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-produced crime action film “Detective Vs Sleuths” took top honors at the mainland China box office in its second weekend of release. New release title, ‘Mozart From Space” came in a disappointing second.
“Detective Vs Sleuths” earned 18.4 million (RMB123 million) between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was only a 20 drop compared with its opening weekend and advances it to a 10-day cumulative of 58.8 million.
The film involves Wai Ka-fai, a writer-director who is also a longtime Johnnie To collaborator, re-team with actor Sean Lau (aka Lau Ching-wan), the star of 2007’s “Mad Detective.” The tale sees Lau as a retired and stressed-out former cop on the trail of a serial killer, who appears to be tidying up loose ends in a series of cold cases.
“Mozart From Space” opened with 16.6 million (RMB111 million). The film is a sci-fi comedy about an alien who...
“Detective Vs Sleuths” earned 18.4 million (RMB123 million) between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was only a 20 drop compared with its opening weekend and advances it to a 10-day cumulative of 58.8 million.
The film involves Wai Ka-fai, a writer-director who is also a longtime Johnnie To collaborator, re-team with actor Sean Lau (aka Lau Ching-wan), the star of 2007’s “Mad Detective.” The tale sees Lau as a retired and stressed-out former cop on the trail of a serial killer, who appears to be tidying up loose ends in a series of cold cases.
“Mozart From Space” opened with 16.6 million (RMB111 million). The film is a sci-fi comedy about an alien who...
- 7/18/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Ye Lanqiu (Gao Yuanyuan) is a beautiful and successful young woman who, as the film opens, is diagnosed with an advanced lymphatic cancer that requires immediate treatment. Numb with shock, Lanqiu sits on a crowded city bus, hiding behind large sunglasses and completely oblivious to what is happening around her, not even registering the conductor’s persistent request that she give up her seat for an elderly pensioner. This moment of perceived incivility is recorded on a mobile phone by an assistant to journalist Chen Ruoxi (Yao Chen), and the zealous reporter quickly decides to go viral with the video, flooding the web with the footage of the callous “Sunglass Girl”. The video triggers a massive internet hate-mail campaign against the already stricken Lanqiu, and heralds even more catastrophes in both her personal and professional life. But fate is not yet finished with Lanqiu, and the chaotic course she has been unjustly set upon will,...
- 6/9/2022
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
Precisely written and deliberately shot, “José,” a Guatemala-set Lgbtq character examination from Chinese-born director Li Cheng, is a movie preoccupied with the private tragedy of unfulfilled impulses and aspirations as a result of widespread homophobia and emotional blackmail.
Between his job flagging down cars to get costumers to eat at a shuco (Guatemalan-style hot dog) restaurant and helping his devoutly religious mother, 19-year-old José (Enrique Salanic) finds time to live out his sexuality in secret through dating-app hookups. We never see what’s on his cell phone’s screen, but we do witness clandestine meetings with men in dark rooms. Even as the sun shines outside, light barely penetrates the furtive interiors shrouded by thick shadows.
As if the camera is spying on José’s rendezvous, Cheng and cinematographer Paolo Giron always film him from afar, usually on the opposite side of the sidewalk as he waits for his next...
Between his job flagging down cars to get costumers to eat at a shuco (Guatemalan-style hot dog) restaurant and helping his devoutly religious mother, 19-year-old José (Enrique Salanic) finds time to live out his sexuality in secret through dating-app hookups. We never see what’s on his cell phone’s screen, but we do witness clandestine meetings with men in dark rooms. Even as the sun shines outside, light barely penetrates the furtive interiors shrouded by thick shadows.
As if the camera is spying on José’s rendezvous, Cheng and cinematographer Paolo Giron always film him from afar, usually on the opposite side of the sidewalk as he waits for his next...
- 1/29/2020
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
The emerging art house film sector in China is to get a further boost from the launch of a $16 million (RMB100 million) specialized acquisition fund. The initiative is backed by five companies already operational in the sector.
The A.R.T. Project fund is intended to invest in 15 films by Chinese directorial talent over a period of five years. All are to be guaranteed Chinese theatrical release, international festival representation and overseas sales.
The backers include: Perfect Village Entertainment, the merged production operations of Perfect World and Village Roadshow in China; Hong Kong and Chinese-based distributor and exhibitor, Edko Films; Hong Kong producer Irresistible Films; Chinese marketing firm and website operator Maoyan Media, and state-owned distributor, Huaxia Film Distribution.
“The A.R.T. Project partners all agree that there is nothing more important than nurturing the new generation of Chinese filmmaking talent. We are up and running at full speed,...
The A.R.T. Project fund is intended to invest in 15 films by Chinese directorial talent over a period of five years. All are to be guaranteed Chinese theatrical release, international festival representation and overseas sales.
The backers include: Perfect Village Entertainment, the merged production operations of Perfect World and Village Roadshow in China; Hong Kong and Chinese-based distributor and exhibitor, Edko Films; Hong Kong producer Irresistible Films; Chinese marketing firm and website operator Maoyan Media, and state-owned distributor, Huaxia Film Distribution.
“The A.R.T. Project partners all agree that there is nothing more important than nurturing the new generation of Chinese filmmaking talent. We are up and running at full speed,...
- 4/17/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Hot off the success of last year’s box office record-setting smash The Mermaid, Stephen Chow brought us a sequel this Lunar New Year to his 2013 film Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons. While it set an opening day record in China, and was initially released in North America on roughly twice as many screens, it has thus far failed to match The Mermaid’s financial success. I have no idea why that is, anyone who claims to understand what makes the difference between a hit and a super-hit is a liar or a fool, but I can theorize that the film’s somewhat mixed critical response is a response to its weird hybrid nature. Not just in the ways Chow situates a sincere appreciation for religion within a goofy pop context, but in the film’s dual authorship between Chow, who co-wrote and produced, and Tsui Hark, who directed.
- 2/8/2017
- MUBI
Directed by Tsui Hark and produced and co-written by Stephen Chow, Journey to the West 2: The Demons Strike Back is the latest film based on the classic Chinese novel ‘Journey to the West’. The cast includes Kris Wu, Kenny Lin, Yao Chen, Lin Yun and Bao Bei-Er. Thanks to Magnum Films, we have Five double passes for the film to give away to our readers. For a chance to win, all you have to do is to follow these two steps: 1) Like the Magnum Film Facebook page, and 2) Email your name and postal address to me at: hugo[at]screenanarchy.com Journey to the West 2: The Demons Strike Back will open in Australian cinemas on January 28 and this...
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- 1/21/2017
- Screen Anarchy
The much awaited film “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2” is hitting theaters on January 28, 2017. Last week, fans were treated to the first teaser trailer of the film.
The first installment “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons” was released last 2013 and set several records at the Chinese box-office. The film was a critical and commercial success, garnering 94% from film review aggregator RottenTomatoes as well as grossing over $215 million worldwide.
It’s no surprise that the fans are eagerly awaiting for this sequel. Leading the cast is Kris Wu as Tang Zeng Monk, a monk who must work with his disciples to become a demon-exorcising mega team. Superstars Lin Gengxin, Yao Chen, Lin Yun, Bao Bei’er, Da Peng, Wang Likun, Wang Duo, Zhang Mei’er and former basketball player Mengke Bateer are also in the cast. China.org reports that this action-adventure comedy based on the ancient Chinese...
The first installment “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons” was released last 2013 and set several records at the Chinese box-office. The film was a critical and commercial success, garnering 94% from film review aggregator RottenTomatoes as well as grossing over $215 million worldwide.
It’s no surprise that the fans are eagerly awaiting for this sequel. Leading the cast is Kris Wu as Tang Zeng Monk, a monk who must work with his disciples to become a demon-exorcising mega team. Superstars Lin Gengxin, Yao Chen, Lin Yun, Bao Bei’er, Da Peng, Wang Likun, Wang Duo, Zhang Mei’er and former basketball player Mengke Bateer are also in the cast. China.org reports that this action-adventure comedy based on the ancient Chinese...
- 11/15/2016
- by Ella Palileo
- AsianMoviePulse
After the roaring success of “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons” (2013), the second installment of the movie will be released on Jan 28th, 2017.
The release for “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2” coincides with Chinese New Year 2017, which is traditionally the most profitable release date for Chinese films.
Stephen Chow wrote, produced, and directed the first movie. This time around, however, Chow is passing the Director’s Chair to Tsui Hark, who made a cameo in his last movie “The Mermaid“.
‘Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2‘ main cast includes Lin Gengxin, popstar Kris Wu, Yao Chen, Bao Bei-er, Lin Yun and former NBA star Mengke Bateer.
Source: China.org.cn...
The release for “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2” coincides with Chinese New Year 2017, which is traditionally the most profitable release date for Chinese films.
Stephen Chow wrote, produced, and directed the first movie. This time around, however, Chow is passing the Director’s Chair to Tsui Hark, who made a cameo in his last movie “The Mermaid“.
‘Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2‘ main cast includes Lin Gengxin, popstar Kris Wu, Yao Chen, Bao Bei-er, Lin Yun and former NBA star Mengke Bateer.
Source: China.org.cn...
- 10/28/2016
- by Gloria Gee
- AsianMoviePulse
Lu Chuan‘s first foray into blockbuster territory, Chronicles of a Ghostly Tribe, will be available for home viewing in the first week of June: the DVD on the 5th and Blu Ray on the 7th.
Chan, who is better known for his smaller budget, arthouse offerings truly stepped out of his comfort zone with this picture, proving that a filmmaker with his level of talent and vision can entertain audiences of all shapes and sizes.
Trailer
The film, an adaptation of Tianxia Bachang’s best-selling novel Ghost Blows Out the Light, tells the story of a young soldier (Mark Chao) who, along with a small research team, stumbles upon a clutch of mysterious fossils within Chinese mountain range on the Mongolian border.
Unbeknownst to the adventurers, their discovery would trigger a series of events, culminating in the release of a pack of hell-beasts through an inter-dimensional portal, that would change their lives, and the course of human history forever.
Spanning a period of three decades and two continents, this epic adventure is sure to appeal to fans of the monster movie genre.
Asian Film Strike hails the film’s “strong set pieces and an engaging sense of mystery and wonder”, calling it a “technically accomplished blockbuster.”
The film also stars Wang Qingxiang, Yao Chen, Rhydian Vaughan and Li Chen and has a runtime of approximately 123 minutes.
Chronicles of the Ghostly tribe is available through WellGoUSA and both formats contain a ‘making of’ featurette.
Chan, who is better known for his smaller budget, arthouse offerings truly stepped out of his comfort zone with this picture, proving that a filmmaker with his level of talent and vision can entertain audiences of all shapes and sizes.
Trailer
The film, an adaptation of Tianxia Bachang’s best-selling novel Ghost Blows Out the Light, tells the story of a young soldier (Mark Chao) who, along with a small research team, stumbles upon a clutch of mysterious fossils within Chinese mountain range on the Mongolian border.
Unbeknownst to the adventurers, their discovery would trigger a series of events, culminating in the release of a pack of hell-beasts through an inter-dimensional portal, that would change their lives, and the course of human history forever.
Spanning a period of three decades and two continents, this epic adventure is sure to appeal to fans of the monster movie genre.
Asian Film Strike hails the film’s “strong set pieces and an engaging sense of mystery and wonder”, calling it a “technically accomplished blockbuster.”
The film also stars Wang Qingxiang, Yao Chen, Rhydian Vaughan and Li Chen and has a runtime of approximately 123 minutes.
Chronicles of the Ghostly tribe is available through WellGoUSA and both formats contain a ‘making of’ featurette.
- 6/4/2016
- by WarBanana
- AsianMoviePulse
Jang Tae-yoo, director of the hugely popular Korean drama series My Love From The Star, has teamed up with Chinese stars Aaron Kwok, Yao Chen, Li Chen, Tiffany Tang, Hao Lei and Wang Yibo for a new film about love and friendship called Mba Partners. Three different women become business partner, with their own individuality and they create a new careers. The movie combines friendship, love and dreams. Thanks to Australian distributor Magnum Films, we have Five double passes for the film to give away to our readers. For a chance to win, all you have to do is to follow these two steps: 1) Like the Magnum Film Facebook page, and 2) Email your name and postal address to...
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- 4/30/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Exclusive: Zhang Meng’s remake of Guiseppe Tornatore’s Stanno Tutti Bene stars Zhang Guoli.
Hong Kong’s Edko Films has added Zhang Meng’s Everybody’s Fine, a remake of Guiseppe Tornatore’s Stanno Tutti Bene, to its Berlin slate.
Zhang Guoli (Back To 1942) stars as a widower who embarks on a road trip to reconnect with his four adult children and discovers that their lives are far from perfect. The children are played by Chen He (Running Man), Yao Chen (Monster Hunt), Shawn Dou (Wolf Totem) and Ye Qianyun.
Scripted by Liu Ya and Song Xiao, the film is a more commercial turn for Zhang Meng, who is known for arthouse fare such as The Piano In A Factory.
Tornatore’s 1990 original starred Marcello Mastroianni and a 2009 Hollywood remake featured Robert De Niro as the concerned patriarch.
Edko is also launching sales on romantic comedy Finding Mr Right 2, which reteams director Xue Xiaolu and actors...
Hong Kong’s Edko Films has added Zhang Meng’s Everybody’s Fine, a remake of Guiseppe Tornatore’s Stanno Tutti Bene, to its Berlin slate.
Zhang Guoli (Back To 1942) stars as a widower who embarks on a road trip to reconnect with his four adult children and discovers that their lives are far from perfect. The children are played by Chen He (Running Man), Yao Chen (Monster Hunt), Shawn Dou (Wolf Totem) and Ye Qianyun.
Scripted by Liu Ya and Song Xiao, the film is a more commercial turn for Zhang Meng, who is known for arthouse fare such as The Piano In A Factory.
Tornatore’s 1990 original starred Marcello Mastroianni and a 2009 Hollywood remake featured Robert De Niro as the concerned patriarch.
Edko is also launching sales on romantic comedy Finding Mr Right 2, which reteams director Xue Xiaolu and actors...
- 2/12/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Lover of celebrity and good lighting Annie Leibovitz shot Pirelli's 2016 calendar, but instead of going the usual route of shooting a bunch of famous models, she chose to photograph a powerful, diverse group from a variety of backgrounds in arts, sports, entertainment, and philanthropy. The full list also features Serena Williams, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Tavi Gevinson, Fran Lebowitz, Natalia Vodianova, Kathleen Kennedy, Yao Chen, Mellody Hobson, Ava DuVernay, Agnes Gund, and Shirin Neshat. In a promo video for the shoot, Schumer said, "I felt I looked more beautiful than I've ever felt in my life, and I felt like it looked like me." You can see other photos from the shoot (Serena!) here.
- 11/30/2015
- by E. Alex Jung
- Vulture
Sidharth Malhotra has been named as New Zealand's tourism ambassador for India. The young actor will get his first taste of New Zealand next week before beginning his new role. A keen nature lover, traveller and extreme explorer, Sidharth says he wants to experience everything a destination has to offer and he has an action packed itinerary during his visit here. As part of his stay in New Zealand, Sidharth Malhotra will film a video highlighting New Zealand's spectacular scenery, adrenalin packed activities and cultural experiences that will be incorporated into Tourism New Zealand's campaign work in India. He will also deliver messages about safe driving; encouraging Indian visitors to take care on New Zealand roads. Rene de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand's Director of trade, PR and major events said, "Being able to work with someone like Sidharth Malhotra is another fantastic opportunity for Tourism New Zealand. We know from...
- 10/8/2015
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
With less than a week before Lu Chuan's sci-fi adventure film Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe hits Chinese theaters, the "ultimate" trailer has arrived. Based on Zhang Muye's best-selling novel series "Ghosts Blow Out the Light", it follows the adventures of grave robbers as they raid ancient tombs across mythical sites in China. Many other worldly creatures and paranormal activities seem to be in store for what is Chuan's most commercial film to date.In 1979, a young soldier is working in China's snowcapped mountains when an explosion reveals bizarre fossils hidden deep in the mountain caverns. What they discover next will change his life and human history forever. The cast includes Mark Chao, Yao Chen, Rhydian Vaughan, Li Chen, Tiffany Tang, Guangjie Li, and...
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- 9/27/2015
- Screen Anarchy
It was reported earlier that director Lu Chuan (City of Life and Death) was venturing into Hollywood-esque effects with his next project and we expected him to deliver something visually spectacular. Well, it seems this is certainly the case as shown in a clip for his sci-fi adventure film entitled Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe. Featuring some giant ferocious creatures going on a tear, the creatures were created by Korean VFX house Dexter Studios, the team behind Mr. Go. The cast includes Mark Chao, Yao Chen, Rhydian Vaughan, Li Chen, Tiffany Tang, Guangjie Li, and Daniel Feng.In 1979, a young soldier is working in China's snowcapped mountains when an explosion reveals bizarre fossils hidden deep in the mountain caverns. What they discover next will change...
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[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 9/17/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Monster Hunt is coming to Australian cinemas next week! Directed by Raman Hui, animator for the Shrek films and director of Shrek The Third, this new Chinese fantasy film stars Wuba, Bai Baihe, Jing Boran, Tang Wei, Yao Chen, Eric Tsang, Sandra Ng and Wallace Chung. Thanks to its distributor in Australia, Magnum Films, we have Five double passes to give away to our readers.For a chance to win, all you have to do is to follow these two steps:1) Like the Magnum Film Facebook page, and2) Email your name and postal address to me at: hugo[at]twitchfilm.netMonster Hunt will open in Australian cinemas on July 23, and this competition will close at 3pm on July 21. -- Good luck!You can find out more about this and...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 7/17/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Hong Kong action icon Andy Lau stars in Director Alan Yuen’s (Princess D) action-packed crime thriller Firestorm, and it lands on U.S Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Sept. 23. Rounding out the cast are Michael Wong (Triple Tap), Ray Lui (Transformers: Age of Extinction), Ka Tung Lam (Drug War, IP Man), Jun Hu (Bodyguards & Assassins), Chen Yao (Caught in the Web), Vincent Sze (Vengeance), Chi-yin Wong (Life Without Principle) and Shing-Ban Lam (Young and Dangerous: Reloaded). Cop dramas are bread ‘n’ butter to the Hk film industry, and something they always do well. Add to that Mr Lau presence, and we reckon you’ve got a sure “fire” (ahem) on your hands here! Synopsis: A storm is heading toward the city of Hong Kong, threatening the lives of everyone in its path. As citizens scramble for cover, a crew of seasoned criminals stage a series of armoured car heists in broad daylight,...
- 7/29/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
Nyaff 2014 runs June 27-July 14 in New York City. Follow all of our coverage here. Hong Kong action films often come with two promises. There will be action, and it will most probably be ludicrous. Smart screenplays are always appreciated of course, but there’s nothing wrong with a fun, creatively violent action flick that entertains in its sincere goofiness. That balance between the ridiculous and the fun is important though when the film is also trying to be serious. Firestorm is trying to be serious, and those intentions constantly clash with the physics-ignorant action sequences, frequently dumb writing and the near-constant display of unimpressive CGI. A team of professional criminals is making a mockery of the police department through a series of daytime heists that leave bloodshed and massive property damage in their wake. Inspector Lui (Andy Lau) is a rule-follower, but he quickly learns that “proper” police-work may not be enough to stop the violence in...
- 7/10/2014
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Hello Cinema has a really fascinating conversation about the reception of foreign films, Iranian and elsewhere, in North America referencing interesting movies like A Separation, Leila, Mother of George, Children of Heaven, City of God, and many more
Man, I Love Films on the beloved 40s noir horror Cat People (such a good flick, huh?)
My New Plaid Pants falls in love with (nsfw) 1966's Georgy Girl with Lynn Redgrave & Alan Bates
Guardian George Clooney, perpetual bachelor, is engaged!
ABC Musicians Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell arrested for disorderly conduct. The New Bohemians were not brought in for questioning
Theater Mania Grease Live! will be the next TV musical event after The Sound of Music's success. No cast yet (and good luck strying ot out Stockard/Olivia/John) but it's aiming for 2015
Serious Film my friend Michael liked Match, the Tribeca film starring Patrick Stewart I reviewed yesterday,...
Man, I Love Films on the beloved 40s noir horror Cat People (such a good flick, huh?)
My New Plaid Pants falls in love with (nsfw) 1966's Georgy Girl with Lynn Redgrave & Alan Bates
Guardian George Clooney, perpetual bachelor, is engaged!
ABC Musicians Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell arrested for disorderly conduct. The New Bohemians were not brought in for questioning
Theater Mania Grease Live! will be the next TV musical event after The Sound of Music's success. No cast yet (and good luck strying ot out Stockard/Olivia/John) but it's aiming for 2015
Serious Film my friend Michael liked Match, the Tribeca film starring Patrick Stewart I reviewed yesterday,...
- 4/28/2014
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
All hail the queen! Beyoncé takes the prime spot as the cover girl on Time magazine's annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. And she's far from the only entertainer on the list. Also making the cut were actors Amy Adams, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew McConaughey, Robert Redford, Kerry Washington and Robin Wright, along with musicians Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams and Carrie Underwood. But it's Beyoncé who gets top billing, having proven she can do it all - juggling motherhood with activism while, oh yes, reinventing how music is made, sold and performed. "Beyoncé doesn't just sit at the table.
- 4/24/2014
- by Tim Nudd
- PEOPLE.com
All hail the queen! Beyoncé takes the prime spot as the cover girl on Time magazine's annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. And she's far from the only entertainer on the list. Also making the cut were actors Amy Adams, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew McConaughey, Robert Redford, Kerry Washington and Robin Wright, along with musicians Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams and Carrie Underwood. But it's Beyoncé who gets top billing, having proven she can do it all - juggling motherhood with activism while, oh yes, reinventing how music is made, sold and performed. "Beyoncé doesn't just sit at the table.
- 4/24/2014
- by Tim Nudd
- PEOPLE.com
Once Upon a Time, in the Digital Age…: Chen’s Latest a Message Heavy Oddity
A critique of the hounding one sidedness of the omnipresent media mixed with a heavy swirl of romance and melodrama dictates Chen Kaige’s latest feature, Caught in the Web, an oddly flat critique of the life and times in which we live, especially considering the controversy courting director’s past work, including his much hailed Farewell, My Concubine (1993). Despite dealing with modern issues of modern technological advances further mutating and bastardizing notions of journalism in a sensational driven news medium, Kaige’s film peculiarly feels out of touch, a generational rift in attitude and communication, or something that thinks it’s a bright critique of “the youth today” in a world still spinning swiftly out of control. While performances and visual aesthetics are engaging, there’s a definite shortage of narrative cohesiveness, and...
A critique of the hounding one sidedness of the omnipresent media mixed with a heavy swirl of romance and melodrama dictates Chen Kaige’s latest feature, Caught in the Web, an oddly flat critique of the life and times in which we live, especially considering the controversy courting director’s past work, including his much hailed Farewell, My Concubine (1993). Despite dealing with modern issues of modern technological advances further mutating and bastardizing notions of journalism in a sensational driven news medium, Kaige’s film peculiarly feels out of touch, a generational rift in attitude and communication, or something that thinks it’s a bright critique of “the youth today” in a world still spinning swiftly out of control. While performances and visual aesthetics are engaging, there’s a definite shortage of narrative cohesiveness, and...
- 12/6/2013
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
It's been a good year for fans of Asian cinema in Australia. We got to see Unbeatable, Special ID, Journey To The West and many others on the big screen, all thanks to distributor Magnum Films. And it looks like the year will be ending on a high note with the upcoming release of Firestorm 3D, the latest Hk crime thriller starring Andy Lau, Yao Chen and Lam Ka Tung. The trailers look solid and early buzz is amazing. So be sure not to miss this opportunity to win one of Five double passes to see it!All you have to do is to follow these two steps:1) Like the Magnum Film Facebook page, and2) Email your name and postal address to me at: hugo[at]twitchfilm.netFirestorm 3D will...
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- 12/5/2013
- Screen Anarchy
A hard core Hong Kong acton thriller, starring Andy Lau. Yes please!? And how about some new (ish) character posters, into the bargain. Why not! Firestorm opens in Hk Dec19. All in all the answer to the questions a big hell yes. Synopsis: A storm is heading to the city, and with it comes another occurrence so destructive, it vows to bring down everything it touches. A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Nam (Hu Jun), armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armoured car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation. A hardboiled senior police inspector Lui (Andy Lau), hot on the trails of Nam and his tight crew, determines to put an end to this madness that causes the lives of innocent people.
- 12/5/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
Striking an awkward balance between cornball message-making melodrama and kooky mistaken-circumstance comedy, Caught in the Web finds director Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine, The Emperor and the Assassin) vainly stumbling about in search of a tone or point.
In this increasingly muddled tale, secretary Ye (Gao Yuanyuan) learns that she has fatal (albeit asymptomatic) cancer, which leads her to grumpily refuse to vacate a city bus seat for an elderly passenger. This incident is caught on cell phone camera by a fledgling reporter (Wang Luodan), thereby turning Ye into a viral video villain and sparking all sorts of complications involving her corporate-bigwig boss Shen (Wang Xueqi), his wife (Chen Hong), a TV news producer (Yao Chen), and a jaded reporter (M...
In this increasingly muddled tale, secretary Ye (Gao Yuanyuan) learns that she has fatal (albeit asymptomatic) cancer, which leads her to grumpily refuse to vacate a city bus seat for an elderly passenger. This incident is caught on cell phone camera by a fledgling reporter (Wang Luodan), thereby turning Ye into a viral video villain and sparking all sorts of complications involving her corporate-bigwig boss Shen (Wang Xueqi), his wife (Chen Hong), a TV news producer (Yao Chen), and a jaded reporter (M...
- 11/27/2013
- Village Voice
A third trailer has been released for the new Hong Kong-based action thriller Firestorm
Firestorm will be the latest film written and directed by Alan Yuen and stars Andy Lau, Hu Jun, Yao Chen, Ray Lui, and Gordon Lam.
Andy Lau stars as tough police inspector Lui Ming Chit, who is hot on the heels of a group of notorious criminals lead by Cho Nam (Hu Jun) after they pull of a violent heist in daylight on a crowded street.
Inspector Chit soon discovers that normal police tactics aren’t going to work to stop this particular gang of criminals, and so takes a risk and crosses his own moral line in order to catch Cho Nam and his crew. However he soon discovers that his decision comes at a price.
Firestorm will be released in Hong Kong in December, and the trailer can be viewed here:
Source : fareastfilms.
Firestorm will be the latest film written and directed by Alan Yuen and stars Andy Lau, Hu Jun, Yao Chen, Ray Lui, and Gordon Lam.
Andy Lau stars as tough police inspector Lui Ming Chit, who is hot on the heels of a group of notorious criminals lead by Cho Nam (Hu Jun) after they pull of a violent heist in daylight on a crowded street.
Inspector Chit soon discovers that normal police tactics aren’t going to work to stop this particular gang of criminals, and so takes a risk and crosses his own moral line in order to catch Cho Nam and his crew. However he soon discovers that his decision comes at a price.
Firestorm will be released in Hong Kong in December, and the trailer can be viewed here:
Source : fareastfilms.
- 11/13/2013
- by Eric Wood
- AsianMoviePulse
Directed by Kenneth Bi, his dystopian thriller Control is set to hit theatres across China next week. The movie stars actors Daniel Wu and Simon Yam from Hong Kong, as well as actress Yao Chen from the Chinese mainland. Not to sure about the iffy Matrix-esk visuals on the new poster, but the movie looks very good! There’s an English subbed version of the trailer to watch. Synopsis: Control takes place in a dystopian future, where everyone is monitored and maintains life within a specific set of boundaries. Exploring the ideas of being controlled and losing control, the film's main character, Mark (Daniel Wu) commits a crime for his company in order to financially help his mother. He later encounters a mysterious person that threatens Mark into participating in a bank robbery. His life becomes a disaster as he is manipulated by this mysterious person. When he finally decides he's had enough,...
- 11/9/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
Former THINKFilm executives David Hudakoc and Michael Baker have launched the Toronto-based distributor, one of several new players that are expected to arrive in the wake of the eOne-Alliance merger.
The goal is for levelFilm to release 10-12 “quality independent films” a years starting with Chen Kaige’s Caught In The Web.
The plan will balance platform theatrical releases with day-and-date digital.
Baker [pictured at right] and Hudakoc [pictured at left] will handle acquisitions together while Baker will oversee content development and Hudakoc will supervise distribution and marketing.
Caught In The Web will open in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto in October and expand into 15-20 major markets.
The contemporary ensemble drama centres on the story of a young woman with a terminal illness who becomes the victim of a viral internet campaign after she is caught on video mistreating an elderly bus passenger.
Yuanyuan Gao stars alongside Chen Yao, Mark Chao, Hong Chen and Xueqi Wang. Kaige co-wrote...
The goal is for levelFilm to release 10-12 “quality independent films” a years starting with Chen Kaige’s Caught In The Web.
The plan will balance platform theatrical releases with day-and-date digital.
Baker [pictured at right] and Hudakoc [pictured at left] will handle acquisitions together while Baker will oversee content development and Hudakoc will supervise distribution and marketing.
Caught In The Web will open in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto in October and expand into 15-20 major markets.
The contemporary ensemble drama centres on the story of a young woman with a terminal illness who becomes the victim of a viral internet campaign after she is caught on video mistreating an elderly bus passenger.
Yuanyuan Gao stars alongside Chen Yao, Mark Chao, Hong Chen and Xueqi Wang. Kaige co-wrote...
- 8/15/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
This is the tenth film review in the coverage of Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival. There certainly was a time when filmmakers from mainland China didn't dabble too much in making blockbusters. Obviously, Sophie's Revenge looks like score of other romantic comedies you've seen. However, it's a rather entertaining film.
Sophie (Zhang Ziyi), a comic book artist/writer, has been in relation with Jeff (Ji-seob So), a surgeon, for two years. While they were supposed to get married, Jeff falls for Joanna (Bingbing Fan), a movie star, after he had operated her. Obviously, Sophie is devastated and she doesn't want to face her mom who organized the mariage. With two months left before the day, Sophie will try to win Jeff back with the help of her two best friends, Lucy (Ruby Lin) and Lilly (Chen Yao).
Sophie also intends to publish a comic book targetting women. With this book,...
Sophie (Zhang Ziyi), a comic book artist/writer, has been in relation with Jeff (Ji-seob So), a surgeon, for two years. While they were supposed to get married, Jeff falls for Joanna (Bingbing Fan), a movie star, after he had operated her. Obviously, Sophie is devastated and she doesn't want to face her mom who organized the mariage. With two months left before the day, Sophie will try to win Jeff back with the help of her two best friends, Lucy (Ruby Lin) and Lilly (Chen Yao).
Sophie also intends to publish a comic book targetting women. With this book,...
- 7/28/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
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