yayan ruhian

This Is What “The Raid” Cast Will Look Like In STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS!

It’s almost silly that we still have more trailers and TV spots circulating for J.J. Abrams’s latest movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opens in less than a week. The film pretty much sold itself on its most recent trailer – even to the tune of $50 million dollars in advanced ticket sales already in the can, thus attributing to just how nototiously competitive tickets for these event-films can get. As such, there’s probably a handful of people (of which I’m among) who will unfortunately be catching the film long after its first week. These seats usually go fast and to that affect, the new film knows exactly what kind of climate it is in upon aiming to attract as wide an audience as possible, which that means casting. For this, we go back to January when news broke of casting updates regarding three principals of director Gareth Evans’s […]

Mario Kassar Boards Indonesian Sci-Fi Actioner, FOXTROT SIX

Lee B. Golden III

It was back in February that megahit film producer Mario Kassar made headlines with his reunion at Carolco Pictures as Chairman of the board. So what’s the famed Rambo and Terminator franchise producer been up to since then? Well, probably just tending to things at Carolco, although as of this week the public now has an idea of where he’s staking his claim next. Word has it from Variety that Kassar is on board to executive produce the upcoming Indonesian sci-fi actioner, Foxtrot Six from debut director Randy Korompis. The film is slated to begin shooting at the top of next year with locations set for Indonesia and the U.S. with two newly established production banners, Rapid Eye Pictures and East West Synergy also on board. There aren’t any plot details yet but the scope of the film is reportedly going to be ten times larger in budget than average […]

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Kellie Madison's THE GATE Successfully Reaches Crowdfunding Goals

Lee B. Golden III

Less than a month after crowdfunding commenced for The Tank helmer Kellie Madison‘s latest endeavor, The Gate, the Kickstarter campaign successfully reached its goals on Monday with just a few days left. The project began slowly picking up steam in the last several weeks with various press sites picking up the story and featuring several interviews and further perks adding to the hype. The project currently stands as a six-minute proof-of-concept pitch that will feature actress Amy Johnston as Cassie Weston, a world champion MMA fighter and Pencak Silat expert whose vengeful crimefighting ways put her in the throes of a dangerous Indonesian crime lord, played by the one and only Yayan Ruhian. Chalet Lizzette Brannan also stars with a cast comprised of martial arts stunt team, EMC Monkeys, with stunt coordination by Chris Carnel (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Tank, Mercenaries). Madison praises Johnston‘s natural screenfighting talent which gained […]

THE GATE: Help Crowdfund The New Amy Johnston And Yayan Ruhian Action Series Pitch!

Lee B. Golden III

Concept art via Kickstarter Surf the internet long enough with a craving for quality martial arts action and you’re bound to come across some of the best and brightest ever to hit the business end of a camera, and most of the content you see is free and viral for all netizens to enjoy. Take this in comparison to the multitude of action shows on television which normally cast actors who are trained long enough to look convincing on screen, and while the formula often proves viabale for the networks, it still leaves a lot wondering for those minding how genuine screen-friendly athletes could achieve the same successes they continue to exemplify through online independent mediums. It’s certainly something that filmmaker Kellie Madison has been wondering in the wake of momentum drawn to actress and stuntwoman Amy Johnston, followed by Madison’s own fondness for Pencak Silat as portrayed in the […]

Gareth Evans's BLISTER Is Still On The Way, Plans To Shoot In Early 2016

Lee B. Golden III

As far as we know, any updates have been off the radar for director Gareth Huw Evans following the above photo signaling the pre-production of his latest film, Blister, back in February. The hype stemming from last year’s electric release of The Raid 2 had settled by then as the latter part of 2014 saw Evans’ cohorts, Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman branch out into other things, and much to the delight of fans with projects like Beyond Skyline, Yakuza Apocalypse and 3, with many more slated to arrive in due time. That said, Blister is still on the way with Evans having moved back home to the U.K. where the film will likely be set. As per his latest tweet, Evans is almost done preparing the script in which earlier hints have described it a contemporary gangster film with nods to The Wild Bunch. The film […]

Amy Johnston And Yayan Ruhian To Star In Kellie Madison's THE GATE

Lee B. Golden III

The age of martial arts in television continues with word from City On Fire of a new teaser pitch for the planned series, The Gate. The Tank and The Caul helmer Kellie Madison is directing the teaser pitch with actress and stuntwoman Amy Johnson set to lead with Indonesian import, The Raid franchise co-star Yayan Ruhian. The series’ theme will reportedly focus on the story of an angel who embraces her power to battle forces of darkness. Johnston has been slowly blooming as a stand out actress with a natural knack for screenfighting and stunt performance talent with accumulative credits in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Iron Man 3, and the upcoming Marvel adaptation at Fox, Deadpool, in addition to her lead role in Epic Rival’s pilot pitch, Clandestine. The Gate, while definitely befitting for film material, definitely fits the mold for television and serves as an excellent platform for […]

Miike's YAKUZA APOCALYPSE Gets A North American Release!

Lee B. Golden III

Are you ready to watch Yakuzas, vampires and killers in frog costumes collide in epic fashion? Then you’re just in luck in the wake of Ichi The Killer and 13 Assassins helmer Miike Takashi‘s latest bit of action horror fanfare from the Cannes and Fantasia circuit, Yakuza Apocalypse. Variety reports the film, starring Ichihara Hayato and Yayan Ruhian, has a North American release date through Samuel Goldwyn Films set for October 9. The film earned mixed reviews whilst sustaining itself as a notable and spectacular for the director who, prior to production, stated his earlier hopes for a return to basics. The film, written by Yoshitaki Yamaguchi, centers on a loyal Yakuza underling who, after being bitten and turned into a vampire, sets out to avenge the death of his once-seemingly invincible boss at the hands of an assassin and his men. Mark the date on your calendars and stay […]

Hamish Daud Faces All Of Jakarta In The Latest Trailer For GANGSTER

Lee B. Golden III

Indonesian action remains at large and ahead of director Fajar Nugro‘s forthcoming contribution with Gangster, starring Hamish Daud. There’s plenty of fervor to be had here in accordance with Asian film brimming with martial arts talent, and hereto with a story full of drama, romance and action fitting for our cast to help showcase plenty of it. SYNOPSIS: JAMRONI (Hamish Daud – Raihan Khan) has always struggled in his life, never quite fitting in despite trying to do his best to help those around him. He grows up in a small village near the Volcano Merapi in Yogyakarta. He is picked on by the local thugs and life at home isn’t easy as his father TOHARI (Gunawan Maryanto) is tough on him. Despite that, he finds solace with his childhood friend SARI (Avrilla Sigarlaki – Eriska Rein.) Fate pulls them apart and Jamroni is alone once again. Years pass and […]

The Final Trailer For YAKUZA APOCALYPSE Is A Montage Of Violent Anarchy!

Lee B. Golden III

There’s no doubt that director Miike Takashi‘s latest action horror endeavor, Yakuza Apocalypse, revives the usual eccentricities his fanbase has gotten so used to in his career. The reviews off of its Cannes premiere come mixed for a film that encompasses what The Guardian‘s own Andrew Pulver concluded in his review as “A very acquired taste.”, and that isn’t exactly a secret for folks familiar with movies like manga adaptation, Ichi The Killer and Izo. Nonetheless, the latest trailer is circling the internet with one last push to get your attention; Suffice it to say this one is a frenetic orchestra of kicks to the face, stabbing, screaming, biting and bloodsucking, and crescendos galore with Indonesian action star import, Yayan Ruhian, and lead actor Ichihara Hayato front and center for the film’s June 20 release in Japan. And for an acquired taste, I think it’s safe to say the dinner […]

Bruce Lee Gimmicks, Fighting Femmes And Action Gems In New BTS COMIC 8: CASINO KINGS Featurette

Lee B. Golden III

Director Anggy Umbara‘s larger scale ensemble sequel, Comic 8: Casino Kings is just one of a few guarantees that the pulse of the action genre will keep beating in the region. The presences of legendary thesps like Barry Prima and Willy Dozan are likely reassuring along with action star Yayan Ruhian who has been making a killing of his own at Cannes over the summer with Miike Takashi’s Yakuza Apocalypse. Hopefully that still means an awesome film will be the result, and depending on your tastes in action and comedy, this one could be a treat. The basic plot surrounds the returning eight principles from last year’s heist pic, Comic 8, now on an undercover mission to infiltrate a casino. Somewhere along the line it leads to an epic badass chickfight, jungle commandos, scenes parodying The Raid 2, and a huge alligator for some reason. Whatever it is, it appears […]

Shoosh! And Watch The New Trailer For Indonesian Action Flick, GANGSTER

Lee B. Golden III

It’s safe to say that post-Raid fandom has dimmed with the state of Indonesian action cinema remaining more on-going with its more local productions. It’s with that in mind that we turn to director Fajar Nugro‘s latest regional entry, Gangster, and Indo-Aussie actor Hamish Daud leading the cast in a story centered on a man pursuing a life with the woman he loves in Jakarta until he ends up crossing paths with a criminal gang. Raid franchise co-star Yayan Ruhian also lends his flair of screen charm as usual, and surely while the comedy here is more local than anything as is the rest of the film, it’s a mild reminder of why the fans at large love Ruhian as he steps out on his own. Alas, as you would imagine, there’s drama, definitely some fighting, and a good share of brutality to boot. And on that note, I invite […]

Place Your Bets In The New Teaser For COMIC 8: CASINO KINGS!

Lee B. Golden III

I suppose Indonesia’s latest resurgence into the action genre has done well enough that it can spoof itself to a certain degree. With this, we now get a look at what director Anggy Umbara has in store for the new action comedy, Comic 8: Casino Kings, the sequel to the first film released early last year, and headlined by a mix of returning cast members and new faces, along with a few noted action film veterans familar to the region – namely Barry Prima and Willy Dozan, and George Rudy…and for some reason, a really, really large alligator. I can’t find an English synopsis right now, so for better or worse, the film has a Wikipedia page with the following details; As usual, Google translate is pants when it comes to translating nearly anything sensibly, so gather what you may. SYNOPSIS: Comic 8: Casinos Kings’ will tell advanced 8 secret […]

The New Trailer For Miike's YAKUZA APOCALYPSE Bites Back!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s only a matter of time before director Miike Takashi steps into the summer season with his latest vampire action thriller, Yakuza Apocalypse. It’s only his latest effort in keeping a promise to his long-celebrate signature style of film while we await further info on his future endeavors, and while the most recent teaser gained the film some publicity to start, we now have a minute-long trailer that lends a little more to the eye. It’s got yakuzas, vampires, some gore, badass tattoos, a better look at Yayan Ruhian in a film outside his normal Indonesian bearings…and a killer frog-suited..thing. Indeed, this looks hella fun. And random! SYNOPSIS: In the ruthless underground world of the yakuza, no one is more legendary than boss Kamiura. Rumored to be invincible, the truth is he is a vampire—a bloodsucking yakuza vampire boss! Among Kamiura’s gang is Kageyama, his most loyal underling. However, the […]

Pre-Production Commences On Gareth Huw Evans's BLISTER

Lee B. Golden III

Much of the fandom for director Gareth Huw Evans‘s currently brewing Raid trilogy has settled since the second installment released last year to much excitement and acclaim. So, it may be an uneasy thing for some to possibly have to wait an extra three years before the saga finishes, although it is rewarding to know that Evans‘s storytelling vernacular goes beyond one franchise. As such, Evans is now moving on to other properties, with at least two films now in-development, including the new movie, Blister. Not much is known about the plot of the film as of yet, although the director did offer a small blurb last year while on the road promoting The Raid 2, describing the film as his own take on “the contemporary American gangster story with echoes of The Wild Bunch”. Evans has since reunited with his fellow film folk in Indonesia, including Iko Uwais […]

YAKUZA APOCALYPSE: THE GREAT WAR OF THE UNDERWORLD Gets A New Promo Image And Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

The Mole Song and As The Gods Will helmer, director Miike Takashi‘s work is not without a following of its own. He’s got a fanbase he listens to-so indicated last Spring when he formally announced a “rampaging” return to the basics with the production of his newest action horror romp, Yakuza Apocalypse: The Great War Of The Underworld. Miike reunites with lead actor Ichihara Hayato following their pairing on the 2008 film God’s Puzzle, with a brand new promotional image now available online just below, as well as a new teaser. SYNOPSIS: Kagayama is a feeble but loyal underling to legendary yakuza boss Kamiura, who turns out to be a vampire. When an assassin from an international syndicate arrives in Japan to deliver an ultimatum, Kamiura is killed. But, not before he manages to bite Kagayama, and the transformed underling sets out to get revenge against a formidable team of […]

'The Force Awakens' With THE RAID 2 Actors Joining The Seventh STAR WARS Film

Lee B. Golden III

Well, nobody within a range too distant from the production of J.J. Abrams‘s Star Wars: The Force Awakens saw this coming, but it appears that The Raid 2 principal stars, Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman will have roles of their own in the film when it releases this December. There are no details as of yet, and it also comes as a major, MAJOR fucking surprise since their names were nowhere seen in previous reports. Nonetheless, it’s a big step up from a group that has seen its cult success rise from the recent fanbase grown stemming from the successes of director Gareth Huw Evans whose films have signaled a sizable resurgence for Indonesia’s film industry with the releases of coming-of-age martial arts drama, Merantau, and two of the currently developing Raid Trilogy. It’s also another huge foray further into the mainstream for Uwais and Ruhian, who themselves […]

Yayan Ruhian Sports A Ghastly Image On The Set Of COMIC 8: CASINO KINGS

Lee B. Golden III

Indonesia’s current film climate is a lagging a bit nowadays, and there have been casualties as a result-namely whatever the heck stonewalled production for Timo Tjahjanto’s The Night Comes For Us back in September. Thankfully some projects haven’t faltered, including Anggy Umbara‘s upcoming heist sequel, Comic 8: Casino Kings. The film is arriving in 2015 with a larger cast and even greater scope to accomodate its larger budget following the success of its first installment in early 2014. Several cast and set pictures have appeared online, and if you’ve been enthusiastically following the career of fellow Indonesian action star Yayan Ruhian can expect to see him in the upcoming heist action adventure as well, that is if this picture has anything to say for it. Ruhian contributed to the pre-production phase of The Night Comes For Us with action star Iko Uwais solely choreographing the fights, and Merantau and The […]

[UPDATED] THE NIGHT COMES FOR US Is On Hold, Production Uncertain

Lee B. Golden III

UPDATE (12/24/14): Based on a Tweet response four days ago, it appears that Tjahjanto is taking his vision for the former production of The Night Comes For Us and putting it into graphic novel form with Glitch Network. Production on the film itself suddenly halted back in September for reasons unknown. (Special thanks to commentor, Fatso, for the heads’ up!) EARLIER REPORT: Fans of Gareth Huw Evans’s 2011 action thriller, The Raid, may have noticed one other title that’s gone quite a while without much mention in the headlines. That title, of course, Killers co-helmer Timo Tjahjanto’s Indonesian crime epic, The Night Comes For Us, for which The Raid co-star Joe Taslim was the subject of much buzz when he was officially cast for the lead in April of last year. Well, if you fit the profile and have long been pining for more details surrounding the film, the good […]

AFM 2014: THE RAID Remake Trio Set To Go BEYOND SKYLINE

Lee B. Golden III

Well this is intersting news! I’ve never seen the 2010 installation of the sci-fi thriller, Skyline. The trailer itself was appealing though, but being the action aficionado I try to be, I eventually put it off. Now, with the American Film Market in its fourth day of activity as of Saturday, who would have thought that the upcoming sequel from Hydralux Entertainment, Beyond Skyline would have given me more reason to see the first? And much to the approval of an international audience at that! (Looking at you Indonesia). According to Bloody Disgusting, action stars Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian are joining actor Frank Grillo for the upcoming sequel with Skyline scribes Liam O’Donnell and Joshua Cordes directing and writing, respectively. Greg Strause and Colin Strause helmed the first film which introduced the story of alien creatures descending on Earth looking to wipe away humanity. So, how integral will these […]

Enemies Stand Face-To-Face In The First Photo From YAKUZA APOCALYPSE!

Lee B. Golden III

Director Takashi Miike is well on his way with another potential hit with his next film, Yakuza Apocalypse. Marking the acclaimed director’s latest “rampage back to the basics” with a script by Yoshitaki Yamaguchi, the film sets lead actor Hayato Ichihara as a gangster caught in the nightmare of his life when he finds out his boss is a vampire. The film also stars Yayan Ruhian, best known for his memorable performances in Gareth Evans’ recent hits, The Raid and The Raid 2. “Miike is the first director I’ve worked with since Gareth Evans,” said Ruhian in a recent set report from Screendaily’s own Jason Gray. “Miike is very good with a unique character. Whatever I do, I make it fun for myself. I like Japan. I am making new friends.” Miike also clarified a bit more about the film’s setup and direction in the same report, adding “My aim […]