china

Well Go USA Grants A Full Trailer For The U.S. Release Of ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI

CraveOnline has exclusively unveiled the latest trailer for Well Go USA’s upcoming release of Once Upon A Time In Shanghai. The film has had its share of mixed reviews but still fares pretty well among fans of legendary action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping whose 2012 promo for the film featuring lead action star Philip Ng was all there was to show for the film’s existence before it was finally released theatrically in Asia this year. The film is a cinematic reinterpretation of the classic lead character, Ma Wing-Jing in Shaw classics like The Boxer From Shangtung and director Corey Yuen’s 1997 actioner, Hero, now with lead actor Ng inheriting the character for the new generation. It’s a milestone move for Ng whose lucrative career in stunts and some small and big roles have finally led to a project this major prior to acting and providing choreography for Taiwanese helmer Joe […]

[UPDATED] Wu Jing’s WOLF WARRIOR Howls With New Hi-Def Posters And Two Trailers!

Lee B. Golden III

Martial arts action star Jacky Wu Jing‘s current physical condition may be worse for wear at the moment following much needed surgery in recent months, and with any luck fans will see him back on the set to do what he does most awesomely, whether in front or behind the camera in some capacity. However, fans will still be able to catch Wu on the big screen early next year overseas in at least a few more films, including his directorial debut, Wolf Warrior, alongside The Expendables 2 alums, principal actress Yu Nan and fellow martial arts superstar Scott Adkins as the main villain. The best part about this update is that the promotional campaign is finally running viral with more character posters and two new teaser trailers, with Wu in the redemptive role of Leng Feng, a rebellious Chinese commando forced to square off with a vengeful squadron of […]

Feast Your Third Eye On Jackie Chan's New India/China Action Comedy, KUNG FU YOGA!

Lee B. Golden III

Certainly, martial arts and yoga share distinct similarities in fitness and philosophy aside from what makes the two stand out. But then again, it may have been only a matter of time before someone decided to come along to present an authentic feature film that ultimately dabbles with both systems of exercise. The question, of course, is how this will be done? ~ Well, leave it to the productive results of a newly establiahed film co-production deal between India and China back in September which now brings word that international action superstar Jackie Chan, far and away from any hint at retirement and now boarding the new action comedy, Kung Fu Yoga. In a new report from The Hollywood Reporter via City On Fire, Viacom18 Motion Pictures India has signed a letter of intent stating the goal for the next three months to finalize the details of the film with […]

New Posters And Trailer Arrive For Tsui Hark's THE TAKING OF TIGER MOUNTAIN 3D

Lee B. Golden III

The promotional campaign has been a slow and steady one throughout the year for director Tsui Hark‘s latest offering, The Taking Of Tiger Mountain 3D. This week however, Bona Film Group is picking things up with a promotional blitz for the epic period actioner, packaged with new trailer and a flurry of new character posters to boot. The film bares roots in history as late author Qu Bo’s 1957 debut short novel prior to becoming a popular Beijing opera during the 1960s, all based on a real-life event that took place in 1946 during the Chinese Civil War about a hero Communist soldier who infiltrates a gang of bandits. It’s a story of war, strategy and intrigue, and for our dear legendary director, that also means epic gun battles on skiis, Mexican standoffs, a dash of romance, and yes, maybe even a 3D tiger, but who’s complaining? The Taking Of […]

Check Out The Official Poster Art For Netflix's MARCO POLO

Lee B. Golden III

Netflix’s latest embarkment with the new series drama, Marco Polo, will get its day exactly one month from today, and thankfully, a trailer premiered just last month to share an awe-inspiring glimpse into the potent, compelling and dangerous world shaping our title character’s story. That said, we now finally have some official artwork to share ahead of its premiere, featuring lead actor Lorenzo Richelmy front and center. Check it out below! In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, “Marco Polo” is based on the famed explorer’s adventures in Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century China. Created by John Fusco (The Forbidden Kingdom, Kung Fu Panda, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend), the series is also being produced by The Weinstein Company co-chairman Harvey Weinstein and Game Of Thrones series director Dan Minahan, in addition to Pirates Of The Carribean 5 helmers Joachim Ronning and Espen […]

Wu Jing's WOLF WARRIORS Howl At AFM 2014 Next Month!

Lee B. Golden III

Aside from taking center stage on an alluring set of patriotic posters for his upcoming commando action thriller, Wolf Warriors, multifaceted martial arts action star Wu Jing is finally getting his day at the American Film Market next month for his new directorial debut. The film is one of the few final performances from the beloved genre favorite in lieu of mandatory leg surgery which has since put his career on indefinite hold. SYNOPSIS: Leng Feng is a rebellious special force soldier. During an assault mission, he disobeys an direct order, shooting three bullets through a concrete wall for a kill shot on the drug lord, hence the nickname “Cruel Three Shots”. While serving time in confinement for insubordination, Leng Feng ’s extraordinary marksmanship earns himself recruitment into China’s elite “Wolf Warrior” Squadron. By going through relentless military drills, Leng Feng slowly finds his place among his comrades. Just when […]

Brazilian Kung Fu Will Possess You In The New Shortfilm, O AMULETO DO DRAGÃO!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s taken a few years after development and production, and maybe a bit of film festival circulation to see how things would turn out. However, martial arts film fans were finally graced with the chance to catch what the fuss was all about with writer and filmmaker João Paulo Andrade‘s shortfilm debut, O Amuleto do Dragão (The Amulet Of The Dragon). Brazil-based O2 Filmes and martial arts film group, Action Kung Fu, with co-producer and fight choreographer Gutemberg Lins and producer Fernando Tiezzi are behind the project, which has since been billed as the first-ever “100% Brazilian Martial Arts Movie”. I myself am still learning about Brazil’s market for action films. At any rate though, O Amuleto do Dragão is a refreshing look into what the world of indie action outside the usual locales have to offer when it comes to packaging and delivering potentially great cinematic screenfighting talent, enhanced […]

Vincent Zhao Returns In The New Trailer For Upcoming Crime Drama, THE BOUNDARY

Lee B. Golden III

Actor Vincent Zhao is someone Asian action fans rarely ever hear from nowadays, but it is always good to see him staying busy, far away from previous drama. Soon, the marital arts action star will be seen in actor Wu Jing’s directorial debut, Wolf War, but not before ending the year with another riveting new crime drama that looks as hard-hitting as ever. The film in question has a bunch of titles floating around online, but the one that seemingly sticks out the most is The Boundary. It is directed by Wang Tao stars Zhao along with Curse Of The Golden Flower co-star Liu Ye, and Black And White 2: The Dawn Of Justice 3D co-star Gulinazha in a story that centers on its two male leads in a tale that involves one man’s search for his missing fiance. The film has a plot but I can’t find anything in […]

China Pulls Opening Night Premiere Of Nicholas Cage Action Epic, OUTCAST

Lee B. Golden III

To say the least, the last several hours or so have been nothing short of an epic “WTF” for the folks over at Arclight Films. In a surprising move for what would have been this evening’s premiere in China for Hollywood film stunt coordinator Nick Powell‘s directorial period action adventure debut, Outcast, Chinese distributor and co-production partner, Yunan Film Group pulled the plug according to news from Screendaily. Ying Ye, head of Arclight’s Asian label, Easternlight Films, and the film’s executive producer, Mike Gabrawy, expressed their shock and disappointment. “We are completely baffled – as far as we understood, the film had been cleared by China’s censors for release,” said Ye. “The film was so well received by all buyers who acquired it and even created a bidding war among US buyers. We are very frustrated that we were not informed.” Gawbry, who attended Beijing for the premiere, told the […]

RISE OF THE LEGEND Gets New Stills

Lee B. Golden III

Moviegoers in China can expect a stellar new revival of the story of iconic martial artist and healer Wong Fei-Hung in director Roy Chow‘s new film, Rise Of The Legend. Produced by Bill Kong and Ivy Ho, the film releases on November 21 in China with Unbeatable star, actor Eddie Peng in an origin-oriented telling of Wong’s story, based on a screenplay by Fearless and True Legend scribe Christine To. SYNOPSIS: In the late Qing Dynasty, a young man called Wong Fei Hung rises up against corruption and injustice to become a master of his time and an everlasting legend in the world of martial arts. Universal Pictures International boarded the film in June announcing it will distribute the movie in North America and worldwide. A teaser has already gone viral for the film’s forthcoming release, as well as a batch of character posters. You can check them all out […]

GENGHIS KHAN'S TREASURE Starts Filming In 2015

Lee B. Golden III

Tadanobu Asano in MONGOL (2007) Chinese producing mogul Bruno Wu has been a very busy guy in the last three years, including putting together a joint venture with Hollywood producer Avi Arad. The initial goal, among others, included developing superhero properties based on Chinese culture and mythology, an objective that led to the assembly of Dragon Entertainment as of last year. This week, the deal is finally taking shape thanks in large part to the involvement of China Film Group. Kicking off the new deal will be the forthcoming production of Genghis Khan’s Treasure, based on the life and legend of the 13th century Mongolian conqueror. Filming for the English-language 3D epic will commense next year for a 2016 with Mongolian filmmaker Lisi Mai at the director’s chair. There are several depictions of Khan’s life on film in some capacity; my most recent experience was Sergei Bodrov’s 2007 epic, Mongol, […]

Two New Trailers Are Available For Lu Yang's Latest, BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES

Lee B. Golden III

One of the biggest setbacks of not being able to read and interpret Chinese is not being able to keep up with a lot of Asian cinema first hand. So, forgive me for letting writer and award-winning director Lu Yang‘s latest contribution to wuxia action, Brotherhood Of Blades, slip through the cracks. The film is produced by Wang Donghui and regular John Woo cohort Terence Chang, and sets its story in the late Ming Dynasty where three best friends – palace guards are whisked away on a mission to hunt down an exiled eunuch politician, only to discover layers of conspiracy upon their success. Actors Chang Chen, Wang Qianyuan, Li Dongxue, Cecilia Liu and Nie Yuan round out the cast for the film’s current China release as of a few weeks ago August 7. If you live in China and you’ve seen the film, feel free to drop a line […]

Period Swordplay Epic, OUTCAST, Gets A New Teaser And More

Lee B. Golden III

Actor Nicholas Cage can currently be seen in the most recent promotional push for stunt veteran Vic Armstrong’s high-flying biblical thriller, Left Behind, which comes out this October. In the meantime, filmgoers will get to witness the actor’s more scruffier image as a 10th century warrior in the forthcoming release of Arclight Films’ new epic, Outcast. The film marks the latest move in the emergence of Hollywood’s stunt industry heading a film production in China, with award-winning stunt coordinator Nick Powell (Braveheart, The Bourne Identity, The Last Samurai, The Three Musketeers) making his much-earned directorial debut. Cage and Powell are joined by Star Wars I-III actor Hayden Christensen, The Four trilogy actress Crystal Liu Yi-Fei, and Once Upon A Time In Shanghai co-star Andy On. SYNOPSIS: When the heir of the Imperial throne becomes the target of assassination by his despised older brother, the young prince’s only hope is the […]

The New THE TAKING OF TIGER MOUNTAIN 3D Teaser Skiis Its Way Online

Lee B. Golden III

Traction has been slow for the forthcoming release of director Tsui Hark‘s 3D period action epic, The Taking Of Tiger Moutain. Fortunately, with a possible December 2014 release looming, at least fans now get to see a small teaser of what’s to come. It doesn’t show much, except we see a modern day setting merging through a smartphone screen, transporting viewers to another era in history. This is a little weird. Interesting, but weird… oh hell. Bring it Tsui! We love weird! Set for a hopeful Holiday release later this year, the film is based on late author Qu Bo’s first book, the 1957 novel publication titled Tracks In The Snowy Mountain, which centers on the true story of a communist soldier who infiltrates a gang of ruthless-heavily armed bandits in Northeastern China. The principle cast includes Zhang Hanyu, Zhou Dongyu, Gao Hu, Tong Liya, Lin Gengxin and actor Han […]

The Final Battle Highlights Eleven New Posters For THE FOUR 3D!

Lee B. Golden III

Enlight Pictures got the week started with the brand new teaser for the forthcoming finale of the Gordon Chan-directed trilogy, The Four 3D, in addition to a slate of stills from the film. On Tuesday, the push continued as fans and followers of the film were granted a look at eleven new posters, including nine one-sheets featuring the main cast. SYNOPSIS: The reputation of the Four constables survives, but since Emotionless’s (Crystal Liu Yifei) departure, there have been changes at the Divine Constabulary. The four Coldblood (Deng Chao), Iron Hands (Collin Chou), Life Snatcher (Ronald Cheng), rescue Zhuge Zhengwo (Anthony Wong) from An Yunshan’s mountain fortress, then with the Emperor and Di armies, they attack. But An Yunshan absorbs their power, which means the constables and their allies now face their most lethal opponent yet, a nearly invincible kung fu master who won’t stop until he has absolute power… Jiang […]

Check Out The New Teaser For THE FOUR 3D!

Lee B. Golden III

Banking on his promise to deliver a full trilogy as of a few years ago, director Gordon Chan has returned to the fray with the latest teaser for The Four 3D, featuring the return of our cast including Deng Chao, Crystal Liu, Anthony Wong and many more. The film marks the final installation of the franchise based on a series of novels by Malaysian author Wen Ruian about four unique detectives who use their skills to solve unsolvable crimes and apprehend powerful criminals, incidentally swept into what the film deems as their final battle with an ultimate evil force. SYNOPSIS: The reputation of the Four constables survives, but since Emotionless’s (Crystal Liu Yifei) departure, there have been changes at the Divine Constabulary. The four Coldblood (Deng Chao), Iron Hands (Collin Chou), Life Snatcher (Ronald Cheng), rescue Zhuge Zhengwo (Anthony Wong) from An Yunshan’s mountain fortress, then with the Emperor and […]

Wu Jing And Scott Adkins Trade Blows In The First Teaser For SPECIAL FORCE: WOLF WARRIOR!

Lee B. Golden III

Some say that patience is a virtue for anything worth waiting for, and for fans of martial arts stars Wu Jing and Scott Adkins, the reward is finally getting closer with the latest thirty second teaser for Wu‘s solo directorial debut, Special Force: Wolf Warrior (formerly known as Warg and Wolf War). Up until now, we’ve only gotten small glimpses of the production with some viral stills and behind-the-scenes pics and featurette late last year. Other than that, it’s safe to say the film is still in post-production, but the film presents quite a good looking cast, which namely so far includes Yu Nan (The Expendables 2) and Vincent Zhao (The Blacksheep Affair) to name a few. Hopefully more official info about the film’s cast, characters and plot will surface. In the meantime, with Wu still on the set of his next thriller, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences with […]

THE WHITE-HAIRED WITCH OF LUNAR KINGDOM Gets An IMAX Push, New Posters And Featurettes!

Lee B. Golden III

Between November of 2012 and now, it’s pretty safe to say that the production of director Jacob Cheng‘s 3D fantasy action epic, The White-Haired Witch Of Lunar Kingdom has had its fair share of issues. The five-month filming process was completed earlier last year with the goal of releasing it domestically last December until it was pushed to three months ago. Needless to say, the film was pushed back again and is now headed for a theatrical premiere on the week of July 31. It’s likely that the production extensions may have been due to a number of post-production issues, and I’m only guessing based on my own vague knowledge of big blockbuster productions, plus, I’m illiterate when it comes to reading Mandarin-language media. But at any rate, the film is finally on its way and filmgoers in China will get to observe the latest cinematic re-introduction of author Liang […]

Check Out What's Happening At NYAFF 2014 This June!

Lee B. Golden III

Anyone in the mood for some Asian cinema? Then Lincoln Center is your place to be this summer, host to the usual wide array of films ranging from classic to contemporary projects. A few of them are currently upcoming in certain parts of the globe in one form or another. Hopefully you can attend this event yourself this month and see what all the fuss is about. Film Society’s own Brian Brooks has the official line-up as announced below: The international premiere of Alan Mak and Felix Chong’s crime thriller Overheard 3 will open the New York Asian Film Festival on June 27. The 13th edition of the festival will showcase 60 features, including 20 North American, six U.S., and 11 New York premieres, in addition to filmmaker and celebrity guests from Asia and Australia, announced the Film Society of Lincoln Center and Subway Cinema, in association with the Japan […]

Watch An Action-Packed Promo For BLACK AND WHITE 2: THE DAWN OF JUSTICE

Lee B. Golden III

Following the recent unveiling of a character banner and poster for the upcoming release of director Tsai Yueh-Tsun‘s action sequel Black & White 2: The Dawn of Justice, action fans and those familiar with the 2012 feature film which served as a prequel to its earlier TV series, now get to see a little more of what’s in store with an action-packed, stunt loaded behind-the-scenes featurette for the film; The same featurette originally went viral late last year (without subtitles) before the film made its international sales appearance at the Hong Kong FilMart back in March, courtesy of Taipei-based company, Ablaze Image Ltd. Budgeted at NT 400 million (compared to NT 350 million for the first film), the film is one of Taiwan’s more ambitious movies as of late, made with international participation ranging from award winning Hollywood stunt coordinator Jack Gill (Fast Five) with fight designer Ron Yuan (Fast […]