siff 2014

A_better_tomorrow

A BETTER TOMORROW Gets The 4K Treatment

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker John Woo is quite expressive nowadays regarding his hopes of reinvigorating his old partnership with fellow film legend Tsui Hark, years after lighting the Hong Kong action genre for the world to see with the 1986 smash hit, A Better Tomorrow. Two more films within that franchise followed apart as the two parted ways years later (with the Korean remake of the first film arriving in 2010), and with Woo wanting to build that bridge, it would certainly revive the glory days for fans longing to see another masterpiece from the famous duo.

Fortunately such admirers also happen to represent 181-year old Swiss watch brand and manufacturers, Jaeger-LeCoultre who took to this year’s events at the 17th annual Shanghai International Film Festival to auction off their products to help fund the 4K restoration of up to nine classic Chinese films since the two parties partnered in 2011. And low and behold, the next film on their roster happens to be A Better Tomorrow. “A Better Tomorrow is the film that embodies my most honest emotion,” says Woo. “It symbolizes a precious chapter of memory, not only for me, but also for all viewers who love it. For me the most valuable part of the film is the enchanting performance by all the actors.”.

The 4K digital augmentation will include a complete frame-by-frame repair of any nixes, scratches and any other damages to the original footage. One can only hope that such a version will see its way to other screens beyond borders.

Both Woo and Hark have films bowing in cinemas this December, with Woo’s latest epic romantic drama, The Crossing, and Hark‘s new 3D epic, The Taking Of Tiger Mountain. Woo is also preparing the IMAX production of his two-part World War II epic, Flying Tigers, while Hark preps to meet attending fans this August at New York City’s Museum Of The Moving Image for a celebratory retrospective attributed to season Hong Kong cinema thesp, actor Patrick Lung Kong (better known as the main villain from the 1997 Jet Li action thriller, Black Mask) who will also attend; The event will also host its own special screening of A Better Tomorrow, which stars Chow Yun-Fat, Ti Lung, Waise Lee and late actor Leslie Cheung.

H/T: China Daily via City On Fire 

More

Jackie Chan To Launch Self-Titled 'International Action Week' For SIFF 2015

Jackie Chan To Launch Self-Titled 'International Action Week' For SIFF 2015

It’s not exactly news that actor and action superstar Jackie Chan loves action movies, and his lifelong devotion to kung fu and the magic of cinema speaks for itself, evolving from his younger years as a Peking opera performer and professional stuntman, to actor, award-winning Hong Kong and Hollywood superstar, philanthropist and Guiness World Record holder. However, this week, Chan‘s generosity continues to prove boundless, in light of the events at the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival underway this month.

Next year when the festival launches again for its 18th year, Chan will partake in a new sidebar event title Jackie Chan International Action Week, a week that will incorporate a forum about action movies, and screenings of various action movies from around the world – including Chan‘s own films followed by a prize ceremony a public online voting system. The week long event will also include seminars on innovative action choreography and technique, as well as look into the use of computer technology for action design.

In a statement from Chan according to THR, Chan says, “Jackie Chan International Action Movie Week aims at commending excellent film-makers who have made great contributions to the world’s action movies, shown extraordinary performances, technical innovations guided new action talents, and made great efforts in passing on Chinese action movie traditions or promoted its development,”. 

The news comes in light of Chan‘s current production of his new period action epic with director Daniel Lee titled Dragon Blade, one of three scheduled productions for the year next to the forthcoming production of Skiptrace with Renny Harlin directing, followed by the sequel production of Chinese Zodiac 2.

The 17th annual Shanghai International Film Festival contines as of June 14 through this Sunday. To learn more about the festival, visit their official website.

More