Perhaps one of the most legendary titles in the genre, King Hu's iconic martial arts epic “Come Drink with Me” was a revelation when it first premiered in the mid-60s. Being one of the first films to adapt a stylish bent to the martial arts scenes while still keeping it's artistic touch, the film essentially launched Shaw Brothers as a studio for adrenaline-charged, hard-hitting action films.
Come Drink With Me is screening at Five Flavours
In the middle of the countryside, a group of bandits takes the imperial envoy Chang hostage in order to demand the return of their leader. Although she is really a girl, the renowned fighter Golden Swallow who claims to be Chang's brother, arrives to secure his release. Tracking them down, she takes on the bandits in their hideout at a Buddhist temple, massacring dozens before she's wounded by a poison dart. Subsequently, she...
Come Drink With Me is screening at Five Flavours
In the middle of the countryside, a group of bandits takes the imperial envoy Chang hostage in order to demand the return of their leader. Although she is really a girl, the renowned fighter Golden Swallow who claims to be Chang's brother, arrives to secure his release. Tracking them down, she takes on the bandits in their hideout at a Buddhist temple, massacring dozens before she's wounded by a poison dart. Subsequently, she...
- 11/16/2023
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
“Clans of Intrigue” was Chor Yuen's first and highly successful adaptation of Gu Long's “Fragrance from the Sea of Blood”, a series of three wuxia novels about Chu Liu Hsiang. A sequel adapted from the first installment of a five-novel series “The New Legend of Chu Liu Hsiang” titled “Legend of the Bat” soon followed and saw the return of protagonist Chu “Lingering Fragrance” and with the help of his ally Yi Tian Hung investigating more mysteries and murder cases.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
A combination of footage from its predecessor “Clans of Intrigue” which also serves as a recap and opening credits kick off the film nicely. Immediately after, the viewers are transported to Bat Island where an auction is being held in almost total darkness. It is the autumn of the Jiawu Year and on this island owned by...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
A combination of footage from its predecessor “Clans of Intrigue” which also serves as a recap and opening credits kick off the film nicely. Immediately after, the viewers are transported to Bat Island where an auction is being held in almost total darkness. It is the autumn of the Jiawu Year and on this island owned by...
- 6/15/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Li Xun Huan, the sick gentleman of jianghu, the martial arts world, returns with yet another adventure full of intrigue and bloodshed. Widely claimed as the 100th film directed by Chor Yuen, this straight continuation of “The Sentimental Swordsman” (1977) with most of the original cast returning though some playing different roles, did even better at the box office than its predecessor.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
After defeating the “Plum Blossom Bandit”, wine loving Li Xun Huan, Flying Dagger Xiao Li (Ti Lung) and his only friend Ah Fei (Derek Yee) went their separate ways as they tried to settle down in seclusion. But his peaceful life lasted only three years, due to an official martial world “Best Weapons and Fighters” list which ranks him at number three. Challengers are keen to dethrone him especially the leader of the ruthless Money Clan, Shang Kuan...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
After defeating the “Plum Blossom Bandit”, wine loving Li Xun Huan, Flying Dagger Xiao Li (Ti Lung) and his only friend Ah Fei (Derek Yee) went their separate ways as they tried to settle down in seclusion. But his peaceful life lasted only three years, due to an official martial world “Best Weapons and Fighters” list which ranks him at number three. Challengers are keen to dethrone him especially the leader of the ruthless Money Clan, Shang Kuan...
- 4/21/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Adapted from the first novel of Gu Long's “Xiao Li Fei Dao” (“Little Li Flying Dagger”) a wuxia series which consisted of five novels, “Duo Qing Lian Ke Wu Qing Jian” published in 1968, narrates the adventure of swordsman Li Xun Huan and his trademark use of daggers hidden in his fan. This Shaw Brothers production was a success and went on to become one of their highest grossing films ever.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Renowned and proud swordsman Li Xun Huan (Ti Lung) has been wandering the country side with his loyal servant Chuan Jia (Fan Mei Sheng) for ten years after retiring from the martial arts community, after willingly giving up the woman he loves to his savior. But he is happy with his simple life and finds comfort in drinking wine. However, news of the reappearance of the “Plum Blossom...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Renowned and proud swordsman Li Xun Huan (Ti Lung) has been wandering the country side with his loyal servant Chuan Jia (Fan Mei Sheng) for ten years after retiring from the martial arts community, after willingly giving up the woman he loves to his savior. But he is happy with his simple life and finds comfort in drinking wine. However, news of the reappearance of the “Plum Blossom...
- 3/14/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Starting with “The Flying Guillotine” back in 1975, director Ho unleashed his deadly decapitating machine on the big screen and started a trend. But he was too busy doing other horror projects like “Black Magic”, “Oily Maniac” and “The Mighty Peking Man” that he was not able to do the official follow-up. Even so with “The Dragon Missile” (1976), he did manage to do a quick knock off version while other directors and actors were finishing off the troublesome sequel. Interestingly, when it finally came out in 1978, Ho also released the concluding chapter concerning the flying guillotine for the Shaw Brothers in the form of “The Vengeful Beauty” or “Bloody Hibiscus” as in the Chinese title.
Set again in the Qing Dynasty under the ruthless Emperor Yung Cheng who, with the service of his flying guillotine squad continues to kill anyone who he considers a rebel, he now also sets his sight...
Set again in the Qing Dynasty under the ruthless Emperor Yung Cheng who, with the service of his flying guillotine squad continues to kill anyone who he considers a rebel, he now also sets his sight...
- 9/22/2022
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
Hailed upon its release as a new-wave twist on the traditional Cantonese horror picture, “The Imp” may incorporate a number of characteristics of the movement but also boasts aesthetics that remind of grindhouse movies intensely.
Ah Keung, a man in his thirties, is looking for a fulltime job to support Sau-lan, his wife, and child-to-be, but the interviews he attends are either for jobs he is under qualified (one interviewer is evidently disappointed he does not speak Japanese) or rather unlucky (the man who was supposed to interview him turns up dead in a violent crime). Furthermore, and despite his spouse’s pleads to take up a job at her father’s bra factory (a sample of Yu’s subtle humor) he denies to do so, wishing to be his own man. Eventually, he manages to find work as a night security guard for a mall/office complex. However, as...
Ah Keung, a man in his thirties, is looking for a fulltime job to support Sau-lan, his wife, and child-to-be, but the interviews he attends are either for jobs he is under qualified (one interviewer is evidently disappointed he does not speak Japanese) or rather unlucky (the man who was supposed to interview him turns up dead in a violent crime). Furthermore, and despite his spouse’s pleads to take up a job at her father’s bra factory (a sample of Yu’s subtle humor) he denies to do so, wishing to be his own man. Eventually, he manages to find work as a night security guard for a mall/office complex. However, as...
- 5/20/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Lionsgate is finalizing plans to join forces with Chinese companies Infinity Pictures/Cmc and Yue Hua Entertainment Culture Communications to shoot a Chinese-language version of “Step Up,” its hit dance flick franchise, TheWrap has learned. Ron Yuan, an action choreographer with a martial arts background, is directing “Step Up 6,” which will start shooting in Beijing and Los Angeles on Dec. 9. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters next year. Dede Nickerson, who produced “Kill Bill Vol. I and II” and “Shaolin Soccer,” and Du Hua are producing the film. Also Read: NBC Orders Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan Tatum Dance Competition Series The.
- 11/23/2016
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Lionsgate and China’s Infinity Pictures/Cmc and Yue Hua Entertainment Culture Communications are finalizing plans to begin shooting Step Up 6, a Chinese-language sequel to the Step Up franchise. The feature dance series that's been very lucrative for Lionsgate — more than $600M in worldwide box office — will be served with a twist in the Proc, marrying a martial arts aspect with some fancy footwork. Check out the full poster below. Ron Yuan, who has a martial…...
- 11/23/2016
- Deadline
The studio has partnered with Infinity Pictures/Cmc and Yue Hua Entertainment Culture Communications as it redirects its $600m-plus global franchise to capitalise on a strong Asian following and step away from diminishing North American theatrical revenues.
Production on Step Up 6 is scheduled to commence on December 9 in Beijing and Los Angeles in time for a 2017 release. It is understood the Chinese-language version will be the only version released.
Lionsgate sources said previous entries in the franchise had performed well in China. Executives will also be aware that the series’ appeal in North America is flagging: the last episode, 2014’s Step Up All In, generated $14.9m – the lowest by far in the franchise.
The companies unveiled the first concept poster for Chinese audiences on Wednesday. Director Ron Yuan will direct an all-Chinese cast and plans to marry martial arts with dance in the film.
Infinity Pictures CEO Dede Nickerson, who served as associate producer on Kill Bill Vol. I...
Production on Step Up 6 is scheduled to commence on December 9 in Beijing and Los Angeles in time for a 2017 release. It is understood the Chinese-language version will be the only version released.
Lionsgate sources said previous entries in the franchise had performed well in China. Executives will also be aware that the series’ appeal in North America is flagging: the last episode, 2014’s Step Up All In, generated $14.9m – the lowest by far in the franchise.
The companies unveiled the first concept poster for Chinese audiences on Wednesday. Director Ron Yuan will direct an all-Chinese cast and plans to marry martial arts with dance in the film.
Infinity Pictures CEO Dede Nickerson, who served as associate producer on Kill Bill Vol. I...
- 11/23/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Starring: Marco Johnson, David Luptak, Kimberly Bowden, Anthony Scanish, John Legrand
Directed by: Robert Samuels
Written & Produced by: Robert Jefferson
executive producers: Alan Goldberg, John Deblasio
Stunt and Fight Choreography by: Manny Ayala
R4 Films in association with Action Magazine
A Samuels/ Jefferson Film
Beast: The Chronicles Of Parker, is simply a 17 minute rollarcoaster of a ride. From the opening credits, we get some heart thumping music mixed with fantastic fight choreography until the last second. Beast centers around the character “Parker” (Marco Johnson) and “Osiris”, played by Kimberly Bowden.
They are searching for “Mr.David” (David Luptak), who may be holding a dangerous toxin and time is starting to run out. So Parker and Osiris track him and his fighers down and with help 15 minutes away, Parkour is in no mood to wait.
Marco Johnson is Parker
Plot
Agent Robert Parker is hot on the heels of a...
Directed by: Robert Samuels
Written & Produced by: Robert Jefferson
executive producers: Alan Goldberg, John Deblasio
Stunt and Fight Choreography by: Manny Ayala
R4 Films in association with Action Magazine
A Samuels/ Jefferson Film
Beast: The Chronicles Of Parker, is simply a 17 minute rollarcoaster of a ride. From the opening credits, we get some heart thumping music mixed with fantastic fight choreography until the last second. Beast centers around the character “Parker” (Marco Johnson) and “Osiris”, played by Kimberly Bowden.
They are searching for “Mr.David” (David Luptak), who may be holding a dangerous toxin and time is starting to run out. So Parker and Osiris track him and his fighers down and with help 15 minutes away, Parkour is in no mood to wait.
Marco Johnson is Parker
Plot
Agent Robert Parker is hot on the heels of a...
- 9/7/2016
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
http://asianmoviepulse.com/2016/01/40-ti-lung-movies-enjoy-part-12/2/ – Part 1
Ti Lung is known for his awesome catalogue of movies, over the years he was a leading star at The Shaw Brothers Studio and appeared in well over a 100 movies. I have put together a list of movies, which i have enjoyed over the years. *This is not a Top 40 list.
21.Anonymous Heroes (1971)
Cast:David Chiang, Cheng Li, Cheng Miu, Wong Chung
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Leung, Tong Gaai
22.All Men Are Brothers (1975)
Cast:Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang, Wong Chung, Bolo Yeung, Danny Lee, Ku Feng
Director:Chang Cheh, Wu Ma
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Lau Kar Leung, Lau Kar Wing, Chan Chuen
23.Clans Of Intrigue (1977)
Cast:Yueh Hua, Li Ching, Nora Miao, Ku Feng
Director:Chu Yuan
Fight Choreographer:Wong Pau Gei, Tong Gaai
24.Heroic Ones (1970)
Cast:David Chiang, Lily Li, Chan Sing, Chan Chuen, Ku Feng, Bolo Yeung
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Wing,...
Ti Lung is known for his awesome catalogue of movies, over the years he was a leading star at The Shaw Brothers Studio and appeared in well over a 100 movies. I have put together a list of movies, which i have enjoyed over the years. *This is not a Top 40 list.
21.Anonymous Heroes (1971)
Cast:David Chiang, Cheng Li, Cheng Miu, Wong Chung
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Leung, Tong Gaai
22.All Men Are Brothers (1975)
Cast:Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang, Wong Chung, Bolo Yeung, Danny Lee, Ku Feng
Director:Chang Cheh, Wu Ma
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Lau Kar Leung, Lau Kar Wing, Chan Chuen
23.Clans Of Intrigue (1977)
Cast:Yueh Hua, Li Ching, Nora Miao, Ku Feng
Director:Chu Yuan
Fight Choreographer:Wong Pau Gei, Tong Gaai
24.Heroic Ones (1970)
Cast:David Chiang, Lily Li, Chan Sing, Chan Chuen, Ku Feng, Bolo Yeung
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Wing,...
- 1/18/2016
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Ti Lung is known for his awesome catalogue of movies, over the years he was a leading star at The Shaw Brothers Studio and appeared in well over a 100 movies. I have put together a list of movies, which i have enjoyed over the years. *This is not a Top 40 list.
1.Have Sword, Will Travel (1969)
Cast:David Chiang, Li Ching, Ku Feng, Cheng Miu,
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
2.The Duel (1971)
Cast:David Chiang, Yeung Chi Hing, Yue Wai, Ku Feng
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
3.Blood Brothers (1973)
Cast:Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang, Cheng Li, Cheng Miu, Tin Ching
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Leung, Tong Gaai
4.The Sentimental Swordsman (1977)
Cast:Cheng Li, Yueh Hua, Derek Yee, Ku Feng, Fan Mei Sheng
Director:Chu Yuan
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Wong Pau Gei
5.The Retuen of The Sentimental Swordsman (1981)
Cast:Fu Sheng, Derek Yee,...
1.Have Sword, Will Travel (1969)
Cast:David Chiang, Li Ching, Ku Feng, Cheng Miu,
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
2.The Duel (1971)
Cast:David Chiang, Yeung Chi Hing, Yue Wai, Ku Feng
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
3.Blood Brothers (1973)
Cast:Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang, Cheng Li, Cheng Miu, Tin Ching
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Leung, Tong Gaai
4.The Sentimental Swordsman (1977)
Cast:Cheng Li, Yueh Hua, Derek Yee, Ku Feng, Fan Mei Sheng
Director:Chu Yuan
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Wong Pau Gei
5.The Retuen of The Sentimental Swordsman (1981)
Cast:Fu Sheng, Derek Yee,...
- 1/15/2016
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
When I think of Wu Xia movies, I immediately think of Shaw Brothers and the many classic they have made over the years. What I love about this genre is many things, the Swordplay, The Characters, Story lines, Setting, Costumes and much more.
Wu Xia, traditionally is a form of literature. But after high demand over the years it’s become involoved in many art forms such as Movies, Opera, Video Games and beyond. This list of 30 Wu Xia movies listed, i hope you’ll like and want to thank my friend Richard Robinson for contributing to the list. If we missed any classics out, its most probably because we honestly forgot at that time or maybe we haven’t seen all the classic Wu Xia movies so far, anyway enjoy the list and let us know what you thought in the commen box at the bottom.
1.Have Sword Will Travel (1969)
Cast: David Chiang,...
Wu Xia, traditionally is a form of literature. But after high demand over the years it’s become involoved in many art forms such as Movies, Opera, Video Games and beyond. This list of 30 Wu Xia movies listed, i hope you’ll like and want to thank my friend Richard Robinson for contributing to the list. If we missed any classics out, its most probably because we honestly forgot at that time or maybe we haven’t seen all the classic Wu Xia movies so far, anyway enjoy the list and let us know what you thought in the commen box at the bottom.
1.Have Sword Will Travel (1969)
Cast: David Chiang,...
- 10/14/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
When it comes to making features like this one, i love the idea of coming up with my own personal “100 Great Kung Fu Movies” of all time. It is tough choosing just 100 because you know there are many more great Kung Fu movies that are not on the list.
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand moments during fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you...
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand moments during fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you...
- 6/27/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Like millions of you around the world, i love Kung Fu movies. It is the only real genre that keeps me going back for more and that is why i will always love Kung Fu movies.
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
The Skyhawk (1974)
Studio: Golden Harvest
Director: Jeong Chang Hwa
Cast: Kwan Tak Hing, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik, Nora Miao
Action Director(s): Sammo Hung
Legendary Weapons of China (1982)
Studio: Shaw Brothers
Director: Lau Kar Leung
Cast: Hsiao Ho, Lau Kar Leung, Kara Hui, Gordon Liu, Lau Kar Wing, Fu Sheng
Action...
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
The Skyhawk (1974)
Studio: Golden Harvest
Director: Jeong Chang Hwa
Cast: Kwan Tak Hing, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik, Nora Miao
Action Director(s): Sammo Hung
Legendary Weapons of China (1982)
Studio: Shaw Brothers
Director: Lau Kar Leung
Cast: Hsiao Ho, Lau Kar Leung, Kara Hui, Gordon Liu, Lau Kar Wing, Fu Sheng
Action...
- 3/6/2014
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Village of Tigers
Written by yip Yat-Fong
Directed by Griffin Yueh Feng and Wong Ping
Hong Kong, 1974
In a lonesome little tavern one of the patrons is brutally attacked by a hoard of violent thugs. The target of the onslaught defends himself as best he can before ultimately being undone by a fatal stab in the back. The leader of the murderous troop hailing from the Village of Tigers, Hu Jiao (Wang Hsieh), quickly realizes the man they believed to be Master Ba (Tung Lam) from the famous Ba family is but an unfortunate soul whose identity the Tigers mistook. Later on, another member from the Ba family, Bao Ying Hua (Karen Yip Leng-Chi) accidentally makes the acquaintance of a wandering hero named Luo Hong-Xun (Yueh Hua), the latter whom is accosted by thieves only to be saved by Ying Hua. Soon, the fates of Ba family, the Village of...
Written by yip Yat-Fong
Directed by Griffin Yueh Feng and Wong Ping
Hong Kong, 1974
In a lonesome little tavern one of the patrons is brutally attacked by a hoard of violent thugs. The target of the onslaught defends himself as best he can before ultimately being undone by a fatal stab in the back. The leader of the murderous troop hailing from the Village of Tigers, Hu Jiao (Wang Hsieh), quickly realizes the man they believed to be Master Ba (Tung Lam) from the famous Ba family is but an unfortunate soul whose identity the Tigers mistook. Later on, another member from the Ba family, Bao Ying Hua (Karen Yip Leng-Chi) accidentally makes the acquaintance of a wandering hero named Luo Hong-Xun (Yueh Hua), the latter whom is accosted by thieves only to be saved by Ying Hua. Soon, the fates of Ba family, the Village of...
- 12/28/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
The Young Avenger
Written by Hu Pao and Ko Jui-Fen
Directed by Griffin Yueh Feng
Hong Kong, 1972
Master Li Kui (Tung Lam), aging martial artist and former member of quartet of masters, is protector of a small, peaceful village. One day, a frightful individual from his past, hunchback Liu Tou (Fan Mei-Sheng), arrives in town under the pretense that he seeks specialized martial arts lessons from Li Kui. In truth, he lusts for revenge for his brother’s accidental death many years ago. Li Kui, now retired from teaching, refuses the proposal and fends off Liu Tou’s enraged attacks, but is severely wounded in the process. This prompts him to send away his young niece Bao Zhu to a former ally, Mad Monk, for training. A decade later, Zhu (Shih Szu) returns home to re-acquaint with her family and defend it against the threat of Liu Tou’s wrath.
Written by Hu Pao and Ko Jui-Fen
Directed by Griffin Yueh Feng
Hong Kong, 1972
Master Li Kui (Tung Lam), aging martial artist and former member of quartet of masters, is protector of a small, peaceful village. One day, a frightful individual from his past, hunchback Liu Tou (Fan Mei-Sheng), arrives in town under the pretense that he seeks specialized martial arts lessons from Li Kui. In truth, he lusts for revenge for his brother’s accidental death many years ago. Li Kui, now retired from teaching, refuses the proposal and fends off Liu Tou’s enraged attacks, but is severely wounded in the process. This prompts him to send away his young niece Bao Zhu to a former ally, Mad Monk, for training. A decade later, Zhu (Shih Szu) returns home to re-acquaint with her family and defend it against the threat of Liu Tou’s wrath.
- 12/28/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Killer Darts
Written by Tu Yun-Chih
Directed by Ho Meng-Hua
Hong Kong, 1968
What a difference a week can make. Last Saturday, the film under review was The Black Tavern, which earned the highest of praise for originality, creativity, and a willingness to go in the deep end by mixing things up in some demented ways. Not to belittle the many quality movies reviewed since this column’s inception, but Black Tavern really did make an exceptional effort to differentiate itself from the pack. Following such an adrenaline-inducing high, the enthusiasm expressed toward a follow-up movie that fails to capture the same magic is understandably more muted. Even when tempering one’s expectations, Ho Meng-Hua’s Killer Darts, despite its amusing title, is merely a serviceable middle-of-the-road entry in the canon.
A gang of scoundrels led by Chou Chao (Ma Ying) brutally assaults its will on a small defenseless community in...
Written by Tu Yun-Chih
Directed by Ho Meng-Hua
Hong Kong, 1968
What a difference a week can make. Last Saturday, the film under review was The Black Tavern, which earned the highest of praise for originality, creativity, and a willingness to go in the deep end by mixing things up in some demented ways. Not to belittle the many quality movies reviewed since this column’s inception, but Black Tavern really did make an exceptional effort to differentiate itself from the pack. Following such an adrenaline-inducing high, the enthusiasm expressed toward a follow-up movie that fails to capture the same magic is understandably more muted. Even when tempering one’s expectations, Ho Meng-Hua’s Killer Darts, despite its amusing title, is merely a serviceable middle-of-the-road entry in the canon.
A gang of scoundrels led by Chou Chao (Ma Ying) brutally assaults its will on a small defenseless community in...
- 11/9/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Brothers Five
Written by Ni Kuang and Lo Wei
Directed by Lo Wei
Hong Kong, 1970
One of the commonly celebrated phenomena in human society is when several individuals, previously strangers to one another, come together in order to achieve a common goal, be it professional, to thwart a threat, create or accomplish something that speaks to each on an emotional level. The commonalities that bond humans must sometimes be learned the hard way, therefore making them feel all the more precious when they bring people together, which speaks volumes about the human spirit. Not all goals are of equal measure of course, but regardless of what evokes the aforementioned feeling of connectedness, the results are sure to satisfy. Lo Wei’s 1970 film Brothers Five, which has five young men of various talents discover their blood bond and seek revenge for the death of their father….completely avoids exploring that theme in favour of wall-to-wall action.
Written by Ni Kuang and Lo Wei
Directed by Lo Wei
Hong Kong, 1970
One of the commonly celebrated phenomena in human society is when several individuals, previously strangers to one another, come together in order to achieve a common goal, be it professional, to thwart a threat, create or accomplish something that speaks to each on an emotional level. The commonalities that bond humans must sometimes be learned the hard way, therefore making them feel all the more precious when they bring people together, which speaks volumes about the human spirit. Not all goals are of equal measure of course, but regardless of what evokes the aforementioned feeling of connectedness, the results are sure to satisfy. Lo Wei’s 1970 film Brothers Five, which has five young men of various talents discover their blood bond and seek revenge for the death of their father….completely avoids exploring that theme in favour of wall-to-wall action.
- 6/15/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Time to shake things up a bit for the Shaw Brothers Saturday column. In addition to offering readers another review this week (The Mighty One), the column feels like it has run long enough and witnessed enough bloodshed to take a step back and reminisce on some of the more fondly remembered films reviewed since December 2011.
As such, in this special bonus edition of Shaw Brothers Saturday, readers will find a special top 5 list of the author’s favourite films with a some brief thoughts on each as well as links provided to direct readers towards the full length reviews. Before revealing the list, a few pertinent notes need be shared so that seasoned fans of the studio’s output are not dumbfounded by the omission of some obvious choices.
First, at the risk disappointing some, 36th Chamber of Shaolin is frequently included in top 5s and top 10s to...
As such, in this special bonus edition of Shaw Brothers Saturday, readers will find a special top 5 list of the author’s favourite films with a some brief thoughts on each as well as links provided to direct readers towards the full length reviews. Before revealing the list, a few pertinent notes need be shared so that seasoned fans of the studio’s output are not dumbfounded by the omission of some obvious choices.
First, at the risk disappointing some, 36th Chamber of Shaolin is frequently included in top 5s and top 10s to...
- 2/17/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Jean-Claude Brisseau’s La fille de nulle part (The Girl from Nowhere) won the Pardo d’oro or the Golden Leopard at the 65th Locarno Film Festival, which concluded on 11th August, 2012.
La fille de nulle part is a story of a lonely widower Michel, a retired math teacher who occupies his time writing an essay about the beliefs that shape daily life. One day he meets Dora, a young homeless woman, who shows up injured at his doorstep, and puts her up until she recovers. Her presence brings something new to Michel’s life, but gradually the apartment becomes the site of mysterious happenings.
The other awards presented are:
Premio speciale della giuria / Prize from the Cities of Ascona and Losone: Somebody Up There Likes Me by Bob Byington, United States.
Pardo per la migliore regia / Prize from the City and Region of Locarno (Best Director): Wo Hai...
La fille de nulle part is a story of a lonely widower Michel, a retired math teacher who occupies his time writing an essay about the beliefs that shape daily life. One day he meets Dora, a young homeless woman, who shows up injured at his doorstep, and puts her up until she recovers. Her presence brings something new to Michel’s life, but gradually the apartment becomes the site of mysterious happenings.
The other awards presented are:
Premio speciale della giuria / Prize from the Cities of Ascona and Losone: Somebody Up There Likes Me by Bob Byington, United States.
Pardo per la migliore regia / Prize from the City and Region of Locarno (Best Director): Wo Hai...
- 8/13/2012
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Vengeance is a Golden Blade
Directed by Ho Meng-Hua
Written by Ho Meng-Hua and Yun Chich Tu
Hong Kong, 1969
Ah, the McGuffin, the prized object that each and every character in a film is influenced by, seeks out but which in the end bears no relation to the heart of a story. The story is typically about something else entirely, yet the film will cheekily try to remind the audience that it is the ever elusive (or not) object of everyone’s desire that matters most. This is one of the oldest storytelling tricks in movie history, and one of the most recognized. The idea of the McGuffin is pretty interesting because it can assist a film in so many essential ways, such as actually helping a film in question focus more on character relations. The hunt for the object everyone desires will, if we follow the screenwriting logic, inadvertently cause rich character development.
Directed by Ho Meng-Hua
Written by Ho Meng-Hua and Yun Chich Tu
Hong Kong, 1969
Ah, the McGuffin, the prized object that each and every character in a film is influenced by, seeks out but which in the end bears no relation to the heart of a story. The story is typically about something else entirely, yet the film will cheekily try to remind the audience that it is the ever elusive (or not) object of everyone’s desire that matters most. This is one of the oldest storytelling tricks in movie history, and one of the most recognized. The idea of the McGuffin is pretty interesting because it can assist a film in so many essential ways, such as actually helping a film in question focus more on character relations. The hunt for the object everyone desires will, if we follow the screenwriting logic, inadvertently cause rich character development.
- 5/5/2012
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
The Twelve Gold Medallions
Directed by Ching Gong
Written by Ching Gong
Hong Kong, 1970
It would be a bit of a stretch to argue that the Shaw Brothers studio was an excellent venue for actors for flex their thespian muscles to the fullest extent. Naturally, the emphasis in these movies is put on action, style and caricatures more than three-dimensional characterizations. It does not mean there are no fully fledged characters to play nor that an actor is never awarded the opportunity to give a performance worth of special note, but ‘acting’ definitely means playing within the parameters set up by the sorts of stories told. Some, however, break through the mould, be it because the script provides them with more meat to chew on or simply because they have more charisma, their presence holds more gravitas than most. Yueh Hua was one such actor, much like David Chiang and Lo Lieh.
Directed by Ching Gong
Written by Ching Gong
Hong Kong, 1970
It would be a bit of a stretch to argue that the Shaw Brothers studio was an excellent venue for actors for flex their thespian muscles to the fullest extent. Naturally, the emphasis in these movies is put on action, style and caricatures more than three-dimensional characterizations. It does not mean there are no fully fledged characters to play nor that an actor is never awarded the opportunity to give a performance worth of special note, but ‘acting’ definitely means playing within the parameters set up by the sorts of stories told. Some, however, break through the mould, be it because the script provides them with more meat to chew on or simply because they have more charisma, their presence holds more gravitas than most. Yueh Hua was one such actor, much like David Chiang and Lo Lieh.
- 4/15/2012
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Lady of Steel
Directed by Ho Meng Hua
Written by Liang Yen
Hong Kong, 1970
Movies whose stories are set within the parameters of grand scale wars can tell one of two types of stories. Either the film speaks to the grandiose nature of the conflict, with the themes and ideologies concerned with the overall attitudes towards war in general, or they will concentrate their efforts on sharing a specific, more personal story that in some is a microscopic version of the epic battle that unfolds. Some prefer the former because the featured action is often more epic in scale, but the latter may provide with a more intimate storyline for which characterization is more pertinent than lofty themes. Ho Meng Hua, with his 1970 action film Lady of Steel, goes for the second option, exploring how one woman’s quest for revenge relates to the oncoming invasion of a massive army.
Directed by Ho Meng Hua
Written by Liang Yen
Hong Kong, 1970
Movies whose stories are set within the parameters of grand scale wars can tell one of two types of stories. Either the film speaks to the grandiose nature of the conflict, with the themes and ideologies concerned with the overall attitudes towards war in general, or they will concentrate their efforts on sharing a specific, more personal story that in some is a microscopic version of the epic battle that unfolds. Some prefer the former because the featured action is often more epic in scale, but the latter may provide with a more intimate storyline for which characterization is more pertinent than lofty themes. Ho Meng Hua, with his 1970 action film Lady of Steel, goes for the second option, exploring how one woman’s quest for revenge relates to the oncoming invasion of a massive army.
- 4/8/2012
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
The Web of Death
Directed by Chor Yuen
Written by Ni Kuang
Hong Kong, 1976
Is there value in creating a remake? The safe answer is a resounding no given how, unfortunately, too many of them fail to live up to expectations. In fact, the frequency with which remakes disappoint is high enough that said expectations have been lowered to the deepest depths of the earth. Whenever the word ‘remake’ is uttered by a studio executive, it is the cue for general film lovers and film bloggers to collectively groan in perfect synchronicity. However, the original question still stands: is there value in creating a remake? The true answer, one not enough film buffs consider entertaining, is yes, provided the filmmakers have something to add to the original material in a way that will improve upon it. In 1976, not quite a decade after Chiang Hung Hsu’s The Thundering Sword, Chor Yuen...
Directed by Chor Yuen
Written by Ni Kuang
Hong Kong, 1976
Is there value in creating a remake? The safe answer is a resounding no given how, unfortunately, too many of them fail to live up to expectations. In fact, the frequency with which remakes disappoint is high enough that said expectations have been lowered to the deepest depths of the earth. Whenever the word ‘remake’ is uttered by a studio executive, it is the cue for general film lovers and film bloggers to collectively groan in perfect synchronicity. However, the original question still stands: is there value in creating a remake? The true answer, one not enough film buffs consider entertaining, is yes, provided the filmmakers have something to add to the original material in a way that will improve upon it. In 1976, not quite a decade after Chiang Hung Hsu’s The Thundering Sword, Chor Yuen...
- 4/1/2012
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Shaw Brothers Saturdays: ‘The Sword and the Lute’ ends its trilogy, but is also one chapter too many
The Sword and the Lute
Directed by Hsu Tseng-Hung
Written by San Kong
Hong Kong, 1967
After Temple of the Red Lotus and The Twin Swords both emerged onto the Hong Kong cinema scene in 1965, showcasing several brand new, soon to be insanely popular actors moulded by Shaw Brothers studios, among them Lo Lieh, Jimmy Wang, Ivy Ling Po and Chin Ping, director Hsu Tseng-Hung and writer San Kong removed themselves for 2 years from the world of Scarlet Maid, the Gan family and the fantastical poisonous lute before finally concluding the trilogy of films in 1967. By this time Jimmy Wang was a powerful name in the industry, appearing in numerous films and having starred in one of the studio’s most famous adventures, The One Armed Swordsman, with Golden Swallow to come shortly thereafter, which may in part explain why in this third and final chapter he is more of a...
Directed by Hsu Tseng-Hung
Written by San Kong
Hong Kong, 1967
After Temple of the Red Lotus and The Twin Swords both emerged onto the Hong Kong cinema scene in 1965, showcasing several brand new, soon to be insanely popular actors moulded by Shaw Brothers studios, among them Lo Lieh, Jimmy Wang, Ivy Ling Po and Chin Ping, director Hsu Tseng-Hung and writer San Kong removed themselves for 2 years from the world of Scarlet Maid, the Gan family and the fantastical poisonous lute before finally concluding the trilogy of films in 1967. By this time Jimmy Wang was a powerful name in the industry, appearing in numerous films and having starred in one of the studio’s most famous adventures, The One Armed Swordsman, with Golden Swallow to come shortly thereafter, which may in part explain why in this third and final chapter he is more of a...
- 3/10/2012
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Come Drink With Me
Directed by King Hu
1966, Hong Kong
There is always something thrilling and fascinating about a movie that defies ones expectations, giving audiences something they never saw coming. Given that Come Drink With Me is the first film to be reviewed in this series, few expectations existed beforehand. Nevertheless, King Hu’s efforts in putting interesting twists on specific characters and narrative elements does not go unnoticed, and while the film does experience some slight turbulence, the end result makes for a memorable 90 minutes.
Set in an unspecified past, a party of men transporting a general’s son across the mountainous countryside is cleverly ambushed by a hoard of gangsters, whose intentions are to offer the son back in exchange for their currently imprisoned leader. It is only a matter time before the general’s daughter and cunning warrior, code name Golden Swallow (Chang Pei-pei) is given...
Directed by King Hu
1966, Hong Kong
There is always something thrilling and fascinating about a movie that defies ones expectations, giving audiences something they never saw coming. Given that Come Drink With Me is the first film to be reviewed in this series, few expectations existed beforehand. Nevertheless, King Hu’s efforts in putting interesting twists on specific characters and narrative elements does not go unnoticed, and while the film does experience some slight turbulence, the end result makes for a memorable 90 minutes.
Set in an unspecified past, a party of men transporting a general’s son across the mountainous countryside is cleverly ambushed by a hoard of gangsters, whose intentions are to offer the son back in exchange for their currently imprisoned leader. It is only a matter time before the general’s daughter and cunning warrior, code name Golden Swallow (Chang Pei-pei) is given...
- 12/24/2011
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Hey Fiends! We are going to try to have your DVD and Blu-Ray Releases compiled and posted on Mondays now. This week is sort of light on the media releases, but there are still some things to check out, including a new Twilight Zone Season on Blu-Ray
All Descriptions of the following titles are provided by Amazon.com unless otherwise noted. If you plan on buying a flick from this list, please click on the links provided or click on the cover as it helps us pay the bills around here. Also, unlike most sites, we provide the Netflix widget which we think is pretty convenient to add these films to your queue. If you don’t have Netflix, feel free to click on “Free Trial” and try it out!
Death Tube 2
Format: DVD
—————————-
The sequel to the exciting terror film! `Death Tube,` the website where murders are streamed live in real time,...
All Descriptions of the following titles are provided by Amazon.com unless otherwise noted. If you plan on buying a flick from this list, please click on the links provided or click on the cover as it helps us pay the bills around here. Also, unlike most sites, we provide the Netflix widget which we think is pretty convenient to add these films to your queue. If you don’t have Netflix, feel free to click on “Free Trial” and try it out!
Death Tube 2
Format: DVD
—————————-
The sequel to the exciting terror film! `Death Tube,` the website where murders are streamed live in real time,...
- 2/14/2011
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
Following closely in the wake of the U.K theatrical release of John Woo's “Red Cliff,” Daniel Lee’s movie version of Guanzhong Luo's 600-year-old Chinese classic novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' is out on R2 DVD next month. They threw everything plus the kitchen sink at this production, with an absolute avalanche of action stars including (deep breathe) Andy Lau, Sammo Hung, Maggie Q, Vanessa Wu, Andy On, Rongguang Yu, Quanxin Pu, Lung Ti, Hua Yueh, Chen Zhi Hui and Damian Lau. Unlike Woo’s more recent version, Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon takes far greater liberties with its source material, playing heavy on the action and light on historical accuracy. So, if sword wielding epic-type-ness is more your cup of Joe than dramatical excess, then this is the one for you. Three Kingdoms gets released on DVD and Blu-ray in the U.K, July 13th.
- 6/18/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Following closely in the wake of the U.K theatrical release of John Woo's “Red Cliff,” Daniel Lee’s movie version of Guanzhong Luo's 600-year-old Chinese classic novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' is out on R2 DVD next month. They threw everything plus the kitchen sink at this production, with an absolute avalanche of action stars including (deep breathe) Andy Lau, Sammo Hung, Maggie Q, Vanessa Wu, Andy On, Rongguang Yu, Quanxin Pu, Lung Ti, Hua Yueh, Chen Zhi Hui and Damian Lau. Unlike Woo’s more recent version, Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon takes far greater liberties with its source material, playing heavy on the action and light on historical accuracy. So, if sword wielding epic-type-ness is more your cup of Joe than dramatical excess, then this is the one for you. Three Kingdoms gets released on DVD and Blu-ray in the U.K, July 13th.
- 6/18/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Following closely in the wake of the U.K theatrical release of John Woo's “Red Cliff,” Daniel Lee’s movie version of Guanzhong Luo's 600-year-old Chinese classic novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' is out on R2 DVD next month. They threw everything plus the kitchen sink at this production, with an absolute avalanche of action stars including (deep breathe) Andy Lau, Sammo Hung, Maggie Q, Vanessa Wu, Andy On, Rongguang Yu, Quanxin Pu, Lung Ti, Hua Yueh, Chen Zhi Hui and Damian Lau. Unlike Woo’s more recent version, Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon takes far greater liberties with its source material, playing heavy on the action and light on historical accuracy. So, if sword wielding epic-type-ness is more your cup of Joe than dramatical excess, then this is the one for you. Three Kingdoms gets released on DVD and Blu-ray in the U.K, July 13th.
- 6/18/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
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