sakra

Win A Copy Of SAKRA On Blu-Ray!

This month I’m hosting a rare giveaway for Sakra, one of the latest titles arriving on DVD and Blu-Ray next week. Donnie Yen directs and stars in the film and is joined by a bevy of actors Wu Yue, Yuqi Chen, Eddie Cheung, and Yase Liu for this Jin Yong adaptation. Yen also shepherds the action with a team that also sees action stalwart Kenji Tanigaki on hand, and so for this, the instructions are easy! All you have to do is e-mail me at fcsyndicate@outlook.com with your name and address and the phrase “SAKRA CONTEST” in the subject line, and talk about your favorite Kenji Tanigaki action scene as performer. He’s done quite a bit over the years, so I’m curious what the entries will be. The contest ends on Monday, June 12 at 11:59pm, and extends only to residents in the U.S.. Click here for my previous review, […]

SAKRA Review: Donnie Yen Pulls No Dragon Palms In The New Operatic Wuxia Epic

Lee B. Golden III

Sakra opens in select theaters on April 14, and on Digital beginning April 18 from Well Go USA. And the award for Cinematic Action Hero with The Greatest Odds on Shortest End Of The Stick (not a real award) this month goes to Qiao Fong, the folkloric Song Dynasty warrior and the TBA leader of the Beggar’s Sect in Sakra, the new wuxia martial arts opera starring Donnie Yen. Wong Jing sits in alongside our star to produce the pic while it is Yen, who, though long-credited as sharing the helm with Big Brother shepherd Kam Ka-wai, gets full frontal billing on this return to this chair as director. Set at a time of turmoil per the work of late literary legend Jin Yong, Sakra begins with the time-honored tale of a baby left in the care of adopted parents and brought up to become a warrior in the beggar’s […]

SAKRA Trailer Revealed For Well Go USA’s April Release

Lee B. Golden III

Welp, it’s about that time. Donnie Yen and his fellow John Wick: Chapter 4 cohorts are running the gamut of daytime and late night talk show hosts and the star also happens to be the subject of his most recent shared directorial venture with Kam Ka Wai, Sakra, based on the work of late literary legend “Jin Yong”. The pic also stars Chen Yuqi, Cya Liu, Wai Ying Hung and Wu Yue. Based on the classic wuxia novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils by Louis Cha (known worldwide by his pen name Jin Yong), SAKRA stars Donnie Yen as Qiao Feng, the respected leader of a roving band of martial artists. After he is wrongfully accused of murder and subsequently exiled, Qiao Feng goes on the run in search of answers about his own mysterious origin story—and the unknown enemies working to destroy him from the shadows. Sakra (or Śakra as it’s […]

Well Go USA Nabs NA Rights To ŚAKRA

Lee B. Golden III

It’s only a matter of time now until martial arts fans in North America get a proper trailer and timetable for the release of Śakra, the newest adaptation of a Louis Cha literary classic from action star Donnie Yen who directs. According to Screendaily’s Michael Rosser on Wednesday, Well Go USA negotiated the deal with the filmmakers reps at Mandarin Motion Pictures to acquire rights to the film. During the Northern Song dynasty, Qiao Feng, the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, was a heroic and chivalrous man who was respected by the whole martial arts world. But he was suddenly accused of being a Khitan, which made him isolated by friends and allies. On his journey to find out about his origin and enemies, Qiao Feng met Azhu the maid from Murong family, and they fell for each other. The two went together through events in Juxian Manor, Yanmen Pass, […]

ŚAKRA: Donnie Yen Strikes Back In The First Teaser Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

Taking the reins at directing his first feature since 2004, Donnie Yen is back to show he’s got what it takes to conquer both sides of the lens and this time with Śakra, based author Jin Yong’s “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils” (1963) for his own treatment. Yen directs and he also produces the pic in reunion with Wong Jing with a cast that also includes Yukee Chen, Cya Liu and Grace Wong (Line Walker 1 & 2), along with Wu Yue (Ip Man 4) and Kara Hui (Wu Xia). Set during the Northern Song Dynasty, Śakra centers on the legendary martial hero, Qiao Feng. Chronicling his fall from grace as a prolific figure of the Beggar’s Sect after being framed for murder, his journey into exile explores his short-lived romance with a servant girl, and shocking revelations about his tragic past and true heritage, as well as an chance to seek […]

ŚAKRA: Donnie Yen Is Unstoppable In Sales Art For The New Wuxia Epic

Lee B. Golden III

Action star Donnie Yen is back in the spotlight with Śakra, his sixth and latest directorial effort in nearly twenty years since the Barbara Wong co-helmer, Protégé de la Rose Noire. Currently in production, Yen’s return to Wuxia is based on Louis Cha’s 1960s novel, “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils”, which underwent several film and television adaptations dating back to the 70s. The new film marks the book’s fourth adaptation for the screen, joining him with mega-producer Wong Jing, who previous collaborated with the star on titles like Big Brother, Enter The Fat Dragon, Chasing The Dragon, and New Kung Fu Cult Master. Set in the Song Dynasty, Śakra sees Yen in the role of Qiao Feng “a tragic hero accused of killing his adoptive parents”. Feng is actually one of three protagonists in the original novel, so in terms of the general plot, this is all we have to work with […]

ŚAKRA: Donnie Yen And Wong Jing Reunite For Fantasy Wuxia Adaptation Shooting In July

Lee B. Golden III

THR‘s Patrick Brzeski’s latest report reveals a first look at sales art for one of action star Donnie Yen’s newest tentpole ventures, Śakra, reteaming him with mega producer Wong Jing (Chasing The Dragon) for an adaptation of 1963 Chinese wuxia best-seller, “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils”. Yen will star as martial arts master Qiao Feng, one of the central figures of the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils story universe. The actor envisions Śakra as a potential franchise starter, with the book’s many sub-plots and compelling characters ripe for further big-screen adaptation. Steve Cheng will direct for production company Wishart whose chairman, Weijie Zhu (Ash Is The Purest White) is presenting. Yen will also exec produce the pic which is set to roll cameras in July in time for a 2023 Chinese New Year release. Plus Entertainment Limited is handling international sales. Yen will next appear in Law Chi Leung’s rescue thriller drama, Come Back […]