herman yau

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NYAFF XXIII Review: In Herman Yau’s CUSTOMS FRONTLINE, Tse And Cheung (Mostly) Get The Job Done

Lee B. Golden III

TW: This review discusses self-harm, mental illness and suicide. 6.5 min. read Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau’s stride continues in 2024. He has a couple of titles already circulating screens in the U.S.. One of those titles is Customs Frontline which opened in Hong Kong earlier this month and is now poised to screen for audiences of the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival in time for its North American release from Well Go USA Entertainment on Friday. Set against the background of two warring East African countries, Yau’s thriller starts to bringinto focus the lead General of one of those countries whose latest deal with a weapons marketeer trading out of Thailand suddenly makes landfall in Hong Kong territory when the feeder boat carrying its engine shuts down. When the Hong Kong Customs agents set out to investigate, it leads to an additionally gruesome discovery, on top of a […]

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CUSTOMS FRONTLINE: Official U.S. Teaser And July Date Revealed For Herman Yau’s NYAFF Entry!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s about that time again. Indeed, Herman Yau’s newest endeavor with Customs Frontline is readying to screen for the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival next month, and with none other than leading man and entertainment multiphyenate Nicholas Tse on-hand as an honoree. I suppose this is also a great way to assure that Well Go USA can get some eyes on this flick as the company is now heading up its stateside theatrical release on July 19. After boarding an unauthorized cargo ship and finding its entire crew dead, Hong Kong customs officers discover a hidden cache of illegal weapons and trace them back to an ongoing and highly volatile international conflict. But when elite agents go undercover abroad to locate the source of the smuggled firearms, they uncover a complex transnational operation with roots far closer to home than they ever imagined. Tse stars and also debuts as […]

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CRISIS NEGOTIATORS: Gripping Trailer Reveals Herman Yau’s Remake Of A Familiar 90s Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Remember F. Gary Gray’s The Negotiator? Welp, Hong Kong action favorite Herman Yau remade it. Indeed, Crisis Negotiators the his latest from the Raid On The Lethal Zone and upcoming Customs Frontline helmer. He reteams with leading man Sean Lau after The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell, who plays a negotiator who desperately seizes a police station after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit. The line-up also lists Francis Ng in the pivotal role of the skilled negotiator called in to do what he does best, barring the intricate twists and turns that may happen along the way. Edko is releasing the movie on June 13, and the first official trailer is below!

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CUSTOMS FRONTLINE: Catch Nicholas Tse And Jacky Cheung In The Explosive Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

As the world of Hong Kong action fandom waits with baited breath on Derek Kwok’s Raging Havoc and what lies ahead for New Police Story 2, actor Nicholas Tse now takes the stage along with Jacky Cheung for Herman Yau’s latest action thriller, Customs Frontline. The July 5 Emperor Motion Pictures release is now viral with a brand new trailer making the rounds and lending a taste of the thrills to come, including the action on which Tse himself serves as choreographer. Written by Erica Li, Customs Frontline centers on Chow Ching-Lai (Tse) and Cheung Wan-Nam (Cheung), two Hong Kong customs officers who share a close student/mentor relationship. On a case involving a seized cargo ship containing illegal weapons out of Thailand, Ching-Lai joins Interpol on a mission to catch an elusive and powerful arms dealer, but a drastic decision by Wan-Nam threatens to complicate things further. Customs Frontline also […]

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THE WHITE STORM 3: HEAVEN OR HELL Review: Herman Yau Stays The Course With Another Career Best

Lee B. Golden III

Filmmaker Herman Yau has been cooking in the early 1980s working as a cinematographer in the Hong Kong film industry, ultimately working his way into the director’s chair. His shelf life has proven positive for him as well, especially in the age of social media where the action genre continues to nuture an immensely active community celebrating the achievements of numerous laureates and auteurs of late. Yau, with his accomplishments is no different, following the recently completed Mission Moscow and upcoming Nicholas Tse starrer Customs Frontline, and more to the point with his latest trilogy installer, The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell, which had its North American in-person only premiere last summer at the New York Asian Film Festival. Yau directs from his own script a narrative set in a non-canonical crime franchise that began with Benny Chan’s inaugural hit, The White Storm, and continued with Yau at the […]

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MOSCOW MISSION Trailer: CMC Pictures Announces October Theatrical Releases Outside China

Lee B. Golden III

CMC Pictures is taking the reigns with select releases in multiple territories for action adventure, Moscow Mission. Rejoiing screen leads Andy Lau and Zhang Hanyu since Feng Xiaogang’s A World Without Thieves and Zhang Yimou’s The Great Wall, director Herman Yau’s latest is based on a true story set in 1993, and centers on a pair of Chinese detectives on a mission to hunt down ruthless robbers plaguing the trans-Siberian railway with violence and chaos. Actors Huang Xuan, Jason Gu, and Janice Man also star for the film’s October 5 release in U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and Ireland. The film opens in China this Friday, September 29.

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RAID ON THE LETHAL ZONE: Catch The Trailer For Herman Yau’s Newest Actioner Coming To Select Theaters This Week

Lee B. Golden III

China Lion Film is heading up the North American release of Herman Yau’s new pulsating action adventure, Raid On The Lethal Zone. The film stars Yu Haoming, Ou Oho, Jason Gu and Huang Yau, and opens in select theaters this Friday on September 8. When an elite government team is called upon to assist during a flood, little do they know that an illegal drug operation will interrupt their efforts. Charged with saving lives, they must now balance their mission in the face of a massive storm and ending an ongoing threat posed by drug runners. From the director of SHOCK WAVE, Herman Yau. Check out the trailer below and click here for screening locations.

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THE WHITE STORM 3: HEAVEN OR HELL International Ultimate Trailer Arrives Ahead Of Thursday Premieres

Lee B. Golden III

We’re at the final leg of the current campaign for the international releases of The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell from CMC Pictures. A new “ultimate” trailer is now out this week as the film readies to hit screens in North America, Australia, New Zealand and the UK on July 20, on the same day of Louis Koo’s on-hand intro of the film’s NA premiere at the Walter Reade Theater for the New York Asian Film Festival. Here are the programming notes via NYAFF: Genre maestro Herman Yau follows his highly successful showstopper The White Storm 2: Drug Lords (NYAFF 2019) with this even more hyperbolic and gritty entry in the gonzo super-cops vs. crazy crooks series. Hong Kong movie legends Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok, and Sean Lau appear together for the first time on the big screen. Yau ups the ante, setting the action in the notorious Golden […]

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THE WHITE STORM 3: HEAVEN OR HELL Gets An Explosive Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Rough weather is abound once again with the upcoming release of The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell. Herman Yau’s return to the hard-hitting non-linear crime franchise now has an official trailer to show for its efforts, following a teaser preview earlier this year. Hong Kong police agent Cheung works undercover in Kang’s drug cartel, while another undercover cop Au successfully earns their trust in an incident, a brotherly-bond is built among the three. After the Police busts the syndicate in Hong Kong, Kang subsequently hides away in the Golden Triangle, by chance he receives a tip-off about the betrayal within his circle of trust… The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell stars Aaron Kwok for his first appearance in the action-packed franchise, along with Sean Lau who starred in the first film from late director Benny Chan. Also starring is none other than actor Louis Koo, who now tops […]

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THE WHITE STORM 3: HEAVEN OR HELL Teaser Dreams Big, Explodes Bigger!

Lee B. Golden III

Actors Louis Koo, Sean Lau, and Aaron Kwok are ready to heat the summer with Universe Films dealing out another in the discursive action franchise that is The White Storm. Enter director Herman Yau succeeding his role for a second time after inheriting the keys from Benny Chan to helm 2019’s second installment, with an exciting new teaser now online for The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell, following poster and image reveals several weeks ago. Cheung (by Aaron Kwok) is an undercover from the HK Police in a SE Asia drug cartel led by the notorious Thai drug dealer, Kang (by Sean Lau), fighting many tough battles together, the brotherhood between the two slowly develops. However, Cheung would never forget his real mission. Back in the remote and isolated world of drug production in the Golden Triangle, he finally reaches out to superintendent of Narcotics Bureau, Au (by Louis […]

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CUSTOMS FRONTLINE Trailer: Nicholas Tse Is Arms-Up In The New Thriller From Herman Yau

Lee B. Golden III

Director Herman Yau’s newest action-thriller comes tethered with the bolstering influence of none other than Nicholas Tse for Emperor Motion Pictures’ entry, Customs Frontline. Tse joins Jackie Cheung for a production that ultimately sends off the studio as a major success in the spotlight of this year’s events at FilMart having reportedly produced up to 27 titles since the pandemic, a factor which ultimately put things in motion for Yau’s production to take necessary alternatives. Such include building an African fishing village from scratch on a Hong Kong film set as a means of mitigating the pandemic, and you can certainly read more on that via statements made to Screen International’s digital magazine by EMP general manager Jason Siu. As for Customs Frontline, the film’s official trailer is finally here featuring all we need to whet our appetites, including a dose of the action to come with fight sequences by […]

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THE WHITE STORM 3: HEAVEN OR HELL Delivers Decisive Imagery In Climatic Official Key Art And Stills From The Summer Release!

Lee B. Golden III

One of the most propulsive action crime sagas ever made in the last decade remains on track for a third entry in its non-linear layout with The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell. The Herman Yau-directed thriller starring Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok, and Sean Lau will release in local cinemas this summer on July 28, as announced by AMTD Digital Inc. on Wednesday. The film marks the second collaboration between Hong Kong SAR actor Kwok and AMTD Digital following the recent production launch of sports drama, My First of May, as well as for fellow actor Lau with AMTD Digital since the release of the explosive hit sequel, Shock Wave 2 starring Andy Lau. Dr. Calvin Choi, founder of AMTD Digital Inc. serves as exec producer and exec manager of the new flick. Universe Films Distribution Co. Ltd. currently represents all world sales. The late Benny Chan directed the first […]

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WAR CUSTOMISED: Nicholas Tse To Serve Up The Action In Herman Yau’s New Thriller, Jackie Cheung Co-Starring

Lee B. Golden III

Herman Yau (Shock Wave, Shock Wave 2, Ip Man: The Final Fight, The White Storm 2: Drug Lords) is at the microphone once more as cameras roll for War Customised. Actors Jacky Cheung (Bullet in the Head) and Nicholas Tse (Raging Fire) are heading the cast from a script by The Empty Hands and Shock Wave 2 scribe Erica Li. Plot details are being withheld according to Variety‘s Patrick Frater who describes the film as a “high octane action thriller”, and it’s worth noting that Tse, who’s long extended himself in the action arena working with action stalwarts like Nicky Li, Tony Ching, Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan among others, is getting a foot in this time as action choreographer. Rounding out the cast are Karena Lam (Inner Senses) and Francis Ng (Infernal Affairs 2), along with Liu Yase (Limbo), Michelle Wai (Triad), Angus Yeung (Raging Fire), Melvin Wong (Above the Law), Ben Yuen […]

DEATH NOTICE First Trailer Hails The Coming Of Herman Yau’s Long-Awaited Crime Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Lend all the gracious mentions as you may to notable directors like Jesse Johnson, Liam O’Donnell and Isaac Florentine for all your action cinema needs. Otherwise, feel free to leave room for director Herman Yau’s place in your hierarchal lists of filmmaker faves given the thrills he’s dished out in the last several years to add to his diverse resumè, helming two explosive sequels with The White Storm 2: Drug Lords, and Shock Wave 2, both featuring actor Andy Lau. If you’ve seen those titles then you’re in full understanding of the dangers of letting a good thing slip by. Alas, it is Yau who will soon be bookending a long and winding journey that began in 2018 with the forthcoming release of his latest crime thriller, Death Notice, now finally making headway these days with an official trailer ahead of a December 10 release. The film joins Yau with […]

SHOCK WAVE 2: Herman Yau’s Explosive Andy Lau Sequel Lands A North American On-Demand Release In November

Lee B. Golden III

https://vimeo.com/590220479 Echelon Studios, Inc. and Stonecutter Media LTD have long since acquired Herman Yau’s Shock Wave 2 and are officially announcing its on-demand premiere in North America beginning November 2. Platforms include Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and other cable systems, as well as DirecTV, Dish Network, AT&T U-Verse, and Sling TV. Starring and produced by award-winning actor Andy Lau (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, INFERNAL AFFAIRS), the film chronicles the riveting story of former bomb disposal officer, Poon Shing-Fung. Suffering from amnesia and the loss of his leg in an explosion five years ago, he becomes the top suspect of a terrorist attack. On the run from the police, Poon must stop a terrorist organization from destroying Hong Kong while piecing together his identity. SHOCK WAVE 2 debuted No. 1 at the global box office, grossing $63.9 million in its opening weekend, and features lauded action choreography by Li Chung-Chi (THE LEGEND OF DRUNKEN […]

SHOCK WAVE 2: HONG KONG DESTRUCTION Review: Façades Come Off For An Even Darker, Explosive Andy Lau Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Filmmaker Herman Yau returning to the director’s chair for a sequel to his 2017 thriller, Shock Wave, was the smart thing to do, particularly if the intent was to do something different with the same actor getting top billing. For fans of actor Andy Lau in this case, there shouldn’t be too many complaints – by the time he shot this movie, he’d been an entertainer for close to two-thirds of his life, and at 59 years young, he’s still killin’ it. In Trinity CineAsia’s upcoming home release of Shock Wave 2: Hong Kong Destruction, Lau toplines once more for a story that doesn’t keep you on your toes too long before smacking you in the face with something violent. And by “smack”, I mean the up-close-and-personal view of what a vast airport facility looks like as it’s blowing up from the inside out. It kind of reminds you of […]

SHOCK WAVE: HONG KONG DESTRUCTION Devastates UK & Ireland Virtual Theaters Today, And On Digital And Disc In June

Lee B. Golden III

Say what you will of Andy Lau, but the man’s output has been pretty damn noticeable in the last several years, including a sequel to his 2017 thriller, Shock Wave, now guaranteed a summer rollout in the UK. Joining actor Sean Lau (Call of Heroes), Ni Ni (The Flowers of War) and Philip Keung (Sheep Without a Shepherd), Yau’s 2020 follow-up, Shock Wave: Hong Kong Destruction, is billed as “a must-see blockbuster full of twists, turns and explosive action from start to finish.” Trinity CineAsia is proudly premiering the film on Friday via Chinese Cinema Season, with releases on Blu-ray & DVD from June 7, and on Digital beginning June 14. After suffering life changing injuries in the line of duty, bomb disposal officer Poon Shing Fung (Andy Lau, Infernal Affairs, House of Flying Daggers) turns his back on the police. But when a devastating series of bombings sweep Hong Kong, the […]

SHOCK WAVE 2 Lands Andy Lau On The Run In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Finally slating a December release, Shock Wave 2 will mark the latest pairing for respective actor/director duo Andy Lau and Herman Yau who worked together on the inaugural 2017 crime thriller, which boasts earnings of up to $63 million dollars at the China box office. New premise and characterization takes shape from a script by Yau and co-scribe Erica Lee, as it centers on Lau as an ex-bomb disposal expert caught in a web of intrigue as he’s framed for terrorism and forced on the run to clear his name. Lau is joined by actress Ni Ni, and actors Sean Lau, Philip Keung, Timmy Hung and Babyjohn Choi.

SHOCK WAVE 2: Andy Lau, Amnesiac And On The Run In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Director Herman Yau clearly has every intention to turn the page from his 2017 hostage thriller, Shock Wave. With its sequel now in route, the first official trailer is making the rounds and you can bet what you see happens to actor Andy Lau’s character is only a smidget of the upheaval and danger that awaits. Written by Erica Li and Eric Lee, Shock Wave 2 sets up Lau with a different role in an all-new story. Here, he plays a former bomb disposal expert who turns to help from an old colleague after getting framed for a terrorist attack and losing his memory. The film also stars Sean Lau and Ni Ni, who’ve long since wrapped filming last summer long before the pandemic, although releasing it theatrically may be a different story depending on the outlook. Judging by the footage and artwork though, it looks like a December 24 […]

SHOCK WAVE 2 Propels Andy Lau On The Run In A New Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

Lest I go into too many specifics for those who haven’t yet seen the first, director Herman Yau is back in the saddle with Hong Kong-based distributor Universe teasing a summer sequel release of Andy Lau starrer, Shock Wave 2. This story follows the pursuits of a former bomb disposal expert caught in a web of intrigue as he’s framed for a number of bombings in the city, and forced on the run to clear his name. Lau is joined by actress Ni Ni, and bona fide actor Sean Lau.