ACF 1363: LOVE WILL TEAR US APART starts Friday at Japan Society

For info about this sure to be terrific series, which will run at Japan Society from March 2 to 18, 2012, click here.

ACF 1362: Remembering Hideo Gosha

Hideo Gosha on the set of Three Outlaw Samurai

Japanese director Hideo Gosha was born on February 26, 1929 in Akasake, Tokyo, Japan. He died on August 30, 1992 at age 63. From 1964 until his death he directed 24 feature films.

His first, Three Outlaw Samurai (1964), is an almost nihilistic view of the code of the samurai, rampant with failures of loyalty and betrayals. It recently came out in the U.S. in a Criterion Collection release. The transfer is, as one would expect, gorgeous. However, the only extra is a trailer, which is interesting to watch because several shots in it were replaced by others in the released film.

His second film, Sword of the Beast (a.k.a. Samurai Gold Seekers, 1965), is also available from Criterion. It's another tale in which betrayal plays a prominent role, leading to the protagonist fleeing his clan to live in the wilds like a beast. It, too, does not come with any significant extras.

Both films are must sees for anyone interested in samurai films in particular or Japanese cinema in general. Perhaps more of Gosha's films will become available in the coming years. Meanwhile, these will have to suffice to keep his memory alive on our flat screen televisions.

ACF 1361: VIZ Media and Warner Brothers Pictures are developing live-action BLEACH movie

 VIZ PRODUCTIONS & WARNER BROTHERS TO DEVELOP

BLEACH LIVE ACTION MOVIE AFTER BANNER YEAR

VIZ Media’s Mega-Hit Franchise Continues To Expand Across

All Entertainment Channels, Win In Ratings, And Top Best Seller Lists

VIZ Media has announced that Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the live-action feature film rights to the hit manga and anime property BLEACH. The announcement comes after another successful year for BLEACH in print, digital publishing, cable television, streaming video, consumer products and video-on-demand.

“BLEACH has built a huge international following in its manga and anime formats, and we’re excited that Warner Bros. shares our belief that BLEACH can also become a fantastic live-action film,” said Jason Hoffs of VIZ Productions, VIZ Media’s Hollywood-based production company. “BLEACH is an exciting opportunity to mix Japanese and Hollywood storytelling to create something new for the big screen, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to further expose its unique characters and story to film audiences everywhere.”

Peter Segal (GET SMART, THE LONGEST YARD) of Callahan Filmworks is producing with an eye toward directing. The film’s creative team also includes screenwriter Dan Mazeau, who recently penned Warner Bros.’ upcoming sequel to CLASH OF THE TITANS. Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing and Masi Oka (best known for his roles on NBC’s HEROES and CBS’s HAWAII FIVE-0) will produce. From VIZ Productions, Hoffs will serve as Producer, and Branon Coluccio will be Executive Producer. Screenplay development will commence in 2012.

The popular BLEACH animated and manga series, created by Tite Kubo, follows the adventures of Ichigo, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper tasked to hunting Hollows, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, Ichigo must dedicate his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property around the world. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has over 75 million copies in print in Japan alone. In North America, the manga (rated ‘T’ for Teens) has consistently appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list for Manga and the Neilsen BookScan Top 50 Graphic Novels list, selling more than 2.1 million copies across 36 volumes.

The BLEACH manga is also available digitally through VIZManga.com and for download through the VIZ Manga App for iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, where it has proven to be a top-seller. The series was recently sped up to bring North American readers up-to-date with the latest story arc in Japan, culminating in it being featured in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the groundbreaking digital manga magazine that VIZ Media just launched at the end of January 2012.

The BLEACH animated series (rated TV-14) has topped the ratings on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, sold over 1.8 million DVDs and consistently ranked among Hulu’s most watched shows, This success has further spawned an array of related video games (over 820,000 sold), apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

For more information on BLEACH and to view free streaming episodes, visit Bleach.viz.com.

For more information on BLEACH digital manga, visit VIZManga.com/bleach.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, visit SJAlpha.com.

ACF 1360: Free screening of WHITE NIGHT this coming Tuesday

Korean Cultural Service

presents

Korean Movie Night 

Series 1: Jang Hun Plus One! 

  White Night

Directed by PARK Shin-Woo

South Korea, 2009, 135 minutes

When: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 @ 7:00 PM

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas (map here)

54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Admission: FREE!!!

All seating is first-come, first served

North American Premiere

White Night is the "Plus One!" that concludes Korean Cultural Service's Korean Movie Night's first series of 2012. (Three films by Jang Hun plus this one by Park Shin-Woo.)

It's a sprawling, evil epic about an unsolved crime that happened 14 years previously that has spilled its poison out over the subsequent years. Based on a best-selling Japanese novel, the film features a riveting performance by Go Soo, star of The Frontline (2011).

Director Park Shin-Woo turns this movie into a slick, beautifully realized film about true evil, as a detective refuses to let go of this single case, instead insisting on following its threads for years no matter where they lead. And where they lead is dark and truly shocking.

This hit film has been called the best Korean film of 2009 by several critics and once you’ve seen it, it’s hard to forget.

ACF 1359: Heavy metal mecha action series BROKEN BLADE available now

Section23 Films has released the heavy metal mecha action series BROKEN BLADE. The Complete Collection is currently available on both DVD & Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks

 

Title:                 BROKEN BLADE COMPLETE COLLECTION

Running Time:   300 min.

Age Rating:       TV 14 (V)

Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Street Date:      2/21/2012

Format:             DVD

SRP:                $59.98

Title:                 BROKEN BLADE COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY EDITION

Format:             BD

SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS: In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects-or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems. But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an "un-sorcerer", Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon. But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives. Strap yourself in, power up, and prepare for the heavy metal mecha action of BROKEN BLADE!  

ACF 1358: NY Korean Film Festival ends tomorrow with three screenings

The 10th New York Korean Film Festival will conclude tomorrow night, Sunday, February 26th. Presented by The Korea Society in cooperation with partners BAM Cinématek and CJ Entertainment, the seven film festival showcases the popular and prolific in Korean film, featuring blockbusters, cutting-edge action, drama, and comedy.

Below is information about Sunday's screenings. (For information about the two films that will be shown today, Saturday, click here.) 

Sunny

Directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol

With Yu Ho-jeong, Shim Eun-kyeong, Jin Hee-kyung, Kang So-ra, Hong Jin-hee

South Korea, 2011, 124 minutes

Korean with English subtitles

When: Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at 3:00 PM 

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): In Sunny, director Kang Hyeong-chul (Speedy Scandal) tells a tale about a group of high school friends who go their separate ways after a sudden accident. Twenty-five years later, Na-mi—who’s married and has a daughter but feels something missing in her life—runs into old friend Chun-hwa, and decides to seek out the others. With great performances and a charming storyline, Sunny was Korea’s biggest box-office hit in Korea 2011.

 Moss / Iggi

Directed by Kang Woo-suk

With Jeong jae-yeong, Park Hae-il, and Yu Hae-jin

South Korea, 2010, 163 minutes

Korean with English subtitles

When: Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at 5:45 PM 

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): Upon hearing news of his father’s death, Ryu Hae-guk travels to an isolated village, where he soon realizes that the increasingly threatening villagers are hiding something from him. The mystery behind his father’s death continues to unravel in this atmospheric thriller, as Ryu learns that his father was a savior to this small town and shared absolute power with the town chief.

 Glove

Directed by Kang Woo-suk

With Jeong Jae-young, Sun Yoo, Kang Shin-il

South Korea, 2011, 144 minutes

Korean with English subtitles

When: Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at 9:00 PM 

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): A hot-tempered former professional baseball player is sent to the countryside to coach a team of hearing-impaired players—all in an effort to avoid media coverage of his recent involvement in an assault case. At first, he’s skeptical but as he spends time with the players he starts to believe in them and decides to help them prepare for the nationals. 

ACF 1357: K-ON! Season 2 coming from Sentai Filmworks

Sentai Filmworks has announced the licensing of K-ON! Season 2, the continuing exploits of the Light Music Club of Sakuragaoka Girl’s High.  The creative staff from K-ON! returns for another 26 episodes plus an OVA of a rocking good time, featuring character designs by Yukiko Horiguchi (Lucky Star) and music by Hajime Hyakkoku (Ichigo 100%).  On top of their proven performance, Sentai Filmworks’ release will feature an electric dub by Bang Zoom! Entertainment.

K-ON! Season 2 will be available on DVD and BD later this year.

Synopsis: For two full years, Yui, Mio, Ritsu and Tsumugi have worked together to keep Sakuragaoka Girl's High School's struggling Light Music Club alive, and along the way they’ve begun to build a reputation as real rock musicians, especially since the previous year’s addition of underclassman rhythm guitarist Azusa!!  But as a new school year begins, there are new and scary challenges ahead.  With four fifths of the club graduating at the end of the year, replacement members have to be recruited.  There are college exams to prepare for.  There are colleges to choose.  And there are friends to prepare to say goodbye to.

But no matter what happens, they’ll have their faculty adviser and secret former Death Metal guitar/vocalist Sawako Yamada there to help them in her own unusual way, especially since she’s now their homeroom teacher as well!!  And most of all, they’ll have each other.  Because the group of amateur musicians who barely knew each other has become much more than just a band, and by the time this school year is over, they’re going to achieve something so amazing it requires multiple exclamation marks!!  Get ready to be blown away as the girls from K-ON! rock on!!

ACF 1356: THE SERVENT and QUICK at NY Korean Film Festival tomorrow

The 10th New York Korean Film Festival, which begins tonight, will continue tomorrow night, Saturday, February 25th. Presented by The Korea Society in cooperation with partners BAM Cinématek and CJ Entertainment, the seven film festival showcases the popular and prolific in Korean film, featuring blockbusters, cutting-edge action, drama, and comedy.

Below is information about Saturday's screenings. (For information about the two films that will open the festival tonight, click here.) 

The Servent / Bang-ja jeon

Directed by Kim Dae-woo

With Kim Joo-hyuk, Ryu Seung-beom, Jo Yeo-jeong, Oh Dal-su

South Korea, 2010, 124 minutes

Korean with English subtitles

When: Saturday, February 25th, 2012 at 6:30 PM 

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): This retelling of the classic Korean folk tale Chun-hyang is told from the point of view of Bang-ja, a personal servant to the aristocratic scholar Lee Mong-ryong. When the two men encounter a maiden named Chun-hyang, Mong-ryong courts her with the prospect of marriage while Bang-ja begins an illicit affair with her. With eroticism and humor, Kim Dae-woo’s The Servant illustrates the pursuits of love and class status.   

Quick

Directed by Cho Beom-goo
With Lee Min-ki, Kang Ye-won, Kim In-kwon

South Korea, 2011, 115 minutes

Korean with English subtitles

When: Saturday, February 25th, 2012 at 9:30 PM 

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): Former motorcycle gang member Gi-su makes his living as a bike messenger. When he delivers a package one day, the building later blows up, yet he never suspects that he could have anything to do with the bomb. But when Ah-rom, an ex-girlfriend from his biker days, puts on a bike helmet, she triggers a timing mechanism that sets off a countdown clock: Gi-su must make a series of deliveries within a fixed time limit—or suffer the consequences.

ACF 1354: New digital manga releases announced by VIZ Media

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

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW DIGITAL RELEASES

FOR VIZMANGA.COM AND THE VIZ MANGA APP

FOR iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

Latest Issue Of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Also Available,

Featuring Exclusive Interview with BLEACH Creator Tite Kubo

VIZ Media continues to expand the digital manga (graphic novels) library available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices.

This week’s issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA features the latest chapters of BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE and TORIKO, as well as a special interview with Tite Kubo, creator of BLEACH. Additional highlights include the latest installments of popular series such as BLUE EXORCIST, CROSS GAME and OTOMEN.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine, treats manga fans to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available on VIZManga.com through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99; members will also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, collectable YU-GI-OH! game cards four times a year, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and videos. Single issues are also available, and can be read for four weeks for only $0.99.

New VIZ Media manga volumes launching include:

AI ORE! Vol. 4

BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 9

BLUE EXORCIST Vol. 6

CROSS GAME Vol. 5

KEKKAISHI Vol. 22

MAOH: JUVENILE REMIX Vol. 9

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vol. 7

OTOMEN Vol. 12

TORIKO Vol. 8

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from the VIZ Manga App for iOS devices and on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top app for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. Over 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information on the VIZ Manga digital platform, visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps. 

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, visit SJAlpha.com. 

ACF 1353: New York Korean Film Festival begins tomorrow

The 10th New York Korean Film Festival begins tomorrow night, Friday, February 24th, and runs through Sunday, February 26th. Presented by The Korea Society in cooperation with partners BAM Cinématek and CJ Entertainment, the seven film festival will showcase the popular and prolific in Korean film, featuring blockbusters, cutting-edge action, drama, and comedy.

Late Autumn / Manchu

Directed by Kim Tae-yong.

With Hyun Bin and Tang Wei

South Korea/China/Hong Kong/USA, 2010, 113 minutes

In English, some Korean and Chinese with English subtitles

When: Friday, February 24th, 2012 at 6:50 PM 

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): On a special weekend release from prison, where she’s serving time for killing her abusive husband, Anna ventures to Seattle to attend her mother’s funeral. On the bus, she meets Hoon, a “companion for hire” for lonely, older women, and they soon discover they are both running away: Anna from her past and Hoon from one of his clients’ husbands. This remake of the famed 1961 film by director Lee Man-hee was shot in Seattle, featuring beautiful cinematography.

Hindsight / Poo-Reun-So-Geum

Directed by Lee Hyun-seung

With Song Kang-ho, Shin Se-kyeong, and Cheon Jeong-myeong

South Korea, 2011, 120 minutes

In Korean with English subtitles

When: Friday, February 24th, 2012 at 9:15PM

Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Rose Cinema

30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn 

(Map and directions here)

 Tickets here

Synopsis (courtesy The Korea Society): Retired mob boss Du-heon (Song Kang-ho) has hopes of making a fresh start as a restaurant owner and enrolls in a cooking class, where he finds himself drawn to the charming and quirky Se-bin. But there may be more to her than meets the eye. Despite his determination to wipe the slate clean, Du-heon is summoned back into the criminal fold by his old colleagues. Veteran filmmaker Lee Hyun-seung transcends the crime genre with outstanding performances.

ACF 1352: FATE/STAY NIGHT: UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS

Sentai Filmworks cordially invites you to enter a world where magic lives and sorcerers duel for the right to survive in FATE/STAY NIGHT: UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS.  TV series director Yuji Yamaguchi (Strawberry Eggs) returns to helm this theatrical endeavor with screenplay by Takuya Sato (Inu X Boku SS).  Original character designs are by Takashi Takeuchi (Canaan, Garden of Sinners) and music is by veteran Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Eden of the East).  Sentai Filmworks’ release will feature an English dub produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment.

FATE/STAY NIGHT: UNLIMITED BLADEWORKS will be available digitally soon, with a home video release on DVD & BD scheduled for later this year.

Synopsis: Having spent the last ten years of his life studying under a mysterious sorcerer, Shiro Emiya has become a Magi, a sorcerer who has summoned a “Servant,” a mystical female warrior of incredible power named Saber, to stand together in the ultimate test of sorcery and magic: the Holy Grail War.  But Shiro’s own feelings for Saber may conflict with their goal.

For to win the contest means to take the risk of losing everything, even as he also begins to empathize with members of the rival battleteams.  For while seven teams will enter the battle, only one will leave, and the winners will receive the prize of the Grail itself and their greatest wish granted.  Will that wish be worth the price Shiro must ultimately pay?  The battle is on in FATE/STAY NIGHT – UNLILMITED BLADEWORKS.

ACF 1351: Happy Birthday, Moon Lee!

Actress Moon Lee was born on February 14, 1965 in Hong Kong.  She currently lives in Denver, Colorado.

Moon Lee, right, in Beauty Investigator (screen capture from my DVD dupe of my VHS tape)

 
In a career that spanned nearly twenty years, she appeared in some 40 films and TV series. Her cute face and slim build served to highlight her kick ass roles in such films as Midnight Angels (a.k.a. Fighting Madam, 1987), Killer Angels (1989) and Beauty Investigator (1992).
 

In Killer Angels (screen capture from my DVD dupe of my VHS tape)

So, Happy Birthday to you, Moon Lee, and heartfelt wishes for many more, from Dr. G, your AsianCineFest fan.

More about Moon Lee at IMDb , the Hong Kong Movie Database, and Wikipedia 

ACF 1350: GINTAMA - THE MOVIE

Sentai Filmworks once again returns to the world of the strangest samurai odd jobs ever with the company’s announcement of their licensing of  GINTAMA – THE MOVIE, the latest installment in the hugely successful GINTAMA animated series based on the GIN TAMA manga series by Hideaki Sorachi.  Following the wise, ancient and possibly Japanese adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the 95 minute feature film reunites most of the key staff of the TV series.

Director, Shinji Takamatsu (SCHOOL RUMBLE) and writer Akatsuki Yamatoya (To LOVE RU, SOUL EATER) handle the story components of the film, while animation director Shinji Takeuchi (SAMURAI CHAMPLOO) once again takes up the task of adapting Sorachi’s original character designs for film.

GINTAMA- THE MOVIE will soon be available digitally, with a home video release on DVD and Blu-Ray scheduled for later this year.

Synopsis: Odd Jobs Gin has taken on a lot of odd work in the past, and when you’re a Jack of All Trades agency based in a feudal Japan that’s been conquered and colonized by aliens, the term “Odd Jobs” means REALLY ODD jobs.  But when some more than slightly suspicious secrets from the shadows of OJG founder Gintoki Sakata’s somewhat shady former samurai past and a new pair of odd jobs collide, the action is bound to get so wild and demented that only a feature film will do it justice!

So if you’ve had the good fortune to see Gintama, Japan’s most popular science fiction samurai series before, get ready for more of the same on an epic scale!  And if you haven’t seen Gintama before, well, this is your quick and easy introduction to why Gintama (the series) is the hottest thing to hit the Land of the Rising Sun since a certain large, green reptile whose name we can’t use due to certain litigious lawyers!  Sit down, strap yourself in and make sure you’re not wearing anything too tight or constricting as the junior half of OJG takes on the task of tracking down a tenacious terrorist while their silver-haired slickster of a partner seeks out a certain sword in the side-splittingly silly GINTAMA- THE MOVIE.

ACF 1349: Korean spy thriller SECRET REUNION reviewed; Free screening on Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Korean Cultural Service

presents

Korean Movie Night 

Series 1: Jang Hun Plus One! 

 Secret Reunion / Ui-hyeong-je

Directed by JANG Hun

South Korea, 2010, 116 minutes

When: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 @ 7:00 PM

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas

54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Admission: FREE!!!

All seating is first-come, first served

Song Kang Ho (Thirst, The Host, Secret Sunshine, J.S.A.: Joint Security Area) is probably the Korean actor most familiar to American audiences. Here, in director Jang Hun's sophomore effort, he plays Lee Han-kyu, a South Korean National Intelligence Service agent. Lee is pitted against Song Ji-won (portrayed by actor Gang Dong-Won), a North Korean agent who's part of a three-man assassination team.

Lee decides not to call in back-up when an opportunity arises to bust the spy ring, and things go all to hell. The leader and Song get away and only the third member of the team is captured. Lee is forced into ignominious retirement, and Song is left all on his own.

The film flashes forward a few years to find Lee leading a motley crew that locates young women from other Asian countries who have fled the Korean husbands they were made to marry. Song is happily working construction, hoping to one day reunite with his wife and child in the North. They recognize one another, but neither one gives the other the slightest hint of this. Lee, hoping to finally bust the spy ring and redeem himself, gets Song to become his partner, replacing two incompetent employees Lee has let go.

Song Kang Ho is always a delight to watch. He strikes me as a contemporary Korean version of the kind of everyman character associated with many roles played by Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, and Tom Hanks. Here, once again, he raises the level of the material just by virtue of his likeability.

Not that the material in any way is shabby, quite the contrary. Secret Reunion is a captivating tale with many humorous elements. It's enjoyable throughout and concludes with a sweet and satisfying ending.

ACF Rating: 3 out of 4 stars, highly recommended.

The above review, in slightly different form, appeared in ACF 602 (June 30, 2010), prior to the film's screenings at that year's New York Asian Film Festival.

For another take on Secret Reunion, check out Patrick Galloway's October 2010 review by clicking here. Galloway is a writer I greatly respect and admire. I own and treasure the three books on Asian cinema that he's written to date.

ACF 1348: Happy Birthday, Kelly Hu

A talented and gorgeous actress, Kelly Hu was born February 13, 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Of Chinese, Hawaiian, and English ancestry, she is a fourth generation American. The first Asian-American to be crowned Miss Teen USA (1985), she was also named Miss Hawaii in 1993. After a modeling stint in Japan and Italy, she moved to Hollywood and got her first big break in 1987 in the TV show Growing Pains.

She has since appeared in scads of television shows. I think I first became aware of her when she co-starred in Marshall Law (1998-200) with Sammo Hung. She had a recurring role on the hit CBS reboot of Hawaii Five-0 as Laura Hills, an aide to the governor. Unfortunately, her character was killed off at the end of the 2011 spring season. (I'm generally not a fan of the device, but this is one situation where I'd love to see a dead character's twin appear.) As a character named Pearl, she's appeared in eight episodes (to date) of The Vampire Diaries.

As Laura Hills in Hawaii Five-0

And of course, she's been in numerous films, including:

The Doors (1991)
The Scorpion King (2002)
Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
X2 (2003, a.k.a. X-Men 2: X-Men United)

Her work in action films benefited from her being a black belt in karate. Kelly is also a very fine comedienne, as she demonstrated in the unfortunately short-lived TV series In Case of Emergency (2007). She's in two films -- White Frog and Under the Hula: Life Within the Dance) -- that are currently in post-production.

So, best wishes for a wonderful birthday, Kelly, from Dr. G, one of your biggest fans. Looking forward to seeing you often on both movie and TV screens for many years to come.

ACF 1347: Shojo manga A DEVIL AND HER LOVE SONG now available

AKUMA TO LOVE SONG © 2006 by Miyoshi Tomori/SHUEISHA Inc.

 A HIGH SCHOOL GIRL MARCHES TO HER OWN BEAT

An Outspoken Outsider With Amazing Singing Talent

Tries To Fit In And Still Maintain Her Hard Edge

In The Latest Manga Series From VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat Imprint

VIZ Media debuts the poignant shojo manga (graphic novel) series, A DEVIL AND HER LOVE SONG, now available. The new title, published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Meet Maria Kawai – she’s gorgeous and whip-smart, a girl who seems to have it all. But when she unleashes her sharp tongue, it’s no wonder some consider her to be the very devil! Maria’s difficult ways even get her kicked out of an elite school, but this particular fall may actually turn out to be her saving grace... Maria’s frank nature gains her more enemies at her new school, but her angelic singing voice inadvertently catches the attention of Yusuke Kanda and Shin Meguro. Can these boys mend her hardened heart, or will they just end up getting scorched?

“Maria Kawai, an outspoken and radically honest girl who struggles to fit in at a new school, is beautiful and has an amazing singing voice, but isn’t the least bit concerned with being nice or popular,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “When she gets bullied by fellow classmates, two boys step up to aid her—Yusuke Kanda, a cheerful and popular guy who always tries to avoid conflict, and Shin Meguro, a moody outsider who tends to keep to himself. All these characters are dealing with something that we all struggle with—trying to figure out who we truly are and accepting ourselves even though the community asks us to be someone we’re not. It’s an engaging new series that offers a lot of depth, and we’re proud to have it be a part of the Shojo Beat imprint.”

Manga creator Miyoshi Tomori made her debut in 2001, and her previous titles have included Hatsukare (First Boyfriend), Tongari Root (Square Root), and Brass Love!! Her current series, A DEVIL AND HER LOVE SONG, was featured in Japan in the popular shojo magazine Margaret.

For more information on A DEVIL AND HER LOVE SONG, or other shojo manga titles from VIZ Media, visit ShojoBeat.com.

ACF 1346: Free screening of SECRET REUNION on February 15th, 2012

Korean Cultural Service

presents

Korean Movie Night 

Series 1: Jang Hun Plus One!

Secret Reunion / Ui-hyeong-je

Directed by JANG Hun

South Korea, 2010, 116 minutes

When: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 @ 7:00 PM

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas

54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Admission: FREE!!!

All seating is first-come, first served

Two of Korea's best actors face off in this blockbuster action flick that manages to be sly, subversive and really funny while delivering white knuckle thrills. Song Kang-Ho (The Host) is a South Korean secret agent who fumbles a sting operation on a North Korean spy. Pop star Gang Dong-Won (Haunters) is the North Korean assassin who has been embedded in the South.

After the botched operation, both men are cut loose by their respective agencies and Song becomes a private eye, while Gang sinks into deep cover, trying to survive long enough to go home. Years later, they cross paths and what audiences are treated to is a buddy movie to end all buddy movies.

Note that Secret Reunion is being shown not on Tuesday, when Korean Movie Night screenings normally take place, but on Wednesday night.

ACF 1345: VIZ expands digital manga titles for NOOK Tablet & NOOK Color

NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS DIGITAL MANGA TITLES

AVAILABLE FOR BARNES & NOBLE’S

NOOK TABLET™ AND NOOK COLOR™

15 New Shonen Jump Series Now Available
For Barnes & Noble’s 7-Inch NOOK^© Devices,

Including BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, DEATH NOTE,
NARUTO, ONE PIECE And More!

The digital manga convergence continues across North America as VIZ Media, LLC, largest distributor and publisher of anime and manga in North America, announces the launch of 15 additional manga (graphic novel) series for the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color. Beginning today, the company expands its library of digital manga titles offered in the NOOK Store™ to include a variety of popular manga series published under the Shonen Jump and Shonen Jump Advanced imprints.

Volumes are presented in their original Japanese Right-to-Left reading format and are available for purchase and fast download in the U.S. and Canada for $4.99 -$9.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Over 35 series and 400+ volumes are now available, and new digital manga volumes, including previews, are added weekly.

Viewing manga on NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color is authentic thanks to Barnes & Noble’s newly implemented technology that formats manga in its original right-to-left reading order. Fans can read favorite graphic novels on the award-winning NOOK 7-inch devices, which feature a full-color VividView™ touchscreen. NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color also give users access to the world’s largest digital bookstore, popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, as well as a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email. 

The following VIZ Media manga titles are now available, with more to be announced soon:

BAKUMAN｡ Vols. 1-8 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

BLEACH Vols. 1-37; Vols. 49-50 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

BLUE EXORCIST Vols. 1-6 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

CLAYMORE Vols. 1-19 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

D.GRAY-MAN Vols. 1-21 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

DEATH NOTE Vols. 1-12 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

DRAGON BALL Vols. 1-16 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “A” for All Ages

DRAGON BALL Z Vols. 1-26 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T” for Teens

NARUTO Vols. 1-57 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vols. 1-6 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

ONE PIECE Vols. 1-58 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

ROSARIO + VAMIPRE Vols. 1-10 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE  SEASON 2 Vols. 1-6 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

RUROUNI KENSHIN Vols. 1-28 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

TORIKO Vols. 1-7 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, visit www.VIZ.com.

For more information on NOOK devices, visit www.nook.com.

To purchase VIZ Media manga titles for the NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color, visit the NOOK Book Store at www.barnesandnoble.com/s?view=grid&store=EBOOK&sort=DD&PN=viz&FMT=KA.