Full Version: ASIAN CINEMA
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance cannot be delivered soon enough for my liking, about a fortnight to wait now and I am very expectant. I doubt I will be disappointed with all the positive reviews and my feelings about Chan-Wook's first two revenge films (I have yet to see JSA).
some new pics from 'the banquet'...
official site
QUOTE (variety)
Huayi pushing int'l auds to sample 'Banquet'
Historical epic expected to bow in September
By CLIFFORD COONAN
Shooting has wrapped on $20 million historical epic "The Banquet," produced by the Huayi Brothers and Hong Kong's Media Asia.
Pic stars Ziyi Zhang, now China's most famous thesp since "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers." Her agreement to star in "The Banquet" prompted a rewrite of the story, loosely based on "Hamlet," to give her character a bigger role.
Huayi Brothers, fast emerging as China's busiest production house, is on a determined hunt for international B.O.B.O., and it's using some of the biggest names in the Chinese bizbiz to woo foreign auds.
Helmer Feng Xiaogang has had success in China with domestic hits "Big Shot's Funeral""Big Shot's Funeral" and "Cell Phone," but Huayi hopes "The Banquet" will splash with a wider audaud.
Hong Kong's Daniel Wu, a crowd-puller in China, is making his mainland film debut. Pic also features popular Chinese comedian Ge You and rising thesp Zhou Xun. Legendary Hong Kong martial arts master Yuen Wo-ping choreographed the movie.
"The Banquet" is expected to bow in September.
Historical epic expected to bow in September
By CLIFFORD COONAN
Shooting has wrapped on $20 million historical epic "The Banquet," produced by the Huayi Brothers and Hong Kong's Media Asia.
Pic stars Ziyi Zhang, now China's most famous thesp since "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers." Her agreement to star in "The Banquet" prompted a rewrite of the story, loosely based on "Hamlet," to give her character a bigger role.
Huayi Brothers, fast emerging as China's busiest production house, is on a determined hunt for international B.O.B.O., and it's using some of the biggest names in the Chinese bizbiz to woo foreign auds.
Helmer Feng Xiaogang has had success in China with domestic hits "Big Shot's Funeral""Big Shot's Funeral" and "Cell Phone," but Huayi hopes "The Banquet" will splash with a wider audaud.
Hong Kong's Daniel Wu, a crowd-puller in China, is making his mainland film debut. Pic also features popular Chinese comedian Ge You and rising thesp Zhou Xun. Legendary Hong Kong martial arts master Yuen Wo-ping choreographed the movie.
"The Banquet" is expected to bow in September.
QUOTE (chinadaily)
Feng Xiaogang Seeks Western "Banquet"
Chinese films have become hot tickets around the world, but few movie-goers outside China have even heard of the country's arguably most popular, or at least most populist, director.
Feng Xiaogang, 48, has been one of China's most beloved, bankable movie names for almost a decade by honing in on native tastes, while internationally celebrated directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige have faced criticism at home for pandering to Western audiences and awards committees.
"I think it's most important to get Chinese audiences' approval. If you can't be accepted by your own people, it's hard to get others' respect," Feng told Reuters.
"The Banquet," Feng's newest project, represents his most serious shot at overseas markets, especially since he has cast Zhang Ziyi, China's hottest star, in the leading role.
"She has a lot of influence in Asia and around the world. I think if this move gets good worldwide distribution, she'll have a lot to do with it," he said.
With its elaborate period costumes, palatial sets and occasional bursts of action, the historical drama, set during China's tumultuous Five Dynasties period (907-960 A.D.), represents a major shift for Feng.
The director, a thin man with a signature mouth full of crooked teeth and the gravely voice of a heavy smoker, first won fame through light, overtly commercial contemporary comedies that debuted in time for Chinese Lunar New Year.
He reigned as king of the Chinese box office until Zhang Yimou shed his art-house reputation with the 2002 blockbuster "Hero," which became the China's highest grossing film and raked in over $50 million and an Oscar nomination in the United States.
The overseas market has proven less kind to Feng.
LESSONS
In 2001, he collaborated with Columbia Pictures' Asian division to make the dark comedy "Big Shot's Funeral," in which veteran film icon Donald Sutherland played a film director believed to have died in Beijing, where his funeral becomes an advertising and media feeding frenzy.
The film's jabs at the social changes that have swept China since it embraced market reforms over two decades ago tickled domestic audiences, but went over heads when it debuted on small release in Europe and the United States in 2002 and 2003.
"Some Westerners said they didn't really understand it. In reality, I think they didn't get it because of a feeling of cultural superiority," Feng said.
"I don't believe Westerners don't understand that kind of humor, they didn't want to understand."
The lessons of "Big Shot's Funeral" informed Feng's decision to make "The Banquet," due to debut in China in September.
"It seems like Western audiences have an easier time accepting Asian stories set in ancient times. That's a reality. I don't think it's a good thing, but for me, I wanted to make that kind of change."
The genre shift, calculated or not, has already paid off. Japan's Gaga Distribution has paid $5 million for distribution rights to "The Banquet" and producers Huayi Brothers, China's biggest private film maker, has said it will promote the film for Oscar contention.
But Feng says regardless of style change or international interest, he will not change his basic focus on the masses.
"You can go from a comedy to a tragedy, but it shouldn't affect if a movie is good or not. I won't go and make an empty film that leaves people wondering what it meant after they see it. Like in my previous movies, my aim is to knock my audiences down," Feng said.
"I think the relationship between a director and the audience is like a boxing match. Either you knock them out or they'll pummel you."
Chinese films have become hot tickets around the world, but few movie-goers outside China have even heard of the country's arguably most popular, or at least most populist, director.
Feng Xiaogang, 48, has been one of China's most beloved, bankable movie names for almost a decade by honing in on native tastes, while internationally celebrated directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige have faced criticism at home for pandering to Western audiences and awards committees.
"I think it's most important to get Chinese audiences' approval. If you can't be accepted by your own people, it's hard to get others' respect," Feng told Reuters.
"The Banquet," Feng's newest project, represents his most serious shot at overseas markets, especially since he has cast Zhang Ziyi, China's hottest star, in the leading role.
"She has a lot of influence in Asia and around the world. I think if this move gets good worldwide distribution, she'll have a lot to do with it," he said.
With its elaborate period costumes, palatial sets and occasional bursts of action, the historical drama, set during China's tumultuous Five Dynasties period (907-960 A.D.), represents a major shift for Feng.
The director, a thin man with a signature mouth full of crooked teeth and the gravely voice of a heavy smoker, first won fame through light, overtly commercial contemporary comedies that debuted in time for Chinese Lunar New Year.
He reigned as king of the Chinese box office until Zhang Yimou shed his art-house reputation with the 2002 blockbuster "Hero," which became the China's highest grossing film and raked in over $50 million and an Oscar nomination in the United States.
The overseas market has proven less kind to Feng.
LESSONS
In 2001, he collaborated with Columbia Pictures' Asian division to make the dark comedy "Big Shot's Funeral," in which veteran film icon Donald Sutherland played a film director believed to have died in Beijing, where his funeral becomes an advertising and media feeding frenzy.
The film's jabs at the social changes that have swept China since it embraced market reforms over two decades ago tickled domestic audiences, but went over heads when it debuted on small release in Europe and the United States in 2002 and 2003.
"Some Westerners said they didn't really understand it. In reality, I think they didn't get it because of a feeling of cultural superiority," Feng said.
"I don't believe Westerners don't understand that kind of humor, they didn't want to understand."
The lessons of "Big Shot's Funeral" informed Feng's decision to make "The Banquet," due to debut in China in September.
"It seems like Western audiences have an easier time accepting Asian stories set in ancient times. That's a reality. I don't think it's a good thing, but for me, I wanted to make that kind of change."
The genre shift, calculated or not, has already paid off. Japan's Gaga Distribution has paid $5 million for distribution rights to "The Banquet" and producers Huayi Brothers, China's biggest private film maker, has said it will promote the film for Oscar contention.
But Feng says regardless of style change or international interest, he will not change his basic focus on the masses.
"You can go from a comedy to a tragedy, but it shouldn't affect if a movie is good or not. I won't go and make an empty film that leaves people wondering what it meant after they see it. Like in my previous movies, my aim is to knock my audiences down," Feng said.
"I think the relationship between a director and the audience is like a boxing match. Either you knock them out or they'll pummel you."
official site
QUOTE (screendaily)
Martial arts heaven as Jackie and Jet star together for first time
Jeremy Kay
Going under the secretive working title of Untitled J & J Project, the project is being lined up for a 2007 start and is being sold here by Arclight Films.
Based on a classic Chinese legend, the story follows a teenager who gets transported to ancient China after he steals a mystical staff from a New York pawnshop.??
The youngster enlists the help of a motley crew in order to overcome the tyrannical Jade Emperor and release the legendary Monkey King, the only person who can return him to modern times.
Casey Silver is producing and a director is yet to come on board.
Li recently wrapped filming in Vancouver on Lionsgate's action ?thriller Rogue opposite Jason Statham.
Chan is preparing to reprise his role as Chief Inspector Lee opposite Chris Tucker in New Line's Rush Hour 3.
Jeremy Kay
Going under the secretive working title of Untitled J & J Project, the project is being lined up for a 2007 start and is being sold here by Arclight Films.
Based on a classic Chinese legend, the story follows a teenager who gets transported to ancient China after he steals a mystical staff from a New York pawnshop.??
The youngster enlists the help of a motley crew in order to overcome the tyrannical Jade Emperor and release the legendary Monkey King, the only person who can return him to modern times.
Casey Silver is producing and a director is yet to come on board.
Li recently wrapped filming in Vancouver on Lionsgate's action ?thriller Rogue opposite Jason Statham.
Chan is preparing to reprise his role as Chief Inspector Lee opposite Chris Tucker in New Line's Rush Hour 3.
That sounds awesome,but I hope there isn't too much wire work in it.
And...Rush.Hour.Three..........oh yes.
And...Rush.Hour.Three..........oh yes.
QUOTE (monkeyman @ May 23 2006, 04:21 PM)
That sounds awesome,but I hope there isn't too much wire work in it.
And...Rush.Hour.Three..........oh yes.
And...Rush.Hour.Three..........oh yes.
i like a bit of wire work...
I think it's just that I know I would appreciate some of Jet Li's gilms a lot more if there wasn't such obvious CG and wire work invovled. Romeo must die for example.
Jet's latest film Unleashed was frikkin awesome and that had very minimal wire work.
Jet's latest film Unleashed was frikkin awesome and that had very minimal wire work.
QUOTE (monkeyman @ May 23 2006, 04:26 PM)
I think it's just that I know I would appreciate some of Jet Li's gilms a lot more if there wasn't such obvious CG and wire work invovled. Romeo must die for example.
Jet's latest film Unleashed was frikkin awesome and that had very minimal wire work.
Jet's latest film Unleashed was frikkin awesome and that had very minimal wire work.
there was loads of wire-work in 'unleashed', yuen woo-ping is the master of the wires, but it's just done so well he gets away with it. you should get yourself a copy of 'fearless' (hk disc out now, us / uk discs after the cinema release, which should be later this year); i just watched it the other day and it's bloody stunning stuff...
Chan and Li? I am positively drooling at the prospect. Their styles are quite different though, will it work do you think dandan?
well, as much as it saddens me to say, they've both seen better days...
but...
'the myth', despite it's general rubbishness, showed that jackie can still pull off some pretty dazzling stuff. 'fearless', on the otherhand, was amazing and showed that jet is firing on all cylinders; on par with 'fist of legend'.
in terms of style; both jackie and jet have both pulled off serious and comedic roles, so i'm not that worried. my only concern would be if they do go down the cgi route (ala 'the myth'), which could potentially be a disaster.
if they stick to wires and lo-fi, good old, hong kong choreography then it promises to be very good. consider my fingers crossed...
but...
'the myth', despite it's general rubbishness, showed that jackie can still pull off some pretty dazzling stuff. 'fearless', on the otherhand, was amazing and showed that jet is firing on all cylinders; on par with 'fist of legend'.
in terms of style; both jackie and jet have both pulled off serious and comedic roles, so i'm not that worried. my only concern would be if they do go down the cgi route (ala 'the myth'), which could potentially be a disaster.
if they stick to wires and lo-fi, good old, hong kong choreography then it promises to be very good. consider my fingers crossed...
Any chance of a link to purchase Fearless on DVD (the HK probably best?)
QUOTE (hindu.com)
Jackie Chan wraps up filming of new movie 'Rob-B-Hood'
Jackie Chan finished filming his new action comedy ``Rob-B-Hood'' on Tuesday at a Hong Kong prison.
Wearing prison stripes, Chan met with reporters afterward and complained about the baby featured in the film. Chan's character protects the infant from kidnappers.
"When it was time to film the first shot today the baby fell asleep,'' Chan grumbled to reporters. "We spent so much money for the baby to sleep.''
Chan said he is still recovering from a chest injury sustained in March while filming the movie when a stuntman kicked him with the wrong shoes.
"Who would have thought such a minor action would inflict such a major injury?'' he said.
But Chan said injuries aren't a big deal and that he doesn't mind if his son, Jaycee, who has also joined the entertainment industry, suffers minor injuries from time to time.
"It will let him know how hard I have to work to make money,'' Chan said. Known for performing his own stunts, Chan has suffered numerous injuries in his career.
"Children need to endure hardship ... so that they know the path of life is not smooth and uneventful. This is something every child should go through. If things go too smoothly, it actually hurts them,'' he said.
Jackie Chan finished filming his new action comedy ``Rob-B-Hood'' on Tuesday at a Hong Kong prison.
Wearing prison stripes, Chan met with reporters afterward and complained about the baby featured in the film. Chan's character protects the infant from kidnappers.
"When it was time to film the first shot today the baby fell asleep,'' Chan grumbled to reporters. "We spent so much money for the baby to sleep.''
Chan said he is still recovering from a chest injury sustained in March while filming the movie when a stuntman kicked him with the wrong shoes.
"Who would have thought such a minor action would inflict such a major injury?'' he said.
But Chan said injuries aren't a big deal and that he doesn't mind if his son, Jaycee, who has also joined the entertainment industry, suffers minor injuries from time to time.
"It will let him know how hard I have to work to make money,'' Chan said. Known for performing his own stunts, Chan has suffered numerous injuries in his career.
"Children need to endure hardship ... so that they know the path of life is not smooth and uneventful. This is something every child should go through. If things go too smoothly, it actually hurts them,'' he said.
official site
Well, the remake they said would never happen seems to be happening...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
QUOTE (Kick in the Head @ Jun 8 2006, 11:51 AM)
Well, the remake they said would never happen seems to be happening...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
Chances are that it wont match up to the origional. If a major studio gets their mits on it then I would expect to see a cast of Dawsons Creek/OC wankers cast in the main rolls. Is the origional not banned in the US? If it is then surely the film will be limited visually.
QUOTE (zeden)
I would expect to see a cast of Dawsons Creek/OC wankers cast in the main rolls.
i'd like to see their on-screen killings, but that's about it. i'm still not sure that this will ever make it off the ground...
new york daily news has posted a list of ten essential hong kong movies;
i'd say it's a pretty good list, to act as an introduction to hong kong cinema, every film mentioned is well worth a watch...
QUOTE
Essential Hong Kong Movies
"Enter the Dragon"
"No matter how hard I try, I have no way to be as great as Bruce Lee. He is the only one [of his kind,]" Stephen Chow, the star of "Kung Fu Hustle" said last year. That comment can be applied to Lee's opus, which raised the standard of martial arts films.
"A Better Tomorrow"
Rated by the Hong Kong Film Awards as the second best Chinese film of all time, this John Woo directed film made a star of Chow Yun Fat and showed that a violent shoot-em-up movie could look graceful.
"Hero"
After 1997 the lines blurred completely between Hong Kong productions and Mainland Chinese productions. However, no matter where this film is considered from, it shows martial arts can dovetail nicely with breathtaking cinematography and a well-constructed storyline to be as powerful as any Academy-Award friendly drama Hollywood can produce.
"Legend of the Drunken Master" (a.k.a. "Drunken Master 2")
Jackie Chan's best performance - at least from a physical performance - is on display in this bombastic, action-packed sequel to the 1980 kung fu comedy that helped launched his career. A scene in a tea house in which Chan dispatches dozens and dozens of axe-wielding gang members ranks as one of the best fight sequences ever committed to film.
"Infernal Affairs"
The cat-and-mouse thriller formula is turned on its head in this movie - soon to be remade Stateside by Martin Scorcese - stars Andy Lau and Tony Leung as a triad member and a cop respectively, who unbeknownst to each other are planted as moles on opposing sides of the law. It's a race against time to see who will ferret out and expose his counterpart first.
"The Killer"
Chow Yun Fat is a hitman trying to make amends to an innocent woman he blinded in a botched assignment on the run from a cop, played by Danny Lee, driven to bring him in. John Woo's best movie.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
Director Ang Lee should have won the Academy Award for best picture for his dreamlike homage to both Chinese kung fu folk tales and the graceful art of wire work.
"Once Upon a Time in China"
While "Fist of Legend" may feature the actor's best fight sequences, Jet Li's signature role comes in this Tsui Hark masterpiece, in which he plays the same legendary Chinese hero that Chan did in "Drunken Master 2."
"Police Story"
Chan's other signature film spawned a number of sequels, including the more-universally known "Supercop," and perfected the actors' unique blend of physical comedy and martial arts acrobatics.
"Fallen Angels"/"Chungking Express"
Considered one movie by many, including filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, the stories of love and betrayal feel more universal than some of Wai's more art-house fare, like the more critically acclaimed "Days of Being Wild."
"Shaolin Soccer"
While much Stephen Chow's cartoonish humor doesn't translate all that well to this side of the Pacific, no one can argue with putting the second highest grossing picture in Hong Kong cinematic history - behind Chow's more recent and more over-the-top "Kung Fu Hustle" - on this list.
Old School: Unlike most of the chop-socky movies of that era - with apologies to die-hard Shaw Brothers fans - King Hu's 1967 masterpiece Dragon's Gate Inn stands up almost four decades later.
Extra Credit: Chan, Yuen Baio and Sammo Hung grew up together in the harsh environment of a Peking opera academy and reunited as sort of a "three stooges of kung-fu" for several movies in the 1980s, the best of which is Dragon's Forever.
"Enter the Dragon"
"No matter how hard I try, I have no way to be as great as Bruce Lee. He is the only one [of his kind,]" Stephen Chow, the star of "Kung Fu Hustle" said last year. That comment can be applied to Lee's opus, which raised the standard of martial arts films.
"A Better Tomorrow"
Rated by the Hong Kong Film Awards as the second best Chinese film of all time, this John Woo directed film made a star of Chow Yun Fat and showed that a violent shoot-em-up movie could look graceful.
"Hero"
After 1997 the lines blurred completely between Hong Kong productions and Mainland Chinese productions. However, no matter where this film is considered from, it shows martial arts can dovetail nicely with breathtaking cinematography and a well-constructed storyline to be as powerful as any Academy-Award friendly drama Hollywood can produce.
"Legend of the Drunken Master" (a.k.a. "Drunken Master 2")
Jackie Chan's best performance - at least from a physical performance - is on display in this bombastic, action-packed sequel to the 1980 kung fu comedy that helped launched his career. A scene in a tea house in which Chan dispatches dozens and dozens of axe-wielding gang members ranks as one of the best fight sequences ever committed to film.
"Infernal Affairs"
The cat-and-mouse thriller formula is turned on its head in this movie - soon to be remade Stateside by Martin Scorcese - stars Andy Lau and Tony Leung as a triad member and a cop respectively, who unbeknownst to each other are planted as moles on opposing sides of the law. It's a race against time to see who will ferret out and expose his counterpart first.
"The Killer"
Chow Yun Fat is a hitman trying to make amends to an innocent woman he blinded in a botched assignment on the run from a cop, played by Danny Lee, driven to bring him in. John Woo's best movie.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
Director Ang Lee should have won the Academy Award for best picture for his dreamlike homage to both Chinese kung fu folk tales and the graceful art of wire work.
"Once Upon a Time in China"
While "Fist of Legend" may feature the actor's best fight sequences, Jet Li's signature role comes in this Tsui Hark masterpiece, in which he plays the same legendary Chinese hero that Chan did in "Drunken Master 2."
"Police Story"
Chan's other signature film spawned a number of sequels, including the more-universally known "Supercop," and perfected the actors' unique blend of physical comedy and martial arts acrobatics.
"Fallen Angels"/"Chungking Express"
Considered one movie by many, including filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, the stories of love and betrayal feel more universal than some of Wai's more art-house fare, like the more critically acclaimed "Days of Being Wild."
"Shaolin Soccer"
While much Stephen Chow's cartoonish humor doesn't translate all that well to this side of the Pacific, no one can argue with putting the second highest grossing picture in Hong Kong cinematic history - behind Chow's more recent and more over-the-top "Kung Fu Hustle" - on this list.
Old School: Unlike most of the chop-socky movies of that era - with apologies to die-hard Shaw Brothers fans - King Hu's 1967 masterpiece Dragon's Gate Inn stands up almost four decades later.
Extra Credit: Chan, Yuen Baio and Sammo Hung grew up together in the harsh environment of a Peking opera academy and reunited as sort of a "three stooges of kung-fu" for several movies in the 1980s, the best of which is Dragon's Forever.
i'd say it's a pretty good list, to act as an introduction to hong kong cinema, every film mentioned is well worth a watch...
QUOTE (Kick in the Head @ Jun 8 2006, 10:51 AM)
Well, the remake they said would never happen seems to be happening...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
I wouldn't mind seeing it but I bet it will be shite.
QUOTE (dandan @ Jun 9 2006, 11:49 AM)
ten essential hong kong movies
Damn, I haven't seen nearly enough of them. I don't pretend to know the first thing about 'Asian Cinema' but I know what I like and I am finding more and more of intriguing; due in no small part to recommendations from friends and the good dandan here.
QUOTE
"The Killer"
\
..... John Woo's best movie.
\
..... John Woo's best movie.
I'd take issue with that. Hard Boiled just barely skates past it for me. Otherwise, a great list, though hair-splitters would likely question just how HK Crouching Tiger really is. (Ang Lee is Taiwanese; James Schamus, well...
)
hmm, i'd probably go with 'the killer', as my favourite john woo film as it was the first woo film that i watched; i do love hard boiled and the first two 'a better tomorrow' films, but i'd probably let 'the killer' shade it. there really isn't that much in it though.
i'd say that 'hero' could be a target for the hair-splitters too; it is after all, very much a mainland film. if you're going to let mainland and taiwanese films into the mixer, there'd be a few that i'd probably let in to the top ten; maybe they should've just stuck with cantonese language films?
i'd say that they've chosen those two as they're names people know and they add a more familiar flavour to the list. for 'wu xia' (the flying around sword-fighty film genre), i'd probably have ditched 'hero' and put in 'a chinese ghost story' - generally accepted as a classic which broke new ground and inspired many immitations. ching sui tung, the director, was responsible for choreographing 'hero', but has been a master in that field since his directorial debut - 'duel to the death'; one of my all time favourite films.
i'm not sure what else i'd put in, but i'm sure that a lot of johnnie to fans would be screaming that he's not made it in; the same is true for derek yee, ringo lam, pang ho cheung and many others. still, it is only an introduction...
i'd say that 'hero' could be a target for the hair-splitters too; it is after all, very much a mainland film. if you're going to let mainland and taiwanese films into the mixer, there'd be a few that i'd probably let in to the top ten; maybe they should've just stuck with cantonese language films?
i'd say that they've chosen those two as they're names people know and they add a more familiar flavour to the list. for 'wu xia' (the flying around sword-fighty film genre), i'd probably have ditched 'hero' and put in 'a chinese ghost story' - generally accepted as a classic which broke new ground and inspired many immitations. ching sui tung, the director, was responsible for choreographing 'hero', but has been a master in that field since his directorial debut - 'duel to the death'; one of my all time favourite films.
i'm not sure what else i'd put in, but i'm sure that a lot of johnnie to fans would be screaming that he's not made it in; the same is true for derek yee, ringo lam, pang ho cheung and many others. still, it is only an introduction...
QUOTE (Kick in the Head @ Jun 8 2006, 11:51 AM)
Well, the remake they said would never happen seems to be happening...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
It's a film that is very dear to this forum...
It's the US Battle Royale remake!
Let's see how far this gets down the line...
What the fuck? And why? What is the US obsession with remakes of fantastic foreign films?
QUOTE (dandan @ Jun 9 2006, 11:49 AM)
new york daily news has posted a list of ten essential hong kong movies;
i'd say it's a pretty good list, to act as an introduction to hong kong cinema, every film mentioned is well worth a watch...
i'd say it's a pretty good list, to act as an introduction to hong kong cinema, every film mentioned is well worth a watch...
Good list. There's a few on there I haven't seen and now I'm looking forward to them!
QUOTE (thirtyhelens @ Jun 9 2006, 09:34 PM)
I'd take issue with that. Hard Boiled just barely skates past it for me. Otherwise, a great list, though hair-splitters would likely question just how HK Crouching Tiger really is. (Ang Lee is Taiwanese; James Schamus, well... )
)Hard Boiled is the shit.
QUOTE (dandan @ Jun 9 2006, 10:49 AM)
new york daily news has posted a list of ten essential hong kong movies...
An excellent list, but one glaring omission for me is Mr Vampire. But then maybe because it was my "first" HK film.
Hard Boiled is my favourite Woo, probably because it all the elements that made previous Woo films great rolled into one great big bundle.
Hero shouldn't be on that list.
And I also Preferred Hard Boiled.
And I also Preferred Hard Boiled.
fortissimo snap up wong kar-wai back-catalogue
good news all round. fortissimo are a quality outfit and they will hopefully be brining us some quality releases of the, previously neglected, wong kar-wai back catalogue.
british brothers to direct 'a tale of two sisters' remake
good news all round. fortissimo are a quality outfit and they will hopefully be brining us some quality releases of the, previously neglected, wong kar-wai back catalogue.
british brothers to direct 'a tale of two sisters' remake
trailer for mercury man
it looks like cheese-tastic fun, plus it's choreographed by punna "ong-bak, born to fight, tom yum goong" rittkrai.
it looks like cheese-tastic fun, plus it's choreographed by punna "ong-bak, born to fight, tom yum goong" rittkrai.
QUOTE (kbs.co.kr)
Korean Action Film Sold to 20 Nations
The latest Korean action film “The City of Violence” has been sold to 20 nations at the film market held at the Cannes International Film Festival. The nations include not only European countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Spain but also Southeast Asian countries and even Brazil, where Korean films have rarely been introduced.
The film’s production company Oiyunaegang said Wednesday that with the sale, it has recovered half of its production costs.
This achievement has even more significance because no famous Korean stars appear in the film directed by Ryu Seung-wan, who himself played one of the two leading characters along with Chung Do-hong, a famous martial arts director. The picture has demonstrated the potential of Korean action films in the world market. It is comparable to the Thai action movie “Ong Bak,” which became a hit in Korea solely through spectacular action scenes despite cultural differences.
Although the movie's total export value is no more than 1.2-1.3 billion won (1.2 million dollars), much lower than the money that a Korean movie with big-name stars earns by being exported to Japan alone, the fact that an action movie made in Korea has drawn such attention is encouraging.
The production company said that the film was not directed by a world-famous director and did not star famous actors, but foreign buyers were amazed by it, saying that they could not believe that the actors themselves did all their own stunts.
Ryu not only directed and acted in the movie but also wrote and produced it. The story is about friendship and loyalty thrown away for money, and the 90-minute movie is full of action scenes from beginning to end. It will be released on Thursday.
The latest Korean action film “The City of Violence” has been sold to 20 nations at the film market held at the Cannes International Film Festival. The nations include not only European countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Spain but also Southeast Asian countries and even Brazil, where Korean films have rarely been introduced.
The film’s production company Oiyunaegang said Wednesday that with the sale, it has recovered half of its production costs.
This achievement has even more significance because no famous Korean stars appear in the film directed by Ryu Seung-wan, who himself played one of the two leading characters along with Chung Do-hong, a famous martial arts director. The picture has demonstrated the potential of Korean action films in the world market. It is comparable to the Thai action movie “Ong Bak,” which became a hit in Korea solely through spectacular action scenes despite cultural differences.
Although the movie's total export value is no more than 1.2-1.3 billion won (1.2 million dollars), much lower than the money that a Korean movie with big-name stars earns by being exported to Japan alone, the fact that an action movie made in Korea has drawn such attention is encouraging.
The production company said that the film was not directed by a world-famous director and did not star famous actors, but foreign buyers were amazed by it, saying that they could not believe that the actors themselves did all their own stunts.
Ryu not only directed and acted in the movie but also wrote and produced it. The story is about friendship and loyalty thrown away for money, and the 90-minute movie is full of action scenes from beginning to end. It will be released on Thursday.
official website
so many cool posters for this one...
teaser
trailer
this looks like it will be very good indeed...
That does indeed look like it's going to kick ass. With any luck we'll start seeing a few more Asian films making their way into actual cinemas rather than just straight to dvd if interest keeps building like this. I would have loved to see Oldboy or Battle Royale on a cinema screen.
There is clearly a growing market for these films over here. The size of the world cinema sections in many shops has doubled or even tripled over the last year with the sheer number of Asian films getting a release over here. It makes me a happy chappie.
There is clearly a growing market for these films over here. The size of the world cinema sections in many shops has doubled or even tripled over the last year with the sheer number of Asian films getting a release over here. It makes me a happy chappie.
Does anyone know if Casshern the film is worth a watch.
It's in my "to watch" pile but aren't really in the mood for it but if it's good then I'll make myself in the mood.
It's in my "to watch" pile but aren't really in the mood for it but if it's good then I'll make myself in the mood.
Visually it is stunning. Well I thought so at least.
But to be brutally honest, the film bored the shit out of me (excepting one aesome battle sequence).
City of Violence looks really cool.
But to be brutally honest, the film bored the shit out of me (excepting one aesome battle sequence).
City of Violence looks really cool.
QUOTE (monkeyman @ Jun 17 2006, 03:31 PM)
Visually it is stunning. Well I thought so at least.
But to be brutally honest, the film bored the shit out of me (excepting one aesome battle sequence).
City of Violence looks really cool.
But to be brutally honest, the film bored the shit out of me (excepting one aesome battle sequence).
City of Violence looks really cool.
Oh well. That's something to cheer me up then
QUOTE (fatseff1234 @ Jun 16 2006, 11:31 PM)
Does anyone know if Casshern the film is worth a watch.
It's in my "to watch" pile but aren't really in the mood for it but if it's good then I'll make myself in the mood.
It's in my "to watch" pile but aren't really in the mood for it but if it's good then I'll make myself in the mood.
i saw it at the cinema and, although blown away by the visiuals, thought it was a bit preachy and hadn't lived up to the six months of hype that it had received. i watched it again, six months later, and really enjoyed it.
QUOTE (dandan @ Jun 19 2006, 08:31 AM)
i saw it at the cinema and, although blown away by the visiuals, thought it was a bit preachy and hadn't lived up to the six months of hype that it had received. i watched it again, six months later, and really enjoyed it.
I'll just wait until I'm in the mood.
And then watch it 6 months later...
Wait until you're in the mood for something really long that goes on and on and on about death and bereavement.
It is really pretty, though.
It is really pretty, though.
QUOTE (Blind I/O @ Jun 19 2006, 01:02 PM)
Wait until you're in the mood for something really long that goes on and on and on about death and bereavement.
It is really pretty, though.
It is really pretty, though.
Hell I'm in the mood for it now
some news...
QUOTE ( the star online)
Report: Stephen Chow to start filming alien movie in China in July
HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow of "Shaolin Soccer'' fame will start filming a new movie with an alien theme budgeted at more than 100 million Chinese yuan (US$13 million; euro10.2 million) in July, a news report said Tuesday.
In the film, which will be shot in the eastern Chinese port of Ningbo, Chow plays an astronaut who accidentally lands on a foreign planet and befriends a group of young aliens, the Dushi Kuaibao newspaper reported, quoting Chow's assistant.
The plot also involves a romance with a female robot, played by newcomer Zhang Yuyi, the report said.
Chow's production company, Star Overseas, didn't immediately return a reporter's call seeking comment on the report.
Chow is known for comedies, including "Shaolin Soccer'' and "Kung Fu Hustle.''
HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow of "Shaolin Soccer'' fame will start filming a new movie with an alien theme budgeted at more than 100 million Chinese yuan (US$13 million; euro10.2 million) in July, a news report said Tuesday.
In the film, which will be shot in the eastern Chinese port of Ningbo, Chow plays an astronaut who accidentally lands on a foreign planet and befriends a group of young aliens, the Dushi Kuaibao newspaper reported, quoting Chow's assistant.
The plot also involves a romance with a female robot, played by newcomer Zhang Yuyi, the report said.
Chow's production company, Star Overseas, didn't immediately return a reporter's call seeking comment on the report.
Chow is known for comedies, including "Shaolin Soccer'' and "Kung Fu Hustle.''
QUOTE (screendaily.com)
Time (Shi Gan)
Dan Fainaru in Cannes 26 June 2006 05:00
Dir/scr: Kim Ki-duk. S Kor. 2006. 96mins
A Kim Ki-duk film is never less than intriguing, and Time, his new feature, is no exception. His treatment of an increasingly fashionable theme, the popular use of plastic surgery to outsmart nature and relieve emotional insecurities, is in itself enough to draw attention. But as might be expected from such a film-maker, Time has more to it than its one-sentence plotline, and Kim Ki-duk uses it to tell an obsessive love story which, even if it does not fully explore several of the issues raised, nevertheless provides sufficient food for thought.
A worthy opener for Karlovy Vary, which begins later this week, Time might be a tougher sell than some of the director’s earlier work such as the quietly contemplative Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter... Spring. But it should nevertheless become a surefire festival favourite and solid seller among arthouse distributors.
Presented as an eternal loop, which ends at exactly the same point that it begins, the picture opens with a typical Kim Ki-duk sequence: a bloody close-up of a patient on the operation table, being cut up each and every way, in the minutest gory details. We are witness to the process that a person has to undergo before acquiring a new face and, eventually, a new personality. Here the plot then flips back to follow See-hee (Sung Hyun-ah), a beautiful but insanely jealous young woman, and her boyfriend, Ji-woo (Ha Jung-woo).
Fearful that every woman who gets near to her lover will trespass on their affair, and that he in turn is looking for fresh attractions, See-hee moodily sinks into self-inflicted despair and finally decides to undergo plastic surgery. She refuses to listen to the surgeon (Kim Sung-min) who assures that she is perfectly fine, so eager is she to create a different persona to rekindle any possible loss of passion between herself and her lover.
See-hee enters the clinic without telling Ji-woo, to re-emerge in his life six months later – although she has also been secretly regularly interfering every time another woman has attempted to take her place. Ji-woo, unaware of her past, falls for See-hee – now renamed Seh-hee (Park Ji-yun) – again. But jealousy rears its head when his “new” girlfriend finds herself competing against her boyfriend’s love for her previous incarnation.
The furious explosions of impotent anger which led her to the first operation recommence, but are now directed against her former self, taking the audience back to the point at which it came in.
Working as usual from his own script and focusing mostly on his heroine, See-hee/Seh-hee, Kim gives scant attention to issues such as the actual meaning of love or the effect of a person's physical appearance on her identity. Rather he fixes on the profound insecurities lurking behind the most confident of exteriors and the mentality of an age that lends more meaning to how people look than to what they really are.
He pushes both actresses - Sung Hyun-Ah (the female lead in Woman Is The Future Of Man) and Park Ji-yun - into paroxysms of frustration that their character is unable to control, held as she is by her feelings for Ji-woo and her self-destructive passion. Their performances are top notch, as are the technical credits.
Somewhere between the end of the second act and the beginning of the third, Kim Ki-duk the editor lets down Kim Ki-duk the director and the work develops something of a soft belly, but it soon picks up again before neatly tying up all the loose ends.
Production companies
Happinet Pictures
International sales
Cineclick Asia
Executive producer
Michio Suzuki
Producers
Kim Ki-duk
Cinematography
Sung Jong-moo
Editor
Kim Ki-duk
Production design
Choi Geun-woo
Music
Noh Hyung-woo
Main cast
Sung Hyun-ah
Ha Jung-woo
Park Ji-yun
Kim Sung-min
Dan Fainaru in Cannes 26 June 2006 05:00
Dir/scr: Kim Ki-duk. S Kor. 2006. 96mins
A Kim Ki-duk film is never less than intriguing, and Time, his new feature, is no exception. His treatment of an increasingly fashionable theme, the popular use of plastic surgery to outsmart nature and relieve emotional insecurities, is in itself enough to draw attention. But as might be expected from such a film-maker, Time has more to it than its one-sentence plotline, and Kim Ki-duk uses it to tell an obsessive love story which, even if it does not fully explore several of the issues raised, nevertheless provides sufficient food for thought.
A worthy opener for Karlovy Vary, which begins later this week, Time might be a tougher sell than some of the director’s earlier work such as the quietly contemplative Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter... Spring. But it should nevertheless become a surefire festival favourite and solid seller among arthouse distributors.
Presented as an eternal loop, which ends at exactly the same point that it begins, the picture opens with a typical Kim Ki-duk sequence: a bloody close-up of a patient on the operation table, being cut up each and every way, in the minutest gory details. We are witness to the process that a person has to undergo before acquiring a new face and, eventually, a new personality. Here the plot then flips back to follow See-hee (Sung Hyun-ah), a beautiful but insanely jealous young woman, and her boyfriend, Ji-woo (Ha Jung-woo).
Fearful that every woman who gets near to her lover will trespass on their affair, and that he in turn is looking for fresh attractions, See-hee moodily sinks into self-inflicted despair and finally decides to undergo plastic surgery. She refuses to listen to the surgeon (Kim Sung-min) who assures that she is perfectly fine, so eager is she to create a different persona to rekindle any possible loss of passion between herself and her lover.
See-hee enters the clinic without telling Ji-woo, to re-emerge in his life six months later – although she has also been secretly regularly interfering every time another woman has attempted to take her place. Ji-woo, unaware of her past, falls for See-hee – now renamed Seh-hee (Park Ji-yun) – again. But jealousy rears its head when his “new” girlfriend finds herself competing against her boyfriend’s love for her previous incarnation.
The furious explosions of impotent anger which led her to the first operation recommence, but are now directed against her former self, taking the audience back to the point at which it came in.
Working as usual from his own script and focusing mostly on his heroine, See-hee/Seh-hee, Kim gives scant attention to issues such as the actual meaning of love or the effect of a person's physical appearance on her identity. Rather he fixes on the profound insecurities lurking behind the most confident of exteriors and the mentality of an age that lends more meaning to how people look than to what they really are.
He pushes both actresses - Sung Hyun-Ah (the female lead in Woman Is The Future Of Man) and Park Ji-yun - into paroxysms of frustration that their character is unable to control, held as she is by her feelings for Ji-woo and her self-destructive passion. Their performances are top notch, as are the technical credits.
Somewhere between the end of the second act and the beginning of the third, Kim Ki-duk the editor lets down Kim Ki-duk the director and the work develops something of a soft belly, but it soon picks up again before neatly tying up all the loose ends.
Production companies
Happinet Pictures
International sales
Cineclick Asia
Executive producer
Michio Suzuki
Producers
Kim Ki-duk
Cinematography
Sung Jong-moo
Editor
Kim Ki-duk
Production design
Choi Geun-woo
Music
Noh Hyung-woo
Main cast
Sung Hyun-ah
Ha Jung-woo
Park Ji-yun
Kim Sung-min
now, i thought there'd have been a bit of repsonse to the news of a new stephen chow film...
dragon tiger gate
donnie yen, nicholas tse and shawn yue in a very homo-erotic looking new martial arts flick. not sure if it looks good or dreadful...
in classic 'baa-ram-ewe' style, the makers of 'mercury man' insert a subliminal message for their hollywood counterparts...
the banquet
new downloadable trailer for the sumptuous epic, based roughly on 'hamlet'.
dragon tiger gate
donnie yen, nicholas tse and shawn yue in a very homo-erotic looking new martial arts flick. not sure if it looks good or dreadful...
in classic 'baa-ram-ewe' style, the makers of 'mercury man' insert a subliminal message for their hollywood counterparts...
the banquet
new downloadable trailer for the sumptuous epic, based roughly on 'hamlet'.
QUOTE (iol)
Bruce Lee martial arts musical planned
Tony-winning Chinese-American playwright David Henry Hwang is planning to stage a musical based on the life of late martial arts star Bruce Lee, a newspaper reported today.
Hwang said the idea had been approved by Lee’s family and he aimed to stage the show in 2008, the South China Morning Post reported.
“Bruce Lee is honoured around the world because he represents an image of someone who’s heroic, righteous and strong,” Hwang said.
“There has been a complete shift from the old stereotypes of China, and Bruce Lee contributed to that.”
Hong Kong native Lee died of an edema, or swelling of the brain, aged 32 in 1973.
Lee is known for films in which he portrayed characters that defended the Chinese and working class from oppressors, notably Enter the Dragon.
Hwang is best known for his play M. Butterfly, about the affair between a Chinese transvestite and a French diplomat, which was remade into a Hollywood film starring John Lone and Jeremy Irons.
The play won a Tony for best play.
The playwright also said he had recently visited Shanghai and Beijing and was exploring the possibility of staging his plays there.
Tony-winning Chinese-American playwright David Henry Hwang is planning to stage a musical based on the life of late martial arts star Bruce Lee, a newspaper reported today.
Hwang said the idea had been approved by Lee’s family and he aimed to stage the show in 2008, the South China Morning Post reported.
“Bruce Lee is honoured around the world because he represents an image of someone who’s heroic, righteous and strong,” Hwang said.
“There has been a complete shift from the old stereotypes of China, and Bruce Lee contributed to that.”
Hong Kong native Lee died of an edema, or swelling of the brain, aged 32 in 1973.
Lee is known for films in which he portrayed characters that defended the Chinese and working class from oppressors, notably Enter the Dragon.
Hwang is best known for his play M. Butterfly, about the affair between a Chinese transvestite and a French diplomat, which was remade into a Hollywood film starring John Lone and Jeremy Irons.
The play won a Tony for best play.
The playwright also said he had recently visited Shanghai and Beijing and was exploring the possibility of staging his plays there.
QUOTE (crienglish.com)
Jackie Chan: I Lost My Virginity at the Age of 20
'Jackie Chan and Friends Charity Concert' will be held today at Harbin. The money will go towards a local charity. Jackie Chan hopes to help the people. It is planned that education in Harbin will be getting a bulk of the money.
Earlier, Jackie attended a charity event in Nanjing and was 'raped' by male fans. Jackie commented, "Despite having police around the stage, fans still ran onto the stage! 3 male fans even forced a kiss on me."
As the 'ha ha laugh ambassador', Jackie was in Japan to promote safe sex for teens. Jackie disclosed, "I will be featured in some condom ads. Although I have not been promoting safe sex to my own son, but when Jaycee was 16, his mother gave him some condoms. I lost my virginity at the age of 20 but my wife believes that it is better to inform our son earlier."
'Jackie Chan and Friends Charity Concert' will be held today at Harbin. The money will go towards a local charity. Jackie Chan hopes to help the people. It is planned that education in Harbin will be getting a bulk of the money.
Earlier, Jackie attended a charity event in Nanjing and was 'raped' by male fans. Jackie commented, "Despite having police around the stage, fans still ran onto the stage! 3 male fans even forced a kiss on me."
As the 'ha ha laugh ambassador', Jackie was in Japan to promote safe sex for teens. Jackie disclosed, "I will be featured in some condom ads. Although I have not been promoting safe sex to my own son, but when Jaycee was 16, his mother gave him some condoms. I lost my virginity at the age of 20 but my wife believes that it is better to inform our son earlier."
Any new Stephen Chow is good news.
Regards the Bruce Lee musical, I thought David Bowie was involved in that...or did my brother tell me a Bowie-baiting porky?
Regards the Bruce Lee musical, I thought David Bowie was involved in that...or did my brother tell me a Bowie-baiting porky?
QUOTE (dandan @ Jun 29 2006, 09:25 AM)
now, i thought there'd have been a bit of repsonse to the news of a new stephen chow film...
As ever, I'm certainly interested, I was just away for a few days so I couldn't respond. Your film updates are always appreciated my good man.
Not sure about this Bruce Lee musical. Depends on what the songs are like I guess, but it doesnt seem like the most apt way of honouring his memory.
Can anyone suggest some none-violent, none-anime, none-kurosawa, "as normal as they get" japanese movies s'il vous plait?
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
QUOTE (Blind I/O @ Jul 8 2006, 11:23 AM)
Can anyone suggest some none-violent, none-anime, none-kurosawa, "as normal as they get" japanese movies s'il vous plait?
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
Well that's one of the hardest questions I've heard
I think Dan may be your man here. Thought of one or two and realised they were Kurosawa.
EDIT:
Kamikaze Girls. Its got a little bit of violence at the end, but mainly its a cos play, embroidery comedy!!!
EDIT 2:
Scratch that. You said normal.
QUOTE (Blind I/O @ Jul 8 2006, 12:23 PM)
Can anyone suggest some none-violent, none-anime, none-kurosawa, "as normal as they get" japanese movies s'il vous plait?
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
Visitor Q. It has some violence but it's more fucked up then anything.
Or Perhaps The happiness of the katakuris.
Japanese version of the Grudge got under my skin a lot, In the dark with headphones on added to the experience Im sure.
QUOTE (Blind I/O @ Jul 8 2006, 12:23 PM)
Can anyone suggest some none-violent, none-anime, none-kurosawa, "as normal as they get" japanese movies s'il vous plait?
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
yes, but not many uk distributors seem that interested in releasing japanese films that don't fall into the categories that you have mentioned...
all about lily chou chou
emotionally, but not physically, violent tale of disconnected youth and isolation, where the only means of actual communication is the discussion of a bjork-esque singer (lily chou chou) on a messageboard. quite dark, but quite normal.
the hidden blade
a beautiful period piece, set at the end of the samurai era and the second part of yamada yoji's 'samurai trilogy'. more of a period drama, than a samurai film. see also twilight samurai.
nobody knows
the story of four children who were abandoned by their mother and left to fend for themselves in a tokyo apartment. inspired by actual events. absolutely brilliant.
the ozu collection
three classics from one of the masters of japanese cinema; 'tokyo story', 'late spring' and 'early summer'.
ping pong
a fun film about two friends who play table tennis. highly recommended.
shall we dance
this has been remade with gere and lopez, but is apparently very good. unlike the remake...
warm water under a red bridge
a brilliant and interestingly odd comic tale about a man who goes to find a treasure in a small town, but instead finds love with a woman who has a problem with water...
let me know if you want some more suggestons and don't mind shopping overseas...
QUOTE (Blind I/O @ Jul 8 2006, 12:23 PM)
Can anyone suggest some none-violent, none-anime, none-kurosawa, "as normal as they get" japanese movies s'il vous plait?
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
ED: none-Beat-Takeshi too.
If you don't mind watching non-Japanese Asian films, I can whole heartedly recommend:
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter And Spring
3-Iron
Both are a bit art-house, mind and depend more on the mood than the actual story - although both are beautiful to watch; almost hypnotic in fact.
Then there's Failan, which is just about one of the most touching films I've ever seen.
Thanks muchly Dan, I'll look into those when I have some money.
And cheers Jinx, but I'm after some Japanese movies so that my ears soak up the language and culture a bit. I already have a large enough collection of weird stuff, and I thought some people here (OK, mostly dandan) might have an idea of something watchable that doesn't make my brain hurt.
monkeyman, I mentioned the word "normal". This automatically disqualifies the mighty Miike.
And cheers Jinx, but I'm after some Japanese movies so that my ears soak up the language and culture a bit. I already have a large enough collection of weird stuff, and I thought some people here (OK, mostly dandan) might have an idea of something watchable that doesn't make my brain hurt.
monkeyman, I mentioned the word "normal". This automatically disqualifies the mighty Miike.
But poop, semen, necrophilia, incest and Lactation are normal!
I'd go along with Ping Pong. Excellent film
I know you said no Takeshi Kitano - but the very un-Takeshi (well there is no violence and he directs only) A Scene At The Sea and Kids Return are both excellent.
Blue Spring. A good teen drama about bullying and gangs at school. With an excellent Thee Michelle Gun Elephant soundtrack
I know you said no Takeshi Kitano - but the very un-Takeshi (well there is no violence and he directs only) A Scene At The Sea and Kids Return are both excellent.
Blue Spring. A good teen drama about bullying and gangs at school. With an excellent Thee Michelle Gun Elephant soundtrack
If you don't mind importing (either DVD or VCD), then I'd also recommend Space Travelers, which is a great comedy starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Ken Watanabe and Masanobu Ando, about a bank heist gone wrong, with the crooks adopting the guise of an anime TV show - you said no anime, but its not exactly an anime film...
QUOTE (Sostie @ Jul 11 2006, 06:41 PM)
I'd go along with Ping Pong. Excellent film
I know you said no Takeshi Kitano - but the very un-Takeshi (well there is no violence and he directs only) A Scene At The Sea and Kids Return are both excellent.
Blue Spring. A good teen drama about bullying and gangs at school. With an excellent Thee Michelle Gun Elephant soundtrack
I know you said no Takeshi Kitano - but the very un-Takeshi (well there is no violence and he directs only) A Scene At The Sea and Kids Return are both excellent.
Blue Spring. A good teen drama about bullying and gangs at school. With an excellent Thee Michelle Gun Elephant soundtrack
yep, 'ping pong', 'a scene at sea' and 'kids return' are all great. 'kids return' just doesn't get the credit it deserves. i didn't like 'blue spring' though, i found it almost unwatchable; it was just trying so hard to be a shocking vision of disaffected youth, that it just came across as being nasty for the sake of being nasty.
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