THE MONKEY KING 2 reviewed; debuts on Blu-ray & DVD today

Well Go USA

Entertainment

Presents

The Monkey King 2 / Xi you ji zhi: Sun Wukong san da Baigu Jing

Directed by Soi Cheang

China/Hong Kong, 2016, 120 minutes

Soi Cheang's telling of the famous Chinese story of the Monkey King continues with Well Go USA Entertainment's release of The Monkey King 2 on Blu-ray™ and DVD today, Tuesday, January 3rd. This review is based on my watching the Blu-ray version.

The Monkey King 2 is the sequel to The Monkey King, the 2014 film that was also directed by Soi Cheang. (Both were filmed in 3D; the Blu-ray and DVD releases of the sequel are in 2D only.) The original film (also known as The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven's Palace) starred Donnie Yen, who also served as the film's action director, as the titular protagonist. In The Monkey King 2, Aaron Kwok plays Sun Wukong, a.k.a. the Monkey King. The legendary Sammo Hung assumed duties as action director.

Zhu Baijie, The Monkey King, and Sha Wujing

The series is based on The Journey to the West, a major classic of Chinese literature consisting of one hundred chapters. It tells the tale of a Chinese monk named Xuanzang (also known as The Scripture Fetcher and as The Tang Priest) who is selected by The Mercy Goddess to undertake an arduous and dangerous journey to the West (i.e., to India) to get holy scriptures from the Buddha. He is accompanied and protected by the Monkey King, who is really the main character, and two others. For some time I have owned the first volume of the four volume set translated and edited by Anthony C. Yu. Earlier this year, I finally got around to reading it. The Money King 2 is concerned with portions of the latter part of that twenty-five chapter volume.

The original film ended with the mischievous Monkey King, who has achieved mystical powers and wrecked havoc in Heaven, being imprisoned within Five Finger Mountain for five hundred years. The Monkey King 2 begins with Xuanzang, who is being attacked by a dragon, freeing him from the mountain. Once the Money King has dealt with the dragon, the pair begin their journey and are soon joined by Zhu Baijie (Xiao Shen Yang, The Grandmaster), a pig-man who can transform into either a handsome youth or a wild boar, and Bro Sha Wujing, a mighty blue-skinned warrior. The main protagonist is White Bone Spirit (the always lovely and wonderful Gong Li), also called Lady White. She wants to devour the monk (that is, absorb his essence, not actually eat him physically) so she can become an immortal demon.

White Bone Spirit

Disc Specs:
-- Audio
   -- Cantonese Dolby ATMOS in true HD
   -- Cantonese 20 Stereo
   -- Mandarin 5.1 DTS HDMA
   -- Mandarin 2.0 Stereo
-- Subtitles
   -- English
   -- Chinese
   -- Off
--Bonus Materials:
   -- A Five-part “Making of” Featurette
      -- The Monkey King
      -- The Monk
      -- Bajie
      -- Wujing
      -- A New World
   -- The Monkey King 2 Trailer
   -- Previews (of other Well Go USA releases)
      -- Railroad Tigers
      -- Cold War 2
      -- Call of Heroes

Back in February of this year, The Monkey King 2 enjoyed a limited theatrical release in the U.S. I did not get to see that version but did watch a 2D online screener of the film. I was fairly impressed with it at that time. Having now seen Well Go USA's gorgeous Blu-ray version, I am even more blown away by the film. The make-up, costumes and special effects are spectacular, as are the action sequences.

Before writing this review I noticed that the first film in the series was available on Netflix Streaming. I watched it and thought it was pretty good, decent but by no means spectacular. The Monkey King 2 is superior in almost every way. While I have nothing but high regard for Donnie Yen, I found Aaron Kwok's depiction of Sun Wukong clearly superior.

AsianCineFest Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; very, very highly recommended.

THE MONKEY KING 2 coming to Blu-ray and DVD next Tuesday

Well Go USA

Entertainment

Presents

The Monkey King 2 / Xi you ji zhi: Sun Wukong san da Baigu Jing

Directed by Soi Cheang

China/Hong Kong, 2016, 120 minutes

The legendary Monkey King returns for a new adventure when Well Go USA Entertainment debuts The Monkey King 2 on Blu-ray™ and DVD next Tuesday, January 3rd. (It's been available on digital since December 6th,)

The follow up to the international fantasy blockbuster finds Soi Cheang (The Monkey King, Kill Zone 2) back in the director’s chair, with martial arts legend Sammo Hung (Kung Fu Hustle, Tai Chi Zero) on board as action director, for the epic sequel set 500 years after the original. This edition finds Aaron Kwok (Cold War) replacing Donnie Yen as The Monkey King, a warrior who must protect a traveling monk (William Feng Shaofeng, Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon) from the White Bone Spirit (Gong Li, Curse of the Golden Flower), a demon seeking immortality. The Monkey King 2 also stars Xiao Shen Yang (The Grandmaster), Him Law (Young and Dangerous: Reloaded) and Kris Phillips (Painted Skin: The Resurrection).

Synopsis:
The follow up to the international fantasy blockbuster, The Monkey King 2 fast forwards 500 years after the Monkey King (Aaron Kwok) wreaked havoc in heaven. Newly freed from his confines under the Five Finger Mountain, the Monkey King vows to protect the innocent from a demon seeking immortality as he accompanies a young monk on an epic journey to the West.

Bonus Materials:
-- A Five-part “Making of” Featurette
   -- The Monkey King
   -- Bajie
   -- The Monk
   -- Wujing
   -- A New World
-- Trailer

THE MONKEY KING 2 debuts on Digital tomorrow; coming to Blu-ray & DVD on January 3rd, 2017

Well Go USA

Entertainment

Presents

Aaron Kwok as The Monkey King

The Monkey King 2 / Xi you ji zhi: Sun Wukong san da Baigu Jing

Directed by Soi Cheang

China/Hong Kong, 2016, 120 minutes

The legendary Monkey King returns for a new adventure when Well Go USA Entertainment debuts The Monkey King 2 on digital tomorrow, December 6th and on Blu-ray™ and DVD January 3rd.

The follow up to the international fantasy blockbuster finds Soi Cheang (The Monkey King, Kill Zone 2) back in the director’s chair, with martial arts legend Sammo Hung (Kung Fu Hustle, Tai Chi Zero) on board as action director, for the epic sequel set 500 years after the original. This edition finds Aaron Kwok (Cold War) replacing Donnie Yen as The Monkey King, a warrior who must protect a traveling monk (William Feng Shaofeng, Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon) from the White Bone Spirit (Gong Li, Curse of the Golden Flower), a demon seeking immortality. The Monkey King 2 also stars Xiao Shen Yang (The Grandmaster), Him Law (Young and Dangerous: Reloaded) and Kris Phillips (Painted Skin: The Resurrection).

Synopsis:
The follow up to the international fantasy blockbuster, The Monkey King 2 fast forwards 500 years after the Monkey King (Aaron Kwok) wreaked havoc in heaven. Newly freed from his confines under the Five Finger Mountain, the Monkey King vows to protect the innocent from a demon seeking immortality as he accompanies a young monk on an epic journey to the West.

Bonus Materials:
-- A Five-part “Making of” Featurette
   -- The Monkey King
   -- Bajie
   -- The Monk
   -- Wujing
   -- A New World
-- Trailer

CALL OF HEROES to debut on Blu-ray and DVD on December 6th

Well Go USA

Entertainment

Presents

Call of Heroes

Directed by Benny Chan

Hong Kong, 2016, 120 minutes

Award-winning Director Benny Chan (Shaolin, New Police Story) assembles a star-studded powerhouse lineup of action stars for the martial arts-packed drama Call of Heroes, which will debut on Blu-ray™ and DVD next Tuesday, December 6 from Well Go USA Entertainment. (It's been available on Digital since November 8th.)

A “Chinese wuxia epic with obvious echoes to classic spaghetti Western films and Akira Kurosawa’s samurai dramas,” (Edmund Lee, South China Morning Post), Call of Heroes stars Sean Lau (Mad Detective), Louis Koo (Drug War), Eddie Peng (Cold War 2) and Wu Jing (Shaolin), with the legendary Sammo Hung on board as the action director. Set in 1914 following the collapse of the Qing dynasty, the epic film tells the story of a group of brave villagers standing up to a cruel young warlord. Bonus materials include a making-of featurette.

Synopsis:
Louis Koo stars as Cao, the spoiled son of a powerful General who has grown into a vicious and depraved warlord. Although Cao is accused of triple murder, his father will destroy the town if his son is convicted and sentenced to death. But injustice cannot go unanswered, and the villagers prepare for the repercussions of punishing a guilty man.

RISE OF THE LEGEND reviewed; available today on Blu-ray & DVD

Well Go USA

Presents

 

Rise of the Legend / Huang feihong zhi yingxiong you meng

Directed by Chow Hin Yeung

Hong Kong/China, 2014, 132 minutes

Rise of the Legend is the latest entry in the huge filmography of movies about the martial artist folk hero Wong Fei Hong. The film will debut on Blu-ray™ and DVD tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Over a roughly thirty year period, Hong Kong actor Kwan Tak-hing starred as Wong in over 70 films. Jet Li portrayed him in several films in the mid- and late-1990s. In this new origins story, Eddie Peng (Unbeatable) has the honor of playing Wong, and he acquits himself quite well.

Eddoe Peng as Wong Fei Hong

Hong Kong action legend Sammo Hung stars as Wong's nemesis Master Lei, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang who seeks to defeat the rival North Sea Gang for control of the Hunagpu Doc in Guangzhou in the late 1860s. While the foreign tade at the pier is lucrative, of equal or greaater importnace are the Black Tiger Gang's opium dens, gambling houses and brothels, each controlled by one of Lei's three adopted sons.

Wong, a supremely righteous martial artist, infiltrates the gang to bring back to his native town. Aiding him are friends from his childhood: Fiery (actor Jing Boran, The Guillotines) and Chun (actress Wang Luodan, The Continent). Angelababy (Tai Chi Zero) plays Orchid, a courtesan who also provides assistance.

Sammo Hung as Master Lei

Rounding out the cast are Tony Leung Ka-Fai (Tai Chi Hero) as Wong's father, a doctor, who seen in some flashback scenes, and Jin Zhang (Kill Zone 2) as Wu Long, the son of the boss of the North Sea Gang.

There are numerous, fine action scenes. In separate scenes both Peng as Wong and Jing as Fiery each have one-against-many battles. The opening fight is one of these, as Peng fights many opponents in a narrow street. (This scene takes place in the rain and reminded me of the opening fight in Wong Kar Wai's The Grandmaster, although that one took place at night and this one occurs in daylight.)

Angelababy as Orchid

Corey Yuen served as the film's action director and the only thing that I was a bit unhappy about was his rather excessive use of wire-work. This especially was the case with Sammo Hung's fight scenes. Now I love Sammo, but his girth has only increased in recent years, and I find it a bit upsetting to see him flying through the air as he often does here.

Still, this is a minor complaint and doesn't change the fact that Rise of the Legend is a very satisfying and well-crafted film overall.

Blu-ray & DVD Disc Specs:
-- Audio
  -- Mandarin DTS 5.1 HDMA
  -- Mandarin 2.0 Stereo
  -- English DTS 5.1 HDMA
  -- English 2.0 Stereo
-- Subtitles
  -- English
  -- Off
-- Bonus Features Include:
  -- Five part “Making of” Featurette
    -- Characters (2:11)
    -- Eddie Peng (1:51)
    -- Injuries (2:11)
    -- Cinematography (2:19)
    -- Special Effects (2:10)
  -- Trailer
-- Previews
  -- Kill Zone 2
  -- Ip Man 3
  -- Kung Fu Killer

AsianCineFest Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; a solidly recommended martial arts action film.

RISE OF THE LEGEND coming to home video on May 24, 2016

Well Go USA

Presents

Rise of the Legend / Huang feihong zhi yingxiong you meng

Directed by Chow Hin Yeung

Hong Kong/China, 2014, 132 minutes

Martial Arts legend Sammo Hung (Ip Man 2) takes on Eddie Peng (Unbeatable), pegged by The Hollywood Reporter as “a serious contender for Next Great Martial Arts Star,” in Director Chow Hin Yeung’s epic action drama Rise of the Legend, debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD on Tuesday. May 24th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The story follows a powerful martial arts master (Peng) returning to the town where his father was murdered to take on a ruthless crime boss (Hung) in this origins story of the revered folk hero Wong Fei Hung, a martial arts master whose life has passed into Chinese folklore.

The film also stars Wang Luodan (The Continent), Jing Boran (The Guillotines), Jin Zhang (Kill Zone 2), Wong Cho Lam (Ip Man: The Final Fight), Qin Junjie (Painted Skin: The Resurrection), Byron Mann (“Arrow”), newcomer Gao Taiyu, Tony Leung Ka-Fai (Tai Chi Hero) and Angelababy (Tai Chi Zero). Bonus materials include a five-part making-of featurette.

Synopsis:
A martial artist with extraordinary power (Eddie Peng) returns to the town where his father was murdered to face off against a ruthless crime boss (Sammo Hung) and bring justice back to the people. In Chinese with English subtitles.

Blu-ray & DVD Bonus Features Include:
-- “Making of” Featurette
  -- Characters
  -- Eddie Peng
  -- Injuries
  -- Cinematography
  -- Stunts

AsianCineFest already has received its Blu-ray screener, so look for our review on or just before the May 24th release date.

Celebrate The Year of the Monkey with THE MONKEY KING 2 in 3D

China Lion

Presents

The Monkey King 2 in 3D

Directed by Cheang Pou-Soi 

China/Hong Kong, 2016, 119 minutes

The Asian Lunar New Year has arrived and China Lion is presenting a most fitting way to celebrate The Year of the Monkey. The Monkey King 2 in 3D opened in select U.S. theaters last Friday. It is the sequel to The Monkey King, the 2014 film that was also directed by Cheang Pou-soi and filmed in 3D. The original film starred Donnie Yen, who also served as the film's action director, as the titular protagonist. In The Monkey King 2, Aaron Kwok plays Sun Wukong, a.k.a. the Monkey King. The legendary Sammo Hung assumed duties as action director. The cast also includes Gong Li as White Bone Spirit, a demon, and Kelly Chen as The Mercy Goddess, the Bodhisattva Guanyin (sometimes spelled Kuan-yin).

The tale is based on The Journey to the West, a major classic of Chinese literature consisting of one hundred chapters. It tells the tale of a Chinese monk named Xuanzang who is selected to undertake an arduous and dangerous journey to the West (i.e., to India) to get holy scriptures from the Buddha. He is accompanied and protected by the Monkey King, who is really the main character, and two others. For years I have owned the first volume of the four volume set translated and edited by Anthony C. Yu. By an interesting coincidence, I just got around to reading it recently. The Money King 2 is concerned with portions of the latter part of that twenty-five chapter volume.

I have not seen the original film, but it apparently ended with the mischievous Monkey King, who has achieved mystical powers and wrecked havoc in Heaven, being imprisoned within a mountain for five hundred years. He has been selected by The Mercy Goddess to travel with the monk, who frees him from the mountain. Subsequently they are joined by Baijie, a pig-man who can transform into a handsome youth and a wild boar, and Bro Sha, a mighty blue-skinned warrior. The main protagonist is White Bone Spirit, also called Lady White. She wants to devour the monk so she can become an immortal demon.

I only saw a 2D online screener of the film, but was quite impressed with it. The make-up and special effects were quite good. Ric Meyers, my "big brother" in the days when we were both columnists at Asian Cult Cinema magazine, has seen the 3D version and reports liking it.

So my plan is to make the one hour round-trip to mid-town New York and actually pay to see a film that I could have seen for free at a pre-release screening that I foolishly passed on. It seems that it's really worth seeing in 3D on a big screen with a great sound system.

So, if The Monkey King in 3D is playing near you, I strongly suggest you give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

DRAGON DYNASTY 5 MOVIE COLLECTION coming on DVD and Digital HD on October 6th, 2015

Anchor Bay

and

The Weinstein Company

present

 DRAGON DYNASTY
5 MOVIE COLLECTION

Available on DVD and Digital HD October 6th

Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company have announced the action packed martial arts home entertainment release of the Dragon Dynasty 5 Movie Collection. This classic set features four films from legendary martial arts superstar Jet Li and one film from icon Stephen Chow. In 2006, The Weinstein Company launched the Dragon Dynasty brand in order to showcase classic and contemporary Asian Cinema, particularly films in the action/martial arts genre. An immediate hit with fans and critics, Dragon Dynasty brought home the world’s greatest martial arts and Asian action films, featuring the groundbreaking work of international superstars and legendary filmmakers. Anchor Bay Entertainment is honoring this legacy with the Dragon Dynasty: 5 Movie Collection, arriving on 3-Disc DVD set and Digital HD bundle on October 6th.

The Dragon Dynasty 5 Movie Collection includes:

Born to Defense (1986)
Directed by & Starring Jet Li (Rated R, 91 min.)
Jet (Jet Li) is a WWII soldier returning after the war to find he must continue to fight against abusive Americans now taking advantage of citizens in his hometown.

The Defender (1994)
Directed by Corey Yuen & Starring Jet Li (Rated R, 92 min.)
Jet Li – the former bodyguard to the most powerful leader in China is hired to protect school teacher Christy Chung after having witnessed a brutal murder.

The Legend II (aka The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk II, 1993)
Directed by Corey Yuen & Starring Jet Li (Rated R, 92 min.)
Having failed a secret mission for the Red Flowers Society, an underground organization dedicated to the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty and restoration of the Ming Dynasty, Fong Sai Yuk must try to get his hands on a special document by wooing the governor’s daughter.

Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997)
Directed by Sammo Hung Kam-Bo & Starring Jet Li (Not Rated, 99 min.)
Wong Fei-Hung travels to the U.S. to visit a martial arts branch that one of his disciples has set up and ends up establishing himself as a respected kung fu master, helping gain recognition for Chinese martial arts in the West.

From Beijing with Love (1994)
Directed by & Starring Stephen Chow. (Not Rated, 84 min.)
A comedic send-up of Bond’s 007, Ling Ling-Chat is the unlikely pork butcher / superspy sent to Hong Kong to find a priceless stolen fossil. Assassins, spy gadgets, stunts and chases ensue.

Dragon Dynasty 5 Movie Collection will be available on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment for the suggested retail price of $19.98!

To learn more about this collection, visit anchorbayentertainment.com.

14 BLADES will be in theaters and available on demand tomorrow

Radius-TWC 

Presents

14 Blades

Directed by Daniel Lee

Starring Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung

Hong Kong/China/Singapore, 2010, 116 minutes

The martial arts action thriller 14 Blades arrives in theaters & on demand tomorrow, Friday, August 22, 2014. (Check local listings.)

Donnie Yen as Qinlong

Trained in clandestine combat from childhood, the Jinyiwei were masters of the 14 Blades. Above the law and with a license to kill, they devoted their lives and lethal prowess to the service of the Emperor alone.

Sammo Hung as Prince Qing

When the Imperial Court is taken over by evil eunuch JIA, the best of the Jinyiwei, Qinglong (Donnie Yen) is assigned to steal a list identifying those still loyal to the Emperor. Unbeknownst to Qinglong, the Jinyiwei have fallen under the control of Jia, and during the mission he’s betrayed and barely escapes with his life.

Not sure who this character is, but I'm eager to find out!

Now the most wanted man in the land Qinglong must seek out and rally the loyalists to rise against Jia and restore the Emperor to power.

In his way are the deadliest assassins in the land, his former brethren, the Jinyiwei.

Special 2-disc, 4 film MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON available today

SHOUT! FACTORY

presents

MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON

Featuring Widescreen Presentations of

Four Action-Packed Martial Arts Movies

The MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON is a 2-disc special collection of four Hong Kong martial arts action films from the mid-70s, two from 1974, two from 1975. It's available today from Shout! Factory with an S.R.P. of $19.97 and is available at Amazon for $17.97. At either price, it's an outstanding value and deserves a place in any martial arts fan's personal collection.

The collection features several of the biggest names in Honk Kong action films: actor and action choreographer Sammo Hung, credited as Hung Chin-Pao, in The Manchu Boxer and The Skyhawk; director John Woo, credited on The Dragon Tamers as Wu Yu-sheng, Angela Mao Ying in duel roles in The Association; and Kwan Tak-Hing in The Skyhawk, one of the last of his many dozen performances as Wong Fei Hung.

All four films were originally from Golden Harvest and produced by Raymond Chow. All are in widescreen ratios, no pan-and-scans here. Each offers the choice of a Mandarin or an English dubbed soundtrack. There are optional crisp, clear and easy-to-read yellow English subtitles. (One of the things I like to do occasionally, though admittedly not very often, is to watch the film with both the English dubbed soundtrack and English subtitles. It's interesting and sometimes fun to note the differences between the two.)

The video transfers are quite decent. There are some specks here and there and occasionally a thin white vertical line appears, but nothing to deter one's enjoyment of the films. The only special feature for each movie is its trailer.

Here's a brief rundown of the films:

The Skyhawk (1974) features an approximately 69-year-old Kwan Tak-Hing once again as Wong Fei Hung. Accompanied by his student Fei Fei (Sammo before he received the injury that gave him the scar above the right side of his lip) goes to Thailand to participate in the celebration of his brother's 60th birthday. Mr. Ku, a rival to Wong's brother, is involved with gambling, human trafficking, and opium smuggling. Confrontations ensue. Given his age, it's not surprising that Kwan is obviously doubled in the more acrobatic stunts. Still it's a real treat to see him "onscreen" doing his Wong Fei Hung thing.

In The Manchu Boxer (also 1974), a young man is expelled by his father after killing a man in self defense. H comes to a village where the nefarious Mr. Chin is holding a seven-province wide boxing tournament that he intends to win by any means necessary. His methods include using two Japanese henchmen, one of whom is played by Sammo, who is also credited as the film's Fight Instructor. There's rape, murder, a tiny bit of fleeting nudity and an ultimate coming to account for evil deeds.

The Dragon Tamers (1975) was the second feature film directed by John Woo, who also wrote the screenplay. Carter Huang, who is also in other films in the collection, portrays Fan Zhongjie, a Chinese Boxer. The film apparently is set in Korea, though what the University of West Beijing is doing there is anybody's guess. (I just chalked up the confusion to the original subtitling and went with the flow.) There's lots of contention between rival forces, namely because the head of one taekwondo school wants all the other schools to join an association that he heads. The film, according to the trailer, features "12 wonder girl [sic] from China, Japan, Korea." There's a smattering of nudity and lots of action.

The Association (also 1975) refers to The Love and Mercy Welfare Association, which is a front for what essentially is a high class whore house. Huang Tian-xing (Korean born actor Yu Byong) is a righteous policeman who insists on bring it down, despite its connections with the high and mighty, wealthy and powerful. Angela Mao Ying, as I've previously indicated, has dual roles. There's some decent action to be found here, as well as a great deal of female nudity. This was my least favorite of the four films, mainly because I found the ending weak and unsatisfying.

Rather than rate each of the films, I'm assigning an overall rating to the collection. None of the films are what I'd consider great, but they're all watchable at the minimum, and pretty damn enjoyable overall.

ACF Rating for the MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON: 3.5 of 4 stars, highly recommended. You certainly get your money's worth with it!

Oh, and get ready for MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON, Vol 2 which is due to be released by Shout! Factory on August 19, 2014. It will include The Fate of Lee Khan, Shaolin Boxers, The Young Dragons, and The Shaolin Plot. It can be pre-ordered at Amazon. Click here if interested.

SEVEN WARRIORS reviewed

Well Go USA

presents

Seven Warriors / Zhong yi qun ying

Directed by Sammo Hung and Terry Tong

Hong Kong, 1989, 94 minutes

Akira Kurosawa's jidaigeki (period, as opposed to contemporary) films have certainly proved to be remake fodder for other filmmakers. Rashomon (1950), the film that brought both Kurosawa and Japanese film to the attention of world cinema, was remade by Martin Ritt as The Outrage (1964). Yojimbo (1961) was refashioned into Sergio Leone's spaghetti western Fistful of Dollars (1964), and years later Walter Hill set it in a Prohibition ghost town in Last Man Standing (1996). Seven Samurai was done as The Magnificent Seven (1960) by John Sturges.

And now, with Well Go USA's recent release of Seven Warriors on Blu-ray and DVD, North American fans have a Hong Kong version of Seven Samurai to add to their collections.

This time the tale is set in China during the turbulent 1920s when some former government soldiers have become thieves and bandits. Guangzi, one of the villages threatened by a marauding band, sends a group to search for protectors. Seven warriors are recruited to assist the villagers in defending their land and lives.

Adam Cheng as Commanger Chi

The group is led by Commander Chi (inconsistently spelled ""Qi" in some of the subtitles), a former military leader. He is played by Adam Cheng (Saving General Yang). Tony Leung Chiu Wai (The Grandmaster, Infernal Affairs, etc.) is Wong Way-Wu, whose enthusiasm for the role of defender is far greater than his actual abilities to fight. Ching (Jacky Cheung, Bodyguards and Assassins) is a former army training officer who sports a scar on his right cheek. Actors Mak Mok, Lam Kwok-Bun, Shing Fui-On and Wu Ma portray the other four warriors. The gang is led by Piu (Lieh Lo, Five Fingers of Death, Supercop).

Aside from an opening scene that features co-director Sammo Hung as Hung, who taught villagers that "unity is strength," there is really no kung fu in evidence. (This scene, by the way, is Sammo's only onscreen appearance in the film.) The fighting is almost completely restricted to pistols and rifles, with a machine gun, some knives, and a few grenades thrown in.

This brings up what I think is the main problem with the movie, the same problem that I found with The Magnificent Seven. Namely, the tale isn't nearly as interesting with these weapons as it was in Kurosawa's original, which overwhelmingly relied on swordplay or other direct contact combat. Furthermore, both Seven Warriors and The Magnificent Seven have the climactic battle taking place in fine weather, unlike Seven Samurai's torrential downpour.

Left to right: Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, and Wu Ma

I also found Seven Warriors weakened by two things things that I consider silly or stupid. One was a row of sandbags that conveniently gives the attacking bandits a barrier to hide behind, while the defenders get behind another row of sandbags closer to the village. The outer row might have made sense if the villagers initially used it, but were driven back to the second row, but nothing of the kind happens. It's like that row was there just to give the bad guys something to hide behind.

Another silly thing -- at least to me -- was one warrior just standing upright out in the open as a bandit on horseback comes charging at him with sword in hand. It's like the defender is just standing there asking to be hacked at, which is just what happens. 

Seven Warriors looks very, very good on Blu-ray, far better than I'd expected for such an old Hong Kong film. There are no bonuses on disc.

AsianCineFest Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars; a better than fair but not quite a really good film. For me personally, one of the nice things about it was seeing Tony Leung and Jacky Cheung in a film released one year before they appeard in John Woo's Bullet in the Head. Such young boo-boos.

SEVEN WARRIORS coming on Blu-ray and DVD April 22nd

Well Go USA

presents

In the Chaotic Era, They Stand and Fight

The Modern Retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai

Debuts on Blu-ray™ & DVD April 22nd

Legendary actor, stuntman, fight choreographer and pioneer of Hong Kong’s New Wave Movement, Sammo Hung (Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster) co-directs (with Terry Tong) and stars in the action-packed martial arts drama SEVEN WARRIORS, debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD April 22nd from Well Go USA Entertainment.

A rousing modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, the film depicts the story of terrified Chinese villagers who recruit brave mercenary warriors to defend against marauding Japanese invaders. Adam Cheng (The Legend, Saving General Yang), Max Mok (Once Upon a Time in China series), Jacky Cheung (Bodyguards and Assassins), Lam Kwok-Bun, Wu Ma (White Vengeance), Shing Fui-On (A Better Tomorrow) and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (Hero, Infernal Affairs) are the warriors, with Lo Lieh (Five Fingers of Death, Supercop) as their sworn enemy…who was once their comrade-in-arms.

Synopsis: The film is set in China's Warlord Era, where desperate soldiers have become thieves and bandits, leaving towns – and lives – in ruins. The villagers of Guangxi rise up, hiring seven warriors to take up arms against the marauders and save their home.

SEVEN WARRIORS has a runtime of approximately 94 minutes and is not rated.

Special four film, 2-disc MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON coming May 20th from Shout! Factory

SHOUT! FACTORY

presents

MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON

Featuring Widescreen Movie Presentations of

Four Action-Packed Martial Arts Classics

MANCHU BOXER (1974), THE ASSOCIATION (1975),

THE SKYHAWK (1974), and DRAGON TAMERS (1975)

UNLEASHED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD IN A

SPECIAL 2-DISC COLLECTION IN STORES

EVERYWHERE ON MAY 20, 2014

Shout! Factory has collected four of the most sought-after martial arts action classics into one DVD package with the MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON. The 2-disc collection features MANCHU BOXER (1974), THE ASSOCIATION (1975), THE SKYHAWK (1974) and DRAGON TAMERS (1975) -- and includes such renowned talent as Director John Woo (Face/Off, Mission: Impossible II, Broken Arrow, Hard Target), marital arts icon Angela Mao Ying (Stoner, Queen’s Ransom) and celebrated action choreographer Sammo Hung (Ip Man series). Fans will love the opportunity to own these hard-to-find titles available for the first time on DVD May 20, 2014 at one low price of $19.97 SRP.

Pre-order MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE MARATHON on DVD now at ShoutFactory.com and Amazon.com.

MANCHU BOXER (1974)
A young martial artist joins a boxing tournament with vengeance on his mind.

Starring CHI CHU CHIN, PIAO HO, SAMMO HUNG
Screenplay by ON SZETO
Editor YIN KWONG
Fight Instructor SAMMO HUNG
Produced by RAYMOND CHOW
Directed by MA WU


THE ASSOCIATION (1975)
A male and female cop goes undercover to sneak into an international ring of white slavers.

Starring YU BYONG, NIU TIEN, ANGELA MAO YING
Screenplay by KUO HUI & CHANG-HWA JEONG
Produced by RAYMOND CHOW
Directed by CHANG-HWA JEONG


THE SKYHAWK (1974)
Before Jet Li became well-known for the role of Wong Fei Hung, the great Kwan Tak Hing played the role in hundreds of films. The Skyhawk finds Wong Fei Hung fighting the local crime boss.

Starring TAK-HING KWAN, NORA MIAO, HSIUNG CHAO
Photographed by YAO CHUNG CHANG
Music by JOSEPH KOO
Editor PETER CHEUNG
Screenplay by I. FANG YEH
Action Director SAMMO HUNG
Produced by RAYMOND CHOW
Directed by CHANG-HWA JEONG


DRAGON TAMERS (1975)
A Chinese martial artist student comes to Korea with the intention of challenging a Taekwondo master. He soon meets a group of people belonging to several martial arts dojos which are localized in the area, and are being attack by a mysterious gang who intend to take control of the schools.

Starring CHUAN CHEN, CHI CHU CHIN, KEIKO HARA
Music by JOSEPH KOO
Editor PETER CHEUNG
Screenplay by JOHN WOO
Action Director CHUAN CHEN
Produced by RAYMOND CHOW
Directed by JOHN WOO
Audio: English & Mandarin
Subtitles: English Color/Not Rated

ACF 1883: TAI CHI HERO opens today in major North American cities

 Well Go USA

presents

Tai Chi Hero

Directed by Stephen Fung

Action direction by Sammo Hung

Starring: Jayden Yuan, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Angelababy,

Eddie Peng Yu-Yen, Feng Shaofeng, Peter Stormare, Daniel Wu

China, 100 minutes, 2012

Mandarin with English subtitles

Yang Lu Chan (Jayden Yuan)

Stephen Fung's fanciful tale of Yang Lu Chan, the real-life founder of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, continues with the North American release of Tai Chi Hero, the second film in a trilogy. It will open today, April 26th in the following cities: NEW YORK (AMC EMPIRE 25). LOS ANGELES (AMC Atlantic Time Square), SAN FRANCISCO (AMC Metreon 16, AMC Cupertino Square 16), HONOLULU (Pearlridge West 16), TORONTO (Cineplex Odeon Yonge and Dundas Cinemas), VANCOUVER (Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas).

Yuniang, left, and her father, Grandmaster Chen

At the end of Tai Chi Zero (my review of the Region 1 Blu-ray release of Tai Chi Zero here), young Lu Chan (Jayden Yuan) has saved the Chen village from a monstrous railroad track-laying machine. Yuniang (Angelababy) the daughter of village Grandmaster Chen Chang Xing (Tony Leung Ka Fai), has married Lu Chan to save him from the village's policy of not allowing outsiders to learn Tai Chi. It is a marriage of convenience only, as she is Lu Chan's no-nonsense Tai Chi instructor, not his bed-mate.

The prodigal son returns with incredible kung fu.

This sequel is marked by two returns. One is that of of a new character, Yuniang's oldest brother, who left the village several years earlier after arguing with their father over his preference for designing and building mechanical contrivances over practicing Tai Chi. He has come back to the village with his wife, a deaf mute, and his kung fu is now of a very high level, or at it least seems that way.

Fang Zi Jing (Eddie Peng, right) meets with a foreign railroad executive.

The other return is that of Fang Zi Jing (Eddie Peng), Yuniang's former fiancée and the main henchmen for the foreign interests that want to build a railway through the Chen village. Having been defeated when he brought his track-laying machine in the first installment, he comes this time with several large cannons and a small army to attack the village.

Yuniang, Lu Chan and Grandmaster Chen (foreground, left to right) face Fang's army

Action director duties are again handled by the incomparable Sammo Hung. There is one large set piece with Grandmaster Chen, Yuniang, and Lu Chan going up against Fang's forces. But the best action choreography is saved for a fantastic one-on-one match-up near the film's end that pits Lu Chan against Li Qiankun, who serves a royal prince. Lu Chan must prove that he and Yuniang are actually from Chen village by demonstrating his Tai Chi skills in a fight that takes place in the kitchen where the prince's meal is being prepared.

Actually it sort of takes place above the kitchen, where partitions divide the food preparation area into various sections. The two combatants face off against one another on the rails at the tops of these partitions! Oh, and I should mention that Li is played by non-other than Yuen Biao! (For those who don't already know, Yuen, like Jackie Chan, was one of Sammo's junior brothers at the Peking Opera school where they trained as youths!) This is one action segment that really delivers the goods, one of the best I've seen in a long, long time.

While the resolution of the issues that have arisen in this episode comes about somewhat too easily, Tai Chi Hero is overall a worthy successor to the first film. It moves the story along nicely, throws in some new elements, and sets the stage for what should be a grand finale.

ACF Rating for Tai Chi Hero: 3.5 out of 4 stars; highly recommended.

Tai Chi Hero's official website: www.TaiChiHeroMovie.com

ACF 1783: TAI CHI ZERO North American Blu-ray reviewed

Well Go USA

Presents

Jayden Yuan as Yang Luchan, a.k.a. "The Freak"

North American aficionados of comic kung fu will be able to satisfy their jones starting today, Tuesday, January 22nd, when Well Go USA debuts Stephen Fung’s TAI CHI ZERO on Blu-ray (upon which this review is based), DVD and digital. It’s a fanciful and lighthearted imagining about the founder of Yang style Tai Chi Ch’uan, Yang Luchan, here played by Jayden Yuan (a.k.a. Yuan Xiaochao, who reportedly took his English first name from Will Smith’s son Jayden, who co-starred with Jackie Chan in the remake of THE KARATE KID).

Luchan is also known as “The Freak” because he has a horn-like growth, known as “Three Blossoms on the Crown,” on his right forehead. When the bump is struck, he turns into a formidable fighter. Unfortunately this also depletes his ch’i (internal energy). Luchan’s birth and early youth play as a silent movie with intertitles. When he’s about eight years old, his mother (Shu Qi) dies. (Although she's old enough for such a role, for some reason I still can't wrap my head around Shu Qi being a mother.) Master Zhao, a leader of the rebels against the Qing (Manchu) emperor, takes in Luchan, but teaches him only about using brute force. Master Dong (1970s kung fu superstar Leung Siu-lung), a healer in Zhao’s camp, advises Luchan that in order to stay alive he must go to Chen village and learn the internal martial art of Tai Chi, developed and taught by the Chen family.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai as "Uncle Laborer" of the Chen family

Unfortunately, the Chens don’t teach their Tai Chi to outsiders. Luchan’s efforts to learn this internal martial art are in vain until he receives advice from “Uncle Laborer” (Tony Leung Ka Fai, of DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME, sometimes referred to as “the other Tony Leung” to distinguish him from the better known Tony Leung Chiu Wai, who starred in HERO, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, etc.). Luchan’s learning Chen style Tai Chi is fortunate because the Chen village soon becomes threatened by the construction of the Zhi Li Railway and needs a hero such as Luchan to help save it from both the railroad and the Qing troops that support it.

T.R.O.Y. No.1, a steam-powered monster that lays railroad track

The railroad introduces a steampunk element into the comic martial arts mix, which you have to be willing at least to accept. To be frank, this film won’t appeal to all. Hard-core, hard-style kung fu devotees probably won’t find much to like, although they may enjoy the fight choreography by Sammo Hung. Similarly, anyone looking for true Tai Chi Ch’uan may be disappointed, although some postures (such as Parting the Horse’s Mane, and Shoulder Strike) will be recognized.

For my part, I have been a practitioner of a Yang-style Tai Chi form for almost twenty-two years and had no problem enjoying the film. It brought to mind KUNG FU HUSTLE, another comic martial arts film by another “Stephen,” namely Stephen Chow. All the major characters in TAI CHI ZERO are introduced with written Chinese characters and English subtitles (“Angelababy as Yu Niang!”), a device seen in such Hong Kong films as Chang Cheh’s FIVE ELEMENT NINJAS, although those films didn’t employ exclamation points. TAI CHI ZERO also sometimes utilizes x-ray depictions of impact, not dissimilar to those that were seen in ROMEO MUST DIE.

Single-monikered actress Angelababy as Yu Niang

The Blu-ray version has a behind the scenes featurette, a music video and a trailer. For some reason, possibly to seem “hip,” these extras generally use a boldfaced “z” in place of an “s,” as in “Behind the Zenes.”

So, if you’re in the mood for some soft-style, internal martial arts steampunked and comically hustled, grab yourself some TAI CHI ZERO. Just be aware that it’s the first of a series of films, as the end credits make clear. The sequel, TAI CHI HERO, came out in Asia in the fall of 2012, and a third and final entry is to follow sometime in the future.

A.C.F. rating for Tai Chi Zero: 3.5 out of 4 stars; highly recommended. It's a helluva lotta fun!

[Note: This review first appeared in slightly different form at 24Framespersecond.]

ACF 1295: Happy Birthday, Sammo!!!

Sammo and me at NYAFF 2010

Sammo Hung (a.k.a. Samo Hung, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, etc.) was born in Hong Kong on January 7, 1952. Remarkably fast and flexible despite his ample girth, he has made his mark as an actor (over 149 movies at IMDb.com and counting), director (37 films), producer (26), and as a stunt and/or action director or coordinator. I was extremely fortunate to meet him in person at the 2010 New York Asian Film Festival. What an honor, what a thrill!

Sammo squares off against Bruce Lee at the beginningof Enter the Dragon (1973)

 

Some of my fondest memories are of his work as the title character of the Martial Law TV series (44 episodes, 1998-2000), which also featured Kelly Hu. The first episodes were fantastic, featuring sub-titles (on prime time American network television!) and outtakes during the end credits.

Sammo and his sifu enjoy a rare light momentin Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980)

My recollection is that, not satisfied with a surprise success, the suits at the network (CBS) and/or the producers decided to make it a smash hit by tinkering with the cast. Apparently thinking that what worked for Jackie Chan in Rush Hour would do the same for Sammo, they introduced a black man to be the star's sidekick. Unfortunately they picked Arsenio Hall (!?) and the show promptly started to go into the toilet.

Sammo and Donnie Yen square off in S.P.L., a.k.a. Kill Zone (2005)

The second season (1999-2000) found only Sammo, Kelly and Arsenio returning and the thrill was gone. If Sammo was as bitter as I recall reading that he was, he certainly had a right to be. Something wonderful was ruined 'cause some fools couldn't leave well enough alone.

Donnie and Sammo again, this time in Ip Man 2 (2010)

Still we have lots of Sammo on DVD to be thankful for and hopefully many more years of being amazed, entertained, and blown-away by him. Happy Birthday, big guy!!!!!

ACF 867: Reminder - Ip Man 2 opens in U.S. today in twelve cities

Don't forget that the uncut, undubbed, English-subtitled version of Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster will be opening in the U.S. in twelve cities today. Veteran action actor Donnie Yen reprises his role as the titular character, the Wing Chun master who taught Bruce Lee and others. The film also stars the venerable Sammo Hung.

For info about screening times of Ip Man 2 in the twelve home cities, click here.

Make it to a screening this opening weekend if you can. You'll have a great viewing experience, and you'll be helping to insure that these kind of films get to be seen on big screens in theaters, and not just your on flat-screen TVs at home.

And do check out the film on Facebook.

ACF 861: U.S.theatrical opening of Ip Man 2 in 12 cities this weekend

The uncut, undubbed, English-subtitled version of Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster will be opening in the U.S. in selected cities this coming Friday, January 28th, 2011. Donnie Yen reprises his role as the titular character, the Wing Chun master who taught Bruce Lee and others. The film also stars the venerable Sammo Hung.

The original Ip Man, which was shown at the 2009 New York Asian Film Festival, was a terrific movie. (Click here to read my review of it.) Both it and Ip Man 2 (which I unfortunately was not able to catch) screened at last year's NYAFF. But I can't imagine the sequel not be highly entertaining, especially having watched some of the clips on Facebook and YouTube.

I've been advised that the distributor will be looking at the opening week-end take, hoping it'll be at least $100,000. Meeting this figure may prove important as to whether or not future films of this nature will get theatrical distribution in the United States.

So it's more important than usual to get out and see this film on the opening weekend. I'm doing my part and I hope you will do yours, because seeing Hong Kong martial arts films -- as well as Asian films in general -- in theaters, and not just on DVDs, is important to all us fans.

For info about screening times of Ip Man 2 in the twelve home cities, click here.

ACF 835: Another year, another ACF Happy Birthday wish for Sammo Hung

Sammo squares off against Bruce Lee at the beginning
of Enter the Dragon (1973)

Sammo Hung (a.k.a. Samo Hung, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, etc.) was born in Hong Kong on January 7, 1952. Remarkably fast and flexible despite his ample girth, he has made his mark as an actor (over 149 movies at IMDb.com and counting), director (37 films), producer (26), and as a stunt and/or action director or coordinator. Oh, and I got to meet him in person at the 2010 New York Asian Film Festival, as evidenced by the periodic presence of the banner picture of the two of us taken at Lincoln Center. What an honor, what a thrill!

Sammo and his sifu enjoy a rare light moment
in Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980)

Some of my fondest memories are of his work as the title character of the Martial Law TV series (44 episodes, 1998-2000), which also featured Kelly Hu. The first episodes were fantastic, featuring sub-titles (on prime time American network television!) and outtakes during the end credits.

My recollection is that, not satisfied with a surprise success, the suits at the network (CBS) and/or the producers decided to make it a smash hit by tinkering with the cast. Apparently thinking that what worked for Jackie Chan in Rush Hour would do the same for Sammo, they introduced a black man to be the star's sidekick. Unfortunately they picked Arsenio Hall (!?) and the show promptly started to go into the toilet.

The second season (1999-2000) found only Sammo, Kelly and Arsenio returning and the thrill was gone. If Sammo was as bitter as I recall reading that he was, he certainly had a right to be. Something wonderful was ruined 'cause some fools couldn't leave well enough alone.

Sammo and Donnie Yen square off in S.P.L., a.k.a. Kill Zone (2005)
(The two can soon be seen again engaging in martial arts mayhem
in IP MAN 2, scheduled to open in NYC and LA on January 28th!)

Still we have lots of Sammo on DVD to be thankful for and hopefully many more years of being amazed, entertained, and blown-away by him. Happy Birthday, big guy!!!!!

ACF 599: Simon, Sammo, and Me!

Last night, between the screenings of Eastern Condors and Echoes of the Rainbow at The Film Society of Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater, The Hong Kong Economic Trade Office, New York and The New York Asian Film Festival held an invitation-only reception to honor Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, and this year's line-up of Hong Kong films. And yours truly was one of the most-fortunate invitees. Not only that, but I got to meet and speak, albeit briefly, and get my picture taken with both Simon Yam and Sammo Hung. (The previous night, Friday, Simon received the Star Asia Award, while Sammo got the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented by Angela Mao, to Sammo's utter surprise and shock.)

Both of these gentlemen and huge stars of Hong Kong Cinema were very gracious to all. Both posed for numerous photographs and signed both programs and DVDs that people had brought. Truly class acts.

Simon Yam and me

Simon arrived at the reception first, while Sammo was still at the Q&A following Eastern Condors. I told Simon how much I'd enjoyed him in PTU: Police Tactical Unit and so many other films. I also briefly described how I'd come to be interested in and write about Asian films. I was so touched when, a few minutes after we'd parted, he came over to me and thanked me for my interest in and love of Hong Kong movies.

Sammo Hung and me
(That's Joyce Mina Godenzi, Sammo's wife,
in the background behind my right shoulder)

Sammo arrived a bit later. I'm not a celebrity whore by any means, but I was in total awe of being in his presence. I mean, above and beyond his extensive credits as actor, director producer, action choreographer, etc. this guy went at it with Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon!

My wife took two shots of Sammo and me. After taking the first, she told me that I should smile. When I later looked at the first photo, I saw that I looked like I was terrified, probably because I was so nervous just being next to a legend whom I admire immensely. So glad this second one came out as it did.

After thanking Sammo for all of his wonderful work, I told him that I was sorry if what I was about to say brought up any unpleasant memories. I then told him that I thought that his series Marshal Law was one of the greatest things that had ever happened on American TV, and that I was so sorry that it had been ruined by others. (By this I meant those who decided to turn the "fish-out-of-water" police actioner into a TV version of Rush Hour by bringing in Arsenio Hall, though I didn't mention this specifically to Sammo.) Sammo seemed to take this in stride, but in any case I just had to let him know what a great show it had been to watched initially.

The New York Asian Film Festival has been off to a great start this weekend, and I expect that it's going to be a phenomenal success this year. In the meanwhile, it's provided me with one of the most memorable evenings and photo mementos of my life. Thanks to The Hong Kong Economic Trade Office and to all those at SubwayCinema which presents the NYAFF.

P.S. - The food and drink were both plentiful and delicious!