The Gonz's Asian Movie News & Review Blog

Some Awesome News,My Seven Swords Review and a Few More New and Upcoming Movies

2005-10-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

First a Bit of Great News:

Legendary Kung Fu Trio to Reunite After 18 Years

"The famous martial-arts trio of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao will reunite in a new movie as early as this month, Jackie Chan said yesterday.

I did write the script for the new film myself, but it is likely to be directed by someone else, said Chan without unveiling the title of the new movie, during an interview with Yonhap News Agency. It’s going to be a quite unique comedy film, which nobody has ever seen before.

The world famous action star added that the new film is about a big comedy surrounding a baby in Hong Kong and said he is considering casting a Korean actor.

In the 1980s, the three action heroes starred in several kung fu comedy hits produced by Hong Kong’s Golden Harvest, including Project A (1983), Wheels on Meals (1984) and Dragon Forever (1987)."

Source:Korea Times Article

Hoo-Freakin-Ray is all I have to say about this great news. This is as good as it gets as far as HK movie news goes, unless Bruce Lee returns from the grave.

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Movie Review: Seven Swords

Director: Tsui Hark

Starring:
Donnie Yen
Leon Lai
Charlie Yeung
Lau Kar Leung

Synopsis : (from hkfilmart.com)Adapted from renowned writer Liang Yu-shen's timeless classic, Seven Swords tells the story of seven unlikely heroes gathered together to save a village from the massacre of a general that is seeking a fortune through killing

Website: http://www.sevenswordsthefilm.com/

Trailer: HK: Seven Swords Can tonese Trailer
Seven Swords Mandarin Trailer

My Review:

Plot: I understand that this film has been cut from the original 4 hour run time, that director Tsui Hark had originally intended for it, to just over 2 1/2 hours. This makes total sense to me after watching the movie. While the main plot is quite simple and feels complete there are some backstories and subplots which felt incomplete. I am quite looking forward to seeing the 4 hour cut when(hopefully) it is released. That being said even with taking this into account I felt the story was pretty good despite its drawings on some obvious inspiration from other films. overall, the plot was simple but effective and I enjoyed the pacing of the film as well as the direction the story took.
Score: 7

Acting: There seems to be some animosity towards Leon Lai which I don't understand but since I'm aware of it I will first say that his performance was decent and didn't detract from the movie at all. In fact, I want to see the 4 hour cut to learn more about his character because there were some obvious omissions. Everyone elses performance falls on the spectrum from good to very good. and, Even though I felt that Charlie Yeung seemed out of place in this movie she still turned in a good performance. Performances of note include Donnie Yen who was both cool and awesome at the same time, and Kim So-Young who was quite good in her role as a Korean Slave. Also, look for a special cameo appearance by Mr. Michael Wong that comes out of freaking nowhere.
Score: 8

Action/Entertainment: Here's where the movie shines, the action scenes were really nicely done in my opinion. I had read earlier reviews that there weren't enough action scenes or that they were badly edited but I was quite satisfied with the ones in the film. The unique swords used by every character were really cool and the scenes which display their special abilities are especially enjoyable. I had read beforehand about there being bad editing during the fight scenes but it didn't seem that way to me at all which makes me wonder what is causing the confusion. All I can say is that as far as I can tell there is nothing wrong with the editing. Fight scenes were really enjoyable. Great stuff.
Score: 9

Overall: I don't understand the polarized opinions this film seems to generate. I don't think Leon Lai is to blame. I've read numerous reviews and they are all either very positive or very negative. and well, as far as The Gonz is concerned this movie is great. I can't wait for the 4 hour cut and the sequel, keep the "Seven Swords" coming Tsui Hark.
Score: 8.5

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More New & Upcoming Films:

Japan:

Shinobi(2005): Release Date(JP): Currently Showing, Release Date(US): Unknown

Director: Ten Shimoyama

Starring:
Yukie Nakama
Joe Odagiri
Renji Ishibashi
Tomoka Kurotani
Kippei Shiina

Synopsis:The film takes place in 1614, with Japan finally at peace after long decades of internal strife. Yukie Nakama plays Oboro, a ninja of the Iga clan, who falls in love with Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri), the son of the rival Koga clan's leader. Living in the remote mountains, these two clans have perfected the ninja arts, called "shinobi," far beyond the reach of mere mortals.Seeking to consolidate the shogun's rule - and seeing the two clans as a threat to it, a powerful priest and shogunal advisor (Renji Ishibashi) schemes to set them against each other. The clans are commanded to each select five champions who will battle to the death. The reward for the survivor: rank and power.Both Oboro and Gennosuke are chosen as champions, but Gennosuke doubts the shogunate's intentions - and refuses to take part in the contest. He is forced into action when his comrades begin to fall, though he cannot bring himself to battle one Iga warrior: Oboro. Source:Mark Schilling in Tokyo

Webiste: http://www.shinobi-movie.com/

Trailer:Shinobi Trailer

South Korea:

Typhoon(South Korea 2005/6) Release Date:December 2005/January 2006
Director:Kwak Kyeong-taek

Starring:
Jang Dong-gun
Lee Jung-jae
Lee Mi-Yeon

Synopsis: Exiled from North Korea, but with a fanatic hatred for South Korea, Jang's character, Myeong-shin, turns to piracy but his plans for revenge could result in deaths across both Koreas. Lee Jung-jae plays Se-jong, a navy seal who must stop the pirate from turning terrorist.

Website: http://www.typhoonthemovie.com/

Trailer: None Yet, Will Update

Hong Kong:

All About Love(HK 2005); Hk Release Date: Mid-October 2005; US Release: Unknown

Director:Daniel Yu
Starring:
Andy Lau
Charlene Choi
Charlie Yeung

Synopsis: Andy Lau takes two roles in the movie and the two of him is in love with Charlie Yeung and Charlene Choi respectively. Andy Lau plays one of the role as Doctor Gao Yuen. Doctor Gao is a very dedicated professional and tends to be careless about his home life to give way to work. Six years ago, Doctor Gao's wife (starred by Charlene Choi) died of a traffic accident and this created deep guilt in his heart. Because of this, Gao transfers to become an ambulance assistance out of the blue. Gao's life since becomes routine and dull but he remains a very disciplined professional. Gao comes to the rescue of the wounded Sam(starred by Charlie Yeung during one of his duty shift. The incident created a ripple on the ceaseless heart of Gao and he finds himself slowly drawn to Sam. After a while, Gao discovered that Sam's husband Derek(another role played by Andy Lau)disappeared on Sam a few years ago and is still missing to the day. Derek was once a very famous hair stylist in town, he is also a very good looking guy. Derek was also the hard working type that turned his full attention to work and thus overlook his relationship with Sam. As their love and passion was gradually worn out to the element of time, Derek finally took off after a roll with Sam and never returned. Gao further discovers that Derek actually looks a lot like the six-years-ago himself. He thus sneaks into the couple's apartment and plays the part of Derek, manipulating bit and pieces of their home to bring the feeling of sweet yesterday. This inevitably brings some warmth back to the pitiful life of Sam. Gao learns that Sam has a serious illness and will not last long. He is determined to find the where about of Derek and hopes that Derek will return to the side of Sam.
Source: http://www.hkfilmart.com/

Website: http://www.allaboutlovethemovie.com/

Trailer:All About Love Trailer

Dragon Squad(HK 2005); Hk Release Date: October 2005(I Think); U.S Release: Unknown

Director: Daniel Lee

Starring:
Michael Biehn, Vanessa Wu
Shawn Yue, Sammo Hung
Eva Huang, Simon Yam
Maggie Q, Li Bing Bing

Synopsis: A team of young Interpol agents arrive in Hong Kong to give testimony at the trial of local crime lord 'Tiger' Duen. Among them are American agent Andy Hui (Derek Chou), Taiwanese lawman Vanness Chang (Vanness Wu), mainland Chinese sharpshooter Cheung (Derek Chou) and local cops Lok (Shawn Yue) and Suet (Eva Huang). They are greeted by Hong Kong police commander Hon Sun (Simon Yam). The heavily armed convoy taking Tiger to court is attacked by a ruthless team of North Korean agents, led by international terrorist Petros Davinci (Michael Biehn). Petros is seeking revenge for his brother in arms, who was killed by Puma and his brother, 'Tiger' Duen. At Petros' side is his fierce enforcer, the former Korean special forces officer Ko (Huh Joon-ho) and a lethal lady sniper, Song (Maggie Q).After Tiger is snatched, the Interpol team insists on tracking down Petros themselves. Hon Sun rejects their request and places the team in the care of veteran police officer Kong Long (Sammo Hung).A burned out cop who has never come to terms with either his personal or professional history, Long Kong is reluctant to get involved. Finally, inspired by his young charges, he rises to the occasion, and leads the Interpol team on their quest for Petros and his team. Petros uses every available weapon, including Tiger Duen's girlfriend, Ching (Li Bing Bing), to outmaneuver his foes. The mean streets of Hong Kong form a backdrop for a battle of wills, wits, and urban warfare.

Website:http://www.dragonsquad.hk/

Trailer:Dragon Squad Trailer

First Review plus a Couple More Upcoming Films.

2005-10-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Review: Initial D

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Director: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak

Starring:
Jay Chou
Anthony Wong
Chapman To
Edison Chen
Shawn Yue
Anne Suzuki

Synopsis: Sypnosis : (from Media Asia)It's a story about the fastest street racer of Mt Akina. Takumi, a delivery boy; Ryousuke, an engineer of speed; and Kyouichi, a professional racer: the three of them become duelists of drifts. For five years, 18-year-old Takumi has been delivering tofu in his father's obsolescent Toyota AE86 every morning. Not only has he become a good racer, but he has also unwittingly perfected the art of drifting. He was never an aficionado of hill racing until he is asked by his father to drive his AE86 in a David and Goliath race against Night Kids' EVO IV. A glorious but unexpected victory awakens the competitive genes in his blood, while his overnight fame inevitably leads to hellraising races one after another, each one more perilous and exciting than the previous one.

Trailer: Initial D Trailer

My Review(1-10):

Plot: In preparation for this movie I started watching the animated series that it is based off of and after watching the movie I can say that fans of the series or comic are going to be dissapointed. The movie version cuts out some major characters and changes the roles of some of the other ones. It also streamlines the plot but that's to be expected as the series is like 12 hours and the movie is barely 2. The plot is pretty weak it moves very fast and doesn't leave much room for character development. The whole plot is basically and excuse to have cool racing scenes and to that end it serves it's purpose.
Score: 4

Acting: Wow, this is where the movie really tanks. This is the first starring role for Taiwanese Pop Idol Jay Chou and he shows that he should stick to singing. It doesn't help that he has the most unexpressive eyes I've ever seen on a human being. The only times I can tell he is trying to act is when he yelling because he is mad, or crying because he is sad, his face remains in exactly the same position. Anthony Wong is good in his role despite his character being nothing like his animated counterpart but I digress, he does do a good job with the role. I suppose Chapman To did a good job but his character is kind of annoying sometimes, but if that's what he was going for then bravo to him. The other characters are just there to look good and race nothing more. If they had a competent actor in the lead the movie woulda been decidely improved.
Score: 2

Entertainment: Despite the bad plot and acting the movie is still pretty entertaining. Thanks mostly to the racing scenes which is are pretty damn cool. It helps that the racing scenes take up like half the movie too. And there were a few funny parts inbetween the racing but they were few and far between. Overall, It was pretty entertaining whenever the cars were on the screen instead of the people.

Score: 8

Conclusion: Despite bad acting, and a paper thin plot this movie is saved from being a total disaster by the racing scenes and a bit of comedy provided Chapman To and Anthony Wong.

Overall Score: 6

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2 More Upcoming Movies I'm Looking Forward to:

We Are Looking for the Moon (2005)Release Date(Asia): November 19th, 2005; Release Date(US): Unknown

Country of Origin: Japan

Director: Kenta Fukasaku

Starring:

Yosuke Kubozuka

Edison Chen

Meisa Kuroki

Synopsis: No idea. Trailer looks cool so I'll be looking into this one.

Trailer(Windows Media): We Are Looking at the Moon Trailer

Shadowless Sword(2005); Release Date(Asia): November 2005; Release Date(US): Unknown

Country of Origin: Korea

Director: Kim Young-Jun

Starring: Not sure.

Synopsis: a new Sword flick by Kim Young-Jun who made Bichunmu last time. The story takes place in 926AD in Balhae, an ancient Korean Kingdom. When the last King of Balhae surrenders to Guran, an ethnic Kingdom that used to occupy in China/Mongolia, a female Balhae warrior belonging to rebellion group against Guran goes on a journey to find the last Prince of Balhae who was exiled to China 14 years ago. A group of Guran assassins are hot on her trail to get to the Prince first. Bluefrog The Great

Trailer: Shadowless Sword Teaser

First Post: Upcoming Asian Films to Look Out for in the Next Few Months.

2005-10-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

HK/China:

The Myth (HK 2005) Release Date(HK): September 23rd, 2005; Release Date(USA): Unknown

Director: Stanley Tong

Starring :

Jackie Chan
Tony Leung Kar Fai
Kim Hee Seon
Mallika Sherawat
Sun Zhou
Shao Bing

Synopsis:
Chan plays an archaeologist who goes back in time to discover that he was once a Qin dynasty general in love wa Korean princess whose love is promised to his king.

Website: http://www.themyth.jce.com.hk/m.hk/

Trailer: Myth Trailer

Sha Po Lang (HK 2005) Release Date(Asia): November 2005 ; Release Date(US); Unknown

Director: Wilson Yip Wai Shun

Starring:
Donnie Yen
Sammo Hung
Simon Yam
Wu Jing

Synopsis: Chan(Yam), a detective nearing the end of his career, is taking care of the daughter of a witness killed by ruthless crime lord, Po(Hung). Martial arts expert Ma(Yen) is set to take over as head of the serious crime unit, replacing Chan who wants an early retirement. When an undercover agent is found dead three days after Ma joins the unit, Chan thinks it' s the work of Po and sends people to bring him in. Ma finds himself drawn into the battle between Chan and Po.

Website: http://www.sharpa-image.com.hk/spl

Trailer: Sha Po Lang Trailer

The Promise/Wu Ji(2005) Asia Release Date: December 2005 Release Date(US): December 2005(Tentative)
Director: Chen Kaige

Starring:
Cecilia Cheung
Jang Dong-Gun
Hiroyuki Sanada
Liu Ye
Nicholas Tse

Synopsis: a love story between a royal concubine and a slave.

Website: None Yet, Will Update

Trailer: Japanese Promise Trailer(click free then wait for countdown)

Perhaps Love(2005) Release Date(Asia): December 23rd, 2005; Release Date(US): December 2005(Supposedly, not confirmed)

Director: Peter Chan

Starring:
Takeshi Kaneshiro
Jacky Cheung
Zhou Xun

Synopsis: Set in the modern-day Beijing and Shanghai of the 1930s, story of this musical is about a young star and the two men who are in love with her.

Website: http://www.perhapslovemovie.com/

Trailer: Perhaps Love Trailer

Wait' Till You're Older(2005)Release Date(Asia) : Fourth quarter 2005; Release Date(US): Unkown

Director: Teddy Chen

Starring:

Andy Lau
Felix Wong
Karen Mok
Feng Xiaogang

Synopsis: Twelve-year-old KONG (Sit Lap Yin) is an unhappy child. In fact, he has not been happy since his mother’s suicide three years ago, which he blames on his FATHER (Felix Wong) and STEPMOTHER (Karen Mok). Having to live under the same roof with them, he finds not only his emotion increasingly stunted but his height as well. He yearns for freedom as much as he yearns for love. But only if he can outgrow his treacherous father, he believes, can he finally find peace and happiness.One unspectacular evening Kong decides to run away from home after another customary tiff with his stepmother. He chances upon an eerie OLD MAN (Feng Xiaogang) who claims he has a potion that can speed up the life process. As much as he would like to believe it, this is all baloney to him. So when he accidentally taints his blood with the potion, he hardly expects his fate is about to change forever.It is an impossible dream comes true when Kong wakes up the next morning to find himself already a twenty-year-old young man. Plunging into the adult world in full earnest, he is ready to take revenge on his parents while getting his hands on all things hitherto forbidden. But another day passes and he becomes ten years older. Only now does he realize the tragedy of his situation: his growth rate is exponential. When he finally uncovers the harsh reality behind his mother’s death, Kong has to race against time to right things wrong with his parents.http://www.mediaasia.com/

Website: http ://www.waitolder.com/

Trailer: CH:
Wait Till Your Older Mandarin Trailer

Seven Swords(2005) HK Release Date: July 29th, 2005; US Release Date: Unknown; HK DVD Release Date: September 29th, 2005

Director: Tsui Hark

Starring:
Donnie Yen
Leon Lai
Charlie Yeung
Lau Kar Leung

Synopsis : (from hkfilmart.com)Adapted from renowned writer Liang Yu-shen's timeless classic, Seven Swords tells the story of seven unlikely heroes gathered together to save a village from the massacre of a general that is seeking a fortune through killing

Website: http://www.sevenswordsthefilm.com/

Trailer: HK: Seven Swords Cantonese Trailer
Seven Swords Mandarin Trailer

A Chinese Tall Story(2005) Release Date(Asia): December 22nd, 2005; Release Date(US): Unknown

Director: Jeff Lau

Starring:

Nicholas Tse
Charlene Choi
Fan Bingbing

Sypnosis : (from hkfilmart.com)A Chinese Tall Story is an unexpected retelling of the classic tale of Journey to the West, focusing on a little known adventure of Tripitaka, the Tang Monk, and his three trusted disciples. Filmed on glorious locations in China and with cutting edge effects, costumes and make-up.

Website: http://achinesetallstory.emp.hk/

Trailer: Chinese Tall Story Trailer

Qian Li Zou Dan Ji("Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles")(2005) Release Date(Asia): December 2005?(I think); Release Date(US): Unknown

Director: Zhang Yimou

Starring:

Takakura Ken
Jiang Wen
Kiichi Nakai

Synopsis: Takada, a Japanese fisherman accompanies his ailing son Takada to Yunnan Province of China to search for the secret behind a local opera.

Website: None yet, Will Update

Trailer: None Yet, Will Update

Fearless (In Production) Release Date: TBD

Director: Ronny Yu

Starring: Jet Li

Synopsis: This film tells the story of Chinese Martial Arts Master Huo Yuanjia (1869~1910). Huo Yuanjia was the founder and spiritual guru of the Jin Wu Sports Federation.

Website: None yet, Will Update.

Trailer: None yet, Will Update.

The Night Banquet("Ye Yan") (In Production)

Director: Feng Xiaogang

Starring:

Zhang Ziyi
Ge You
Daniel Wu
Zhou Xun

Synopsis:
Inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the story of The Night Banquet is set in a chaotic era of China called Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, according to Shanghai Youth Daily. In a falling empire, the Emperor, the Empress, the Crown Prince, the Princess, the Minister and the General all have their own quests for the ultimate power. The Empress set up a secret coalition with the Princess and the Minister in attempt to take the throne for the Crown Prince, but her real goal is to take the power for herself, and the Crown Prince wants to use the Empress' plan for his own quest for the throne. The conflicts finally erupt at a night banquet, at which the Empress starts executing her plan of killing the Emperor and the Crown Prince takes the opportunity to finish off his own enemies...

Website: None yet, Will Update

Trailer: None Yet, Will Update.

Korea:

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance(2005) Release Date(Asia): July 29th, 2005 ; Release Date(US): Unknown; Korean DVD Release Date: November 31st.

Director: Park Chan Wook

Starring:

Lee Young-Ae
Choi Min Shik

Synopsis: A high school student (Lee) goes to jail in order to save the teacher (Choi) she loves. When she leaves prison 13 years later, she finds she has been betrayed and prepares to take her revenge.

Website: http://www.geum-ja.co.kr/

Trailer:Lady Vengeance Trailer

Duelist (2005) Release Date(Asia): September 9th, 2005 ; Release Date(US): Unknown

Director: Lee Myung-Se

Starring:

Ha Ji-won
Kang Dong-won
Ahn Sung-ki

Synopsis:
Set in the Joseon Dynasty period, Nam-sun (Ha Ji-won) is a female police officer known for her quick and hot temper when it comes to nabbing nasty criminals. Her boss (Ahn Sung-ki) is much calmer and down-to-earth, with his years of experience in the field as a guidepost for Nam-sun.A series of incidents befuddle both Nam-sun and her boss. While top politicians are squabbling with each other, counterfeit bills circulate throughout the city, creating confusion among the people. Whenever police officers attempt to secure clues, they get lethal attacks from the mysterious agent "Sad Eyes.

Website: http://www.duelist2005.co.kr/

Trailer: Duelst Trailer

Japan:
Takeshis. Release Date: TBD

Director: Takeshi Kitano

Starring:

Takeshi Kitano

Synopsis: this film is about the life of Beat Takeshi the superstar, and follows him around "off set" to give the viewer an idea of what he's face in his daily life. At some point he comes across a "Mr. Kitano" (also played by Beat) in which the story starts to explore the fantasy world of this "Mr. Kitano" who idolizes Beat.

Website: http://www.office-kitano.co.jp/takeshis/

Trailer: Takeshi's Trailer

Thailand:
Tom Yum Goong (2005) Release Date(Asia): August 11th, 2005; Release Date(US): Unknown

Director: Prachya Prinkaew

Starring: Tony Jaa

Synopsis: Kham (Tony Jaa) is a country boy whose life is turned upside down when international mafia figures turn up at his sleepy village to capture his two prize bull elephants and take them to Australia. These are no ordinary elephants. They are majestic, grand creatures due to be offered to His Majesty the King as a token of devotion: they are Kham's elephants. He has no choice : he can't allow anyone to take his beloved elephants away, he must travel to Australia, right into the heart of the Mafia-run district to track down the kidnappers and bring his elephants home.

Website:http://www.tomyumgoongmovie.com/

Trailer: Tom Yum Goong Trailer