Shaun Williams

About Shaun Williams

UK born action cinema fanatic. Especially martial arts cinema. Currently residing in Marlyand. Avid physical media supporter. Host of the Fu for Thought podcast.

Posts by Shaun Williams:

88 Films Delivers More Kung Fu Classics This September!

Shaun Williams

88 FILMS are on fire lately. Not only did they announce a new slate of Shaw Brothers releases mere days ago, they just announced the release of two kung fu classics (and a saucy CAT III collection which I won’t touch upon here). Both are set to land this September. The first of the two is Jackie Chan’s 1978 film, MAGNIFICENT BODYGUARDS. This early effort, directed by frquent Chan collaborator, Lo Wei, has something a bit unique to it as it was originally released in 3-D. Well, 88 Films’ upcoming Blu-Ray will also be in 3-D. No word on technical specs yet so exactly how it’ll be in 3-D is unknown. Looks like this will be quite the drop for physical media enthusiasts. Secondly, another martial arts legend gets a release in the form of Yuen Woo-Ping’s TAI CHI MASTER (originally released as Twin Warriors in the US). Jet Li (Fist of Legend) stars alongside Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, […]

88 Films Dips Back Into The SHAW BROTHERS Vault For Three New Blu-Ray Releases

Shaun Williams

It’s a great time to be alive if you’re a Hong Kong cinema fans. 88 Films have announced three new Blu-Ray releases for September 10th, including an unsung gem of kung fu cinema. The announcement includes TO KILL A MASTERMIND, THE SHADOW BOXING and THE GOLDEN LOTUS. As a genre fan, it’s incredible to see these Blu-Ray companies picking up some of the more obscure Shaw Brothers titles. To Kill a Mastermand, in particular, has only previously been available via shoddy bootleg DVD, so for that one to finally get a release really is something special. You can read the synopsis and view the cover art for these upcoming releases below: Although most famous for their kung fu movies, Hong Kong’s legendary Shaw Brothers studio made more than just chop socky; taken from a (famously saucy) classic novel, Golden Lotus is an epic tale of a passionate – and sometimes destructive – love […]

Arrow Video Unleashes Wuxia Heavy SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3 In November

Shaun Williams

If you find a very, very quiet spot today – maybe a closet or a bathroom – and listen carefully, you can hear the agonizing shrieks of kung fu cinema fans’ wallets as today’s the day Arrow Video officially announced the release of SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3, their third Blu-Ray box-set of classic Shaw Brothers films. But genre fans need not empty their bank accounts just yet, as the set will be releasing on November 26th. Plenty of time to scrape together the necessary funds. Early buzz among Blu-Ray enthusiasts suggested Volume 3 may be a horror-centric set but that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. This time around, Arrow is focusing on swordplay with films like The Sentimental Swordsman and the iconic One-Armed Swordsman trilogy. You can see the full ist of fims below: One-Armed Swordsman trilogy Lady Hermit Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan The 14 Amazons The […]

A LEGEND Trailer: Jackie Chan Returns In Sequel To The Myth

Shaun Williams

If you’d have asked me “Shaun, what sequel do you think Jackie Chan will make next?” I would have answered with “Another Police Story” or “Are we finally getting Rush Hour 3?” I did NOT see Jackie making a sequel to his less-than-stellar 2005 trip-through-time film, The Myth. Alas, it’s 2024 and here we are. Jackie returns to Chinese big screens on July 7th with A LEGEND, a collaboration with long-time friend and frequent Director, Stanley Tong. Distribution Workshop has the international rights and has the official synopsis as: A LEGEND sees Professor Chen, an archaeology expert, notice that the texture on the artifacts discovered by his students during a glacier expedition, is strikingly similar to a jade pendant he had seen in his dreams. The pendant is connecting the realm of dreams to reality. Filled with curiosity, Chen leads a research team on a journey deep into the Glacier […]

88 Films Bombards Us With Action With Their June/July/August Slate

Shaun Williams

British Blu-Ray distributor, 88 FILMS, have been delivering the goods with their martial arts action releases for years now and they’re showing no signs of stopping any time soon. Physical Media fans have a lot to look forwards to over the next few months as 88 Films are set to hit us with a veritable avalanche of classic Hong Kong action flicks. Check out their slate below: JUNE Fist of Legend (6/24) – Everyone and their dog knows this film. Considered Jet Li’s best by many, it tells the story of Chen Zhen (also portrayed by Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury) fighting off the evil Japanese. Features fight choreography from Yuen Woo Ping and a fantastic villain in the form of Billy Chow. Availaiable on both Blu-Ray and 4K UHD. To Kill Wih Intrigue (TBD) – While a date hasn’t been set in stone for this one, most people are leaning […]

Terror Vision Gives Kung Fu Cinema Lovers A Rare Gift – AN OLD KUNG FU MASTER On Blu Ray!

Shaun Williams

Terror Vision is doing the Lord’s work. Not only are they releasing a steady stream of rare horror gems; they’ve well and truly dipped their toes into kung fu cinema. Two months ago they released the quirky Barry Chan flick, Game of Killers, and this month we get a Blu Ray of the Yuen Siu Tien (Drunken Master, Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow) starring old school gem, AN OLD KUNG FU MASTER. In full remastered glory, no less. Those that don’t know Yuen Siu Tien may have head of one of his sons – legendary direction and fight choreographer, Yuen Woo Ping (The Matrix, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Drgon). In fact, all of his sons are established names in Hong Kong action cinema and, collectively, are known as the Yuen Clan. Yuen Siu Tien starred in almost 350 films during his lengthy career, including countless kung fu classics. Sadly, An Old Kung Fu Master was the […]

Film Masters Release The Controversial Kung Fu Classic, THE CRIPPLED MASTERS, This July

Shaun Williams

Controversy isn’t really something one might associate with the kung fu cinema genre. The infamous “Cantonese comedy” found in the classics of yesteryear may be a little on the distasteful side, but it’s easy to say “It’s a product of its time” and move on with your day. However, one martial arts film sticks out like a sore thumb when it comes to distastefulness – 1980’s THE CRIPPLED MASTERS. Over the years, this one’s only been accessible on VHS and DVD’s that were basically shoddy VHS rips, but now, for the the first time, it gets a crisp, remastered Blu Ray from Film Masters. Why the controversy? The Crippled Masters stars Frankie Shum (Shun Chung-Chuen) and Jack Conn (Thomas Hong Chiu-Ming), two disabled martial artists as the titular “masters” and focuses heavily on their impairments. Whether the film celebrates inclusivity or not is purely up to the viewer, but it’s safe to […]

Fu Review! TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN Is A Chaos Infused Crime Drama Well Worth Watching

Shaun Williams

Sometimes dreams really do come true. A month or so ago, I was approached by Lee – head honcho here at Film Combat Syndicate – with an offer to write for the site. Well, if you know me, I love to spew my thoughts down on the page but I rarely find time. For Lee, I would do my best to make the time. Fast forward and I’m offered the chance to not only watch Soi Cheang’s latest foray into action cinema, TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN, but to record the first ever video review for my YouTube channel, Fu for Thought. As you might imagine, I once again jumped at the chance. And here we are. I’ll admit, cramming my messy thoughts into a less-than-thirty-minute video was bloody hard. But I managed. Did I miss pertinent plot points? Yep. Did I cover every fight scene? Absolutely not. But […]

Scott Adkins And Marko Zaror Actioner, DIABLO, Rolls Into Post-Production With A New Cast Member

Shaun Williams

Scott Adkins shows no sign of slowing his output after John Wick 4 shone a significant spotlight on him, as his latest starring vehicle, DIABLO, goes into post-production. Helming the actioner is Ernesto Diaz Espinoza, a name that’s ended up on many “One to watch” lists after his last two efforts, Redeemer and The Fist of the Condor. Chilean powerhouse, Marko Zaror, also stars. Today, Deadline.com has reported that Diana Hoyos has also joined the cast. Hoyos, a veteran of Spanish tv, established herself as an action actress with roles in 2017’s Sniper: Ultimate Kill and Never Back Down Revolt from 2021. Plot details, according to Deadline: The film follows Kris Chaney (Adkins) who, after being released from prison, embarks on a perilous mission to fulfill an old promise but finds himself in danger when he kidnaps Elisa, the daughter of a powerful gangster. Her father, Vincent, puts out a […]

Cannes Gives Us The First Poster And Plot Synopsis For THE PROSECUTOR

Shaun Williams

The Cannes Film Festival officially kicks off today and it’s already delivered it’s first gem in the form of the first official poster and plot synopsis for the upcoming Donnie Yen vehicle, THE PROSECUTOR. Not only is Donnie the lead in this one; he’s directing and producing too, according to Cannes promo material. It seems Donnie’s getting more and more comfortable in the director’s chair after also directing last year’s Sakra. Edmong Wong – writer of the entire Ip Man franchise – serves as writer. Action fans will rejoice in hearing that both Donnie and Kenji Tanigaki are in charge of the action. Tanigaki’s particularly busy these days after recently working on one of the most ancititpated action films of 2024, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, and then moving into the director’s chair for his upcoming film, The Furious. Check out the poster and plot synopsis for The Prosecutor […]

Blu-Ray Release: Neon Eagle Brings Us The Wild Kung Fu Classic, NINJA TERMINATOR

Shaun Williams

Later this Month, Neon Eagle Video brings one of the most iconic examples of ninja cheese to Blu-Ray in the form of 1985’s NINJA TERMINATOR. And they’re bringing all the bells and whistles. Ninja Terminator is as infamous as martial arts movies come; directed by “cut-and-paste” master, Godfrey Ho. It features Garfield phones, Korean super kicker, Hwang Jang Lee, in a blonde wig and Richard Harrison, who went on to be one of the most well-known ninja actors in cinematic history. And rightfully so. His filmography is bonkers. Previously only avaiable via shoddy VHS rips, Neon Eagle delivers a beautiful remaster from a 4K scan and a host of special features. Including: Disc 1 (Blu-ray): Ninja Terminator Restored from a 4K scan of the negative / 1080p presentation English language audio Optional English SDH subtitles 2:39:1 / 90 minutes / All Region / 1985 / Director – Godfrey Ho Extras: Audio commentary by […]

The FU FOR THOUGHT Podcast Schedule – A Mega Mix of Martial Arts Mayhem!

Shaun Williams

One of the perks of writing for a website is that I get to promore my YouTube channel to our wonderful readers. If you don’t know already, I host a podcast called Fu for Thought (see what I did there?). Fu for Thought is a bi-weekly – that’s one every two weeks and not twice a week – martial arts cinema concept where I sit down with my wife, Devan, and my best bud, Cyrus, and we review a martial arts movie. The original aim of the podcast was to get the two of them into the genre. They’re both absolute philistines when it comes to wonderful world of Shaw Brothers, Golden Harvest etc. One hundred and thirty one episodes in and…well…it’s been an interesting journey. I semi-won one of them other. The other, not so much. That means I continue my quest… Oe of my tasks as main host, (kinda) producer and (not […]

BABY ASSASSINS 3 Goes Surpisingly Dark In Its First Teaser Trailer!

Shaun Williams

If you’re an action cinema fan and you haven’t been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve probably heard of the Baby Assassins films. Currently one of Japan’s finest exports, the series has balanced quirky comedy with slick fight choreography (courtesy of one of the best in the industry right now, Kensuke Sonomura), which is why action junkies were shocked when the teaser for BABY ASSASSINS 3 dropped. There looks to be a distinct lack of their trademark comedy this time around. It feels much darker in tone and dare I say that the film might have more action? Check out the teaser and the first poster below. Yugo Sakamoto returns to the director’s chair and, of course, Saori Izawa and Akari Takaishi return as the titular assassins. Baby Assassins 2 is currently out on Blu-Ray in the US courtest of WellGo USA and hits their HI-YAH! […]

ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE Review: An Integral Vertebra In The Backbone Of Kung Fu Cinema

Shaun Williams

It is my firm belief that every martial arts cinema fan eventually comes to a certain fork in the road. It’s at this fork that they must take one of two paths: the path to Bruceploitation or the path of Bruceploitation ignorance. Many will take the path of ignorance. I did. All those years ago when I picked up a copy of Fist of Fury 2 thinking I was going to watch Bruce Lee once again display his magnificent physical prowess. Instead, I got Bruce Li. I was incredulous. It was there I faced my fork and I rapidly headed down the path that was as far away from Bruceploitation as one can be. I lived peacefully with this decision for around twenty-five years. Until someone in the online kung fu cinema community convinced me to watch Bruce Li’s magnum opus, Dynamo. I was awakened. Enlightened, even. Fast forward to […]

Celina Jade bursts back onto screens in the teaser trailer for OPERATION BLACK OPS

Shaun Williams

It looks like Celina Jade (Triple Threat) is ready to flex her action chops again with the upcoming military actioner, OPERATION BLACK OPS (not to be confused with the 2023 Tito Ortiz vehicle with the same name). The plot is still currently under wraps but, if the first teaser is anything to go by, it’s going to be jam-packed with action. Shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, car stunts, explosions… It’s all here! Action cinema regulars, Shawn Yue (Invisible Target) and Jiang Luxia (Bad Blood), also star and I, for one, am super excited about seeing Luxia and Jade on screen together as both should be superstars by now. Chung Siu-Hung (Kung Fu Mahjong) is in the Director’s chair. Check out the new poster and teaser trailer below!

Xavier Gens delivers the aquatic action in the first trailer for UNDER PARIS

Shaun Williams

There are two guarantees in life: one is that we’ll all one day fall off this mortal coil and the other is that we will get at least three shark movies a year. Xavier Gens (Farang, Gangs of New York) is the newest director to tackle aquatic predators and it looks like this one will please genre fans. Starring Bérénice Bejo (The Artist) and Nassim Lyes (Farang), UNDER PARIS focuses on a deadly shark swimming the rivers of Paris during the World Triathlon Championships (how convenient!). Bejo plays Sophia, a scientist, who must team up with a local activist and the Seine River Police Commander to combat the finned, French fiend. Under Paris hits Netflix on June 5th. Check out the trailer and poster below!

The Bruce Is Loose! Severin Films Brings Their Bruceploitation Documentary, ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE, To US Theaters

Shaun Williams

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this monumental day. Perhaps more than my Wedding Day. Severin Films have offically announced not only their 7-disc Bruceploitation box-set, THE GAME OF CLONES: BRUCEPLOITATION COLLECTION VOLUME 1, but that they’ll also be partnering with Alamo Drafthouse to being their much-raved-about documentary, ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE, to US theaters. Some screenings will even have appearences from legendary Bruceploitation actor, Bruce Le. Bruceploitation is a hugely paopular sub genre of martial arts cinema so for fans to be getting such a healthy dose of “clone” action is both incredible and a little bit surreal. It’s a category of film that many thought wouldn’t stand the test of time but ended up being the very definition of “cult cinema.” You can find the list of upcoming screenigs below: *4/12 – 4/14 – Alamo Drafthouse DTLA (Los Angeles, CA) + ENTER THE GAME OF DEATH (4/12), THE CHALLENGE […]

Eureka Entertainment Line Up Sonny Chiba’s BEAST FIGHTER Films for A June Release

Shaun Williams

Eureka Entertainment continue their long line of stellar Blu Ray releases with the upcoung double-pack of Karate Bullfighter and Karate Bearfighter. Both films star the iconic Japanese badass, Sonny Chiba (The Street Fighter), and are based on the Manga, Karate Baka Ichidai, which ran 1971 to 1977 (and was later adapted into an anime series). Directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi, director of the fan favorite, Sister Street Fighter, the films focus on Masutatsu “Mas” Ōyama, the world reknowned karate master and Sonny Chiba’s real-life teacher: In Karate Bullfighter (or Champion of Death), a karate tournament is crashed by an enigmatic martial artist calling himself Ōyama (Chiba), who arrives in tattered rags and beats all who dare challenge him. But Ōyama’s entrance into the world of karate has unforeseen consequences, and soon he is fighting for far more than sporting victory. Then, in Karate Bearfighter, Ōyama is expelled from the karate community for refusing to pull his punches. With nowhere […]

Eureka Entertainment To Release Yuen Woo-Ping’s Madcap Classic, THE MIRACLE FIGHTERS, This June!

Shaun Williams

It’s a good time to be a Hong Kong cinema fan! Eureka Entertainment recently announced they will be releasing a Blu Ray of Yuen Woo-ping’s masterclass in madness, The Miracle Fighters, in the UK and the US on June 25th. Many people know Woo-ping as being the man responsible for the action in films like The Matrix, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kill Bill but in the early 80’s he, with help from his brothers (aka The Yuen Clan), created some of the most innovative and inventive productions to come out of Hong Kong (including Donnie Yen’s first film, Drunken Tai Chi). To say that The Miracle Fighters has to be seen to be believed is an understatement. It’s off the wall in all the right ways During the Quing dynasty, marriage between Manchu and Han people is outlawed. When it is discovered that high-ranking official Kao Hsiung (Eddy Ko) has taken a Han wife, the Emperor […]

Colin Farrell Reminisces On Being A True Gangster In The First Trailer For THE PENGUIN

Shaun Williams

Max has just dropped our first look at Colin Farrell (In Bruges, The Banshees of Inisherin) as the infamous Batman foe, Oswald Cobblepot, in their trailer for THE PENGUIN. The show will reach screens in the Fall and, judging from the teaser, looks to be a dark gangster epic. They’ve certainly captured the look and feel of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Only natural really since Reeeves produces the show alongside Farrell and showrunner, Lauren LeFranc (Impulse) who also writes the series. Craig Zobel, director of the much loved Max series, Mare of Easttown, will helm the first three episodes. As well as Farrell, the cast boasts a host of recognizable names including Sofia Milioti (Palm Springs), Clancy Brown (Starship Troopers) and Carmen Ejogo (The Purge: Anarchy). Until the series airs, two questions remain unanswered: will we get to see the Caped Crusader and will we finally see Cobblepot wield his […]