Film - September 08

30th September

Detailed synposis for 'K-20: The Fiend With Twenty Faces'

We've just managed to dig up a detailed synopsis for upcoming Japanese blockbuster K-20, and if lush dystopian period action movies are your bag, then this is definitely one for you. Directed by Shimako Sato the pic stars Takeshi Kaneshiro (Red Cliff) & Takako Matsu (Hero). Here comes the plotline, deep breathe its a long one.

In the fictional capital "Teito" where the aristocrats continue to thrive since the 19th Century, there is a wide gap between rich and poor. In the city, there are rumors about a mysterious thief, who only steals from the rich with incredible ways. People call him K-20, that's short for "Kaijin Niju-Menso" (the Phantom Thief with 20 faces). Heikichi (Kaneshiro Takeshi) is a circus acrobat. One day, he is deceived by a mysterious old man, and arrested as K-20. The old man turns out to be K-20 himself! Heikichi succeeds to escape from the jail and decides to hunt down the real K-20 to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, K-20 sets his eyes on a rich lady, who is the fiance of Akechi Kogoro, a famous detective and once arrested Heikichi. One day, Heikichi happens to rescue Yoko from K-20. He somehow convinces Yoko and Kogoro that he is not the real K-20 and begins to fight against K-20 with them, using his incredible physical ability. In the non-stop battle with K-20, the true identity of the thief is revealed!

To see whats to come you can check out a great looking trailer on the films official site. K-20 opens in Japan in December.

K-20 (Official site)

29th September

'Fear(s) Of The Dark' heads to the UK

Heading to UK theatres next week is animated anthology of horror Fear(s) of the Dark. Highly praised by Guillermo Del Toro, the movie features a montage of shorts from some of the world's coolest acclaimed graphic artists, including: Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Lorenzo Mattotti & Jerry Kramsk.

Fears has been described as "A kinky, creepy, disgusting, disturbing and occassionally funny ride into what keeps us all awake at night." If all that floats your boat, but your Stateside, fear not - a national US release starts on October 24th.

Fears of the Dark (Official site)

28th September

'Tokyo Zombie' finally arrives on DVD

Based on the Manga by Hanakuma Yusaka - Sato Sakichi's (writer of Ichi The Killer) wacky action-packed comedy horror Tokyo Zombie, starring Asano Tadanobu (Ichi The Killer, Vital) and Aikawa Sho (Dead or Alive, Gozu), is finally up to order on DVD. The R2 release arrives on Oct 13th, but those in the U.S will have to wait until November 11th.

Tokyo - The near future. Two workers at a fire extinguisher plant, Fujio and Mitsuo, dream of going to Russia to fulfill their lifelong ambition of becoming the World's Strongest Man. They spend each day practicing their jujitsu. They're best friends and closer than brothers. Nothing can tear them apart. Which is lucky, because the city is being invaded by zombies!!! Spewing from a mountain of industrial waste that has been dubbed "Black Fuji", legions of the undead are rising from the Earth and threatening to take over the world. Can our heroes save the human race from imminent extinction?

Tokyo Zombie Trailer

Order the R2 DVD

Order the R1 DVD

27th September

'Dead Snow' (aka Død Snø) teaser tailer

A big thanks to Wilson our sometimes contributor from Norway for tipping us that the teaser trail for Nazi Zombie horror Dead Snow, has just dropped online. Another plus, hes managed to find the trail in lovely hi-res Quicktime. The basis of the films plotline may not sound the most original, but hey its Zombie Nazis! What more could you want. Død Snø premieres 9th January 2009 in Norway.

A group of eight friends drives to a cabin in northern Norway where German troops where slaughtered by angry locals living there in 1945. Now they haunt the place, killing all who trespass.

Dead Snow Trailer

27th September

Toronto After Dark Film Festival final lineup annouced

Toronto After Dark Film Festival has revealed its final lineup of new horror, sci-fi and cult features that will screen at the fest this year - October 17-24, 2008.

Here are just some of the great final eight movies added to the slate: North American Premiere of undead horror comedy I Sell The Dead, Sci-Fi action pic Mutant Chronicles, Brit shock horror Donkey Punch, vampire horror comedy Netherbeast Incorporated and stylized crime flick South Of Heaven.

The festival has put together a brand new preview trailer for fans featuring all the new films announced. Click on the link belows to check out all the fun.

Preview Trailer

After Dark Website

27th September

New 'Coming Soon' poster

A quick update with a new poster for Thai horror Coming Soon. For more details on the production and the plot, head down the page to our earlier story, posted on September 14th.

Via

26th September

Full theatrical trailer for 'Cold Prey 2'!

We loved the Norwegian slasher Fritt Vilt (aka Cold Prey) and have been looking forward to seeing the sequel Fritt Vilt 2 for months - So the arrival a fantastic full length trailer for the film has caused quite a buzz around these parts. That, plus a great new poster, all go to make it well worth the wait. Cold Prey 2 opens in Norway on Oct 10th - and hopefully here, soon after!

Cold Prey 2 Trailer

25th September

Another 'Painted Skin' trailer

Well its about time. Finally we have managed to track down a decent theatrical trailer for Donnie Yens, Painted Skin. Pretty much all of the footage we've seen before, but that was in a couple of poorly put together promo reels that only succeeded in making the film look decidedly average. This new trailer just goes to prove what a little snappy editing and a decent score can do to change that. Painted Skin opens in Hong Kong and across Asia, from tomorrow.

Painted Skin Trailer

25th September

*Update* Clip from Jen Hao Chien's 'The Button man

Further to our post yesterday, someone has very kindly sent us a decent version of the trailer for Jen Hao Chien's Button man. Head to the link to check it out.

Button Man clip

25th September

'Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer' exclusive clip

Momentum Entertainment have just dropped us an exclusive clip for the hugely entertaining, gore-drenched comedy horror Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer, out on R2 DVD on September 29th and R1 on October 7th. Old school cheesy horror at its best.

After witnessing the brutal murder of his family, Jack Brooks (Trevor Matthews) is left with an unquenchable fury and emotions he is constantly trying to keep under control. Years later, working as a local plumber and struggling to keep any relationship together, Jack's life is rapidly heading towards a downward spiral. One night, while fixing his college professor's water system (Horror legend Robert Englund, best known as Freddy Krueger), an ancient demon is awakened and the subsequent evil force is unleashed.

Jack Brooks (Exclusive clip)

Jack Brooks (Official site)

24th September

Clip from Jen Hao Chien's 'The Button man'

First the good news - a clip from Jen Hao Chien's dark gangland thriller The Button Man is now up on the Pusan international film festival website. The bad news, its an embedded file (if someone could capture it and post it elsewhere, please let us know) and somewhat glitchy. To give it a go, head to the link and when on the page, click on "VOD."

Synopsis: Wei is the “Button man”, an expert cleaner for the mob, a man who comes after a murder scene, takes care of the victim, disposing the body and leaves no evidence behind. Who would have thought that one day, he would become a target of their list.

Pusan film festival (Official site)

24th September

'Pathology' on R1 DVD

The grisly medical horror Pathology gets washed up onto the shores of DVD land today. The movie stars Milo Ventimiglia as Ted Gray, a gifted student he joins one of the nation's most prestigious Pathology programs. With talent and determination Ted is quickly noticed by the program's privileged and elite band of pathology interns who invite him into their crowd. Intrigued by his new friends he begins to uncover secrets he never expected and finds that he has become a pawn in their secret after-hours game at the morgue of who can commit the perfect undetectable murder. As Ted becomes seduced into their wild extracurricular activities the danger becomes real and he must stay one step ahead of the game before he is the next victim.

Pathology (Official site)

23rd September

Johnny To's 'Election 2': Review

Election 2 (2006) Director - Johnny To
Reviewed by: Darren Cenerini

It's strange when you are introduced to a new director and his body of work. You can see how, in most cases, with each film released the quality is upped each time. What's especially strange is when you watch three films done by the same director in the span of two days, then you can really see the differences in his or her style. Such is the case with Johnny To, where I was exposed to Exiled, Election 2 and The Mission in a big marathon. I had seen the first Election about two years ago and thought it was a neat little flick, nothing spectacular but it was genuinely entertaining. When I popped in Election 2 however, I anticipated that this was possibly just more of the same. Fortunately, I was wrong.

Election 2 takes place two years after the events of the first Election. As stated by Triad law, every two years the chairman must graciously step down and a new chairman will be elected to lead the Triads for the next two years. Well, it's that time again, but the current chairman (as seen at the end of the first film), Lok, refuses to step down. He's grown quite attached to his power, and is willing to fight to keep it as long as possible, despite protests from other key members of the Triad. The other three contenders for the spot, Kum, Jet and Jimmy, all have their own reasons for wanting (or not wanting) the spot, but ultimately it comes down to sheer brutality to determine the new chairman of the Wo Sing. Who will take it all? Continue reading Election 2 review here

Election 2 Trailer

23rd September

Trashy Italian horror anyone? Yes please!

Think of a European country in the 70’s famed for its prolific, inventive and often trashy as all hell horror movies and Italy would be very near the top of the list. Next month Shameless Screen Entertainment are releasing a couple of fantastic Italian cult horror classics on DVD, and we though them well worth a mention.

First up is the ever so subtly titled Strip nude for your killer, director Andrea Bianchi’s ‘gore a go-go giallo’ in which the death of a fashion model leads to a series of murders all linked to the agency for which she worked.

The second is Maurizio Lucidi’s The designated victim, an inspired remake of Hitchcock’s ‘Strangers On A Train’ and a landmark of 1970s Italian shock-cinema, pushing it into far more tense and twisted territory. Designated victim will be released as a ‘Shameless Fan Edition’ with a new edit and boasting a selection of extras that have been supplied by or worked on by fans of the film, including deleted scenes and art gallery.

For more info on the releases, head over the the Shameless Entertainment website here.

22nd September

New UK trailer for Korean horror 'G.P. 506'

Back on August 29th we posted the news that Su-chang Kong’s Korean zombie horror G.P. 506 was to street on R2 DVD. Now to add to the fun, distributor Cine Asia has released a new trailer for the film that's a little more (ok a lot more) bloody than it's Korean equivalent. It all looks great, but a word of warning if you are planning on seeing the movie - Some of the clips in the trail are almost too revealing, making it perhaps a tad spoilerish.

G.P 506 UK trailer

21st September

Johnny To's 'Exiled': Review

Exiled (Fong juk) (2006) Director - Johnny To
Reviewed by: Darren Cenerini

When one thinks of Asian crime films, one of the first things that will pop into mind are the Yakuza. Countless films have been made about the Japanese mafia, both true to the real goings on of the crime syndicate (Kitano's "Brother") and of course completely blown out of proportion (any Miike film). In recent years however, the Triads, or the Chinese mafia, have been getting their fare share of international screen time thanks to ambitious director Johnny To. What started with his "Election" series culminates into "Exiled", which is somewhat of a spiritual successor in some ways to To's landmark series.

Set in the Portuguese colony of Macau, Exiled begins with two Triad assassins being given the order to kill an inactive member named Wo. Boss Fay, who has put out the hit, seems convinced that Wo's inactivity suggests he is betraying the Triads in some sense. When the two assassins arrive at Wo's house, they are greeted by another two assassins who truly believe that Wo does not deserve to be killed so unjustly. What ensues is a large, highly stylized shootout between Wo and the two men ordered to kill him. So as not to spoil the outcome of the firefight, the victor then rejoins the other two men and together they embark on a mission to contract as many high paying jobs as possible before the Chinese rule is carried out and they can no longer find work as hitmen.....

Continue reading Exiled review here

Exiled (Official site)

20th September

First still from Mamoru Oshii's 'Kill'

From the sound of it Japanese director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) is a man who likes to cut to the chase. His latest project, the omnibus action movie Kill does away with sitting through all of that boring plot and character development and goes straight for the ACTION. As well as himself, he has assembled a group of three other directors (Kenta Fukasaku, Takanori Tsujimoto, Minoru Taharato) to create an omnibus of blistering blade action stories. Set to have its premiere at next months Tokyo International Film Festival, the pic is due to open in Japan in December.

Kill Still

Kill Official Site (not yet fully active)

19th September

'Dororo' on DVD!

Blockbuster martial arts fantasy Dororo hits U.S DVD Shelves next week. From the subtle mention on the top of the art work, some might have spotted a mention that the film was adapted from a Manga written by Astro Boy Tezuka Osamu. Dororo is a rollicking period adventure and was such as success not one but two sequels are already in the works. Sumabuki Satoshi and Shibasaki Kou stra as demon hunters Hyakkimaru and Dororo. With action choreography by Ching Siu Tung (Hero) and plenty of CG demons to boot, it's fast-paced and swashbuckling from beginning to end.

Dororo (Official site)

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18th September

Full trailer for J-Horror 'End Call'

A full trailer has just dropped on Youtube for upcoming J-Horror End Call. Directed by Kiyoshi Yamamoto, the film hails from the same producers who brought us the horror "Apartment 1303." End Call has already been pre-sold to Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and the UK, so they must have done something right, and it looks pretty good to us so far.

"The Devil has a phone (who knew!) number, and if you call him on your mobile phone at midnight, he will grant your wish. In return, he will control your life for the duration of the call."

End Call Trailer

17th September

New '252' trailer

The official site for Warner Japan's new big budget disaster movie 252 Survivors has been updated again with a new teaser trailer. Directed by Nobuo Mizuta and starring Hideaki Ito and Masaaki Uchino, the film is due out in Japan Dec 08.

252 Survivors (Official site)

16th September

Another chunk of 'Chocolate'

While the U.S. waits to see if anyone will ever get around to picking up the North American rights to release Muay Thai action fest Chocolate, the UK marketing machine is gathering pace for its theatrical debut there, on October 24th. The latest treat to surface is a new English subtitled (not that you really need them for this sequence) clip featuring JeeJa Yanin doing what she does best – Kicking ass.

Chocolate clip

16th September

First signs of life for 'MW'

The official website for the live action adaptation of Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezuka's apocolyptic Manga MW, has just sprung into life. There's no sign of a teaser trailer as yet, but the site going live is a sure sign ones on the way. Director Hitoshi Iwamoto is to helm the movie, with a release in 2009.

Hailed by some as the Godfather of Manga Tezuka's MW tells the story of a secret U.S chemical weapon called "MW" which accidentally leaks and wipes out the population of a southern Japanese island. Michio Yuuki survives the accident - though he emerges from the ordeal without a trace of conscience, to become a cold blooded and psychotic killer. His one true goal, to spread MW around the world.

MW (Official site)

15th September

'Fist of Legend' on R1 DVD

Regarded by some as the best martial arts movie he ever made, Jet Li’s Fist of Legend has just received the Dragon Dynasty treatment, and has been release in a swanky re-mastered two disc edition. The film, a remake of Fists of Fury which starred martial arts legend Bruce Lee, boasts action direction by Hong Kong action master Yuen Wo-ping - A guaranteed Kung Fu extravaganza!

Set in 1937, when Shanghai was occupied by the Japanese and racial tensions were high. Jet Li is Chen Zhen, who returns to Shanghai to avenge the death of his master, whom he learns was poisoned. His popular freestyle fighting technique and Japanese girlfriend do not endear him to his former friend, now his master's successor at the martial arts school.

Fist of Legend Trailer

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14th September

Coming soon.. 'Coming Soon'

Some first stills are out for upcoming Thai horror Coming Soon. The pic is directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit whose name may be familiar to some as one of the writers behind the hit Thai horrors 'Shutter' and 'Alone' - one very good reason to sit up and take notice. The second, GMM Tai Hub the production house behind both of those films, is also fronting the movie. Two big ticks there on the "must see" front. You can check out the pics from the link below.

The plot: "What kind of scenes in a horror film scares you the most? When a ghost appears totally unexpectedly? When the main character does not see the ghost sneaking up behind him? When at the very end you find out that the main character was actually a ghost all along? But none of this compares to the feeling of arriving home alone and suddenly being stuck by a feeling of dj vu that you are reenacting the very same scenes in the horror movie you just saw! This movie will scare you from the second you step inside the movie theatre. It will get you wondering if Something or Someone might be waiting for you to let your guard down. The horror movie that you just saw is about to happen to you in real life! Coming Soon."

Coming Soon Stills

13th September

More fake commercials from 'Tokyo Gore Police'

Further to our post on September 4th, more fake commercials have just been released on the TGP website. All are of course completely tasteless, rediculously over the top and blood filled fun. Our particular favorite is "Remote control exterminate." Wii sports will never look quite the same again.

TGP commercials 1 2 3 4

13th September

'The Midnight Meat Train' arrives the the UK

Ryuhei Kitamura’s film adaptation of Clive Barker’s Midnight Meat Train is set for UK theatrical release. It's not clear what kind of distribution its going to get, but it would be hard pressed to be any worse than the pitiful show LionsGate put on for the film in the U.S. Meat Train opens in the UK on October 31st. Hmmm that date seems familiarly significant for some reason...

Meat Train Trailer

12th September

Universal scores a first with ‘Thirst’

Well this is a new twist in Asian/American movie co-production and great news for U.S. fans of the work of “Oldboy” helmer Park Chan-wook. Universal Pictures and Focus Films have just announced they intend to co-fund the directors new vampire movie Thirst. Apparently this is the first time a Korean film has received American funding and distribution commitment before its local release, and we reckon will pretty much guarantee a quick release Stateside also!

Synopsis: Beloved and devoted priest from a small town volunteers for a medical experiment which fails and turns him into a vampire. Physical and psychological changes lead to his affair with a wife of his childhood friend who is repressed and tired of her mundane life. The one-time priest falls deeper in despair and depravity. As things turns for worse, he struggles to maintain what’s left of his humanity.

Thirst stars Song Kang-ho (The Host), and Shin Ha-kyun (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) with Kim Ok-bi ("Dasepo Naughty Girls) as leading lady. Thirst is currently in production, with a release due mid-2009. Source

11th September

Teaser poster for 'Paintball'

Quite how you shoe-horn a horror film out of the premise of “Paintballing” is something of a mystery to us, but it seems Spanish film house Filmax have decided to give it a go. The movie is helmed by first time director Daniel Benmayor and stars Jennifer Matter, Patrick Regis, Brendan Mackey, Neil Maskell. Cue the incredibly long synopsis from Filmax’s website:

A truck rumbles down a potholed track. In the back sit a group of passengers, their eyes blindfolded. They don’t know each other, but they have a lot in common: they’re young, urban workaholics, with an appetite for extreme experiences. They’ve signed up for a weekend of adventure. As they head out into the unknown, they hear the others breathing in the darkness, steadying their pulses in silence as the adrenaline begins to flow… The blindfolds come off to reveal in a dense forest. Each player is equipped with supplies to last the weekend, a powerful paintball gun, ammunition, maps and instructions. They have to complete an adventure trail that takes in ravines, caves and obstacle-ridden trekking paths. The group is split into two teams. The winners will be the team that wipes out their opponents and completes the circuit. They wanted adventure? They got it. Deep in the woods, one group is ambushed. Invisible snipers pin them down in a hail of paint – then one of their number collapses, writhing in agony. Red blood mixes with the paint. Confusion reigns. Who is shooting at them? In the silence, they stare round at each other, and into the forest, looking for a traitor – or some kind of explanation. The rules of the game have changed. The only law is the law of the jungle, and nobody trusts anybody else. Hidden among the trees, camouflaged by leaves and branches, there are deadly traps. Hunted down like prey in a lethal game, the teams face a desperate struggle for survival. There’s nothing like a brush with death to make you feel alive.

As well as the teaser poster, you can also check out some stills from the pic over at Spanish horror site Aullidos, here.

10th September

'Green Fish': review

by: Luis Muniz

Here is a look at one of South Korea's influential filmmakers with a reflective story to show.Director Chang-dong Lee with the down-to-earth "Green Fish" is amongst one his greats including "Peppermint Candy" and his unforgettable "Oasis." It stars Suk-kyu Han (Solace, The Scarlet Letter) followed by Hye-jin Shim (Acacia) and Seong-kun Mun (Soo) where they play struggling characters filled with realistic circumstances that put a strain on their uncertain situations.

Synopsis: Mak-dong (Suk-kyu Han) is released from the military finding himself on a train ride singled out, unemployed and having to cope with common family matters. While searching for a women name Mi-ae after defending her honor from a handful of thugs (Hye-jin Shim) during the first day of his discharge, he bumps heads at mob boss Tae-gon Bae (Seong-kun Mun) who offers him encouraging guidance along with some legal work. While paying his dues and at the same time getting acquainted with the head chief's women, his life swerves into unsuspected situations.

Although it requires a lot of patience when viewing this slow-paced tale, its worth the watch for it's not your average Joe mobster movie. It focuses on true crime that carries much street-smart realism, frantic sacrifices and just plain old survival that normally surrounds gangster life in the real world as we see it today. For Mak-dong (Han) it's as simple as "do what you gotta do" to carry on in a place that he no longer recognizes after returning from the military. Despite his weariness with all that is happening, the character seem to hold his own throughout the duration of the film.

One of the most memorable scenes that I can sincerely remember is Suk-kyu Han's performance in the telephone booth that seemed to give a final needed piece to the story, making the lead up as successful as it worked so hard to build. This follows up with a fairly predictable ending that still makes it all connect in an extraordinary way, where even the biggest dreams can come to life at a whole other way.

Chang-dong Lee's "Oasis" stands as my all time favorite from him - "Green Fish," along with his other work clearly shows how effortlessly he can put something as real and profound as this work of art together.

9th September

Taiwan's first ever slasher horror 'Invitation Only' gets trailerized

Invitation Only Taiwan's first ever slasher horror movie just got a trailer (English subtitled no less) of its very own - And as first impressions count, it looks like they've decided "what the hell, as its our first slasher, lets make it really GORY."

Invitation stars ahem "Adult" movie star Siren Maria Ozawa in her first straight acting role as a super model. The movies plot apparently revolves around five friends who arrive at a party, fully unaware that the special night is just a cover for an evening of torture and murder. Invitation Only opens in Taiwan, in Nov.

Invitation Only Trailer

9th September

Toronto based film fan wanted

Are you based in or around the Toronto area and a huge fan of Asian and horror films? Would you jump at the chance of full & free access to attend the whole seven days of this years “Toronto After Dark Film Festival,” as the press rep for 24fps? Well heads up because that's just exactly what we are offering someone the chance to do.

The only qualifications you’ll need are a passion for movies and the ability to write about them well, but bear in mind this wont be a walk in the park. You’ll need to attend screenings galore and provide full daily write-ups and reviews on the movies and festival events. So if you think your up to the job, drop us an email with some background info about yourself and preferably some examples of your writing, and we'll let you know if you fit the bill.

Cheers

Del (Editor) 24fps

9th September

'Suicide Song (aka Densen-uta)' on R1 DVD

Based on a suitably gruesome urban legend surrounding the Hungarian song entitled "Gloomy Sunday,"said to have caused multiple suicides - J-Horror ‘Densen-uta’ (the literal translation 'Suicide Song') hits R1 DVD on September 23rd. Directed by Masato Harada, the script is written by author Yasushi Akimoto, who penned the Japanese horror classic "One Missed Call."

High-school girl Kana suddenly commits suicide in a classroom one afternoon. Her friend Anzu, who at the time hears Kana humming a strange song, is on hand to witness the tragic scene. The disturbing event leads to media speculation about bullying at the school, but Anzu cannot shake the feeling that something more might be going on. With the mysterious melody still fresh in her mind, she decides to investigate the mystery with her friends.

Suicide Song Trailer

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8th September

New trailer for 'Queen of Langkasuka'

More new footage, more sea battles, more magic and more pirates in nifty hats. A new trailer for Nonzee Nimibutr’s mega budget fantasy epic Queen of Langkasuka has appeared on Youtube. Currently set for release Thailand on October 23rd, we are crossing our fingers for two things - That the opening date doesn't slip for a 3rd time and someone releases it with English subs. Here's hoping.

Queens of langkasuka (Trailer)

Queens of Langkasuka (Official Site)

7th September

'Red Cliff' on DVD and Blu-ray

There have been some pretty dodgy looking Mainland Chinese DVD releases of John Woo's adaptation of the Chinese classic Red Cliff knocking around, so we've held off mentioning them - But now the Hong Kong DVD and Blu-ray have a arrived, so its open season for historical epic ordering, as they are usually good quality.

The first of two films chronicling the legendary battle, Red Cliff stars Tony Leung Chiu Wai, fresh from his Golden Horse Award-winning turn in Lust, Caution. Leung plays the role of strategist Zhou Yu, and stepped in to help old friend John Woo when original lead Chow Yun Fat vacated the leading role. Rounding out the cast are Kaneshiro Takeshi (The Warlords), Chang Chen (The Go Master), Zhang Feng Yi ( Emperor and the Assassin), Hu Jun (Infernal Affairs 2), Japanese actor Nakamura Shidou (Fearless), and in her debut, Taiwanese model Lin Chi Ling.

208 A.D., The Battle of Chang Ban. Liu Bei (You Yong) and his followers narrowly escape the armies of Prime Minister Cao Cao (Zhang Feng Yi), but Cao Cao's lust for power continues to grow. Fearing that Liu Bei and the Kingdom of Shu cannot oppose Cao Cao, strategist Zhuge Liang (Kaneshiro Takeshi) proposes an alliance with the Kingdom of Wu. However, Wu ruler Sun Quan (Chang Chen) is uncertain on challenging Cao Cao. Zhuge Liang instead looks to persuade Sun Quan's chief strategist Zhou Yu (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), and discovers in Zhou a kindred spirit versed in the arts as well as battle. The two men form an instant bond, and decide to battle Cao Cao at the water port of Red Cliff. Their alliance comes not a moment too soon, as Cao Cao approaches with an army that vastly outnumbers the combined Wu and Shu forces. But Zhuge Liang has a plan - one that will hopefully enable the smaller force to emerge victorious.

Red Cliff Official site

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6th September

New 'Painted Skin' poster

A mainland Chinese poster has dropped for Painted Skin, and while we all take a moment to see how nice it is, it still doesn't detract from the very frustrating fact there's still no "theatrical" trailer! Patience ....patience...

Painted Skin (Official site)

6th September

Grindhouse Trailer Classics II: Review

Grindhouse Trailer Classics II (2008) Director - Various
Reviewed by: Peter Higgins

Don’t worry if you haven’t seen Grindhouse Trailer Classics I: you’ll soon catch up with what’s going on. Yes, it’s a non-stop orgy of violence, nudity, car-crashes, martial-arts, bad dialogue, really bad acting and absolutely terrible clothes. The movies promoted by these trailers are, almost certainly, total and utter crap. Their trailers, on the other hand, are f*cking awesome.

And if every now and then one of them is actually a bit boring, well, never mind – there’ll be another one along in a minute. And another one… and another one…There’s stuff here to suit every taste. Fancy some morally dubious sex comedy shenanigans? How about “Jail-bait Babysitter”? And what about some hilariously-dodgy racist stereotyping? “Black Shampoo” should do the trick. Low-budget horror more your bag? No problem: we have the hopeless “Bloody Pit of Horror” (“starring… Mickey Hargitey!”), the wretched “Snuff” (“could only have been made in South America – where LIFE is CHEAP!”) and the even more wretched “Tenderflesh” (“makes the killing in ‘Snuff’ look like… AMATEUR NIGHT!”). Believe me, the killing in “Snuff” does look like… AMATEUR NIGHT....Continue reading Grindhouse Trailer Classics 2 review

5th September

'Chocolate’ UK theatrical and DVD release dates announced

Heads up fight fans. A press release arrived today that had us near bouncing off the walls. The theatrical and DVD release dates have been announced for director Prachya Pinkaew’s (Ong-Bak) femme fatale fight fest, Chocolate. Starring female Muay Thai sensation JeeJa Yanin the movie has been causing a buzz wherever it plays and for good reason. It Rocks! Following on a couple of festival engagements over the next few weeks, the film will make its London theatrical debut on 24th October.

On to the DVD. As far as we know this will be the first chance to (legally) buy the film with English subs and it’s launched on DVD and Blu-Ray! on November 3rd. Extras wise it comes with a good selection of bonus features, including the featurettes: Breaking the Mould • Step by Step • A Star is Born • Fighting Talent • The Stars of Chocolate • Real Fighters Others. Plus: Deleted Scenes • Outtakes & Highlights • Training Workshop • Power Moves (Easter Eggs) • TV spots and Trailer Gallery.

UK Chocolate Trailer

Read our reviews of Chocolate here and here

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5th September

English language website for 'Lady Cop and Papa Crook'

They do love a good thriller in Hong Kong. But then come to think of it so do we - which is why we have being keeping an eye on the promising (if ever so slightly twee sounding) Lady Cop and Papa Crook. Now that the pics offiical site has just been upgraded with an English language version we thought it worth a mention. Crook is helmed by directing duo Alan Mak and Felix Chong who were behind the hit crime films "Infernal Affairs" and "Confession of Pain," to name but a few. If that wasn't enough the excellent cast includes Sammi Cheng (Infernal Affairs) , Eason Chan (The Pye-Dog) Zhang Guoli. A real Crime caper dream team. Lady Cop opens in Hong Kong Sept 11th.

Synopsis: John Fok (EASON CHAN) is the kingpin of illegal red oil in Greater China. When an oil tanker explodes accidentally, he becomes the focus of investigation by Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese police and is forced to halt his business to wait things out. While his business rivals start closing in, a member of his household is planning to betray him. On the surface, John seems totally helpless, but in reality, he’s been staging a major comeback for months. Just as he is finally ready to turn his fortune around, however, his only son is kidnapped.

Senior Inspector Molline Szeto (SAMMI CHENG) is the rising star in the police force, who is well praised for busting crime with her characteristic detachment and precision. However, in matters of love, she is totally at wit’s end. After dating the same man for more than ten years with no likely prospect of an imminent wedding, she determines to cut the knot once and for all, before she becomes too old for having kids. Poised at the crossroad of her life, she is thrilled to be assigned to investigate the kidnap of John’s son.

John dispatches his whole gang track down his son’s whereabouts, only to find out that his rivals are redeploying people in China to assail him. Just when he is about to order an all-out fightback, Molline suddenly arrives with her team to garrison at his house. Spurning her at first, he soon finds her critical analysis of the situation at hand both apt and useful. An unlikely cooperation between cops and crooks thus ensues, leading to conflicts and clashes galore at every step till the very end.

Lady Cop (Official site)

4th September

New trailer and official site for 'Tokyo Gore Police'

Good news! The official site for Yoshihiro Nishimura's shock horror splatter fest Tokyo Gore Police, is now online. There’s no new footage is to be seen there alas - but head to the link below and you can check out a hilariously dark new trailer, which plays out like a recruitment Ad to join the TGP. Bloody fantastic.

Tokyo Gore Police Website

Tokyo Gore Police Trailer

Read our review of Tokyo Gore Police

3rd September

Ashes Of Time (Redux): Review

Posted by: Pete

“Ashes of Time (Redux)” is Wong Kar Wai’s long-lost (well, since 1994) martial arts epic. It’s a beautifully-shot, deeply-serious, and incredibly boring piece of work. While I appreciate the fact that it doesn’t wallow in action and violence, I can’t appreciate the unbearably slow pace and the general lack of plot: I’ve not been this desprate for a film to end since “Meet Joe Black.”

All of Wong Kar Wai’s films of course look fantastic, and “Ashes of Time (Redux)” is no exception. The cinematography By Christopher Doyle is ravishing, making the landscapes vivid and eye-poppingly bright. No complaints there. The film’s overwhelming problems, however, are down to murky plotting, confused motivation, pretension, deliberate obscurity and, worst crime of all, slow motion fights.

Nothing annoys more than slow motion fights. They were no good in the ancient TV show “The Incredible Hulk” so why should they be any good here? They’re shot better, here, of course, which helps, but there’s really no excuse. Certain scenes and images do linger in the mind (despite the film-makers’ best efforts to lull you into slumber) notably the sight of a woman standing on the surface of a lake while water explodes around her. I can’t remember why she was standing on the surface of a lake while water exploded around her, but it looked terrific. Speaking of things that look terrific, the film claims to have a “special appearance by” Maggie Cheung. No need to say that, though: every appearance by the serene and almost ludicrously gorgeous Maggie Cheung is special.

Ashes of time: Redux opens at the Renoir Cinema in London (UK) on Sept 12th, followed by regional venues around the country.

Ashes Of Time: Redux (Official site)

3rd September

Chinese chiller 'The Deserted Inn' on DVD

Zhang Jing's Chinese horror movie The Deserted Inn is set for arrives on English subtitled DVD this week. Deserted Inn stars Kenny Kwan as a music composer whose career is on the rocks. He retreats to a deserted town looking for inspiration to write his next hit song. After checking into a local inn, he begins to experience nightmares that push him to the brink of insanity - until he unveils the dark secret of the innkeeper.

The Deserted Inn Trailer

Order the DVD

2nd September

‘The Divine Weapon’ heading for B.O hit?

The CJ Entertainment distributed historical epic The Divine Weapon looks like it may well be heading for a Korean box office (no surprise really, as it looks absolutely stunning) smash. According to Variety the film scored $1.4 million worth of sales from 230,000 admissions from just preview screenings alone – enough to put it at no2 it this weeks chart. That, plus the fact the films opening has been perfectly timed smack bang before an upcoming Korean public holiday, pretty much means those Cinema cash registers will be going into overdrive.

Synopsis: 1448, the 30th year of Sejong’s reign. The Ming dynasty’s meddling into Joseon’s domestic affairs goes to extremes and Sejong secretly plans to develop Singijeon, a rocket weapon upgraded from Goryeo’s firearms technology. The Ming finds out and quickly dispatches assassins to attack the research lab, but CHOI Hae-san, the man in charge of the project, destroys himself along with the research materials to protect the weapon’s secret. His daughter Hong-li (HAN Eun-jung) barely escapes but loses the Chong-tong Records (Singijeon’s blueprints) to the Ming assassins.

The Divine Weapon (Official site)

1st September

New Korean horror thriller 'Orphaned'

First word in on a new korean horror pic simply titled Orphaned. The film stars Min-seo Chae (The Wig), Eun-ah Ko and Yu-seok Jeong. Eun-ah Ko plays Su-na, a bright happy outgoing women, but when her best friend suddenly commits she becomes a cold and widthdrawn recluse, who threatens to tear her family apart. Orphaned opens in Korea in September 18th. Link to the films official site, plus an additional trailer page below.

Orphaned (Official site)

Orphaned (Trailers)