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
Arvin Chen is to direct “Coolie,” a limited series featuring enslaved Chinese workers in 19th century Cuba.
The eight-part series is the first to emerge from Cathay Film Company, a recent production venture launched by Singapore-based industry veteran Meileen Choo.
In the mid-1800s, when the African slave trade was outlawed throughout the Americas, plantation owners in Cuba instead began trafficking indentured servants from China and other parts of Asia. These, so-called coolies were often treated as slaves, but some integrated into Cuban society and joined the country’s fight for independence from Spain. The provided a low-cost workforce for farms, restaurants, factories and were instrumental in setting up Chinatowns across the world.
With Hong Kong actor Louise Wong in the lead role as a young woman who departs from southern China to marry a political exile working on a sugarcane plantation in Cuba, the narrative sees her join forces...
The eight-part series is the first to emerge from Cathay Film Company, a recent production venture launched by Singapore-based industry veteran Meileen Choo.
In the mid-1800s, when the African slave trade was outlawed throughout the Americas, plantation owners in Cuba instead began trafficking indentured servants from China and other parts of Asia. These, so-called coolies were often treated as slaves, but some integrated into Cuban society and joined the country’s fight for independence from Spain. The provided a low-cost workforce for farms, restaurants, factories and were instrumental in setting up Chinatowns across the world.
With Hong Kong actor Louise Wong in the lead role as a young woman who departs from southern China to marry a political exile working on a sugarcane plantation in Cuba, the narrative sees her join forces...
- 10/19/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Mainland China, July 2021: Another day another online movie made its way to the massively popular video streaming platforms there to catch the roving eyes of the viewers looking for a quick fix. Produced by Henan Guanglan Culture and starring a bunch of unknown actors, at least outside of China anyway, Tencent Video's “Longmen Town Inn” or “Dragon Gate Town Inn” in Chinese, is one such production like many countless more.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Set in a nameless desert, the simple plot concerns Wu Long Jian Xian (Chu Xiao Long), a peerless swordsman who has to fight off challengers from other cults eager to take him down in order to claim the top position in Jianghu. Ultimately this leads to a standoff at Broken Soul Cliff in which he is the sole survivor and thereupon he also decides to live in seclusion.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Set in a nameless desert, the simple plot concerns Wu Long Jian Xian (Chu Xiao Long), a peerless swordsman who has to fight off challengers from other cults eager to take him down in order to claim the top position in Jianghu. Ultimately this leads to a standoff at Broken Soul Cliff in which he is the sole survivor and thereupon he also decides to live in seclusion.
- 7/16/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
The London Action Fest’s weekend events kicked off on Saturday at Picturehouse Central with a screening of Chia-Liang Liu’s phenomenal The Legend of Drunken Master (Aka Drunken Master 2), a highly sought action classic that’s overdue a remastered Blu ray release.
Following this was the first panel event: The World in Action- Celebrating Asian Action Cinema with Joey Ansah, Mike Fury (journalist and author) and Jude Poyer.
The guests talked about what drew them to Asian cinema, citing early exposure to ninja films on VHS, a martial artist Pe teacher, and sneaking into late night screenings of Hong Kong films, in Soho.
A sequence from Sammo Hung’s Dragons Forever, starring Jackie Chan, was then presented, and the panel discussed why the film is so special, citing hand-to-hand combat and frenetic editing. They also talked about how Hong Kong cinema was better than American action films of the time,...
Following this was the first panel event: The World in Action- Celebrating Asian Action Cinema with Joey Ansah, Mike Fury (journalist and author) and Jude Poyer.
The guests talked about what drew them to Asian cinema, citing early exposure to ninja films on VHS, a martial artist Pe teacher, and sneaking into late night screenings of Hong Kong films, in Soho.
A sequence from Sammo Hung’s Dragons Forever, starring Jackie Chan, was then presented, and the panel discussed why the film is so special, citing hand-to-hand combat and frenetic editing. They also talked about how Hong Kong cinema was better than American action films of the time,...
- 8/3/2022
- by Daniel Goodwin
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "A Chinese Ghost Story"
Where You Can Stream It: Amazon Prime Video
The Pitch: Take the exciting action and romance of a Chinese wuxia film, like "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" or "Dragon Inn." Mix with it the horror schlock and Looney Tunes hijinx of a later "Evil Dead" movie. Add a touch of "Monty Python" style absurdism, and you have "A Chinese Ghost Story," directed by Ching Siu-Tung and produced by Hong...
The post The Daily Stream: A Chinese Ghost Story is Hilarious, Horrifying, and Heartfelt appeared first on /Film.
The Movie: "A Chinese Ghost Story"
Where You Can Stream It: Amazon Prime Video
The Pitch: Take the exciting action and romance of a Chinese wuxia film, like "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" or "Dragon Inn." Mix with it the horror schlock and Looney Tunes hijinx of a later "Evil Dead" movie. Add a touch of "Monty Python" style absurdism, and you have "A Chinese Ghost Story," directed by Ching Siu-Tung and produced by Hong...
The post The Daily Stream: A Chinese Ghost Story is Hilarious, Horrifying, and Heartfelt appeared first on /Film.
- 5/5/2022
- by Adam Wescott
- Slash Film
Considering that it took up to five directors to finish filming the first “Swordsman” after King Hu left the project, it was indeed a miracle that it turned out to be a success and a trend setter for the many new wave wuxia movies to follow. This visually arresting sequel, again produced by Tsui Hark but now directed by Ching Siu Tung, it’s a different beast all together. However, the theme of swordsmen retiring from the jianghu (martial world) and live a peaceful life is still the main focus. The film went on to win William Cheung Suk Ping and Yu Ka On the Best Costume and Makeup Design award at the 12th Hong Kong Film Awards in 1993.
on Amazon
After roaming the jianghu for about a year, our swordsman hero Ling Hu Chung (played by Jet Li this time), and Yue Ling Shan, “Kiddo” (Michelle Reis...
on Amazon
After roaming the jianghu for about a year, our swordsman hero Ling Hu Chung (played by Jet Li this time), and Yue Ling Shan, “Kiddo” (Michelle Reis...
- 12/21/2021
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
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
Moves come after actors including Vicki Zhao Wei, Kris Wu and Zhang Zhehan have been removed from the internet.
Two Chinese government bodies announced plans to crack down on the country’s online celebrity fan culture over the weekend, describing the situation as “chaotic” and a negative influence on Chinese youth.
The notices come just a few days after all mention of Chinese star Vicki Zhao Wei was scrubbed from the internet and follows a controversy over Chinese-Canadian singer-actor Kris Wu, who has been accused of rape.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (Cac) said it would take action against the...
Two Chinese government bodies announced plans to crack down on the country’s online celebrity fan culture over the weekend, describing the situation as “chaotic” and a negative influence on Chinese youth.
The notices come just a few days after all mention of Chinese star Vicki Zhao Wei was scrubbed from the internet and follows a controversy over Chinese-Canadian singer-actor Kris Wu, who has been accused of rape.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (Cac) said it would take action against the...
- 8/30/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations for 395 artists and executives working in film to join the ranks of a growing membership of more than 9,000 film industry figures. Per AMPAS, “membership selection decisions are based on professional qualifications, with representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority of Academy Aperture 2025.”
Statistically, the 2021 class is comprised of 46 percent women, 39 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 53 international members from 49 countries outside of the United States. Among the new class are 89 Oscar nominees and 25 winners, including “Minari” Best Supporting Actress winner Yuh-jung Youn, Best Actor nominee Steven Yeun, multi-nominated director/writer Lee Isaac Chung, and co-star Ye-ri Han, plus “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” Best Actress nominee Andra Day, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” Supporting Actress nominee Maria Bakalova, “Pieces of a Woman” Best Actress nominee Vanessa Kirby, and Supporting Actor nominees Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) and Paul Raci...
Statistically, the 2021 class is comprised of 46 percent women, 39 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 53 international members from 49 countries outside of the United States. Among the new class are 89 Oscar nominees and 25 winners, including “Minari” Best Supporting Actress winner Yuh-jung Youn, Best Actor nominee Steven Yeun, multi-nominated director/writer Lee Isaac Chung, and co-star Ye-ri Han, plus “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” Best Actress nominee Andra Day, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” Supporting Actress nominee Maria Bakalova, “Pieces of a Woman” Best Actress nominee Vanessa Kirby, and Supporting Actor nominees Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) and Paul Raci...
- 7/1/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Eureka’s September 2021 line-up has been announced and will feature “Duel to the Death“, a film often hailed by critics as the ‘Best Swordplay Movie’ ever!
Duel To The Death (Blu-ray)
Known for his classic film, A Chinese Ghost Story, this debut feature from director Ching Siu-tung is filled with dazzling visuals and astonishing martial arts choreography.
Limited Edition Slipcase and Booklet
Synopsis
Every ten years, a duel is held between the finest Japanese and Chinese martial artists to determine whose Swordmanship is superior. During the Ming Dynasty, as the next duel approaches, the chosen candidates are caught in the middle of a battle between Ninjas and Shaolin monks. Only a Duel to the Death will settle the countries’ conflicts and stop the bloodshed.
Known for his classic film, A Chinese Ghost Story, as well as for directing Tsui Hark’s the Swordsman saga, this debut feature from director Ching...
Duel To The Death (Blu-ray)
Known for his classic film, A Chinese Ghost Story, this debut feature from director Ching Siu-tung is filled with dazzling visuals and astonishing martial arts choreography.
Limited Edition Slipcase and Booklet
Synopsis
Every ten years, a duel is held between the finest Japanese and Chinese martial artists to determine whose Swordmanship is superior. During the Ming Dynasty, as the next duel approaches, the chosen candidates are caught in the middle of a battle between Ninjas and Shaolin monks. Only a Duel to the Death will settle the countries’ conflicts and stop the bloodshed.
Known for his classic film, A Chinese Ghost Story, as well as for directing Tsui Hark’s the Swordsman saga, this debut feature from director Ching...
- 6/18/2021
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Chinese authorities are investigating top Chinese actor Zheng Shuang for tax evasion and a sky-high salary exceeding government-approved limits, the Xinhua news agency said Wednesday. This marks the biggest case of suspected celebrity tax fraud since the downfall of A-lister Fan Bingbing.
The probe comes after screenshots emerged allegedly indicating that she was paid $24.6 million (160 million Rmb) for 77 days of filming — $320,000 a day — for her role in the upcoming 50-episode series “A Chinese Ghost Story.” The project is backed by Tencent and the troubled but still leading production company Beijing Culture, among other firms.
The incredible sum would make Zheng, 29, one of the world’s highest paid actresses, equating to more than Meryl Streep earned in all of 2020. It’s a pay-out that’s more than double what Gal Gadot earned for “Wonder Woman 1984” ($10 million) or Margot Robbie for “Birds of Prey” ($9-10 million), and more than five times...
The probe comes after screenshots emerged allegedly indicating that she was paid $24.6 million (160 million Rmb) for 77 days of filming — $320,000 a day — for her role in the upcoming 50-episode series “A Chinese Ghost Story.” The project is backed by Tencent and the troubled but still leading production company Beijing Culture, among other firms.
The incredible sum would make Zheng, 29, one of the world’s highest paid actresses, equating to more than Meryl Streep earned in all of 2020. It’s a pay-out that’s more than double what Gal Gadot earned for “Wonder Woman 1984” ($10 million) or Margot Robbie for “Birds of Prey” ($9-10 million), and more than five times...
- 4/29/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
When A Chinese Ghost Story premiered in 1987, it was already part of a unique category – the fusion of horror, comedy, and Kung Fu. Asian horror films are known as jiangshi, which is the name of a specific spooky hopping ghost found in Chinese folklore that proliferates these films.
Part zombie, part vampire, jiangshi are corpses that are usually reanimated by demons or Daoist sorcerers. They hop along mindlessly with their arms outstretched like sleepwalkers, and feed on the life essence – or qi – of the living. Often a jiangshi is blind but can smell breath. This makes for great comic hijinks as hapless characters struggle to hold their breath while gruesome jiangshi shove their rotting noses close to their mouths trying to pick up the scent.
Comedy is a common horror film device. It releases tension and leaves the audience unguarded for the next jump scare. The addition of Kung Fu...
Part zombie, part vampire, jiangshi are corpses that are usually reanimated by demons or Daoist sorcerers. They hop along mindlessly with their arms outstretched like sleepwalkers, and feed on the life essence – or qi – of the living. Often a jiangshi is blind but can smell breath. This makes for great comic hijinks as hapless characters struggle to hold their breath while gruesome jiangshi shove their rotting noses close to their mouths trying to pick up the scent.
Comedy is a common horror film device. It releases tension and leaves the audience unguarded for the next jump scare. The addition of Kung Fu...
- 10/25/2020
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
The story of Nie Xiaoqian from Pu Songling’s Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio has been made into movies and TV series many times over. It’s a classic tale about a young scholar, Ning Caichen who falls in love with Nie Xiaoqiqn, a beautiful female ghost. She’s under the control of a Laolao, a tree demon who uses her and other female ghosts to seduce young men and drain their energy so he can live forever. There’s also a Taoist demon hunter who will stop at nothing to hunt down ghosts and demons of any form.
“The Enchanting Phantom, A Chinese Ghost Story: Human Love” is the latest version but it’s only showing online. This is actually an advantage since more people are exposed to it. Singaporean television series actress, Eleanor Lee Kaixin takes on the lead role of Nie this time. In general, she...
“The Enchanting Phantom, A Chinese Ghost Story: Human Love” is the latest version but it’s only showing online. This is actually an advantage since more people are exposed to it. Singaporean television series actress, Eleanor Lee Kaixin takes on the lead role of Nie this time. In general, she...
- 6/11/2020
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
The sturdy but shallow martial arts melodrama “Ip Man 4: The Finale” isn’t much more than what fans have already gotten from the popular action franchise.
In their latest collaboration, series director Wilson Yip (2011’s “A Chinese Ghost Story”) and star Donnie Yen stick to their already established formula: their version of real-life Wing Chun instructor Man Ip (Yen) fights anybody who dismisses kung fu. This time, Ip takes on racist American Marines and policemen in San Francisco during the mid-’60s.
“The Finale”‘s new American setting — Yip and Yen’s last two “Ip Man” movies are set in Hong Kong, while their first one takes place in Foshan, China — also coincidentally gives the director-star duo an opportunity to issue a small corrective to “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” and its provocative depiction of Bruce Lee (here played by Danny Chan), Ip’s most famous student, by...
In their latest collaboration, series director Wilson Yip (2011’s “A Chinese Ghost Story”) and star Donnie Yen stick to their already established formula: their version of real-life Wing Chun instructor Man Ip (Yen) fights anybody who dismisses kung fu. This time, Ip takes on racist American Marines and policemen in San Francisco during the mid-’60s.
“The Finale”‘s new American setting — Yip and Yen’s last two “Ip Man” movies are set in Hong Kong, while their first one takes place in Foshan, China — also coincidentally gives the director-star duo an opportunity to issue a small corrective to “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” and its provocative depiction of Bruce Lee (here played by Danny Chan), Ip’s most famous student, by...
- 12/23/2019
- by Simon Abrams
- The Wrap
During the heyday of the 1980s, Golden Harvest Studios sought to tackle the void left in the scene with the lowered priority kung-fu flicks, from The Shaw Brothers. They quickly established themselves as major players with a series of female-driven films that made stars of a crop of explosive talent, ranging from Yukari Oshima to Cynthia Khan, Moon Lee and the stars of the film that kickstarted the genre, Cynthia Rothrock and Michelle Yeoh.
“Yes, Madam” screened at the Old Kung Fu Fest in New York
Investigating a local politician appearing in Hong Kong, Inspector Ng realizes that her charge has been killed and finds Asprin and Strepsin involved. Tracking them down to their friend Panadol, she uncovers that they hold a piece of evidence to the case featuring an important microfilm that incriminates a local Triad leader Tin Wai-keung in various criminal activities. When Inspector Carrie Morris continually interferes in the proceedings,...
“Yes, Madam” screened at the Old Kung Fu Fest in New York
Investigating a local politician appearing in Hong Kong, Inspector Ng realizes that her charge has been killed and finds Asprin and Strepsin involved. Tracking them down to their friend Panadol, she uncovers that they hold a piece of evidence to the case featuring an important microfilm that incriminates a local Triad leader Tin Wai-keung in various criminal activities. When Inspector Carrie Morris continually interferes in the proceedings,...
- 8/29/2019
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
“A Chinese Ghost Story” is a Hong Kong fantasy film from 1987 directed by Ching Siu-tung and produced by Tsui Hark. It is the supernatural tale about the bond between a mortal man and a demon’s servant that quickly became a cult classic. The movie spawned two sequels, an animated film, a television series, and a remake. In 2005, it was ranked number 50 on the list of the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures.
Ning Choi-san (Leslie Cheung) is a debt collector who visits local Chinese towns. Unfortunately, he is also plagued by misfortune as his account book is destroyed, so he has no money to pay for shelter. As a result, he spends a night in a haunted temple outside of the town. He encounters there an enchantingly beautiful woman called Nip Siu-sin (Joey Wong). Little does he know that Siu-sin is a ghost who lures travellers so that...
Ning Choi-san (Leslie Cheung) is a debt collector who visits local Chinese towns. Unfortunately, he is also plagued by misfortune as his account book is destroyed, so he has no money to pay for shelter. As a result, he spends a night in a haunted temple outside of the town. He encounters there an enchantingly beautiful woman called Nip Siu-sin (Joey Wong). Little does he know that Siu-sin is a ghost who lures travellers so that...
- 8/16/2019
- by Oliver Ebisuno
- AsianMoviePulse
Supernatural movies, featuring ghosts, “Geung si” and other entities are an important part of Hong Kong Cinema and its cultural heritage. “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” (1980), “Mr Vampire” (1985), “Rouge” (1987), “A Chinese Ghost Story” (1990) are only some of my favorite unmissable ones from the 80’s and 90’s.
Genre-bending movies, often blending horror, comedy, romance and kung fu, they are now an endangered species. After Hong Kong’s handover in 1997, many local filmmakers started making co-productions with the Mainland, where the supernatural films are considered a forbidden subject; therefore, they simply don’t get made anymore, except for some rare and brave case. In fact, those kinds of films have turned into a sort of statement by filmmakers that are committed to making Cantonese language films for distribution in Hong Kong and outside, but not the Mainland.
Some of the post-1997 local horror movies include the charming “My Left Eye Sees Ghosts...
Genre-bending movies, often blending horror, comedy, romance and kung fu, they are now an endangered species. After Hong Kong’s handover in 1997, many local filmmakers started making co-productions with the Mainland, where the supernatural films are considered a forbidden subject; therefore, they simply don’t get made anymore, except for some rare and brave case. In fact, those kinds of films have turned into a sort of statement by filmmakers that are committed to making Cantonese language films for distribution in Hong Kong and outside, but not the Mainland.
Some of the post-1997 local horror movies include the charming “My Left Eye Sees Ghosts...
- 5/10/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
A tragic love story at heart, this triad action drama turns into a blood bath in the final reel with plenty of bullets flying, slo-mo action and freeze frames thrown in.
The story kicks off in a bar by the seaside run by Uncle Cheung; his daughter Lap works there as a waitress and she has a boyfriend Rick Ma who also works at the same bar. Uncle Cheung is actually a retired triad man; soon he is talked into doing another human trafficking job for a very rich man. Accordingly, he asks Rick to be his driver and as predicted, everything goes wrong and Rick is forced to flee to the Philippines. In the meantime, Uncle Cheung himself is captured; Lap decides to sacrifice herself to triad boss Shen in order to free her father.
Fast forward to six years later, Rick, who has now become a hitman,...
The story kicks off in a bar by the seaside run by Uncle Cheung; his daughter Lap works there as a waitress and she has a boyfriend Rick Ma who also works at the same bar. Uncle Cheung is actually a retired triad man; soon he is talked into doing another human trafficking job for a very rich man. Accordingly, he asks Rick to be his driver and as predicted, everything goes wrong and Rick is forced to flee to the Philippines. In the meantime, Uncle Cheung himself is captured; Lap decides to sacrifice herself to triad boss Shen in order to free her father.
Fast forward to six years later, Rick, who has now become a hitman,...
- 3/26/2019
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Sandra Bullock stars in Bird Box. First, though, we have a few other items of interest for horror-movie fans. Netflix series Kingdom gets a trailer – I often think I'm pretty much over zombies at this point of my life, which is funny, because for years I complained there weren't enough zombie movies out there. Now, there are entirely too many, but as this trailer for Kingdom proves, you can still breathe new life into an old monster. A Korean series based on a web-comic by prolific writer Kim Eun-hee, Kingdom is a period piece where swordsmen must battle the undead. The trailer reminds me a bit of stuff like A Chinese Ghost Story, but Kingdom looks to stand entirely as its own thing. Check out the trailer below, which is...
- 12/20/2018
- by Mike Bracken
- Movies.com
Sandra Bullock stars in Bird Box. First, though, we have a few other items of interest for horror-movie fans. Netflix series Kingdom gets a trailer – I often think I'm pretty much over zombies at this point of my life, which is funny, because for years I complained there weren't enough zombie movies out there. Now, there are entirely too many, but as this trailer for Kingdom proves, you can still breathe new life into an old monster. A Korean series based on a web-comic by prolific writer Kim Eun-hee, Kingdom is a period piece where swordsmen must battle the undead. The trailer reminds me a bit of stuff like A Chinese Ghost Story, but Kingdom looks to stand entirely as its own thing. Check out the trailer below, which is...
- 12/20/2018
- by Mike Bracken
- Movies.com
Eureka Entertainment to release “City Hunter”, Jackie Chan’s stylish action-comedy extravaganza, as part of the Eureka Classics range on Blu-ray on 17 September 2018, featuring a Limited Edition O-card and Collector’s Booklet (First print run only)
Synopsis
Jackie Chan stars as the girl-chasing private detective Ryo Saeba in this hilarious live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series, City Hunter, presented from a stunning new 2K restoration!
Hired to track down Shizuko Imamura, the runaway daughter of a publishing tycoon, Ryo initially turns the job down… until he sees a picture of the missing woman! Ryo eventually finds her aboard a luxury cruise ship, but much to the annoyance of his exasperated assistant Carrie, Ryo seems more interested in catching Shizuko’s attention than returning her safely to her father. When terrorists hijack the ship, Ryo must put his romantic feelings aside and swing into action to...
Synopsis
Jackie Chan stars as the girl-chasing private detective Ryo Saeba in this hilarious live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series, City Hunter, presented from a stunning new 2K restoration!
Hired to track down Shizuko Imamura, the runaway daughter of a publishing tycoon, Ryo initially turns the job down… until he sees a picture of the missing woman! Ryo eventually finds her aboard a luxury cruise ship, but much to the annoyance of his exasperated assistant Carrie, Ryo seems more interested in catching Shizuko’s attention than returning her safely to her father. When terrorists hijack the ship, Ryo must put his romantic feelings aside and swing into action to...
- 7/16/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
In 1993, it was clear the golden era of the 1980s in the Hong Kong film industry was coming to a rapid end. The death knell may not have been sounded just yet, but with the handover looming, things were going to change. In the same year, director Ronny Yu (who would go on to a different kind of renown with Bride of Chucky and Freddy vs. Jason) rolled the dice and, in a last gasp, reinvented the supernatural martial actioner. Audiences weaned on comedic, action-heavy, chaste adventures like A Chinese Ghost Story and Zu: Warriors from Magic Mountain were...
- 3/19/2018
- by Elizabeth Kerr
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hong Kong Filmart
HONG KONG -- Mars and Venus fight for ascendancy as a warrior-princess must choose between personal romantic fulfillment and patriotic duty in An Empress and the Warriors. Thematically, the film sustains this dichotomy with atmospheric alternations between a saccharine fairy tale love plot and strapping martial arts duels and battle scenes.
As the first feature since 2000 to be helmed by renowned martial arts director Tony Ching Siu Tung (who choreographed The Curse of the Golden Flower and House of Flying Daggers), this could be the most anticipated Chinese period action blockbuster since The Warlords aside from Red Cliff. Although it doesn't thrill like Ching's seminal A Chinese Ghost Story or Swordsman II of the golden 1990s, it doesn't disappoint as a swashbuckling romance that puts its big-name cast to good hard work. The film already has sold to many Asian territories.
Set when China was still 10 warring states, the story has greatness thrust upon Princess Fei'er (Kelly Chen) when her father dies. She forces herself to develop martial prowess and lead her kingdom, Yan, first to repel invaders, then to squelch the mutiny of cousin Wu Ba (Guo Xiao-dong), who covets the throne. She is trained by Gen. Muyong Xuehu (Donnie Yen), who is both a Big Brother figure and secret admirer.
While fleeing an ambush set by Wu, Fei'er is rescued and nursed to health by forest dweller Duan Lanquan (Leon Lai). She falls for her hippie healer and becomes skeptical of her kingdom's warlike culture and her own royal destiny. Notwithstanding a flirtation with bandages and a hot air balloon ride over spectacular landscapes, the romance is like the multigrain porridge and organic yams that Lanquan prepares -- wholesome but bland.
Chen, better known as a singer and pretty face in escapist romances, takes up the gauntlet to play an Amazonian heroine. She achieves a breakthrough in image, but screen partners Yen and Lai remain typecast.
The exquisitely wrought armor forms an integral part of overall art direction in creating a sense of Arthurian majesty. The outfits' ungainly weight also means high-wire pyrotechnics are ruled out in favor of earth-bound, puissant clashing of swords. Nothing happens at breakneck speed, but there are no lulls in the succession of fight scenes.
As the spotlight is on the three leads, the best martial arts choreography is reserved for one-on-one battles set against ravishing natural backdrops, such as a floating log on the river or Lanquan's fight with some ninja-like assassins in his tree house in the film's most elaborately designed set piece.
Although the film sports fashionable anti-war jargon, it does not skimp on the body count. Battle scenes and two chases through the woods are graphic but skillfully lensed by Zhang Yimou regular Zhao Xiaoding.
AN EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS
Polybona Film Distribution and Big Pictures present an United Filmmakers Organization production sales agent: Golden Network Asia, Mei Ah Entertainment (Asia)
Credits:
Director: Tony Ching Siu Tung
Screenwriter: James Yuen
Producers: Yu Dong, Claudie Chung
Executive producers: Yu Dong, Eric Tsang, Li Kuo-hsing
Director of photography: Zhao Xiaoding
Production designer: Yee Chung Man
Music: Mark Lui
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Editor: Tracy Adams
Cast:
Yan Fei'er: Kelly Chen
Muyong Xuehu: Donnie Yen
Duan Lanquan: Leon Lai
Wu Ba: Guo Xiaodong
Running time -- 95 minutes
No MPAA rating...
HONG KONG -- Mars and Venus fight for ascendancy as a warrior-princess must choose between personal romantic fulfillment and patriotic duty in An Empress and the Warriors. Thematically, the film sustains this dichotomy with atmospheric alternations between a saccharine fairy tale love plot and strapping martial arts duels and battle scenes.
As the first feature since 2000 to be helmed by renowned martial arts director Tony Ching Siu Tung (who choreographed The Curse of the Golden Flower and House of Flying Daggers), this could be the most anticipated Chinese period action blockbuster since The Warlords aside from Red Cliff. Although it doesn't thrill like Ching's seminal A Chinese Ghost Story or Swordsman II of the golden 1990s, it doesn't disappoint as a swashbuckling romance that puts its big-name cast to good hard work. The film already has sold to many Asian territories.
Set when China was still 10 warring states, the story has greatness thrust upon Princess Fei'er (Kelly Chen) when her father dies. She forces herself to develop martial prowess and lead her kingdom, Yan, first to repel invaders, then to squelch the mutiny of cousin Wu Ba (Guo Xiao-dong), who covets the throne. She is trained by Gen. Muyong Xuehu (Donnie Yen), who is both a Big Brother figure and secret admirer.
While fleeing an ambush set by Wu, Fei'er is rescued and nursed to health by forest dweller Duan Lanquan (Leon Lai). She falls for her hippie healer and becomes skeptical of her kingdom's warlike culture and her own royal destiny. Notwithstanding a flirtation with bandages and a hot air balloon ride over spectacular landscapes, the romance is like the multigrain porridge and organic yams that Lanquan prepares -- wholesome but bland.
Chen, better known as a singer and pretty face in escapist romances, takes up the gauntlet to play an Amazonian heroine. She achieves a breakthrough in image, but screen partners Yen and Lai remain typecast.
The exquisitely wrought armor forms an integral part of overall art direction in creating a sense of Arthurian majesty. The outfits' ungainly weight also means high-wire pyrotechnics are ruled out in favor of earth-bound, puissant clashing of swords. Nothing happens at breakneck speed, but there are no lulls in the succession of fight scenes.
As the spotlight is on the three leads, the best martial arts choreography is reserved for one-on-one battles set against ravishing natural backdrops, such as a floating log on the river or Lanquan's fight with some ninja-like assassins in his tree house in the film's most elaborately designed set piece.
Although the film sports fashionable anti-war jargon, it does not skimp on the body count. Battle scenes and two chases through the woods are graphic but skillfully lensed by Zhang Yimou regular Zhao Xiaoding.
AN EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS
Polybona Film Distribution and Big Pictures present an United Filmmakers Organization production sales agent: Golden Network Asia, Mei Ah Entertainment (Asia)
Credits:
Director: Tony Ching Siu Tung
Screenwriter: James Yuen
Producers: Yu Dong, Claudie Chung
Executive producers: Yu Dong, Eric Tsang, Li Kuo-hsing
Director of photography: Zhao Xiaoding
Production designer: Yee Chung Man
Music: Mark Lui
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Editor: Tracy Adams
Cast:
Yan Fei'er: Kelly Chen
Muyong Xuehu: Donnie Yen
Duan Lanquan: Leon Lai
Wu Ba: Guo Xiaodong
Running time -- 95 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/21/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.