reborn

Well Go USA’s CRAZY SAMURAI: 400 vs. 1 Trailer Teases The Deadly Odds

CRAZY SAMURAI: 400 VS. 1 review – 77 Minutes of Non-Stop Samurai Sword Slingin’

Miyamoto Musashi is a legend; a mix of fact and fabrication. The seventeenth-century samurai certainly existed. His surviving art and writings on philosophy he created in his later years prove that. His prowess in battle, however, is where the facts start to blur into myth. He is believed to have been a prolific warrior who never lost in over sixty duels, many of those to the death. That idea, coupled with Musashi’s thoughtful musings on life and combat in tomes such as “The Book of The Five Rings”, led to him being revered as the ideal example of a samurai warrior by popular culture in Japan and a cult figure among martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. So naturally, embellished versions of Musashi have appeared frequently in Japanese film and television programs. Some strived for realism but frequently the Miyamoto Musashi presented on screen, with varying degrees of success, feels more myth […]

RE:BORN Is Finally Slashing Its Way On Blu-Ray Next Week From Shudder

Lee B. Golden III

Tak Sakaguchi, for all intents and purposes, is a national treasure to anyone who has watched his films and partaken in Asian film fandom in the last twenty years. Talk of retirement in 2013 which ultimately proceeded what was thought to be his final screen bow in Yuji Shimomura‘s hit movie, Re:Born, certainly more than contributed to the uncertainty of his presence in today’s field, and so with appearances thereafter in films like Takahiro Ishihara’s Red Blade, Shinsuke Sato’s Kingdom and Yuki Kobayashi’s Rise Of The Machine Girls, fan appreciation never wanes. It’s especially with a film like Re:Born that the ceremony with Tak’s current run is more than deserved. Among his stops, he toured the film with friend and partner Ota Takayuki while in Austin, Texas for the Iron Dragon TV Action Film Festival in 2017, with DVD and Blu-Ray releases well underway at home in Japan, as well […]

RE:BORN: Hero Musings Set The Tone For The Breakneck New U.K. Trailer

RE:BORN: Shudder To Premiere Tak Sakaguchi Action Thriller In North America November 7

Lee B. Golden III

Yuji Shimomura-directed thriller, Re:Born, has been the talk of many a fan for the longest time now, but the word is now that the film will stream on horror platform, Shudder, beginning November 7. Shimomura’s sophomore debut reunites the stunt performer, action director and coordinator with cult action star Tak Sakaguchi as both paved the way with many notable directors in the last twenty years for Japanese cult action cinema. Sakaguchi stars as Toshiro, an idyllic countryside store clerk whose past life as a clandestined special forces operative comes back to haunt him and the young girl in his care. What ensues is a rampaging tale of action-packed close quarters retribution with Toshiro laying waste as a one-man army against his old commander and his gorilla kill-squad. The film made the rounds on DVD and Blu-Ray in some form or another in Japan and the UK, and grew wider appeal […]

REBORN: Millarworld Graphic Novel Adaptation Lands ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ Director

Lee B. Golden III

The last few years or so have altogether been adding up for graphic novelist Mark Millar whose Millarworld hit big in partnering with Netflix to oversee creative endeavors based on his work. As of last week, fans can now add Reborn to the list of items now moving forward closer to the intended goal as director Chris McKay (Robot Chicken) has been set to helm an adaptation of the 2016 graphic novel. Where do we go when we die? What’s waiting for us on the other side? Eighty-year old Bonnie Black finds out when she passes away in a Manhattan hospital and opens her eyes in the world of Adystria, a magical land of monsters and dragons where good and evil are waging an eternal war. Reborn in the prime of her life, she finds all her old friends and loved ones waiting… except the husband who died before her. […]

A Case For Better Action Movies: Shimomura Yuji’s RE:BORN (2018) (Reprint)

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been nearly sixteen years actor Sakaguchi Tak appeared before me in a lovely action horror indie called Versus. Having fondly grown favorable toward Sakaguchi’s work over the years, I can certainly attest now along with others who have been fortunate to spot his latest and long-awaited return to film and reunion with Death Trance director, longtime friend and film cohort, stunt professional and filmmaker Shimomura Yuji for the new CQC action thriller, Re:Born, in which Sakaguchi (billed in the film as TAK∴) plays Toshiro, a reclusive store clerk whose past life as a clandestined killer soldier comes back to haunt him and the young girl in his care. I won’t go too into detail for this post, but I will assert, at the forefront of it all, that Re:Born services its target fanbase with some of the best, fleshed out action sequencing ever put together by a stunt team […]

Cyber Spills And Action Thrills In The First REBORN Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

Not to be confused with Shimomura Yuji’s stellar CQC action-packed brawlfest, director Li Hai Long’s own directorial debut is an entirely different beast titled Reborn for its own appeal. A release date is yet to be exact but the first official teaser is out for the film’s local release with headlining cast members Han Geng, Rhydian Vaughan, Li Yuan and Japanese pop and TV star Tomohisa Yamashita front and center. Contemporary police cyber security team go under cover in Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur to capture cybercriminal gang and thwart their attempt to hack computer control system. Moviegoers outside China can expect a rollout at some point following Hong Kong-based Bravos Pictures’ own worldwide rights acquisition, sans China, earlier this month. Check out the teaser below!

[UPDATED] Japanese Cult Action Star TAK SAKAGUCHI To Attend Iron Dragon TV Action Fest This August

Lee B. Golden III

EXCLUSIVE: Japanese action star, actor Tak Sakaguchi will share the floor as a guest panelist among other headliners for this year’s sophomore entry of the Iron DragonTV ActionFest. Submissions are now underway for the upcoming event which will be held at the Galaxy Highland 10 Theater in Austin, Texas from August 10 through 12. The humble Ishikawa native is a naturally well-known fan favorite credited for such films as Battlefield Baseball, Versus, Alive, Samurai School, Yakuza Weapon and Sono Sion’s Why Don’t You Play In Hell? to name a few. His latest action-packed starring role now sees him carving and beating armies of villains to a pulp for longtime friend and film partner Shimomura Yuji’s second directing effort, Re:Born, which has since been subject to a raft of critical praise from the festival circuit since last year. Obligatory rules for IDTV Action Fest submissions and entries therein are listed in […]

FAN COLUMN: Yuji Shimomura’s RE:BORN Is A Masterful Evolution Of Modern Action Filmmaking

Lee B. Golden III

Re:Born is a new Japanese martial arts action thriller film by Yuji Shimomura, probably one of the greatest action coordinators, stuntmen and directors in the small, but entertaining action scene of Japan, re-uniting with Tak Sakaguchi of Versus fame and Shimomura’s previous and only other feature Death Trance, the legendary martial artist and the underrated filmmaker have made not only their second and best film to date, but also one of the best action films of the year, whichever year you saw it in, because of its screenings in numerous film festivals starting from 2016. The story centers on Toshiro Kuroda (played by Tak) who runs a small convenience store in a quiet town in Japan and looking after his adopted daughter, Sachi. When his blood-soaked, military past catches up to him however, it brings back an old comrade (played by Akio Otsuka, the voice of Solid Snake from MGS […]

A Case For Better Action Movies: Shimomura Yuji’s RE:BORN (2018)

Lee B. Golden III

FIVE-A-DAY ROUND-UP II: Jailbreak, Re:Born, Master Z, The Night Comes For Us, Lazarus

Lee B. Golden III

We’re continuing the Five-A-Day column today listing, and in no certain order, various action film titles fans may be keen on going into the new year. Here’s yesterday’s batch for starters and below are today’s: Legendary actress and martial artist Michelle Yeoh is reportedly the In Focus subject for the forthcoming International Film Festival & Awards Macao which takes place between December 8 through 14. It makes an even worthier note of the Star Trek: Discovery series co-star’s forthcoming appearance Yuen Woo Ping’s pending Ip Man spin-off, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy in which actor Max Zhang reprises Cheung Tin-Chi, the role he played opposite action star Donnie Yen in the 2016 kung fu hit, Ip Man 3. Details on all ends are pending for the film which also has Dave Bautista and Tony Jaa in its line-up. Jimmy Henderson’s third directorial offering, Jailbreak was a festival favorite among cinephiles […]

RE:BORN: Hero Musings Set The Tone For The Breakneck New U.K. Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Four years since stirring talk of sequels and a retirement, it wasn’t until the last few years we finally started learning what to make of all that noise with the announcement of the new movie, Re:Born. The messaging on that film’s development then slowly seuged from talk of his final film endeavor to something much more ceremonial in the cult action star’s return, which is understandably confusing. Forgiveable? Well, why not? A legendary soldier with a mysterious past decides to unleash his inner beast to stand up for what he cares about. RE:BORN marks the comeback of Tak Sakaguchi (Versus, Alive, Shinobi:Heart Under Blade), often described as one of the most under-rated actors in the action movie scene, and this film highlights him at his very best. Director Yuji Shimomura (Flash Point, Warriors Way, Gantz:Perfect Wars) teamed up with fight choreographyer Yoshitaka Inagawa, a former close combat instructor for U.S. […]

RE:BORN: It’s All-Out Guerilla Warfare In The Brand New Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Having had a stellar festival run throughout Asia, Europe and the U.S. with last year’s Fantastic Fest premiere, director Shimomura Yuji’s new film, Re:Born, has seen quite the journey to its praise. The same can amply be applied to the resurgence of its star, actor Sakaguchi Tak who, given personal career circumstances, essentially had to keep off radar and thankfully, that dry patch is now over and done. How so? Well, despite intial speculations of Re:Born being his last film, it has instead been noticeably buzzed as his return and one that stands deservedly on ceremony. Together with WAVE innovator, close quarters fighting expert Inagawa Yoshitaka and host to a story sampling from the inspired dark, reclusive tales of real-life commandos, Sakaguchi stars as a small town clerk forced to adhere to his bloodlust once again following a string of military murders and the emergence of a squad of clandestined soldiers […]

Sakaguchi Tak Returns To Brutal Form In The New International Trailer For RE:BORN

Lee B. Golden III

The growth and notoriety of action star Sakaguchi Tak is an absolute hallmark for me as an action having followed him for more than a decade. He’s survived quite a few stumbles in his time, caused no less by a few people who have threatened his career in the years leading up to talk of retirement and initially masking his latest action-packed return to the screen, Re:Born, as a celebratory departure from film. Since then and with the film’s completion and subsequent world premiere and reception at Fantastic Fest and Kaga City late last year, the talk has somewhat turned into buzz of Sakaguchi’s return. I could be wrong in the sense that he was never going to leave, or then again he was and merely made a choice to stay, although I frankly hope that he stays. Hands down, he’s been one of the best, most enteraining contributors to […]

Nikkatsu Picks Up RE:BORN For Worldwide Sales, XYZ Films For North America

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been a pretty peculiar time thusfar in covering actor Sakaguchi Tak’s latest film, Re:Born. The latest trailer has been out for a few months now while the film has already begun hitting festivals, simultaneously granting its main star a spotlight after nearly falling into obscurity following some career upheaval in the last few years hence all that retirement talk that Versus and Alive helmer Kitamura Ryuhei said was “bullshit” three years ago. That said, the film may eventually get a 2017 release away from Japan at some point considering the pace of things. Accordingly, and much to the approval of fans who’ve followed the actor’s work since his heyday as a budding actor on films like Battlefield Baseball and the cult hit, Versus, the film also signals his ultimate return into film via the name TAK∴. Producer Inoue Midori explains all this and more in the latest report via […]

The First Official Trailer For RE:BORN Heralds The Triple Crown Of Japanese Action

Lee B. Golden III

Three years since his appearance in Sono Sion’s spectacular romp, Why Don’t You Play In Hell?, much has been ado over questions pertaining to cult action star Sakaguchi Tak’s stay or leave from the film industry altogether. Personally, I’d say it’s worth hoping he’ll stay while all his efforts in the last sixteen years have not been for naught, as young as his career still feels and the potential that still lies there. Thus, his most recent foray into action brings us his latest film, Re:Born, and along with it, a trio of talent to spearhead the vision of action that’s been the major highlight of the film since its development last year through the inner workings of Japanese stunt and film companies, Worsal and U’den Flame Works. And to accomodate, a script by Benio Sakei that now sees our lead actor, otherwise rebranding himself as TAK∴, in the role […]

Sakaguchi's Bloodlust Takes Over New Photos From Shimomura's RE:BORN

Lee B. Golden III

Actor Sakaguchi Tak’s exit from (or re-entry into) film has been a hard one to pin-point. Though the actor himself has previously pointed out finishing his cult celebrity status with his latest starring role in Re:Born, some are discussing it as his “return”. It’s not exactly something I would argue against either. I’ve been a fan of Sakaguchi since college when he was just a budding young badass in a pair of early performances, including Yamaguchi Yudai’s Battlefield Baseball and Kitamura Ryuhei’s Versus. Needless to say though and as far as I’m concerned, Sakaguchi’s career trajectory remains uncertain, especially in the wake of his latest action-packed effort, Re:Born which just hit screens at Bucheon and is now readying a star-studded event screening on September 18 in Japan. Sakaguchi reunites with longtime friend, stuntman and prolific stunt coordinator Shimomura Yuji in this, their second pairing since Shimomura’s 2006 directorial debut, Death […]

The New Teaser Poster For RE:BORN Is Armed And Ready!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s 2016, and that means it’s only a matter of time before we’re fully immersed into the world of hurt ready to be displayed in director Shimomura Yuji’s newest, Re:Born. A teaser was unveiled last month finally cluing us in on what’s-what in footage, and it is nothing short of exciting in many ways. The film is set to be action star Sakaguchi Tak’s last following more than fifteen years of putting out some of the best independent Japanese cult action slashers to date, including Versus and Death Trance. We still have a ways to go, but it’s safe to say that the ball is rolling. Alas, leer over to the latest teaser poster that says all you need to know about Shimomura’s latest nod to close-quarters combat fight choreography – as indicated clearly by the camouflage gear and sizable knife on the right. Yes, damage shall be done in […]

FIVE A DAY: Here Are Some Titles To Look Forward To In 2016

Lee B. Golden III

As busy as my schedule is, there are a lot of films that I don’t get to see at least right away – hell, as we speak, I’ve prioritized some titles from this year going into 2016 including Bone Tomahawk and The Hateful Eight. That said, there are definitely a few titles that I will be looking into next year for required viewing, and I will average at least five a day between now and New Year’s Day in no specific order: ⚪ To start, there’s no way I’m missing out on John Wick 2. Period. The first film led the way for a terrific revival of R-rated action with just the kind of story that drives action film fanatics to the theaters, centering actor Keanu Reeves back in the limelight as a genuine action star long since winning sci-fi and kung fu fans everywhere with The Matrix Trilogy. It […]

Sakaguchi Tak Is Faster Than A Speeding Bullet In The First Teaser For RE:BORN

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been a glorious era for fans of Japanese action star and actor Sakaguchi Tak who has all but earned his cult-acclaim in a variety of independent, low budget jidaigeki and action horror features, several of them award-winning in the process. The most noted of them all is director Kitamura Ryuhei’s hit film, Versus, which drew its high profile standing with Sakaguchi and the stylings of action director and stuntman Shimomura Yuji who also has a few directorial credits of his own, including Sakaguchi’s 2005 hit, Death Trance. Alas, things now come full-circle in lieu of Sakaguchi’s retirement with the latest teaser for Re:Born, biproduct of stunt and film production companies Worsal and U’den Flame Works. There’s no plot or story yet available except for what’s being hinted within various images on the official Facebook page for the film itself. Nevertheless, Sakaguchi makes his final bow in what looks to […]

Sakaguchi Tak's Last Action Film, RE:BORN Wraps Principal Photography!

Lee B. Golden III

Well, as far as memories go, one certainly hopes that cult action star Sakaguchi Tak has made his time on the set of his final movie, Re:Born, worthwhile. Production kicked off for the film roughly two-and-a-half weeks ago with longtime friend and cohort, Shimomura Yuji directing and close-quarters combat expert Inagawa Yoshitaka coordinating, and thankfully, we’ve been graced with a fair bit of imagery via the film’s official website and Facebook page. It was sad as much as it was expected with Sakaguchi‘s own proclaimations of retirement from the industry in the last few years long after staking his claim in the throes of cult film fandom and the film festival circuit at large. Alas, fifteen years after making his feature debut in Kitamura Ryuhei’s cult chambara action horror, Versus, sixteen months after announcing Re:Born and two-and-a-half weeks after rolling cameras, Sakaguchi‘s final theatrical bow has wrapped production with a new […]