romance
Emotions Run High In This Explosive New Trailer For THE CRYING MAN!
Korean action cinema continues its reign on the niche of action cinema genre fans around the world with rich, meaty and captivating film work. And what better way right now to prove this than the dazzling new trailer for director Lee Jeong-Beom‘s upcoming assassin thriller, The Crying Man?
Not much is known about this particular film except that it centers on a love story between a professional hitman and his next target, which sounds like a variant of what many of us may have seen in previous assassin films like it. But based on what we are seeing in this latest trailer, fans who enjoyed Lee‘s previous work on the 2010 hit thriller, The Man From Nowhere could very well enjoy what his latest offering has put together, with lead The Warrior’s Way star, actor Jang Dong-gun starring. Also joining in is The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift and Mortal Kombat Legacy: Season 2 co-star, actor Brian Tee etching in his first-ever Korean film.
Actresses Kim Min-hee and Kang Han-na round out much of the main cast, with the film’s forthcoming release set for this June.
Stay tuned for more updates!
The Trailer For THE WHITE-HAIRED WITCH OF LUNAR KINGDOM Now Mystifies You With English Subs And New Posters
With director Jacob Cheung‘s new film, The White Haired Witch Of Lunar Kingdom roughly a month away from its opening day, we now have a new, English-subbed version of the official trailer that went viral earlier this month. The film is well into its promotional cycle with behind the scenes footage, character posters and screenshots from the movie scattered all over the internet this month as the marketing continues to gear itself toward fans of two of Asia’s most popular celebrities in recent years, lead actress Fan BingBing and actor Huang Xiaoming.
As for the film itself, and as with most films being remade and remarketed for today’s generation of movie lovers, fans familar with the title character’s previous film appearances will also have a chance to interpret Cheung‘s new 3D revival of the classic character will work when the film finally releases on April 25. So the next several week should prove more useful should we get to see a new trailer, and we just might.
For now, check out the current footage below, in addition to a few new character posters, and stay tuned for more info.
SYNOPSIS:
In the twilight of the Ming Dynasty, the Imperial court is plagued by corruption as tyrants rule over the land. With the Manchurians preying on a weakened empire, war is imminent.
The situation is even worse near the northwest border, where widespread famine is rapidly claiming lives. To save the victims from further suffering, sorceress Jade Raksha fights the soldiers that oppress people for their own gain. As payback, local government officials decide to pin the murder of Governor ZhuoZhonglian on Jade, turning her and the members of her cult into wanted fugitives for a crime they didn’t commit.
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
Go Behind The Scenes Of THE WHITE-HAIRED WITCH OF LUNAR KINGDOM
Audiences are no strangers to movie remakes and reboots, and there will be a few prolific ones for Asian audiences next month when director Jacob Cheng‘s new film, The White Haired Witch Of Lunar Kingdom gets its big screen release. With several versions of the iconic character having existed over the years, Distribution Workshop has since moved forward in promoting its film this year with a trailer already online to showcase the five-month long effort took to bring his latest 100 million RMB fantasy action adventure to life.
We are also being offered our first behind-the-scenes look (just at the top), a slate of stills and some solid new character posters which you can take a look at in the embed below, featuring lead actress Fan Bing Bing, and actors Huang Xiaoming, Vincent Zhao and Wang Xue Bing.
The film is expected to hit China cinemas on April 25, 2014 opposite Law Wing-Cheong’s modern-day swordplay remake, Iceman 3D.
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the classic martial arts novel by Liang Yusheng, it evolves around a pair of star-crossed lovers — a devilish outlaw (Fan Bingbing) and the righteous Taoist leader (Huang Xiaoming), and their love that could change the fate of the nation.
H/T: Filmsmash
Action, Romance And Wuxia Majesty Highlight The New Trailer For THE WHITE HAIRED WITCH OF LUNAR MOUNTAIN
Based on the classic martial arts novel by Liang Yusheng, it evolves around a pair of star-crossed lovers — a devilish outlaw (Fan Bingbing) and the righteous Taoist leader (Huang Xiaoming), and their love that could change the fate of the nation.
A Reality-Bending Story Of Love, Friendship And War In Two New Trailers For FIGHTING
A few trailers have made the rounds this year for the forthcoming release of Empire Symbol helmer, director Yu Junhao‘s new film, Fighting, also known as A Better Tomorrow (not to be confused with its prior uses by directors John Woo and Song Hae-Sung).
There isn’t much dialogue in either of the two videos, although they do appear to signify a period story that walks the line between reality and fantasy, between scene clips of war, two men fighting at center-ring, a woman levitating while glowing, and a butterfly landing on a piano before turning completely inanimate. Confusing? Yes. Weird? Maybe. But fortunately, we now have a synopsis that gives a bit more for Asian cinema followers to take in before the film’s release in China on March 21, 2014.
Produced by Jiang Ping, Fighting stars Peter Ho, Lu Yi and Wei Yi with Lam Wai, Hou Yong, Yvonne Yung, and late actor and legendary Asian cinema icon, Wu Ma in one of his final screen performances since passing away on February 4 this year at age 71.
SYNOPSIS (Special thanks to Z-Team member Lohan Buson for the translation):
Abandoned when he was a child, young GAO Ruofei was a very gifted boy. Twelve years ago he was picked up from the street into a home by Mr GAO who had recently celebrated his sixtieth birthday. Mr GAO took good care of him, but Ruofei never called him “father”.
In a car accident, Ruofei lost his amazing running power.
Deep inside Ruofei always thought his teacher Chen looked like a “butterfly goddess”. She encouraged him to join the family sport events of the school, but RuoFei strongly refused. Later on, he stole his teacher’s butterfly brooch but Mr Gao found out what he did so Ruofei ran away from home with the butterfly brooch and went to the place where he had been abandoned as a child praying that he could one day find his true father.
Then a miracle happened: Ruofei found himself travelling into the past during a national game.
Ruofei was strangely obsessed by an athlete named “Lone Wolf”, who had a very special charisma.
Lone Wolf’s dream was to become a pilot. During the game, Lone Wolf met an American guy named Jason whose family was very wealthy. Jason was a vigorous man who was determined to win this martial arts tournament.
Lone Wolf and Jason became the main focus of the entire game and a lot of people were betting on the outcome of their upcoming fight.
Finally, it was time for the final battle, the duel started, two different temperaments and two different backgrounds but yet the fighters understood each other, equal in strength; each had its own qualities and merits, making the duel very suspenseful.
Lone Wolf and Jason were once enemies (rivals) and now appreciated each other.
Who would win the final battle and became the real hero?
H/T: Filmsmash
FIGHTR Brings A Match Made In Black-And-Blue Heaven
Are you feeling lonely? Are you in need of that special someone to help you work off some of that stress? Guess what! There’s an app for that, and actor and independent screenfighting action director Darren Holmquist is here to show you how to use it against fellow actress Jennifer Faust in the new test fight shortfilm, FIGHTR – Ultimate Fighting Phone App.
Be advised however, as curious as minds can be, this particular app doesn’t exist, but chalk another one up for the independent scene delivering another gem for the masses as Holmquist meets his lovely date, face first!
If the names are familiar to you, then you may recall a recent crowdfunder that launched for indie director Frank Hernandez‘s new spirited action revenge drama, Heart. And, in case you are not up to date, Holmquist and Faust are currently attached to the project, with further developments pending as we head into the remaining fifteen days.
In the meantime, you can watch Holmquist and Faust in action in the embed below, and if you’re interested, CLICK HERE to read our coverage of Hernandez’s Heart project.
THE ASSASSIN Wraps Principal Photography
Actress Shu Qi (The Transporter, Journey To The West: Conquering The Demons) is set to star in a new film from director Hou Hsiao Hsien titled The Assassin, also known as The Hidden Heroine, which has reportedly officially wrapped principal photography this week. The news comes with the film having been well over a few decades in the making as Hou initially planned the film back in the late 1980’s with screenwriter Chu Tien-Wen, followed by kicking off its hectic fifteen month schedule with locations set in China, Taiwan and Japan.
Based on a short story from a compilation known as “The Extensive Records Of The Taiping Era” (a.k.a. Tàipíng Guǎngjì), Hou‘s new film is set in the Tang Dynasty and centers around Qi‘s portrayal of young girl named Nie Yin Niang who is kidnapped by a Taoist nun who trains her to become an assassin, assigned to take out any selected target when ordered, until she falls in love with one of her targets and begins to question her loyalites. Filming initially kicked off in 2010 with its main schedule starting in October 2012, which then became plagued by an unfortunate series of cancelled and re-scheduled shoots, among other things. Hou explained his experience in the following passage, courtesy from statments published last November at Filmbiz Asia:
I haven’t shot a movie in six or seven years. It’s really a whole new world for me because the market is now so big, because of China. So the scale is much bigger, and that makes every detail different, so now even I have to adjust my scale.
Shooting a film set during the Tang Dynasty, you can’t treat it like how you shoot a modern story. With a contemporary movie, if you don’t get what you want then you can keep shooting. If something’s not right on set, you can change it on the spot.
But if you’re shooting the Tang Dynasty, if you didn’t prepare it beforehand, then the set won’t be there and the costumes aren’t prepared. You can’t just conjure them, so it turns out that every single detail you gotta prepare and prepare for ages.
Because of my way of film-making, maybe it makes my movies stylised, but you can only do that if you have time. But Tang dynasty’s sets… so many sets! And the fighting choreography! My god! I was deep in shit. It was terrible!”
The Assassin stars Qi along with Chang Chen, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Ethan Ruan and Nikki Hsieh, with Ni Dahong, Zhang Shijun, Michael Chang, Jiang Wen, Zuo Xiaoqing, Xu Fan, Tadanobu Asano and Zhou Yunin rounding out the cast. The film was written by Chu along with Hou and A. Cheng, and produced by Dai Song and Stephen Lam, and is currently aiming for a film festival run at Cannes this year. Qi is also starring in Wen‘s late 2014 black comedy action thriller, Gone With The Bullets.
Stay tuned for more information.
Photo: JayneStars
H/T: Filmbiz Asia
See Misia Ff's Fitting Tribute To Korean Cinema In Her Music Video, KARTONEM
Director Spike Lee’s reprisal of Park Chan-Wook’s cinematic revenge classic, Oldboy, didn’t exactly hammer in some good box office ratings, but that hasn’t dimmed the adamant love and appreiciation that fans share for the story that Park inspired in 2003. With that in mind, the folks over at Polish martial arts action and performance troupe, Stunt Forces created the destructive visuals emulated in the iconic hallway fight scene set to the tone of writing and directing duo Natalia Jakubowska and Luke Gronowski‘s newest music video featuring Lemko-Polish rock singer and musician Misia Ff performing Kartonem, which centers its entire theme of romance and heartbreak in the first verse: “Ja za tobą murem ty za mną kartonem” which basically translates to “My love is like a rock, yet yours is like cardboard.”
Stunt Forces has been around for about eight years now and their work, which you can view at their YouTube channel has become qualitatively bigger and ambitious with each video. Their latest labor of love, a Chuck Norris tribute titled Old Wolf which pits the best of the actor’s most memorable roles in one fan trailer shows a continual, inherent dedication these folks have to the action genre, and I look forward to hearing more from these folks in the coming year.
In the meantime, check out Misia Ff‘s new video in the embed below and feel free to purchase her album wherever digital downloads are sold. And remember to subscribe to Stunt Forces’ offical YouTube channel and Facebook page — They’re not done blowing minds just yet!
Special thanks to Stunt Forces member Tomasz Lewandowski for his contribution to this article as well as the video!
Dominic Cooper Plots Superspy Greatness In The New Trailer For FLEMING: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE BOND
BBC AMERICA’s Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond takes a no holds barred look at Ian Fleming, the man behind the James Bond legend whose real life was as exciting, eventful and sexually charged as his famous creation.
Watch The New Trailer For KICK ASS GIRLS
We have a new trailer for co-writer, director and co-star Vincci Cheuk Wan Chi‘s upcoming film, Kick Ass Girls. Inspired by the success of Dante Lam’s film festival favorite, Unbeatable, the film aims to be Cheuk‘s first noteworthy big screen effort into quirky female-oriented martial arts comedy produced by Charlie Wong and featuring actresses Hidy Yu and Dada Lo.
New Trailer For THE HOST
SYNOPSIS: