indonesia

wp-1648070493208

THE RAID: A Look Back On The Trendsetting Hit Action Thriller Ten Years Later

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been a while since I’ve written a proper article about The Raid films. I’ve posted, yeah, but it’s interesting that the film is gaining traction again, and not for nothing either. The Gareth Huw Evans-directed martial arts-driven crime saga was released ten years ago this week with a sequel that opened a little over two years later, furthering the advancement of Southeast Asian film fandom in the wake of his inaugural thriller, Merantau, and placing actor Iko Uwais squarely on the map for today’s generation of moviegoers and genre junkies alike. The film also paved the way for a style of cinematic action that was never really fully-fleshed out for Western audiences before – its essence inspired of course for prior films, and it wasn’t long until the subject matter of all filmmaker chatter on “The Raid style” of action was soon co-opted by talk of the “John Wick […]

20180404_102842

GUNDALA: Joko Anwar To Direct Long-Awaited Indonesian Superhero Adaptation This Fall

Lee B. Golden III

Southeast Asia isn’t hugely prolific when it comes to superhero movies, although they do exist – a clear indication that there’s a market for such a subgenre in a region continually riping these days in movies. Author and creator Harya Suraminata (a.k.a. Hasmi) is even moreso an example as his 1969 launch of comic book brainchild, Gundala, was eventually adapted for the big screen in 1981 from Lilik Sudjio and starring Teddy Purba, and will once again take reprisal with cameras rolling this September. Celebrated fantasy and horror director Joko Anwar (Satan’s Slaves, HBO Asia series Halfworlds) is slated to direct this, his seventh feature film ahead of a 2019 release according to Wednesday’s coverage at The Jakarta Globe. Screenplay Films and Legacy Pictures are producing the film in association with the IP’s copyright home at Bumilangit Studios. Gundala is being noted as one of several films in development with […]

PicsArt_02-11-06.05.17

THE HIT LIST: February 12, 2018

Lee B. Golden III

Welp, I made good use of my weekend with some great anime on top of work and a pair of reviews. Not much else really. Putting together the hit list was a bit weary since I couldn’t find anything in trailers or things of that nature. L to R (top): Jade Xu, Brian Le, Cynthia Rothrock, Andy Le, Dana Rasmussen L to R (bottom): Stefan Brysha, Sarah Purdum, Greg Poljacik, Lynn Jung, Jon Alagoa However…there is still plenty to share in terms if content this week and thus, we have a fresh batch of stunt and demo reels to kick it all off courtesy of World Wushu Champion, actress and martial artist Jade Xu, followed by 3run’s Adam Brashaw, and stunt players Dana Rasmussen, Jackie Chan Stunt Team member Lee Huang, and Storm Freerun’s Lynn Jung with Greg Poljacik, Lana Katz, Matt Kennedy, Mallory Thompson, Stefan Brysha, Sarah Purdum, Jacob […]

IMG_20170108_160027

Place Your Bets In The Teaser And Trailer For Indonesian Crime Drama, PERTARUHAN

Lee B. Golden III

Director Krishto Damar Alam will have his day in local cinemas soon pending the release of his newest film, Pertarhuan. Biggest here among the cast may be actor Tio Pakusodewo, widely credited for his performance as the stoic outgoing crimeboss in Gareth Evans’s The Raid 2, whereas here he takes on the role of a father whose ailing condition forces his sons into desperate gamble to save his life. Earlier posts suggest the film was due last November although the latest promotional bits now suggest a Feburary 9 release for moviegoers to make note of until then. Adipati Dolken, Aliando Syarief and Jefri Nichol also star and can be seen in both the teaser released several months ago, and the most recent trailer just beneath revealing some compelling family drama with a pretty ample deal of action and brutality to top it off. Check it all out below!

FB_IMG_1470867601440

Zheng Sibs To Lend Their INSIGHT With Yayan Ruhian For Next Year

Lee B. Golden III

After proving themselves in 2014 with their award-winning debut action picture, Brush With Danger, Indonesian martial arts film duo – filmmaker Livi Zheng and brother, actor Ken Zheng are poised to return to the set for their latest endeavor, Insight, from Stellar Films. The director announced the film in a press conference week with Ken set to star in the film which is being described as a poignant, heartfelt action thriller that tackles family tragedy. Make no mistake though, for the production is readily doling out its ample share of martial arts action at the behest of none other than Yayan Ruhian who is serving as fight choreographer. Ruhian’s own career has since remained upscaling following the Gareth Evans-helmed Merantau and both installments of the Raid film saga before further numerous local Indonesian productions, and ultimately earning a cameo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens late last year. Further news […]

1356933_20160325092017

Watch The Latest Trailer For Indonesian Action Thriller, DPO

Lee B. Golden III

Following its development and production in the last few years, the first trailer has arrived for the new crime thriller, D.P.O.. It’s an obvious low budget affair and the CG blood shots make that fact even more painful, but at the core here is the fight action and cinematography which should bode well for those observant of Indonesia cinema. L.M. Belgant directs with a script that sees a ragtag elite team out to take down an elusive criminal kingpin at any cost. Gatot Brajamusti, Torro Margens, Max Metino and Deswyn Pessik star among its cast for a September 15 release. Watch the trailer now!

IMG_20160316_100500

Watch The New Trailer For Charles Gozali's JUARA!

Lee B. Golden III

There’s a good chance Indonesia has a new action star on its hands with the emergence of local pop sensation Bisma Karisma. His latest role in director Charles Gozali’s Juara served up a noteworthy teaser back in December and lends all the more reason to keep paying attention to the talent we’re seeing on hand this year. Think somewhat of a Karate Kid story by way of Siti Kalamuddin’s Yasmine with Karisma starring as Bisma, a young student and flourishing martial artist whose talent is an issue for his strict mother. Eventually, his budding relationship with a classmate named Bella (Anjani Dina) garners the bitter attention of her super-jealous boyfriend and the gang he rolls with, led by Kobar (Cecep Arif Rahman of 3, The Gate and The Raid 2) who targets and threatens Bisma’s family, leaving the inspired fighter no choice but to apply his prowess accordingly with the […]

IMG_20160316_100500-1

Catch The Teaser For Indonesian Action Drama, JUARA

Lee B. Golden III

A stylish little teaser came my way this week for the upcoming Indonesian action drama, Juara, which went online back in December. Actor, singer and breakdancer Bisma Karisma leads the film from director Charles Gozali with a release set for April 15, and with a month to go before then, a trailer is expected to arrive very soon. With that in mind, the teaser bares mentioning as minimal as it is in action. It samples a little more in drama while teasing a smidget of some amazing fight sequencing with Karisma daring to impress opposite 3, The Raid 2, O and The Gate co-star Cecep Arif Rahman. Check out the teaser below with subtitles included. (H/T: Twitchfilm)

Go Ahead And Make Iko's Day In A New HEADSHOT Image

Lee B. Golden III

Well hello Iko Uwais! Looks like someone is awake and ready to light some thugs up in the Mo’ Brothers’s newest, Headshot. Uwais is leading a fine cast that includes Chelsea Islan, Julie Estelle, Sunny Pang and many more, and all for the story of one man whose lost memory gets the jog of a lifetime with his nurse’s life at stake and a horde of killers back on his tale. Nope, you do not want to mess with Uwais when he looks this pissed. Take a look at a new promo image and be on the lookout for a teaser coming soon as per co-director Timo Tjahjanto’s own words via Instagram!

[UPDATED] It's All A Blur For Iko Uwais In The New HEADSHOT Teaser Poster

Lee B. Golden III

Still carry a flame burning brightly for Indonesian action cinema? I’ll tell you that paying attention to the Mo Brothers in the following year will certainly be to your benefit. Yes, Timo Tjahanto and Kimo Stamboel are back and ready to impress with action star Iko Uwais of Merantau and The Raid franchise fame leading the way for Headshot. As the story goes, Uwais plays an amnesiac who gets treated by a nurse and ends up in a deadly clash with his violent past as a result. The film is a debut effort for Uwais and his own creative hive, Uwais Team with a cast that includes Chelsea Islan, Julie Estelle and Very Tri Yulisman with Singapore action star Sunny Pang front and center as the villain. You can catch a few glimpses of him below and just beneath the very first slate of teaser posters of Uwais, Estelle and […]

IMG_20151110_085820

It's Every Player For Himself In The New Trailer For SKAKMAT

Lee B. Golden III

Actor and action star Donny Alamsyah gets his turn with a leading role this month in director Ody C. Harahap‘s new action comedy, Skakmat. Perhaps aside the action with the laughs in mind is the impression left by actress Hannah Al-Rashid as one of the villains next to Cecep Arif Rahman in a big hat. Lots of screaming, kicking and punching here, and it’s all in good fun. SYNOPSIS: Jamal (Tanta Ginting), a professional driver, gets a $10,000 offer from Ivan with the requirement that he should accompany Dito (Donny Alamsyah) to an address that has been written on a letter. Strangely, Dito gives Jamal a gun and handcuffs. Jamal doesn’t care, because he is interested in the $10,000 that was prepaid. Apparently, Jamal is trapped in Dito’s Checkmate Adventure that is run by High Land Boss (Cecep Arif Rahman) and Mami Tuti (Hanah Al Rasyid) who want to kill […]

EXCLUSIVE: Baseball Bat Man Very Tri Yulisman Joins HEADSHOT

Lee B. Golden III

Things remain on the up-and-up in Indonesia with the forthcoming production of the new action thriller, Headshot. Cameras are rolling in less than a week with Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel back on the mound once more, and for this, the casting details have been nothing short of sweet. Action star Iko Uwais is leading as of official media reports overseas several days ago, as well as debuting action sequences courtesy of his very own, Uwais Team. Casting news continued to build with the addition of actress Chelsea Islan and actor Sunny Pang, along with actress Julie Estelle, which really does add to the reunion fervor on many fronts; It was early last year as Uwais was working with Tjahjanto on the now-shelved Joe Taslim actioner, The Night Comes For Us while also bringing Uwais and Estelle back together since going toe-to-toe in last year’s hit sequel, The Raid 2. […]

Screenshot_2015-10-23-19-16-55-1

Watch The Action-Packed Trailer For THE GOLDEN CAN WARRIOR From Well Go USA!

Lee B. Golden III

Director Ifa Isfansyah‘s period drama, The Golden Cane Warrior, is finally headed to the U.S. next month, and with special thanks to Well Go USA no less. We also now have a trailer to accomodate which you can now view below, host to a slew of imagery gushing with picturesque views and of our cast in a dazzling display of weapons fighting courtesy of action director Hung Yan Yan. SYNOPSIS: The Golden Cane: a relic of incomparable force, coveted by all. And with it, the training of a technique so unrivaled, it vanquishes all who dare oppose its power. As Master Cempaka and her four disciples – orphans of her enemies, now heirs to the Cane – prepare for the new warrior guardian to ascend, an act of villainous betrayal threatens to destroy the clan and destabilize the realm. Their only hope to restore order lies in finding the elusive […]

Iko Uwais Actioner HEADSHOT Confirms Julie Estelle And Sunny Pang

Lee B. Golden III

Following Thursday’s initial reports, Twitchfilm confirmed the additions of actress Julie Estelle and Singaporean actor Sunny Pang in the new action thriller, Headshot, from SCTV Station and Screenplay Infinite Films. Action star Iko Uwais leads the cast with actress Chelsea Islan for the film’s production set to roll cameras within a week or so. The Mo Brothers, as pennamed with respect to their names, Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel, are directing with a script that centers on Uwais as an amnesiac with a head injury whose past comes back to haunt him upon being nursed back to health by a young doctor. Pang (re: solve, The Collector), is set to play one of the key villains as he has reportedly learning lines in Bahasa, which should already bode well on screen since he’s fluent in a few other languages, including English. Uwais reunites with Estelle following last year’s […]

FB_IMG_1443270582179

Watch The Edgy New Trailer For HBO Asia Miniseries, HALFWORLDS!

Lee B. Golden III

HBO Asia is ready to introduce a new highmark with writer and director Joko Anwar‘s latest eight-part miniseries, Halfworlds. The series has already garnered some attention over the summer during production, though now with a November 29 air date pending, we finally have a series teaser to share which you can now view below. SERIES DESCRIPTION: In the bustling streets and back alleys of Jakarta, a parallel world of bloodthirsty creatures from Indonesian mythology has lived alongside humans for generations. Taking on the appearance of humans themselves, the true identity of these “Demit” has been carefully concealed for centuries by a powerful family of mortals. The arrival of a mysterious supernatural event known only as the “Gift” will bring this hidden world to the surface. As the day of the Gift approaches, a young street artist called Sarah unexpectedly finds herself in the eye of the storm. Once the Demit […]

Epic Projectile Battles Loom In The Latest Teaser For ALGOJO

Lee B. Golden III

Indonesian cinema is back on the map as impressive as it’s been with its ever-increasing production value on various films. Meet director Rudi Soedjarwo, a veteran of 15 years whose whose latest sci-fi action endeavor, Algojo (Executioner) from Integrated Film Solution, marks somewhat of a new beginning for his career in new age filmmaking. Actor Darius Sinathrya leads the film which has already garnered headlines in the past year, centered on one man’s mission to take on corruption and evil. Somehow, this involves epic battles with various projectiles amid raining fireballs in a what looks like a hell-on-earth fight for mankind according to a new teaser circulating this month, but it looks great and symbolic of something potentially noteworthy beyond its ambition. Check it out below and lets hope this one gets some more traction in the weeks ahead.

Well Go USA Announces Its Release Of Indonesian Wuxia Nod, THE GOLDEN CANE WARRIOR

Lee B. Golden III

Indonesian action took a stellar and exciting new turn with Ifa Ifansyah’s The Golden Cane Warrior late last year. Well Go USA is now up with a DVD, digital and Blu-ray release on par for November 3 with pre-ordering set for September 29, and as such, the official announcement is finally circulating. PLANO, TEXAS. (September 15, 2015) – Written and directed by Ifa Isfansya (The Dancer), the action-packed, Indonesian martial arts drama THE GOLDEN CANE WARRIOR debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD November 3 from Well Go USA Entertainment. In a tribute to the wu xia comics and novelettes popularized in Southeast Asia, THE GOLDEN CANE WARRIOR tells the story of two student fighters who, after their master is killed, set out to find the Golden Cane relic before it falls into the wrong hands. The film stars Christine Hakim (Eat Pray Love, Merantau), Nicholas Saputra (What They Don’t […]

Watch Two New Trailers For Anggy Umbara's Futuristic Martial Arts Thriller, 3!

Lee B. Golden III

While I would love nothing more than for director Anggy Umbara‘s latest, 3, to get a simulataneous release with other territories overseas, chances are we’re more likely to end up waiting a really long time for that to happen. If it is to happen, I sincerely hope piracy doesn’t affect it, because that would be devastating, and we can never have enough genuine and original action films in this day and age. 3 sports a tremendous cast and a look that will surely appeal some to the sci-fi fan base with actors Cornielio Sunny, Abimana Arysatya and Agus Kuncoro leading the story of three former friends on different sides of the ideological spectrum in a dystopian futuristic millieu where conflict is ultimately imminent. SYNOPSIS: JAKARTA 2036, there have been so many changes. The peace and prosperity has returned to the country after the end of civil war and the slaughtering […]

[UPDATED] Watch The New Trailer For Futuristic Indo Action Thriller, 3!

Lee B. Golden III

Director Anggy Umbara is ready to darken things a bit after going the action comedy route with his latest sequel stint, Comic 8: Casino Kings. His newest endeavor as of the past year or so are now culminating very nicely with a slick new trailer now making the rounds for the new film, 3, pitting futuristic aesthetics with gritty and hardcore storytelling and characters grounded in a millieu of uncertainty, as well as assuring thrills and hard-hitting action. There’s no English synopsis but there’s an Indonesian insert in the descruption of the trailer which also has English subtitles to outline a good idea of what’s happening: longstanding philosophical and ideological differences among bitter friends, mainly. The important thing here is that the action looks appealing and it should be worth checking out once it releases, and hopefully to wider audiences through broader acquisitions. Cornelio Sunny, Abimana Arysatya and Agus Kuncoro […]

Everyone's Ready To Brawl In The First Official Poster For 3: ALIF LAM MIM

Lee B. Golden III

Comic 8 franchise director Anggy Umbara has a new film on the horizon followng its ceremonious announcement in January and subsequent production as of February. The title, 3: Alif Nam Mim bears a distinct underlying reference to the first three letters of the Quran which may by much more decipherable to those knowledgeable of it, but the film it adheres to definitely looks like it will be going to be an exciting martial arts film in some capacity. The next several days of waiting should grant us a trailer by then. Fow now though, we finally have our premiere look at the cast in the first official poster following earlier teaser one-sheets unveiled in tha past year. Actors Cornelio Sunny, Abimanya Aryasatya and Agus Kuncoro lead the cast which, and much to the favor of martial arts fans, also includes actress Prisia Nasution and The Raid franchise co-stars, actors Donny […]