PEKING OPERA BLUES – Shout! Review: A Revolutionary Classic In Its Own Right
The film is now available from Shout! Factory
tsui hark
LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS Official U.S. Trailer Revealed
The movie opens in the U.S. on February 21 from Sony Pictures International Productions
Sony Pictures Takes LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS For U.S. Release
The film opens this week in China and Hong Kong in time for the Chinese New Year!
LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GREAT HERO Official Trailer Revealed For Tsui Hark’s Latest Epic
Arriving just in time for the Chinese New Year festival on January 29 is action adventure epic, Legend Of The Condor Heroes: The Great Hero. The latest Tsui Hark adaptation of Jin Yong’s literary work stars Xiao Zhan, Sabrina Zhuang, and Ip Man 4 co-star Vanda Margraf. Hark directs from a script based on a segment of Yong’s first book in the “Legend Of The Condor Heroes” saga, which follows martial arts hero Guo Jing as he and others defend the Central Plains during the Mongols’ war campaign against the Jin and Song dynasties. The official trailer is now online along with new key art just below.
LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GREAT HERO Teaser Revealed For Tsui Hark’s Newest Jin Yong Adaptation
This was a long time coming, but the first teaser is out to announce the pending release of Legend Of The Condor Heroes: The Great Hero. The film marks filmmaker Tsui Hark’s first return to the literary world of late author Jin Yong since 1992’s Jet Li starrer, Swordsman II which he co-wrote for director Tony Ching. Leading the cast for Legend Of The Condor Heroes: The Great Hero are actor Xiao Zhan, actress Sabrina Zhuang, and Ip Man 4 co-star Vanda Margraf. Hark directs from a script based on a segment of Yong’s first book in the “Legend Of The Condor Heroes” saga, and the available story details insofar read as follows: The Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, went west to destroy the Jin Dynasty, wanted to go south to destroy the Song Dynasty. Martial Arts Masters from several Schools in the Central Plains of China fought gathering strength […]
SHANGHAI BLUES: Tsui Hark’s Comedy Classic Sets Sail For Cannes With A 40th Anniversary 4K Screening
Tsui Hark’s 1984 comedy classic, Shanghai Blues, will screen the prestigious Cannes Classics section of the festival’s 77th edition to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary. The film was Hark’s seventh production which also launched his Film Workshop label, teaming him up with longtime partner Nansun Shi. Starring are Kenny Bee, Sylvia Chang, and Sally Yeh, Shanghai Blues is set against the backdrop of wartime Shanghai in the 1940’s, weaving a poignant love story between a soldier, Tung Kwok-Man (Bee) and a young woman Shu-Shu (Chang). Though they vow to meet after the war ends, unfortunately, they walk away not able to recognize each other’s faces or remember their names. Through a series of misplaced opportunities, the two lovebirds keep missing their reunion, even though fate has a funny way of bringing them ever so closer to each other. Infused with a delightful blend of innocent romanticism, satirical wit, and whimsical […]
THE BATTLE AT WATER GATE BRIDGE Review: Dante Lam’s Ceremonial War Epic Is Brought To A Bloody, Brutal And Sobering Close
Consider yourselves still invited to check out Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, and Dante Lam’s The Battle At Changjin Lake as its ceremonial pro-Communist China sequel now remains on deck for its UK release with director Lam’s The Battle At Water Gate Bridge (a.k.a. The Battle At Lake Changjin II). The events of the first film tie directly into the second with actors Wu Jing and Jackson Lee among the numerous names and faces shepherding the story of the members of the People’s Liberation Army in its efforts to beat back the Americans during the Korean War. The new film tackles the PVA’s latest mission, which is to blow up a bridge that is strategically vital to the Americans’ retreat, and the multiple attempts at doing so between every firefight and freezing temperature. The patriotic and jingoistic sentiments are still present but not as much as in the first film, while its more […]
THE BATTLE AT LAKE CHANGJIN Review: An Immersive Patriotic Wartime Epic
The concept of watching three hour movies is nothing new. All the same however, neither is the shared sentiment of arduously watching a movie with such an extenuating runtime, although whatever the case may be, a film like The Battle At Lake Changjin is just the kind of film you would expect to see have three major directors on board. The Chen Kaige/Tsui Hark/Dante Lam-helmed Korean War period epic immerses moviegoers into this latest chapter from world history, one that’s become a major global box office hit as the most expensive mainland-produced Chinese film. Its ceremony hasn’t been without its share of disaccord, however, in the wake of dissenting opinions and criticism regarding historical accuracies and brouhaha over its inherently propagandistic overtones and nature. Do with those aspects what you will, regardless of your culture or creed. The Battle Of Lake Changjin certainly lends quite the bang for the box […]
TIME AND TIDE: A Look Back At Tsui Hark’s Over-The-Top Killer Thriller
With Tsui Hark back on the charts with Criterion’s release of his epic Once Upon A Time In China boxset, let’s take a look back at his absolutely over the top, ludicrous action character piece from 2000, Time And Tide. It’s a hard film to process as it juggles so many styles and tones over its run time. The action is staggeringly well directed, with some absolutely insane camera movements and edits that have to be seen to be believed. The second act shootout in an apartment building has some remarkable stunts and choreography, as does the third act extended shoot-out. It’s all anchored by a shockingly young Nicholas Tse and Wu Bai (who does a majority of the heavy lifting action wise) and is more than capable. He’s a true standout and it makes you wonder why his career didn’t explode (No pun intended) after this came out. It’s […]
SEPTET: THE STORY OF HONG KONG Official Trailer Narrates With Culture And Soul
Months since the first teaser launched, the official trailer is out for Septet: The Story Of Hong Kong. Years in the making and once bearing the title “Eight And A Half” when there were indeed more than seven directors on board, the long-awaited omnibus is getting a 2021 release featuring respective shortfilm segments from directors Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To, Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark, each contributing a story to pay tribute to the city’s “golden era” during which all the directors emerged. Johnnie To ropes in six fellow veteran Hong Kong filmmakers for this highly anticipated omnibus. Each one of the short films covers a different period in the city’s recent history, including Sammo Hung’s nostalgia-tinged piece about his martial arts training, the late Ringo Lam’s poignant tribute to his hometown, Ann Hui’s quietly moving ode to the educators, and To’s dark comedy […]
SEPTET: THE STORY OF HONG KONG Trailer Explores The Omnibus Project From Seven Legendary Directors
With the scaled-back 25th Busan International Film Festival set to launch next month, we now have a look at the long-awaited omnibus, Septet: The Story Of Hong Kong, formerly known as Eight And A Half by most outlets. The project is billed as the work of seven directors: Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To, Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark, each contributing a short film to pay tribute to the city’s “golden era” during which all the directors emerged. The project also marks the last piece of cinema from Lam, who sadly passed away in December of 2018. Formerly announced as part of the since-delayed Cannes 2020 festival, the film will now open Busan on October 21. Head over to the festival website for more info.
Review: Tsui Hark’s DETECTIVE DEE: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS Conjures A Balance Of Dicey Fantasy Spectacle With Fine Storytelling And Action
Crafting big scale stories with equal balance between authentic and CG filming is never not risky. Long-standing film favorite Tsui Hark didn’t exactly impress as much as he might have wanted in partnership with Yuen Woo-Ping for Miracle Fighters reprisal, The Thousand Faces Of Dunjia, but the journey forward is always one that stands to gain with its share of improvements. Assuredly, some of them are made visible with grand appeal to fans of the Detective Dee franchise now looking forward to the next installment, Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings. The VFX-heavy affair seen here is much ado with the world our title hero lives in, played once again by Andy Lau’s prequel counterpart, returning actor Mark Chao since leading the 2013 prequel. Actress Carina Lau makes her regal re-entrance into the trilogy as Empress Wu opposite our title hero who is newly appointed as an investigator by Emperor […]
DETECTIVE DEE: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS Sees Mark Chao Battle Mystics And Malfeasance In The First Trailer
China’s foray into CG-loaded territory is nothing short of an acquired taste most days. Indeed a few shoot high and impress accordingly while Tsui Hark’s Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings might prove to fare better by its July 27 release than what the newly released trailer may hint at, save for some pretty cool shots and glimpses of the slightly more grounded action sequences therein. In the third film of the critically acclaimed and popular Detective Dee franchise, Detective Dee is called upon to investigate a series of strange events during the Tang Dynasty in China. While he is defending himself against accusations of wrong-doing from his most formidable opponent Empress Wu, a crime wave has overtaken the city, marked by strange occurrences where warriors are wearing totem masks, foxes are speaking in human language, the palace’s dragon sculptures are coming to life, and the Heavenly Kings in the […]
DETECTIVE DEE: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS: Heroes, Villains And Monsters Emerge In The First Teaser
Mark Chao is back on the case next summer for legendary auteur Tsui Hark’s Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings. Kicking things off is a brisk new teaser to get the mood going and promising of the usual mystery and eerie intrigue to accomodate the ensuing action and adventure. In the third film of the critically acclaimed and popular Detective Dee franchise, Detective Dee is called upon to investigate a series of strange events during the Tang Dynasty in China. While he is defending himself against accusations of wrong-doing from his most formidable opponent Empress Wu, a crime wave has overtaken the city, marked by strange occurrences where warriors are wearing totem masks, foxes are speaking in human language, the palace’s dragon sculptures are coming to life, and the Heavenly Kings in the temple are showing angry faces – all of which conspire to give the resourceful and cunning detective […]
RETURN OF THE CONDOR HEROES: Tsui Hark To Adapt Jin Yong Novel Into Trilogy; Fan Hopeful Lin Gengxin May Star
Lin Gengxin in SWORD MASTER Word has it that actor Lin Gengxin is a possible front runner to lead famed Hong Kong director Tsui Hark’s newly confirmed adaptation of classic literary, Return Of The Condor Heroes. The story is inspired by Jin Yong’s 1959 publication, the second installation of the Condor Trilogy which began in 1957 and has seen numerous film and TV adaptations, as well as its expansion into books and video games. Hark reportedly aims to adapt the book into a trilogy of its own while fans are expecting to hear of Lin’s attachment as Yang Guo, whose taboo romance with his sifu, martial arts master Little Dragon Girl, and their adventures in the martial arts world is central to the story. Lin has worked with Hark on several occassions with credits together including Young Detective Dee: Rise Of the Sea Dragon (2013), The Taking of Tiger Mountain […]
IM Global Picks Up DETECTIVE DEE: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS Ahead Of Cannes
IM Global has reportedly picked up a few titles for international sales from Huayi Brothers ahead of Cannes, one of which includes Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings. Legendary auteur Tsui Hark is expected to helm the film currently in post-production for a planned release in 2018. Mark Chao (Enter The Warrior’s Gate), who took the mantle for a prequel in 2012 with Young Detective Dee: Rise Of The Sea Dragon, following Andy Lau’s 2010 appearance in the title character, will reprise the role as he defends himself against accusations of Empress Wu while also investigating a crime wave. Variety also reports the return of actress Carina Lau along with Kenny Lin (Journey to the West: Demon Chapter) and William Feng (The Monkey King 2). Chen Kuo-fu and Nansun Shi are producing the pic with principal photography pending. Hark and Shi recently produced Yuen Woo-Ping’s The Ten Thousand Faces Of […]
Check Out A New International Trailer For JOURNEY TO THE WEST 2: THE DEMONS STRIKE BACK
This past weekend proved lucrative for the Stephen Chow-produced Tsui Hark sequel, Journey To The West 2: The Demons Strike Back topping Chow’s 2015 fantasy, The Mermaid for its first day opening. The film was released in China on up to 390 IMAX screens upon its release and with more territories pending following Sony Pictures’s acquisition of the film in December, we now have another international trailer floating online hailing the hit sequel. SYNOPSIS: Tang Monk brings three disciples on a journey to the West. On the outside, everything seems harmonious. However, tension is present beneath the surface, and their hearts and minds are not in agreement. After a series of demon-capturing events, the monk and his disciples gain mutual understanding of each others’ hardships and unease. Finally, they resolve their inner conflict and work together to become an all-conquering, demon-exorcising team. Much like its 2013 predecessor it definitely has […]
Sony Picks Up JOURNEY TO THE WEST: DEMON CHAPTER For Multi-Territory Release
Director Tsui Hark’s latest pairing with The Mermaid helmer, producer Stephen Chow for Journey To The West: Demon Chapter, is currently slated for China release in late January. As for the U.S. and other territories however, the word now is that Sony Pictures has acquired the rights to the new film following the hit success of the 2013 former which starred actor Wen Zhang and actress Shu Qi. Actor Kris Wu replaces Zhang in the role of the monk, Tang Sanzang per the popular folklore as told in the ancient novels of the same name by author Wu Cheng’en which have also inspired many a film title centered on classic folk hero, The Monkey King. Also starring are Kenny Lin, Yao Chen, Jelly Lin and Bao Beier with a script by Chow, and with Hark and producer Nansun Shi producing. Variety reports that other than the U.S. and Canada, the […]
Oddball Antics Cap Off The Newest Teaser For JOURNEY TO THE WEST 2: THE DEMON CHAPTER
Hong Kong film stalwarts Stephen Chow and Tsui Hark have been at it in recent weeks with a rather odd approach to their latest campaign for Journey To The West: The Demon Chapter. Peep this recent teaser and you’ll see what I mean, though you’ll get some more oddball antics at the tail end of the latest teaser for the film now host to xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage co-star Kris Wu in the lead role. Following the first film in its stellar box office numbers, Chow wrote and produced the film with Hark taking over directing duties for Wu who plays Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang on his legendary journey to the West as inspired in the original classic novel written by Wu Cheng’en. The film opens on January 28 in China with the cast rounding out to actors Kenny Lin, Chen Yao, Mengke Bateer, Bao Bei’er and Lin […]
Derek Yee And Tsui Hark’s SWORD MASTER 3D Wields A Brand New Trailer Online
Director Derek Yee’s latest co-helming effort with Tsui Hark, Sword Master 3D, is finally on deck for a December release following a delay of its summer opener. The film is based on author Gu Long’s novel which transpired into the 1977 Shaw Brothers classic, Death Duel in which Yee starred. Leave it to the actor, of course, to gain insight from the acclaimed scribe himself with a version of the original story that apparently wasn’t in the book. Given the appeal and the current state of film, it’s easy to understand why Yee would take interest in brandishing a plush new remake for the big screen. Hong Kong Cinema giants Derek Yee and Tsui Hark join forces in this 3D martial arts epic, about an elite swordsman who is haunted by his skill, and a challenger who aims to take his place at all costs. The latest trailer arrived to […]
You must be logged in to post a comment.