special id

My Two Cents: SPECIAL ID (2013)

Director Teddy Chen’s Kung Fu Killer is getting a limited theatrical and digital release here in the U.S. starting this Friday. In light of this, I decided to rent action star Donnie Yen‘s 2013 cop thriller, Special ID, one in a thematic trilogy of stylish MMA-formated Hong Kong action movies following the hits he’s had with director Wilson Yip on S.P.L. in 2005, and Flash Point several years later. Yen‘s role is one that transcends between actors on all three films in line with the familiar plot centric on an undercover cop in danger of being found out by the very criminal outfit he is investigating with every minute he gets closer to ending it. Here, Yen‘s iteration of said character, Chen Zilong, has been under for so long that even his own standing among his police force is dwindling whilst he adheres to his status as ‘big brother’ in […]

Reel Time: MALAY KIM (2014)

Lee B. Golden III

Film Combat Syndicate has had the pleasure of hosting some truly stunning work from the folks over at cinematic action performance and choreography team, EMC Monkeys in the past year, and it’s really a small list in comparison to the amount of achievements they have made since their earlier years in activity long before this site existed. A lot of that work includes a list of admirable performances by fellow member Malay Kim, who has brand new reel out which features both old and new projects that are coming online very soon. The team has left a major mark on the industry for fans online over the last few years, particularly with one of thier most successful videos to date attributed to the hit game, Sleeping Dogs in 2012, in which by an act of otherwise random chance, a segment of choreography became the center of attention upon the recent […]

The North American Release Of SPECIAL ID Gets A New Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

International martial arts sensation Donnie Yen is expected to continue making global headway with the forthcoming releases of his new slate of films, including both parts of the Law Wing-Cheong-directed Iceman 3D, and the fall U.S. release of his newest “Journey To The West” rendition of The Monkey King 3D. With any luck however, Well Go USA’s latest limited big screen North American release of director Clarence Fok‘s latest Hong Kong MMA cop thriller, Special ID, will lead to better prospects for its lead actor who made his breakthrough with a short string of small roles in the U.S. after debuting in the 2000 film, Highlander: Endgame. Yen is hyped as a truly big deal at home, and fans worldwide, especially in America, are in agreement that the acclaimed martial arts action star deserves way more than just a few speaking lines before getting killed off in the second act. […]

Go Behind The Scenes With The Cast And Crew Of THE MONKEY KING: THE LEGEND BEGINS

Lee B. Golden III

International action star Donnie Yen, unveiled the latest behind the scenes featurette for the upcoming domestic January 31, 2014 release of director Terence Cheung‘s The Monkey King: The Legend Begins, which you can now view below along with the first right above from a little over a week ago. The film is the latest cinemtic 3D rendition of the classic mythological character written by Edmond Wong and the late Szeto Kam-Yuen, and featuring Yen in the lead of what is expected to be the first of a trilogy. The Monkey King: The Legend Begins also stars Chow Yun-Fat, Xia Zi Tong, Aaron Kwok, Joe Chan, Zilin Zhang, Peter Ho, Gigi Leung and Kelly Chen. You can find more information about the film at its newly launched official website. In other news, Yen is also tapped to get some big screen North American treatment with Well Go USA’s forthcoming February 4, […]

Tony Jaa Introduces The People Behind SPL 2!

Lee B. Golden III

From L to R: Ken Lo, Jackie Wu Jing, Terence Cheung, Tony Jaa, Wilson Yip and Dion Lam Following Friday’s reports that international action star Tony Jaa officially signed on to star in director Terence Cheung‘s upcoming sequlized follow-up in SPL 2, Jaa took to Facebook to share the names and faces of those that will be involved with the production, along with Wilson Yip who will be producing, actor Dion Lam who will direct the action and actors Jackie Wu Jing and Ken Lo. The buzz is still early so we may expect to learn more about what is to come from this newest partnership, but in all certainty, Jaa‘s addition to the film will surely expand the size and scope of the original story with tons of potential. The script will be penned by Jill Leung with legendary actor Sammo Hung expected to return to reprise his role […]

Yen's 'Last Of The Best' Gets A Face Lift With A New Title

Lee B. Golden III

Just hours into international action star Donnie Yen‘s arrival for his appearance at this year’s New York Chinese Film Festival, a new image popped up online courtesy of Yen‘s Weibo account illustrating a name change in for the release of his latest action thriller with co-writer and director Teddy Chen. Previously announced as Last Of The Best, the new film will be simply titled as Kung Fu Killer, a title that sounds a bit more underwhelming than its predecessor, but still leaves a lot to the imagination about just how the film will be sold, which is already now a sharply divisive issue considering the new name. Ask anyone and you will see what I mean. Produced by Albert Lee, Last Of The Best Kung Fu Killer will see Yen as a former martial arts instructor imprisoned for the accidental death of another man whose services are once again required […]

Yen Gets An English Lead Role For PRIORITY RUN

Lee B. Golden III

Wonders never cease with international action star Donnie Yen, coming off the release of his long awaited Hong Kong action thriller, Special ID, into a longer work list of films to come which include the recently wrapped Last Of The Best from director Teddy Chen and the filming of Iceman 3D: Part 2. On Saturday, Twitch brought an exclusive report which included a major announcement from international sales company Arclight Films for a new Yen action vehicle titled Priority Run to be directed by Troy Nixey, which would possibly bring Yen his first lead role in an English action picture since performing smaller roles and coordinating action sequences on films like Highlander: Endgame, Blade 2 and Shanghai Knights. Other cast members are expected to be announced at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, California next month. Check out the synopsis below: Set to star fast rising action star Donnie […]

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Mickey Facchinello Harnesses Her Inner-Yen In SPECIAL ID – EPISODE 1: THE MUTE

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been a lucrative year for independent action extraordinare, director and choreographer Vlad Rimburg. If you’ve been following Rimburg long enough, then you’re likely familiar with the copious amounts of work he has distributed in garnering the credibility he now has as one of the foremost independent action designers of our time. Well on Friday, nothing changed, with newly releasing his Donnie Yen-inspired action short film, Special ID – Episode 1: The Mute, based on one of the most recently unveiled teaser clips prior to the release of Donnie Yen’s latest action thriller from director Clarence Fok. Filmed as the hopeful start of a new webseries, the new short was shot last weekend on Sunday afternoon at 3pm PST through 4am the following morning, with actress, action performer and Hollywood stuntwoman Mickey Facchinello (above/right) fitting Yen’s shoes as a mute demon huntress in a brutal, contained battle with The Hammer, […]

The Noble Review: SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

SYNOPSIS: Yen takes on the role of Zilong Chen, an undercover police officer deep within the ranks of one of China’s most ruthless underworld gangs. The leader of the gang, Xiong (Collin Chou – JET LI’S FEARLESS, THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, THE MATRIX RELOADED), has made it his priority to weed out the government infiltrators in his midst. Struggling to keep his family together and his identity concealed, Chen is torn between two worlds. Upping the stakes, as Chen’s undercover comrades are being dealt with, one by one, Chen fears his days are numbered. Now, he must risk everything to take down the organization and reclaim the life he lost when he took on this perilous assignment. As the action mounts, Chen must do everything he can to protect the SPECIAL IDENTITY he wishes he never had before it’s too late. REVIEW: Special ID is one of the […]

DONNIE YEN: "…I'll definitely play Ip Man again."

Lee B. Golden III

In a detailed interview with South China Morning Post to promote the week’s newly released action film from director Clarence Fok, Special ID, martial arts action cinema superstar Donnie Yen briefly talks to writer Edmund Lee about reprising his role as the iconic Wing Chun grandmaster, Ip Man, in the long-awaited third film. It was at the bottom of the interview, long after delving into the intricate details of his personal journey in film, the topic of his latest production company, Superhero Films, and the issue of doing films on subjects he likes, which he says is difficult in the movie business. “I’ll leave that to fate, but I’ll definitely play Ip Man again,” he says. “I won’t be doing it any time soon, though, because there are so many Ip Man [movies] around. You are Ip Man! He is Ip Man! Everyone is Ip Man! Even the audience is […]

Donnie Yen And Ken Lo Square Off In A New Clip From SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

We are only a few days away from the theatrical release of Donnie Yen‘s upcoming martial arts action cop thriller, Special ID, a film that we all should have seen by now were it not for some legal issues late last year. Fans are craving this movie everywhere there’s a loyal audience for Yen, and the folks at Starlit know this. So accordingly, I guess they decided unveiling one more teaser clip (it looks like two spliced into one rather) with Yen and classic kicking legend Ken Lo wouldn’t hurt… …well, at least not as much as that last shot. Ouch! Special ID opens this Friday! Have fun Asia!

I Dare You To Not Watch This Clip From SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

If you’ve been following updates for Donnie Yen‘s upcoming martial arts action thriller, Special ID, then get ready. You’re about to be tested! Yes, it’s a fight clip from the movie. More to the point it’s a clip of the pivotal final fight between Donnie Yen and Andy On. And yes, you knew at some point this was going to happen. I dare you to resist!

Donnie Yen Promotes SPECIAL ID In Malaysia

Lee B. Golden III

A new featurette is online to promote the highly anticipated domestic October 18 release of the Hong Kong action thriller, Special ID. Lead actor Donnie Yen was in Malaysia recently to promote the film, and in the embed below, he discusses the film, his vision for the action and stunt work, and the importance of having a positive, broader message behind films. I think the latter is something very noteworthy to keep in mind. Certainly all films come with a message in general, and even with action films, there’s always a nod to something slightly more poignant and personal, and if you see it. I certainly know SPL did…boy oh boy. And if you haven’t seen that film yet, you need some help. I have really enjoyed covered this flick, and quite heavily since its first trailer, despite not being a resident. And I have to say, it feels good […]

Banner Sightings For SPECIAL ID! (Cue Fan Rant)

Lee B. Golden III

I don’t live any where in Asia, obviously. But as long as it has taken for director Clarence Fok‘s upcoming film, Special ID, to arrive to audiences, I’m excited for this film regardless. Hopefully one of my contributors currently living in China right now will be reviewing this one when it comes out. Unfortunately, I’m with the rest of those who will be missing out on it overseas, but still, to see these photos is pretty huge. It might be the usual thing over in Hong Kong, although I couldn’t tell you. Never been there. But imagine spotting Donnie Yen movie banners like this while driving down the freeway somewhere in New York or California, New Jersey or even Texas or Michigan? Or anywhere else in the world for that matter! If you’re a Hong Kong cinema fan this month and you don’t live anywhere near where this film is […]

New Posters Light The Final Stretch Through The Release Of SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

If there’s one thing Donnie Yen fans love most, it’s their Donnie Yen film posters. And last week’s viral roll out of new character posters continue to be nothing short of attention-getting in light of Yen‘s upcoming film, Special ID. The film’s arrival has been two years in the making, with lead actor and Hong Kong action legend, Yen starring as an undercover cop awaits the greatest fight of his life as fellow undercovers are being eliminated. The film is set for release on October 18, 2013, with director Clarence Fok at the helm, and actors Andy On, Ken Lo, Jing Tian, Hanyu Zhang and Qi Daji also starring. The film is also poised for release in other territories, including North America where, for faithful action fans like myself, the film can’t come soon enough. Yen is also on the way with the latest Teddy Chen helmer, Last Of The […]

The Action Heats Up In The Kitchen In A New Clip From SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

Starlit Film Group is letting you have your first taste of the goods with a new clip a month away from the upcoming release of director Clarence Fok’s Special ID. The clip features close quarters combat with lead action star Donnie Yen taking on a small army of thugs in a cramped kitchen, which leaks out onto the streets of Hong Kong involving bodies out of windows, and intricately coordinated car crashes courtesy of stunt coordinator Bruce Law. The film is already a highly anticipated hit considering its been almost two years since production began, and close to a year since it was supposed to be released were it not for some unfortunate legal matters along the way. Thankfully now, the film is headed for domestic release on October 18, 2013, with other releases pending. The film is currently awaiting release details from North American distribution company Well Go USA. […]

The Hits Keep Coming In The New Trailer For SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

Tuesday gave martial arts fans its second trailer in a row for director Clarence Fok‘s gritty MMA cop thriller Special ID. The new footage unquestionably illustrates enhancements of the film’s high energy action, and thrilling tone with lead action star Donnie Yen accompanied by actress Jing Tian, actors Andy On and Hanyu Zhang and the rest of the cast and crew. The film may have hit a few brick walls over the past couple of years, hampered by past drama and legal inconveniences in the past, but as the October 18, 2013 release date draws near, fans of Yen and Hong Kong action can ease their souls knowing the film will finally see the light of day. Enjoy the footage and stay tuned for more action! SYNOPSIS: Yen takes on the role of Zilong Chen, an undercover police officer deep within the ranks of one of China’s most ruthless underworld […]

A Lone Cop Fights His Way From Behind Enemy Lines In The New Promo For SPECIAL ID

Lee B. Golden III

Easternlight Films and Starlit Group have released a brand new international promo for director Clarence Fok‘s upcoming MMA cop thriller, Special ID. The new promo shows brand new footage and displays a continuation of the film’s preconditioned promise to dazzle the world audience when the film is released in Hong Kong starting on October 18, 2013. The film stars international action sensation Donnie Yen leading the way also as co-producer and action choreography aided by his team, notably including action cinema veterans John Salvitti, Kenji Tanigaki and precision stunt coordinator Bruce Law. The film also stars Police Story 2013 co-star Jing Tian, along with legendary screenfighting actors Ken Lo and Andy On, with Hanyu Zhang and Qi Daji rounding out the main cast. Other release dates are currently pending. SYNOPSIS: Yen takes on the role of Zilong Chen, an undercover police officer deep within the ranks of one of China’s most […]

[UPDATED] SPL 2 Gets Its Director

Lee B. Golden III

Update: An article posted at Twitch on 9/13/13 reaffirms Tony Jaa is still confirmed for S.P.L. 2, reaffirming rumors reported late last year. A google-translated article over at MTime this week reports that S.P.L. director Wilson Yip will be producing alongside director Pou-Soi Cheang (Dog Bite Dog) for the currently-developing Sha Po Lang 2, the sequel to the Yip-directed 2005 gritty martial arts revenge cop thriller The news comes a little over a month after the film was greenlit by the State Administration Of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television in a report from Film Business Asia back in August. The MTime article also expanded on earlier reports regarding the return of actor Donnie Yen who starred in the first film with actors Sammo Hung and Wu Jing, telling readers that Yen’s appearance may only extend to that of a guest role, considering his fate in the first film, which […]

TOO MUCH BOYKA?: My Thoughts On Scott Adkins And The Undisputed Franchise

Lee B. Golden III

Donnie Yen vs. Scott Adkins… One would think that this type of screenfighting milestone would earn a majority of the consensus among martial arts cinema fans who love what both these actors do. That said, I find some of the uber fanfare to be a little ridiculous, especially when it comes to everyone’s favorite fictional Russian kickboxer, Yuri Boyka. Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing, director Isaac Florentine’s sequelized 2006 direct-to-DVD martial arts take on the 2002 prison boxing drama, Undisputed, managed to win the hearts and minds of a larger cult audience with action star Michael Jai White inheriting the role of boxing character George “The Iceman” Chambers from actor Ving Rhames. The current trilogy, as it stands is based on a narrative that follows a cycle of underdog-stories that ultimately led to the production of parts two and three, with lead action star Scott Adkins reprising his role as […]