In 1987, Yoshiaki Kawajiri released one of the most seminal anime ever in “Wicked City,” a celebrated tale of the fragile existence between humans and demons, featuring a series of imaginative concepts to enhance a spectacular storyline. In 1992, Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark brought about a live-action version of the film with the same general story but several key differences to make for a wholly intriguing remake.
Both “Wicked City” Titles are screening at Hong Kong Arts Centre, as part of the Late Night Series-Art X program
Working in a futuristic version of Hong Kong, agents Ken (Jacky Cheung) and Taki (Leon Lai) are among a team tasked with trying to keep order between humans and Rapters. The Rapters are a race of superpowered beings that live in harmony despite some outliers like Shudo (Roy Cheung) and Orchid (Carmen Lee) playing both sides against each other. After a series of incidents...
Both “Wicked City” Titles are screening at Hong Kong Arts Centre, as part of the Late Night Series-Art X program
Working in a futuristic version of Hong Kong, agents Ken (Jacky Cheung) and Taki (Leon Lai) are among a team tasked with trying to keep order between humans and Rapters. The Rapters are a race of superpowered beings that live in harmony despite some outliers like Shudo (Roy Cheung) and Orchid (Carmen Lee) playing both sides against each other. After a series of incidents...
- 3/26/2024
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
13 April 2024 (Saturday) @ Louis Koo Cinema, Hong Kong Arts Centre Individual tickets and ticket packages are available on Popticket
The Hong Kong Arts Centre (Hkac)'s signature programme, Late Night Series – Art X, with the theme of Japanese yokai this year, presents a journey with diverse arts and culture on 13 April, 2024 (Saturday). To complement the exhibition, Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan, at the Pao Galleries of the Hong Kong Arts Centre, moving image programme, Wicked Cities: Hong Kong x Tokyo, presents a double bill of the Japanese classic Ova (original video animation), Wicked City (1987), directed by animation master Kawajiri Yoshiaki; and another live-action adaptation of the titular novel, The Wicked City (1992), produced by legendary Hong Kong director, Tsui Hark, and directed by Hong Kong's multi-talented Peter Mak Tai-kit, who just passed away last year in 2023.
Following the screening of The Wicked City (1992), there will be an after-screening talk, Yokai in Urban Sci-fi,...
The Hong Kong Arts Centre (Hkac)'s signature programme, Late Night Series – Art X, with the theme of Japanese yokai this year, presents a journey with diverse arts and culture on 13 April, 2024 (Saturday). To complement the exhibition, Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan, at the Pao Galleries of the Hong Kong Arts Centre, moving image programme, Wicked Cities: Hong Kong x Tokyo, presents a double bill of the Japanese classic Ova (original video animation), Wicked City (1987), directed by animation master Kawajiri Yoshiaki; and another live-action adaptation of the titular novel, The Wicked City (1992), produced by legendary Hong Kong director, Tsui Hark, and directed by Hong Kong's multi-talented Peter Mak Tai-kit, who just passed away last year in 2023.
Following the screening of The Wicked City (1992), there will be an after-screening talk, Yokai in Urban Sci-fi,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
After such works as “A City of Sadness” Taiwanese auteur Hou Hsiao-Hsien, member of the Taiwanese New Wave, was looking for new topics, also outside his home country. Eventually he stumbled upon a novel by Han Ziyun, translated into Mandarin by Eileen Chang, about the Shanghai flower houses, their relevance to urban life in the early 1900s and before, as well as their hierarchy. The work inspired “Flowers of Shanghai”, in they eyes of many cinephiles and critics his most artful feature, which was nominated for Best Film at Cannes Film Festival in 1998 and won the award for best Art Direction and the Jury Award at Golden Horse Film Festival.
Flowers of Shanghai is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema The Spark is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The story takes place during the 1880s, and covers many characters and their encounters in...
Flowers of Shanghai is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema The Spark is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The story takes place during the 1880s, and covers many characters and their encounters in...
- 2/9/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
New Delhi, March 30 (Ians) Ace Indian badminton players Pv Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth advanced to the second round in their respective singles matches at the Madrid Spain Masters 2023 while the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty forfeited their match due to injury, here.
Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu, the world No. 11 in the latest badminton rankings, defeated Switzerland’s Jenjira Stadelmann 21-10, 21-14 in a 31-minute long first round women’s singles match on Wednesday night.
This was Sindhu’s second win over Jenjira Stadelmann this month, having beaten the European shuttler at the Swiss Open 2023 recently.
However, in the men’s doubles, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who won the Swiss Open 2023 recently, retired just seven minutes into their match against the world No. 41 Japanese duo of Ayato Endo and Yuta Takei after an injury to Satwik.
“I just came back...
Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu, the world No. 11 in the latest badminton rankings, defeated Switzerland’s Jenjira Stadelmann 21-10, 21-14 in a 31-minute long first round women’s singles match on Wednesday night.
This was Sindhu’s second win over Jenjira Stadelmann this month, having beaten the European shuttler at the Swiss Open 2023 recently.
However, in the men’s doubles, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who won the Swiss Open 2023 recently, retired just seven minutes into their match against the world No. 41 Japanese duo of Ayato Endo and Yuta Takei after an injury to Satwik.
“I just came back...
- 3/30/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Jan 17 (Ians) Two of the country’s biggest women’s badminton players returned to the India Open with contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2023 with former champion P.V Sindhu crashing out in the first round while Saina Nehwal advancing to the next round at the K.D Jadhav Hall at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here.
Sindhu, who returned to action at home after missing the entire second half of 2022 season due to an injury suffered at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August, lost to Supanida Katethong of Thailand in straight games, losing 21-14, 22-20. Saina overcame Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt in three games, 21-17, 12-21, 21-19 in just over one hour.
It was overall a mixed day for India as Lakshya Sen, Satwisairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty, Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela and Krishna Prasad Garaga/Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala too advanced to the next stage.
Sindhu, who returned to action at home after missing the entire second half of 2022 season due to an injury suffered at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August, lost to Supanida Katethong of Thailand in straight games, losing 21-14, 22-20. Saina overcame Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt in three games, 21-17, 12-21, 21-19 in just over one hour.
It was overall a mixed day for India as Lakshya Sen, Satwisairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty, Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela and Krishna Prasad Garaga/Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala too advanced to the next stage.
- 1/17/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
By the end of the first film, while carrying on his apprenticeship as an eunuch in the Palace, the quick-witted and cunning undercover agent for the Heaven and Earth Society, Wai Siu Bo (Stephen Chow) soon earned the trust of the Emperor, after foiling a couple of schemes by rivals who tried to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. Furthermore, the forever lusty Princess Jian Ning (Chingmy Yau) is more than keen to share her chamber with Wai, the “Duke of Deer Cauldron” the highest position which he finally achieved apart from fame and fortunes.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Essentially a straight follow-up to the first film, the plot thickens and continues with the Empress Dowager impersonator Lung Er (Sharla Cheung Man) returning to the Dragon Sect headquarters after blowing her over and expecting severe punishment. Her dying Master made her the new leader instead...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Essentially a straight follow-up to the first film, the plot thickens and continues with the Empress Dowager impersonator Lung Er (Sharla Cheung Man) returning to the Dragon Sect headquarters after blowing her over and expecting severe punishment. Her dying Master made her the new leader instead...
- 1/4/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Despite picking up an injury early in the tournament, Sindhu beat Canada’s Michelle Li in the women’s singles final in Birmingham to win her maiden individual Cwg gold medal. She was seen playing most of her matches with a strapped left leg. Later, it was discovered that the two-time Olympic medallist had sustained a stress fracture on her left ankle.
"Everything (rehab and recovery) is going on well. Hopefully, I will compete at the Bwf World Tour Finals in December," Sindhu told Ians in an interview on the sidelines of the Junior Badminton Championship (Jbc) 2022 event in the national capital.
The final leg of the sixth edition of the ‘Pnb MetLife Junior Badminton Championship (Jbc) 2022’ culminated at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday with the crowning of 10 badminton champions across five categories.
The 27-year-old shuttler said that she couldn’t take part in Bwf World Championships due to...
"Everything (rehab and recovery) is going on well. Hopefully, I will compete at the Bwf World Tour Finals in December," Sindhu told Ians in an interview on the sidelines of the Junior Badminton Championship (Jbc) 2022 event in the national capital.
The final leg of the sixth edition of the ‘Pnb MetLife Junior Badminton Championship (Jbc) 2022’ culminated at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday with the crowning of 10 badminton champions across five categories.
The 27-year-old shuttler said that she couldn’t take part in Bwf World Championships due to...
- 10/12/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
For those who have watched Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 feature “Chungking Express” his following feature “Fallen Angels” is at times considered something like an addition to the prior story, especially since the director himself has stated he wanted to include it as the third segment in “Chungking Express”. However, Wong Kar-wai decided to go in a different direction, resulting in the decision to make this a stand-alone feature, which, nevertheless, is in many ways, story-wise and aesthetically, connected to “Chungking Express”. In the end, “Fallen Angels” explores some of the same themes as the director’s 1994 feature, for example the image of the city as a maze of obsessions, while also dealing with the darker side of extreme emotions, leading to isolation and rejection, thus adding another layer to his view on the dichotomy of man and metropolis.
“Fallen Angels” is screening at InlanDimensions
The story revolves around three main characters.
“Fallen Angels” is screening at InlanDimensions
The story revolves around three main characters.
- 9/21/2022
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Tokyo (Japan), Aug 25 (Ians) Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China edged past Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong in a three-set thriller to reach the women’s quarterfinals at the World Badminton Championships here on Thursday.
The fourth-seeded Chen, who surrendered an 11-7 lead in the second set, defeated Chochuwong, known in China by her Chinese name Li Meimiao, 21-17, 17-21, 21-10 in 75 minutes.
Chen will next take on Canada’s Michelle Li, who upset former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 25-23, 16-21, 21-13, reports Xinhua.
Carolina Marin, the Rio Olympic champion and three-time world titlist, also survived a scare to advance to the last eight.
After dropping the first set to China’s He Bingjiao 21-16, the 29-year-old Spaniard took the second 21-17 and saved four match points to win the third 22-20.
Marin will next meet defending champion and world number one Akane Yamaguchi, who advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating compatriot Sayaka Takahashi.
The fourth-seeded Chen, who surrendered an 11-7 lead in the second set, defeated Chochuwong, known in China by her Chinese name Li Meimiao, 21-17, 17-21, 21-10 in 75 minutes.
Chen will next take on Canada’s Michelle Li, who upset former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 25-23, 16-21, 21-13, reports Xinhua.
Carolina Marin, the Rio Olympic champion and three-time world titlist, also survived a scare to advance to the last eight.
After dropping the first set to China’s He Bingjiao 21-16, the 29-year-old Spaniard took the second 21-17 and saved four match points to win the third 22-20.
Marin will next meet defending champion and world number one Akane Yamaguchi, who advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating compatriot Sayaka Takahashi.
- 8/25/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Aug 13 (Ians) Ace Indian shuttler Pv Sindhu on Saturday pulled out of the upcoming World Championships due to a stress fracture injury on her left foot.
Giving an update about his fitness on social media, the two time Olympic medallist confirmed that she suffered the injury during the quarterfinal of the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“While I am on the high of winning a gold medal at the Cwg for India, unfortunately I have to pull out of the World Championships. I felt pain and there was an injury scare at the quarter finals of the Cwg, but with the help of my coach, physio and trainer, I decided to push as far as I could,” Sindu said in a statement on twitter.
“The pain was unbearable during and post the finals. Hence I rushed for an Mri as soon as I got back to Hyderabad.
Giving an update about his fitness on social media, the two time Olympic medallist confirmed that she suffered the injury during the quarterfinal of the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“While I am on the high of winning a gold medal at the Cwg for India, unfortunately I have to pull out of the World Championships. I felt pain and there was an injury scare at the quarter finals of the Cwg, but with the help of my coach, physio and trainer, I decided to push as far as I could,” Sindu said in a statement on twitter.
“The pain was unbearable during and post the finals. Hence I rushed for an Mri as soon as I got back to Hyderabad.
- 8/14/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Aug 13 (Ians) Ace Indian shuttler Pv Sindhu on Saturday pulled out of the upcoming World Championships due to a stress fracture injury on her left foot.
Giving an update about his fitness on social media, the two time Olympic medallist confirmed that she suffered the injury during the quarterfinal of the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“While I am on the high of winning a gold medal at the Cwg for India, unfortunately I have to pull out of the World Championships. I felt pain and there was an injury scare at the quarter finals of the Cwg, but with the help of my coach, physio and trainer, I decided to push as far as I could,” Sindu said in a statement on twitter.
“The pain was unbearable during and post the finals. Hence I rushed for an Mri as soon as I got back to Hyderabad.
Giving an update about his fitness on social media, the two time Olympic medallist confirmed that she suffered the injury during the quarterfinal of the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“While I am on the high of winning a gold medal at the Cwg for India, unfortunately I have to pull out of the World Championships. I felt pain and there was an injury scare at the quarter finals of the Cwg, but with the help of my coach, physio and trainer, I decided to push as far as I could,” Sindu said in a statement on twitter.
“The pain was unbearable during and post the finals. Hence I rushed for an Mri as soon as I got back to Hyderabad.
- 8/14/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Birmingham, Aug 8 (Ians) India’s badminton ace Pv Sindhu won her maiden singles gold at the Commonwealth Games defeating Michelle Li of Canada 21-15, 21-13 on the last day of the quadrennial event in Birmingham on Monday. The 27-year-old two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu, who was unsuccessful in the previous two attempts, settling for silver at […]...
- 8/8/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
For those who have watched Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 feature “Chungking Express” his following feature “Fallen Angels” is at times considered something like an addition to the prior story, especially since the director himself has stated he wanted to include it as the third segment in “Chungking Express”. However, Wong Kar-wai decided to go in a different direction, resulting in the decision to make this a stand-alone feature, which, nevertheless, is in many ways, story-wise and aesthetically, connected to “Chungking Express”. In the end, “Fallen Angels” explores some of the same themes as the director’s 1994 feature, for example the image of the city as a maze of obsessions, while also dealing with the darker side of extreme emotions, leading to isolation and rejection, thus adding another layer to his view on the dichotomy of man and metropolis.
“Fallen Angels” is streaming on Mubi Malaysia
The story revolves around three main characters.
“Fallen Angels” is streaming on Mubi Malaysia
The story revolves around three main characters.
- 4/4/2022
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
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
For those who have watched Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 feature “Chungking Express” his following feature “Fallen Angels” is at times considered something like an addition to the prior story, especially since the director himself has stated he wanted to include it as the third segment in “Chungking Express”. However, Wong Kar-wai decided to go in a different direction, resulting in the decision to make this a stand-alone feature, which, nevertheless, is in many ways, story-wise and aesthetically, connected to “Chungking Express”. In the end, “Fallen Angels” explores some of the same themes as the director’s 1994 feature, for example the image of the city as a maze of obsessions, while also dealing with the darker side of extreme emotions, leading to isolation and rejection, thus adding another layer to his view on the dichotomy of man and metropolis.
Fallen Angels is screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival
The story revolves around three main characters.
Fallen Angels is screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival
The story revolves around three main characters.
- 11/24/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
With regard to the sheer amount of films he made in 1993, it is safe to say Jet Li was quite the success, especially after the first two parts of the “Once Upon A Time in China”-trilogy had been released in the years before. However, his career was just beginning to take off which is also due to his role on Corey Yuen’s 1993 box-office hit “The Legend of Fong Sai-yuk”, also known simply as “The Legend” in many countries, a feature which not only received positive reviews at the time of its release, but was also honored with a Hong Kong Film Award and a Golden Horse Award for its action choreography. Combining the elements of the period piece to action and martial arts, it delivered a very popular blend of these genres and also gave Li a chance to show his qualities as a leading man, playing the titular role of Fong Sai-yuk,...
- 1/17/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
For those who have watched Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 feature “Chungking Express” his following feature “Fallen Angels” is at times considered something like an addition to the prior story, especially since the director himself has stated he wanted to include it as the third segment in “Chungking Express”. However, Wong Kar-wai decided to go in a different direction, resulting in the decision to make this a stand-alone feature, which, nevertheless, is in many ways, story-wise and aesthetically, connected to “Chungking Express”. In the end, “Fallen Angels” explores some of the same themes as the director’s 1994 feature, for example the image of the city as a maze of obsessions, while also dealing with the darker side of extreme emotions, leading to isolation and rejection, thus adding another layer to his view on the dichotomy of man and metropolis.
The story revolves around three main characters. The first one...
The story revolves around three main characters. The first one...
- 1/9/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
From time to time, I like to do features about my favorite top 10 movies for certain actors, and this time, it’s kung fu legend Jet Li. I hope you enjoy my top 10 list and remember, these are only my choices, everyone will have a different top 10.
10: Fong Sai Yuk (1993)
Director:Corey Yuen
Cast:Michelle Reis, Vincent Chiu, Josephine Siao, Peer Chan, Adam Cheng, Sibelle Hu
9: The Warlords (2007)
Director:Peter Chan
Cast:Andy Lau, Kaneshiro Takeshi
8: Kiss Of The Dragon (2001)
Director:Chris Nahon
Cast:Bridget Fonda, Sam Wong Shum
7: Once Upon A Time In China II (1993)
Director:Tsui Hark
Cast:Donnie Yen, Rosamund Kwan, David Chiang, Hung Yan Yan, Max Mok
6: Last Hero In China (1993)
Director:Wong Jing
Cast:Gordon Liu, Leung Kar Yan, Nat Chan, Chung Fat
The article continues in the next...
10: Fong Sai Yuk (1993)
Director:Corey Yuen
Cast:Michelle Reis, Vincent Chiu, Josephine Siao, Peer Chan, Adam Cheng, Sibelle Hu
9: The Warlords (2007)
Director:Peter Chan
Cast:Andy Lau, Kaneshiro Takeshi
8: Kiss Of The Dragon (2001)
Director:Chris Nahon
Cast:Bridget Fonda, Sam Wong Shum
7: Once Upon A Time In China II (1993)
Director:Tsui Hark
Cast:Donnie Yen, Rosamund Kwan, David Chiang, Hung Yan Yan, Max Mok
6: Last Hero In China (1993)
Director:Wong Jing
Cast:Gordon Liu, Leung Kar Yan, Nat Chan, Chung Fat
The article continues in the next...
- 12/28/2020
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
In 1992, mega-producer Tsui Hark and action choreographer-director Ching Siu-tung pulled an Empire Strikes Back on Hong Kong moviegoers with The Swordsman II, the dark, denser, superior sequel to the saga started in 1990. The difference was The Swordsman II’s entirely new cast: Out were Sam Hui, Cecilia Yip and Sharla Cheung, in were rising stars Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Michelle Reis and Tsui muse Brigitte Lin, capping a string of gender non-binary performances ahead of her too-early retirement. Rivaled only by Chungking Express’ The Woman in the Blonde Wig as Lin’s most iconic role, her turn as martial arts...
- 3/21/2018
- by Elizabeth Kerr
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars: Jet Li, Michelle Reis, Jospehine Siao, Chan Chun Yung, Sibelle Hu, Paul Chu, Peter Chan, Vincent Zhaob | Written by Jeff Lau | Directed by Corey Yuen
Review by Baron Fortnightly
As a long time Jet Li fan, and a huge fan of his Fong Sai-yuk series of films, I jumped at the chance to review this release from Cine Asia. First, let’s get the specs out of the way. The 126 minute, 1993 film is presented in 16:9 widescreen, with both a 2.0 Cantonese and 5.1 English soundtrack, and optional English subtitles. Special features consist of an audio commentary from Hong Kong cinema expert Bay Logan, and interviews with director and fight choreographer Corey Yuen, and writer Jeff Lau.
The video quality is not brilliant, but about what you’d expect due to the nature of the movie, its age and original country of origin. The version presented is the Dimension re-scored and re-edited version,...
Review by Baron Fortnightly
As a long time Jet Li fan, and a huge fan of his Fong Sai-yuk series of films, I jumped at the chance to review this release from Cine Asia. First, let’s get the specs out of the way. The 126 minute, 1993 film is presented in 16:9 widescreen, with both a 2.0 Cantonese and 5.1 English soundtrack, and optional English subtitles. Special features consist of an audio commentary from Hong Kong cinema expert Bay Logan, and interviews with director and fight choreographer Corey Yuen, and writer Jeff Lau.
The video quality is not brilliant, but about what you’d expect due to the nature of the movie, its age and original country of origin. The version presented is the Dimension re-scored and re-edited version,...
- 1/29/2017
- by Guest
- Nerdly
When it comes to making features like this one, i love the idea of coming up with my own personal “100 Great Kung Fu Movies” of all time. It is tough choosing just 100 because you know there are many more great Kung Fu movies that are not on the list.
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you for taking...
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you for taking...
- 6/25/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Yuen Biao is one of the greatest screen performers of all time. He exploded onto our screens when Sammo Hung cast him in the amazing movie Knockabout and he has never looked back since.
This list will be familiar with most fans around the world, but this list is also for people who are new to this genre and want to check out some great flicks. I have added a few movies, which are a bit low budget but does contain some nice action.
I know there are still many Yuen Biao movies i could have named in this list, some i shall give a mention to at the bottom of the feature. So i hope you like the movies i have listed, if your new to Yuen Biao please check out some of these great flicks.
1.Dreadnaught (1981)
Directed By: Yuen Woo Ping
Cast: Kwan Tak Hing, Leung Kar Yan,...
This list will be familiar with most fans around the world, but this list is also for people who are new to this genre and want to check out some great flicks. I have added a few movies, which are a bit low budget but does contain some nice action.
I know there are still many Yuen Biao movies i could have named in this list, some i shall give a mention to at the bottom of the feature. So i hope you like the movies i have listed, if your new to Yuen Biao please check out some of these great flicks.
1.Dreadnaught (1981)
Directed By: Yuen Woo Ping
Cast: Kwan Tak Hing, Leung Kar Yan,...
- 1/12/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
His was an extremely familiar face to TV watchers in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. James Farentino had a handful of interesting big screen credits, most notably the lead in Dan O’Bannon’s cult shocker Dead And Buried (1981) and the odd WWII sci-fier The Final Countdown (1980). Farentino was married to Michelle Lee and Elizabeth Ashley but in 1992 was criminally charged with stalking Frank Sinatra’s daughter (never a good idea). A dependable actor, James Farentino died of heart failure yesterday in Los Angeles.
From The Los Angeles Times:
Actor James Farentino, whose private life was sometimes as dramatic as the roles he played in theater and on television, died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 73 and had suffered from a lengthy illness, said family spokesman Bob Palmer.
Best known for his TV work, Farentino was one of the last contract performers with Universal Studios in the 1960s.
From The Los Angeles Times:
Actor James Farentino, whose private life was sometimes as dramatic as the roles he played in theater and on television, died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 73 and had suffered from a lengthy illness, said family spokesman Bob Palmer.
Best known for his TV work, Farentino was one of the last contract performers with Universal Studios in the 1960s.
- 1/25/2012
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
James Farentino, a handsome, darkly intense actor who also made headlines thanks to his fiery private life, died of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital on Tuesday after a lengthy illness, a family spokesman told the Associated Press. He was 73. A "Most Promising Newcomer" Golden Globe winner in 1967, Farentino racked up 100 TV credits, including his 1978 Emmy-nominated Saint Peter on the mini-series Jesus of Nazareth (said to be his favorite role) and recurring roles on Dynasty, Melrose Place, The Bold Ones: The Lawyers and ER, as the estranged father to George Clooney's character. Among his four wives were the actresses Elizabeth Ashley and Michelle Lee,...
- 1/25/2012
- by Stephen M. Silverman
- PEOPLE.com
James Farentino, best remembered for his roles in the television series The Bold Ones: The Lawyers and Dynasty, died of heart failure earlier today at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 73. A Brooklyn native (born on Feb. 24, 1938), Farentino made his Broadway debut in the 1961 production of Tennessee Williams' Night of the Iguana, starring Bette Davis, Margaret Leighton, and Patrick O'Neal. The following year, he began guesting on various television series, among them The Defenders, Route 66, and 77 Sunset Strip. Despite a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer – Male for Brian G. Hutton's 1967 comedy The Pad and How to Use It, Farentino's film career was a minor one. He did, however, play one of the leads in a more important comedy that same year, David Lowell Rich's Rosie!, based on a play co-written by Ruth Gordon, and starring Rosalind Russell, Sandra Dee, and Brian Aherne. Additionally,...
- 1/25/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The Legend Of Fong Sai-yuk
Guest Review by Baron Fortnightly
Stars: Jet Li, Michelle Reis, Jospehine Siao, Chan Chun Yung, Sibelle Hu, Paul Chu, Peter Chan, Vincent Zhaob | Written by Jeff Lau | Directed by Corey Yuen
As a long time Jet Li fan, and a huge fan of his Fong Sai-yuk series of films, I jumped at the chance to review this latest release from Cine Asia. First, let’s get the specs out of the way. The 126 minute, 1993 film is presented in 16:9 widescreen, with both a 2.0 Cantonese and 5.1 English soundtrack, and optional English subtitles. Special features consist of an audio commentary from Hong Kong cinema expert Bay Logan, and interviews with director and fight choreographer Corey Yuen, and writer Jeff Lau.
The video quality is not brilliant, but about what you’d expect due to the nature of the movie, its age and original country of origin. The...
Guest Review by Baron Fortnightly
Stars: Jet Li, Michelle Reis, Jospehine Siao, Chan Chun Yung, Sibelle Hu, Paul Chu, Peter Chan, Vincent Zhaob | Written by Jeff Lau | Directed by Corey Yuen
As a long time Jet Li fan, and a huge fan of his Fong Sai-yuk series of films, I jumped at the chance to review this latest release from Cine Asia. First, let’s get the specs out of the way. The 126 minute, 1993 film is presented in 16:9 widescreen, with both a 2.0 Cantonese and 5.1 English soundtrack, and optional English subtitles. Special features consist of an audio commentary from Hong Kong cinema expert Bay Logan, and interviews with director and fight choreographer Corey Yuen, and writer Jeff Lau.
The video quality is not brilliant, but about what you’d expect due to the nature of the movie, its age and original country of origin. The...
- 9/13/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Director: Corey Yuen. Review: Adam Wing. Another day. Another classic Jet Li offering arrives on R2 DVD courtesy of Cine-Asia. Jet Li stars as legendary Chinese hero Fong Sai Yuk in director Corey Yuen's action-packed kung-fu comedy The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk. A happy-go-lucky kung-fu artist, Fong Sai Yuk (Jet Li) is known around town for being a bit of a troublemaker. When a new Manchu official (Chan Chung Yung) shows up offering the hand of his daughter Ting Ting (Michelle Reis) to whoever wins a martial arts contest, Sai Yuk can’t resist the chance to show off in front of hundreds of spectators. Sai Yuk easily wins, and as is often the case in classic Hong Kong cinema - mistaken identity ensues. Throw in a little romance between not only Sai Yuk and Ting Ting, but also his mother (Josephine Siao) and her mother (Sibelle Hu...
- 9/11/2010
- 24framespersecond.net
Opening with fireworks and a beautifully constructed action sequence The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk quickly shifts to a sandy landscape and a Olympic games style contest that introduces the titular hero of the film, Fong Sai-Yuk. Based on a real life legend of Chinese history Fong Sai-Yuk is played here by Jet Li. Coming off the success of the Once Upon a Time in China films, where he portrayed another legendary folk hero Wong Fei-Hung, this period in Jet Li’s career helped put him on the map both in Asia and in the West.
Fong Sai-Yuk is in this film, the first of two films in which Li plays the character, immature, headstrong and cocky. Still young he is finding his way and not yet the legendary figure that led to his heroic status in history. Jeff Lau, who expertly scripted The Legend of Fong Sai-Yuk, takes...
Fong Sai-Yuk is in this film, the first of two films in which Li plays the character, immature, headstrong and cocky. Still young he is finding his way and not yet the legendary figure that led to his heroic status in history. Jeff Lau, who expertly scripted The Legend of Fong Sai-Yuk, takes...
- 9/6/2010
- by Craig Skinner
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
A UK trailer has been released for martial arts epic The Legend of Fong Sai-yuk, released on DVD by Cine Asia next Monday, September 6. You can watch the trailer below.
It stars Jet Li, currently on the big screen in Sylvester Stallone's action-hero ensemble The Expendables.
The Legend of Fong Sai-yuk won Best Action Choreography Award at the 1994 Hong Kong Film Awards and the awards for Best Martial Arts Direction and Best Editing at Taiwan's prestigious Golden Horse Film Festival.
It is considered one of the most breathtaking and spectacular martial arts action movies of the 1990s.
Directed by Corey Yuen, the director of The Transporter and Doa: Dead Or Alive and action director of X-Men and Lethal Weapon 4, it also stars Michelle Reis (Bodyguards And Assassins), Chu Kong (Once A Thief) and veteran Chinese actress Josephine Siao (Hu Du Men).
The film is said to boast "some...
It stars Jet Li, currently on the big screen in Sylvester Stallone's action-hero ensemble The Expendables.
The Legend of Fong Sai-yuk won Best Action Choreography Award at the 1994 Hong Kong Film Awards and the awards for Best Martial Arts Direction and Best Editing at Taiwan's prestigious Golden Horse Film Festival.
It is considered one of the most breathtaking and spectacular martial arts action movies of the 1990s.
Directed by Corey Yuen, the director of The Transporter and Doa: Dead Or Alive and action director of X-Men and Lethal Weapon 4, it also stars Michelle Reis (Bodyguards And Assassins), Chu Kong (Once A Thief) and veteran Chinese actress Josephine Siao (Hu Du Men).
The film is said to boast "some...
- 9/1/2010
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Director: Teddy Chan. Review: Adam Wing. Judging by the trailer, you might think that Bodyguards and Assassins is Donnie Yen’s latest testosterone heavy action blockbuster. Think again, the phrase ‘a game of two halves’ has never felt so fitting; instead Teddy Chan successfully blends period drama with action city sensibilities. Bodyguards and Assassins brings together an all-star cast for a retelling of significant events in modern Chinese history. Westerners probably wont be familiar with it but that’s not really a problem, the assassination attempt on Sun Yat-sen's life in 1906 is given plenty of room to breathe. Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Nicholas Tse and NBA basketball player Mengke Bateer are just some of the big name cast along for the ride, Hu Jun plays the leader of the Qing assassins, while Eric Tsang, Simon Yam, and Fan Bingbing take supporting roles. Then there’s Zhang Hanyu,...
- 3/17/2010
- 24framespersecond.net
The biggest Hong Kong event film of the last couple of years arrives in the form of “Bodyguards and Assassins”, the latest blockbuster from director Teddy Chan and producer Peter Chan. A historical piece revolving around Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen’s visit to Hong Kong in 1906, the film features a top drawer cast playing bodyguards assigned to protect him from killers sent by the Qing government, including Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Nicholas Tse, Golden Horse Best Supporting Actor winner Wang Xueqi, Taiwanese actor Wang Bo Chieh (recently in “Winds of September”), along with NBA basketball player Mengke Bateer and pop idol Chris Lee turning their hands to acting. As if this wasn’t enough, the film also features Hu Jun (“Mulan”) as the head villain, and Eric Tsang, Simon Yam, Fan Bingbing, Zhang Hanyu, Jacky Cheung, and Michelle Reis in supporting and cameo roles. The plot...
- 3/11/2010
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
B2K boyband singer J-Boog has been arrested by Los Angeles police on suspicion of domestic violence, according to an online report. The "Uh Huh" star, real name Jarell Damonte Houston, was taken into custody on Monday afternoon, January 4, 2010 after neighbors heard someone screaming in the house.
According to TMZ.com, the 24 year old was arrested for "corporal punishment on a spouse", but his legal problems don't end there - he was also wanted by cops for an allegedly bad driving record. J-Boog lives with his fiancee, Jondelle Michelle Lee, and their three children, ranging from four years old to two months.
J-Boog and the other B2K members Lil Fizz, Omarion and Raz-b started their group in 2001 and released their debut self-titled album "B2K" on March 12, 2002. After taking 4-year temporary break, they returned in 2008 through a single "Body Up" which features all the original members except Omarion.
According to TMZ.com, the 24 year old was arrested for "corporal punishment on a spouse", but his legal problems don't end there - he was also wanted by cops for an allegedly bad driving record. J-Boog lives with his fiancee, Jondelle Michelle Lee, and their three children, ranging from four years old to two months.
J-Boog and the other B2K members Lil Fizz, Omarion and Raz-b started their group in 2001 and released their debut self-titled album "B2K" on March 12, 2002. After taking 4-year temporary break, they returned in 2008 through a single "Body Up" which features all the original members except Omarion.
- 1/6/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Gibbs loses his patience when digging information from Special Agent Michelle Lee, in the new episode of "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service". After a security breach that send the team into turbulence last week, they are monitoring Lee to see if she contacts anyone and questions her further in order to find out who is responsible for the breach.
Ironically, Gibbs himself is accused of committing a treason. The November 25 episode titled "Dagger" also sees the team relying on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets.
On other "NCIS" news, Ew's Michael Ausiello has dished out that Ducky will be stabbed in an episode airing in 2009, an incident that leads to discovery of his secret. Executive Producer Shane Brennan reveals more saying, "David puts in an astonishingly powerful and moving performance in this episode. It's a story I first talked about with David almost two years ago.
Ironically, Gibbs himself is accused of committing a treason. The November 25 episode titled "Dagger" also sees the team relying on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets.
On other "NCIS" news, Ew's Michael Ausiello has dished out that Ducky will be stabbed in an episode airing in 2009, an incident that leads to discovery of his secret. Executive Producer Shane Brennan reveals more saying, "David puts in an astonishingly powerful and moving performance in this episode. It's a story I first talked about with David almost two years ago.
- 11/19/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
A top secret war game leads to a very real consequences for one team member. In the new episode of "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service", a shocking revelation comes to light after the team is forced into playing a dangerous war game. Also, the team investigates a body placed in a cooler box.
Th episode is called "Cloak" and will be broadcast on November 18. Liza Lapira is back as a recurring cast Agent Michelle Lee.
Starring Mark Harmon, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly among others, the cop drama has continuously been delivering its network, CBS, a winning streak in the ratings. Its re-run on Friday, November 7 has absorbed 11.2 million viewers and set a par above ABC's "Supernanny" (5.4 million).
Th episode is called "Cloak" and will be broadcast on November 18. Liza Lapira is back as a recurring cast Agent Michelle Lee.
Starring Mark Harmon, Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly among others, the cop drama has continuously been delivering its network, CBS, a winning streak in the ratings. Its re-run on Friday, November 7 has absorbed 11.2 million viewers and set a par above ABC's "Supernanny" (5.4 million).
- 11/12/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The most heavily guarded marine base in the world gets robbed in the new episode of "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service". Gibbs second guesses his own judgment when Vance assigns him a rookie to aid his team's investigation into the deadly bank robbery.
In the episode called "Collateral Damage", the NCIS are assigned for the case because they are considered the only ones who could solve the case, but Vance decides to include a newly-assigned agent named Dwayne Wilson as their assistant. Agent Michelle Lee (Liza Lapira) will also make a return to aid the team and according to writer Shane Brennan "Gibbs' gut instinct will kick in" concerning her past deceit.
"Collateral Damage" will be broadcast on November 11, two weeks after the previous episode.
In the episode called "Collateral Damage", the NCIS are assigned for the case because they are considered the only ones who could solve the case, but Vance decides to include a newly-assigned agent named Dwayne Wilson as their assistant. Agent Michelle Lee (Liza Lapira) will also make a return to aid the team and according to writer Shane Brennan "Gibbs' gut instinct will kick in" concerning her past deceit.
"Collateral Damage" will be broadcast on November 11, two weeks after the previous episode.
- 10/29/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The new season of "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service" has been given a sneak peek from the first episode that reveals which officer got killed. The sixth season will start airing on CBS tonight, September 23 at 8:00 P.M with "Last Man Standing" as season opener.
Earlier this month CBS have released a bunch of photos as a tease to the first episode where agent Ziva David is dressed in a sexy backless gown and singing. While this may puzzle some fans, it is explained in the sneak peek video that she is in Morocco, singing in a bar while noticing a group of people in the audience.
Her scene gets a surprising ending, much in line with what has previously been hinted by executive producer Shane Brennan to Entertainment Weekly. "... I can divulge one more piece of the puzzle: the 'where' of it. The bar is in Morocco. And...
Earlier this month CBS have released a bunch of photos as a tease to the first episode where agent Ziva David is dressed in a sexy backless gown and singing. While this may puzzle some fans, it is explained in the sneak peek video that she is in Morocco, singing in a bar while noticing a group of people in the audience.
Her scene gets a surprising ending, much in line with what has previously been hinted by executive producer Shane Brennan to Entertainment Weekly. "... I can divulge one more piece of the puzzle: the 'where' of it. The bar is in Morocco. And...
- 9/23/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Distributors looking for a Japanese variant on Quentin Tarantino's ironic actioners might be lured by the jokey hyperviolence and sarcastic humor of "The City of Lost Souls". But it's probable that even they will find the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am approach of the film a little passe.
The story -- or what there is of it -- focuses on a futuristic Tokyo underworld. Gun-toting gangster Mario (the singularly named Teah) rescues his glamorous Chinese girlfriend, Kei (Hong Kong's Michelle Reis), from a busload of convicts in Brazil. A botched robbery sees the dynamic duo forced on the run, with Japanese yakuza and Chinese triads hot on their heels. A disparate group of characters, including Mario's ex-girlfriend and her young daughter, helps and hinders them by turns. Violence comes fast and furious as Mario and Kei try to fight their way to safety, endangering their friends along the way.
Comic book characters are the intention, so the actors simply pump up their emotions for each violent vignette. When she's not attempting to portray aggression, former model Reis simply hangs around as window-dressing -- a shame because she won acclaim for her seedy performance in Wong Kar-wai's "Fallen Angels".
It proves difficult to care about such one-dimensional figures for the film's duration, especially when all of their attempts at wit and humor fall desperately flat.
Director Miike Takashi recently seems to have cast himself primarily as a stylist. But "City" flounders even on that level. While the fast, constantly moving camerawork is sometimes interesting, visuals and action scenes owe much to classic John Woo. Although American directors are still mining Woo's oeuvre, it's a bit old hat in Asia. At a time when Japanese directors like Ishii Sogo ("Gojoe") are fueling their work with a remarkable new vocabulary of images, Miike's vision appears stale.
Occasional scenes are enjoyable in a stand-alone manner. A futuristic, 3-D rendered cock fight is pretty good, and the event has the frenzied atmosphere of an adult "Star Wars" pod race. The Wong-style voice-over that appears at the start -- probably a nod to the fact that Reis starred in Wong's "Angels" -- could have brought a little depth to the action, but it's never developed. Similarly, a TV journalist who describes the duo's adventures "Vanishing Point"-style soon descends into parody.
THE CITY OF LOST SOULS
Daei Co. Ltd, Tokuma Shoten Co., Tohoku Shinsa Co., FM Tokyo Co.
in association with Excellent Film
Producers: Hashiguchi Kazunari, Kimura Toshiki
Director: Miike Takashi
Screenwriter: Ryu Ichiro
Based on the novel by: Hase Seishu
Director of photography: Imaizumi Naosuke
Music: Endo Koji
Editor: Shimamura Yasushi
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mario: Teah
Kei: Michelle Reis
Lucia: Patricia Manterola
Fushimi: Kikkawa Koji
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The story -- or what there is of it -- focuses on a futuristic Tokyo underworld. Gun-toting gangster Mario (the singularly named Teah) rescues his glamorous Chinese girlfriend, Kei (Hong Kong's Michelle Reis), from a busload of convicts in Brazil. A botched robbery sees the dynamic duo forced on the run, with Japanese yakuza and Chinese triads hot on their heels. A disparate group of characters, including Mario's ex-girlfriend and her young daughter, helps and hinders them by turns. Violence comes fast and furious as Mario and Kei try to fight their way to safety, endangering their friends along the way.
Comic book characters are the intention, so the actors simply pump up their emotions for each violent vignette. When she's not attempting to portray aggression, former model Reis simply hangs around as window-dressing -- a shame because she won acclaim for her seedy performance in Wong Kar-wai's "Fallen Angels".
It proves difficult to care about such one-dimensional figures for the film's duration, especially when all of their attempts at wit and humor fall desperately flat.
Director Miike Takashi recently seems to have cast himself primarily as a stylist. But "City" flounders even on that level. While the fast, constantly moving camerawork is sometimes interesting, visuals and action scenes owe much to classic John Woo. Although American directors are still mining Woo's oeuvre, it's a bit old hat in Asia. At a time when Japanese directors like Ishii Sogo ("Gojoe") are fueling their work with a remarkable new vocabulary of images, Miike's vision appears stale.
Occasional scenes are enjoyable in a stand-alone manner. A futuristic, 3-D rendered cock fight is pretty good, and the event has the frenzied atmosphere of an adult "Star Wars" pod race. The Wong-style voice-over that appears at the start -- probably a nod to the fact that Reis starred in Wong's "Angels" -- could have brought a little depth to the action, but it's never developed. Similarly, a TV journalist who describes the duo's adventures "Vanishing Point"-style soon descends into parody.
THE CITY OF LOST SOULS
Daei Co. Ltd, Tokuma Shoten Co., Tohoku Shinsa Co., FM Tokyo Co.
in association with Excellent Film
Producers: Hashiguchi Kazunari, Kimura Toshiki
Director: Miike Takashi
Screenwriter: Ryu Ichiro
Based on the novel by: Hase Seishu
Director of photography: Imaizumi Naosuke
Music: Endo Koji
Editor: Shimamura Yasushi
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mario: Teah
Kei: Michelle Reis
Lucia: Patricia Manterola
Fushimi: Kikkawa Koji
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Distributors looking for a Japanese variant on Quentin Tarantino's ironic actioners might be lured by the jokey hyperviolence and sarcastic humor of "The City of Lost Souls". But it's probable that even they will find the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am approach of the film a little passe.
The story -- or what there is of it -- focuses on a futuristic Tokyo underworld. Gun-toting gangster Mario (the singularly named Teah) rescues his glamorous Chinese girlfriend, Kei (Hong Kong's Michelle Reis), from a busload of convicts in Brazil. A botched robbery sees the dynamic duo forced on the run, with Japanese yakuza and Chinese triads hot on their heels. A disparate group of characters, including Mario's ex-girlfriend and her young daughter, helps and hinders them by turns. Violence comes fast and furious as Mario and Kei try to fight their way to safety, endangering their friends along the way.
Comic book characters are the intention, so the actors simply pump up their emotions for each violent vignette. When she's not attempting to portray aggression, former model Reis simply hangs around as window-dressing -- a shame because she won acclaim for her seedy performance in Wong Kar-wai's "Fallen Angels".
It proves difficult to care about such one-dimensional figures for the film's duration, especially when all of their attempts at wit and humor fall desperately flat.
Director Miike Takashi recently seems to have cast himself primarily as a stylist. But "City" flounders even on that level. While the fast, constantly moving camerawork is sometimes interesting, visuals and action scenes owe much to classic John Woo. Although American directors are still mining Woo's oeuvre, it's a bit old hat in Asia. At a time when Japanese directors like Ishii Sogo ("Gojoe") are fueling their work with a remarkable new vocabulary of images, Miike's vision appears stale.
Occasional scenes are enjoyable in a stand-alone manner. A futuristic, 3-D rendered cock fight is pretty good, and the event has the frenzied atmosphere of an adult "Star Wars" pod race. The Wong-style voice-over that appears at the start -- probably a nod to the fact that Reis starred in Wong's "Angels" -- could have brought a little depth to the action, but it's never developed. Similarly, a TV journalist who describes the duo's adventures "Vanishing Point"-style soon descends into parody.
THE CITY OF LOST SOULS
Daei Co. Ltd, Tokuma Shoten Co., Tohoku Shinsa Co., FM Tokyo Co.
in association with Excellent Film
Producers: Hashiguchi Kazunari, Kimura Toshiki
Director: Miike Takashi
Screenwriter: Ryu Ichiro
Based on the novel by: Hase Seishu
Director of photography: Imaizumi Naosuke
Music: Endo Koji
Editor: Shimamura Yasushi
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mario: Teah
Kei: Michelle Reis
Lucia: Patricia Manterola
Fushimi: Kikkawa Koji
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The story -- or what there is of it -- focuses on a futuristic Tokyo underworld. Gun-toting gangster Mario (the singularly named Teah) rescues his glamorous Chinese girlfriend, Kei (Hong Kong's Michelle Reis), from a busload of convicts in Brazil. A botched robbery sees the dynamic duo forced on the run, with Japanese yakuza and Chinese triads hot on their heels. A disparate group of characters, including Mario's ex-girlfriend and her young daughter, helps and hinders them by turns. Violence comes fast and furious as Mario and Kei try to fight their way to safety, endangering their friends along the way.
Comic book characters are the intention, so the actors simply pump up their emotions for each violent vignette. When she's not attempting to portray aggression, former model Reis simply hangs around as window-dressing -- a shame because she won acclaim for her seedy performance in Wong Kar-wai's "Fallen Angels".
It proves difficult to care about such one-dimensional figures for the film's duration, especially when all of their attempts at wit and humor fall desperately flat.
Director Miike Takashi recently seems to have cast himself primarily as a stylist. But "City" flounders even on that level. While the fast, constantly moving camerawork is sometimes interesting, visuals and action scenes owe much to classic John Woo. Although American directors are still mining Woo's oeuvre, it's a bit old hat in Asia. At a time when Japanese directors like Ishii Sogo ("Gojoe") are fueling their work with a remarkable new vocabulary of images, Miike's vision appears stale.
Occasional scenes are enjoyable in a stand-alone manner. A futuristic, 3-D rendered cock fight is pretty good, and the event has the frenzied atmosphere of an adult "Star Wars" pod race. The Wong-style voice-over that appears at the start -- probably a nod to the fact that Reis starred in Wong's "Angels" -- could have brought a little depth to the action, but it's never developed. Similarly, a TV journalist who describes the duo's adventures "Vanishing Point"-style soon descends into parody.
THE CITY OF LOST SOULS
Daei Co. Ltd, Tokuma Shoten Co., Tohoku Shinsa Co., FM Tokyo Co.
in association with Excellent Film
Producers: Hashiguchi Kazunari, Kimura Toshiki
Director: Miike Takashi
Screenwriter: Ryu Ichiro
Based on the novel by: Hase Seishu
Director of photography: Imaizumi Naosuke
Music: Endo Koji
Editor: Shimamura Yasushi
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mario: Teah
Kei: Michelle Reis
Lucia: Patricia Manterola
Fushimi: Kikkawa Koji
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 2/22/2001
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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