SAMURAI WARRIOR on UK DVD

Kenichiro Nishiumi (a former assistant director to prolific and all round fave filmmaker around these parts...Takashi Miike) is now starting to carve out a name for himself as an equally maverick director in his own right, and one of earlier works....Samurai Warrior (aka Gachi Samurai) is on its way to UK DVD next month.

Synopsis: During Japan’s Warring States Period many powerful feudal lords took it upon themselves to pillage neighbouring lands whenever the opportunity arose. As steps towards unifying the whole country began, battles unfolded and many men left the smaller villages to fight in the larger territories. Among those left behind to tend to the farmlands were groups of hoodlum youths, referred to as “Evil Little Devils”, who, dreaming of supplanting their superiors, spent much of their time brawling and “stealing” neighbouring villages. In the small rural village of Kinugasa, three teenage farmhands, Ryu, Gon and Yonesuke, sought to break the monotony of their agricultural chores by training themselves in the Japanese martial arts, particularly swordsmanship, and employing their burgeoning skills in mock raids on the villages’ of their rivals. But their superiority in the relatively harmless arena of adolescent warfare becomes threatened and things turn deadly when a young warrior, Jojima, returns from the real battlefield and attempts to exert his dominance over the three friends.

Samurai Warrior will be released on DVD by MVM on February 27.

Poster and trailer for Korean thriller HELPLESS

Whilst updating the info on our post yesterday, we stumbled across a striking poster and equally good looking trailer for another upcoming Korean thriller...Helpless. Based on the novel ‘Train’ (thats as in wedding train, not the passenger variety) by Japanese crime thriller writer Miyabe Miyuki, it stars Lee Seon-gyoon and Kim Min- hee.

No English subs with this one alas, but looks powerful stuff none the less. Helpless opens in Korean Next month.

Synopsis: Veterinarian Mun-ho is on the way to visit his parents with his fiancée Seon-yeong, when Seon-yeong suddenly disappears at a rest stop while he is gone for a few minutes. Mun-ho looks all over the rest stop for her, but it seems as though she has simply evaporated, leaving only a hairpin on the restroom floor behind. Back in Seoul, Mun-ho goes to Seon-yeong’s house to find a mess that smacks of a break-in: He is convinced that his fiancée has been kidnapped. However, while searching for her, he discovers that Seon-yeong is not her real name. Receiving no further help from the police, he seeks help from his cousin, former detective Jong-geun. As they dig dipper into her disappearance, doubts increase and they get closer to uncovering another shocking truth about Seon-yeong.

Helpless official site

English subbed trailer for Korean horror thriller HOWLING

All is revealed. After our initial coverage, we’re finally been able to put some meat on the bones of what exactly Song Kang-ho’s latest thriller...Howling...is really all about. Killer Wolf dogs (yes indeed, you read correctly) are only part of the puzzle it seems. There’s a detailed synopsis to read, and better yet, a link to an English subbed trailer to watch...below.

Synopsis: Veteran detective Sang-gil and beat cop Eun-yeong are in charge of a case that seems to involve a simple act of self-immolation. Sang-gil initially thinks that it was an accident, but dog bite marks discovered on the body lead him to believe that someone had terrorized and murdered the victim. With Sang-gil working secretly and hoping for a promotion, he and Eun-yeong investigate the source of the drugs found in the body and discover the victim had been pimping out young girls. At the same time, another murder involving a wolf-dog crossbreed occurs, revealing teeth marks similar to the one’s on previous victim’s body. The two cases are labelled serial killings. With a connection between the victims uncovered, Sang-gil and Eun-yeong track down a potential witness. While questioning her, one of the mysterious dogs strikes out of the blue, killing the witness and stunning the cops. Though they don’t realise it yet, integral to the case is retired police dog trainer Myeong-ho, living with his drug addict daughter and still training dogs. It’s not long before the detectives find a link between the dead men, Myeong-ho, and his daughter’s tragic circumstances. As it turns out, there’s one more victim yet to come, part of a grand scheme of revenge that sees Sang-gil and Eun-yeong tracking one of Myeong-ho’s killer dogs as it strives to complete its mission.

Howling English subbed trailer

East Winds: Film Festival line-up announced

Nice to see somewhere in the UK, other than London, get a touch of eastern promise for a change. Now in its second year - from March 2nd to 4th 2012 - Third Window Films in conjunction with the Coventry University East Asian Film Society are set to present the East Winds: A Third Window Film Festival.

This years' line-up of films includes a retrospective of Japanese film-maker Satoshi Miki who will attend along with his regular actress Fuse Eri. There will also be a double-bill of feature films from legendary Hong Kong director Herman Yau, who will also be in attendance!

Other screenings include the European Premier of Taiwan/China co-production 'Starry Starry Night' with a Q&A from director Tom Lin as well as screenings of Yuya Ishii's follow-up to 'Sawako Decides' with 'Mitsuko Delivers'; the South Korean blockbuster smash 'The Yellow Sea' and the European Premier of the acclaimed short-film 'BloodTraffick' starring rising star Grace Huang.

For a full shakedown of the lineup and events take a peek at the fests official site....here.

Release date set for THE SWORD IDENTITY

Xu Haofeng's (the script writer for Wong Kar Wai's ‘The Grandmasters’) debut feature film as director, the period action epic The Sword Identity did the rounds last year, on the high end festival circuit, but now finally us mere mortals will soon get to see it as its tipped for release next month. The whole thing has a very old school feel, harking back to classic 70s action movies, the action looks fairly decent, and we are loving the retro look of the posters. The Sword Identity opens in China on Feb 24th and all being well that means Hong Kong opening in March (ish) and English subbed DVD by May (ish)!

Synopsis: Once upon a time in the Southern Chinese city of Guancheng, there lived four families, each of them faithful keepers of martial arts. Anyone who wanted to establish a new sect, or a new form of kung fu, had to fight his way through the family’s gates. But when Liang Henlu requests a competition, he is rejected and driven out of town, his strange new weapon mistaken for a Japanese sword and therefore forbidden by purist Chinese masters as a foreign fighting device. Liang is taken for a Japanese pirate and forced to hide in a boat filled with gypsy dancers. After a series of fights prove Liang’s sword invincible, the Guancheng masters start to question their assumptions regarding the weapon’s origins. They finally recognize that it is none other than the famous sword called “Made in China” (modeled on a Japanese weapon), which the celebrated General Qi used in his glorious defeat of the Japanese invasion.

Sword Identity posters

New posters for NIGHTCLUB SCHOOL HOSPITAL

We still don’t have a clue what the hell this latest Chinese horror movie Nightclub School Hospital is all about, but the trailer looks great, and there’s a ton of purdy new posters to take a gander at...so lets take a peek...

All the goodies below.

 

 

Nightclub posters   

Nightclub School Hospital trailer

Read our eariler Nightclub coverage

Japan Flix goes global bringing Pinky to the world

Gettem while they’re hot! As of....well now really, the entire Pinky Eiga erotic cinema catalogue in the Japan Flix catalogue will be available for rental anywhere in the world (except Japan). With any major credit card, Pink Eiga fans will be able to stream online some of the best and worst that Japanese exploitation cinema has to offer. See popular titles such as The Japanese Wife Next Door, Ninja Pussycat, Sexy Battle Girls and Tsumugi starring one of the most popular AV actresses in the world, Sora Aoi. They’ve also upped the rental periods, so you can now enjoy between 2 days or 7 days, of full on (and full frontal) Pinky oddness. Check out the full catalogue here.

Hong Kong action fest SNIPER set for UK DVD

Continuing the little sub theme we’ve been developing this week on Hong Kong action flicks, news of note for UK fans – Dante Lam’s blindingly good Police thriller The Sniper is heading there for a DVD release. Publicists like to throw around terms like “high octane” and “pulse-pounding,” like confetti, but in the case of a Lam crafted action movie, they’re right on the money. The Sniper will be released on DVD by via the good folks at Chelsea Films, on 12th March.

Synopsis: When ex-Hong Kong police sharpshooter Lincoln (Xiaoming) is released from prison after serving time for the alleged manslaughter of a kidnapper during a hostage situation he has only one thing on his mind: revenge on those responsible for putting him behind bars. At the top of his hit list is former colleague and fellow marksman Hartman (Jen), who Lincoln believes withheld key evidence at his trial that could have led to his acquittal. Lincoln’s plan involves setting up the largest heist the city has ever known, hoping that this will draw his prey to him. Meanwhile, a hot-headed rookie, OJ (Chen), has joined Hartman’s team and quickly begins to exhibit the same level of shooting skills that made Lincoln such a legend on the force. OJ becomes fascinated by Lincoln, to the point where Hartman worries that he may begin to emulate his former teammate’s cavalier attitude towards the job at hand. As the day of the heist dawns, lines are drawn as Lincoln sets out to re-enact the operation that sealed his fate, thereby initiating the ultimate showdown between the three expert snipers.

NINJA BATTLE: DVD review

Director: Seiji Chiba. Review: Adam Wing.

Read all about it! Seiji Chiba in ninja movie shocker! Before we start, I want to remind you of the last time I wrote about a Seiji Chiba movie. The film was called Rogue Ninja and the review went a little something like this. “For a film that clocks in at just over an hour, there’s a lot of exposition to wade through. The characters in Rogue Ninja sure like to talk, conspiring, deliberating, or just plain standing around putting the world to rights - you sometimes get the feeling that the world of Rogue Ninja is set inside a giant girl’s bathroom.” You wouldn’t believe how tempted I was to just copy and paste the review over. Then again, isn’t that kind of what I’m doing now? Wait, there’s more…

The battle scenes are tightly choreographed - fast, fluid and energetic - but it’s fair to expect that of Seiji Chiba by now, if he still hasn’t got the hang of ninja action then all hope is lost. With a final battle that takes place in, what looks like, the same cave as Alien vs. Ninja, Chiba could be accused of making the same film again - without the rubber costumes and the comedy. Rogue Ninja has very little going for it beyond attractive leads and entertaining fight choreography. As for me, I kind of miss the alien.” To be fair to Ninja Battle, the final battle doesn’t take place in, what looks like, the same cave as Rogue Ninja and Alien vs. Ninja. That would be a ridiculous notion. The truth is, pretty much the entire movie is shot in, what looks like, the same cave as Alien vs. Ninja...Continue review here.  

Ninja Battle trailer

Irish horror CITADEL heading for SXSW

Seems we were well ahead of the curve when we first covered news on Irish horror thriller Citadel in January of last year - and now we know we were onto a winner - with news that the debut feature from Irish writer/director Ciarán Foy, is to have it's World Premiere as part of the Midnighters section of the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.

Nothing that says success, like having your first ever movie, show at one of the film festivals of the year. Even with the detailed plotline it’s a little hard to nail down exactly what Citadel is about; A dystopian future, psychological breakdown, Vampire plague, Demons? The juries still out until we see a trailer. Until then we’ll just have to make to with one (oh they tease) new still from the film released. Links to all the pics we’ve found so far, below.

Synopsis: Citadel is a story about pure terror. Packs of twisted feral children prowl the dark urban landscape of Edens town, the council estate from Hell. Concealed beneath hooded tops, they attack innocent adults with septic syringes to harvest their blood and abduct small children to swell their ranks. Abandoned by the police, the small community that remains is plagued by the brutal and rampant gangs that few truly understand. Emerging at night, they are especially drawn to anyone showing fear - in fact they can see it and sense it. When Tommy¹s pregnant wife Joanne is viciously attacked, it turns his world upside down. Joanne is left in a coma. As a result of the trauma, Tommy suffers crippling agoraphobia rendering him housebound and barely able to look after their infant daughter Elsa. Trapped in Edenstown, Tommy desperately needs to leave. Before he can escape however, Tommy's worst nightmare comes true - Elsa is kidnapped. To save his daughter, he is forced to trust a vigilante priest who understands the horrific truth about the gangs. Tommy must now face the demons of his past by entering the one place that he fears the most – an abandoned tower block called the Citadel.

Citadel new still

Citadel earlier stills

Via IFB

Hong Kong set to bring us a COLD WAR

The other day we were bemoaning the fact that Hong has been letting us down a tad on the horror movie front, but the same sure can’t be said for the number of top flight action thrillers coming from there of late. Police action flick...Cold War, is the latest to add to list, and we’ve just turned up the teaser poster and finally nailed down a plotline.

CW is directed by Longman Leung and Sunny Luk and they’ve assembled themselves a TOP cast including; Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung, Eddie Peng, Aarif Rahman and Charlie Yeung. Cold War opens in May, so trailer time any day now we reckon!

Synopsis: In Asia’s safest city, the police have long been untouchable. Approaching midnight in Hong Kong, police headquarters receives an anonymous call: a fully-loaded police van carrying the forces, most advance equipment and five highly trained officers has disappeared off the grid. The hijackers possess direct knowledge of police procedures. They’re already steps ahead. The police must meet a list of demands to ensure the hostage’s release, including the delivery of a huge ransom. Any delay will cost lives.....The clock is ticking…

RED LIGHT REVOLUTION: Review

Director: Sam Voutas. Review: Adam Wing.

Lets start with some interesting facts, shall we? In 1996 there was only one sex shop in Beijing, by 2010 there were over 2000. 70% of the world’s sex toys are made in China and 1.3 trillion condoms are made there every year. Here’s the fun part though, so I hope you’ve been paying attention. How many films have been made about Beijing sex shops? That’s right folks, just the one. Welcome to Red Light Revolution, a new film by Sam Voutas. With the movie failing to secure a release date in China, the U.K is officially the first territory in the world to see it. Which might seem a little strange, as Voutas himself has stated, “In my neighbourhood alone, there are three adult stores within a block of me. Business, it seems, is booming.” In the real world perhaps, but not on the big screen.

When Shunzi (Zhao Jun) loses his job as a cab driver, he finds himself without a wife and home. His spouse - a money loving cheat - has found herself another man and Shunzi’s life couldn’t possibly get any worse, or could it? With no savings to fall back on he is forced to move in with his parents, taking a humiliating job in a supermarket to make ends meet. You know you’re not living the dream when the job advert reads ‘fat man required’. Still, at least he makes a new friend, and his quirky colleague (Vivid Wang) might be able to help him set up his new venture. With nowhere else to go, Shunzi steps behind China’s ‘red curtain’ and secretly opens a sex shop. Not that he’ll be telling his parents anytime soon, as far as their concerned he’s selling 'modern lifestyle goods'...Continue review.

Red Light trailer

 

First trailer for stylish French thriller BLIND

Xavier Palud, the director of the fantastic little French film ‘Ils’ (Them), is back, with a new flick a cat and mouse horror thriller titled À l'aveugle (aka ‘Blind’). Being French it of course looks painfully stylish, and aside from the fact Palud directs - if we need even more reason to up the must see factor - you can add to the pot that its produced by the one and only Luc Besson. Blind opens in France in March. A must see? Naturellement!

Synopsis: The mutilated body of a young woman was found at his home. No sign of a break in, no witnesses, the crime is perfect. The investigation is entrusted to the captain Lassalle, an experienced cop and lonely, destroyed by the death of his wife. While other equally bloody murders are committed, Lassalle’s suspicions begin to fall on an implausible suspect...a blind man, Narvik. But the suspect's alibi is plausible and with his infirmity he is harmless. A strange duel, like a chess game, then engages the two men.

 

Blind trailer

Them trailer

THE TWINS EFFECT II on US DVD!

Never thought it would see the light of day in the United States, but here it is! Patrick Leung and Corey Yuen’s Twins Effect II has been picked up for release by Well Go USA. By all accounts they are releasing it intact and entirely uncut, so we’ll forgive them (only just) the slightly bizaree decision, to rename it ‘Blade of Kings??’ Lucky were here to steer HK action fans in the right direction then!

As well as the main draw of it starring Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan slugging in out on screen, the cast also includes Charlene Choi (Triple Tap, The Jade and the Pearl), Gillian Chung (Vampire Effect), and Hong Kong Film Award nominee for Best Newcomer Jaycee Chan (Jackie’ son) in the tale of a humble boy born to rule an empire who must first undertake his journey to claim his throne in the mythical land of Huadu.

If you enjoy quirky, fun and exciting old school Hong Kong action films chock full of big Hong Kong stars, then definitely purchase this when it lands on Blu-ray™ + DVD Combo Pack and DVD...March 6th

Twins Effect 2 trailer

Insane horror anthology THE THEATRE BIZARRE opens today

Do you like whacked out, insane horror movies? Do the words demented, disturbing, grotesque and bizarre make your ears perk up? If so, we've got something here you'll want to pay attention to. The horror anthology The Theatre Bizarre opens in select U.S. cities today and it's right up your alley.

The Theatre Bizzare features six deranged segments from directors like Buddy Giovinazzo (Combat Shock), Tom Savini (one of the best horror special effects guys ever) and Richard Stanley (Hardware, Dust Devil) as well as a framing sequence starring Udo Kier! If you happen to live in New York or Los Angeles, you're in luck as there are midnight screenings happening at the Sunshine Cinema and Nuart theaters (respectively) with directors and cast members doing a Q&A afterwards! Udo Kier in person!

Synopsis: Down a seedy city street, a young woman is obsessed with what appears to be a long abandoned theatre. One night, she sees the front door slightly ajar and impulsively decides to sneak inside. But there in the vast, eerie auditorium, a show unlike any other unfolds before her eyes. Its host is an odd marionette-like man who will introduce her to six tales of the truly bizarre: A couple traveling in a remote part of the French Pyrenees crosses paths with a lustful witch; A paranoid lover faces the wrath of a partner who has been pushed to her limit; The Freudian dreams of an unfaithful husband blur the lines between fantasy and reality; The horrors of the real world are interpreted through the mind of a child; A woman addicted to other people's memories gets her fix through the fluid of her victims' eyeballs; And a perverse obsession with sweets turns sour for a couple in too deep. But as the stories unfold, something strange is happening to the woman. Something irreversible and horrific. Something that awaits its next audience in The Theatre Bizarre.

Official Website

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