With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013
With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

ACF 663: 15th Annual Pusan International Film Festival coming October 7-15, 2010

Recently received this info about this important upcoming festival:

From October 7th to 15th, 2010 the 15th Pusan International Film Festival will be held in Haeundae-gu, in eastern Busan, formerly spelled Pusan and the second largest metropolitan area in South Korea. It is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Started in 1996, for past 15 years the festival has become an enchanting window to the magnificent world of Asian cinema.

It is not just a film festival where many movies are introduced to the audience, but it is the film festival where Asian countries and others tie their cultural, artistic, and filmic relations; people from all over the world enjoy festivity through films; promising prospective directors come together to show their talents; and many producers and buyers find jewels to invest and sponsor. Various programs within the festival such as Asian Film Market and Pusan Promotion Plan build up the popularity and nobility of the festival.

More info at the official website: www.piff.org.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

ACF 662: TYTANIA Collection 1 available from Section23 FIlms


Section23 Films has announced the release of the hit series TYTANIA COLLECTION 1 on DVD.

TYTANIA COLLECTION 1
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Format: DVD
SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Through fear and conquest, the Empire of Valdana holds the future of most of human space within it’s the iron hands … and for generations, those hands have belonged to the Landless Lords of the ruling Tytania dynasty. But now the foundation of the empire is crumbling, pockets of rebellion are forming and when a mission sent to punish the city-state of Euriya is shockingly defeated, the man responsible becomes the target of a galaxy-wide manhunt! For Fan Hyurlick, architect of Tytania's first defeat, glory becomes desperation as his own side betrays him. Now Fan must not only save his own life, but somehow turn the tables on opponents who have whole worlds to command! The legendary team of character designer Haruhiko Mikimoto and director Noboru Ishiguro, who redefined action anime in the legendary MACROSS, reunite to create a new epic space opera for the ages in the spectacular TYTANIA Collection 1!

Friday, August 27, 2010

ACF 661: MAKE-OUT with VIOLENCE to be released in October, limited theatrical run starts today in Brooklyn, NY

Factory 25 to release zombie love story MAKE-OUT with VIOLENCE
DVD, Blu-ray & Limited LP/DVD combo out October 26th

Limited theatrical engagement begins August 27 at
the reRun Gastropub Theater in Brooklyn, NY

"One of the Top 10 films of 2009! It’s
the "American Graffiti" of Zombie love stories."
– Tim Anderson, Bloody-Disgusting.com

"One of the best Indie Films of the decade!
The zombie hottie of the year."
– Cinematical

As I do every so often, I'm running this post about a non-Asian film that I think will appeal to many AsianCineFest readers.While I haven't an opportunity to see the film yet, Jeannette Catsoulis's review in The New York Times can be read online here and Andre Schenker's strongly positive review the village VOICE can be read here. The film is a NYT Critics' Pick and Schenker's review also was strongly posititve.

Meanwhile, here's some info I received that I'd like to share:

MAKE-OUT with VIOLENCE is a genre-bending tale of a boy trying to fulfill his unrequited love for a girl who has risen from the dead. Set against the backdrop of a summer of cicadas and swimming pools, the film blends elements of up-beat teenage melodrama with the strange gravity of classic coming of age stories.

Twin brothers Patrick and Carol Darling are fresh graduates from high school and struggling to come to terms with the unexplained disappearance of their friend, the bright and beautiful Wendy Hearst. When a drive through the countryside surrounding their suburban community leads to the discovery of Wendy’s mysteriously animated corpse, the boys secretly transport the undead Wendy to an empty house in hopes of somehow bringing her back to life. As the sweltering summer pushes on, they must maintain the appearance of normalcy for their friends and family as they search for ways to revive the Wendy they once knew, or, failing that, to satisfy their own quests for love amongst the living and the dead.

The multiple film festival winner is making its New York theatrical run for one-week only beginning August 27th at the reRun Gastropub Theater in Brooklyn, NY.

MAKE-OUT with VIOLENCE will be available on DVD, blu-ray, limited LP/DVD combo and digital download from the Factory 25 website beginning October 26th, 2010.

Theatrical Film Screening:
Brooklyn, NY- reRun Gastropub Theater, August 27 - September 2, 2010

In addition to MAKE-OUT with VIOLENCE, indie film & vinyl label Factory 25 is releasing multiple titles this year including Brock Enright: Good Times Will Never Be the Same and the Brock Enright/Kirsten Deirup album Torben, Until The Light Takes Us, Sir Henry At Rollinson End, Rio Breaks, NY Export: Opus Jazz, Wah Do Dem and You Wont Miss Me.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

ACF 660: Latest Season of BLEACH Airing on Adult Swim August 28th!

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE
OF THE LATEST SEASON OF BLEACH ON ADULT SWIM

Episode 168 Of The Smash Hit Supernatural Action Series
Launches This Month

More BLEACH news!!! VIZ Media has announced the nationwide premiere of the latest season of BLEACH on Adult Swim. The latest English-dubbed installment – Episode 168 – of the hit animated action series will air on August 28th. Check local times for availability. (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/bleach/)

In the newest season of BLEACH, after Sosuke Aizen’s rebellion, Gin Ichimaru’s departure from the Soul Society left the captain’s post of Squad Three empty. Shusuke Amagai is appointed as the new captain much to the squad’s dismay. But over time, Shusuke proves himself to be a good leader and wins over the team with his ability and personality. Meanwhile, a mysterious girl named Rurichiyo Kasumiohji appears in Karakura Town. Rurichiyo is the princess of a noble family in the Soul Society and a target for assassination. Worried for her safety, Rurichiyo’s guardians ask Ichigo to become her bodyguard. With new faces in the mix, another spectacular battle is about to begin in the Soul Society!

“BLEACH is a powerhouse property that delights millions of fans across North America each week, and we’re very pleased to have Adult Swim’s continued support for the series,” says Ken Sasaki, Senior Vice President & General Manager of VIZ Media. “Check out the newest adventures of the Soul Society in the launch of the riveting new story arc, and then stay tuned to Adult Swim for a new episode of the other hit VIZ Media anime series KEKKAISHI that immediately follows!”

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is also a tremendously successful property internationally. The manga series, created by Tite Kubo, has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the manga has sold more than 2 million copies, and the dubbed version of the animated series is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada on cable broadcast. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures and other merchandise. The subtitled version of the anime can be viewed for free online anytime on VIZAnime.com.

More information on BLEACH is available at Bleach.viz.com.

Monday, August 23, 2010

ACF 659: Shigofumi Complete Collection now available on DVD


Section23 Films has announced the release of the hit series SHIGOFUMI.

Title: SHIGOFUMI COMPLETE COLLECTION
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Format: DVD
SRP: $49.98

If you could send someone a letter after you die…
What would you write?
And who would you send it to?

SYNOPSIS: Are some secrets best kept with the dead? For most Shigofumi Mail Carriers, charged with delivering messages from the recently departed to those left behind, the question is purely rhetorical as most Carriers are dead themselves and past the point of caring about the still breathing. The solemn girl known as Fumika, however, is all too aware of the mortal perspective, for she is still aging: an indicator that she is somehow, mysteriously, still alive. Yet, neither Fumika's own personal tragedy nor the knowledge that her mail may be a mixed blessing at best will stay her grim determination to make her morbid rounds. Though the postal scales of fate may be eternally shifted, Fumika will make sure each posthumous posting from the ultimate dead letter office reaches its intended target, even when there's deadly postage due! Neither rain nor sleet nor even death will stop the messages from beyond from coming in SHIGOFUMI - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

ACF 658: Korean Movie Night free screenings continues Tuesday, August 24th

MY LITTLE EROTIC LOVER
South Korea, 2000, 110 minutes
Showtime: 7:00 PM
Doors open: 6:30pm
Seating: first-come, first served

Korean Cultural Service's Korean Movie Night Series Three: TV Party will continue this coming Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 with a double-feature provided by KBS-America. Originally My Little Erotic Lover, episode four of the romantic comedy series, was to be the solo feature. But recently The Scary One, The Ghost and I, the second episode of a comedic horror series, was added to the program. In fact, if I correctly read the recent email I received, The Scary One actually will be be screened first. Each feature is approximately 60 minutes long.

Where: Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, one block from the A, C, E and 1 train Canal Street stops

Price: Free.

My Little Erotic Lover is a TV movie that is one of powerhouse broadcaster KBS’ new “Drama Specials,” 60 minute made-for-TV movies that showcase their hottest talent. MY LITTLE EROTIC LOVER (aka OUR SLIGHTLY RISQUE RELATIONSHIP) is a typical meet-cute between a broadcaster and a reporter who can’t stand the sight of each other. Elevating this formula is the bawdy nature of the comedy (they meet cute when she spills hot soup on his crotch, sparking a medical emergency) and the fact that it stars Lee Seon-Gyun. Lee was relegated to second string and bit parts for years before he starred in the 2007 TV series, THE 1st SHOP OF THE COFFEE PRINCE, playing the owner of a run down coffee house. The show was a massive hit and he followed it up with the medical TV series, WHITE TOWER. Not only is he now the biggest male lead in Korean television, but last year he won an acting award for his role in the acclaimed feature film PAJU.


While I don't have any images from The Scary One, The Ghost and I, I do have the following description to share:

This comedic horror film reveals the story of Doo Sub Kang, a legendary mafia leader. Ironically, his smile just adds to his unattractiveness and scares everyone off. This time, it fails and he relies on a detective agency to get rid of the female ghost who keeps following him.

Actor Won Jong Lee plays the invincible gangster, who is too embarrassed to tell people about his fear. Will this remain as his little secret?

Come to the free screening Tuesday night and find out!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

ACF 657: BLEACH Latest Season Promo on iTunes includes FREE Downloads!

NEW FRIENDS JOIN FAMILIAR HEROES FOR SUPERNATURAL ADVENTURES IN THE LATEST EPISODES OF BLEACH
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD FROM iTUNES

VIZ Media invites anime fans and iTunes users to download episodes from the latest BLEACH season (English dubbed), featuring the story of new Squad 3 Captain Shusuke Amagai. The action-packed episodes will be available for download the day after broadcast on Adult Swim from the iTunes Store in the U.S. (www.iTunes.com) and Canada (www.iTunes.ca) starting August 29th.

Two additional promotions will be running back to back:
From now through August 30th, a sneak preview of the first episode in the story arc – Episode 168 – will be available as a FREE download. Starting September 1st through the 6th, Episode 168 will be offered as a FREE download in its entirety.

From now through September 6, the first episode from Season 1 will be available as a FREE download. Plus, BLEACH Seasons 1-5 (episodes 2-109) will be available Download-To-Own for only $0.99.


In the newest story arc of BLEACH (rated ‘T’ for Teens), after Sosuke Aizen’s rebellion, Gin Ichimaru’s departure from the Soul Society left the captain’s post of Squad Three empty. Shusuke Amagai is appointed as the new captain much to the squad’s dismay. But over time, Shusuke proves himself to be a good leader and wins over the team with his ability and personality. Meanwhile, a mysterious girl named Rurichiyo Kasumiohji appears in Karakura Town. Rurichiyo is the princess of a noble family in the Soul Society and a target for assassination. Worried for her safety, Rurichiyo’s guardians ask Ichigo to become her bodyguard. With new faces in the mix, another spectacular battle is about to begin in the Soul Society!

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

More information on BLEACH is available at www.Bleach.viz.com.

Friday, August 20, 2010

ACF 656: MAO's LAST DANCER opens today in select U.S. cities

MAO’S LAST DANCER, presented by Samuel Goldwyn Films and ATO Pictures, opens today in select U.S. cities. It is based on the remarkable true story of renowned ballet dancer Li Cunxin’s journey from an impoverished life in rural China to true stardom on the international stage, brought to life by a talented cast including Bruce Greenwood, Kyle Maclachlan, Joan Chen, Amanda Schull and newcomer Chi Cao.



Official Synopsis:
From Academy Award® nominee Bruce Beresford (DRIVING MISS DAISY, TENDER MERCIES) comes MAO’S LAST DANCER, the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. Based on the best selling autobiography, MAO'S LAST DANCER weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life. The film compellingly captures the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs, as well as the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.



MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Chi Cao, a gifted dancer and principal at the Birmingham Royal Ballet making his impressive screen debut as Li Cunxin. The cast is rounded out by Bruce Greenwood (STAR TREK; THE SWEET HEREAFTER), Kyle Maclachlan (“Sex and the City”; “Desperate Housewives”), Joan Chen (LUST, CAUTION; THE LAST EMPEROR) and Amanda Schull (CENTER STAGE; “One Tree Hill”).



The official MAO’S LAST DANCER page: http://www.facebook.com/maoslastdancer.

You can also hear Wall Street Journal Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Joe Morgenstern's review on his Friday, August 20th, 2010 KCRW Film Reviews podcast, also downloadable in the Podcast section of The iTunes Store.

ACF 655: VIZ Cinema celibrates Kurosawa's Samirai Classics in San Francisco

VIZ CINEMA CELEBRATES AKIRA KUROSAWA SAMURAI CLASSICS
IN SPECIAL AUGUST FILM SERIES

Bay Area Theater Presents A Rare Opportunity To Screen 6
Of The Visionary Director’s Most Iconic Films

VIZ Cinema and NEW PEOPLE are presenting Kurosawa On Sword Battles - Samurai Saga Volume 2, a new film series opening today, August 20th, marking the centennial birth of Japan’s most beloved film director – Akira Kurosawa – and celebrating nearly half a century of big screen samurai action and drama. General Admission Tickets: $10:00; No discounts apply.

Screening times and more details are available at: www.vizcinema.com.

Seven Samurai, August 20th – 22nd
(Directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1954, 207min, 35mm, Japanese with English Subtitles)

One of the most beloved films of all time, Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai tells the story of a sixteenth-century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits. This three-hour ride, featuring legendary actors Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura, seamlessly weaves philosophy, entertainment, delicate human emotions and relentless action into a rich, evocative, and unforgettable tale of courage and hope.

Rashamon, August 21st – 25th
(Directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1950, 88min, 35mm, Japanese with English Subtitles)

Brimming with action while incisively examining the nature of truth, Rashomon is perhaps the finest film ever to explore the philosophy of justice. Through an ingenious use of camera and flashbacks, Kurosawa reveals the complexities of human nature as four people recount different versions of the story of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife. Toshiro Mifune gives another commanding performance in the eloquent masterwork that revolutionized film language and introduced Japanese cinema to the world.

Yojimbo, August 23rd – August 28th and also August 31st
(Directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1961, 110min, 35mm, Japanese with English Subtitles)

The incomparable Toshiro Mifune stars in Kurosawa’s visually stunning and darkly comic Yojimbo. To rid a terror-stricken village of corruption, wily masterless samurai Sanjuro turns a range war between two evil clans to his own advantage. Remade twice, by Sergio Leone and Walter Hill, this exhilarating genre-twister remains one of the most influential and entertaining films of all time.

Sanjuro, August 25th – August 30th
(Directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1962, 96min, 35mm, Japanese with English Subtitles)

Toshiro Mifune again swaggers and snarls to brilliant comic effect in Kurosawa’s tightly paced, beautifully composed drama. In this companion piece to Yojimbo, jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan’s betrayer, and in the process turns their image of a “proper” samurai on its ear. Less brazen in tone than its predecessor but equally entertaining, this classic character’s return is a masterpiece in its own right.

Throne of Blood, August 28h – September 2nd
(Directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1957, 109min, 35mm, Japanese with English Subtitles)

One of the most celebrated screen adaptations of Shakespeare into film, Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood reimagines Macbeth in feudal Japan. Starring the director’s longtime collaborator Toshiro Mifune and the legendary Isuzu Yamada as his ruthless wife, the film tells of a valiant warrior’s savage rise to power and his ignominious fall. With Throne of Blood, Kurosawa fused one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies with the formal elements of Japanese Noh theater to make a Macbeth that is all his own – a classic tale of ambition and duplicity set against a ghostly landscape of fog and inescapable doom.

The Hidden Fortress, August 28h – September 2nd
(Directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1958, 139min, 35mm, Japanese with English Subtitles)

A general and a princess must dodge enemy clans while smuggling the royal treasure out of hostile territory with two bumbling, conniving peasants at their sides; it’s a spirited adventure that only Akira Kurosawa could create. Acknowledged as a primary influence on George Lucas’sStar Wars, The Hidden Fortress delivers Kurosawa’s inimitably deft blend of wry humor, breathtaking action and humanist compassion on an epic scale. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this landmark motion picture in a stunning, newly restored Tohoscope edition.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theater devoted to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theater is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

ACF 654: Death Note collection on Blu-ray coming August 24th, 2010

SHINIGAMI DEATH GODS AND THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER CONSPIRE IN NEW BLUE-RAY DEATH NOTE COLLECTION

Highly Anticipated Double-Feature Release Based On Popular
Manga & Anime Series Includes Death Note, Death Note II: The Last Name
Feature Films And Bonus Disc

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, will debut the Blu-ray Death Note Collection on August 24th, 2010. The 3-disc set includes 2 feature films – Death Note and Death Note II: the Last name – as well as a bonus disc containing more than two hours of all new behind-the-scenes footage. Both films feature Japanese audio with English subtitles as well as an English dubbed dialogue track. MSRP for the Death Note Collection is $39.98 U.S. / $57.99 CAN.

To celebrate the new release, VIZ Pictures will hold a special screening of both films at VIZ Cinema, located inside NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco’s Japantown, 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115, on Saturday, September 4th. Death Note plays at 12:00 noon and Death Note II screens at 2:30pm. Special combo tickets are available for $35.00 and include passes for the screenings, the Blu-ray release and a poster. Regular combo tickets are $15.00 for tickets for both shows (no Blu-ray or poster), while general admission for one screening is $10.00. Tickets and information are available at www.vizcinema.com.

As a special offer to U.S. and Canadian Death Note fans, VIZ Pictures will award three lucky winners posters for Death Note and Death Note II along with an autograph from one of the three lead actors – Tatsuya Fujiwara (who played Light), Erika Toda (Misa) and actor Kenichi Matusyama (L/Ryuzaki), one of the most promising actors in Japan, who can also be seen in films such as NANA (2006), Linda Linda Linda (2005) and Detroit Metal City (2008). The campaign runs until September 24th. For more details about the campaign, visit www.viz-pictures.com.

“Death Note is an intense psychological crime thriller and we’re very proud to debut both films in a special new collection on Blu-ray,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Death Note established a new benchmark for Japanese anime, manga, and film and we invite domestic fans to savor all the tension and imaginative supernatural drama of this exciting new release from VIZ Pictures!”

Death Note is a battle of wits based on the acclaimed manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata (published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). Law student Light is upset with the justice system and when he finds the Death Note dropped by a Shinigami death god, he vows to rid the world of evil. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies. As criminals all over the world begin to perish mysteriously, a world-renowned detective known only as ‘L’ is put on the case to stop this serial killer that the public calls ‘Kira.” The battle between Light and L continues in Death Note II: the Last name as Light joins the investigation team. L suspects Light of being Kira while Light attempts to learn L’s real name. Time becomes even more crucial with the appearance of a second Kira. Whose name will be the last written in the Death Note?

For more information on Death Note or other VIZ Pictures titles, visit www.viz-pictures.com.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

ACF 653: Bleach movies to air on Adult Swim starting Saturday, August 14th

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ENCORE BROADCASTS OF
BLEACH FEATURE FILMS ON ADULT SWIM

Two Full Length Movies Based On Popular Anime
And Manga Series To Air This Month

VIZ Media has announced special encore presentations of two BLEACH animated feature films – BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY and BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: THE DIAMOND DUST REBELLION (both rated ‘T’ for Teens) – on Saturday, August 14th on Adult Swim. Check local times for availability and airtimes (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/bleach/index.html).

Based on the wildly popular animated series and best-selling BLEACH manga series, created by Tite Kubo (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media, and rated ‘T’ for Teens), BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY begins as unidentified beings known as “Blanks” start popping up. They are soon followed by a Soul Reaper named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings and the even more mysterious girl, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap Senna. Banished from the Soul Society long ago, the clan’s leader has sent sending the World of the Living and the Soul Society on a collision course, and Senna seems to be the key to his diabolical plot for revenge. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the two worlds from annihilation?

BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: THE DIAMOND DUST REBELLION continues the action-packed adventures of Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki. After the treasured Ouin is stolen, Toshiro Hitsugaya disappears and becomes suspected of treason. When the Soul Society calls for his capture and execution, Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki vows to prove Hitsugaya's innocence. Will the secret of the Ouin and Captain Hitsugaya's motives be revealed before his honor, his life, and the Soul Society are destroyed?

The BLEACH manga and animated series follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH animation can be viewed on Adult Swim and also through a variety of web-based video download and streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Amazon, and HULU. To view subtitled BLEACH animated episodes for free online anytime, visit VIZAnime.com.

More information on BLEACH is available at www.Bleach.viz.com.

Monday, August 09, 2010

ACF 652: Reminder - free screening of Punch Strike tomorrow night in NY

Punch Strike
Directed by Ryou Eun-Jung
South Korean, 2006, 81 minutes
New York Premiere

Just a quick, brief reminder that Punch Strike will be show free tomorrow night as the latest in Korean Cultural Services's Korean Movie Night series, TV Party.

When: Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 @ 7 pm
- Doors open at 6:30 pm
- Seating is first come, first served

Where: Tribeca Cinema, 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, near the Canal Street stops of the A, C and #1 subways lines.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

ACF 651: 2010 J-Pop Summit coming to San Francisco's Japantown in September


NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, will expand its upcoming 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival, happening on Saturday, September 18th in San Francisco’s Japantown, with a special series of just-announced events taking place at the venue each night during the week leading up to the Festival. Tickets are now available on www.J-Pop.com.

Beginning on Monday, September 13th and continuing every evening through Friday, September 17th, different aspects of Japanese and Asian film, anime, fashion design, music and other forms of pop culture will be celebrated in a series of unique screenings, interactive discussions, multimedia presentations and live performances. Special gift bags containing a variety of fun premiums will be given to all ticket holders each night.

“The 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival is shaping up to become one of the biggest events of its kind in the country and is devoted to celebrating Japanese pop culture in all its forms,” says Seiji Horibuchi, founder of NEW PEOPLE and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “We’re very excited to announce this roster of special events taking place at the VIZ Cinema theatre and throughout the entire NEW PEOPLE venue, and invite the public to enjoy of variety of inspired film, fashion, music and art each night leading up to the big all-day street celebration on Saturday September 18th!”

More details on the 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/. Additional news alerts over the coming weeks will detail specific events and appearances.

TOKYOSCOPE TALK, Vol. 6: Bad Girls & Wild Women
Monday, September 13th at 6:00pm

Join hosts Patrick Macias (Editor, Otaku USA), and Tomohiro Machiyama (founding editor, Movie Treasures magazine) for a unique look at sexy Stray Cats, Female Prisoners, Delinquent Bosses and other captivating and sexy bad girl roles from Japanese cinema. The evening will be complemented by a theatrical screening of the lurid prison film Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion. Adults only due to mature subject matter; 18+ General admission tickets for the discussion and film screening are $20.00.

ANIME NIGHT with Animation On Display & Crunchyroll
Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00pm

Animation On Display, San Francisco’s very own anime convention, joins forces with leading online content provider Crunchyroll for a theatrical presentation of Makoto Shinkai's "5 Centimeters Per Second”. The evening will also include a special VIP reception, open to the public, as well as a Q&A session about the film. Come meet other anime fans and join the fun with a special evening celebrating anime! General admission tickets for the film screening are $10.00.

6%DOKIDOKI HARAJUKU FASHION NIGHT Featuring Designer Sebastian Masuda
Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00pm

Join eclectic clothing designer and 6%DOKIDOKI founder Sebastian Masuda for a trip through the colorful and edgy world of Harajuku fashion. Masuda will offer insights and a history on the evolution of fashion from this ultra-hip district in Tokyo that has gone on to gain a worldwide audience as well as preview some of his latest designs. 6%DOKIDOKI shop girls Yuka and Vani will offer a mini-fashion show of some of the company’s newest ensembles and audience members are invited to try out for a chance to model new designs to be showcased at the J-Pop Summit Festival on Saturday, September 18th. General admission tickets for the lecture and fashion show are $20.00.

Noise Pop Meets J-Pop: Film Screenings of 77 Boadrum, preceded by Cornelius - Synchronized & Sensurround
Thursday, September 16th at 5:30pm Happy Hour; Screening at 7:00pm

Join Noise Pop, organizers of the leading independent music festival in the Bay Area, for a special theatrical presentation of 77 Boadrum. On July 7, 2007, Japanese free-rock group the Boredoms staged a live performance featuring 77 drummers at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, NY. 77 Boadrum is the official live documentary of this incredible event – complete with behind the scenes rehearsal footage, interviews, and of course, the actual performance. With intense, chaotic energy that melds into a No-Wave rock infused format, the Boredoms have garnered international attention for the member’s incredible rhythmic power, clever melodic punches, and sheer chaotic intensity. Since exploding onto the scene in 1997, Japanese musician Cornelius has dazed and amused fans worldwide with his freeform pop aesthetic and playful sense of humor. His short music videos are edgy and exceptional, the live ones being seen for the first time in the U.S. There will be a complementary Happy Hour before the screening. General admission tickets for the film screening are $10.00.

MYX VIP Party
Friday, September 17th at 6:00pm

MYX® is the only music entertainment and lifestyle channel dedicated to the Asian American community, utilizing music, culture and entertainment. The network will showcase several of its music, youth culture and lifestyle programs including Music Bang, 360VM, Vinyl Addiction, and That’s My Jam in a special evening showcasing the exciting and diverse worlds of Asian pop music, fast import street racers, designer vinyl and collectable toys, and lots more! MYX can be seen on Channel 368 on Comcast’s Digital Preferred Tier in the San Francisco Bay Area, Comcast ON DEMAND, Cox Digital Basic Cable, DIRECTV 2067 and RCN. Free admission. RSVP at www.j-pop.com.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located in San Francisco at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/.

Friday, August 06, 2010

ACF 650: Happy Birthday, Michelle Yeoh!

Michelle Yeoh in the upcoming Reign of Assassins

Actress Michelle Yeoh was born in Malaysia on August 6, 1942. She grew up speaking Malay and English before Chinese. Having started studied ballet when very young, she later went to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dance, but an injury ended her potential career as a ballerina. After returning to Asia, she won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant in 1983 at age 21. Soon after she began appearing in commercials, then in films. I believe her first real starring role was as police inspector Ng in Yes, Madam (1985), which also starred Cynthia Rothrock. In some of those early appearances, such as In the Line of Duty in 1985, she was credited as Michelle Khan. She "retired" from films while married to producer Dickson Poon from February, 1988 until their divorce in 1992, at which time she returned to the movies with a vengeance.

Ms Yeoh gained fame as an action film actress, one who could and did do her own incredible stunts. She proved herself in the same league as Jackie Chan when she costarred with him in Police Story 3: Super Cop. Ms Yeoh became widely known to general western audiences when she starred opposite Pierce Brosnan in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Now I like Brosnan's Bond films, but it was soooo totally clear that she could kick his Bond butt. And I must say that to refer to her as a "Bond girl" -- as some have -- is a travesty and totally disrespectful.

Other notable films she has starred in that are well-known in the West include Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Rob Marshall's Memoirs of a Geisha, and Danny Boyle's Sunshine. In John Woo and Su Chao-Pin's Reign of Assassins (China, 2010), set to be shown, albeit out-of-competition, at the 67th Venice Film Festival, she stars as Zeng Jing, who is tasked with returning the remains of a holy Buddhist monk to its rightful resting place and encounters a group of assassins who try to get the remains because they are believed to possess "an ancient power-wielding secret." (Plot summary from IMDb.) The Weinstein Company has acquired the North and South American rights to the film, so I'm hoping for a theatrical release later this year or early in 2011. Worst-case scenario would be a Region 1 DVD/Blu-Ray release only.

So, best AsianCineFest wishes for a most happy and wonderful birthday, Michelle Yeoh, and for many healthy, happy, and cinematically productive years to come.

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

ACF 649: Classic Anime Series GHOST SWEEPER MIKAMI acquired by Sentai Filmworks

SENTAI FILMWORKS ANNOUNCES
GHOST SWEEPER MIKAMI TV LICENSE

Sentai Filmworks has announced its acquisition of the classic hit anime series, GHOST SWEEPER MIKAMI:

Based on the acclaimed manga by Takashi Shiina, which ran for 8 continuous years in the weekly publication Shonen Sunday, GHOST SWEEPER MIKAMI‘s 45 episodes deftly mix comedy and horror as they detail the madness that ensues when Japan’s overpopulation issues finally begin to impact the resident spirit population and the ghosts have nowhere left to go except to encroach on the land of the living.

If you’ve got a ghost in your neighborhood, and your neighborhood is in Japan, you’d better put in a call to Ghost Sweeper Mikami, where disposing of things that most people don’t even believe exist is their stock in trade. Demon in the woodwork, hopping vampire in the pantry? Don’t worry! No case is too big or too small, since the lovely but avaricious Reiko Mikami will take any case that pays and her loyal but perverted sidekick Tadao will do anything that might let him sneak a peek at Reiko’s magnificent physique. How unfortunate for him that Reiko basically sees him as cannon-fodder, something that’s quite useful when your day to day business involves exorcising oni, yurei, yokai and anything else you might find in The Illustrated Bag of One Hundred Random Ghosts. It’s supernatural sleuthing where the bad guys aren’t wearing masks and the unexplained is both expected and usually lethal in GHOST SWEEPER MIKAMI!

ACF 648: Punch Strike - free screening

Punch Strike
Directed by Ryou Eun-Jung
South Korean, 2006, 81 minutes
New York Premiere

Punch Strike will be the next free screening in Korean Cultural Services' latest Korean Movie Night series, TV Party.

When: Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 @ 7 pm
- Doors open at 6:30 pm
- Seating is first come, first served

Where: Tribeca Cinema, 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, near the Canal Street stops of the A, C and #1 subways lines.

Korean directors are almost exclusively male, and PUNCH STRIKE would be notable if for no other reason that for the fact that its director, Ryou Eun-Jung, is a woman. She worked in the trenches for years before she was able to make her short film “A Smoke-Flavored Life” which won awards at film festivals around the world. She followed it up with PUNCH STRIKE, a rambunctious flick that takes on the high school power dynamic in Korea, which makes even the most dysfunctional American high school look like paradise.

Hard-working character actor, Lim Won-Hie, plays “Mad Dog” a psychotic teacher who physically abuses and sexually humiliates his students. But when he slaps Mina (Park Min-Ji) in the face in front of her secret crush he’s crossed the line. She and her two friends begin a quiet revolution as they seek their revenge. As bouncy and ram bunctious as a 16 year old texting while talking on the phone and updating their Facebook page, it’s a movie that fell between the cracks but that deserves wider exposure for its particular take on high school hell.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

ACF 647: VIZ Summer Anime Releases

VAMPIRE KNIGHT © 2008 MATSURI HINO, HAKUSENSHA / VAMPIRE KNIGHT PROJECT

VAMPIRES, SOUL REAPERS AND NINJA HEAT UP THE SUMMER
WITH NEW ANIME RELEASES FROM VIZ MEDIA

Catch The Latest DVD Releases For BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN
and The North American Premiere Of VAMPIRE KNIGHT

VIZ Media will delight anime fans with several exciting new DVD releases scheduled for the summer. These are scheduled to include the North American debut of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series and a new POKÉMON collection.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $19.97 US / $28.99 CAN • Available Now

At the prestigious Cross Academy, there are two sessions of classes, the Day Class and the Night Class. As the school's Disciplinary Committee, Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu keep watch over the Day Class students, who are all infatuated with the beautiful and elite Night Class students. As Guardians, Yuki and Zero must also protect the secret of the Night Class – they are all vampires!

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online visit http://www.shojobeat.com/.

POKÉMON ELEMENTS: COLLECTION, Part 1 • Rated 'A' for All Ages •
MSRP: $29.92 U.S. / $42.99 CAN • Available August 31st

Following the POKÉMON All Star series, the POKÉMON ELEMENTS: COLLECTION bundles Volumes 1-5 of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon. Included are: Volume 1: Grass, Volume 2: Fire, Volume 3: Water, Volume 4: Electric and Volume 5: Ice.

New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 3 Standard Edition • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available August 3rd

After fierce battles with the Akatsuki, Sakura, Granny Chiyo, Kakashi and Naruto have finally retrieved Gaara from Deidara's clutches. But is it too late? Back in the Leaf Village, Kakashi's on bed rest for overusing his Mangekyo Sharingan, and Naruto prepares to recruit some of his friends for Team Kakashi. But the village elders have beat him to it, and their choice of the unfeeling Sai has Naruto spitting mad!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 3 Special Edition • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available August 3rd
Features same DVDs as the Standard Edition but includes a special limited edition Sasori figurine.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 11 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available Now

Naruto is horrified to learn that he's responsible for the destruction caused by his rampage under the influence of the Nine-Tailed Fox, which includes Sakura's injuries. Though the battle takes a severe toll on his body, the team continues on to Orochimaru's lair to find Sasuke. But the mysterious Sai has disappeared along with Orochimaru, and the implications could spell disaster for the Leaf Village.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 12 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens •
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available August 10th

The search for Sasuke is nearing its end as Team Kakashi infiltrates Orochimaru's hideout. When Sai witnesses Naruto's strong sense of loyalty for Sasuke, he's reminded of the feelings he once had for his own brother. The moment finally comes when Naruto and Sakura face Sasuke once more, but everything may be spoiled when Sai's true mission is revealed! Features episodes 49-53.

NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET SEASON 3, Volume 2 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available August 31st

Naruto has an irrepressible spirit, and even though his friend and teammate Sasuke has gone over to the evil Orochimaru, he's determined to carry out his shinobi duties. His missions include searching for Orochimaru's hideout, tracking an escaped prisoner, and saving a gold-mining town from a group of thugs. Then his leadership skills are put to the test when he takes Konohamaru and his pals on a training exercise to Mt. Takurami, where he gets them lost! Does Naruto have the chops to find his way out of a raging storm with a pack of eager young ninja in tow? Features episodes 136-163

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, visit http://naruto.viz.com/.

New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH Volume 30 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available Now

Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki is determined to learn how to control his inner Hollow and visits Shinji Hirako at the Visoreds' hideout to find a way. But as much as Ichigo wishes to suppress his inner Hollow, Shinji wants to force him to release it. Ichigo must enter his inner world, where he's greeted by a more powerful version of himself wielding a white Zangetsu, which may be his most formidable opponent yet!

BLEACH Volume 31 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available August 24th

Ichigo and his friends undergo exhaustive training, and Captain Hitsugaya's advance troops prepare for the showdown with Sosuke Aizen. But Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto is more interested in exploring life in the World of the Living, embarking on the shopping spree of a lifetime. Her fun is interrupted by the appearance of a formidable new enemy, Mock Arrancars that are wreaking havoc in Karakura Town. Features episodes 127-131

For more information on BLEACH, visit www.BLEACH.viz.com.

For more information on other animated titles from VIZ Media visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

Monday, August 02, 2010

ACF 646: Li Is Chosen - clip from Mao's Last Dancer, coming August 2oth, 2o10

Here's one of several clips from MAO’S LAST DANCER, which will be released by Samuel Goldwyn Films and ATO Pictures in select U.S. cities on August 20th. MAO’S LAST DANCER is based on the remarkable true story of renowned ballet dancer Li Cunxin’s journey from an impoverished life in rural China to true stardom on the international stage



Follow the journey on Facebook by visiting the official MAO’S LAST DANCER page: http://www.facebook.com/maoslastdancer.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

ACF 645: VIZ Summer Manga Releases

BAKUMAN。© 2008 by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW SUMMER MANGA SERIES
TO DELIGHT FANS OF ALL INTERESTS

VIZ Media has provided details regarding the launch of brand new manga series set for release this summer. The series will tantalize the most discriminating manga tastes and features romantic dramas, fantasy driven action, the trials of aspiring manga creators, and a tasty slice of life story set in a romantic bistro in Rome.

BAKUMAN。 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available August 3rd
By the creative team that brought you DEATH NOTE! Average student Moritaka Mashiro enjoys drawing for fun. When his classmate and aspiring writer Akito Takagi discovers his talent, he begs Moritaka to team up with him as a manga-creating duo. But what exactly does it take to make it in the manga-publishing world?

DENGEKI DAISY • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available Now
After orphan Teru Kurebayashi loses her beloved older brother, she finds solace in the text messages she exchanges with DAISY, an enigmatic figure who can only be reached through the cell phone her brother left behind. Meanwhile, mysterious Tasuku Kurosaki always seems to be around whenever Teru needs help. Could DAISY be a lot closer than Teru thinks?

GENTE • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $12.99 US / $16.99 CAN • Available August 17th
Buona sera! Welcome to Casetta dell'Orso, a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Rome. The food's delicious, but the handsome staff of bespectacled gentlemen is the real draw. Follow these dashing men home and witness their romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams in this delightfully whimsical continuation of Natsume Ono's beloved Ristorante Paradiso.

HYDE & CLOSER • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available Now
Shunpei Closer is your average... well, slightly below average kid in junior high who finds himself in the middle of a great battle of dark sorcery. With cursed dolls coming after him one after another, Shunpei's life is in constant danger! If that weren't enough, Hyde, the teddy bear given to him by his grandfather, suddenly comes alive to rescue him. Hyde was a gift from Shunpei's grandfather, Alsyd Closer, who was the King of Sorcerers. After a mysterious attack, Shunpei also learns that he is the target of sorcerers all over the world. With Hyde as his main protector and teacher, Shunpei must learn how to gain confidence in himself and use the magic that he has inherited to battle the dark forces that now threaten him.

SEIHO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL! • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available August 3rd
Remote, lonely and surrounded by the ocean… This isn't Alcatraz we're talking about--it's Seiho Boys' High School, where the student body is rife with sexually frustrated hunks! How can these young men get girlfriends when they're stuck in the middle of nowhere? These are the stories of the students of Seiho High and the trouble they get into as they awkwardly pursue all girls who cross their paths.

For more information on BAKUMAN。and other Shonen Jump titles from VIZ Media, visit http://www.shonenjump.com/.

For more information on DENGEKI DAISY, SEIHO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL, and other Shojo Beat titles from VIZ Media, visit http://www.shojobeat.com/.

For more information on HYDE & CLOSER and other Shonen Sunday titles from VIZ Media, visit http://www.shonensunday.com/.