Reviews

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JFF Theater: THE SCOOP Review: Blending School Drama with Timely Journalism Lessons

Set in a prestigious high school, The Scoop follows Yui Tokoro, a literature-obsessed teenager determined to uncover the identity of a mysterious writer rumored to be a student at her school. To achieve her goal, Yui joins the school’s unofficial press club, led by its eccentric leader (played by Akari Takaishi, known for her standout role in Baby Assassins). As Yui delves deeper, she uncovers corruption within the school, learning the vital lesson that true journalism is about uncovering the truth. This engaging film tackles timely themes such as press freedom and systemic corruption, seamlessly woven into a compelling school drama. Director Keiichi Kobayashi starts with a deliberate, slow pace that gradually builds momentum as the story’s layers unravel, culminating in a powerful climax where only the truth prevails—not just the truth of the mysteries presented by the plot, but also a sincere and evocative message that resonates with the […]

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Review: Jackie Is Back With Action Fueled THE SHADOW’S EDGE

For many years we have received a mixed bag of Jackie Chan films often missing the mark when it comes to the fight action that his fans crave. In recent outings the over use of CGI and latest technology in his films hasn’t satisfied the audience’s pallet however in his latest feature “The Shadow’s Edge” Jackie has delivered on every level.  POSTER COURTESY OF TRINITY CINEASIA  The premise of the story is keeping up with modern times where all our lives and security are beholden to technology. A group of very talented and very agile criminals give the police the run around when they steal a large sum of crypto currency right from under their noses. They have exhausted all avenues trying to catch the criminals with no luck, time to employ a new tactic sourcing the help of former detective Wong Tak Chung (Jackie Chan). Time to go old […]

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Streaming Sleepers: In MERCENARIES FROM HONG KONG, Wong Jing’s Fresh 80s Action Classic

Mercenaries From Hong Kong was previously reviewed for the twenty-sixth edition of Fantasia Festival. The film is currently available to stream via Arrow Player. Undoubtedly, one of the most well-received aspects of being an avid Arrow Video collector nowadays means being exposed to rounds of cult classic titles long-adorned by certain niches. Specifically, we’re talking those of the Hong Kong cinema kind and folks especially fond of Arrow’s Shawscope 2K restorations of late, including and not limited to Wong Jing’s third directorial outing in his career with Ti Lung starrer, Mercenaries From Hong Kong. Ti Lung plays Lok Li, a hired killer working in Hong Kong already wanted for murdering the son of a crimeboss. Before he can escape to Thailand until the heat blows over, Lok gets enveloped into even more trouble at the behest of Ho Ying (Candice Yu), a wealthy tycoon’s daughter who claims she is being […]

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