the big match

Prime Finds: BIG MATCH (2014)

Back in the halcyon days of video stores, I always made it a habit to forego the latest Hollywood releases and would scour the shelves for obscure and odd films that struck my fancy. Now, in the days of streaming, I’ve rediscovered my passion for diamonds in the rough on Amazon Prime; a service that is turning into a goldmine of oddities to dive into. And now, on the first of many editions of this column, I give you Big Match (2014). Why did I watch it? Big Match wound up on my radar back in 2014 when I stumbled across its trailer online. This stylish, fast-paced glimpse checked all of my boxes in regard to movies I needed to see. And then I waited. And waited. The film, for whatever reason, never materialized on US shores. I never lost hope in the film, despite my frustration with the film’s […]

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Innocence Is Lost In The New Trailer For Period Actioner, EMPIRE OF LUST

Lee B. Golden III

Award-winning South Korean director Ahn Sang-Hoon‘s latest period flick certainly bares its share of turmoil and action, and maybe even a little skin to befit its working title, Empire Of Lust (a.k.a. Age Of Innocence), which is set for release this March in South Korea. Actor Shin Ha-Kyun returns to the screen after his most recent stint as the mastermind in Choi Ho’s holiday action romp, The Big Match, now donning 14th century royal garb in a story centered on a Joseon-era commander who falls in love with a female courtesan and does her bidding. What could go wrong? Answer? Well, pretty much anything when other people and their ambitions are involved. Alas; you have a story woven in love, lust, betrayal, greed and political upheaval, which is always a great formula for a film of this caliber. And to satisfy your curiosity, we now have a first teaser to […]

THE BIG MATCH: Watch Lee Jeong-Jae Fight An Entire SWAT Team In A New Clip!

Lee B. Golden III

For some still keeping up with the forthcoming release of director Choi Ho‘s South Korean action adventure thriller, The Big Match, filmgoers at home will be delighted to catch the film on November 27, 2014, advanced from its previous date in December. With that mind, the promotional campaign is still underway, and now we get a fresh clip from the new film, as well as a promotional character featurette with actor Lee Jeong-Jae and our key cast, each with their own posters you can view by CLICKING HERE if you missed them. The clip quickly gets things started with Lee in the role of Ik-Ho (or “Zombie”), an MMA prospect whose hopes are dashed when his surrogate brother is framed for murder and turns fugitive, forcing him under the watchful eye of a mysterious gamemaster as he becomes an unwitting pawn in a deadly city-wide game of survival. What ultimately […]

The Game Begins In The First Full Trailer For Korean Actioner, THE BIG MATCH!

Lee B. Golden III

2014 has been a great year for the Korean action genre, and looking to continue the tradition this December is director Choi Ho with promotion now underway for his pending holiday action adventure thriller, The Big Match. The plot itself isn’t anything new, really, but nonetheless graces Ho‘s new venture with an energizing feel and plenty of action-packed feats with actor Lee Jeong-jae at the center of it all, and from the looks of things, I don’t see a reason to complain. SYNOPSIS: A Korean UFC rookie, ring name ‘Zombie’, Ik-ho (LEE Jung-jae) seemed as though he would have a smooth journey in his career until his father figured brother is haunted by police on a false murder charge. Police start to look at Ik-ho with suspicion, and they arrest him. He gets a random phone call from Ace (SHIN ha-kyun), director for an illegal gambling ring. Ace has created […]

Lee Jeong-Jae Is All Smiles In The New Poster For THE BIG MATCH. Watch The Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

If you’re in the mood for some more Korean action, the wait may be over in a matter of just a few months thanks to director Choi Ho in lieu of the upcoming SK release, The Big Match. Typhoon and The Thieves actor Lee Jeong-Jae takes the lead in this harrowing thrill ride which sees his character, Ik-ho, on the run after being framed for murder and caught in a life-or-death game at the hands of a mysterious gamemaster. The new poster is already out and about trailer has just been unveiled, and while assuring plenty of action and danger to service the niche, filmgoers may also get in a laugh or two. Considering the harrowing mission Ik-ho is on, his knack for humor may be his best weapon yet. SYNOPSIS: A Korean MMA rookie, ring name ‘Zombie’, Ik-ho (LEE Jeong-jae) seemed as though he would have a smooth journey […]