Hey Khitch...

[CTDeLude]

Heads up we have The City of Lost Souls by Miike at the Fairfax Cinemas playing now.

When I have no idea though.

Oh and is this worth it?

[Dan Laugharn]

I don't think you'd like it.

[Dan Laugharn]

Unless, of course, you like Miike, which would surprise the hell out of me.

[CTDeLude]

Danl Augharn:
Unless, of course, you like Miike, which would surprise the hell out of me.Ah what would give you that clue?

This does indeed sound less then the usual Miike flair but I could be wrong. Maybe standard yakuza violence mean something entirely differently to the LA Times then it does to me.

[CTDeLude]

And indeed I am willing to give Miike some kind of try...but mostly likely not something like the Ebola Syndrome or something along those lines.

And curiously...what does Miike look like?

[Andre Dellamorte]

I E-mailed Khitch recently because he's been quiet. It turns out he's at his Brother's wedding (or at least that's his cover story), so I don't know if he's reading the boards.

As for City of Lost Souls, its probably the most normal of Miike's efforts, and its filled with flourishes of Miike moments, but I was a little disapointed with it as a fan of his work (I prefer Audition and Visitor Q to Dead or Alive). I'd call it a minor effort, but it might be a good place to dip your toe.

[Andre Dellamorte]

Here's Miike
<img src="http://www.midnighteye.com/interviews/images/pic_takashi_miike.jpg" alt="" />

[CTDeLude]

Andre 'Lefty' Dellamorte:
I E-mailed Khitch recently because he's been quiet. It turns out he's at his Brother's wedding (or at least that's his cover story), so I don't know if he's reading the boards.

As for City of Lost Souls, its probably the most normal of Miike's efforts, and its filled with flourishes of Miike moments, but I was a little disapointed with it as a fan of his work (I prefer Audition and Visitor Q to Dead or Alive). I'd call it a minor effort, but it might be a good place to dip your toe.Gonna have to try and meet Khitch one of these days. Seems like a fantastic guy.

How would you rate the violence (probably know what I mean in Miike's case) in Audition and Visitor Q? I really need a good reason or given reasoning by the director to be able to stomach such movies that have such gruesome violence. Its not that the violence itself is something I am against. Its just that if it doesnt serve a proper purpose then I am totally turned off.

Hope that makes sense.

[CTDeLude]

Andre 'Lefty' Dellamorte:
Here's Miike
<img src="http://www.midnighteye.com/interviews/images/pic_takashi_miike.jpg" alt="" />Ha guessed right!

A Midnight Eye pic.

[Andre Dellamorte]

Guessed Right? Huh? About the picture? Miike's interviewed in Tokyoscope, which is agood little resource.

Audition's violence is central to the plot but it's a horror movie, and the film itself is fairly extreme. But I never found it to be gratutious (though that comment has been leveled at Miike more than I care to count). Visitor Q is probably best described as an attempt to be more transgressive than Pink Flamingos (if such a thing were possible) that succeeds.

Miike's films are - for the most part - extreme, and fascinated with the most base desires, with violence, fucking, and shitting. City of Lost Souls is one of his mellower works, and it includes cockfighting (not with penises mind you, though I wouldn't put it past him).

[Dan Laugharn]

What gave me that clue is the school teacher/student lesbians, the hermaphrodites, the assassins that shoot darts from their chachas, etc. Just doesn't seem like your "thing" I guess. Oh, and here's another picture of Miike:

<img src="http://www.grammarporn.com/graphics/delphi/miike.jpg" alt="" />

[CTDeLude]

Andre 'Lefty' Dellamorte:
Guessed Right? Huh? About the picture? Miike's interviewed in Tokyoscope, which is agood little resource.

Audition's violence is central to the plot but it's a horror movie, and the film itself is fairly extreme. But I never found it to be gratutious (though that comment has been leveled at Miike more than I care to count). Visitor Q is probably best described as an attempt to be more transgressive than Pink Flamingos (if such a thing were possible) that succeeds.

Miike's films are - for the most part - extreme, and fascinated with the most base desires, with violence, fucking, and shitting. City of Lost Souls is one of his mellower works, and it includes cockfighting (not with penises mind you, though I wouldn't put it past him).Heh from what I've read I wouldn't put it past him neither.

Well I cant say I don't know what I am getting into when I view his works.
Well I am going to see how BR is and so far I am not fearful of that considering I have seen a couple violent clips and haven't been turned off even if it is violence amongst children.

So who around here is heavily into the Asian pictures coming out?

Because I know you can hear about BR and be a fan of Woo and a couple other directors but still miss entirely what is going on in other countires and with other directors. I have found there is lot more to Asian cinema then is stated or talked about here recently. So far I have been impressed.

Which reminds me...what is the consensus on the Korean flick...2009 Lost Memories?

[CTDeLude]

Jackass Movie:
What gave me that clue is the school teacher/student lesbians, the hermaphrodites, the assassins that shoot darts from their chachas, etc. Just doesn't seem like your "thing" I guess. Ah....well it isn't usually my thing and I can admit that I am not fond of seeing that stuff in all Miike's glory on the screen.

*Shurgs* Like I said there has to be a larger message behind everything. Of course even if you have a great message you can go to far but I figure I have yet to see that limit.

[Dan Laugharn]

CTDeLude:
Like I said there has to be a larger message behind everything.I really don't think there is when it comes to Miike.

[CTDeLude]

So the title shock auteur would apply then?

Ah well looks like I will be looking for some more meaningful flicks around town then.

Just not my cup of tea.

[Dave Davis]

i thought City of Lost Souls was pretty mediocre, particularly in comparison to Miike's other movies i've seen. definitely more straightforward than the majority of his other efforts. Michelle Reis is pretty gorgeous though

[Blunt]

CTDeLude:
So the title shock auteur would apply then?For my money, "shit auteur is a better word" :D

[CTDeLude]

See there is a point where I just can't handle a director and this would seem to be one of those times. I may be missing the whole point of what he is trying to get across (maybe nothing) but I can only take so much. I like the director to decide and take some variety from his "shock" style if he has one.

But has anyone noticed that Asian directors dress freakin awesome?

WKW that man has sytyle.

:D

[Dave Davis]

CTDeLude:

Which reminds me...what is the consensus on the Korean flick...2009 Lost Memories?not bad at all. actually a pretty interesting deviation from your basic Asian run-and-gun/male relationship flick. it does have Korean/Japanese politics as a backdrop, but nothing so deep or esoteric that it can't be followed.

and the first 20 minutes should be shown to anyone who thinks the "lobby scene" in The Matrix "kicks ass"

[CTDeLude]

Right now I am seriously looking at increasing my knowledge of the film business in most Asian countries as I believe there is some incredible things coming out and ideas about filmmaking being explored so I am trying not to miss much...

And like I said before I am seriously thinkingthat if there is a chance I might want to go study film in either Japan or Hong Kong. There is some incredible things that can be exploited between Asian and American filmmaking brought together.

[Isao Kanemasa]

I enjoyed City of Lost Souls. It's not particularly out there like some other Miike classics, but it's got a lot of good quirks of its own. I found the booby-trapped Ping Pong table especially hilarious.

Chris, you don't need to travel abroad to learn what a lot of Asian filmmakers know, as a lot of them graduated from stateside film schools. It's just that the studio system in Asia isn't as structured or hindered by Hollywood style bureaucracy so they can work better without interference. Plus (for the most part), the directors carry a lot more weight than the producers or studio execs.

2009 Lost Memories is a strange hybrid, but it somehow works. Plus they built an entire museum exhibit hall from scratch for the sole purpose of riddling the entire place with M-60 rounds. Your home theater sound system will get an excellent workout.

[CTDeLude]

Well I am also curious about how they work their crews and such. To be honest I almost want nothing to do with the studios here. if I make a film I want it my own way. Seriously.

There is a way to do this and I am going to try my damndest to find it. But i do think it is incredible about what you can learn from foreign cinema.

If someone can put the pieces together then you have the possibility for incredible things.

I envy Roy Lee's job. This man sits in an office and watches dvds all day looking for properties to adapt and such. He brought Ringu to Dreamworks. In fact I am trying to find out more about his company Vertigo Entertainment.

I have a dream. And that dream I want to see to fruition. Don't know how or when but I will find it.

Yea money is a big issue. But money can be made if you look hard enough. And think smart enough.

Forgive me I am making this into my own little ra-ra speech.

Thanks for the info on the directors learning stateside.

Its good to know about 2099. I know HKFlix gave it some high marks.

Lots to learn lots to learn.

[CTDeLude]

Anyone catch Dark Water yet?

[CTDeLude]

More good news....seems Hero may very well have a US ...LA release before the end of the year to beat out the Oscar cut off date.

No established date yet but any LA people need to keep an eye out for this one and let us know please!

[Dave Davis]

Dark Water is... really slow. it does build a reasonably creepy atmosphere, but it's an awful lot of divorce proceedings and drippy ceilings to wade through (ahem), especially for the payoff.

[Isao Kanemasa]

That mom and her daughter totally won me over though.

Not really that scary, but some good moments. My wife freaked during the faucet scene and when she realized what had happened to the missing girl.

[CTDeLude]

Hmmm because I was thinking of going to see it at AFI Fest 2002 at the Arclight coming soon.

That and the showing of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

[Isao Kanemasa]

I'm thinking of going to their screening of The Way Home on Nov. 10, but it all depends on whether or not the DVD will street by that date.

The cost of the DVD (around $20) already covers the ticket price for two at the Arclight, but the real bonus is that I won't have to suffer thru the pseudo film hipsters in line endlessly rambling on and on inbetween their Espresso Lattes and puffing on their Camels. The Nuart has scarred me in this regard.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
I'm thinking of going to their screening of The Way Home on Nov. 10, but it all depends on whether or not the DVD will street by that date.

The cost of the DVD (around $20) already covers the ticket price for two at the Arclight, but the real bonus is that I won't have to suffer thru the pseudo film hipsters in line endlessly rambling on and on inbetween their Espresso Lattes and puffing on their Camels. The Nuart has scarred me in this regard.Yes the things we go through to enjoy high cinema.

AFI Fest will probably attract a lot of the Camel smokers.

[Dan Laugharn]

While we're at it, I found this at a pawn shop for $8.00:

<img src="http://www.dighkmovies.com/v2/108/Roboc.jpg" alt="" />

Worth it?

[Isao Kanemasa]

For that cover art alone (not to mention bragging rights that you own something called RoboVampire), I'd say yes Dan.

[CTDeLude]

Ah a couple more questions Khitch or any other capable entity here....

Is What Price Survival and good little Flick to pick up?

Is Bangkok Dangerous a flick I can enjoy?

Is Princess Blade really a let down?

I'm thinking I should pick up Versus should i?

I am assuming Sonatine is something to pick up right?

Has there been any other movie from a few years till now I have missed out on?

Is The Warrior(India) any good? Or is those damn rain showers just too much!?

Burning Paradise? Volcano High? My Sassy Girl?

I can only trust non CHUD members only so much you know?

[Andre Dellamorte]

I will answer what I know for sure:

Sonatine is a Takeshi Kitano film, and Kitano is one of the great working directors. If you check this out, you should check out his entire body of work.

As for My Sassy Girl, I was nigh ordered to watch this my Khitch, and he was right. He was right.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Haven't seen What Price Survival yet but the concept of modern day gangsters fighting with swords instead of guns has me intrigued. Plus I liked the director's previous films Black Mask and Moonlight Express so maybe a yes, depending whether you can get it cheap.

I liked Bangkok Dangerous alot, it's a kind of a mix of John Woo heroic bloodshed and WKW visuals and themes of alienation. The Region 1 DVD is Full Frame, so I suggest a rental first. With this and The Eye, the Pang Brothers have definitely made an impact.

Haven't seen Princess Blade or The Warrior yet but hope to soon.

Versus, I thought was aiight, with some moments of giddy joy but not as much as the hype suggests. I'd give it a 7 out of 10.

Sonatine - great. Trust Dre. Trust Kitano.

Burning Paradise - good/great. It's been a while since I saw it. The action's fairly brutal.

Volcano High - Whacky. Fun. Go with it and you'll have a blast.

My Sassy Girl - again, trust Dre. Trust Dave. Trust me.

And Dre, if you're ready for some more teary Korean melo:

Failan - I can see them remaking this with Deniro.
Ditto - Not as heart-wrenching, but still bittersweet. The leads are solid.

[CTDeLude]

Ah alright...thanks for the heads up on some of them...and I really dont trust almost any region 1 dvds of films from across the seas so thus I order from either dddhouse, senasian, or aznfilms, with the occasional HKFlix.

LadyKoel (my girlfriend if anyone didn't know yet) has the Apex that I gave here that plays all regions as well as having the NSTC/PAL decoder so I don't have to worry about not being able to view the films I get. All I have to worry about is whether or not I can get the kmost out of what I buy.

[Dave Davis]

CTDeLude:
Ah a couple more questions Khitch or any other capable entity here....

Is What Price Survival and good little Flick to pick up?

Is Bangkok Dangerous a flick I can enjoy?

Is Princess Blade really a let down?

I'm thinking I should pick up Versus should i?

I am assuming Sonatine is something to pick up right?

Has there been any other movie from a few years till now I have missed out on?

Is The Warrior(India) any good? Or is those damn rain showers just too much!?

Burning Paradise? Volcano High? My Sassy Girl?

I can only trust non CHUD members only so much you know?dunno if i consider myself capable, but here's my pair of pennies:

i liked What Price Survival, but i'm a big fan of the one-armed swordsman movies and other sharp-edged fun. some may find it overstyled

Bangkok Dangerous is a well-made film, but i wasn't as wowed as others seem to be. i wouldn't call it an action film, more of a drama with some guns, and the de facto star has about as much leading man appeal as Steve Buscemi

i liked Princess Blade, but thought it could've been a lot "more" than it was. it hints at macro but delivers micro, if that makes sense. cute lead chick and some decent action stuff though. and again, me like the swordplay

Versus: yes. Sonatine: yes.

haven't seen The Warrior, but loved the song by Scandal. haven't seen Burning Paradise either

Volcano High is good, though it's not the second coming some have heralded it as. still, the final 45 minutes is so ridiculously hyperkinetic it's hard not to be entertained.

loved My Sassy Girl.

[CTDeLude]

Ah my CHUD allies I do not aim to disappoint in my knowledge on foreign cinema in due time. I have been so thoroughly enraptured by the films of Akira Kurosawa I had yet to take a gander at the films of today.

And how come no one seems to be hyped up by Hero?

Just on a pure artistic level alone? wink

[Andre Dellamorte]

Oh Versus, I'm about on the same page as Khitch on that one. Good, but shouldn't be blown up and out.

As for Hero, I'm excited about it, but since it's a Miramax release stateside, it could be a mixed end result.

[CTDeLude]

So what is the guess on Miramax's move considering they are considering using this as a Osacr contender?

China has said this will be the Foreign language entry but look at what happened with CTHD.

And really reading that Asia Times article I was blown away by the possiblities this movie will present.

So the only thing I actually am worried about is what Zhamou(?) is doing with it and not what Miramax will do with it considering we pretty much foreign flicks via the foreign dvds.

Although it would be nice to see this on a big screen like CTHD.

I mean just the thought of what went into the colors of this films is incredible. I have posted two of the actual posters in the Hero thread and you can tell this well be indeed an artistic film.

[Dave Davis]

Versus could definitely stand to lose about a half hour or so, but when i was watching it i couldn't help but think that the filmmakers were just amazed at the fact they were making such a giddy, gory over-the-top horror/action spectacle with gratuitous "cool" posing. guess it was infectious

i'm looking forward to Hero as well, but hesitantly... the last overblown big-budget movie from China i saw was Legend of Zu. guh. i'll definitely be grabbing the overseas Hero DVD though, probably/hopefully before its stateside release

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
And how come no one seems to be hyped up by Hero?
There isn't a film I anticipate more, with the possible exception of The Last Samurai. The potential for it to be absolutely majestic is just too fucking HUGE.

Absolutely cannot wait for the trailer, which has apparently started airing in China. Within the next few days, when I see it online, you can expect me to gush about it some more.

Picked up a copy of the latest Kino magazine (Korean) while in Seoul, they had a fantastic full color spread (several pages worth) of some mind-bogglingly beautiful images from the film not yet available online. Just knocked me on my ass. This will KILL.

[CTDeLude]

An image and a poster....

Zhang Zi Yi and Jet Li
<img src="http://www.monkeypeaches.com/pix/021027c.jpg" alt="" />

Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung (There is a green version too)
<img src="http://www.monkeypeaches.com/pix/021027a.jpg" alt="" />

I feel like HBAADU now! wink

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
CTDeLude:
And how come no one seems to be hyped up by Hero?
There isn't a film I anticipate more, with the possible exception of The Last Samurai. The potential for it to be absolutely majestic is just too fucking HUGE.

Absolutely cannot wait for the trailer, which has apparently started airing in China. Within the next few days, when I see it online, you can expect me to gush about it some more.

Picked up a copy of the latest Kino magazine (Korean) while in Seoul, they had a fantastic full color spread (several pages worth) of some mind-bogglingly beautiful images from the film not yet available online. Just knocked me on my ass. This will KILL.I was looking for your opinion most of all.

Yea any stills of this or Equilibrium I can get my hands onto I d/l for wonderment......

Which reminds me Khitch what is your ethnicity?

[Isao Kanemasa]

Ummm... Multi-Asian?

Both my parents are Korean, if that helps.

[Dave Davis]

CT, do your interests and/or preferences (foreign or otherwise) lie in any particular genre(s)? just to get a frame of reference as to how my recommendations might fall in line with your tastes. me, i run pretty much the whole gamut: horror, kung fu, action, drama, comedy, cop flicks, artsy, period, sci-fi, swordplay, and as much over-the-top stuff as i can get.

giving a quick glance over at the DVD rack, here's a sampling of some Asian flicks i've enjoyed that i would personally recommend. some you've surely seen (i'll skip the obvious choices like Shaolin Soccer, Ring, Battle Royale, etc. and the works of greats like Kurosawa and Seijun Suzuki), and others listed have likely been previously discussed among us elsewhere on the boards. your mileage may vary, but i'm sure Khitch, Dellamorte and some others can give a solid second opinion.

HK/CHINA:
The Blade
Time & Tide
Wing Chun
Tai Chi Master
The Mission
Running Out of Time
Ninja in the Dragon's Den
God of Cookery
Forbidden City Cop
Bullet in the Head
Fong Sai Yuk
Bride With White Hair
Chinese Ghost Story
A Hero Never Dies
Mr. Vampire
2002
Police Story
Master of the Flying Guillotine
Storm Riders
Dragon Inn
Lifeline
Dr. Lamb
Fulltime Killer
A War Named Desire
Millionaire's Express
Tiger on the Beat

JAPAN:
Shark Skin Man & Peach Hip Girl
Stereo Future
Kairo
Zipang
St. John's Wort
Uzumaki
Space Travelers
Brother
Waterboys
Samurai Fiction
Party 7
Another Heaven
Moon Over Tao

KOREA:
Musa
The Gingko Bed
Bichunmoo
Guns & Talks
JSA
Friend
Foul King
My Wife is a Gangster
Public Enemy
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance

THAI:
Tears of the Black Tiger
Jan Dara

oh, and if you haven't seen it, Drive is an absolute blast.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Dave Davis:
HK/CHINA:
The Blade
Ninja in the Dragon's Den
homina homina homina...

On DVD??? Please tell me they're NTSC, Dave.

[CTDeLude]

And is it wrong to think Coco Lee is hot?

[Dave Davis]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
Dave Davis:
HK/CHINA:
The Blade
Ninja in the Dragon's Den
homina homina homina...

On DVD??? Please tell me they're NTSC, Dave.sorry, no... UK R2 PAL. picked 'em up from Benson's World ( <a href="http://www.bensonsworld.co.uk" target="_blank">www.bensonsworld.co.uk</a> ) for 9.99 pounds when they were having their Asian movie sale. good stuff

[Straxboy - An Anthony Hickox Film]

See, the Brits are good for some things...Hong Kong Legends label being one of them. Bey Logan, ex stunman and HK bit-part actor/all round authority contributes a host of audio commentaries, they really go guns on the restoration of the prints, you get a host of extras/interviews with the greats, the artwork is mighthy fine looking and for the price, pristeen DVD's of Iron Monkey, Police Story, Legend Of A Fighter, Magnificent Butcherand Mr Vampire to name but a few are simply joyous.

<a href="http://www.hongkonglegends.co.uk/" target="_blank"> check. it. out.</a>

[Isao Kanemasa]

I guess I have no more excuse now for not upgrading to a better Region Free player than the crapola Dingtian that I currently own (which sucks in PAL conversion). Thanks, Dave.

Chris, it's no more wrong than me harboring a 10 year dangerous infatuation with Bonnie Bedelia and Barb Hershey.

Strax, Bey is cool in Circus Kids, and I liked his articles in Action magazine. I don't think I'll ever forgive him for writing Gen-Y Cops though.

"Wassup, dog? Hell yeah, I know JUMBO!"

[CTDeLude]

Most region frees with PAL/NTSC conversion are pretty expensive right?

And would that affect my home theater system if I stuck that into a JVC system?

Meaning everything is JVC including the dvd...it came as a package.

I'm thinking of getting one.

[Dave Davis]

code-free players with PAL decoders can be found for as low as $80, but a pro-scan one will be around $200-300. i've heard the Jaton model they have at aznfilms.com is pretty popular and reliable

you shouldn't have any prob with your sound system. i've got two players, one piped into an Aiwa surround kit and the other into a JVC

[Isao Kanemasa]

Does Progressive Scan make that much difference on a 47" Projection HDTV?

I'm stuck between a lower-end Daewoo 5800 ($90) or a Malata 520 ($270), which has Pro-scan.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:

Chris, it's no more wrong than me harboring a 10 year dangerous infatuation with Bonnie Bedelia and Barb Hershey.
Ah so its alright if I think Korea has birthed some of the most incredible looking women right?

That one from Shiri wasnt bad at all and then you got Sung Hi Lee(bad actor) and Natasha Yi (another bad actor)!

Wow Weeee!

[CTDeLude]

Some news on 2046 by WKW....also posted in the original thread in Upcoming Movies

From an interview with Zhang ZiYi

Shooting of 2046 will start soon. Wong (Kar-Wai) has asked me to check in on November 17th. There is no script and (I) know nothing about
my role. Based on the test shot I did earlier this year, (I think) it is probably a strange futuristic character. My hair was made very tall and I was
walking the wire with high-heel shoes. 2046 is a big mystery to me. I feel curious and expected. Yup sounds like this is a WKW vehicle.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Ah so its alright if I think Korea has birthed some of the most incredible looking women right?Normally I'd agree but I don't know what roughly 80% of Korean actresses/starlets actually looked like before they cut themselves up.

Plastic surgery runs rampant in that industry to a degree that'll put Hollywood to shame. The real sad part is that most of them looked just fine without it. A little off the chin here, a slight bridge on the nose there, etc.

Yun Jin Kim (Shiri) actually graduated from that NY school of arts from Fame. She's got a new flick out in Korea called Deep Loves (about marrital infidelity) where she looks just absolutely smoking. Don't know if that's her real face.

Sung Hee Lee - Good boob job. Not an actress.

Never heard of Natasha Yi.

[CTDeLude]

Yi happens to be an import model. She was in a brief scene(bath house) in Rush Hour 2 (another boob job)

But I can honestly say that many of the Korean girls I grew up with(seems the Valley had a lot of them) were in one way or another stunning. Heh in fact that was the crowd I pretty much only hung out around.....I was one of those white guys you always see in High School that hung around a whole group not of his color.

Is that pic even worth it (Deep Loves?)

It is a shame when women resort to such thing especially when they are stunning beforehand.

I suppose that has been running rampant everywhere now. A shame.

Hmmm I always though Sung Hi Lee was pretty much small chested...she get work done recently?

[Isao Kanemasa]

Korean Valley girls, you say? Guilty! No matter what story they tell you :D

Kidding aside, I'd say a majority of the Korean sisters I'd met over the years have had some sort of work done. Except for my wife, who's a natural beauty.

CTDeLude:

Is that pic even worth it (Deep Loves?)
Dunno what the final verdict is but that trailer was pretty hot.

[CTDeLude]

Although one of the most flithiest mouthed, in desperate need of anger management chicks I have ever seen was a Korean.

Totally caught me off guard when I met her.

Best teacher i ever had was korean. used to make fun of the way they talked.

never can tell if they are mad or not at each other when they talk he used to say.

[CTDeLude]

Just managed to catch the first 6 minutes or so of 2009 Lost Memories but already i can tell this movie has Shiri beat and that is saying something.

Sorry to post about 6 minutes of film but I am enthusiastic...

Oh Khitch are you going to catch FullTime Killer at the American Cinematheque? 8 tomorrow night....the writer is going to be there to introduce the film and take questions if I am right.

[Isao Kanemasa]

If there is one thing that I gathered about you from reading your posts on the boards, CT, is that you have no shortage of genuine enthusiasm.

Great to hear that you're finding Lost Memories (so far) to be as fun as I did. Did you get this from Music Plaza or did you order it online? Lead actor Jang Dong Gun (Masayuki) is also excellent in Friend, if you're so compelled to seek his other works.

Funny thing, I saw him and Shin Hyun Jun (Guns & Talks, Bichunmoo) standing behind us in line at LAX for our flight to Korea. It turns out they were in town for the premiere of The Truth About Charlie (co-starring Korean actor Joon Hoon Park). Living in LA has its perks, it's true.

Not gonna make the Fulltime Killer screening, as I've seen it enough times on DVD, and I'm not too excited about hearing what Joey O'Brien has to say. But please do share your thoughts should you go.

[CTDeLude]

Heh just got done and....wow.

You'd think some things including the ending would come off corny or just ridiculous but somehow it remains an emotional impact.

Incredibly stylized unlike any film I have really yet seen. Masayuki Sakamoto was totally channeling some Chow yun Fat in there along with the look itself as well. incredible how much he does look like Yun Fat.

I was not disappointed and this was worth buying...just have to wait until I understand Korean for the 2 disc. That might take awhile though...gotta learn Spanish then French first :)

Anyways Khitch, Davis and whomever else who recommended this big thanks go out.

I really am becoming besotted with Asian filmmaking. It is a shame we can't come up with something so fresh looking here in America.

I wonder how Equilibrium will look in comparison.

Oh and the bamboo forest scene was incredible. just wish there had been more to it then what ther was.

Two thubs up along with some toes.

[Dave Davis]

glad you dug 2009, CT. i actually enjoyed it more the second time. that opening shames most US action flicks for pure destruction.

oh and Khitch, pro-scan definitely makes a difference, especially on a RPTV (that's what i have too). it won't help on a lot of the HK discs that are non-anamorphic (they seem to be more concerned with sound, as DTS tracks are far more common with Asian discs), but your PAL DVDs will look a lot better

and the UK Hong Kong Legends DVDs are worth every penny. the Game of Death set rocks, and there's no other way to get the unedited version of Drive

[CTDeLude]

Yea Dave that opening few minutes had more energy then most flicks today.

And then for some reason the timeline sequence was incredible and was able to really gear you up for what follows in the film.

Just wish I could understand the second disc frown

[Isao Kanemasa]

Thanks, Dave. It appears I may have to upgrade to a Malata after all to take advantage of the pro-scan features then. Maybe after my next paycheck clears or until my region-free Dingtian breaks down, whichever comes first.

CT, I was actually lucky enough to catch this in Seoul way back in February. Most of the audience were either scratching their heads or groaning when they introduced that time travel twist so late in the pic but I found it refreshing and elevated this type of genre flick to a whole new, almost gonzo level.

Ultimately, the movie failed to find a big enough audience within its native country due to the premise (a future where Korea has been completely colonized by Japan due to the failed assassination of a key political figure at the start of the pic) turning off a lot of nationalists and older citizens who still harbor anti-Japanese sentiments.

They failed to see that ultimately it's a very nationalistic and patriotic flick, about a man fighting to preserve his heritage and country, even if the cost means the sacrifice of everything he once held dear (friends, career, his own sense of personal identity).

Love this movie lots.

[CTDeLude]

What is interesting is that it was almost difficult who to sympathize with at one point in the flick.

Though thinking back I think that helped you empathize with the main character more.

Any particular scenes stand out for you Khitch or Dave?

[CTDeLude]

Double posting...

[Isao Kanemasa]

- The opening seige at the Museum holding the Inoue Exhibition and the raid by the JBI forces.

- The underground battle between the Fureisenjin rebels and JBI forces.

- The dual explanation of altered history to both lead actors by their respective superiors

- The intercutting of the raid and the Japanese Matsuri (festival)

- Bamboo forest confrontation

- Saigo's death scene (very reminiscent of Shiri's final bulletshot. Shiri interestingly was a huge hit in Japan and possibly influenced actor Toru Nakamura to take this part)

Too many other good moments to mention.

[CTDeLude]

Ah yes that final standoff was something was it.

Made the lead actor look incredibly smart to shoot the other guy first.

May I remind people who read this this thread is full of spoilers...

Oh and Khitch was this mostly in Japanese or was it actually Korean....gai-jin wants to know...

Also I was wondering if any of the Japanese would call the Koreans garlic-eaters....(incredible the hate between China, Japan, and Korea no?)

[CTDeLude]

And Korean and Japanese sound so much less harsh then Manchurian.....watched the Hero trailer again it was interesting how much I could tell the difference.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Oh and Khitch was this mostly in Japanese or was it actually Korean....gai-jin wants to know...

Also I was wondering if any of the Japanese would call the Koreans garlic-eaters....(incredible the hate between China, Japan, and Korea no?)Mostly Japanese except for Masayuki's conversation with his dad's friend in his apartment and all dialogue between Masayuki and the Korean rebels.

The hate between Korea, Japan, and China is too deeply rooted in WW2 and the periods of Japanese military occupation of Korea, China, and parts of Russia. I think you'd hate them too if they had systematically slaughtered your ancestors and for the longest period of time, deny any wrongdoing or responsiblity.

The anti-Korean and Chinese feelings on Japan's part is more a Japanese superiority complex, and is explained in more detail in Go, an excellent Japanese teen angst drama about a Zainichi (2nd Gen Korean living in Japan) teen struggling to find his identity in a xenophobic society.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
And Korean and Japanese sound so much less harsh then Manchurian.....watched the Hero trailer again it was interesting how much I could tell the difference.Mandarin, not Manchurian.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
CTDeLude:
And Korean and Japanese sound so much less harsh then Manchurian.....watched the Hero trailer again it was interesting how much I could tell the difference.Mandarin, not Manchurian.My fault...shoulda known.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
My fault...shoulda known.Common mistake, as I've heard someone ask for a Mandarin Candidate on VHS once. No shit.

So, you going to that screening of Fulltime Killer at the Egyptian tonight? Tell me how it turned out.

[CTDeLude]

Yes i am...leaving in about 15 minutes...hopefully it wont be sold out by the time I get there.

[CTDeLude]

Oh and I saw Tokyo Raiders today at BB but didn't buy till I got some feed back here...

Is it worth it and do I want to buy from BB rather then online?

Just in case it is butchered and all you know.

[NathanW]

I bought Tokyo Raiders not long ago, I bought it from a music store and couldn't believe my luck(HK Movies aren't sold in retail stores where I live so i picked it up while I could). Just my luck it has Ekin Cheng in it, which is never a good incentive but it also has Tony Leung Chiu Wai.
The story is very confusing, the less said about Ekin(He plays an eight time Wushu champ, Jet Li better watch himself) the better. The fight scenes are well choreographed and Tony holds his own, even Ekin, I have to say, managed to look good and the film was very nice to look at, courtesy of Jingle Ma but in the end, unless you're a Tony Leung or Ekin Cheng fan it's not worth purchasing, maybe worth a rental but I wouldn't advise buying it online.

[Isao Kanemasa]

TR also has Toru Nakamura (Saigo from Lost Memories) in it for all of 10 minutes, I think.

Very light, disposable entertainment I thought, with an Ekin performance that is less painful than most due to Kelly Chen also providing some additional snooze factor.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai gets to cut loose from his stuffy WKW roles and it's kinda refreshing to see him ride a scooter, do kung fu, & just generally act goofy.

Nowhere near a must see, but if you can get it cheap I wouldn't advise you NOT to pick it up.

[Tony Ryan]

As much as of the Tony fan that I am, I can NOT stand TR.

If you can find it for cheap, it is worth it for one scene only.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Which scene, Tony?

And the Columbia Tristar DVD at BB should do the trick, but I wouldn't pay $14.99 for it. Wait for Black Friday.

[CTDeLude]

Fulltime Killer wasn't half bad.

In fact my friend and I really enjoyed it.

Kinda like Snatch HK style.

You could tell an American had a hand in it.

And the writer barely said anything.

If I had actually gotten to interview him like I should have I dont know what I would have done with him.

Ah well.

More thoughts later.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Glad you enjoyed it CT. How was the crowd turnout? Were others in the audience as receptive as you and your friend were?

I thought the movie was entertaining, but I admit I was a little disappointed as it had all the potential to be a classic HK hitman film but kinda fell short, in the story and action department. Still better than most action exercises though.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
Glad you enjoyed it CT. How was the crowd turnout? Were others in the audience as receptive as you and your friend were?

I thought the movie was entertaining, but I admit I was a little disappointed as it had all the potential to be a classic HK hitman film but kinda fell short, in the story and action department. Still better than most action exercises though.Yes indeed they were my friend...though they laughed at perhaps too many things in the film all the same it seemed like a good vibe coming from the crowd. In fact I don't recall a negative reaction at all really. Heh it has also been awhile since I was in a theatre where the audience clapped at the correct respectful times. Good sign.

I'd have to say the turnout was something like 450-500 people....616 seatingh theater that ain't half bad.

The writer though....ugh! wink

[Isao Kanemasa]

Shit, that's quite a turnout. Spectacular, even. Never been to the Egyptian in all my years in LA. Maybe I should plan a trip soon. I just hope I can quarrantine myself from the usual militant arthouse crowds. They'd be a colorfully wacky bunch if they weren't so fricking annoying.

[Andre Dellamorte]

As per contractual agreement:

"Full Time Killer is good, but it's director Johnnie To did a great film called The Mission with Lam Suet and Simon Yam that is about 1000000000000 times better. It's one of my favorite films of all time."

Whew. Got that out.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Yup, now that film would've got my ass to leave the house and brave the scary crowds.

Good Lord, what I wouldn't give for a remastered Anamorphic DVD of that classic.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
Shit, that's quite a turnout. Spectacular, even. Never been to the Egyptian in all my years in LA. Maybe I should plan a trip soon. I just hope I can quarrantine myself from the usual militant arthouse crowds. They'd be a colorfully wacky bunch if they weren't so fricking annoying.Wasn't all that bad but you could tell it was an Arthouse crowd.

[CTDeLude]

Andre Dellamorte:
As per contractual agreement:

"Full Time Killer is good, but it's director Johnnie To did a great film called The Mission with Lam Suet and Simon Yam that is about 1000000000000 times better. It's one of my favorite films of all time."

Whew. Got that out.Hmmm...well I'll admit Fulltime Killer isn't the greatest movie but I think it was the humor that had me in stiches which made the movie so enjoyable for me.

I'll have to check out the Mission one day then.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Hmmm...well I'll admit Fulltime Killer isn't the greatest movie but I think it was the humor that had me in stiches which made the movie so enjoyable for me.
Unintentional humor, no doubt. But then again, maybe that was the intention. You can never tell with these Johnnie To comedies.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
CTDeLude:
Hmmm...well I'll admit Fulltime Killer isn't the greatest movie but I think it was the humor that had me in stiches which made the movie so enjoyable for me.
Unintentional humor, no doubt. But then again, maybe that was the intention. You can never tell with these Johnnie To comedies.I dont really think it was unintentional.

I keep saying in my mind that you could tell a white boy had a hand in writing this.

Snatch HK style.

Is The Mission much the same?

[Andre Dellamorte]

No, it is the ultimate Mercs hired on a job who become buddies movie. There is comedy, but it is the perfect action film.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CT, I'll tell you all the parts that I cracked up at during FTK, most of it unintentional (I think) :

- Takashi Sorimachi pronouncing "Fulltime Killer" in English (Why?).

- Andy's English ("This is shit money!", etc.)

- Lam Suet's English (used to much better, intentional comic effect in To's Needing You)

- Identical flashback to Tok and his brother's seizures during the Olympics (just the way it was handled). Maybe it's the recurring theme where Andy always has to suffer from some sort of life-threatening disease or ailment in almost all his movies.

- That cheesy love ballad when O reminisces about his murdered housekeeper. Which pops up again inside the Indian target's car, momentarily distracting O.

- Simon Yam jumping and firing during the raid on O's apartment (Yeah you look cool, Simon!).

- Post-traumatic Simon acting his heart out. "So... Tok killed O?", "Without an ending... I'm writing a book without an ending...". Beer bottle to the head. Simon looking not the least bit bothered by this.

I dunno, maybe I was a bit disappointed after To's more stellar The Mission, Running Out of Time, and A Hero Never Dies. I still enjoy the movie lots, just not as much as his other, more worthwhile (imo) works.

[CTDeLude]

Ah I see what you mean.

I think there is where I thought people were laughing at the wrong moments.

For me even then that was something that didn't bother me. I don't know if this is a fad I'm going through but the unbelievable isn't bothering so much as of late. 2009 Lost Memories for example.

But some of those things were funny. especially the English speaking part.

Oh and I didn't find the main woman as attractive as the Interpol cop. Loved the Australian accent too. Who was she?

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Oh and I didn't find the main woman as attractive as the Interpol cop. Loved the Australian accent too. Who was she?Cherrie Ying, I think this was her debut.

I'd take Kelly Lin (the lead actress) over most of her HK contemporaries though. Cute face, not too annoying, and there just aren't enough mainstream HK starlets out there who can fill their bikinis.

[Dave Davis]

Andre Dellamorte:
No, it is the ultimate Mercs hired on a job who become buddies movie. and will henceforth be shattered by a superfluous US remake.

[Dave Davis]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
- Simon Yam jumping and firing during the raid on O's apartment (Yeah you look cool, Simon!).

- Post-traumatic Simon acting his heart out. "So... Tok killed O?", "Without an ending... I'm writing a book without an ending...". Beer bottle to the head. Simon looking not the least bit bothered by this.

Simon Yam can do no wrong.

well, maybe that whole Tomb Raider 2 thing.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Dave Davis:
Simon Yam can do no wrong.

well, maybe that whole Tomb Raider 2 thing.It goes without saying that I truly love the man, Dave. His involvement in TR2 is what catapulted its status from Will See to Must See and Own for me.

I watched TR over the weekend again. I think the lack of a truly tasty villain is what hurt part 1 the most. Simon should take care of that problem, no question.

[CTDeLude]

Is Butterfly and Sword any good?

And which of the Swordsman trilogy should I try and get?

[CTDeLude]

And Legend of Zu is one crazy movie.

[Dave Davis]

but not necessarily a good one...

[CTDeLude]

Dave Davis:
but not necessarily a good one...Heh yea plot is kinda hard to grasp and seems like dialouge is missing everywhere.....and it was just "glorious" to see the the brothers were also Exec Producers.

Visuals are quite nice and interesting to look at.

[Isao Kanemasa]

The HK produced Swordsman trilogy?

I liked Swordsman II the best, for the Jet factor.

Part 3, aka The East Is Red, which has Yu Rong Guang (Iron Monkey) and Joey Wong (Chinese Ghost Story series) in it, is ultimately too bloated and disjointed, although it has its moments as well.

Haven't seen Part 1 which stars Sam Hui (Aces Go Places) but have heard positive things about it.

Still haven't been able to sit thru the entirety of Legend of Zu.

[CTDeLude]

I got 3/4 the way through it but then Seahawk decide to IM me and through off my entire viewing experience....

so nothing on Butterfly and Sword?

PS updated the Hero thread some.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
so nothing on Butterfly and Sword?

PS updated the Hero thread some.Afraid not. One of the many that came in below radar.

I did notice the bump in the Hero thread. I just hope you're not setting yourself up for disappointment, CT, given the (seemingly) extremely high expectations you've placed on it wink

[CTDeLude]

Well I can admit I don't have extremely high expectations for this movie(even though it appears that way) I am looking forward to it being a good movie but right now I am trying to get people aware of the movie. Seems CHUD will go ga-ga over some cool sounding American movies yet remain out to lunch still on cool sounding Asian films. I mean after reading the attention to detail that they pulled for this movie(don't know if they are digital grading)

More in a sec...they're putting a printer here right now.

[CTDeLude]

Alright so maybe I don't having anything else to add.

For now. wink

[Isao Kanemasa]

Dang, and here I was, waiting on pins and needles too!

CT, I've got good news for you and other LA based Chewers who are into the Korean cinema scene.

CGV, the biggest theater chain in Korea (similar to Edwards or AMC) is planning to open a 3 screen multiplex in Koreatown, near Wilshire and Western in 2004. Naturally they'll be showcasing the latest Korean releases, with English subs, and the occasional Hollywood releases with Korean subs (for the local English-challenged crowd).

We might run into each other there, you'll never know.

[CTDeLude]

Bulletproof Khitcher:
Dang, and here I was, waiting on pins and needles too!

CT, I've got good news for you and other LA based Chewers who are into the Korean cinema scene.

CGV, the biggest theater chain in Korea (similar to Edwards or AMC) is planning to open a 3 screen multiplex in Koreatown, near Wilshire and Western in 2004. Naturally they'll be showcasing the latest Korean releases, with English subs, and the occasional Hollywood releases with Korean subs (for the local English-challenged crowd).

We might run into each other there, you'll never know.Alright....sounds tres bien.

Well it is good to see that we have some good theatres showing something other then major releases or national independent films.

How is that area anyways (never been down there)? Do you think that kind of theatre would survive?

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
How is that area anyways (never been down there)? Do you think that kind of theatre would survive?It's right across the street from the famous Wiltern Theater, so it's pretty busy, and usually bustling with people and activities during most of the days and nights.

I think it'll do super. Up until recently the only LA venue for regular Korean film programming was the Korean Cultural Center on Vermont. Which sucked, in terms of facility and parking. Plus the films lacked English subs which alienated 99% of non-Korean speaking film enthusiasts. But they were always busy. The demand is there, and with the recent booming interest in the Korean film and DVD market, I think it'll keep growing.

And CGV's got some deep pockets. This will work out for them, no doubt in my mind.

[CTDeLude]

So nothing coming up in LA via the many theatres here?

On the 10th is Dark Water at Arclight but that is all I know about.

Least I think its the 10th.

Oh and as an aside from that...is there any dcent Michelle Yeoh earlier works? Or may I say her martial arts films? I know Wing Chun has been mentioned but thats about it....reminds me I know to look up Dave's list of films he enjoyed again.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Oh and as an aside from that...is there any dcent Michelle Yeoh earlier works? Or may I say her martial arts films? I know Wing Chun has been mentioned but thats about it....reminds me I know to look up Dave's list of films he enjoyed again.Yes Madam, directed by Corey Yuen and co-starring Cynthia Rothrock from way back in 1986. Stellar.

Available at Best Buy and most online retailers.

[CTDeLude]

Good God!

There is so much to uncover!

How bout Bichunmoo Khitch?

[CTDeLude]

And hell, while I'm at it...Chaos?

[Isao Kanemasa]

Bichunmoo is not that good in my opinion. Some decent scenes, and 1 standout one (with the black clad assassins) but nothing that hasn't been done better in CTHD or Swordsman 2. I got it cheap, so I'm not complaining, but I doubt I'll be playing this over and over again. If you do decide to get it, get the Korean Region 3 (which is anamorphic widescreen) and not the HK Full-frame edition.

Chaos, I haven't seen yet and I'm saving it to watch it with the wife when she gets back from Korea next week. I'll let you know then.

[CTDeLude]

Like someone asked Nick in the "Son of" thread....

do you get sick of me asking these questions?

[Isao Kanemasa]

Hell no. Keep 'em coming, CT

[CTDeLude]

Now if there was only some kinda way to rent these things!

Argh! I feel depraved by the size of my wallet!

[CTDeLude]

Also where is it possible to find quality reviews of these movies?

I'm think I can trust Aznfilms.com only so far because they sound like fan boys half the time.

And I know I can get only so many questions out to you and so many answers back in return.

granted I don't want to buy everything in one moment but after the AOTC and LOTR dvds I don't think I am buying America for a looong time.

[CTDeLude]

And probably the last thing for the night....

The Battle Royale DTS for 9.99 was the right one to pick up right?

[Blunt]

Might as well add my own question. I saw you wasn't much a fan of Fulltime Killer. It's released theatrically here in December, is it worth checking out in a theater or shall I just wait for DVD?

And I have Swordsman on VHS. Started watching it, fell asleep 5 minutes in (it was 4 in the morning) and haven't got around to watching it again, even though it showed promise.

[Dave Davis]

Swordsman or Swordsman 2? the Jet Li one is great

you can already get Fulltime Killer on DVD, the disc is Region 0. i enjoyed it quite a bit, but i'm a Johnny To fan

i liked Bichunmoo but it does tend to drag somewhat. i thought Chaos was a mess though

and Yes Madam is really fun. but if you're looking for Yeoh kicking much ass, Wing Chun is the way to go

[CTDeLude]

I enjoyed Fulltime Killer in the theatre as I saw it last Friday. Interesting to see how the crowd reacts.

Heh and the cover for the fullscreen Bichunmoo is amazing. In fact a lot of the special edition covers from Korean are pretty awesome looking.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CT, sometimes fanboy reviews have the best perspective and knowledge on Asian cinema, and from reading several on Aznfilms, I think those guys can be trusted. I mean, they even ragged on The Touch, which some other sites almost seemed to praise for its blandness. I haven't watched it yet, so I can't say.

Sorry to hear that about Chaos, Dave. I assumed it would at least have some merit to attract Deniro and Del Toro for the US remake. I'll see it in the next week or 2.

Blunt, I'd only watched Fulltime Killer on DVD, and it was OK/Enjoyable to me. Didn't really boost my interest up enough to watch it again in a theater, but most movies play better on the big screen, so maybe you'll dig it.

If it was Johnnie To's The Mission, on the other hand...

[CTDeLude]

So just to make a sure I didn't make a mistake (paying $9.99 for the thing has me wary) Is the BR DTS I purchased the right one to go with? I'm used to seeing such high prices I wasn't sure if I got the right one...why I didn't ask first here is beyond me.

[Isao Kanemasa]

It should be suitable enough, as it's the original HK Region 3 edition.

But it's not anamorphic, and the pic quality isn't up to the standards of Tartan's or the Korean 2-disc set.

If you're just fleetingly curious it should suffice.

[CTDeLude]

Ah well...only paid some 14 bucks for it so there isn't much a problem then if I like it to get another version.

[CTDeLude]

Well Khitch since Dave gave me his films he enjoyed I now ask......what would be your films to see? The films that provided you with a good viewing experience.

Also...if I were to do the column about growing asian cinema which films would you suggest to look at as examples? From all different kind of genres and countries.

You da man I admit. Best source so far of what to see and such so I trust you.

That and my enthusiasm :)

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Well Khitch since Dave gave me his films he enjoyed I now ask......what would be your films to see? The films that provided you with a good viewing experience.

Also...if I were to do the column about growing asian cinema which films would you suggest to look at as examples? From all different kind of genres and countries.Let's start with Korean:

Guns and Talks (hitman comedy, not necessarily action)
Hi Dharma (gangsters hiding out in Buddhist temple)
My Wife is a Gangster (fun fluff)
Phantom The Submarine (low rent but fairly intense Crimson Tide wannabe)
No Blood No Tears
Public Enemy (corrupt cop vs. sociopath thriller/comedy)
2009 Lost Memories
Failan (great tear-jerker about low-level gangster and his Chinese bride)
Friend (awesome coming of age/gangster tale, based on director's childhood)
JSA (terrific military mystery/unlikely friendship tale)
Ditto (Similar to Greg Hoblit's Frequency, quite a charming, bittersweet love story)
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (brutal, but if you can stomach the graphic violence, quite unforgettable)
Beat (shot WKW style, decent early Korean gangster tale)
Musa (no explanation necessary)
My Sassy Girl (see above)
Volcano High (quite enjoyable)
My Boss My Hero (comedy/action/social commentary/gangster drama)
Attack the Gas Station (comedy/social commentary)
Nowhere to Hide (interesting cinematic experiment using action film formula and cliches by reknowned arthouse director)
Il Mare (splendid love story with a fantasy angle)

A lot of these are reviewed in more detail at KFCC, and I more or less agree with them.

BTW, if you're going to write a column on the recent growing popularity of Asian cinema, no doubt you'll be covering the onslaught of Hollywood remakes of many of these films.

Hi Dharma (MGM), My Sassy Girl (Dreamworks), My Wife is a Gangster (Miramax), Ring (Dreamworks), Kairo (Dimension), Il Mare, Chaos... just to name a few.

I think Dave, Dellamorte, and a few other Chewers can give you much more detail regarding other Asian output (Japan, HK, China, Thai, India, etc.) than I could.

Looking forward to that column, CT.

[CTDeLude]

Ah many thanks sir.

I figured it might be a lot to write about every film from each country in the East.

But many thanks indeed.

[Isao Kanemasa]

You know what, CT? I went back to read KFCC's review of Failan and it's pretty dead-on perfect.

I'm gonna watch it again tonight as soon as I get home, even though I had originally planned to watch my Netflix rental Mother's Day.

I could use another soul (not to mention tear-duct) cleansing about now.

[CTDeLude]

Good to hear my friend good to hear.

I took a stroll to the bookstore on my lunch break to check out some film books.

Interesting thing is that I checked out two books for the heck of it to see if the went over something.

First book was the 2001 book about Ultra_Violent cinema...no mention whatsoever of any foreign title. The next one was about world cinema. It was published in 2002. No mention of Korea hat so ever. The HK titles were from about 10 years ago (cept Crouching Tiger which shouldn't have been in the HK part) and the Japan titles were all Kurosawa mostly.

Pretty lame, pretty lame.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Check out these 2 books if you get the chance.

<strong>Tokyoscope</strong> - Patrick Macias (classic and contemporary Japanese cinema)
<strong>Hong Kong Action Cinema</strong> - Bey Logan (mostly classic and some early 90's HK films)

Excellent reads, both of them.

Have yet to find a good book that introduces Korean cinema, but here's another worthy website, chock full of news and reviews:

<a href="http://www.koreanfilm.org" target="_blank">www.koreanfilm.org</a>

Darcy Paquet (the creator/author) is based in Seoul, so he's right at the source. He apparently also does translation work on some new release titles.

[CTDeLude]

Tres bien.

Merci.

[Tony Ryan]

The book that Asian Cult Cinema put out, oddly titled "Asian Cult Cinema" is also really good.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Tony, you got mail.

Which reminds me, the latest ACC mag is right up your alley, T. Special Miike issue. Pretty good info, if a bit outdated.

[Tony Ryan]

Nice. I'll be sure to pick that up, thanks for the heads up.

And I got your mail, and many more thanks. I'm going to go broke soon :) . I'll reply soon, have to run now. But many, many thanks.

[CTDeLude]

Now is there any magazine I can get (in English :) ) that comes out about Asian cinema?

I was looking the other day but couldn't find it.

And another aside....is there anywhere I can purchase posters of Korean movies? Or at least some of those dvd covers?

The Bichunmoo and Friend SE dvd covers are awesome looking.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Most Borders Books, Tower Videos and Virgin Megastores in the West Hollywood area should have either an Asian Cult Cinema or Damon Foster's Oriental Cinema magazine in their racks.

Music Plaza in K-town's got some posters, but they're mostly Music or TV related. You can probably ask the employees there or at any Korean video rental store for some older DVD or video posters, but no guarantee that they'll accommodate you :D

[CTDeLude]

Can I just say that this film picture alone makes me want to get Volcano High..

<img src="http://www.dvdasian.com/images/6/13441.9.jpg" alt="" />

[CTDeLude]

And just like that I get it.....I am losing self control.

[Dave Davis]

that kid is great in Volcano High. i loved the "other" sword girl too. was just a little disappointed in the movie, but it's pretty wild

[CTDeLude]

There was only Region 3 of this right?

[CTDeLude]

Should I have gotten the SE or the regular one?

Crap I need to check a little farther into this next time.

[Isao Kanemasa]

I have the Region 3 SE of Volcano High, which is great, but the new HK Region All DTS disc sounds bloody marvelous as well. Cheaper too, by about $6 at aznfilms.com, so you might want to give that one your attention, CT.

That bleach blond kid in the picture, Jang Hyuk, originally started in the biz a few years ago getting Korean TV commercial gigs for the sole reason that he looked like the shorter twin brother of Jung Woo Sung (spearman YeSol from Musa), who was biggest star in Korea at the time. Now due to this film, Jungle Juice (another recent action comedy), and a couple of wildly popular TV dramas, he's surpassed Jung in recent popularity.

[CTDeLude]

Cancelled the Korean version order and purchased the HK version...looking forward to seeing this. If I could enjoy Fulltime Killer like I did I am sure I can enjoy this.

And I really like the concept. God knows I need to observe some of this stuff to learn from anyways.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Dave Davis:
i loved the "other" sword girl too. She's adorable, isn't she? She was also great in Guns and Talks (the student who wanted her teacher killed) and she stars in Emergency!, apparently a Korean version of Cool As Ice, which is the greatest indication to stay the hell away.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Cancelled the Korean version order and purchased the HK version...looking forward to seeing this. If I could enjoy Fulltime Killer like I did I am sure I can enjoy this.
I'm sure you'll get a kick out of this, CT.

Perhaps I should state that the HK version is the International Cut, which is slightly shorter than the Korean cut.

Don't worry, the International Cut has been getting the better reviews from those who've seen both versions. I haven't watched the International Cut myself, but Lord knows there were some slow moments that nearly put me to sleep in the Korean cut.

All the action scenes should be intact, however.

[CTDeLude]

Gotta love how much effort you need to put into researching the different versions of the dics.

Next time I will look at the specs a bit more to find out. Heh...thats the problem sometimes with online shopping.

[Dave Davis]

Furutaimu Khitchaa:
She's adorable, isn't she? She was also great in Guns and Talks (the student who wanted her teacher killed) and she stars in Emergency!, apparently a Korean version of Cool As Ice, which is the greatest indication to stay the hell away.i really liked Guns & Talks, particularly the lead guy's attempted impersonation of Jean Reno's "Leon" performance.

i will say that the DTS audio of Volcano High is among the more impressive i've ever heard

[Isao Kanemasa]

Dave Davis:
i really liked Guns & Talks, particularly the lead guy's attempted impersonation of Jean Reno's "Leon" performance.
Hmm... I just assumed he was super-dense :D

Did you crack up as much as I did during the toll gate scene, Dave?

[CTDeLude]

Hmm it looks as if I might both versions before this whole thing gets cleared up here.

I cancelled the order from DVDAsia but since the Korean version has 21 more minutes (as being informed by them) they will be sending me that version.

Heh sent an email 3 minutes after the first inquiry email asking to cancel the order....maybe they "missed" that on aye?

Grrr...I'm sticking with Aznfilms.com from now on.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Try calling their store at (562)926-3755, if it's not too late.

[CTDeLude]

Furutaimu Khitchaa:
Try calling their store at (562)926-3755, if it's not too late.Unfortunately I'm at work and that one won't fly over the cuckoo's nest.

Well looks like I'll get to see them both and make a descision...who knows maybe I'll really like both?

*prays*

[Isao Kanemasa]

If it's not shipped out yet there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to cancel the order.

Or you could just drive out there and demand they cancel it, as their office is in La Mirada. They don't sell the DVDs in-store though, last I checked.

[CTDeLude]

Bloody! :)

Now is there somewhere in LA that I could pick up these items rather then online?

I mean this is LA for goodness sakes....there has got to be somewhere where they sell these films in store.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Well, there is a little place you might have heard of called Music Plaza in Koreatown... frown

[CTDeLude]

Furutaimu Khitchaa:
Well, there is a little place you might have heard of called Music Plaza in Koreatown... :(So true so true.....how far is that from the Valley? Errr Camelot? Errr Valley?

And are their prices comparable to the online prices (yet better because there is no shipping?)

[Isao Kanemasa]

And DVD Planet in Westminster has tons of HK ones.

[CTDeLude]

And yes I know I should have gone out there far before this....but Lady Koel wanted to go with me and we haven't had the chance frown

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
So true so true.....how far is that from the Valley? Errr Camelot? Errr Valley?

And are their prices comparable to the online prices (yet better because there is no shipping?)Reasonable driving distance.

Prices are Super-Duper. Cheaper than most online.

[CTDeLude]

Stupid me....many thanks!

[Isao Kanemasa]

Didn't mean to come off sounding too flip.

It's near the Wiltern Theater, about 1/3 mile directly south on Western Ave. Inside a 3 story indoor mall called Koreatown Plaza. It's quite nice, actually. 3rd floor.

Tell them I sent you, and watch them not give a shit.

[CTDeLude]

Mike was it?

[CTDeLude]

Ah yes.....

<a href="http://www.koreatownplaza.com" target="_blank">www.koreatownplaza.com</a>

[CTDeLude]

And Battle Royale came in today...after the Laker game looks like I will be watching this.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Now yer cookin'.

[CTDeLude]

No it didn't come in that day.

[CTDeLude]

Quick question boss....

In 2009 there is the scene in the Authorities HQ after the main character is being led away that he ask the guy with the glasses why he has new glasses. Then he breaks free and kills the guy. Why? I know the answer to the main characters question didn't fly but why shoot him? Was he the guy who killed his father's old partner?

The only thing about that movie I didn't get.

[CTDeLude]

So confused I had to double post to make sure I wasn't insane.

[CTDeLude]

What the bloddy hell?!

[Isao Kanemasa]

Third time's the charm, I guess :D

In answer to your question CT, yes, that's when he realized that he was the assassin in his apartment, when he saw the broken glasses amidst the rubble on the floor.

[CTDeLude]

Thanks Khitch.

Also a heads up that the trailers for Naked Weapon (Maggie Q :D ) and Internal Affairs (Andy Lau but you alreadyn knew about this film) are up at Monkey Peaches.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Anytime :D

Yup, I saw the trailer links at the Media Asia site, but for some reason my computer plays it real choppy, worse than the oldest Real Players. Hopefully they'll put up a Quicktime version soon.

[CTDeLude]

Heh well that is better then my inability to view them at all here at work.

Where is a place where I can view Asian theatrical trailers?

[Isao Kanemasa]

You can try this site, but I haven't had any luck playing any of them yet myself:

<a href="http://www.asiandb.com/stream/" target="_blank">http://www.asiandb.com/stream/</a>

Very up to date in Korean and Chinese films.

For the latest Japanese flicks, I usually just run a search in Yahoo Japan (they're available only in Japanese text though).

[CTDeLude]

Exactly what I have been looking forward.

Many thanks, as always, Khitch.

Maybe I will see you at the Kurosawa/Mifune fest.

[Isao Kanemasa]

You're welcome, and have fun at the Kurosawa fest. I won't be able to make it, due to erratic work/personal schedules and the fact that it's playing at the one theater I have vowed never to set foot inside, the Nuart.

[CTDeLude]

Yo always got to ruin my fun don't you Khitch? wink

Ah well. If I amright JD from KFCC should be making it up here to view some...maybe I'll see him there.

[Isao Kanemasa]

I don't necessarily hate the Nuart, but I'm sure it hates me. 2 parking tickets in the past 10 years can attest to it. Have they fixed this problem in recent years?

Maybe you and JD can raid Roy Lee's office after the show. Isn't he the one that interviewed him a few months ago? :D

[CTDeLude]

Yes he is. Seems like a good guy. Heck it didn't take much for me to be able to do some reporting on Asian related releases here in LA for his site.

That and he looks at the threads here on the boards. :)

Oh it looks like I got BR today (and perhaps Volcano High ...... so after the Laker game I will pop one of these bad boys in.

[Dave Davis]

hey khitch, have you ever seen Wild Criminal or Score 2? any good (as in worth purchasing)?

speaking of Miho Nomoto, i just saw a movie called Lady Ninja. what a wonderful, hilarious fucked up movie.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Haven't seen Wild Criminal yet, but from finally watching Dead or Alive 1 & 2 last night, I have developed a renewed interest in Riki Takeuchi. Can't wait to check out Hardboiled, which promises to be a riot. But I'm still not gonna buy his DTV Yakuza quadrilogy or the LA-lensed The Yakuza Way, no matter how pretty the covers look.

Score 2 is OK, but I actually liked it a lot more than the original Score, which to me was nothing more than a cheapo-looking Woo/Tarantino rip. Score 2 has a 15 minute setup and the rest is pretty much just non-stop fighting, though the idea sounds a lot more exciting than the execution. Some decent gun action, a little boobage courtesy of the foxy female thief, a lot of Versus style macho-posturing. Worth it if ya can find it cheap. Poker had it for $25 last I checked.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Is Lady Ninja the one where she shoots acid or fire from her tits? Then I agree, it's a total laugh riot. I remember watching one in the series a long time ago in Japan, but there's been countless sequels and spin-offs since the original entry in the early 90s.

[Dave Davis]

yes, and projectiles from her crotch. i couldn't help but think of Miike's Fudoh. highly entertaining, totally loopy stuff

i was amused by the first Score, mostly by its blatant plagiarism of Res Dogs. it didn't even try to hide it. it's the kind of movie that makes me wonder how Japanese filmmakers view Americans

[Isao Kanemasa]

I'm not sure how most Japanese filmmakers view their American counterparts, but Tarantino is treated like a rock star over in Japan. Dude appears in more commercials over there than Bruce Willis or Kevin Costner. Not as much as Arnold though, who's just shameless.

I know that the director of Score and Junk, Atsushi Muroga, is a Woo nut (and most likely an admirer of Quentin as well). The movie program (that they sell inside the theater for every film release) for Broken Arrow had a 5 page roundtable inteview with him and a couple of other Woo devotees who just jizzed all over the place numerous times after watching the movie.

I wish there was an English transcript available somewhere. The funniest (and genuinely infecting) roundtable interview I've ever read.

[CTDeLude]

Ah the poor misquided Japanese....(least in this)

Loving QT should rack up in the end to the equivalent of aristic murder.

Somehow I think he has begun to be out of touch with what is happening in Asian cinema today. Well at least that is the sense I get.

After viewing several films from Asia now I just look at QT's work and shake my head. Nothing to get excited about what so ever.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Oh you just wait till Kill Bill starts getting the accolades at Cannes, CT.

Quentin may be a bit overrated, but he's still one of the best filmmakers of his generation. He knows how to pay homage to (or steal from) the best.

[CTDeLude]

See to me he may know how....but comes far short. I was expecting a good film out of Rez Dogs but what I got was a film that just failed on so many levels. Pulp Fiction I have never really liked what so ever. In fact I'm on the odd end of the spectrum. I'd rather see him act then actually write or direct. Call me crazy.

But his "cool" factor flies waaay under my radar. His use of foul language in the extreme and his drooling devotion to Asian cinema (he just makes the characters who enjoy such films to be idiots) just turn me off.

I'd rather have the real McCoy then some water-downed QT flick. AndI can't believe I would call his films (in terms of violence) watered- down.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
I'd rather see him act then actually write or direct. Call me crazy. You're a loon :D I actually hope never to see his Randy Quaid looking mug on-screen ever again, except for interviews and such.

But his "cool" factor flies waaay under my radar. His use of foul language in the extreme and his drooling devotion to Asian cinema (he just makes the characters who enjoy such films to be idiots) just turn me off.Hmmm, I've never sensed this. But then again, I've always pictured myself the Korean soul brother of Clarence Worley so I may be slightly subjective.

Have you seen Jackie Brown, CT? Before that film I used to think he would never grow beyond cynical, fanboy pseudo-cool dialogue and situations but that movie's shown me otherwise.

[CTDeLude]

Actually I haven't seen Jackie Brown. And probably won't for awhile considering the number of films you have opened my eyes too :)

Overall he just doesn't strike my fancy. I can see where he has brought a new way of filmmaking upon America but of course it is just a poor re-hash of Asian cinema anyways.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Actually I haven't seen Jackie Brown. And probably won't for awhile considering the number of films you have opened my eyes too :) You should. Slow-moving, but very deliberately paced. For me, it was very satisfying in a different way than the flashier Pulp Fiction.

Overall he just doesn't strike my fancy. I can see where he has brought a new way of filmmaking upon America but of course it is just a poor re-hash of Asian cinema anyways.I really don't see a rehash of Asian cinema styles in his work, unless you mean the A Better Tomorrow 2 fashion and City on Fire rips from Reservoir Dogs. To me, it's more reminiscent of 70's American directors like William Friedkin, Don Siegel or even Larry Cohen.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Actually, maybe there's hint of Kitano in there as well.

BTW, has anybody seen The Touch?

Wow, what a disappointment...

[CTDeLude]

khitcher:
Actually, maybe there's hint of Kitano in there as well.

BTW, has anybody seen The Touch?

Wow, what a disappointment...yea that is what they have been saying for awhile now. Incredible how much everyone was waiting for it and now won't touch it with a ten foot pole.

[CTDeLude]

oh and Volcano High should be getting in today.

After last night viewing I think I need a lighter toned film.

Crazy even!

[CTDeLude]

friggin smitten double rootin tootin!!!

[CTDeLude]

oh and Volcano High should be getting in today.

After last night viewing I think I need a lighter toned film.

Crazy even!

[CTDeLude]

What the!?!?!?

[Isao Kanemasa]

"He's a wildman, this kid Chris. I like him."

Since you got me in a True Romance state of mind.

[CTDeLude]

Heh just saw True Romance not too long ago.

Can't say it was all that bad of a film.

But I can't say it was all that good either. And it is nice to see Tony Scott copy himself with that final shootout aye?

Hey Khitch will you be checking out Dragonfest this year?

In Glendale on the 17th....Sunday this month.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
And it is nice to see Tony Scott copy himself with that final shootout aye?Copy himself or copy Quentin? If you're referring to his repeating the final 3 way shootout in Enemy of the State, True Romance beat that by about 5 years.

Hey Khitch will you be checking out Dragonfest this year?

In Glendale on the 17th....Sunday this month.Nah, my wife comes back this afternoon. She's not into the fanboy conventions as much as I am.

[CTDeLude]

Heh I know True Romance came first. I was alluding to Tony Scott copying that shootout for Enemy of the State.

Ah yes...looking at some of the picutres of the event I can see it is quite the gathering (aka crowded)

Well I will have to see whether I go or not. Never been to a convention before. Wonder what this would be like.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Well I will have to see whether I go or not. Never been to a convention before. Wonder what this would be like.If it's anything like the LA Comics Convention... Scary. Trust me.

Still, I like the fanboys better than the poseurs, at least they have the knowledge to back it up.

[CTDeLude]

So the people at Dragonfest are posers or fanboys?

[Isao Kanemasa]

I can't imagine a poseur being caught dead at something called Dragonfest, so my guess is the latter.

[CTDeLude]

Heh....well Aznfilms.com will be there at Dragonfest so perhaps I'll shell out some cash for non shipped items wink

And Khitch did you get to check out Chaos yet? Or did you comfort the wifey now that she is back? *nudge nudge*

All I know is that I have some awesome viewing tonight.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Heh....well Aznfilms.com will be there at Dragonfest so perhaps I'll shell out some cash for non shipped items wink Make sure they don't overcharge you on the DVDs. I've seen some ripoffs at these places, and for my money you can't beat the comfort of shopping for deals online.

And Khitch did you get to check out Chaos yet? Or did you comfort the wifey now that she is back? *nudge nudge*
Dind't watch CHAOS last night. Saw <strong>Bet on My Disco</strong> instead. Hilarious movie.

As for the 2nd part of that question, "Yes. Repeatedly." :D

[CTDeLude]

You da man! :D

And Khitch how old are you anyways?

[Isao Kanemasa]

A very youthful 30.

[Tony Ryan]

What's the word on Guns and Talk? The review on Azn made me order it, but now I am hearing negative feedback.

Oh, and I saw The Touch at a friends house. Someone please kill Ben Chaplin, please. And what was going on with that end battle? My god. But the comedian guy who was in it (forget the names) was pretty decent.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Tony Ryan:
What's the word on Guns and Talk? The review on Azn made me order it, but now I am hearing negative feedback. I loved it, but it's not what most people expect when they hear the premise. For a hitman comedy it's very light on action. Mostly comic situations, and it's the characters that make this movie more than the story or the concept. The four hitmen have terrific chemistry together, and the cop chasing after them is great as well.

Oh, and I saw The Touch at a friends house. Someone please kill Ben Chaplin, please. And what was going on with that end battle? My god. But the comedian guy who was in it (forget the names) was pretty decent.That end CGI fight really pissed me off. And this was Peter Pau's directing debut too. He makes a splendid DP, but I can't say I'm looking forward to his next project as director after watching this.

I thought Ben Chaplin did OK with the lines given, but I'm surprised that he and Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge) even accepted their roles in this after reading the script. Maybe they've always wanted to visit some beautiful Far Eastern locales and figured they could do this on the studio's money.

Dane Cook (the comedy foil) however, was terrific in this as well as the Rodman vehicle, Simon Sez. He's brought much needed energy to otherwise disposable flicks. But to me, he will always be "Waffle Man~" from Mystery Men.

[Tony Ryan]

Ben Chaplin got on my nerves real quick. He just seemed to be sleepwalking.

Dane Cook, he was really good. Simon Sez was a fun little movie, and I forgot he was in that. Might have to break it out.

This is Peter Pau's directoral debut? Damn... Poor guy. I watched The Killer last night again, he does some fucking amazing stuff in that movie.

Michelle Yeoh did come out on top though, looked *very* good and she out acted everyone. Amazing.

And who's idea was it to shoot in english? That guy needs to be kicked out from the biz now...

Thanks for the info on GaT. Looking forward to that now.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Tony Ryan:
Ben Chaplin got on my nerves real quick. He just seemed to be sleepwalking.I haven't seen many of his movies other than A Thin Red Line and parts of Truth About Cats and Dogs so I can't say I'm familiar with his acting. And maybe it's just me but I keep getting him mixed up with Adrian Brody for some reason...

This is Peter Pau's directoral debut? Damn... Poor guy. I watched The Killer last night again, he does some fucking amazing stuff in that movie. I'm a big fan of his work in that, Bride With White Hair, Bride of Chucky, Crouching Tiger, and especially Dracula 2000. For a first-time directing gig, it's better than most DP's works I guess. Better than Firestorm, not as good as Speed or even Romeo Must Die.

And who's idea was it to shoot in english? That guy needs to be kicked out from the biz now...I think the blame falls on both Michelle Yeoh and her boyfriend Thomas Chung (they were the executive producers) who figured English dialogue would guarantee international distribution (Miramax brainwashing during her Supercop days, no doubt).

A shame too, as this was his last role prior to death for Shihung Lung (Ang Lee staple) who played the old monk. He deserved better.

Thanks for the info on GaT. Looking forward to that now.No problem, and I hope you like it.

[CTDeLude]

And while on lunch here I was incredibly inspired by one Robert Rodriquez while reading his book "Rebel Without a Crew"

Wow I knew his story before but nothing like this (sidenote: I'd take him over QT any day)

Anyways Khitch can you recommend me any Asian movies relating to a young man and his story(story could essentially anything I am just looking for stuff with a youth of early twenties dealing with life. Low budget, mid budget, big budget it doesn't matter. I want to see how Asian cinema handles such story as opposed to our filmmaking here in the States)

Why cannot I have a camera here in front of me? Grrrrrrrrrrrr

Anyways if you could get back to me with anything you might think is helpful in that regard Khitch I'd apperciate it.

Thanks

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
And while on lunch here I was incredibly inspired by one Robert Rodriquez while reading his book "Rebel Without a Crew"Love that book. Especially the Mexican condom story. Very inspiring, with a Hollywood rags to riches element to it.

Anyways Khitch can you recommend me any Asian movies relating to a young man and his story(story could essentially anything I am just looking for stuff with a youth of early twenties dealing with life. Low budget, mid budget, big budget it doesn't matter. I want to see how Asian cinema handles such story as opposed to our filmmaking here in the States)You mean like a coming of age story? Sure.

<strong>Go</strong> - Japanese, available on Region 3 HK DVD. Protagonists are in High school, but the movie deals with mature and universal themes.

<strong>Made in Hong Kong</strong> - HK, low budget, put Sam Lee on the map and remains my favorite of his performances. Dunno if a HK DVD is available

<strong>Friend</strong> - Korean. It's great.

3 to start you off, I'll add more as I think of them.

[CTDeLude]

Alright thanks my man....

oh I got little action cards in my Volcan High DVD...ooooohhh

Well gotta go...expect my thoughts on Equilibrium later tonight.

[Isao Kanemasa]

No problem, and I'll try to think of some more to that genre but I think those right now are a good place to start.

Didn't get any action cards along with my Region 3 Korean SE, hmmm... Those bastards! :D

Looking forward to hearing about your take on Equilibrium, so please do chime in. Tell me about the action scenes, whether they remind you of any Asian flicks you've seen recently.

[Tony Ryan]

This thread goes to show how great a chewer, nah person, Khitch is.

Three threads on all Asian films and a Q and A with him, without a single complaint.

Three cheers for Khitch!

[CTDeLude]

Agreed.

Oh and Khitch you will not be disappointed by EQ my friend.

It is the real deal. Asian influences throughout (dont know if intended or not) and the gun battles are just incredible. Though I will say that more people need to view 2009 Lost Memories for its action scenes.

In fact the beginning of EQ is a lot akin to 2009 (sorta)

not to be missed.

Any questions ask away.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Hey, I'm just trying to up this thread's post total any way I can, baby. wink Thanks, Gents.

CT, was it a press screening or something private that Nick set up? Can you disclose the details?

Let's see, does the small budget seem obvious ala Shiri, where they're going for big spectacle and ideas (building explosion) but end up hurting the movie due to cheapo effects? Or do they just aim for small (scale and idea-wise) and get away unfazed?

The action scenes, do they remind you of any particular HK movie you might have seen?

The white suit that Bale wears in some of the pics remind this geek of Bruce Lee's Chen Zen suit in The Chinese Connection. Is this a standard uniform ala the black coat or is it civilian wear?

[CTDeLude]

khitcher:


CT, was it a press screening or something private that Nick set up? Can you disclose the details?

I believe it was a press screening seeing how the sign up sheet had people from E! there or something but overall it didn't look much more then people in the know coming to see the film. It was in a 20 to 30 seat screening room.

Let's see, does the small budget seem obvious ala Shiri, where they're going for big spectacle and ideas (building explosion) but end up hurting the movie due to cheapo effects? Or do they just aim for small (scale and idea-wise) and get away unfazed?

In the EQ thread there is mention that the effects are hurting at certain points but that is only in comparison to blockbuster movies. Otherwise I think the effects sufficed quite well and you could tell their aim was mainly small to mid scale set pieces. It looked better then Shiri that is for sure.

The action scenes, do they remind you of any particular HK movie you might have seen?

Take some Hard-Boiled and increase the ability of the people and you have the gun fights (sorta) The beginning reminded me very much of 2009 Lost Memories though of course the protagonists (I say that loosely for the beginning) could not blow so many people away without breaking a sweat or getting shot themselves. I could see a definte Asian influence though as there is a form of Kendo in use as well as a sword fighting piece. The gun-kata was the main theme of action used. And pulled off incredibly. I hardly think you will be disappointed. Though I do believe that you won't be as wowed as say someone who hasn't seen his fair share of Asian cinema. That fact stands out in my mind. Awesome none the less.

The white suit that Bale wears in some of the pics remind this geek of Bruce Lee's Chen Zen suit in The Chinese Connection. Is this a standard uniform ala the black coat or is it civilian wear?

The black coat is the uniform of the Clerics. Not civilian wear. The soldiers wear something akin to it but not the same. I want one of those coats though. The white suit in one of the pics you see Christian Bale wearing is the champion suit. It'll make sense in the film.

[Isao Kanemasa]

That sounds right up my alley. Thanks, Chris.

[CTDeLude]

I scratch your back, you scratch mine :)

[Isao Kanemasa]

Oh, you know it. You guys get the inside track.

[CTDeLude]

Oh and I don't think I should have watched Volcano High after seeing EQ.

Kinda made the movie come off as "Eh" to me.

I'll have to see it again though with louder sound since it was 1 in the morn when I did watch it.

I did get those cool action cards though!

Heck if I could read them though frown

[Isao Kanemasa]

That probably did have an effect. I saw it on a quiet Sunday afternoon, the DTS turned up full blast, and had a lot of fun with it.

But I guess you have to be in the right mindset for it though, as the humor's very tongue-in-cheek, and the action is not the standard HK styled martial arts variety, but more special effects dominated.

If you can scan the card, maybe I can translate it for ya. Is it in Chinese or Korean?

[CTDeLude]

I believe it is traditional Chinese but don't take my word because I don't really know the difference between traditional and simplified.

I think I got too good of a look at the protagonists rear end for my tastes though.

Also I think the international version cuts out a lot of action(I dont know though) because the movie was awfully slow paced. But this is me at 2 in the morning. Final fight scene was rather impressive.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Really man, what sense does it make for them to bare the guy's ass in the shower but not the girl's? Why is she wearing a tanktop in there?

I guess they figured they've already got the young male crowd with the story and action, but needed something to draw the young girls in (They make up the largest filmgoing demographic in Korea).

[CTDeLude]

Actually the subordinate to the girl in the Kendo club was pretty good looking. The leader girl was alright.

My qustion is why the heck was he nude then got dressed and went back into the shower? Although I think that should be the least of my questions for this movie huh?

I did laugh quite a bit though at this film. Whenever the protagonist would bust out his smiley face had be dying. That guy really knew how to contort his face.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Interesting (or not) bit of trivia.

My wife's aunt (technically, though she's only a couple years older than I am) used to go out with the orange-haired leader of the Rugby Team (the guy with the shades). Apparently a hardhitting party boy.

Yeah, the lead actress really didn't do much for me either. She got cast in this after appearing in the most expensive Korean music video (at the time) for K-pop singer Jo Sung Mo, where she played a Vietnamese farmer. Who knows what the producers saw in her.

[CTDeLude]

Heck if I know.

Seems Koreans like casting a cool headed type for their lead female roles for some reason. And that doesn't mean the greatest looking people either. I mean look at the 2009 Lost Memories: kill of the fine looking girl (consensus between myself and a friend I lent the movie too) and keep alive the fugly girl. *shurgs*

As for the red haired guy...I was expecting more from the captain of the Rugby team. But he did have a cool style.

And why on earth couldn't Amerian school children have such cool looking uniforms.

Poor me...I can just see if I tried to where any of these clothes that I think are awesome I'd get looks all over the place. Heh kinda like back in high school hanging out with all the Koreans. People think you're trying to be that ethnicity or something. The white alternative was rich kids who were frankly pretty airheaded. The conversations were always more enjoyable elsewhere.

Anyways that is part of my life story. :D

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
I mean look at the 2009 Lost Memories: kill of the fine looking girl (consensus between myself and a friend I lent the movie too) and keep alive the fugly girl. *shurgs*You mean the girl that that got shot in the opening raid? Or the rebel leader? Can't say who's fuglier. I liked Saigo's wife though. Reminds me of my ex-gf.

And why on earth couldn't Amerian school children have such cool looking uniforms.You might think they're cool-looking, but if you had to wear those things all year (like I did), you'd be begging to put on some regular street clothes. Some kids altered their uniforms to look hip, but there's only so much you can do with that design and color.

Well, at least I saved money (and time) on clothes (and picking them out), I guess. And it makes it easier to identify your allies during school rumbles. :D

[CTDeLude]

Ah yes the wife was the best looking. Also seems like she was in the "traditional" mold of Japanese women in that movie.

And you thought the woman in the beginning was fugly huh? She was a hack(surgery) job wasn't she? I kinda got that feeling. Oh well.

As for the clothes...i think I could deal for awhile :) I just find other cultures fascinating. Escpecially considering that I am not far removed from it but the youth of those cultures.
Always wanted to live somewhere else for awhile. Will defintely broaden one's horizons.

What I always found interesting here in America was that I had a Korean friend whose father was never around. And I mean never around. The guy would work till 9 or something at night and always leave very early. Seems like a lot of kids had athers like that. Nice houses (Granada Hills has a large Asian population for the valley) but fathers not around much. Always working I assume.

Now Fillipinos...woooooweeee those elders had fun during the parties. Karoke(sp?) party!

ah man the memories of youth.

[Isao Kanemasa]

CTDeLude:
Ah yes the wife was the best looking. Also seems like she was in the "traditional" mold of Japanese women in that movie.Not so much traditional, but rather stereotypical. Koreans can do it just as well as Americans.

And you thought the woman in the beginning was fugly huh? She was a hack(surgery) job wasn't she? I kinda got that feeling. Oh well.She was a former beauty queen or something or other, most likely cut up somewhere or other.

What I always found interesting here in America was that I had a Korean friend whose father was never around. And I mean never around. The guy would work till 9 or something at night and always leave very early. Seems like a lot of kids had athers like that. Nice houses (Granada Hills has a large Asian population for the valley) but fathers not around much. Always working I assume.The parents were probably either typically working 12 hour days at the family store, or were out golfing. That's how a lot of the immigrants make their fortunes as they can't assimmilate easily into the American workforce due to language and other barriers.

Now Fillipinos...woooooweeee those elders had fun during the parties. Karoke(sp?) party! Korean elders drink Soju and play Hwa Tu (a form of cards, kinda like poker I suppose with pictures instead of numbers). Holy fuck can they get loud when they pull in a huge pot :D

[Tony Ryan]

All this talk of Asian elders has missing my grandpa :( .

Enough of the sad stuff, I have a question: Do you have any idea when Dolls (Kitano) will be out on DVD in Japan? And another one, do you have any info regarding the movie by the director of Ring based on Kitano's autobio?

Thanks.

[CTDeLude]

For the release of Dolls I think you're going to have to wait a bit considering (not sure on this) it hasn't been out that long on the festival circuit so there is still some waiting.

That and the release will be like $90 if true to Japanese dvd price form.

When Versus comes out elsewhere for less I'll pick it up.

[Isao Kanemasa]

Tony Ryan:
Do you have any idea when Dolls (Kitano) will be out on DVD in Japan? And another one, do you have any info regarding the movie by the director of Ring based on Kitano's autobio?
Unfortunately, I don't have a solid answer to either question, Tony. Sorry :(

I assume the DVD will be out as early as January, or March 2003 at the latest, as it opened in mid October in Japan. It's doing pretty well (within the top 5), considering that historically, their top 10 list is comprised mostly of Hollywood fare.

I think it'll open in Korea sometime in January, in which case the Korean DVD should come out by March at the latest (in which case I'd advise you to go for that, at about 1/2 the cost with almost all the same features and English subs).

The Kitano autobiography, I assume you mean <strong>Asakusa Kid</strong>? I haven't heard anything other than a fleeting mention in an interview some time ago. I'll see what I can find out for ya.

[CTDeLude]

The parents were probably either typically working 12 hour days at the family store, or were out
golfing. That's how a lot of the immigrants make their fortunes as they can't assimmilate easily into
the American workforce due to language and other barriers. Wait make their money off of golfing? Where can I sign up?

[Isao Kanemasa]

Dude, do I look like Saeri Park's dad?

"Hey how should I know, Connie?"

[CTDeLude]

Well as long as they don't do Guy Aoki's job.

I understand what the guy is trying to do but my gawd is he a little too overzealous.

So......since we're able to keep the banter going for almost an entire day of work......should I get Friend or No Blood No Tears? One his week another the next.

And is the Champion any good?

Oh and what is that movie about the kids who beat each other with pipes that is full screen? Don't they say that is a really good movie for a debut director?

[Isao Kanemasa]

Get <strong>Friend</strong>, it's a classic in Korean cinema. How you react to that will probably be a good gauge of how you feel about their mainstream cinema in general.

<strong>No Blood No Tears</strong> isn't terribly original, in fact you'll realize right away that the director Ryu Seung Wan was influnced by Guy Ritchie and Tarantino. And knowing how you feel about Quentin's works, maybe you can give this one a pass for now.

<strong>Champion</strong> will be watched this weekend, and I'll report back with my thoughts.

The fullframe movie where the teens beat each other with pipes, that sounds like <strong>Die Bad</strong>, Ryu Seung Wan's debut. I'll be watching that soon as well. I'll spill on that as well.

[CTDeLude]

You sir, as always, are ever gracious.

[CTDeLude]

Well I certainly did enjoy Snatch. So Guy Ritche is alright in my book.

I do sorta ike the premise for No Blood No Tears seeing how they make the women the main characters. I'll go ahead and see one of these days.

Has the actor of 2009 Lost Memories and Friend done much else?

[Isao Kanemasa]

The premise (and the promise, I guess) of NBNT was kinda novel I suppose, in that the director wanted to make a female-empowered action movie and have the two of the three leads be strong-willed women.

Well, that was the intention at least, but the end result is that these characters weren't really likeable, whether it be the way they were written or performed.

I enjoyed it more for the performance of the male
lead, who's a real sadistic prick in this. I guess the intention was to get a real scumbag to go up against the 2 women, and in that regard the director succeeds beautifully. He's just relentless.

Plus, he's got a showstopper of a fight in the middle of the flick with Korean action choreogrpaher Jung Du Hong, who makes an impressive acting debut here. The fight is beautifully shot and choreogrpahed, just the right touch of HK grace/show-offiness and Korean realism.

Jang Dong Gun (lead guy from 2009 Lost Memories and Friend) is one of the hottest star-actors at the moment, as his latest pic <strong>The Coast Guard</strong> has started gaining great buzz in recent festivals. It's the latest arthouse pic directed by Kim Ki Duk (The Isle, Address Unknown), who's known for some controversial themes in his movies.

[Tony Ryan]

khitcher:
Tony Ryan:
Do you have any idea when Dolls (Kitano) will be out on DVD in Japan? And another one, do you have any info regarding the movie by the director of Ring based on Kitano's autobio?
Unfortunately, I don't have a solid answer to either question, Tony. Sorry :(

I assume the DVD will be out as early as January, or March 2003 at the latest, as it opened in mid October in Japan. It's doing pretty well (within the top 5), considering that historically, their top 10 list is comprised mostly of Hollywood fare.

I think it'll open in Korea sometime in January, in which case the Korean DVD should come out by March at the latest (in which case I'd advise you to go for that, at about 1/2 the cost with almost all the same features and English subs).

The Kitano autobiography, I assume you mean <strong>Asakusa Kid</strong>? I haven't heard anything other than a fleeting mention in an interview some time ago. I'll see what I can find out for ya.Hey, thanks anyway.

I owe you so much for the info in this thread it isn't funny.

[Tony Ryan]

A cool Miike interview.

<a href="http://www.indiewire.com/film/interviews/int_Miike_Takashi_021108.html" target="_blank">http://www.indiewire.com/film/interviews/int_Miike_Takashi_021108.html</a>

[CTDeLude]

So here I am Saturday morn doing mandatory overtime for four hours.

I need a new job. So many dvds to watch too frown

[Tony Ryan]

Now this looks really good.

<a href="http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/takecareofmycat.html" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/takecareofmycat.html</a>

And judging from the names it is Korean, right? Heard or seen anything about this, Khitch?

[CTDeLude]

It would be Korean Master Ryan.

[Isao Kanemasa]

<strong>Take Care of My Cat</strong> is Korean, and it's been out on DVD for quite some time. It received some good reviews when it played during some local and international festivals. I haven't seen it, as I'm not really a fan of the talky women genre (ala Girl's Night Out) but also due to the fact that my wife really hates the main actress Bae Doo Nah. The general consensus seems to be that it's a worthy film, but then again they said the same thing about GNO, which I loathe (depsite all the rampant nudity and sex talk).

Hey, thanks for that Miike link, Tony. Cool interview.

[CTDeLude]

Hey Khitch do you live in the area near where those protestors were getting their protest on due to sweat shop workers?

Thought of you when I saw that on the news.