Hugo Weaving’s iconic way of speaking has become synonymous with villainous roles, but the actor is no stranger to playing positive characters, with one notable example being Elron Half-elven. Appearing in all three The Lord of the Rings entries, Weaving played the character to perfection and was lauded by fans and critics for bringing the character’s archaic style of speech to life.
But despite garnering critical acclaim for his portrayal of the noble ruler, Weaving had no interest in stepping into Elrond’s shoes ever again, as he isn’t particularly a fan of the character.
Hugo Weaving Didn’t Find Elrond Satisfying to Play
A Still of Hugo Weaving from Lord of the Rings | New Line Cinema
Following his commanding presence as the noble Elven ruler and his intense love for his daughter, Elrond won over fans. But while most love the eloquently spoken character, the man...
But despite garnering critical acclaim for his portrayal of the noble ruler, Weaving had no interest in stepping into Elrond’s shoes ever again, as he isn’t particularly a fan of the character.
Hugo Weaving Didn’t Find Elrond Satisfying to Play
A Still of Hugo Weaving from Lord of the Rings | New Line Cinema
Following his commanding presence as the noble Elven ruler and his intense love for his daughter, Elrond won over fans. But while most love the eloquently spoken character, the man...
- 5/14/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
In “The Fall Guy,” Ryan Gosling plays Colt Seavers, the stunt double for Hollywood action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Seavers, like “The Fall Guy” director David Leitch and stunt designer Chris O’Hara, got his professional start as a stunt performer before 1999, when “The Matrix” served as a turning point for the profession.
“When my generation came in, ‘The Matrix’ was a big influential time in my career as a stunt performer,” said Leitch on the IndieWire Toolkit podcast. The director worked as a stunt performer on Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s 1999 groundbreaking film. “I learned [and] became heavily exposed to wire work.”
Not only did “The Matrix” successfully integrate wire work, which had become a staple in 1980s and ’90s Hong Kong action films when they hired legendary Chinese fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, but the film broke ground in combining practical stunts with visual effects.
“Visual effects became a really big part of that movie,...
“When my generation came in, ‘The Matrix’ was a big influential time in my career as a stunt performer,” said Leitch on the IndieWire Toolkit podcast. The director worked as a stunt performer on Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s 1999 groundbreaking film. “I learned [and] became heavily exposed to wire work.”
Not only did “The Matrix” successfully integrate wire work, which had become a staple in 1980s and ’90s Hong Kong action films when they hired legendary Chinese fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, but the film broke ground in combining practical stunts with visual effects.
“Visual effects became a really big part of that movie,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Bill Kong is cautious, vastly experienced and has an impeccable reputation as a key gateway between Hollywood and China to maintain. He is someone far more likely to deadpan than gush.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
- 4/25/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Matrix played a key role in reshaping the sci-fi landscape in Hollywood. It was one of the most influential sci-fi projects and established Keanu Reeves as one of the biggest action stars. The fans are in shock as Warner Bros. has announced a fifth installment in the franchise. Following the failure of The Matrix Resurrections, nobody expected them to take a risk with The Matrix 5.
Several reasons led to the downfall of The Matrix Resurrections, with one of the primary reasons being the absence of Hugo Weaving. Although Jonathan Groff played the role of Smith, it was nothing compared to Weaving’s charismatic aura as the Og antagonist. While the fans have started brainstorming the possibilities of the events for the fifth film, Weaving’s return is undoubtedly crucial.
Why do we need Hugo Weaving back for The Matrix 5?
Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
The Matrix, made by Lana...
Several reasons led to the downfall of The Matrix Resurrections, with one of the primary reasons being the absence of Hugo Weaving. Although Jonathan Groff played the role of Smith, it was nothing compared to Weaving’s charismatic aura as the Og antagonist. While the fans have started brainstorming the possibilities of the events for the fifth film, Weaving’s return is undoubtedly crucial.
Why do we need Hugo Weaving back for The Matrix 5?
Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
The Matrix, made by Lana...
- 4/7/2024
- by Subham Mandal
- FandomWire
The action franchise that made Keanu Reeves the highest-paid actor for a project is reportedly developing a fifth film. The Matrix franchise released three films in the late ’90s and early 2000s helmed by directors Lily and Lana Wachowski. A fourth film, The Matrix: Resurrections, was released in 2021, with only Lana Wachowski having directorial duties. As the franchise returns for a fifth planned film, neither of the Wachowski’s are returning to direct the film.
Keanu Reeves’ The Matrix franchise will continue with a fifth film being planned at WB
Fans are not sure about the fifth film, especially after the studio decided to appoint a new director. Drew Goddard, who created Daredevil for Netflix, will take over from the Wachowski’s. However, fans highly doubt that the lack of Wachowskis’ creative minds would help a fifth film.
Keanu Reeves’ The Matrix 5 May Be A Bad Idea According To Some...
Keanu Reeves’ The Matrix franchise will continue with a fifth film being planned at WB
Fans are not sure about the fifth film, especially after the studio decided to appoint a new director. Drew Goddard, who created Daredevil for Netflix, will take over from the Wachowski’s. However, fans highly doubt that the lack of Wachowskis’ creative minds would help a fifth film.
Keanu Reeves’ The Matrix 5 May Be A Bad Idea According To Some...
- 4/4/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
The Matrix franchise is one of the most beloved ones when it comes to the action film genre. Predominantly known for revolutionizing the action genre with well-choreographed action sequences and slow-motion effects, the franchise has a cult following with fans from across the world.
With its ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves, the franchise has four movies so far. However, that is about to change soon if recent updates are anything to go by. While it is no secret that Reeves’ potential attachment to any project is enough for fans to get excited, this time around, that does not seem to be the case.
The Matrix Catapulted Keanu Reeves to Stardom
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
Keanu Reeves ventured into the film industry with the Canadian film Hangin’ In and had his Hollywood breakthrough with the sci-fi comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. By 1994, he had...
With its ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves, the franchise has four movies so far. However, that is about to change soon if recent updates are anything to go by. While it is no secret that Reeves’ potential attachment to any project is enough for fans to get excited, this time around, that does not seem to be the case.
The Matrix Catapulted Keanu Reeves to Stardom
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
Keanu Reeves ventured into the film industry with the Canadian film Hangin’ In and had his Hollywood breakthrough with the sci-fi comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. By 1994, he had...
- 4/3/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
The Matrix is one of the most acclaimed projects in the sci-fi genre, directed by the Wachowskis. Its groundbreaking visual effects and iconic action sequences contributed to its mega success. However, this movie gives a different feel thanks to its fusion of Western and Eastern fighting styles, skillfully choreographed by Hong Kong martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping.
Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
Known for his work in the Hong Kong martial arts cinema, he never actively pursued opportunities to work in Hollywood. Given that he was offered to work on The Matrix, he requested a strict condition that would be required to be fulfilled only to convince him to become involved in the project. The filmmakers ultimately agreed to his condition.
Woo-Ping Yuen Wanted to Take Control of The Matrix‘s Action Scenes
The success of the 1999 movie spawned a whole franchise featuring Keanu Reeves in the lead role of Neo.
Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
Known for his work in the Hong Kong martial arts cinema, he never actively pursued opportunities to work in Hollywood. Given that he was offered to work on The Matrix, he requested a strict condition that would be required to be fulfilled only to convince him to become involved in the project. The filmmakers ultimately agreed to his condition.
Woo-Ping Yuen Wanted to Take Control of The Matrix‘s Action Scenes
The success of the 1999 movie spawned a whole franchise featuring Keanu Reeves in the lead role of Neo.
- 4/2/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
Hugo Weaving first became the popular villain of modern cinema through his role as Agent Smith in The Matrix films. Initially, Jean Reno was offered the villain role, which he declined due to the film’s location in Australia. Weaving was excited for the role but a very unfortunate reason almost cost him one of his most iconic roles. Before filming, Weaving found a polyp in his leg which required a surgical removal at the time.
Hugo Weaving played the villain Agent Smith in The Matrix films
Lucky for Weaving, the film’s protagonist played by Keanu Reeves also had to undergo major surgery. Both Weaving and Reeves postponed their crucial fight scenes towards the end of the production to perform them in their full health.
Hugo Weaving Almost Lost His Iconic Agent Smith Role Due To Injury Hugo Weaving almost lost his The Matrix role due to an injury...
Hugo Weaving played the villain Agent Smith in The Matrix films
Lucky for Weaving, the film’s protagonist played by Keanu Reeves also had to undergo major surgery. Both Weaving and Reeves postponed their crucial fight scenes towards the end of the production to perform them in their full health.
Hugo Weaving Almost Lost His Iconic Agent Smith Role Due To Injury Hugo Weaving almost lost his The Matrix role due to an injury...
- 4/1/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
No one, including Warner Bros, was prepared for how successful “The Matrix” would be when it hit theaters on March 31, 1999. Only the second film by the Wachowski siblings (their first being the low-budget indie “Bound”), it would go on the be the fourth highest grossing film of the year, and a cultural phenomenon that became part of our lexicon.
The movie’s success would also mark a number of shifts happening in the industry. The diverse approach to casting by the Wachowskis, and their casting directors Mali Finn and Shauna Wolifson, took in building their ensemble helped redefine who could be an American action star, as Hollywood was desperate to move away from its already stale reliance on brawny white males, whose bulging muscles justified their physical prowess. The Wachowskis’ philosophy-inspired script helped usher in an era of narrative gravity and complexity in how studios approached the world-building storytelling of studio IP.
The movie’s success would also mark a number of shifts happening in the industry. The diverse approach to casting by the Wachowskis, and their casting directors Mali Finn and Shauna Wolifson, took in building their ensemble helped redefine who could be an American action star, as Hollywood was desperate to move away from its already stale reliance on brawny white males, whose bulging muscles justified their physical prowess. The Wachowskis’ philosophy-inspired script helped usher in an era of narrative gravity and complexity in how studios approached the world-building storytelling of studio IP.
- 3/31/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
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
Some apotheosis of film culture has been reached with Freddy Got Fingered‘s addition to the Criterion Channel. Three years after we interviewed Tom Green about his consummate film maudit, it’s appearing on the service’s Razzie-centered program that also includes the now-admired likes of Cruising, Heaven’s Gate, Querelle, and Ishtar; the still-due likes of Under the Cherry Moon; and the more-contested Gigli, Swept Away, and Nicolas Cage-led Wicker Man. In all cases it’s an opportunity to reconsider one of the lamest, thin-gruel entities in modern culture.
A Jane Russell retro features von Sternberg’s Macao, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Raoul Walsh’s The Tall Men and The Revolt of Mamie Stover; streaming premieres will be held for Yuen Woo-ping’s Dreadnaught, Claire Simon’s Our Body, Ellie Foumbi’s Our Father, the Devil, the recently restored Sepa: Our Lord of Miracles, and The Passion of Rememberance.
A Jane Russell retro features von Sternberg’s Macao, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Raoul Walsh’s The Tall Men and The Revolt of Mamie Stover; streaming premieres will be held for Yuen Woo-ping’s Dreadnaught, Claire Simon’s Our Body, Ellie Foumbi’s Our Father, the Devil, the recently restored Sepa: Our Lord of Miracles, and The Passion of Rememberance.
- 2/14/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
It can’t be denied that as far as martial arts movies go, the best ones come from Asia, particularly Hong Kong during their action heyday, which was arguably the 70s, 80s and first half of the ’90s. That said, martial arts movies were also making a foothold in the States at the time, thanks mainly to Bruce Lee-mania following the release of Enter the Dragon. Before that movie, very few actors in Hollywood seemed like they were credible martial artists, except maybe James Coburn, a student of Lee’s, who pulled off some pretty good-looking moves in the otherwise silly Our Man Flint movies. Steve McQueen also had training but didn’t use martial arts on screen.
Up to then, though, the most notable uses of martial arts in movies usually revolved around Judo, with James Cagney showing off some good moves in the film Blood on the Sun,...
Up to then, though, the most notable uses of martial arts in movies usually revolved around Judo, with James Cagney showing off some good moves in the film Blood on the Sun,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
On December 6, the 2023 IndieWire Honors ceremony will celebrate 11 filmmakers, creators, and actors for their achievements in creative independence. We’re showcasing their work with new interviews leading up to the Los Angeles event.
When Chad Stahelski was working as a stuntman in the 1990s, he had a front-row seat to the way Hollywood typically made action movies — and he didn’t like what he saw. “They’d hire stunt guys and spend a million dollars training the main cast member,” Stahelski told IndieWire. “But then on the day, they’d hire a group of local stunt guys and only give them a day and a half to rehearse. The Dp didn’t go to any of the rehearsals, the camera operators wouldn’t see it until they walked on set, and then the guys that had been with the main actor for two months aren’t the guys he fights with.
When Chad Stahelski was working as a stuntman in the 1990s, he had a front-row seat to the way Hollywood typically made action movies — and he didn’t like what he saw. “They’d hire stunt guys and spend a million dollars training the main cast member,” Stahelski told IndieWire. “But then on the day, they’d hire a group of local stunt guys and only give them a day and a half to rehearse. The Dp didn’t go to any of the rehearsals, the camera operators wouldn’t see it until they walked on set, and then the guys that had been with the main actor for two months aren’t the guys he fights with.
- 11/29/2023
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
Usually, when people think of the greatest decade for action movies, the 80s are what they think of. After all, this is the era that gave us Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, the Rambo movies, and so many more. But, the nineties was just as important a decade, giving birth to just as many legends of the genre, and it was the last significant era for R-rated action flicks. But what are the best action movies of the 90s? It’s tough to say, but here are 10, plus an honourable mention, that we think we deserve a place in the pantheon.
Honourable Mention: Demolition Man:
When this came out in the fall of 1993, it wasn’t considered all that special. It apparently lost money at the box office, but within a few years, this Sylvester Stallone/ Wesley Snipes mashup became a major cult classic, and now it’s one of the...
Honourable Mention: Demolition Man:
When this came out in the fall of 1993, it wasn’t considered all that special. It apparently lost money at the box office, but within a few years, this Sylvester Stallone/ Wesley Snipes mashup became a major cult classic, and now it’s one of the...
- 11/23/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Quentin Tarantino had a single epic film in mind when he set out to create what became Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and its follow-up.
The lead character of the Bride originated in conversations between Tarantino and star Uma Thurman during their first collaboration in 1993. “I came up with the idea of doing Kill Bill on the set of Pulp Fiction with Uma,” Tarantino told The Hollywood Reporter in 2003. “‘Bang Bang’ set to Uma for the opening credits was in my mind [back then],” the director said of using Cher’s song “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” to open the film, although he later opted for the Nancy Sinatra cover.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 centers on Thurman’s erstwhile assassin seeking revenge against her former team and their leader, Bill (David Carradine), after they tried to kill her and her unborn child on her wedding day. Tarantino envisioned Warren Beatty for...
The lead character of the Bride originated in conversations between Tarantino and star Uma Thurman during their first collaboration in 1993. “I came up with the idea of doing Kill Bill on the set of Pulp Fiction with Uma,” Tarantino told The Hollywood Reporter in 2003. “‘Bang Bang’ set to Uma for the opening credits was in my mind [back then],” the director said of using Cher’s song “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” to open the film, although he later opted for the Nancy Sinatra cover.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 centers on Thurman’s erstwhile assassin seeking revenge against her former team and their leader, Bill (David Carradine), after they tried to kill her and her unborn child on her wedding day. Tarantino envisioned Warren Beatty for...
- 10/10/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By 1982, the martial arts movie in its traditional guise was starting to flounder. The era of the Kung Fu comedy was starting to fade, and the era of Jackie Chan was just starting to hit full gear as “Project A” was to come the next year and the modern action movie would begin to form. “The Postman Strikes Back” consequently falls somewhere in between and as it receives a fresh Blu-ray release from 88 Films, it’s time to step back and revisit a movie that probably deserves a bigger audience.
on Terracotta by clicking on the image below
Errand Horse (Leung Kar-yan) is a postman delivering mail to remote villages. With the impending railway, on the way his work will be obsolete. A chance encounter with a young thief (Yuen Yat Chor) leads to a meeting with Hsu (Eddie Ko), an official who has an offer...
on Terracotta by clicking on the image below
Errand Horse (Leung Kar-yan) is a postman delivering mail to remote villages. With the impending railway, on the way his work will be obsolete. A chance encounter with a young thief (Yuen Yat Chor) leads to a meeting with Hsu (Eddie Ko), an official who has an offer...
- 9/21/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Corey Yuen's career may not have hit the heights of his contemporaries Yuen Woo Ping and Sammo Hung but when it came to female led action films, he can certainly claim to have a huge influence, being the director of the seminal “Yes Madam”. He would later rather unsuccessfully try to merge Category III with the genre in the poor “Women on the Run” and remake John Woo's “The Killer” into the Shu Qi starring “So Close”. Yet it is “She Shoots Straight” that comes the closest to matching “Yes Madam” for energy and similarity in form and in many aspects. With Eureka Entertainment releasing a remastered Blu Ray in the UK in September, it's time to go back and revisit one that possibly audiences might have missed out on.
Inspector Mina (Joyce Godenzi) is about to marry Inspector Huang Tsung-pao (Tony Leung Ka-fai) the only male in a family filled with policewomen.
Inspector Mina (Joyce Godenzi) is about to marry Inspector Huang Tsung-pao (Tony Leung Ka-fai) the only male in a family filled with policewomen.
- 8/15/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
For his first directing effort in two decades, Yen is his own star in hectic historical action-romance featuring absolutely top-notch fight scenes
It’s hard to square martial arts main man Donnie Yen’s increasing entanglement with the Chinese Communist party with the concern for China’s ethnic minorities on show in his first directorial effort for 20 years. Playing Qiao Feng, top dog of the ragamuffin Beggars’ Gang during the Song dynasty, he finds out that his parents were in fact hairy Khitan nomads from the steppes. With the scenes of Khitan refugees being mistreated by callous military goons, you can’t help but think of the plight of the Uyghurs.
Things don’t look good for Qiao when he is framed for four murders in succession: the deputy leader of the gang, his adoptive parents and his old Shaolin master. (The Oscar Wilde misfortune/carelessness adage would seem to apply here.
It’s hard to square martial arts main man Donnie Yen’s increasing entanglement with the Chinese Communist party with the concern for China’s ethnic minorities on show in his first directorial effort for 20 years. Playing Qiao Feng, top dog of the ragamuffin Beggars’ Gang during the Song dynasty, he finds out that his parents were in fact hairy Khitan nomads from the steppes. With the scenes of Khitan refugees being mistreated by callous military goons, you can’t help but think of the plight of the Uyghurs.
Things don’t look good for Qiao when he is framed for four murders in succession: the deputy leader of the gang, his adoptive parents and his old Shaolin master. (The Oscar Wilde misfortune/carelessness adage would seem to apply here.
- 7/17/2023
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
Whenever you think about martial arts, whose name springs to mind? For me, it’s Jackie Chan, followed by the others.
Jackie Chan, a legend in the world of martial arts, created his patented style of fighting. This style involves executing audacious stunts and employing clever maneuvers.
He actively utilizes his surroundings and props. With this unique approach, he swiftly defeats his enemies. Jackie Chan consistently emerges victorious despite the number of adversaries he faces.
Related: 10 Best 80s Movies from Childhood, Ranked by Viewers
Growing up, I had an enjoyable time watching numerous Jackie Chan movies.
From “The Legend of Drunken Master” to “Rush Hour,” it was impossible to be bored with Jackie’s movies.
The sheer mastery exhibited by Jackie Chan has solidified his position as an iconic figure in the world of martial arts.
However, while Jackie excels at martial arts, I am particularly captivated by the comedic elements in his movies.
Jackie Chan, a legend in the world of martial arts, created his patented style of fighting. This style involves executing audacious stunts and employing clever maneuvers.
He actively utilizes his surroundings and props. With this unique approach, he swiftly defeats his enemies. Jackie Chan consistently emerges victorious despite the number of adversaries he faces.
Related: 10 Best 80s Movies from Childhood, Ranked by Viewers
Growing up, I had an enjoyable time watching numerous Jackie Chan movies.
From “The Legend of Drunken Master” to “Rush Hour,” it was impossible to be bored with Jackie’s movies.
The sheer mastery exhibited by Jackie Chan has solidified his position as an iconic figure in the world of martial arts.
However, while Jackie excels at martial arts, I am particularly captivated by the comedic elements in his movies.
- 6/14/2023
- by Dee Gambit
- buddytv.com
The story of Wong Fei Hung can best be summed up by the adage taken from John Ford's “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”. g”. For modern audiences this would apply to the seemingly endless variations on the life of Ip Man. Yet before him we had generations of audiences growing up to the feats of the master of the “No Shadow Kick” and member of the Ten Tigers of Canton, Wong Fei Hung. Over the years there have been numerous incarnations representing him at various aspects of his life. In addition, we have gained a supporting cast of familiar sidekicks, mentors, and comic relief. All alongside the familiar sound of the “General Marching Under Orders” theme that has become so associated with the character. It's not often we get to see a character grow up on screen and so here we present the life of Wong Fei Hung in several cinematic chapters.
- 6/1/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
With the onset of movie streaming platforms you can get a bit nostalgic for the days of roaming around the video store searching for something to watch and a little element of added mystery as to what you were watching, as the internet had yet to take hold. For many of those of us who lived that era, our introduction to the world of Hong Kong Action cinema was the documentary “Cinema of Vengeance”. Among the many clips it showed (and made you want to find the film in question) was “Tiger Cage 2”. When I did indeed track down a copy of “Tiger Cage 2” in my local HMV, it had bestowed on it's cover an image of Donnie Yen wielding a sword and a swift purchase soon made. At this time, any new movie was an adventure and little was I to know that I was about to...
- 5/28/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
The Film
The title of this film is confusing. I first saw it on a Hong Kong Legends DVD as In the Line of Duty. Hkl had released the first film in the series, Yes Madam, as Police Assassins, then skipped directly to this fourth entry. To be fair to them, it never made much sense to pretend that they exist as part of a series, despite the onscreen title for this one—Royal Madam IV: The Witness—again combining elements of the titles of the first two films.
However the title is styled, this one picks up with Cynthia Khan’s Inspector Yeung, who was introduced in the previous film, and would carry over into several more tenuously linked sequels. To begin with we find Yeung in Seattle, helping US Police. There, she and Luk Wan-ting, an immigrant worker moving boxes for a gang of drug smugglers, get caught...
The title of this film is confusing. I first saw it on a Hong Kong Legends DVD as In the Line of Duty. Hkl had released the first film in the series, Yes Madam, as Police Assassins, then skipped directly to this fourth entry. To be fair to them, it never made much sense to pretend that they exist as part of a series, despite the onscreen title for this one—Royal Madam IV: The Witness—again combining elements of the titles of the first two films.
However the title is styled, this one picks up with Cynthia Khan’s Inspector Yeung, who was introduced in the previous film, and would carry over into several more tenuously linked sequels. To begin with we find Yeung in Seattle, helping US Police. There, she and Luk Wan-ting, an immigrant worker moving boxes for a gang of drug smugglers, get caught...
- 4/17/2023
- by Sam Inglis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Eagle-eyed YouTube TV users are spotting something new on their service this week. The service has quietly added two add-ons to its Premium Channel lineup: Qello Concerts and Hi-yah!. These are available now to all YouTube TV users.
Sign Up $72.99 / month tv.youtube.com
Qello offers full-length concert recordings, as well as music documentaries spanning from the 1920s all the way up to the present day. Its offerings include a myriad of genres, from classical to rock to hop-hop, and everything in between. Artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Metallica, Adele, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Tony Bennett, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd, Andrea Bocelli, Avenged Sevenfold, Carrie Underwood, and many more are available.
Hi-yah! focuses its spotlight on martial arts action films. There are hundreds of hours of content available on the service, and its library is refreshed with new material monthly. World-renowned martial artists like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan,...
Sign Up $72.99 / month tv.youtube.com
Qello offers full-length concert recordings, as well as music documentaries spanning from the 1920s all the way up to the present day. Its offerings include a myriad of genres, from classical to rock to hop-hop, and everything in between. Artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Metallica, Adele, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Tony Bennett, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd, Andrea Bocelli, Avenged Sevenfold, Carrie Underwood, and many more are available.
Hi-yah! focuses its spotlight on martial arts action films. There are hundreds of hours of content available on the service, and its library is refreshed with new material monthly. World-renowned martial artists like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan,...
- 4/6/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
John Wick: Chapter 4 is marking yet another chance for the West to get to know Donnie Yen, one of Asia’s top leading men. He has already been in several other major Hollywood franchises. He played the scene-stealing Force-sensitive blind master Chirrut Îmwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the lure for the Asian market role in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, and Commander Tung in the Disney live-action flop, Mulan. However, in that same period when these Hollywood films came out, Yen made 10 of his own Asian-produced films where he was the leading man.
Action films are Yen’s specialty, so Yen’s inclusion in John Wick is a perfect fit. His mother is Grandmaster Bow Sim Mark, a pioneer in the global dissemination of Wushu. Wushu is a flamboyant acrobatic style of Kung Fu, designed for competition. It’s the same style that produced Jet Li along...
Action films are Yen’s specialty, so Yen’s inclusion in John Wick is a perfect fit. His mother is Grandmaster Bow Sim Mark, a pioneer in the global dissemination of Wushu. Wushu is a flamboyant acrobatic style of Kung Fu, designed for competition. It’s the same style that produced Jet Li along...
- 4/2/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Every great hero needs great villains, so Director Chad Stahelski stacked the deck with the world’s leading action stars when it came time to check back in to action cinema’s Continental. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) demands opponents that can match the badassery of his franchise; and real life martial artists that can act. No other director today has such a keen eye for stunts and fight choreography as Stahelski. Assembling a cast of the heaviest hitters in Hollywood is the only way John Wick: Chapter 4 could level up. For any fan of the action genre, the names of Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Marko Zaror instill massive respect. They all have extensive filmographies packed with thrilling action.
The John Wick tetralogy is also Stahelski’s first directorial effort and it’s designed for action. Creating roles that spotlights the superhuman talents of his cast was a collaborative effort,...
The John Wick tetralogy is also Stahelski’s first directorial effort and it’s designed for action. Creating roles that spotlights the superhuman talents of his cast was a collaborative effort,...
- 3/27/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
When "John Wick" dropkicked its way into theaters in 2014, it raised the bar on U.S. action films but didn't quite feel like a total game changer at the time. Keanu Reeves as the sympathetic rogue assassin was undeniably cool and relatable without reaching instant icon status. The gun-fu interplay felt fresh and exciting with clear influences from Hong Kong cinema that most audiences were already at least somewhat familiar with. Director John Woo, for example, imported his unique blend of action and artistry with the shoot 'em up classics "The Killer" and "Hardboiled," introducing international audiences to a rebirth of cool in hitman movies that also had a soul.
Fast forward to "John Wick: Chapter 4." Reeves, director Chad Stahelski and the entire creative and technical teams have taken all of their influences from some of the greatest choreographers and martial artists to truly transcend the action genre. At nearly three hours long,...
Fast forward to "John Wick: Chapter 4." Reeves, director Chad Stahelski and the entire creative and technical teams have taken all of their influences from some of the greatest choreographers and martial artists to truly transcend the action genre. At nearly three hours long,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
The much-decorated Japanese drama “Drive My Car” was named the best film Sunday at the Asian Film Awards, defeating hot favorite “Decision to Leave.”
Other notable awards went to Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda whose “Broker” debuted at Cannes, but which was largely shunned in his home country.
“Decision to Leave,” which started the evening with ten nominations, was nevertheless rewarded with three awards, best screenplay, best production design and best actress for China’s Tang Wei.
While nominations were geographically diverse, the awards on Sunday skewed heavily towards North East Asia –Japan, Korea and Greater China – to the total exclusion of films from India, Indonesia and The Philippines. Snubs included the exclusion of Indonesia’s “Autobiography” and Happy Salma, both of which have been widely lauded on the festival circuit.
The awards ceremony returned to Hong Kong after detours to Macau and Busan and a Covid hiatus in previous years.
Other notable awards went to Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda whose “Broker” debuted at Cannes, but which was largely shunned in his home country.
“Decision to Leave,” which started the evening with ten nominations, was nevertheless rewarded with three awards, best screenplay, best production design and best actress for China’s Tang Wei.
While nominations were geographically diverse, the awards on Sunday skewed heavily towards North East Asia –Japan, Korea and Greater China – to the total exclusion of films from India, Indonesia and The Philippines. Snubs included the exclusion of Indonesia’s “Autobiography” and Happy Salma, both of which have been widely lauded on the festival circuit.
The awards ceremony returned to Hong Kong after detours to Macau and Busan and a Covid hiatus in previous years.
- 3/12/2023
- by Patrick Frater and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Donnie Yen is playing an assassin named Caine in the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4, but the veteran Hong Kong action hero had to fight for that name and fashionable suit collars as he called out Asian stereotypes in the movie’s original script, Yen told GQ magazine in a recent interview.
“The name was Shang or Chang,” Yen said of the typecasting behind the initial ID for his character. “Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Why can’t he have a normal name? Why do you have to be so generic?”
And Yen wasn’t especially impressed that wardrobe originally gave his character mandarin collars. “Why is everything so generic? This is a John Wick movie. Everybody’s supposed to be cool and fashionable. Why can’t he look cool and fashionable?” he added about his Caine character.
So, with some prodding, John Wick 4...
“The name was Shang or Chang,” Yen said of the typecasting behind the initial ID for his character. “Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Why can’t he have a normal name? Why do you have to be so generic?”
And Yen wasn’t especially impressed that wardrobe originally gave his character mandarin collars. “Why is everything so generic? This is a John Wick movie. Everybody’s supposed to be cool and fashionable. Why can’t he look cool and fashionable?” he added about his Caine character.
So, with some prodding, John Wick 4...
- 3/2/2023
- by Christy Piña and Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Soon, two of the biggest and most committed action stars will face off in "John Wick: Chapter 4." Hong Kong martial arts legend Donnie Yen is set to go up against Keanu Reeves' seemingly invincible hitman in a showdown that promises to be a highlight in a movie full of meticulously-crafted action. And despite being nearly 60 years old, Yen is as popular and limber as ever. He's also still passionate about his roles, maintaining a determination to go above and beyond, a trait he's possessed since his days spent working for Hong Kong kung fu director/choreographer Yuen Woo-ping.
The actor, perhaps best known for portraying the titular Wing Chun grandmaster in the "Ip Man" franchise, has always pushed himself. As a recent GQ profile recounted, coming up in the almost militaristic culture of Hong Kong cinema, Yen got used to pushing his limits when his Yuen clan of martial art...
The actor, perhaps best known for portraying the titular Wing Chun grandmaster in the "Ip Man" franchise, has always pushed himself. As a recent GQ profile recounted, coming up in the almost militaristic culture of Hong Kong cinema, Yen got used to pushing his limits when his Yuen clan of martial art...
- 3/1/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
If you ever find yourself in a fight with Donnie Yen, you better make sure you’re prepared to lose. The Ip Man star has tangled with the best of them. In the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4, Yen is expected to face off against the star, Keanu Reeves, in a battle to rival all you’ve seen so far. Cbr now reports that Yen’s character, Caine, was originally meant to appear much different. Initially, the action legend was to sport an old-school, stereotypical Asian look, but Yen wanted to expand his wings far from that. This is John Wick afterall.
Yen recently sat down with GQ to discuss his participation in the upcoming sequel. Yen had gone to the director, Chad Stahelski, with his reservations. “The name was Shang or Chang. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Why can’t he have a normal name?...
Yen recently sat down with GQ to discuss his participation in the upcoming sequel. Yen had gone to the director, Chad Stahelski, with his reservations. “The name was Shang or Chang. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Why can’t he have a normal name?...
- 3/1/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Awards season is celebrating Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All At Once leading up to Oscar night. The Criterion Channel is celebrating Yeoh’s martial arts legacy with eight of her Chinese films added in the month of March. Showbiz Cheat Sheet recommends all eight, but here’s a guide to the films Criterion Channel selected.
Michelle Yeoh | Peter Pau/Sony Pictures Classics ‘Yes, Madam!’ Was the one that started it all for Michelle Yeoh
Yeoh had supporting roles in two movies before taking the lead of Yes, Madam! The female police actioner launched an entire series that took on the name In the Line of Duty from part three, after Yeoh had left. The first entry teams Yeoh up with Cynthia Rothrock, playing a British cop, with unbelievable fight scenes against modern day criminals.
‘Royal Warriors’ took Michelle Yeoh martial arts movies to the next level
The second entry...
Michelle Yeoh | Peter Pau/Sony Pictures Classics ‘Yes, Madam!’ Was the one that started it all for Michelle Yeoh
Yeoh had supporting roles in two movies before taking the lead of Yes, Madam! The female police actioner launched an entire series that took on the name In the Line of Duty from part three, after Yeoh had left. The first entry teams Yeoh up with Cynthia Rothrock, playing a British cop, with unbelievable fight scenes against modern day criminals.
‘Royal Warriors’ took Michelle Yeoh martial arts movies to the next level
The second entry...
- 2/28/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Eureka Entertainment have announced the UK release of In The Line of Duty III and In The Line of Duty IV, the third and fourth instalments in the action film series. Both titles will be presented in individual releases as part of the Eureka Classics range in their UK debuts on Blu-ray. Available from 20 March 2023, the first print-run of 2000 copies of each title will feature a Limited-Edition O-card Slipcase and Collector’s Booklet.
Often overshadowed by other films in the series, In the Line of Duty III is the hidden gem of the franchise, featuring shockingly brutal and ferocious action sequences. Cynthia Khan stars in her first leading role as a young police officer who goes up against a dangerous duo of Japanese terrorists. After staging an outrageous jewellery heist in Tokyo, two thieves (Stuart Ong and Michiko Nishiwaki) travel to Hong Kong to trade their stolen goods. When things don’t go to plan,...
Often overshadowed by other films in the series, In the Line of Duty III is the hidden gem of the franchise, featuring shockingly brutal and ferocious action sequences. Cynthia Khan stars in her first leading role as a young police officer who goes up against a dangerous duo of Japanese terrorists. After staging an outrageous jewellery heist in Tokyo, two thieves (Stuart Ong and Michiko Nishiwaki) travel to Hong Kong to trade their stolen goods. When things don’t go to plan,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Will The Bride make a return? Quentin Tarantino has stated ever since the release of his ode to Kung Fu movies, Kill Bill, that he has thought of a continuation involving the daughter of Vernita Green going on a quest of vengeance to find and kill Beatrix Kiddo after witnessing her murdering her mom. Variety recently sat down with Vivica A. Fox, who portrayed the slain character of Vernita, and she is rallying for Quentin to make the teased sequel.
Fox is currently at the Sundance Film Festival, where she talked at the Variety Studio presented by Audible. “People are hungry. Quentin [Tarantino], let’s go!” the Independence Day star said. “I’ve been waiting. They said it’s going to be my daughter growing up. I know he’ll figure out some kind of way…maybe I’ll be in a flashback. I’d love to work Quentin again...
Fox is currently at the Sundance Film Festival, where she talked at the Variety Studio presented by Audible. “People are hungry. Quentin [Tarantino], let’s go!” the Independence Day star said. “I’ve been waiting. They said it’s going to be my daughter growing up. I know he’ll figure out some kind of way…maybe I’ll be in a flashback. I’d love to work Quentin again...
- 1/23/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Returning to theaters!! Sony Classics has revealed a new official trailer for the 4K restoration re-release of the incredible martial arts classic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The beloved film won a total of four Oscars, including Best Cinematography and Best Score, originally premiered at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival 13 years ago, and was a box office smash when it initially opened in early 2001. It's one of the best martial arts films ever made, featuring fight choreography from master Yuen Wo Ping. It's finally getting a proper re-release in theaters in February 2023, perhaps connected to the potential for actress Michelle Yeoh to win the Oscar this year. A young Chinese warrior steals a sword from a famed swordsman and then escapes into a world of romantic adventure with a mysterious man in the frontier of the nation. The cast also includes Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Sihung Lung, and Cheng Pei-Pei.
- 1/16/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
International superstar Donnie Yen has signed with APA.
The Chinese-born actor is a household name internationally thanks to his hugely popular and acclaimed Ip Man movie series and has crossed over to Hollywood with outings in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which grossed over a billion dollars, and Disney’s live-action remake, Mulan.
Yen next stars opposite Keanu Reeves in Lionsgate’s action thriller, John Wick: Chapter 4, set for release March 24.
The agency sees the actor as a talent brand and, just as it turned rapper-actor-entrepreneur 50 Cent into an production empire, hopes to bring the same energy in order to elevate him to a new level.
A martial arts film icon, Yen made a splash into the Hong Kong cinema scene when he starred in director Yuen Woo-ping’s martial arts comedy Drunken Tai Chi. He has influenced action movies across the globe and has become a major...
The Chinese-born actor is a household name internationally thanks to his hugely popular and acclaimed Ip Man movie series and has crossed over to Hollywood with outings in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which grossed over a billion dollars, and Disney’s live-action remake, Mulan.
Yen next stars opposite Keanu Reeves in Lionsgate’s action thriller, John Wick: Chapter 4, set for release March 24.
The agency sees the actor as a talent brand and, just as it turned rapper-actor-entrepreneur 50 Cent into an production empire, hopes to bring the same energy in order to elevate him to a new level.
A martial arts film icon, Yen made a splash into the Hong Kong cinema scene when he starred in director Yuen Woo-ping’s martial arts comedy Drunken Tai Chi. He has influenced action movies across the globe and has become a major...
- 1/9/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article contains Marvel universe spoilers
It feels like there’s no stopping the might of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as we look to Phase 5 (and beyond), the ever-expanding slate grows by the day. Unlike the tumultuous times over at the DC Extended Universe, it’s hard to see the MCU pulling the plug on any of its projects these days.
Still, there have been plenty of Marvel movies lost to the Quantum Realm over the years. Wall-crawling heroes, marvellous mutants, and even Olivia Newton-John have all had their movies shelved. Not everything has always fit the neat little box of the MCU, so if you’re ready for an unexpected episode of What If…?, here are 12 canceled Marvel movies you’ll never get to see.
Spider-Man 4
Arguably the most famous canceled Marvel movie is Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4. While Raimi’s 2002 Spider-Man kickstarted our current obsession with comic book movies,...
It feels like there’s no stopping the might of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as we look to Phase 5 (and beyond), the ever-expanding slate grows by the day. Unlike the tumultuous times over at the DC Extended Universe, it’s hard to see the MCU pulling the plug on any of its projects these days.
Still, there have been plenty of Marvel movies lost to the Quantum Realm over the years. Wall-crawling heroes, marvellous mutants, and even Olivia Newton-John have all had their movies shelved. Not everything has always fit the neat little box of the MCU, so if you’re ready for an unexpected episode of What If…?, here are 12 canceled Marvel movies you’ll never get to see.
Spider-Man 4
Arguably the most famous canceled Marvel movie is Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4. While Raimi’s 2002 Spider-Man kickstarted our current obsession with comic book movies,...
- 12/16/2022
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Seven short films, shot on 35mm and directed by 7 of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed and significant directors, form a heartfelt symphony about Hong Kong. In the original plan, conceived by Johnnie To, this anthology was going to be an 8-director piece, called “Eight & a Half”, where each director was given the task to illustrate the zeitgeist of a decade of Hong Kong’s recent history, starting in the 50’s. Unfortunately, John Woo had to leave the project due to personal issues, and the omnibus’ title was changed into “Septet”. Firstly presented at Cannes Film Festival in 2020, “Septet: The Story of Hong Kong” is now finally released in cinemas in China, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Handover.
Septet: The Story of Hong Kong is screening at Asian Pop Up Cinema
Sammo Hung’s “Exercise”
In the first of the seven, Sammo Hung tell...
Septet: The Story of Hong Kong is screening at Asian Pop Up Cinema
Sammo Hung’s “Exercise”
In the first of the seven, Sammo Hung tell...
- 10/29/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Iconic action star Scott Adkins returns to discuss a few of his favorite comedies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Day Shift (2022)
John Wick (2014)
Accident Man (2018)
Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday (2022)
Deadpool (2016)
Rrr (2022)
The Evil Dead (1981) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Army Of Darkness (1992)
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Snatched (2017)
Snatch (2000)
Citizen Kane (1941) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Pink Panther (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
A Shot In The Dark (1964) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Bad Trip (2020)
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary
Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
Zero Hour!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Day Shift (2022)
John Wick (2014)
Accident Man (2018)
Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday (2022)
Deadpool (2016)
Rrr (2022)
The Evil Dead (1981) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn (1987) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary, Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Army Of Darkness (1992)
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Snatched (2017)
Snatch (2000)
Citizen Kane (1941) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Pink Panther (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
A Shot In The Dark (1964) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Bad Trip (2020)
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary
Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
Zero Hour!
- 10/18/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Collider reports that Reeves may be set for his sophomore directing effort. The project also happens to be based on a comic book of his own creation titled Brzrkr. This comic was realized with great success from a Kickstarter campaign and was able to be published in 2021. It had garnered positive reactions from both critics and comic fans. The series sported an epic, cinematic tale featuring a warrior bearing Reeves’ likeness, fighting his way through different eras in history. It’s like John Wick meets Ted Theodore Logan.
Netflix had announced that they would be adapting Brzrkr into both a feature film and an animated series. There are currently no details on the animated series, but the movie already has some activity as screenwriter, Matt Tomlin, has already completed a script. Reeves hasn’t yet decided if he will be directing it, but he is considering this option if he likes the script.
Netflix had announced that they would be adapting Brzrkr into both a feature film and an animated series. There are currently no details on the animated series, but the movie already has some activity as screenwriter, Matt Tomlin, has already completed a script. Reeves hasn’t yet decided if he will be directing it, but he is considering this option if he likes the script.
- 10/5/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Chicago, Il – Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 15 concludes with an exclusive world premiere and first-ever programming partnerships with emerging short film platform Sorry Not Sorry (Sns) and Facets. The in-person festival runs through
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
- 9/29/2022
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Asian Pop-Up Cinema today announces the spotlight Marquee films scheduled for the 15th Season, September 10 – November 6. The upcoming Fall festival will highlight the best animation from Asia with a diverse lineup of films from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Additionally announced is Jennifer Yu as the recipient of the festival’s Bright Star Award, who will come to Chicago specially for the award ceremony.
Season 15 kicks off with a pre-festival film event screening of Wei Jun-Zie’s documentary Kungfu Stuntmen, a behind-the-scenes look at Hong Kong action cinema and the contributions from martial artists. The film highlights the dedication of stuntmen, from prominent seniors to newcomers, throughout the profession’s 70-year history.. Tickets are General Admission (8/Adults with discounts for seniors & students); on sale at https://buytickets.at/Apuc.
Opening film, I Am What I Am is a lively action comedy telling the story of three...
Season 15 kicks off with a pre-festival film event screening of Wei Jun-Zie’s documentary Kungfu Stuntmen, a behind-the-scenes look at Hong Kong action cinema and the contributions from martial artists. The film highlights the dedication of stuntmen, from prominent seniors to newcomers, throughout the profession’s 70-year history.. Tickets are General Admission (8/Adults with discounts for seniors & students); on sale at https://buytickets.at/Apuc.
Opening film, I Am What I Am is a lively action comedy telling the story of three...
- 8/10/2022
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Much like the Prom Night series, or in martial arts cinema the later additions to the Police Story franchise, the Tiger Cage films don’t feature ongoing characters or tell linked stories. The only real tie is that they share cast members and are all martial arts cop movies directed by Yuen Woo-Ping.
The Films
Tiger Cage is about an anti-drug team in the Hong Kong Police force in which there may be corruption, with potentially several of the task force members working with and supplying dealers. Simon Yam plays the head of the unit, while Jacky Cheung, Carol ‘DoDo’ Cheng, Bryan Leung and Donnie Yen are among the detectives he commands. The tone is largely quite serious, and that’s the film’s main downfall, because it’s not something that Yuen Woo-Ping does especially well. In particular, he’s prone to letting his cast overact. They’re having fun,...
The Films
Tiger Cage is about an anti-drug team in the Hong Kong Police force in which there may be corruption, with potentially several of the task force members working with and supplying dealers. Simon Yam plays the head of the unit, while Jacky Cheung, Carol ‘DoDo’ Cheng, Bryan Leung and Donnie Yen are among the detectives he commands. The tone is largely quite serious, and that’s the film’s main downfall, because it’s not something that Yuen Woo-Ping does especially well. In particular, he’s prone to letting his cast overact. They’re having fun,...
- 8/4/2022
- by Sam Inglis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It’s always good to bow out leaving people wanting more. Yet if you were to tell us back in 2004 that “Kung Fu Hustle” would be the penultimate time we would see Stephen Chow in front of the camera then very few would believe you. His cinematic popularity was at its apex with international recognition coming through the release of “Shaolin Soccer” and this subsequent follow up. With only “CJ7” to come a few years later. Alongside “Shaolin Soccer” this madcap action-comedy both sends up and homages the martial arts cinema that Stephen Chow loves so much and serves as an ideal entry point to his world of Mo Lei Tau comedy.
Kung Fu Hustle is screening on New York Asian Film Festival
Sing (Stephen Chow) is a petty crook who aspires to part from the feared axe gang. Along with his sidekick Bone (Lam Chi-chung), he inadvertently stirs up...
Kung Fu Hustle is screening on New York Asian Film Festival
Sing (Stephen Chow) is a petty crook who aspires to part from the feared axe gang. Along with his sidekick Bone (Lam Chi-chung), he inadvertently stirs up...
- 7/25/2022
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Yes, there are 10 now, with the latest one introducing the Young Ip Man, in a desperate effort to continue the franchise. Despite its evident downward spiral, though, the Ip Man series has presented a number of martial arts masterpieces through the years, which highlighted the prowess of individuals like Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Wilson Yip and Yuen Woo Ping among others. Also of interest was the path Wong Kar Wai and Herman Yau took the life of Bruce Lee’s teacher, resulting in more artistic entries, while the inclusion of individuals like Mike Tyson, can only be perceived as a treat.
Here is a look of all the entries in the series, in chronological order.
1. Ip Man (2008) by Wilson Yip
The story takes place in Foshan, a city in southeast China that was considered a centre of martial arts, even including a street completely dedicated to it, where teachers are...
Here is a look of all the entries in the series, in chronological order.
1. Ip Man (2008) by Wilson Yip
The story takes place in Foshan, a city in southeast China that was considered a centre of martial arts, even including a street completely dedicated to it, where teachers are...
- 6/27/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Considering that the previous 9 movies about the 30+ teacher of Bruce Lee included events for three lives at least, a turn towards the past was “necessary” in order for the franchise to continue producing unnecessary sequels. And just like Indiana Jones and Superman before him, the solution was to start focusing on a younger Ip Man, in this case in his years as student, also in an effort to draw in younger audiences. The result is not exactly ideal, but at least it is better than “Four Kings”.
Young Ip Man is pursuing his studies in Hong Kong in 1917, while there is also a girl, Ya Yun, who seems to like him, even if her aristocratic father is not exactly cordial to him. As the story begins, Ip Man is very happy to see one of his old friends and co-student of Wing Chun, Brother Hu, appear in Hong Kong. A bit later,...
Young Ip Man is pursuing his studies in Hong Kong in 1917, while there is also a girl, Ya Yun, who seems to like him, even if her aristocratic father is not exactly cordial to him. As the story begins, Ip Man is very happy to see one of his old friends and co-student of Wing Chun, Brother Hu, appear in Hong Kong. A bit later,...
- 6/21/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Despite the changes in some key roles in the film, with Yuen Woo-ping taking the place of Sammo Hung as action choreographer, Max Zhang the place of the local rival, and Mike Tyson that of the foreign rival, “Ip Man 3” essentially repeats the recipe of the previous film almost to the letter, with one exception, of adding more drama.
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The story this time takes place in 1959 Hong Kong, where Ip Man enjoys his fame as the top sifu, respected by both peers and the people of the city. Eventually, however, another man appears, Tin-chi, whose Wing Chun also comes from the same roots as Ip Man. The two get to know each other through their sons, who are caught fighting in the school yard in an effort to show whose Wing Chun is the best. Tin-chi, who is a single father, tries to make a...
Buy This Title
on Amazon
The story this time takes place in 1959 Hong Kong, where Ip Man enjoys his fame as the top sifu, respected by both peers and the people of the city. Eventually, however, another man appears, Tin-chi, whose Wing Chun also comes from the same roots as Ip Man. The two get to know each other through their sons, who are caught fighting in the school yard in an effort to show whose Wing Chun is the best. Tin-chi, who is a single father, tries to make a...
- 6/15/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Few things are as scary as real life these days, but for those seeking more refined thrills and chills, this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival continues to provide the best in “genre” entertainment. While the “genre” moniker is wide-ranging enough to stir up images of everything from slasher films to kung fu epics, the annual Canadian festival has consistently stretched the concept to embrace all sorts of off-beat features that go somehow beyond the norm of mainstream cinema.
This year’s lineup is no different, encompassing not just terrifying horror movies and wild martial arts action, but true stories about unique people, unexpected romantic dramas, even a careful examination of how a cute cartoon frog became a symbol of hate. If it’s weird or wacky, it just might land at Fantasia.
This year’s festival runs August 20 through September 2, though it is only available online to Canadian audiences.
This year’s lineup is no different, encompassing not just terrifying horror movies and wild martial arts action, but true stories about unique people, unexpected romantic dramas, even a careful examination of how a cute cartoon frog became a symbol of hate. If it’s weird or wacky, it just might land at Fantasia.
This year’s festival runs August 20 through September 2, though it is only available online to Canadian audiences.
- 8/19/2020
- by Kate Erbland, David Ehrlich and Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
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
Nobody can keep up with Woo-Ping Yuen, the Hong Kong action choreographer who’s probably most famous for his work on The Matrix and both Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and its sequel, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, the latter of which Yuen also directed. The 74-year-old martial arts guru received the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award this week at the New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) before a screening of Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, Yuen's latest directorial effort and an impressive spinoff from the popular Donnie Yen action movie franchise.
Yuen's career longevity is at least partly ...
Yuen's career longevity is at least partly ...
Nobody can keep up with Woo-Ping Yuen, the Hong Kong action choreographer who’s probably most famous for his work on The Matrix and both Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and its sequel, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, the latter of which Yuen also directed. The 74-year-old martial arts guru received the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award this week at the New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) before a screening of Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, Yuen's latest directorial effort and an impressive spinoff from the popular Donnie Yen action movie franchise.
Yuen's career longevity is at least partly ...
Yuen's career longevity is at least partly ...
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