
period film



The New Trailer For War Drama, FIRES ON THE PLAIN, Unelashes Hell On Earth
In the final stages of WWII, the occupying Japanese army in the Philippines is rapidly losing ground, facing local resistance combined with an American offensive. The final few Japanese survivors, having almost been wiped out, have crossed the threshold into a realm where there are no friends, no enemies and no God.

Choi's ASSASSINATION Takes Aim With A New Teaser!
Early 1900s Korea was under Japanese occupation and many Korean resistance activists were based in China, hiding from the Japanese authorities. The year 1933 in Shanghai, a command to covertly assassinate the Japanese Army’s commander is given to AHN Ok-yun, a top-notch sniper sentenced to death. For this task, YEM Sek-jin, an agent of the interim government extricates AHN Ok-yun and her comrades from the prison. But the grand plan is exposed to Japan by an internal spy and a hit man, Hawaii-Pistol is being hired to get rid of AHN. The assassination squad arrives in Korea without knowing hit-man’s chase. Can she make the impossible mission completed?

Screener Review: THE DEAD LANDS (2015)
SYNOPSIS:
Hongi (James Rolleston) – a Maori chieftain’s teenage son – must avenge his father’s murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his loved ones after his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery. Vastly outnumbered by a band of villains, led by Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka), Hongi’s only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden Dead Lands and forge an uneasy alliance with the mysterious “Warrior” (Lawrence Makoare), a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years.
REVIEW:
If you’re at all keen to what’s happening in film festivals, chances are you might have caught a glimpse of director Toa Fraser‘s latest contribution to period action adventure genre, The Dead Lands. The film has been highly-received by critics throughout the festival circuit as well as its audience at home in New Zealand upon its theatrical release late last year, and not for nothing either. Should you just now happen to be stumbling upon this movie for yourself through my review, feel free to keep reading.
The film takes off as two tribes, long pacted by a truce are once again thrown into bitter war when Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka) commits an egregious act of sacrilege during what should have been a symbolic ceremony of peace. Little does he know that Hongi (James Rolleston) the son of the arbitrating chieftain (George Henare) was watching – a moment that would soon play to Wirepa’s advantage in the course of his own personal ambitions toward glory and tribal dominance, and one that ultimately costs Hongi the lives of nearly his entire tribe in one fateful night.
Desperate to avenge his father and bring honor back to the spirits of his fallen tribe, Hongi sets out to claim his place as a chief and hunt down Wirepa and his warrior clan once and for all. Knowing full well he cannot take on them alone, he follows Wirepa and his men into a forbidden land and wanders his own way into the territory of its long-feared and enigmatic keeper (Lawrence Makoare) to seek his help. Seeing as Wirepa and his men are also trespassers, the reclusive and mysterious Warrior reluctantly joins Hongi on his quest, one which ultimately becomes a journey of self-discovery and redemption for the two distinct tribesmen in the face of evil.
The Dead Lands is really my first step into Fraser‘s work aside from those who are already familiar with films like his stellar wins in the 2006 dramedy, Naming Number Two, and the 2008 book adaptation, My Talks With Dean Spanley. Moreover, I’m not knowledgeable of anicient Maori culture, but for this, I was very pleased at the scope and overall quality and handling of the production, in addition to the training of the actors and absorption of ancient dialect, culture and mannerisms in all aspects.
Rolleston, an award-winning actor namely having earned his accolades in films like Boy (2010) and The Dark Horse (2014), does an incredible job leading the story, driven even more with stronger performances by notable TV actor Tuhaka as the film’s villian, and actor Makoare, who showcases one of the most primal and engaging performances of the film as the Warrior. Glossy visuals further enhance actress Rena Owen‘s role as Hongi’s late Grandmother who acts as his spiritual guide during his harrowing quest. Actor Henare, while his character is short-lived, is able to leave his mark in setting the tone as Hongi’s father, Tane, the chieftain, in addition to actors Xavier Horan and Pana Hema Taylor who lend their own intensity to the screen as Wirepa’s men.
Further into the acting and drama is the impressive action we get to see from our cast, thanks in large part to stunt coordinator Steve McQuillan, and co-star and action choreographer Jamus Webster, who lends an eye-ful to the intricacies and overt brutality of Maori martial arts combat, from ancient weaponry to choreography and relative warrior bravado. Some of the most impressive physical action is put on display by Makoare who is no stranger to physical roles like the several he’s played in three of Peter Jackson’s recent films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s LOTR-universe novels. Actress Raukura Turei also delivers a strong performance in role of Mehe, a tribeswoman traveling separately through the titular ‘lands’ with two other companions, and while the only female in the film to partake in the film’s action during her limited screentime, also manages to make an impression of her own that simply leaves you wanting more.
Clearly The Dead Lands is representative as something that Fraser has managed to adequately and genuinely adapt to from start to finish. Glenn Standring’s script shines light on an historic world filled with visceral ferocity, pain and suffering, coupled with emphasis on the toxicity of tribal politics, as well as magic and mystery, and messages respective to differing philosophies about life, tragedy and honor surrounding a young boy’s coming-of-age journey into manhood and wisdom. Fraser‘s world is one that immerses you with ample thrills, chills, intensity, brilliance and majesty while taking neither of these to the extreme, thus delivering a powerful movie that captivates and grips you nearly from moment-to-moment.
These, if not more, are all plenty of reasons why this film has been one of the most highly-rated period dramas as of late, and all the more equally exemplary of why I personally recommend it myself when Magnet Releasing premieres the film in select theaters and on VOD on April 17.

Gianna Jun To Star In ASSASSINATION
So far, 2014 has tuned out to be another landmark year for Korean action cinema, and Woochi (2009) and The Thieves (2012) writer and director Choi Dong-Hoon is looking to help continue that trend next summer.
Set between China and Korea during the 1930’s, Assassination reunites Choi with actress Gianna Jun whose prior role in the less-than-impressive 2006 live-action adaptation, Blood: The Last Vampire, followed with two big theatrical hits, including The Thieves, and the 2013 flick, The Berlin File. This time, Assassination will have her leading a group of assassins charged by the Korean resistance to target key supporters of the Japanaese occupation.
Joining Jun are her fellow The Thieves co-stars Lee Jung-Jae and Oh Dal-su, along with Kundo (2014) stars Ha Jung-Woo, Cho Jin-woong and Lee Kyoung-young. Choi will produce the film along with partner Ahn Soo-hyun for Caper Films with Showbox financing and distributing the film for its 2015 release.
Stay tuned for more info!
H/T: Modern Korean Cinema

Choi Min-Sik Leads An Epic Battle Against The Odds In, THE ADMIRAL: ROARING CURRENTS This Weekend!
Year 1597, Joseon Dynasty has been under Japanese attack for six years. As the nation faces possibility of loss with the Japanese military charging fearlessly to the capital of the nation, Admiral YI is reappointed as the Chief of Naval Operations and assembles a group of soldiers to defend the nation against Japanese attack. Japanese Chief Commander Kurushima (RYU Seung-ryong), notorious for his cruel personality and clever strategies, respond by destroying Joseon’s one last hope, the Turtle Ship. With just 12 battleships and an army of doubtful soldiers, Admiral YI and his soldiers face 330 Japanese battleships in The Battle of Myeong-Nyang.


Two New Videos Profile Son Ye-Jin In THE PIRATES
Actress Son Ye-jin is getting the spotlight this week for her role in the upcoming release of director Lee Seok-hoon‘s high seas action epic The Pirates. Based on a script by Cheong Seong-il, the new film sets Son as the leader of her own gang of pirates opposite a bandit named Sa-jung (Kim Nam-gil) who is in search of a royal seal believed to be swallowed by a large sea creature.
The film is poised for an August 8 release in South Korea while dates overseas are yet to be determined. In the meantime, fans can now get a glimpse of some of the epic behind-the-scenes action in two new videos below, including an action promo, and a featurette that also attributed to the aforementioned lead actress who is being hyped as the next leading lady of South Korean action, according to the film’s director of photography, Kim Yeong-ho. “I feel she’s going to get cast for many action movies after this because she’s just that good”. Leading man Kim also added, “She claims it was very difficult, but she did so well that the director couldn’t stop praising her. It doesn’t seem like it’s her first time in action”.
Check out the videos below, in addition to the new character poster below.
H/T: Han Cinema

Tyranny Ignites An Epic Battle For Justice In The New Trailer For KUNDO: AGE OF THE RAMPANT
It’s a good old fashioned tale of 19th century sword-swinging noble heroics with a splash of vengeance in director Yoon Jong-bin‘s new period action adventure, Kundo: Age Of The Rampant. The film marks another big and highly anticipated film for Korean theater goers here, starring Ha Jung-woo in his forth actor/director pairing with Yoon, opposite actor Kang Dong-won in a the ultimate fight against late Chosun-era tyranny.
SYNOPSIS:
A new hope for the powerless and impoverished people and its name is KUNDO.
Year 1859 — it is the feudal Chosun era in which the king and the aristocracy rule the country. Due to the continuous natural disasters and poor harvest, poverty, hunger and death are rampant. But as the rulers are concerned with only their own wealth, they carry on exploiting and persecuting the poor. In this dark period, KUNDO is a ray of hope for the poor; he is someone who can be the figure of fear to the undeserving nobles. And there are two men who have to stand against each other.
In the era when one’s status is decided by birth, Dolmuchi was born to a poor butcher while Jo-yoon was born into a powerful and wealthy family. The two men strike a dangerous deal and Dolmuchi loses his mother and sister as a result. He is trampled by Jo-yoon who commands absolute power in his oppressive world.
Bringing together the men who are on the fringe of this dark society, Dolmuchi is accepted as a member of KUNDO and opens his eyes to the world. He draws his sword out of the sheath and disperses the shadow cast on the poor and helpless. Before him, the man who took away his family appears. Standing in front Joyoon, Dolmuchi challenges his arch-enemy to their final duel.
The official trailer has finally arrived for the film’s domestic release in South Korea on July 23, 2014. Check it out now!
The New Teaser For THE PIRATES Sails Online!
At the onset of Joseon’s founding, envoys bringing the Emperor’s Seal of State to Joseon lose it to a big whale at sea. A bandit Sa-jung goes out to sea to catch the whale with a big reward on its head. But he soon clashes with Yeo-wol, a female captain of pirates, and unexpected adventure unfolds.
Indonesian Fantasy Period Actioner THE GOLDEN CANE WARRIOR Gets New Details
As the most honourable, powerful and respected institution, the Golden Cane School protects the kingdom from enemy attacks. Golden Cane’s relic weapon and tactics have become a symbol of the strength, leadership and wisdom of the Golden Cane School. The Golden Cane is a deadly, unbeatable weapon, which until now, has only been possessed by Grandfather Wirabumi. Wirabumi, leader of the school and holder of the Golden Cane, is very old. It is known that he will pass the Golden Cane down to one of his best students — Biru, Dara or Banyu.
HERCULES Lets The World Know His Name In The Commanding New Trailer!
Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been real busy as of late keeping close to the pulse of his fans through social networking ahead of promoting his next big screen adventure, Hercules. The official trailer premiered at CinemaCon this week, along with a whole new batch of footage of other films heading our way this summer. And today, the official trailer is now online courtesy of Machinima ETC.
Unlike the previously released Renny Harlin-directed 3D film, Hercules takes on a whole new level of understanding for the character which essentially appears to do tons of justice for fans of its lead actor whose early resumé includes The Scorpion King; I’m almost inclined to ask you all which of the two would win in a fight, but I digress! At any rate, the trailer delivers solidly with The Rock’s own stamp of approval, and I’ll leave it to you to decide if I’m correct in that assertion.
Hercules bows July 25!
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, the ensemble-action film is a revisionist take on the classic myth set in a grounded world where the supernatural does not exist. The screenplay is by Ryan Condal and Evan Spiliotopoulos.
Everyone knows the legend of Hercules and his twelve labors. Our story begins after the labors, and after the legend…
Haunted by a sin from his past, Hercules has become a mercenary.
Along with five faithful companions, he travels ancient Greece selling his services for gold and using his legendary reputation to intimidate enemies. But when the benevolent ruler of Thrace and his daughter seek Hercules’ help to defeat a savage and terrifying warlord, Hercules finds that in order for good to triumph and justice to prevail… he must again become the hero he once was… he must embrace his own myth… he must be Hercules.
Concept Art For Wilson Yip's FENGSHEN YANYI Film Appears Online
Action legend Jet Li has seen his fair share of career highs and lows; His most recent coming as the result of his current condition in the form of hyperthyroidism which forced the actor to step back from his normal physical routine, a move that also reportedly took a toll on his ability to stay in shape. As a result, while the 50 year old actor’s career has given him plenty of space to relax and breath as he moves up in age, the future seemed a bit foggy as to whether or not fans would ever see Li do another action film, or more films at all.
Last year, it was reported that the actor stated to the press that he wouldn’t necessarily be making films for money anymore. In essence, it basically sums up the notion that he would pick certain projects — that was a while before reports of his hyperthyroidism finally went public. So other than the forthcoming release of The Expendables 3, fans shouldn’t be too eager to see the actor performing more than he can handle at the rate things are now going. However, details do await for Li’s latest cinematic venture, and it’s happening with none other than oft-Donnie Yen collaborator Wilson Yip.
Chinese media is currently circulating at least two conceptual pieces of art which are being used as references for roles to be played by Li and actress Shu Qi for the forthcomimg production of Yip’s big screen adaptation of the 16th century Chinese novel, tentatively titled Fengshen Yanyi, otherwise known as The Investiture Of The Gods. While other official news awaits reporting, sources indicate the new film will take place between 1600 BC and 256 BC, focusing on the epic battle led by King Wu against tyrannical King Zhou leading up to the fall of the Shang Dynasty. Furthermore, Li and Qi will be joined by a cast that also includes Louis Koo, Huang Xiaoming, actress AngelaBaby, and actor Tony Leung Ka-Fai, all of which may encompass some of the story’s human heroes, immortals and spiritual beings in some shape or form or another.
More information is required at this point, particularly as we are still waiting for some solid news on Yip‘s other previously announced involvement on Ip Man 3D. Other than that, it’s fair to say that Jet Li fans might have another epic film on their hands. And it’s still pretty early too. So patience is a must.
Source: iFeng
H/T: Kozo
Chan And Gibson Board Daniel Lee's DRAGON BLADE
While legendary action thespian Jackie Chan prepares to debut his latest musical labor of love in the form of new boyband JJCC, the actor is also on his way to the production of a brand new period action flick titled Dragon Blade. The film will mark Chan‘s first time on the big screen with Hollywood actor Mel Gibson after the two were rumored in earlier reports last year as possible choices to appear together in director Patrick Hughes’ upcoming blockbuster release, The Expendables 3, before the latter of the two was solely confirmed.
Directed by Black Mask and 14 Blades helmer Daniel Lee, Dragon Blade will see Chan portraying a Chinese hero who forges a partnership with a Roman legion commander, played by Gibson, to save the world from a greater, ultimate evil. No other details are available for the film which will likely release in 2015.
Chan is currently working on his next big film adventure with co-star Sean William Scott in next year’s release of Skiptrace from director Sam Fell. Gibson will make his next appearance in The Expendables 3 in theaters nationwide on August 15, 2014.
Stay tuned for more info.
H/T: Impact Online
New Photos And Scene Details From The RUROUNI KENSHIN Sequels Set
Eigapedia recently forwarded details of a scene from the upcoming release of director Keishi Otomo‘s next film, Rurouni Kenshin: The Great Kyoto Fire Arc, involving lead actor Takeru Satoh and co-star Ryunosuke Kamiki. The page detailed the on-location scene and setting, illustrating the assassination of historical Japanese statesman, Okubo Toshimichi, played Kazufumi Miyazawa (lead singer and songwriter of Japanese band, The Boom), leading up to a confrontation between lead character Himura Kenshin and Seta Sojiro, played by Satoh and Kamiki, respectively.
It's All Action In The Latest Featurette For 47 RONIN
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