the pair hone their greased-up on-screen personas to fine effect.
It wasn’t all about the muscles though. The 1980s also ushered in the era of the everyman action star with Bruce Willis in Die Hard and Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop opting for brains over brawn and reaping the benefits in multiplexes far and wide as a result. While Hollywood basked in the glory of a new generation of leading men, in the Far East, Jackie Chan was taking action movie physicality to a whole...
It wasn’t all about the muscles though. The 1980s also ushered in the era of the everyman action star with Bruce Willis in Die Hard and Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop opting for brains over brawn and reaping the benefits in multiplexes far and wide as a result. While Hollywood basked in the glory of a new generation of leading men, in the Far East, Jackie Chan was taking action movie physicality to a whole...
- 2/17/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
When we think of the great director-actor pairings throughout Asian cinema history, at the top is Kurosawa and Mifune. But we can’t forget Kenji Mizoguchi and Kinuyo Tanaka or Wong Kar-wai and Tony Leung. But for many of us, we were straight up introduced to international action movies through the teamings of John Woo and Chow Yun-fat, chiefly The Killer and Hard Boiled. But the pair hasn’t worked together in more than 30 years – unfortunately, that may have been the last time.
Despite their place as one of the best director-actor duos in all of action, we only ever got five movies directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-fat, two of the most recognizable figures of Hong Kong cinema. As the 77-year-old Woo recently told HK01 (via Yahoo!), “We are getting older and it would be hard to find the right script…[But] I still want to be like...
Despite their place as one of the best director-actor duos in all of action, we only ever got five movies directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-fat, two of the most recognizable figures of Hong Kong cinema. As the 77-year-old Woo recently told HK01 (via Yahoo!), “We are getting older and it would be hard to find the right script…[But] I still want to be like...
- 12/9/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Silent Night Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Kid Cudi, Harold Torres, and Catalina Sandino Moreno
Director: John Woo
Silent Night Movie Review(Photo Credit –IMDb)
What’s Good: It is fantastic to see John Woo back doing films in the West. His experience in making action scenes still shows under all the gimmicks.
What’s Bad: The movie relies too much on a strange narrative gimmick that only hinders its enjoyment and makes the entire experience quite strange and boring.
Loo Break: Sadly, there are several. The movie’s gimmick makes certain scenes feel completely unnecessary.
Watch or Not?: There are better John Woo films out there to watch. Sadly, Silent Night doesn’t make the cut as an easy recommendation.
Language: English
Available On: Cinemas
Runtime: 104 Minutes
User Rating:
Silent Night is a film directed by John Woo and written by Robert Archer Lynn. The film...
Star Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Kid Cudi, Harold Torres, and Catalina Sandino Moreno
Director: John Woo
Silent Night Movie Review(Photo Credit –IMDb)
What’s Good: It is fantastic to see John Woo back doing films in the West. His experience in making action scenes still shows under all the gimmicks.
What’s Bad: The movie relies too much on a strange narrative gimmick that only hinders its enjoyment and makes the entire experience quite strange and boring.
Loo Break: Sadly, there are several. The movie’s gimmick makes certain scenes feel completely unnecessary.
Watch or Not?: There are better John Woo films out there to watch. Sadly, Silent Night doesn’t make the cut as an easy recommendation.
Language: English
Available On: Cinemas
Runtime: 104 Minutes
User Rating:
Silent Night is a film directed by John Woo and written by Robert Archer Lynn. The film...
- 12/7/2023
- by Nelson Acosta
- KoiMoi
Renowned filmmaker John Woo was born on May 1, 1946, in Guangzhou, China. He began his journey in the film industry by directing action-packed movies in Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s. He quickly gained recognition for his distinct style, characterized by intense gunfights, stylish cinematography, and an exploration of themes like honor and loyalty. Woo’s movies, including A Better Tomorrow, and The Killer, became massive successes in Asia and established him as a pioneer of the heroic bloodshed genre. With his impressive track record, Woo eventually caught the attention of Hollywood, prompting his transition to the American film...
- 12/3/2023
- by Matthew C. F
- TVovermind.com
Let's be blunt: The current state of action cinema worldwide would not be what it is today without the work of director John Woo. While Woo is hardly the only influential filmmaker when it comes to action movies, he's undeniably one of the biggest figures in shaping the genre. Like any great auteur, Woo's style was developed film by film, working his way through his kung-fu features at Golden Harvest in Hong Kong and adding in more experimental techniques (gleaned from the likes of prior filmmakers such as Sam Peckinpah) until he ended up at his signature magnum opus, 1986's "A Better Tomorrow" and its style, which was dubbed "heroic bloodshed."
Over the next several years in Hong Kong and then through to his transition into Hollywood, Woo expanded his "heroic bloodshed" style, peppering in other influences along the way from some of his other favorite filmmakers like Jean-Pierre Melville and Alfred Hitchcock.
Over the next several years in Hong Kong and then through to his transition into Hollywood, Woo expanded his "heroic bloodshed" style, peppering in other influences along the way from some of his other favorite filmmakers like Jean-Pierre Melville and Alfred Hitchcock.
- 12/2/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
John Woo couldn’t miss.
The godfather of gun fu, who helmed a number of balletic, bullet-riddled Chinese actions hits — A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, and Hard Boiled among them — before taking his talents to the States, was coming off four consecutive Hollywood smashes. First came the Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle Hard Target, a play on The Most Dangerous Game; then, John Travolta-starrer Broken Arrow, about a rogue terrorist armed with a nuclear bomb; the face-swapping flick Face/Off, pairing a very game Travolta with an even more game Nicolas...
The godfather of gun fu, who helmed a number of balletic, bullet-riddled Chinese actions hits — A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, and Hard Boiled among them — before taking his talents to the States, was coming off four consecutive Hollywood smashes. First came the Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle Hard Target, a play on The Most Dangerous Game; then, John Travolta-starrer Broken Arrow, about a rogue terrorist armed with a nuclear bomb; the face-swapping flick Face/Off, pairing a very game Travolta with an even more game Nicolas...
- 12/1/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
For action fans who came of age in the 1980s and 1990s, the arrival of a new John Woo movie was not just a cinematic event but a spiritual catharsis. No one was making films the way he was, creating exquisitely orchestrated ballets of melodrama and violence influenced in equal amounts by Sam Peckinpah and Douglas Sirk but not beholden to either. Hong Kong imports like “A Better Tomorrow,” “The Killer,” and “Hard Boiled” set a new bar for what audiences could demand in terms of kinetic thrills, and when Woo moved to America, fans wondered if his voice would survive the trip. Luckily, he changed Hollywood more than Hollywood changed him, as he infused “Face/Off,” “Mission Impossible 2,” and other studio assignments with his signature dynamism and influenced a generation of action filmmakers from Quentin Tarantino to Robert Rodriguez.
Then, in 2003, it all stopped. Woo directed Ben Affleck in “Paycheck,...
Then, in 2003, it all stopped. Woo directed Ben Affleck in “Paycheck,...
- 12/1/2023
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
He's back.
John Woo, one of the true maestros of action cinema, has returned to U.S. shores after 20 years to make another Hollywood movie. He left to make movies in Asia after the 2003 dud "Paycheck," but two decades later, he's at the helm of the Christmas-set thriller "Silent Night," starring "For All Mankind" actor Joel Kinnaman. "Those who have been missing Woo's masterful touch on action will likely find plenty to embrace here," /Film's review states, and even if the film never reaches the highs of his previous work, it's exciting to have him back in this mode again at 77 years old.
After all, we're talking about one of the most influential directors of the 20th century, here.
Starting with 1986's "A Better Tomorrow," which catapulted Chow Yun-fat to international superstardom, Woo established himself as one of the most exciting voices in action cinema by blending his unique style...
John Woo, one of the true maestros of action cinema, has returned to U.S. shores after 20 years to make another Hollywood movie. He left to make movies in Asia after the 2003 dud "Paycheck," but two decades later, he's at the helm of the Christmas-set thriller "Silent Night," starring "For All Mankind" actor Joel Kinnaman. "Those who have been missing Woo's masterful touch on action will likely find plenty to embrace here," /Film's review states, and even if the film never reaches the highs of his previous work, it's exciting to have him back in this mode again at 77 years old.
After all, we're talking about one of the most influential directors of the 20th century, here.
Starting with 1986's "A Better Tomorrow," which catapulted Chow Yun-fat to international superstardom, Woo established himself as one of the most exciting voices in action cinema by blending his unique style...
- 11/30/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
This weekend sees an iconic figure of entertainment return to grace our movie theaters with the presence of their sheer awesomeness. But enough about John Woo returning to American theaters with his Christmas themed revenge tale Silent Night, we are also getting the Beyoncé concert film/ documentary Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé.
Coming off the success of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which has amassed a domestic record (for a concert film) $178.2 million comes the second concert film to be released directly by AMC Theaters, bypassing a major studio for its release.
Unlike The Eras Tour Movie, which was a straight up concert film, Renaissance is more of a hybrid concert film/ documentary, in the vein of Michael Jackson’s This Is It, that weaves together background footage of the tour with the actual concert. Obviously the two closest comps for this title are Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour which...
Coming off the success of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which has amassed a domestic record (for a concert film) $178.2 million comes the second concert film to be released directly by AMC Theaters, bypassing a major studio for its release.
Unlike The Eras Tour Movie, which was a straight up concert film, Renaissance is more of a hybrid concert film/ documentary, in the vein of Michael Jackson’s This Is It, that weaves together background footage of the tour with the actual concert. Obviously the two closest comps for this title are Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour which...
- 11/30/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
If action has a name, it must be John Woo. The Hong Kong director has been making grandiose, pulse-pounding, operatic action epics since he began making films in his native country during the early 1970s. Coming off triumphs like "The Killer," the "A Better Tomorrow" duology, and "Hard Boiled," Woo arrived in America with the Jean Claude Van Damme banger "Hard Target" and reshaped the Hollywood action film for a solid ten years. Although he chose to step away from the Hollywood grind after 2003's "Paycheck," he's never stopped making movies, and in fact has expanded and further developed his trademark style with each successive feature.
Two decades after "Paycheck," Woo is finally making his return to Hollywood and the English-language action film by making *checks notes* a drama-heavy action movie where barely any dialogue of any language is spoken. That's right, John Woo isn't done experimenting with cinema. "Silent...
Two decades after "Paycheck," Woo is finally making his return to Hollywood and the English-language action film by making *checks notes* a drama-heavy action movie where barely any dialogue of any language is spoken. That's right, John Woo isn't done experimenting with cinema. "Silent...
- 11/30/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a film as unrelentingly mean and ugly as Silent Night. Action maestro John Woo’s return to Hollywood filmmaking after twenty years away is one of the year’s most stunning disappointments, a cruel slog with plenty of bullets and blood but none of the soul for which Woo was once famous.
Joel Kinnaman is Brian Godlock, a man whose young son was struck and killed by a stray bullet from a gang fight on Christmas Day in the front yard of their California home. In the film’s opening sequence, Godlock chases the gang members down but is shot in the throat and left for dead. He doesn’t die, but his voice is stolen from him. Over the course of the year, the formerly mild-mannered electrician bulks up and turns himself into a lethal weapon, ready to go...
Joel Kinnaman is Brian Godlock, a man whose young son was struck and killed by a stray bullet from a gang fight on Christmas Day in the front yard of their California home. In the film’s opening sequence, Godlock chases the gang members down but is shot in the throat and left for dead. He doesn’t die, but his voice is stolen from him. Over the course of the year, the formerly mild-mannered electrician bulks up and turns himself into a lethal weapon, ready to go...
- 11/27/2023
- by Chris Williams
- CinemaNerdz
Action maestro John Woo is back with a vengeance this holiday season. He has an ambitious, Christmas-themed, mayhem-filled action movie, Silent Night, starring Joel Kinnaman, where there is no dialogue. Woo has been making the rounds in promoting the film, and The New Yorker recently caught up with the Hard Boiled director. While there are many Woo purists who feel there is a disconnect between his Hong Kong classics like A Better Tomorrow and The Killer and his films in the West, the Mission: Impossible 2 director reflects on his emigration to Hollywood and how he adapted to it.
Woo was given the perfect transition with a Jean-Claude Van Damme action vehicle — the 1993 film Hard Target. As Jackie Chan once expressed, it was a jarring change in how Hollywood productions differed from Hong Kong productions, and John Woo definitely shared the shocking experience. Working on Hard Target, Woo stated, “I...
Woo was given the perfect transition with a Jean-Claude Van Damme action vehicle — the 1993 film Hard Target. As Jackie Chan once expressed, it was a jarring change in how Hollywood productions differed from Hong Kong productions, and John Woo definitely shared the shocking experience. Working on Hard Target, Woo stated, “I...
- 11/21/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The Hong Kong star was named Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan International Film Festival.
Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat has reflected on the struggles of filmmakers under Chinese censorship and how it contrasts with the creative freedom in Korean cinema.
Speaking at Busan International Film Festival, where he received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award last night, the star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was asked by Screen for his take on the state of Hong Kong cinema.
“We have a lot of censorship requirements in mainland China so our scripts must go through a lot of...
Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat has reflected on the struggles of filmmakers under Chinese censorship and how it contrasts with the creative freedom in Korean cinema.
Speaking at Busan International Film Festival, where he received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award last night, the star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was asked by Screen for his take on the state of Hong Kong cinema.
“We have a lot of censorship requirements in mainland China so our scripts must go through a lot of...
- 10/5/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Hong Kong star Chow Yun-Fat, attending Busan International Film Festival where he has been named Asian Filmmaker of the Year, talked about the challenges facing Hong Kong cinema at a press event today.
When asked about the current state of Hong Kong films, the star of iconic movies such as The Killer and A Better Tomorrow said: “Mainland China has a lot of requirements so our scripts must go through many different departments. We have many restrictions now so it’s difficult for Hong Kong filmmakers. But the mainland China market is huge, so we have to find some solution to work there.”
“But honestly, we will still try our best to make our Hong Kong spirit movies.”
He also said Korean cinema is currently strong because it enjoys some of the creative freedoms that Hong Kong films lack: “The biggest competitive element of Korean film is its freedom and...
When asked about the current state of Hong Kong films, the star of iconic movies such as The Killer and A Better Tomorrow said: “Mainland China has a lot of requirements so our scripts must go through many different departments. We have many restrictions now so it’s difficult for Hong Kong filmmakers. But the mainland China market is huge, so we have to find some solution to work there.”
“But honestly, we will still try our best to make our Hong Kong spirit movies.”
He also said Korean cinema is currently strong because it enjoys some of the creative freedoms that Hong Kong films lack: “The biggest competitive element of Korean film is its freedom and...
- 10/5/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Feted in Busan this week as the Asian Filmmaker of the Year, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat bemoaned censorship in China for its impact on the film industry.
“We have a lot of censorship requirements in mainland China. Scripts must go to many departments. So, we need [to portray] clear situations in scripts. Honestly, we will try our best to make movies with Hong Kong spirit. In the 1980s people watched a lot of Hong Kong films. I’m proud,” said Chow at a press event at the Busan International Film Festival on Thursday.
“After 1997 [the year when Hong Kong ceased to be a British colony and was returned to China] a lot of things changed. We have to pay attention to our government. Otherwise, it will be hard to get the money to make movies. The Mainland market is so huge.”
Insisting that he is “just an ordinary person,” Chow spent much of the rest of the event emitting a joyful and relaxed aura, discussing his love...
“We have a lot of censorship requirements in mainland China. Scripts must go to many departments. So, we need [to portray] clear situations in scripts. Honestly, we will try our best to make movies with Hong Kong spirit. In the 1980s people watched a lot of Hong Kong films. I’m proud,” said Chow at a press event at the Busan International Film Festival on Thursday.
“After 1997 [the year when Hong Kong ceased to be a British colony and was returned to China] a lot of things changed. We have to pay attention to our government. Otherwise, it will be hard to get the money to make movies. The Mainland market is so huge.”
Insisting that he is “just an ordinary person,” Chow spent much of the rest of the event emitting a joyful and relaxed aura, discussing his love...
- 10/5/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
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.
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...
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
The festival will open with ‘Because I Hate Korea’ and close with ‘The Movie Emperor’.
The Busan International Film Festival has revealed the full line-up for its 2023 edition and announced that Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat will receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
The festival in South Korea will open with the world premiere of Jang Kun-jae’s Because I Hate Korea and close with Ning Hao’s Chinese film industry satire The Movie Emperor, starring Andy Lau, following its debut at Toronto.
At an online press conference today, organisers also revealed that Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat...
The Busan International Film Festival has revealed the full line-up for its 2023 edition and announced that Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat will receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
The festival in South Korea will open with the world premiere of Jang Kun-jae’s Because I Hate Korea and close with Ning Hao’s Chinese film industry satire The Movie Emperor, starring Andy Lau, following its debut at Toronto.
At an online press conference today, organisers also revealed that Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat...
- 9/5/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Busan International Film Festival has unveiled its full line-up, including opening and closing films, and announced that Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat has been named as Asian Filmmaker of the Year.
Chow will be feted through the screening of two of his most iconic films – Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow – as well as recent release Once More Chance, directed by Anthony Pun.
In addition to Chow, international guests expected at the festival include Luc Besson, Japanese filmmakers Hirokazu Kore-eda and Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Korean-American filmmakers Lee Isaac Chung and Justin Chon, and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing.
The festival will open with the world premiere of Jang Kun-jae’s Because I Hate Korea, adapted from the popular novel by Chang Kang-myoung, and close with Chinese filmmaker Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor, starring Andy Lau, which is receiving its world premiere in Toronto.
Chow will be feted through the screening of two of his most iconic films – Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow – as well as recent release Once More Chance, directed by Anthony Pun.
In addition to Chow, international guests expected at the festival include Luc Besson, Japanese filmmakers Hirokazu Kore-eda and Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Korean-American filmmakers Lee Isaac Chung and Justin Chon, and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing.
The festival will open with the world premiere of Jang Kun-jae’s Because I Hate Korea, adapted from the popular novel by Chang Kang-myoung, and close with Chinese filmmaker Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor, starring Andy Lau, which is receiving its world premiere in Toronto.
- 9/5/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Leslie Cheung, a luminary of Hong Kong's golden era of the 80s and 90s, stands out as one of its most gifted representatives. Revered globally as both an actor and a singer, he holds a position as one of the forefathers of Cantopop, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
Cheung's brilliance transcended geographical boundaries, captivating admirers in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. Notably, his pivotal role in John Woo's “A Better Tomorrow” marked a turning point, propelling his acting career to new heights. Subsequent collaborations with esteemed directors such as Chen Kaige and Wong Kar Wai propelled him to international stardom.
Eventually, his name figured in the first place on the list of the most favorite actors in the 100 years of Chinese cinema, in the third of the Most Iconic Musicians of All Time, and CNN considered him the Most Beautiful Man from Hong Kong...
Cheung's brilliance transcended geographical boundaries, captivating admirers in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. Notably, his pivotal role in John Woo's “A Better Tomorrow” marked a turning point, propelling his acting career to new heights. Subsequent collaborations with esteemed directors such as Chen Kaige and Wong Kar Wai propelled him to international stardom.
Eventually, his name figured in the first place on the list of the most favorite actors in the 100 years of Chinese cinema, in the third of the Most Iconic Musicians of All Time, and CNN considered him the Most Beautiful Man from Hong Kong...
- 8/27/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Commercial cinema especially in Southeast Asia has always followed the money. A successful movie at the box office would inspire countless imitations until the well would run dry and takings decline leading to the next cycle. “A Better Tomorrow” upon release in 1986 really hit the popular culture zeitgeist, creating an iconic figure in Chow Yun Fat, a whole new subgenre in Heroic Bloodshed and inspired a wave of copycats and inspirations. One of the more mature inspirations was a double bill by Taylor Wong in “Rich and Famous” and “Tragic Hero” released the following year. Headlined by then ubiquitous Chow Yun Fat, it would strive for epic status telling its story over two features.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The storyline kicks off in the late 1960's with Yung (Alex Man) and adopted brother Kwok (Andy Lau) getting involved in petty crime with Yung racking up a large debt.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
The storyline kicks off in the late 1960's with Yung (Alex Man) and adopted brother Kwok (Andy Lau) getting involved in petty crime with Yung racking up a large debt.
- 8/16/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
"We can't be stuck in the past. We had to take those characters and move them into the 21st century." WB / Max have unveiled a trailer for their new documentary series titled Superpowered: The DC Story, which will be streaming on Max later this month. Yet another doc made about themselves, as part of their content hype machine pointing back at itself, along with 100 Years of Warner Bros - which is also directed by Leslie Iwerks. "The ultimate origin story." Superpowered: The DC Story, a 3-part documentary about the iconic comic book company's legacy. Narrated by Rosario Dawson, it looks at the enduring & influential legacy of DC. The first episode, "The Hero's Journey," explores the original creation of DC's Trinity and the company's post-wwii struggles. The second episode, "Coming of Age," jumps forward to discuss Superman movies, DC's earliest Black superheroes, and the experimental Vertigo Comics. The third episode, "A Better Tomorrow,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It’s still an open question to whether Warner Bros. will be at San Diego Comic-Con in July. But even if the company skips the event, it’ll be there in spirit via the premiere date for a new docuseries about the history of DC Comics.
“Superpowered: The DC Story,” a three-part docuseries about the storied comic book company and the movies and TV shows it inspired, will premiere on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming app on July 20. For those keeping score, that happens to be the very first day of Comic-Con 2023.
And to get into the mood, you can watch the trailer above right now.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the series is codirected by Leslie Iwerks and Mark Catalena. Per the official description, it “takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the...
“Superpowered: The DC Story,” a three-part docuseries about the storied comic book company and the movies and TV shows it inspired, will premiere on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming app on July 20. For those keeping score, that happens to be the very first day of Comic-Con 2023.
And to get into the mood, you can watch the trailer above right now.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the series is codirected by Leslie Iwerks and Mark Catalena. Per the official description, it “takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the...
- 6/27/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Sooner or later, the lead actor of the movie-within-a-movie being made in “A Brighter Tomorrow” jokes, disgruntled director Giovanni (self-referential cornball Nanni Moretti’s latest on-screen avatar) was bound to make a movie that ended with its protagonist’s suicide — the implication being, the world wouldn’t be so surprised to find the helmer putting a noose around his own neck.
Well, he does and he doesn’t go that far in a high-concept meta-comedy that presents its director’s personal disillusion with art, love and the state of the world, before becoming a “just kidding” group hug for his fans. That’s a sizable public in Moretti’s native Italy, where this welcome return-to-form has already been a commercial success. The director’s not nearly as big a deal abroad, however, to the extent that few may care whether the Cannes regular (who won the Palme d’Or for...
Well, he does and he doesn’t go that far in a high-concept meta-comedy that presents its director’s personal disillusion with art, love and the state of the world, before becoming a “just kidding” group hug for his fans. That’s a sizable public in Moretti’s native Italy, where this welcome return-to-form has already been a commercial success. The director’s not nearly as big a deal abroad, however, to the extent that few may care whether the Cannes regular (who won the Palme d’Or for...
- 5/24/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
‘A Brighter Tomorrow’ Review: Nanni Moretti Returns to Cannes With His Tics and Obsessions Laid Bare
Two years after his previous effort, “Three Floors” opened with a high-profile belly flop, festival-stalwart Nanni Moretti returns to Cannes with “A Brighter Tomorrow,” a comeback of sorts that also airs a list of grievances and could serve – should need arise – as a closing statement.
Not that it likely will. Funny and endearing in some places, and typically grumpy and old-fashioned in others, “A Brighter Tomorrow” should, at very least, keep Moretti far from director’s jail for years to come. And if the sheer existence of this title proves he wasn’t detained for very long, Moretti was very clearly shook by the experience, and very clearly used this follow-up to work through those anxieties.
As in his earlier beloved films “Dear Diary” and “April,” Moretti plays a version of himself, holding the screen as Giovanni (guess what Nanni’s short for), a Roman director about to shoot an...
Not that it likely will. Funny and endearing in some places, and typically grumpy and old-fashioned in others, “A Brighter Tomorrow” should, at very least, keep Moretti far from director’s jail for years to come. And if the sheer existence of this title proves he wasn’t detained for very long, Moretti was very clearly shook by the experience, and very clearly used this follow-up to work through those anxieties.
As in his earlier beloved films “Dear Diary” and “April,” Moretti plays a version of himself, holding the screen as Giovanni (guess what Nanni’s short for), a Roman director about to shoot an...
- 5/24/2023
- by Ben Croll
- The Wrap
(Welcome to Best Action Scene Ever, a column dedicated to breaking down the best, most effective action sequences throughout the genre. In this edition, John Woo blows minds — literally — with the 1992 classic "Hard Boiled.")
Long before a character named John Wick burst onto the scene, changing the entire landscape of action for years to come, a different John W. did very much the same, with even greater challenges to conquer. Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo might be most well-known in the West for his contributions to Hollywood, including the likes of "The Killer," "Face/Off," and "Mission Impossible: II." But true students of the genre know that his work in Hong Kong cinema influenced much of American action filmmaking for decades to come.
1992's "Hard Boiled" marked a huge turning point in Woo's career, representing the last Hong Kong film he made (the movie is mostly spoken in Cantonese) before going...
Long before a character named John Wick burst onto the scene, changing the entire landscape of action for years to come, a different John W. did very much the same, with even greater challenges to conquer. Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo might be most well-known in the West for his contributions to Hollywood, including the likes of "The Killer," "Face/Off," and "Mission Impossible: II." But true students of the genre know that his work in Hong Kong cinema influenced much of American action filmmaking for decades to come.
1992's "Hard Boiled" marked a huge turning point in Woo's career, representing the last Hong Kong film he made (the movie is mostly spoken in Cantonese) before going...
- 4/3/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Nathalie Emmanuel, best known for her roles as Ramsey in the “Fast & Furious” franchise and Missandei in HBO’s “Game Of Thrones,” has joined the cast of John Woo’s reimagining of his 1989 film “The Killer” for Universal Pictures.
Emmanuel joins the cast which has “Lupin” headliner Omar Sy attached to star.
The crime action thriller followed a top-tier mob assassin named Jeffrey, who decides to retire after he accidentally blinds a nightclub singer who gets caught in the crossfire of one of his hit jobs. Before quitting his beloved profession, he takes one last job to pay for her sight-restoring operation, only to be double-crossed. He then teams up with a rogue police officer to set things straight.
Also Read:
‘The Killer’ at 30: John Woo Explains How He Shot His Action Classic Without a Script
Woo, the auteur director of movies like “Face/Off,” “Red Cliff” and “A Better Tomorrow,...
Emmanuel joins the cast which has “Lupin” headliner Omar Sy attached to star.
The crime action thriller followed a top-tier mob assassin named Jeffrey, who decides to retire after he accidentally blinds a nightclub singer who gets caught in the crossfire of one of his hit jobs. Before quitting his beloved profession, he takes one last job to pay for her sight-restoring operation, only to be double-crossed. He then teams up with a rogue police officer to set things straight.
Also Read:
‘The Killer’ at 30: John Woo Explains How He Shot His Action Classic Without a Script
Woo, the auteur director of movies like “Face/Off,” “Red Cliff” and “A Better Tomorrow,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Chinese director Zhang Hanyi takes an unexpected turn with his latest feature film effort, “The Walking Bird,” which makes its appearance as an in-development project at the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), which takes place alongside the FilMart rights market.
His previous film, 2017’s “Dragonfly Eyes,” was one of the most unusual and stylish films of the year from anywhere in the world. It told a disturbing (fictional) narrative through extraordinary found-footage obtained from hundreds of real-world CCTV cameras, and won the Fipresci and Ecumenical Jury prizes at the Locarno Festival that year.
While playing in a different register, “The Walking Bird” may be no less sinister.
“The story focuses on a 28-year-old woman who has difficulty handling the changes in her life. She returns to her hometown, faces up to her past and to her family and learns that her grandmother had used a special method to commit a murder.
His previous film, 2017’s “Dragonfly Eyes,” was one of the most unusual and stylish films of the year from anywhere in the world. It told a disturbing (fictional) narrative through extraordinary found-footage obtained from hundreds of real-world CCTV cameras, and won the Fipresci and Ecumenical Jury prizes at the Locarno Festival that year.
While playing in a different register, “The Walking Bird” may be no less sinister.
“The story focuses on a 28-year-old woman who has difficulty handling the changes in her life. She returns to her hometown, faces up to her past and to her family and learns that her grandmother had used a special method to commit a murder.
- 3/13/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen wears his producers hat at the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) shepherding two projects from debut directors.
Chen’s feature directorial debut “Ilo Ilo” (2013) won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes. His most recent film as director, “Drift,” bowed at Sundance earlier this year. As a producer, Chen’s recent credits include Locarno selection “Arnold Is a Model Student” and Busan selection and Red Sea winner “Ajoomma.”
First up is the English-language animated feature “Skin Coat,” directed by Singapore’s Tan Wei Keong. Set in the 16th century, it will follow a son who returns to his village to see his aging parents, and his male lover has to put on a woman’s skin coat to accompany him back home.
“‘Skin Coat’ is a story that explores identity, alter egos, and love that endures against all odds. As a gay person who grew...
Chen’s feature directorial debut “Ilo Ilo” (2013) won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes. His most recent film as director, “Drift,” bowed at Sundance earlier this year. As a producer, Chen’s recent credits include Locarno selection “Arnold Is a Model Student” and Busan selection and Red Sea winner “Ajoomma.”
First up is the English-language animated feature “Skin Coat,” directed by Singapore’s Tan Wei Keong. Set in the 16th century, it will follow a son who returns to his village to see his aging parents, and his male lover has to put on a woman’s skin coat to accompany him back home.
“‘Skin Coat’ is a story that explores identity, alter egos, and love that endures against all odds. As a gay person who grew...
- 3/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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
Stuntman J.J. Perry, director of Day Shift, joins hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss his favorite action flicks.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Dana Gould’s trailer commentary
From Russia With Love (1963) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Day Shift (2022)
Big Trouble In Little China (1986) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
The Lost Boys (1987) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Fright Night (1986) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Zombieland (2009)
Traffic (2000)
Spectral (2016)
Spectre (2015)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Peli’s trailer commentary
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Way of the Dragon a.k.a. Return of the Dragon (1972) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Rocky (1976)
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky V (1990)
Creed (2015)
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
The Tournament (2009)
The Shepherd: Border Patrol (2008)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
Samaritan (2022)
Safe (2012)
Warrior...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Dana Gould’s trailer commentary
From Russia With Love (1963) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Day Shift (2022)
Big Trouble In Little China (1986) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
The Lost Boys (1987) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Fright Night (1986) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Zombieland (2009)
Traffic (2000)
Spectral (2016)
Spectre (2015)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Peli’s trailer commentary
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Way of the Dragon a.k.a. Return of the Dragon (1972) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Rocky (1976)
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky V (1990)
Creed (2015)
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
The Tournament (2009)
The Shepherd: Border Patrol (2008)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
Samaritan (2022)
Safe (2012)
Warrior...
- 8/9/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
“Jurassic World Dominion” and “The Intouchables” star Omar Sy has been tapped to lead John Woo’s reimagining of his 1989 film “The Killers” for Universal Pictures.
The crime action thriller followed a top-tier mob assassin named Jeffrey, who decides to retire after he accidentally blinds a nightclub singer who gets caught in the crossfire of one of his hit jobs. Before quitting his beloved profession, he takes one last job to pay for her sight-restoring operation, only to be double-crossed. He then teams up with a rogue police officer to set things straight.
Woo, the auteur director of movies like “Face/Off,” “Red Cliff” and “A Better Tomorrow,” will also produce the reboot. Writing partners Matthew Stuecken and Josh Campbell (“10 Cloverfield Lane”), along with as Eran Creevy (“Welcome to the Punch,” “Collide”) and Brian Helgeland (“42,” “Legend,” “Spenser Confidential”) wrote the screenplay.
Also Read:
‘Bullet Train’ Expected to Be the...
The crime action thriller followed a top-tier mob assassin named Jeffrey, who decides to retire after he accidentally blinds a nightclub singer who gets caught in the crossfire of one of his hit jobs. Before quitting his beloved profession, he takes one last job to pay for her sight-restoring operation, only to be double-crossed. He then teams up with a rogue police officer to set things straight.
Woo, the auteur director of movies like “Face/Off,” “Red Cliff” and “A Better Tomorrow,” will also produce the reboot. Writing partners Matthew Stuecken and Josh Campbell (“10 Cloverfield Lane”), along with as Eran Creevy (“Welcome to the Punch,” “Collide”) and Brian Helgeland (“42,” “Legend,” “Spenser Confidential”) wrote the screenplay.
Also Read:
‘Bullet Train’ Expected to Be the...
- 8/4/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
John Woo is perhaps one of the greatest Hong Kong directors and, depending on your tastes, the best one to ever bless the silver screen. However, whether you are an action movie aficionado or not, his influence on cinema cannot be overstated, as his films such as "A Better Tomorrow" and "The Killer" are classics that continue to influence filmmakers today.
Like many successful international directors, Woo crossed over to the Western markets in the early 1990s, releasing the Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle "Hard Target" in 1993. At the time, Universal Pictures was so hesitant to let him direct that executives had...
The post John Woo Directed a Bizarre Made For TV Movie in Between Blockbusters appeared first on /Film.
Like many successful international directors, Woo crossed over to the Western markets in the early 1990s, releasing the Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle "Hard Target" in 1993. At the time, Universal Pictures was so hesitant to let him direct that executives had...
The post John Woo Directed a Bizarre Made For TV Movie in Between Blockbusters appeared first on /Film.
- 5/18/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
John Woo’s “Silent Night” recently wrapped principal photography in Mexico City. The film is the first U.S. action movie directed by the iconic helmer Woo in more than a decade.
In “Silent Night,” Godlock (played by Joel Kinnaman) is a father on a mission to avenge his young son who was tragically caught in the crossfire of gang violence on Christmas Eve. Shot and nearly killed while in pursuit of the murderers, Godlock vows to avenge his son by any means necessary.
Kinnaman is pictured above in an exclusive first look still from the actioner.
The film also stars Scott Mescudi (a.k.a. Kid Cudi), Harold Torres and Catalina Sandino Moreno. “Silent Night” was produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for Thunder Road, Christian Mercuri for Capstone Studios and Lori Tilkin for A Better Tomorrow. Executive producers are David Haring, Joe Gatta and Ruzanna Kegeyan for Capstone,...
In “Silent Night,” Godlock (played by Joel Kinnaman) is a father on a mission to avenge his young son who was tragically caught in the crossfire of gang violence on Christmas Eve. Shot and nearly killed while in pursuit of the murderers, Godlock vows to avenge his son by any means necessary.
Kinnaman is pictured above in an exclusive first look still from the actioner.
The film also stars Scott Mescudi (a.k.a. Kid Cudi), Harold Torres and Catalina Sandino Moreno. “Silent Night” was produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee for Thunder Road, Christian Mercuri for Capstone Studios and Lori Tilkin for A Better Tomorrow. Executive producers are David Haring, Joe Gatta and Ruzanna Kegeyan for Capstone,...
- 5/17/2022
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Genre festival to run in Montreal from July 14-August 3.
Fantasia International Film Festival will host first wave world premieres for the likes of Rebekah McKendry’s Glorious and Satoshi Miki’s Convenience Story and a career achievement award for John Woo at the upcoming in-person summer edition.
Set to run in Montreal from July 14-August 3, the event will include workshops, and launch events. Screenings and select events will take place in Concordia Hall Cinema, with additional screens at Cinémathèque Québécoise, Cinéma du Musée and McCord Museum. The full line-up will be unveiled in June.
Woo, whose credits include Hard Boiled,...
Fantasia International Film Festival will host first wave world premieres for the likes of Rebekah McKendry’s Glorious and Satoshi Miki’s Convenience Story and a career achievement award for John Woo at the upcoming in-person summer edition.
Set to run in Montreal from July 14-August 3, the event will include workshops, and launch events. Screenings and select events will take place in Concordia Hall Cinema, with additional screens at Cinémathèque Québécoise, Cinéma du Musée and McCord Museum. The full line-up will be unveiled in June.
Woo, whose credits include Hard Boiled,...
- 5/6/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Kenneth Tsang, a veteran Hong Kong actor who starred in pioneering martial arts movies, has died. He was 87.
Tsang (aka Tsang Kong) was staying in the Kowloon Hotel on Nathan Road, a venue used for passenger quarantine after overseas travel, and was found dead in the room on Wednesday. No immediate cause of death has been given by Hong Kong authorities.
Tsang had traveled home on Monday after a visit to Singapore. His rapid Covid test on Tuesday had tested negative for the disease.
With a career spanning some 65 years, Tsang had over 220 film credits, mostly as bad guys, as well as key roles in multiple TV series. He is best known for supporting roles in 1960s kung fu movies. He is reported to have appeared in 25 film in 1969.
In the 1980s and 1990s he appeared in several influential titles by John Woo including “A Better Tomorrow” and “A Better Tomorrow 2...
Tsang (aka Tsang Kong) was staying in the Kowloon Hotel on Nathan Road, a venue used for passenger quarantine after overseas travel, and was found dead in the room on Wednesday. No immediate cause of death has been given by Hong Kong authorities.
Tsang had traveled home on Monday after a visit to Singapore. His rapid Covid test on Tuesday had tested negative for the disease.
With a career spanning some 65 years, Tsang had over 220 film credits, mostly as bad guys, as well as key roles in multiple TV series. He is best known for supporting roles in 1960s kung fu movies. He is reported to have appeared in 25 film in 1969.
In the 1980s and 1990s he appeared in several influential titles by John Woo including “A Better Tomorrow” and “A Better Tomorrow 2...
- 4/27/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi (Don’t Look Up) is the last addition to the cast of the action-thriller Silent Night, from iconic action director John Woo (Face/Off), John Wick producers Thunder Road Films and Capstone Studios. He’s set to star alongside Joel Kinnaman, Harold Torres and Catalina Sandino Moreno.
The film currently in production in Mexico City centers on Godlock (Kinnaman), a father on a mission to avenge his young son who was tragically caught in the crossfire of gang violence on Christmas Eve. Shot and nearly killed while in pursuit of the murderers, Godlock vows to avenge his son by any means necessary. Mescudi will portray a detective named Dennis Vassel.
Robert Lynn penned the screenplay. Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee are producing for Thunder Road, with Christian Mercuri for Capstone, and Lori Tilkin for A Better Tomorrow Films. Capstone’s David Haring, Joe Gatta and Ruzanna Kegeyan...
The film currently in production in Mexico City centers on Godlock (Kinnaman), a father on a mission to avenge his young son who was tragically caught in the crossfire of gang violence on Christmas Eve. Shot and nearly killed while in pursuit of the murderers, Godlock vows to avenge his son by any means necessary. Mescudi will portray a detective named Dennis Vassel.
Robert Lynn penned the screenplay. Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee are producing for Thunder Road, with Christian Mercuri for Capstone, and Lori Tilkin for A Better Tomorrow Films. Capstone’s David Haring, Joe Gatta and Ruzanna Kegeyan...
- 4/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Catalina Sandino Moreno and Harold Torres have been cast in “Silent Night,” an action-thriller starring Joel Kinnaman.
Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo (“A Better Tomorrow”) is directing the film, which is currently in production in Mexico City. The story centers on Godlock (Kinnaman), a father on a mission to avenge his young son, who was tragically caught in the crossfire of gang violence on Christmas Eve. Moreno will portray Saya, Godlock’s wife, and Torres will take on the role of the gang leader, Playa.
Robert Lynn is writing the screenplay, which contains almost no dialogue. Instead, the film will rely on the actor’s abilities to convey meaning and intention through Woo’s stylized imagery and intense action sequences.
Thunder Road Pictures and Capstone Studios are producing “Silent Night.”
“We couldn’t be happier to have the immensely talented Catalina and Harold join ‘Silent Night,’” said Capstone’s head of production,...
Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo (“A Better Tomorrow”) is directing the film, which is currently in production in Mexico City. The story centers on Godlock (Kinnaman), a father on a mission to avenge his young son, who was tragically caught in the crossfire of gang violence on Christmas Eve. Moreno will portray Saya, Godlock’s wife, and Torres will take on the role of the gang leader, Playa.
Robert Lynn is writing the screenplay, which contains almost no dialogue. Instead, the film will rely on the actor’s abilities to convey meaning and intention through Woo’s stylized imagery and intense action sequences.
Thunder Road Pictures and Capstone Studios are producing “Silent Night.”
“We couldn’t be happier to have the immensely talented Catalina and Harold join ‘Silent Night,’” said Capstone’s head of production,...
- 3/24/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
While some folks might boil him down to dual-wielding handguns and doves, John Woo has had a long and varied directing career. His first full directorial debut was way back in 1974 on the kung fu action flick "The Young Dragons." After directing several action and comedy films, Woo finally found his calling with 1986's "A Better Tomorrow."
"A Better Tomorrow" was a very modern action film for its time. It stars Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung as brothers on two sides of the law, with the former being a Triad and the latter becoming a police trainee. It...
The post John Woo and Oliver Stone Had a Kung-Fu Project That Never Made It to Production appeared first on /Film.
"A Better Tomorrow" was a very modern action film for its time. It stars Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung as brothers on two sides of the law, with the former being a Triad and the latter becoming a police trainee. It...
The post John Woo and Oliver Stone Had a Kung-Fu Project That Never Made It to Production appeared first on /Film.
- 3/24/2022
- by Mike Williams
- Slash Film
Another week, another episode of the Pop Addled podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly!
Pop Addled is a pop culture podcast with nerd tendencies. Join Keenan, Sam and Timmy as they discuss movies, music, video games, sports, TV, comics, and any intersection thereof. Their brains have been thoroughly addled by pop culture and they’re here to share their twisted thoughts with you!
If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out old episode on Libsyn and iTunes; and we’ll be bringing you the latest episodes each and every week.
Pop Addled – Episode 420: Doom Addled – A Better Tomorrow
It’s a new Doom Addled series! Mike and Harrison are back to look at some of John Woo’s best films. We start with one of his earliest Hong Kong films, A Better Tomorrow. Give a listen and if you like what you hear,...
Pop Addled is a pop culture podcast with nerd tendencies. Join Keenan, Sam and Timmy as they discuss movies, music, video games, sports, TV, comics, and any intersection thereof. Their brains have been thoroughly addled by pop culture and they’re here to share their twisted thoughts with you!
If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out old episode on Libsyn and iTunes; and we’ll be bringing you the latest episodes each and every week.
Pop Addled – Episode 420: Doom Addled – A Better Tomorrow
It’s a new Doom Addled series! Mike and Harrison are back to look at some of John Woo’s best films. We start with one of his earliest Hong Kong films, A Better Tomorrow. Give a listen and if you like what you hear,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
David Chute, a longtime film critic and writer who tirelessly championed Hong Kong films in the U.S., died Nov. 8 in Los Angeles.
His daughter, Nora Chute, confirmed that he died of esophageal cancer.
Chute wrote for publications including the Boston Phoenix, Film Comment, the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Vanity Fair, the Los Angeles Times and Variety, often advocating for genre films and international filmmakers to get the recognition they deserved.
Chute grew up in Maine with his father, Robert, a poet and biology professor at Bates College, his mother, Vicki, a novelist. He launched his career in the 70s as a film critic at the Kennebec Journal and The Maine Times, where he discovered Stephen King, who he also profiled for Take One. In 1979, King inscribed a copy of “The Shining” to David Chute, “the best film critic in America.”
In 1978, Chute joined the staff of The Boston Phoenix,...
His daughter, Nora Chute, confirmed that he died of esophageal cancer.
Chute wrote for publications including the Boston Phoenix, Film Comment, the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Vanity Fair, the Los Angeles Times and Variety, often advocating for genre films and international filmmakers to get the recognition they deserved.
Chute grew up in Maine with his father, Robert, a poet and biology professor at Bates College, his mother, Vicki, a novelist. He launched his career in the 70s as a film critic at the Kennebec Journal and The Maine Times, where he discovered Stephen King, who he also profiled for Take One. In 1979, King inscribed a copy of “The Shining” to David Chute, “the best film critic in America.”
In 1978, Chute joined the staff of The Boston Phoenix,...
- 11/19/2021
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Trinity Cine Asia is releasing on Friday 19th of November, The Battle At Lake Changjin, the biggest worldwide box office hit of 2021, with more than $878 million in ticket sales to date, far ahead of No Time To Die, making it the second-biggest Chinese grossing film, only behind Wolf Warrior II (also released by Trinity Cine Asia). The UK will mark the first international territory release of the film outside of Asia in over 25 cities.
Billed as the most expensive Chinese film ever made, with a reported $200m budget, The Battle at Lake Changjin stars Wolf Warrior I & II and Better Days leading men Wu Jing and Jackson Yee, respectively; and is co-directed by three leading, acclaimed directors Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine), Tsui Hark (Once Upon a Time in China) and Dante Lam (Operation Red Sea).
Trinity Cine Asia co-founder and director Cedric Behrel says: “The Battle at Lake Changjin...
Billed as the most expensive Chinese film ever made, with a reported $200m budget, The Battle at Lake Changjin stars Wolf Warrior I & II and Better Days leading men Wu Jing and Jackson Yee, respectively; and is co-directed by three leading, acclaimed directors Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine), Tsui Hark (Once Upon a Time in China) and Dante Lam (Operation Red Sea).
Trinity Cine Asia co-founder and director Cedric Behrel says: “The Battle at Lake Changjin...
- 11/18/2021
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: A bountiful American Film Market just got even better. Buyers are buzzing about Silent Night, the first U.S. action film in decades to be directed by the iconic Chinese filmmaker John Woo. Joel Kinnaman will star in an film that will tell a loud action tale, without a word of dialogue.
Sources tell Deadline the story is basic, as a normal father heads into the underworld to avenge his young son’s death. The film is in negotiations to be financed by Capstone. John Wick’s Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Christian Mercuri and Lori Tilkin are producing and Capstone’s Ruzanna Kegeyan is overseeing with Joe Gatta. Other casting is underway.
The prospect of a Woo return is as intriguing as his intention to make has buyers sparked up. After directing the stylistic Hong Kong action classics from A Better Tomorrow and The Killer to Bullet in the Head and Hard Boiled,...
Sources tell Deadline the story is basic, as a normal father heads into the underworld to avenge his young son’s death. The film is in negotiations to be financed by Capstone. John Wick’s Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Christian Mercuri and Lori Tilkin are producing and Capstone’s Ruzanna Kegeyan is overseeing with Joe Gatta. Other casting is underway.
The prospect of a Woo return is as intriguing as his intention to make has buyers sparked up. After directing the stylistic Hong Kong action classics from A Better Tomorrow and The Killer to Bullet in the Head and Hard Boiled,...
- 10/29/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
There was a time not so long ago when John Woo was action cinema. The prolific director was not only a revolutionary filmmaker in Hong Kong with his highly stylised and distinct movies, but he also had a major impact on the international scene. Countless contemporary directors have aped off Woo’s style over the better part of forty years, yet no one quite lives up to the master himself. Revisiting one of the director’s most beloved crime flicks, “A Better Tomorrow”, it’s easy to see why he is still so revered today.
Ho (Ti Lung) and Mark (Chow Yun-Fat) are members of the criminal underworld and run a scam producing fake dollar bills to exchange with international buyers. Ho decides his life of crime is over after his dear younger brother, Kit (Leslie Cheung), becomes an inspector in the police force. However, a double-cross...
Ho (Ti Lung) and Mark (Chow Yun-Fat) are members of the criminal underworld and run a scam producing fake dollar bills to exchange with international buyers. Ho decides his life of crime is over after his dear younger brother, Kit (Leslie Cheung), becomes an inspector in the police force. However, a double-cross...
- 5/31/2021
- by Tom Wilmot
- AsianMoviePulse
When discussing a film movement, it’s always difficult to pin down the exact moment it began. With Heroic Bloodshed it’s often considered that “A Better Tomorrow” was the key movie but “The Story of Wu Viet” and “Coolie Killer” before it could be said to have demonstrated themes prior. Going back, we have “The Club” by Kirk Wong in 1981 but even two years before that we have “Cops and Robbers”. So a genre evolves organically rather than emerging fully formed. So it’s an interesting release on blu ray and provides a chance to catch a moment in time as a new style of action began to emerge in Hong Kong.
A team of cops headed by Inspector Chow (Kam Hing-Yin) and Sergeant Kei (Wong Chung) successfully foil a robbery on a security van despite Kei being wounded. A gang of bank robbers including the...
A team of cops headed by Inspector Chow (Kam Hing-Yin) and Sergeant Kei (Wong Chung) successfully foil a robbery on a security van despite Kei being wounded. A gang of bank robbers including the...
- 5/10/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Nathan Jung, best known for his portrayal of Genghis Khan in the original Star Trek series, died April 24 at age 74. The location and cause of death has not been disclosed by his friend and attorney, Timothy Tau.
Jung began his acting career in 1969 with a role as Genghis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of the original Star Trek.
From that launching pad, he went on to numerous guest shots on some of the biggest television shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including M*A*S*H*, Starsky & Hutch, CHiPs, General Hospital, Manimal, Riptide, Hunter, Sanford and Son, and Kung Fu.
In the 1990s, he had stints on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Martial Law and Burke’s Law.
Jung also can claim to be one of the few actors who worked with both Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon Lee. Opposite Bruce, Jung appeared on a 1969 episode of Here Comes the Brides.
Jung began his acting career in 1969 with a role as Genghis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of the original Star Trek.
From that launching pad, he went on to numerous guest shots on some of the biggest television shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including M*A*S*H*, Starsky & Hutch, CHiPs, General Hospital, Manimal, Riptide, Hunter, Sanford and Son, and Kung Fu.
In the 1990s, he had stints on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Martial Law and Burke’s Law.
Jung also can claim to be one of the few actors who worked with both Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon Lee. Opposite Bruce, Jung appeared on a 1969 episode of Here Comes the Brides.
- 5/1/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Nathan Jung, the actor who appeared in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” “The A-Team” and “Kung Fu,” has died. He was 74.
Jung died on April 24, his close friend and attorney, Timothy Tau, confirmed to Variety. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jung kicked off his acting career in 1969 with his role as Ghengis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series.” From there, taking advantage of his tall stature, his television resume exploded with roles on the biggest shows from the 1970s and ’80s. Jung appeared on “M*A*S*H*,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “CHiPs,” “General Hospital,” “Manimal,” “Riptide” and “Hunter.” He also held roles in “Sanford and Son,” in which he played Helen Funai’s cousin, Saburyo, and “Kung Fu,” in which he plaed the Dark Rider. In the ’90s, he had stints on “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Martial Law” and “Burke’s Law.
Jung died on April 24, his close friend and attorney, Timothy Tau, confirmed to Variety. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jung kicked off his acting career in 1969 with his role as Ghengis Khan in “The Savage Curtain” episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series.” From there, taking advantage of his tall stature, his television resume exploded with roles on the biggest shows from the 1970s and ’80s. Jung appeared on “M*A*S*H*,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “CHiPs,” “General Hospital,” “Manimal,” “Riptide” and “Hunter.” He also held roles in “Sanford and Son,” in which he played Helen Funai’s cousin, Saburyo, and “Kung Fu,” in which he plaed the Dark Rider. In the ’90s, he had stints on “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Martial Law” and “Burke’s Law.
- 5/1/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
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