Lionsgate is developing a John Wick spinoff movie around Donnie Yen’s Caine assassin character.
Yen will reprise his John Wick: Chapter 4 role in the untitled project set to shoot in Hong Kong in 2025. The franchise expanding film, with no director yet announced, will follow the events of John Wick 4 as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.
The project also follows Yen, a veteran Hong Kong action hero, pushing back against what he claimed were Asian stereotypes in the original script for John Wick 4. After some prodding, John Wick 4 director Chad Stahelski agreed to change the name and clothes for Yen’s character.
China-born Yen is a household name internationally thanks to his hugely popular and acclaimed Ip Man movie series, and he has crossed over to Hollywood with outings in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which grossed over a billion dollars,...
Yen will reprise his John Wick: Chapter 4 role in the untitled project set to shoot in Hong Kong in 2025. The franchise expanding film, with no director yet announced, will follow the events of John Wick 4 as Caine has been freed from his obligations to the High Table.
The project also follows Yen, a veteran Hong Kong action hero, pushing back against what he claimed were Asian stereotypes in the original script for John Wick 4. After some prodding, John Wick 4 director Chad Stahelski agreed to change the name and clothes for Yen’s character.
China-born Yen is a household name internationally thanks to his hugely popular and acclaimed Ip Man movie series, and he has crossed over to Hollywood with outings in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which grossed over a billion dollars,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A first look at The Prosecutor, directed by and starring Donnie Yen, has been revealed at the Cannes market.
Based on a true case in Hong Kong, the action crime thriller sees Yen plays a dedicated prosecutor who risks his life and career to set free a wrongfully charged man and bring the real culprit to justice.
Yen, who is the star of the Ip Man franchise and more recently appeared in John Wick: Chapter 4, is also producing with his long-time producer Raymond Wong. The film, previously known as Misjudgement, is scheduled for worldwide release this year.
Ahead of the market,...
Based on a true case in Hong Kong, the action crime thriller sees Yen plays a dedicated prosecutor who risks his life and career to set free a wrongfully charged man and bring the real culprit to justice.
Yen, who is the star of the Ip Man franchise and more recently appeared in John Wick: Chapter 4, is also producing with his long-time producer Raymond Wong. The film, previously known as Misjudgement, is scheduled for worldwide release this year.
Ahead of the market,...
- 5/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
During his early career, Danny Chan Kwok Kwan, actor and Jeet Kune Do practitioner portrayed Bruce Lee in the 50-episode TV series “The Legend of Bruce Lee” (2008) due to his resemblance to him. After his portrayal of the Bruce Lee look-alike goalkeeper in Stephen Chow's “Shaolin Soccer” he became more popular which led him to further playing Lee in the “Ip Man” film series. However, in “Desperado” or “Thug in a Suit” as translated from its Chinese title, he finally has the chance to shine as a leading man.
Set in Taicheng, a made up city somewhere in Southeast Asia, most likely Thailand or Cambodia, this online iQIYI film kicks off with a great action set piece in which the thug in a suit, Zhao Ke, comes to a butchery warehouse alone to rescue his sworn brother Barno. The warehouse is actually a front for drug smuggling and a trap to lure him in.
Set in Taicheng, a made up city somewhere in Southeast Asia, most likely Thailand or Cambodia, this online iQIYI film kicks off with a great action set piece in which the thug in a suit, Zhao Ke, comes to a butchery warehouse alone to rescue his sworn brother Barno. The warehouse is actually a front for drug smuggling and a trap to lure him in.
- 4/17/2024
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
"The reason you can sleep soundly, isn't the Walled City. It's the people inside it." So let them fight! Ha. An official trailer is already available now for this Hong Kong action movie titled Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. It was recently announced as one of the Midnight premieres in the line-up at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival coming up this May. It's also opening in China and Hong Kong first right at the beginning of May before heading to France after to premiere in Europe. The film is an adaptation of the manhua City of Darkness by Andy Seto. It stars the action legend Sammo Hung as well as Louis Koo as Tornado (龍捲風), a martial arts master who is regarded as a legend in Kowloon Walled City. It's also produced by Wilson Yip Wai Sun and John Chong. The film follows the troubled youth Chan Lok-kwun (Raymond Lam...
- 4/16/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The Asian Film Awards Academy (Afaa) and the Singapore Film Society announced today that Hong Kong's first-generation kung fu superstar Sammo Hung will visit Singapore for the Afaa's Masterclass Series and a number of activities at the upcoming 12th Singapore Chinese Film Festival (Scff). Director Sammo Hung's five important movie classics will be screened during Scff as the festival's first “Filmmaker in Focus” special segment.
Studied under Peking Opera master Yu Jim Yuen at a young age, Hung was the “big brother” of the famous Seven Little Fortunes. Under the guidance of a strict master, Hung learned the true skills behind the four basic techniques of traditional Chinese opera: Singing, reciting, acting and martial arts. His career as a young performer gave him the foundation for his future as an action superstar and cultivated his hardworking and dedicated persona.
Hung thinks that “achievements” mean a great deal to him, and...
Studied under Peking Opera master Yu Jim Yuen at a young age, Hung was the “big brother” of the famous Seven Little Fortunes. Under the guidance of a strict master, Hung learned the true skills behind the four basic techniques of traditional Chinese opera: Singing, reciting, acting and martial arts. His career as a young performer gave him the foundation for his future as an action superstar and cultivated his hardworking and dedicated persona.
Hung thinks that “achievements” mean a great deal to him, and...
- 4/8/2024
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Kung Fu Hustle
Kung Fu superstar Sammo Hung will deliver a masterclass on May 4 as part of the 12th Singapore Chinese Film Festival. He will also attend a mini-retrospective of his films. Hung studied under Peking Opera master Yu Jim Yuen at a young age and was the “big brother”’ to the China Drama Academy’s performance troupe known as the Seven Little Fortunes, whose members included Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu and Corey Yuen. He starred in “Painted Faces” (1988), which was based on his time in the Seven Little Fortunes.
Hung’s career as an actor, action choreographer, director and producer spans some 60 years. His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple,” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.” In 1982, Hung won the...
Kung Fu superstar Sammo Hung will deliver a masterclass on May 4 as part of the 12th Singapore Chinese Film Festival. He will also attend a mini-retrospective of his films. Hung studied under Peking Opera master Yu Jim Yuen at a young age and was the “big brother”’ to the China Drama Academy’s performance troupe known as the Seven Little Fortunes, whose members included Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu and Corey Yuen. He starred in “Painted Faces” (1988), which was based on his time in the Seven Little Fortunes.
Hung’s career as an actor, action choreographer, director and producer spans some 60 years. His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple,” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.” In 1982, Hung won the...
- 4/5/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Singer and actor Richie Ren is no stranger when it comes to Hong Kong cinema, as he is best known for his stand out performance in Johnnie To's “Breaking News” (2004) and later in “Trivisa” (2015). In “Fierce Cop”, a Mainland online film streaming on Youku video platform is his first venture into the martial arts genre.
Set in country M, somewhere in Southeast Asia, there lives Zhang Tu, a middle aged single parent with a young son, Xiao Jie, who is also a hard working detective. He always asks his boss for a promotion so he can be a better role model for his son who is everything to him. One day, his son comes back from school in pain and covered with bruises, obviously a victim of bullying at school. After finding out that a bunch of young adults are responsible, he sets out to teach them a lesson by beating them up.
Set in country M, somewhere in Southeast Asia, there lives Zhang Tu, a middle aged single parent with a young son, Xiao Jie, who is also a hard working detective. He always asks his boss for a promotion so he can be a better role model for his son who is everything to him. One day, his son comes back from school in pain and covered with bruises, obviously a victim of bullying at school. After finding out that a bunch of young adults are responsible, he sets out to teach them a lesson by beating them up.
- 3/27/2024
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong-based Mei Ah Entertainment brings a slate of new projects to Filmart, featuring stars including Shen Teng, Ma Li and Ekin Cheng.
Untouchable is a $23m crime action thriller set in Macau about a boxing champion-turned-lawyer who can’t stay away from the underworld. This marks the first action film of box-office sensation Shen, known for his comic roles in films such as Goodbye Mr. Loser.
Zhang Yuqi (The Mermaid) co-stars in the film directed by Wang Daqing (One Day) and produced by Shang Ke (Let The Bullets Fly).
Previously known as Twin Blades, Brave Girls pairs leading Chinese...
Untouchable is a $23m crime action thriller set in Macau about a boxing champion-turned-lawyer who can’t stay away from the underworld. This marks the first action film of box-office sensation Shen, known for his comic roles in films such as Goodbye Mr. Loser.
Zhang Yuqi (The Mermaid) co-stars in the film directed by Wang Daqing (One Day) and produced by Shang Ke (Let The Bullets Fly).
Previously known as Twin Blades, Brave Girls pairs leading Chinese...
- 3/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Classic 1970s television series Kung Fu is heading to the big screen, and Donnie Yen will star – more here.
A feature film based on the classic 1970s TV series Kung Fu has been in development for some time, and now it seems to be moving forward at Universal Pictures and 87North.
According to Deadline, John Wick director David Leitch will helm the film from a screenplay by Stephen Chin, with Ip Man star Donnie Yen set to play Kwai Chang Caine, a role first inhabited by David Carradine.
Martial arts icon Bruce Lee famously auditioned for the lead role in the original 1972 series, but lost out, of course, to Carradine. He played Caine, a spiritual monk who roams the Old West in the 1800s, wandering into confrontations and fist fights every week. The show proved popular, with phrases like ‘grasshopper’ making their way into the cultural lexicon.
Two sequel series,...
A feature film based on the classic 1970s TV series Kung Fu has been in development for some time, and now it seems to be moving forward at Universal Pictures and 87North.
According to Deadline, John Wick director David Leitch will helm the film from a screenplay by Stephen Chin, with Ip Man star Donnie Yen set to play Kwai Chang Caine, a role first inhabited by David Carradine.
Martial arts icon Bruce Lee famously auditioned for the lead role in the original 1972 series, but lost out, of course, to Carradine. He played Caine, a spiritual monk who roams the Old West in the 1800s, wandering into confrontations and fist fights every week. The show proved popular, with phrases like ‘grasshopper’ making their way into the cultural lexicon.
Two sequel series,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Kung Fu, the long-gestating adaptation of the 1970s TV show, is getting a jolt with actor Donnie Yen boarding the project to star. The well-known martial artist and star is in talks to lead the feature for Universal, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Frequent Universal collaborator David Leitch has been on the project since 2020, producing with Kelly McCormick via their Universal-based 87North Productions alongside Guy Danella. Stephen L’Heureux is producing via Solipsist Films. Leitch, who has Fall Guy due out this spring, is eying the director’s chair for Kung Fu, which has a script from Stephen Chin and counts Kung Fu TV creator Ed Spielman as an executive producer.
Yen is a global star, known for his work spanning Hong Kong and Hollywood. He leads the Ip Man films, and was among the cast of the $1 billion grosser Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as well as Disney’s...
Frequent Universal collaborator David Leitch has been on the project since 2020, producing with Kelly McCormick via their Universal-based 87North Productions alongside Guy Danella. Stephen L’Heureux is producing via Solipsist Films. Leitch, who has Fall Guy due out this spring, is eying the director’s chair for Kung Fu, which has a script from Stephen Chin and counts Kung Fu TV creator Ed Spielman as an executive producer.
Yen is a global star, known for his work spanning Hong Kong and Hollywood. He leads the Ip Man films, and was among the cast of the $1 billion grosser Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as well as Disney’s...
- 1/31/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
David Leitch’s 87North is getting ready to reboot the classic martial arts/ western series Kung Fu, and it looks like they’ve found their Caine: the one and only Donnie Yen. The press release doesn’t reveal if Yen is actually playing Caine, but it seems like a no-brainer. The series was infamously developed by Bruce Lee as a starring vehicle for himself, only for the role to be eventually cast with David Carradine in the lead. In the end, it worked out fine, with Bruce Lee gaining immortality with his kung-fu movies for Golden Harvest in Hong Kong (which would have never happened had he been tied to a series), while Carradine became iconic as the enigmatic Caine.
Caine roams the Wild West in the series, looking for his long-lost brother. He was a peace-loving protector of the innocent who only fought when provoked (which happened A...
Caine roams the Wild West in the series, looking for his long-lost brother. He was a peace-loving protector of the innocent who only fought when provoked (which happened A...
- 1/31/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: World-renowned actor and influential Hong Kong action filmmaker Donnie Yen is set to star in 87North and Universal Pictures’ Kung Fu, a feature adaptation of the classic ’70s TV series. Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella will produce through 87North, with Leitch eyeing to direct.
Stephen Chin wrote the screenplay. Stephen L’Hereaux will also produce, and Ed Spielman, creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
With his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels...
Stephen Chin wrote the screenplay. Stephen L’Hereaux will also produce, and Ed Spielman, creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
With his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels...
- 1/31/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
As we have mentioned many times before, the most successful product of Asian cinema towards the US market (apart from anime) are the action/martial arts movies, and as such, it is by no surprise that the biggest industries of the continent and particularly S.Korea have invested heavily towards the particular category, with China following close by, in a genre that, most of the time, budget is the most crucial element. In that fashion, ultra violent and stylistic is the path S. Korea productions follow (this year), while China seems to be going more towards the sci-fi now that the Ip Man franchise has become somewhat preterit. Japan choose live-action adaptation or its rather famous franchises, while the duo of Tak Sakaguchi and Yudai Yamaguchi continue their effort to produce as realistic martial arts scenes as possible. China follows the stylistic martial arts approach, while India has come up...
- 12/30/2023
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
Cyber Monday is here with even more deals on horror 4K UHDs, Blu-rays, collectibles, and more. Some Black Friday sales are still active, other prices have come down even more, and a bunch of new items have been discounted. Here are this year’s Cyber Monday highlights.
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Maleficent – $7.43 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Suicide Squad – $7.99 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Evil Dead Rise – $9.49 The Lost Boys – $9.49 Poltergeist – $9.49 The Blackening – $9.49 Jurassic Park – $9.49 Nope – $9.49 Get Out – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 Warcraft – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 King Kong (2005) – $10.44 Serenity – $10.49 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – $10.99 Ip Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Parasite – $11.49 The Goonies – $11.49 Full Metal Jacket – $11.49 The Shining – $11.99 Dr. Strangelove – $11.99 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 Nobody – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 The Dark Crystal – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends...
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Maleficent – $7.43 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Suicide Squad – $7.99 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Evil Dead Rise – $9.49 The Lost Boys – $9.49 Poltergeist – $9.49 The Blackening – $9.49 Jurassic Park – $9.49 Nope – $9.49 Get Out – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 Warcraft – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 King Kong (2005) – $10.44 Serenity – $10.49 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – $10.99 Ip Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Parasite – $11.49 The Goonies – $11.49 Full Metal Jacket – $11.49 The Shining – $11.99 Dr. Strangelove – $11.99 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 Nobody – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 The Dark Crystal – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends...
- 11/27/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Get your holiday shopping done early with Black Friday sales on horror 4K UHDs, Blu-rays, apparel, and more. These discounts are live as of this posting, except where noted, so act now!
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Knives Out – $7.99 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Interstellar – $7.99 Maleficent – $8.07 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 Get Out – $9.99 Nope – $9.99 The Blackening – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Knock at the Cabin – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 Blade Runner – $9.99 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jurassic Park – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 John Wick – $9.99 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Ip Man – $10.99 The Invisible Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 Looper – $11.49 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends – $11.99 Terrifier 2 – $13.99 The Green Knight – $13.49 65 – $15.99 M3GAN – $17.85 Carrie [Steelbook] – $19.96 Army of Darkness [Steelbook] – $19.96 Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection – $99.99
Amazon Blu-ray Deals:...
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Knives Out – $7.99 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Interstellar – $7.99 Maleficent – $8.07 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 Get Out – $9.99 Nope – $9.99 The Blackening – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Knock at the Cabin – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 Blade Runner – $9.99 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jurassic Park – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 John Wick – $9.99 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Ip Man – $10.99 The Invisible Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 Looper – $11.49 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends – $11.99 Terrifier 2 – $13.99 The Green Knight – $13.49 65 – $15.99 M3GAN – $17.85 Carrie [Steelbook] – $19.96 Army of Darkness [Steelbook] – $19.96 Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection – $99.99
Amazon Blu-ray Deals:...
- 11/22/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
The whole world lost its mind at the turn-of-the-millennium, and it could be argued that sanity never returned. The dawn of the new century was a dark time, with fears over the dominance of tech creating mass hysteria (that now doesn't seem so hysterical). Despite this real-world panic, the years surrounding 2000 also happened to see a golden age in Asian cinema. It may not be an even tradeoff all things considered, but at least we had auteurs like Johnnie To, Park Chan-Wook, Takashi Miike, and Takeshi Kitano setting the tone for what 21st Century filmmaking could look like. The cyberpunk obsession of the time, reflected most potently in the Hong-Kong-and-anime-inspired “The Matrix”, also led to surge of interest in Woo-style kinetics and Asian sci-fi classics like “Akira” and “Ghost in the Shell”.
Now, more than two decades removed from the era's insanity, Y2K nostalgia has reached a fever pitch.
Now, more than two decades removed from the era's insanity, Y2K nostalgia has reached a fever pitch.
- 7/9/2023
- by Henry McKeand
- AsianMoviePulse
If you’re trying to prioritize what to watch on Netflix, try bumping these titles that are leaving the streamer in July to the top of your queue. This month marks the departure of the “G.I. Joe” sequel/reboot “G.I. Joe Retaliation,” four “Ip Man” movies, the rom-com-drama “Julie and Julia” and one of the best James Bond films ever, “Skyfall.” “The Wedding Date” and “Stepmom” are also leaving the service on July 31, as are all six seasons of “Moesha” and the first “Underworld” movie.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving Netflix in July 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 25 Best New Movies to Stream in July 2023
Leaving July 9
12 Strong
Baby Ballroom: Seasons 1-2
Leaving July 12
Tom Segura: Completely Normal
Leaving July 14
Married at First Sight: Season 11
Leaving July 20
Ip Man
Ip Man 2
Ip Man 3
Ip Man 4: The Finale
Leaving July 23
Popples: Seasons 1-3
Leaving...
Check out the full list of what’s leaving Netflix in July 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 25 Best New Movies to Stream in July 2023
Leaving July 9
12 Strong
Baby Ballroom: Seasons 1-2
Leaving July 12
Tom Segura: Completely Normal
Leaving July 14
Married at First Sight: Season 11
Leaving July 20
Ip Man
Ip Man 2
Ip Man 3
Ip Man 4: The Finale
Leaving July 23
Popples: Seasons 1-3
Leaving...
- 7/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
When you want action and you want it now, turn to these crowd-pleasing punch-‘em-ups on Netflix, from Chris Hemsworth’s take-charge commando in “Extraction 2,” to Daniel Craig’s jaw-dropping stunts in “Skyfall,” to Patrick Swayze as a one-man army in “Road House,” and maybe a few action flicks you haven’t seen before.
“Skyfall”
From the spectacular opening chase sequence to the emotional ending, this is one of the best Bond films ever made, with one of the best, most vindictive villains in Javier Bardem.
“Road House”
Patrick Swayze is a lean, mean, fighting machine in this ’80s cult classic, with such all-time quotes as “pain don’t hurt” and “I want you to be nice until it’s time to not be nice.”
“Rrr”
This gonzo, three-hour Indian action epic where two revolutionaries take on British colonizers (and a tiger!) in 1920s-era India has to be seen to be believed,...
“Skyfall”
From the spectacular opening chase sequence to the emotional ending, this is one of the best Bond films ever made, with one of the best, most vindictive villains in Javier Bardem.
“Road House”
Patrick Swayze is a lean, mean, fighting machine in this ’80s cult classic, with such all-time quotes as “pain don’t hurt” and “I want you to be nice until it’s time to not be nice.”
“Rrr”
This gonzo, three-hour Indian action epic where two revolutionaries take on British colonizers (and a tiger!) in 1920s-era India has to be seen to be believed,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Further titles include ’Flash Point Resurgence’ and ‘Misjudgement’.
A trio of action films led by martial arts superstar Donnie Yen have been revealed by Hong Kong-based Mandarin Motion Pictures at the Cannes market.
The company will introduce Ip Man 5, Flash Point Resurgence and Misjudgement to buyers at the Marché this week.
Yen, who was most recently seen in John Wick: Chapter 4, is well known for his role as the eponymous Ip Man, the real-life Wing Chun grandmaster who was a teacher of Bruce Lee. The previous instalment, Ip Man 4: The Finale, generated more than $176.3m at the...
A trio of action films led by martial arts superstar Donnie Yen have been revealed by Hong Kong-based Mandarin Motion Pictures at the Cannes market.
The company will introduce Ip Man 5, Flash Point Resurgence and Misjudgement to buyers at the Marché this week.
Yen, who was most recently seen in John Wick: Chapter 4, is well known for his role as the eponymous Ip Man, the real-life Wing Chun grandmaster who was a teacher of Bruce Lee. The previous instalment, Ip Man 4: The Finale, generated more than $176.3m at the...
- 5/18/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Martial arts and stunt legend Scott Adkins got a chance to really go for it with his role in "John Wick: Chapter 4." After bugging franchise director Chad Stahelski for years to cast him in an actual role, the English stunt performer finally got his moment in the spotlight, playing the German head of the High Table, who's basically the bad boss at the end of the video game, Killa Harkan.
The hulking crime boss was a truly unique role for the prolific martial arts actor, who was previously known for his performance in "Undisputed II" and for playing karate expert and cartoonishly racist Marine gunnery sergeant Barton Geddes in "Ip Man 4: The Finale." That role saw him act opposite Hong Kong martial arts legend Donnie Yen, who would once again find himself faced with one of Adkins' grotesque villains in "John Wick: Chapter 4." But Killa Harkan was...
The hulking crime boss was a truly unique role for the prolific martial arts actor, who was previously known for his performance in "Undisputed II" and for playing karate expert and cartoonishly racist Marine gunnery sergeant Barton Geddes in "Ip Man 4: The Finale." That role saw him act opposite Hong Kong martial arts legend Donnie Yen, who would once again find himself faced with one of Adkins' grotesque villains in "John Wick: Chapter 4." But Killa Harkan was...
- 5/15/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Signature Entertainment has snapped up rights for the UK and Ireland to Hong Kong-China action picture Sakra, directed by and starring Donnie Yen, from Well Go USA.
The Hong Kong-China co-production, which is based on the classic wuxia novel Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils by world-renowned novelist Louis Cha (also known by his pen name Jin Yong), marks the first time Yen has directed a film in nearly two decades. Yen recently starred in John Wick: Chapter 4 and is also known for his roles in Hong Kong’s Ip Man franchise.
Sakra is produced by China’s Wishart Media and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Motion Pictures, Shaw Brothers and Jing’s Production. Yen also produced with Zhe Liu and co-directed with Ka-Wai Kam (Big Brother).
In addition to Yen, the cast includes Chen Yuqi (Heavenly Sword And Dragon Slaying Sabre), Cya Liu (Limbo) and Eddie Cheung (Throw Down), with Kara Wai guest starring and special guest appearances by Ray Lui (Raging Fire) and Tsui Siu Ming (Kung Fu Jungle).
The actioner focuses on the fallout after a respected martial artist (Yen) is accused of murder and subsequently exiled, leaving him to search for answers about his own mysterious origin story and the unknown enemies working to destroy him.
The deal for UK and Ireland rights was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Chief Operating Officer Jon Bourdillon and Well Go USA’s Executive Vice President of Digital and Theatrical Distribution Jason Pfardrescher.
Bourdillon said: “We are delighted to be the home of Sakra in the UK and Ireland and can’t wait for audiences to see the epic action sequences that Donnie Yen has expertly devised.”
“We are thrilled to have Signature on board to bring Sakra to fans across Ireland and the United Kingdom,” said Pfardrescher. “Undeniably created as a love letter to the genre, Sakra is overflowing with the smooth artistry that characterizes the very best of wuxia as well as the hard-hitting action that fans know to expect from Donnie Yen.”...
The Hong Kong-China co-production, which is based on the classic wuxia novel Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils by world-renowned novelist Louis Cha (also known by his pen name Jin Yong), marks the first time Yen has directed a film in nearly two decades. Yen recently starred in John Wick: Chapter 4 and is also known for his roles in Hong Kong’s Ip Man franchise.
Sakra is produced by China’s Wishart Media and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Motion Pictures, Shaw Brothers and Jing’s Production. Yen also produced with Zhe Liu and co-directed with Ka-Wai Kam (Big Brother).
In addition to Yen, the cast includes Chen Yuqi (Heavenly Sword And Dragon Slaying Sabre), Cya Liu (Limbo) and Eddie Cheung (Throw Down), with Kara Wai guest starring and special guest appearances by Ray Lui (Raging Fire) and Tsui Siu Ming (Kung Fu Jungle).
The actioner focuses on the fallout after a respected martial artist (Yen) is accused of murder and subsequently exiled, leaving him to search for answers about his own mysterious origin story and the unknown enemies working to destroy him.
The deal for UK and Ireland rights was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Chief Operating Officer Jon Bourdillon and Well Go USA’s Executive Vice President of Digital and Theatrical Distribution Jason Pfardrescher.
Bourdillon said: “We are delighted to be the home of Sakra in the UK and Ireland and can’t wait for audiences to see the epic action sequences that Donnie Yen has expertly devised.”
“We are thrilled to have Signature on board to bring Sakra to fans across Ireland and the United Kingdom,” said Pfardrescher. “Undeniably created as a love letter to the genre, Sakra is overflowing with the smooth artistry that characterizes the very best of wuxia as well as the hard-hitting action that fans know to expect from Donnie Yen.”...
- 5/10/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
I don't envy the editor of "John Wick: Chapter 4." Director Chad Stahelski basically used Lionsgate's money to shoot wildly extravagant action and combat sequences that went beyond anything in the previous "John Wick" movies — which, considering the action movie majesty of the "John Wick" franchise, is saying something.
Remember that club fight sequence in "Chapter 4," where Keanu Reeves' assassin faces off against stunt legend Scott Adkins in a fat suit? According to the film's stunt coordinators Stephen Dunlevy and Scott Rogers, it was actually the most challenging scene to film and believe it or not, was initially twice as long as what you see in the final movie. Then there's that entire third act that's basically one long action montage, as Baba Yaga fights his way across Paris toward his final showdown with Bill Skarsgård's Marquis Vincent de Gramont. And all of this even after Stahelski cut...
Remember that club fight sequence in "Chapter 4," where Keanu Reeves' assassin faces off against stunt legend Scott Adkins in a fat suit? According to the film's stunt coordinators Stephen Dunlevy and Scott Rogers, it was actually the most challenging scene to film and believe it or not, was initially twice as long as what you see in the final movie. Then there's that entire third act that's basically one long action montage, as Baba Yaga fights his way across Paris toward his final showdown with Bill Skarsgård's Marquis Vincent de Gramont. And all of this even after Stahelski cut...
- 5/7/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
In the first film, while escorting Emperor Wu's concubine Chen Yuan Yuan to safety, the Ching Ping Escort Group was attacked, and Yang Liu An, their commander, was the only surviver. Released exclusively on streaming platform Tencent Video, “The Bravest Escort Group 2: Howling Wind” sees Tao and Fan Siu Wong back on location in beautiful Guizhou to bring the viewers another adventure concerning the whereabouts of concubine Chen and sole survivor Yang.
After the annihilation of his escort agency, Yang (Fan Siu Wong) now lives in seclusion and Chen has gone missing. But thinking that they know the location of some hidden treasure, people in Wulin, the martial arts society, are still keen to locate them. Meanwhile, the Qing Dynasty is in turmoil again, as a new rival army fronted by Chong Shan (Liu Hao Jun Long) has emerged and he wants the treasure badly besides plotting to...
After the annihilation of his escort agency, Yang (Fan Siu Wong) now lives in seclusion and Chen has gone missing. But thinking that they know the location of some hidden treasure, people in Wulin, the martial arts society, are still keen to locate them. Meanwhile, the Qing Dynasty is in turmoil again, as a new rival army fronted by Chong Shan (Liu Hao Jun Long) has emerged and he wants the treasure badly besides plotting to...
- 5/1/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
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
Keanu Reeves may be the centerpiece of the "John Wick" films, but the fourth and final chapter finds the perfect match for the titular character in martial arts star Donnie Yen as Caine. Yen has been acting in Hong Kong martial arts films for at least three decades, but English-speaking audiences who may be unfamiliar with his prolific body of work at least know him from the "Star Wars" spin-off "Rogue One," in which he played the blind warrior monk Chirrut Imwe. That may sound familiar to his "John Wick" role, but Yen approaches the two characters with two distinct styles and personalities, a testament to his talent as both an actor and a martial artist.
Caine acts as both the ally and rival of John Wick, the reluctant antagonist who's forced to kill his friend because the bigger bad guy — Marquis de Gramont — is threatening his daughter's life. John...
Caine acts as both the ally and rival of John Wick, the reluctant antagonist who's forced to kill his friend because the bigger bad guy — Marquis de Gramont — is threatening his daughter's life. John...
- 3/28/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
On a chilly Oscars eve, Donnie Yen has just returned from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where he was rehearsing for the Academy Awards along with a slew of fellow global superstar presenters like Spain’s Antonio Banderas and India’s Deepika Padukone. The “John Wick: Chapter 4” scene-stealer, who hails from southern China, feels good about how the following night might unfold, namely for his friend and Hong Kong neighbor Michelle Yeoh. Her victory and that of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” would be a landmark moment for Asian representation, he says.
“I’ve known her for more than 20 years, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here — to support her and share in a possible historical moment,” he says of his “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” co-star. “And ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ has a lot of Chinese language and it talks about the Chinese heritage,...
“I’ve known her for more than 20 years, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here — to support her and share in a possible historical moment,” he says of his “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” co-star. “And ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ has a lot of Chinese language and it talks about the Chinese heritage,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
In his prolonged career of manhunting filled with death and violence, the rugged, dreaded hitman John Wick has come across a number of interesting characters who deal in a similar trade to his own. John has shown them his professional courtesy, irrespective of whether their allegiance matches his or not. Also, during his encounters with these former associates, none were shown to be equal to his skills in armed or unarmed combat. The fourth installment of the series “John Wick: Chapter 4” introduces Caine, John’s old friend, a visually impaired assassin, yet one so astoundingly skilled that he can go toe to toe with the legendary Baba Yaga and, at times, best him in terms of sheer skill. Donnie Yen, the revered Hong Kong-based martial artist primarily known for his Ip Man movies, is no stranger to blind warrior roles, as he played the blind monk Chirrut Imwe in the Star Wars franchise.
- 3/25/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
With his presence in John Wick: Chapter 4, Donnie Yen is finally getting the English-language, international showcase he’s always deserved. Yen is a huge star in his motherland of China and is about to become a very bright draw for international audiences, finding himself new fans every time he’s seen in an American film. With this new one, he should no longer be “oh I know that guy from somewhere” and be quite well known as the badass that he is. To you get to know his work, here are ten of the best Donnie Yen movies (in no particular order):
Dragon (aka Wu Xia) (2011)
A big part of Yen’s career has been filled with period pieces in which martial arts have an important place (the Wuxia genre). Dragon is no different. Here, Yen plays a family man who is hiding a dark past, when this past catches up with him,...
Dragon (aka Wu Xia) (2011)
A big part of Yen’s career has been filled with period pieces in which martial arts have an important place (the Wuxia genre). Dragon is no different. Here, Yen plays a family man who is hiding a dark past, when this past catches up with him,...
- 3/25/2023
- by Emilie Black
- JoBlo.com
Creating the fight choreography and stunts for a "John Wick" flick is a pretty massive responsibility. The films hinge on the fierce and frenetic fight scenes: People flock to theaters to see John Wick (Keanu Reeves) fight in both hand-to-hand combat and various kinds of gun-fu with a whole host of baddies. For "John Wick: Chapter 4," the latest and greatest sequel in the franchise, stunt coordinators Stephen Dunlevy and Scott Rogers really had their work cut out for them, creating fight scenes between Reeves and martial arts legends like Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sonata. Look, this is a franchise that was created by a stuntman (series creator and director Chad Stahelski), so these stunts have to be immaculate.
In an upcoming exclusive interview with /Film's Vanessa Armstrong, Dunlevy and Rogers shared the stories behind bringing a brutal "ballet of violence" to life onscreen. When you're working with performers as dedicated as Reeves,...
In an upcoming exclusive interview with /Film's Vanessa Armstrong, Dunlevy and Rogers shared the stories behind bringing a brutal "ballet of violence" to life onscreen. When you're working with performers as dedicated as Reeves,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
The impact of George A. Romero’s Dead movies reached far and wide. After 1968’s Night of the Living Dead defined the modern zombie as we know it, 1978’s Dawn of the Dead kick-started zombie cinema in earnest. Not only did it herald a horde of undead movies domestically, the infection spread internationally — although the outbreak took longer to reach some regions than others.
While Italy was first to strike with Lucio Fulci’s Zombie in 1979, Hong Kong wouldn’t get its first zombie movie until two decades later. A zombie film set in a mall, 1998’s Bio Zombie is a direct descendant of Dawn of the Dead. It also draws influence from the original Resident Evil game (which is featured in the film), although the zombie comedy plays more like a Return of the Living Dead sequel by way of early Kevin Smith (think Clerks or Mallrats).
Bio Zombie...
While Italy was first to strike with Lucio Fulci’s Zombie in 1979, Hong Kong wouldn’t get its first zombie movie until two decades later. A zombie film set in a mall, 1998’s Bio Zombie is a direct descendant of Dawn of the Dead. It also draws influence from the original Resident Evil game (which is featured in the film), although the zombie comedy plays more like a Return of the Living Dead sequel by way of early Kevin Smith (think Clerks or Mallrats).
Bio Zombie...
- 3/15/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
’The Dream, The Bubble, And The Shadow’ is from ‘Ip Man’ director Wilson Yip.
Hong Kong-based One Cool Pictures is launching a string of new titles featuring Louis Koo, Jennifer Yu, Kay Tse and Lim Min Chen as it returns to Hong Kong Filmart, the company’s first physical market since 2019.
The Dream, The Bubble, And The Shadow, directed by Wilson Yip, produced by Soi Cheang and starring Koo, reunites the same team behind 2017’s Paradox from the Spl franchise, which won Koo the best actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Asian Film Awards.
The upcoming suspense...
Hong Kong-based One Cool Pictures is launching a string of new titles featuring Louis Koo, Jennifer Yu, Kay Tse and Lim Min Chen as it returns to Hong Kong Filmart, the company’s first physical market since 2019.
The Dream, The Bubble, And The Shadow, directed by Wilson Yip, produced by Soi Cheang and starring Koo, reunites the same team behind 2017’s Paradox from the Spl franchise, which won Koo the best actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Asian Film Awards.
The upcoming suspense...
- 3/13/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Martial arts veteran Sammo Hung will be presented with a lifetime achievement honor at the Asian Film Awards.
The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and has shifted back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. Hung will accept the award on Sunday at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Hung’s career as an actor, action choreographer, director and producer spans some 60 years.
His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple,” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.” In 1982, Hung won the best actor prize at the second Hong Kong Film Awards for his directorial effort “Carry on Pickpocket,” as well as best action choreography for “The Prodigal Son,” which he also directed and starred in.
The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and has shifted back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. Hung will accept the award on Sunday at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Hung’s career as an actor, action choreographer, director and producer spans some 60 years.
His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple,” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.” In 1982, Hung won the best actor prize at the second Hong Kong Film Awards for his directorial effort “Carry on Pickpocket,” as well as best action choreography for “The Prodigal Son,” which he also directed and starred in.
- 3/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
It's been a long time coming but, yeah, we're thinking he's back. Keanu Reeves has returned for the fourth installment of the "John Wick" franchise in his biggest and most badass movie yet. He is bringing his fight against the members of the High Table from around the world, kicking ass and taking names across New York, Paris, Berlin, and Japan. Chad Stahelski is back to continue his directorial dominance, shooting a screenplay from Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad. With the addition of Donnie Yen and the promise of anime-influenced fight sequences, it's safe to say "John Wick: Chapter 4" is easily one of the most highly-anticipated releases of the year.
Action franchises have a reputation for jumping the shark after a few entries, but based on the early reactions from critics who have already seen "John Wick: Chapter 4," it's safe to assume...
Action franchises have a reputation for jumping the shark after a few entries, but based on the early reactions from critics who have already seen "John Wick: Chapter 4," it's safe to assume...
- 3/7/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4, coming to theaters on March 24, 2023, and today we have a trio of clips that put Wick and co. in a real dilemma.
In Chapter 4, “John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.”
Clancy Brown (The Mortuary Collection, “Dexter”) will be making his way into the hit franchise in the upcoming fourth installment. Chad Stahelski (John Wick 1-3) will again direct.
The cast also includes singer Rina Sawayama, Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Bill Skarsgård (It, It: Chapter Two, “Castle Rock”), and Shamier Anderson (Stowaway). Most recently, Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat) also signed on to star. And Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and...
In Chapter 4, “John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.”
Clancy Brown (The Mortuary Collection, “Dexter”) will be making his way into the hit franchise in the upcoming fourth installment. Chad Stahelski (John Wick 1-3) will again direct.
The cast also includes singer Rina Sawayama, Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Bill Skarsgård (It, It: Chapter Two, “Castle Rock”), and Shamier Anderson (Stowaway). Most recently, Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat) also signed on to star. And Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and...
- 3/2/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
The action film star is set to accept the award at first AFAs in Hong Kong since 2019.
Hong Kong action film star Sammo Hung is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Asian Film Awards (Afa), which is set to return as an in-person event later this month.
The martial arts veteran will receive the honour at the 16th AFAs on March 12 and is awarded in recognition of his “great contribution and far-reaching influence on Asian films”.
Hung’s 60-year career spans actor, action choreographer, director and producer, and includes features such as action comedies Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog...
Hong Kong action film star Sammo Hung is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Asian Film Awards (Afa), which is set to return as an in-person event later this month.
The martial arts veteran will receive the honour at the 16th AFAs on March 12 and is awarded in recognition of his “great contribution and far-reaching influence on Asian films”.
Hung’s 60-year career spans actor, action choreographer, director and producer, and includes features such as action comedies Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog...
- 3/2/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
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
A couple of years back, we reported that Donnie Yen—one of the greatest action stars of all time, and a legend in the world of Hong Kong filmmaking—was signing on for a role in the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4. Now, a recent interview Yen gave to GQ revealed that the Ip Man star had a couple of conditions for his…...
- 3/2/2023
- by William Hughes
- avclub.com
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
Last Man Standing
Martial arts veteran Sammo Hung is to be presented with a lifetime achievement honor at the upcoming Asian Film Awards. The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and shifts back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. Hung is expected to accept the award on Sunday March 12 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
“I’m so happy and surprised that I can still win awards these days, especially an award that affirms my entire performing career,” said Hung in a forwarded statement. He has a career as actor, action choreographer, director and producer that stretches some 60 years.
His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.”
In...
Martial arts veteran Sammo Hung is to be presented with a lifetime achievement honor at the upcoming Asian Film Awards. The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and shifts back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. Hung is expected to accept the award on Sunday March 12 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
“I’m so happy and surprised that I can still win awards these days, especially an award that affirms my entire performing career,” said Hung in a forwarded statement. He has a career as actor, action choreographer, director and producer that stretches some 60 years.
His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.”
In...
- 3/1/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Outside of his "Rogue One" appearance, Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen is best known for leading the "Ip Man" franchise, where he plays an exaggerated version of the titular Wing Chun grandmaster. The movies were big enough to transcend their Hong Kong roots and become popular globally, with bombastic fight scenes that made a point of going beyond standard combat choreography to play up the real-life Ip Man's legacy as a Chinese national hero — causing some controversy in the process.
The series had Yen's Ip Man facing off against everyone from 'Iron' Mike Tyson to British stunt performer extraordinaire Scott Adkins — who played a US Marines Corps gunnery sergeant in "Ip Man 4: The Finale." Now, Yen and Adkins will appear together in the upcoming "John Wick: Chapter 4," which looks set to push the Hong Kong action star even further than the "Ip Man" franchise ever did.
The series had Yen's Ip Man facing off against everyone from 'Iron' Mike Tyson to British stunt performer extraordinaire Scott Adkins — who played a US Marines Corps gunnery sergeant in "Ip Man 4: The Finale." Now, Yen and Adkins will appear together in the upcoming "John Wick: Chapter 4," which looks set to push the Hong Kong action star even further than the "Ip Man" franchise ever did.
- 2/25/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Period action adventure led by ‘Ip Man’ star Donnie Yen.
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North America distribution rights to Sakra, the latest wuxia action feature led by martial arts star Donnie Yen.
Well Go, which has previously distributed Yen’s hit Ip Man films, plans to release Sakra in select theatres this spring. The deal was struck with Mandarin Motion Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.
Based on the classic wuxia novel Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils by Louis Cha (known worldwide by his pen name Jin Yong), it marks the first time Yen has stepped back into a directorial role in nearly two decades.
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North America distribution rights to Sakra, the latest wuxia action feature led by martial arts star Donnie Yen.
Well Go, which has previously distributed Yen’s hit Ip Man films, plans to release Sakra in select theatres this spring. The deal was struck with Mandarin Motion Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.
Based on the classic wuxia novel Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils by Louis Cha (known worldwide by his pen name Jin Yong), it marks the first time Yen has stepped back into a directorial role in nearly two decades.
- 2/8/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick in the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4, coming to theaters on March 24, 2023, and a full official image gallery has opened up for us today.
While we wait for a new trailer, check out some fresh first-look images below!
In Chapter 4, “John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.”
Clancy Brown (The Mortuary Collection, “Dexter”) will be making his way into the hit franchise in the upcoming fourth installment. Chad Stahelski (John Wick 1-3) will again direct.
Keanu Reeves is of course coming back for John Wick: Chapter 4, with the cast thus far also including singer Rina Sawayama, Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Bill Skarsgård (It,...
While we wait for a new trailer, check out some fresh first-look images below!
In Chapter 4, “John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.”
Clancy Brown (The Mortuary Collection, “Dexter”) will be making his way into the hit franchise in the upcoming fourth installment. Chad Stahelski (John Wick 1-3) will again direct.
Keanu Reeves is of course coming back for John Wick: Chapter 4, with the cast thus far also including singer Rina Sawayama, Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Bill Skarsgård (It,...
- 2/3/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Du Yuhang in The Grandmaster Of Kung Fu. Courtesy of WellGo USA
For fans of Chinese martial arts movies, The Grandmaster Of Kung Fu offers a variation on a very familiar theme. Set in the early 20th century while Japan is occupying much of China, national pride for both seems to hinge on whether kung fu is superior to karate, and the question will be determined in a winner-take-all match.
The invaders strive and scheme to assert dominance by demoralizing the local fighters and, consequently, the populace. The Chinese must win to keep their martial arts schools open to maintain its cultural identity despite the occupation. This premise has been recycled a zillion times ever since the Hong Kong action boom of the 1970s, often incorporating historic heroes like Ip Man or Wong Fei Hung. Western viewers will primarily associate Donnie Yen with the former, and Jet Li with the latter.
For fans of Chinese martial arts movies, The Grandmaster Of Kung Fu offers a variation on a very familiar theme. Set in the early 20th century while Japan is occupying much of China, national pride for both seems to hinge on whether kung fu is superior to karate, and the question will be determined in a winner-take-all match.
The invaders strive and scheme to assert dominance by demoralizing the local fighters and, consequently, the populace. The Chinese must win to keep their martial arts schools open to maintain its cultural identity despite the occupation. This premise has been recycled a zillion times ever since the Hong Kong action boom of the 1970s, often incorporating historic heroes like Ip Man or Wong Fei Hung. Western viewers will primarily associate Donnie Yen with the former, and Jet Li with the latter.
- 1/31/2023
- by Mark Glass
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The latest instalment in the “John Wick” franchise pushed Keanu Reeves to the max.
The Canadian actor, who has over 100 credits in his career, admits he’s never been challenged before like he was for the fourth film.
“’John Wick: Chapter 4′ was the hardest physical role I’ve ever had in my career so far,” Reeves said in a recent interview with Total Film. “They really trained me up to be able to have what we call the toolbox.”
Read More: Keanu Reeves Gets Into Gunfights On Horseback In ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Trailer
The “Matrix” star revealed that “Chapter 4” adds new elements of car fu sequences.
“We took the car-driving to the next level, which I really enjoy,” he told the outlet. “There’s 180s, forward-into-reverse 180s, reverse-into-forward 270s, drifting. … So it was really fun to get a chance to learn those skills, and to play.”
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The Canadian actor, who has over 100 credits in his career, admits he’s never been challenged before like he was for the fourth film.
“’John Wick: Chapter 4′ was the hardest physical role I’ve ever had in my career so far,” Reeves said in a recent interview with Total Film. “They really trained me up to be able to have what we call the toolbox.”
Read More: Keanu Reeves Gets Into Gunfights On Horseback In ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Trailer
The “Matrix” star revealed that “Chapter 4” adds new elements of car fu sequences.
“We took the car-driving to the next level, which I really enjoy,” he told the outlet. “There’s 180s, forward-into-reverse 180s, reverse-into-forward 270s, drifting. … So it was really fun to get a chance to learn those skills, and to play.”
View this post...
- 1/31/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
It's that time again: a new "John Wick" film is nearly upon us. And with every new entry in this refreshing and excessively violent action franchise comes a slew of new and colorful characters played by some remarkable talent. For example, in "Chapter 2" we saw Common playing Cassian, an old rival turned bitter enemy. Then there was Halle Berry in "John Wick: Chapter 3," whose character made way for some of the most creative action sequences involving two German shepherds.
For the upcoming "John Wick: Chapter 4,Hong Kong martial arts actor Donnie Yen will bring his considerable credentials into the assassin arena. Most recently, Yen has displayed impressive action and choreography in the "Ip Man" movies and in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," where he played the blind warrior-monk Chirrut Îmwe. Now he'll be facing off against John Wick in the role of another blind character, a former assassin called Caine,...
For the upcoming "John Wick: Chapter 4,Hong Kong martial arts actor Donnie Yen will bring his considerable credentials into the assassin arena. Most recently, Yen has displayed impressive action and choreography in the "Ip Man" movies and in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," where he played the blind warrior-monk Chirrut Îmwe. Now he'll be facing off against John Wick in the role of another blind character, a former assassin called Caine,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Ernesto Valenzuela
- Slash Film
Titles include ‘A Guilty Conscience’, ‘Everything Under Control’ and ‘Say I Do To Me’.
In Hong Kong, local films A Guilty Conscience and Everything Under Control are set to open tomorrow (January 21) on the eve of Chinese New Year while Donnie Yen’s Sakra and Kiwi Chow’s Say I Do To Me are also joining the festive race.
It marks the first year since 2020 that Hong Kong cinemas can open for business during the lucrative holiday period, following two consecutive years of blackout due to the Covid pandemic that led to cancellations both in the city and overseas markets that scheduled day-and-date releases.
In Hong Kong, local films A Guilty Conscience and Everything Under Control are set to open tomorrow (January 21) on the eve of Chinese New Year while Donnie Yen’s Sakra and Kiwi Chow’s Say I Do To Me are also joining the festive race.
It marks the first year since 2020 that Hong Kong cinemas can open for business during the lucrative holiday period, following two consecutive years of blackout due to the Covid pandemic that led to cancellations both in the city and overseas markets that scheduled day-and-date releases.
- 1/20/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
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
Throughout the "Ip Man" franchise's run, there's been an awkward question plaguing the popular film series. The Donnie Yen-led action movies have proven incredibly successful in their native Hong Kong and mainland China, also managing to gain fans internationally. Combined, the four movies have earned almost 422 million at the global box office, telling an exaggerated and often downright fabricated version of the life of the eponymous Wing Chun grandmaster.
Since "Ip Man" released in 2008, Yen, along with his director Wilson Yip and producer Raymond Wong (both of whom are Hong Kong natives), have returned time and time again to the story of the real-life Ip Man as inspiration for their fantastical retelling. As Yen said when promoting "Ip Man 3" in 2016, while his character is "based on a real person," he and the production team "didn't want to make a documentary," instead aiming to "create a new type of hero on film.
Since "Ip Man" released in 2008, Yen, along with his director Wilson Yip and producer Raymond Wong (both of whom are Hong Kong natives), have returned time and time again to the story of the real-life Ip Man as inspiration for their fantastical retelling. As Yen said when promoting "Ip Man 3" in 2016, while his character is "based on a real person," he and the production team "didn't want to make a documentary," instead aiming to "create a new type of hero on film.
- 11/26/2022
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Since 2008, Donnie Yen has been dispatching all manner of foes in the Ip Man franchise. But his most dangerous encounter may well have been when he faced off against Mike Tyson in the third installment.
Based on the life of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, the franchise stars Yen in the title role and loosely tells Ip Man's story. The first film, which earned its place as one of the great kung fu movies, depicts his early days in Foshan during the Sino-Japanese War, while "Ip Man 2" finds Yen's hero in 1940s Hong Kong where he faces down British police. By the time it came to the third film, Yen, who also appeared in "Rogue One" and Disney's live-action "Mulan" remake needed something a little more formidable to face down. Enter Iron Mike.
"Ip Man 3" is set in the late 1950s, and also stars Danny Chan as esteemed martial artist...
Based on the life of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, the franchise stars Yen in the title role and loosely tells Ip Man's story. The first film, which earned its place as one of the great kung fu movies, depicts his early days in Foshan during the Sino-Japanese War, while "Ip Man 2" finds Yen's hero in 1940s Hong Kong where he faces down British police. By the time it came to the third film, Yen, who also appeared in "Rogue One" and Disney's live-action "Mulan" remake needed something a little more formidable to face down. Enter Iron Mike.
"Ip Man 3" is set in the late 1950s, and also stars Danny Chan as esteemed martial artist...
- 11/16/2022
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
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