upcoming Japanese/Korean/Chinese movies

[thedude57]

'Don Quixote'

 

 

heres a strange one 'Don Quixote', a new 3D period drama adapted from the classic Spanish novel of the same name. Directed by Ah Gan

the film centres around the adventures of a legendary Chang'an dynasty warrior, played by Guo Tao

 

'Don Quixote' also stars Karena Lam, Liu Ye and Wang Gang. No release date has officially been announced but it is expected to be released later this year.

 

yes that was correct a 3D period drama - weird

 

[thedude57]

The long-awaited bio pic "Bruce Lee, My Brother" recently started filming in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

 

The movie, based on reminiscences by Lee's young brother, Robert, details the legend's early years in Hong Kong. It will depict his experiences as a kung fu student, cha cha champion and child actor.

 

Bruce Lee is played by actor/singer Aarif Lee,

 

Lee's first love is played by newcomer Jennifer Tse, (daughter of Hong Kong screen legend Patrick Tse Yin, a contemporary of Lee's who knew the kung fu idol, though they never worked together.)

 

playing Bruce's father, the opera star and movie actor Lee Hoi-chuen, is veteran thespian Tony Leung Kar-fai.

[thedude57]

'Ashi ta no Joe'

 

 

a teaser trailer has recently been released for 'Ashi ta no Joe' (AKA 'Tomorrow's Joe') , this is a live-action adaptation of the classic boxing manga by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba's . Fumihiko Sori ('Ichi') directs and the film stars Tomohisa Yamashta as the orphan-turned-prizefighter Joe Yabuki.

 

Synopsis

 

Joe, a teenage orphan in the slums of the Doya streets, meets Danpei, a homeless, alcoholic ex-boxing coach. Danpei, seeing Joe's boxing talent, decides to train him. When Joe is sent to a terrible juvenile home for petty crimes, he meets Rikiishi who becomes his boxing rival. Danpei arrives at the home to help Joe to train in order to defeat Rikiishi. When Joe decides to seriously pursue boxing, Danpei cannot get a coaching license because of his reputation as a drunk.

 

due for release in Japan early 2011.

Edited August 19, 2010 by the dude

[echo faith]

The long-awaited bio pic "Bruce Lee, My Brother" recently started filming in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

 

The movie, based on reminiscences by Lee's young brother, Robert, details the legend's early years in Hong Kong. It will depict his experiences as a kung fu student, cha cha champion and child actor.

 

Bruce Lee is played by actor/singer Aarif Lee,

 

Lee's first love is played by newcomer Jennifer Tse, (daughter of Hong Kong screen legend Patrick Tse Yin, a contemporary of Lee's who knew the kung fu idol, though they never worked together.)

 

playing Bruce's father, the opera star and movie actor Lee Hoi-chuen, is veteran thespian Tony Leung Kar-fai.

 

this one sounds interesting, to see the legend in his earlier days should be good

[thedude57]

it surely does

 

 

'Troubleshooter'

 

 

recently seen trailer 'Troubleshooter', a new South Korean action thriller directed by Kwon Hyuk-jae. co-written by 'Crying Fist' writer-director Ryoo Seung-wan (crying fist is awesome,well worth a watch) , the main star is Sol Kyung-Gu as a private investigator who gets framed for a murder by a ruthless underworld boss.

 

Synopsis

Ex-detective turned private eye Kang Tae-Sik (Sol Kyung-Gu) is called in to investigate a serial murder case. However, things take a turn for the worse when he unexpectedly becomes the prime suspect. Tae-Sik must then attempt to clear his name with the help of Ku Bon-Chi (Park Yeong-Seo), a young man highly skilled with computers, cellphones, and wire tapping. Meanwhile, a mysterious troubleshooter (Lee Jeong-Jin) attempts to manipulate Tae-Sik.

 

'Troubleshooter' is due for release across Korea in September, 2010.

[thedude57]

'Swordsmen'

 

just heard that director Peter Chan's new movie, entitled 'Swordsmen' has now started shooting in china. The film is a reworking of the 1967 classic, 'One Armed Swordsman' and stars the amazing Takeshi Kaneshiro (red cliff) and Donnie Yen (ip man)

 

Set in a small village in ancient China, the story centres around a cruel killer who goes on the run (Yen). After being pursued and captured by an officer of the law (Kaneshiro), he undergoes a personal transformation and begins to turn his life around.

 

No other cast members have been confirmed yet, although rumour has it the beautiful Tang Wei (lust, caution) will be playing the female lead.

 

'Swordsmen' is expected to be released in china in early 2011.

[thedude57]

'The Lost Bladesman'

 

another Donnie yen movie on the way, The first pictures have been released from 'The Lost Bladesman', a new historical epic directed by Felix Chong and Alan Mak. Yen stars as Guan Yu, a real life Eastern Han Dynasty general who played a significant role in the civil war that led to the Dynasty's collapse.

 

'The Lost Bladesman' is due for release in 2011.

[thedude57]

'I Saw the Devil'

 

seen a teaser trailer for 'I Saw the Devil', a new crime thriller from director Kim Ji-Woon ('The Good, The Bad, The Weird'). about a secret agent (Lee Byung-Hun - GI Joe and JSA) who is willing to sacrifice anything to capture the psychopath (Choi Min-Sik) responsible for killing his fiance.

 

Synopsis

 

Kyung-chul is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure. The police have pursued him for a long time, but have been unable to catch him. One day, Joo-yeon, daughter of a retired police chief becomes his prey and she is found dead in a horrific state. Her fiance, Dae-hoon, a top secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself. He promises himself that he will do everything in his power to take bloody vengeance against the killer, even if it means that he must become a monster himself to get this inhumane killer.

 

due to be released in Korea August/September

 

just released in Korea ($4m in opening weekend)

 

seen full trailer - looks very good - looking forward to watching this one

[thedude57]

for the home market

 

'Death Note 1 & 2' On UK Blu-Ray

4Digital Asia have confirmed the UK Blu-Ray release of 'Death Note 1 & 2' for the 20th September, 2010. This 4 disc special edition box set comes with both feature films in Blu-Ray; 'Death Note' and 'Death Note: The Last Name' as well as two DVDs packed full of extras.

 

 

'Big t its Zombie' On UK DVD

Terracotta Distribution state UK DVD release of 'Big t.its Zombie' for the 11th October, 2010. Written and directed by Takao Nakano- the film is an crazy horror-comedy that delivers everything the title promises

 

'Higanjima' On UK DVD And Blu-Ray

Manga Entertainment have announced the UK DVD and Blu-Ray releases of 'Higanjima - Escape From Vampire Island' for the 4th October, 2010. (with in premiere on cinema at this weeks frightfest) Directed by Kim Tae-gyun ('Volcano High'), the film is a brand new live-action adaptation of Koji Matsumoto's best-selling supernatural horror manga.

Edited August 27, 2010 by the dude

[thedude57]

'Confucius'

 

Cine Asia have announced the UK DVD and Blu-Ray releases of chow yun fat's recent epic movie 'Confucius' for the 4th October, 2010. Directed by Hu Mei, the film is a biopic based on the life of the legendary philosopher that apparantly "balances breathtaking spectacle, visceral action and heart-wrenching drama."

[thedude57]

'Cold Fish'

 

'Cold Fish', a new serial killer thriller written and directed by Sion Sono ('Love Exposure'). based in parts on a true story, the film stars Mitsuru Fukikoshi as a tropical fish seller who is forced to get involved in a string of brutal murders when a deranged couple kidnap his daughter.

 

Synopsis

 

Shamoto runs a small tropical fish shop and leads a boring, but stable life. His second wife, Taeko, does not get along with his daughter, Mitsuko, and this worries him. He also feels somehow unfulfilled and dissatisfied with what his life has become.

 

One day Mitsuko is caught shoplifting at a department store. There they meet a friendly man named Murata, who helps to settle things between Mitsuko and the store manager. Since Murata also runs a tropical fish shop, Shamoto establishes a bond with him and they become friends; Mitsuko even begins working for Murata and living at his house, to avoid conflicts with her stepmother.

 

What Shamoto doesn't know, however, is that Murata hides many dark secrets behind his friendly face. He sells cheap fish to his customers for high prices with his artful lies. If anyone detects his fraud or refuses to go along with his money-making schemes, they're murdered and their bodies disposed of by Murata and his wife in grisly ways. Shamoto is slowly taken in by Murata's tactics, and by the time he realizes that Murata is insane, and a serial killer who has made over fifty people disappear, he is powerless to do anything about it. But now Mitsuko is a hostage at Murata's home, and Shamoto himself has become the killer's unwilling accomplice!

 

Meanwhile, the murders, without any trace of the bodies, continue unabated. The police have long suspected Murata and try to get information about him from Shamoto; Murata quickly senses the danger and threatens Shamoto not to report anything to the police.

 

In the end, the conflict between Shamoto and Murata will result in murder, insanity, and an ordinary man being driven to the edge of the abyss.

 

'Cold Fish' wiil be show during September at both the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. expected to get an official release in Japan before the end of 2010.

[thedude57]

'True Legend'

 

 

Yuen Woo Ping's latest martial arts epic 'True Legend' will be arriving in UK cinemas on the 24th September, 2010. The film tells the tale of the legendary Su Qi-Er (Beggar Su), and boasts an all-star cast that includes Chiu Man Cheuk, Zhou Xun, Gordon Liu, Michelle Yeoh, Andy On, Jay Chou and David Carradine.

 

Synopsis

 

All his life, Su Can has been pursuing the summit of martial arts. There are two things he holds dearest to his heart: the dream of creating a unique kind of martial art that will pass on to generations; and his beloved wife. Su has a happy family and his wife is the joy of his life. But owing to a twist of fate and his own stubbornness, Su’s perfect life begins to fall desperately apart.

 

On the surface Su now appears as a crazy beggar getting drunk every day. He wanders from town to town, becoming a man without any purpose in the eyes of others. But all through his spiritual exile, his dream for the highest peak in martial arts is still alive. The harsh conditions of life have not dampened his determination to perfect his skills. He conjures up scenes where he combats the legendary God of Wushu with whom he refines his skills and achieves a peace of mind.

 

Meanwhile, the Heilongjiang Province where Su resides falls under foreigners’ rule. One day a crisis happens that threatens the life of his young son – the only person Su still cares about and his last remnant of human hope. At the critical moment, the flame of life is re-ignited in Su. He lets out the utmost strength that has lay dormant in him during his devastated time, and it becomes the strongest school of fists that the martial arts world has ever known.

 

No word yet on how widespread the release will be in UK cinemas

[thedude57]

'Outrage'

 

 

the great Takeshi Kitano returns to the Japanese yakuza flicks. As well as starring, he wrote and directed the movie, which depicts the power struggles among Tokyo gangsters.

 

Synopsis

 

The story begins with Sekiuchi (Soichiro Kitamura), boss of the Sannokai, a huge organised crime syndicate controlling the entire Kanto region, issuing a stern warning to his lieutenant Kato (Tomokazu Miura) and right-hand man Ikemoto (Jun Kunimura), head of the Ikemoto-gumi. Kato orders Ikemoto to bring the unassociated Murase-gumi gang in line, and he immediately passes the task on to his subordinate Otomo (Takeshi Kitano), who runs his own crew. The tricky jobs that no-one wants to do always end up in Otomo’s lap…

 

'Outrage' opened in Japanese theatres on June 12, 2010 and appeared at the cannes film festival - very much looking forward to this movie.

 

 

Takeshi kitano has confirmed that Outrage 2 is a very likely

 

still looking forward to see the 1st movie let alone the planned sequel

[thedude57]

'Reign Of Assassins'

 

'Reign Of Assassins' is a upcoming swordplay epic from director Su Chao Bin, The film, which is being produced by John Woo, stars Michelle Yeoh as an assassin who inherits the sacred remains of a legendary martial artist.

 

Synopsis

Zeng Jing is a skilled assassin who finds herself in possession of the remains of a mystical Buddhist monk. As a mark of respect, Jing begins a quest to return the remains to their rightful resting place at Yunhe Temple. However, her task will not be a simple one as a team of deadly assassins are in hot pursuit, desperate to possess the remains which are said to wield an ancient and powerful secret.

 

'Reign Of Assassins' is due for release in the far east during September 2010.

 

 

A second trailer has been released for 'Reign Of Assassins', looks good - it is the upcoming swordplay epic from director Su Chao Bin ('Silk'). Produced by John Woo and Terence Chang, the film stars Michelle Yeoh as an assassin who inherits the sacred remains of a legendary martial artist.

 

'Reign Of Assassins' also stars Jung Woo-Sung, Barbie Hsu, Shawn Yue, Xueqi Wang, Xiaodong Guo and Kelly Lin. It is due for release across China on the 28th September, 2010.

[thedude57]

Metrodome confirmed the UK DVD release of 'The Legend Is Born: Ip Man' for the 20th September, 2010. Directed by Herman Yau ('Gong Tau'), the film "is a compelling new chapter in the Ip Man saga that deals with the younger-day exploits of the Wing Chun grandmaster."

 

Synopsis

 

In his childhood, Ip Man was initiated into Wing Chun under the tutelage of Master Chan Wah Shun (Sammo Hung). After Chan's death, Ip Man follows senior schoolmate Ng Chung So (Yuen Biao) as his new mentor alongside his brother Ip Tin Chi (Fan Siu Wong) and good friend Lee Mei Wai (Rose Chan). Later, the teenage Ip Man (To Yue Hong) opts to leave Foshan to pursue education in Hong Kong, where he meets his third teacher Leung Bik (Ip Chun), a master of an unorthodox school of Wing Chun. When he comes back to Foshan, Ip Man falls in love with the mayor's daughter, his future wife Cheung Wing Shing (Huang Yi). Meanwhile, Ip Man is confronted by Ng Chung So and faced with the dilemma of whether to follow through with his training under Leung Bik. And, unbeknownst to everyone, Tin Chi seems to harbor a secret that threatens to put the whole nation in jeopardy...

[thedude57]

'Re:Play Girls'

 

this one looks good for fans of battle royale and suicide club - 'Re:Play Girls', a new Japanese action-thriller from debut director Yuki Saito. The film stars 12 girls from various idol groups as high school students who participate in a bizarre online suicide game that will allow the winner to replay their own life.

 

Synopsis

 

After falling out with her best friend, Michi begins to pour her heart out on a suicide website. When she randomly recieves a message asking "Do you want to replay your life?", Michi automatically answers yes. Little does she know though that the site has gathered 12 other students just like Michi and now the girls will have to participate in a deadly game of life and death that can only have one winner.

 

'Re:Play Girls' stars Erika Tonooka, Uki Sateke, Moe Miura, Sakura Sato, Maya Koizumi, Kaho Kano, and Kana Kobayashi. It is scheduled for release across Japan on the 25th September, 2010.

[thedude57]

'Sacrifice'

 

The trailer has been released for 'Sacrifice' (also known as 'The Orphan Of Zhao'), a new historical drama from director Chen Kaige. Based on a classic Chinese play, the film centres around a young man who goes in search of revenge after his entire family is wiped out by a corrupt minister.

 

Synopsis

 

Set in Spring and Autumn Period, the film is about the orphan Zhao Wu whose entire family is wiped out when the emperor is brainwashed by his favoured minister Tu An Gu concerning Zhao Shuo's loyalty. The newborn baby Zhao Wu is saved and raised by a physician Cheng Ying who sacrifices his own child to fool the minister. Several years later, when Zhao Wu grows up, the emperor has already passed away and was succeeded by his son, Cheng Ying tells the incident to Zhao Wu and helps him plot revenge against Tu An Gu.

 

'Sacrifice' stars Ge You, Wang Xue Qi, Zhang Feng Yi, Bao Guo An, Chiu Man Cheuk, Fan Bing Bing and Huang Xiao Ming. It is scheduled for release across China on the 18th December, 2010.

[thedude57]

Japanese Director Takashi Miike of dead or Alive & Ichi The Killer fame is preparing to start work on an as-yet untitled remake of Masaki Kobayashi's 1962 classic 'Harakiri' (AKA 'Seppuku'). following the current trend the film is set to be shot in 3D and will star Ebizo Ichikawa ('Space Battleship Yamato').

 

The original movie starred Tatsuya Nakadai as a samurai seeking revenge after his son-in-law is barbarically forced to commit traditional hara-kiri in an excruciating manner with a dull bamboo blade.

 

Miike's new version will begin shooting in October

Edited September 30, 2010 by the dude

[thedude57]

'The Unjust'

 

just heard about 'The Unjust', a new Korean thriller from director Ryoo Seung-wan (director of the awesome The City Of Violence'). The film focuses on a cop who is so desperate for recognition that he teams up with a mob boss to try and frame someone for a recent spate of murders.

 

Synopsis

 

A serial killer targeting elementary school students is on the loose. When the most probable suspect dies in custody and the case looks like it’s reached a dead end, high ranking police brass decide to create a killer—and anyone will do. Though Detective Choi Cheol-gi boasts an incredible number of arrests over his career his rank never showed it. He decides that this is his last chance at professional redemption. He makes a deal with mob boss Jang Seok-gu, who he has been investigating, and together they decide to set up one of the existing suspects as the serial killer. The only hurdle in their plan is public prosecutor Ju Yang, who takes on the case. Ju himself had been involved in a deal with the boss of a rival criminal organization. When the secret deals and back alley agreements start to come to light, it only serves to drag Choi, Ju, Jang, and Kim deeper and deeper into a dark hole of questionable ethics and abuse of the law.

 

'The Unjust' stars Hwang Jeong-Min, Ryu Seung-beom and Yoo Hae-jin. It is scheduled for release across Korea on the 28th October, 2010.

[thedude57]

'The Warrior's Way'

 

 

saw the trailer recently while in the states for 'The Warrior's Way' ,the new samurai western from director Sngmoo Lee. The film stars Jang Dong-gun ('Brotherhood') as an Asian assassin who tries to find refuge from his bloodthirsty lifestyle in a forgotten western town.

 

Synopsis

 

Yang is the world’s greatest swordsman but after saving the baby child of his enemy, he is forced to flee Asia to avoid the wrath his own clan. During his journey through the wild west, he befriends a band of carnival players and gets drawn into a battle with a gang of vicious bandits. Although Yang wanted to put his violent past behind him, he is forced to draw his sword again to defend his new friends...

 

'The Warrior's Way' also stars actors well know in the west: Kate Bosworth, Danny Huston and Geoffrey Rush. It is scheduled for release in the US on the 3rd December, 2010.

[thedude57]

i know i have mentioned this is the Manga topic - but really looking forward to this one:

 

Gantz: Part 1'

 

seen the trailers and press releases for 'Gantz: Part 1', the first of a 2-part live-action adaptation of Hiroya Oku's science-fiction manga. Directed by Shinsuke Sato, the film centres around two college students who die in a train accident only to be brought back to life by a mysterious black sphere. - fans of the Manga/anime series will hopefully love this movie - but i also believe newcomers to the world of Gantz should also enjoy it

 

Synopsis

 

When college student Kurono (Kazunari Ninomiya) sees his childhood friend Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) attempting to help a drunk who has fallen onto the subway train tracks, he spontaneously jumps in to help him. However, both are run down by the oncoming train and in the blink of an eye, suddenly find themselves transported to a strange apartment with others who should also be dead. In the centre of the living room is an enigmatic black orb known as ‘GANTZ’ who enlists each of them on a mission to hunt down and exterminate aliens.

 

'Gantz: Part 1' stars Kazunari Ninomiya (letters from iwo jima), Kenichi Matsuyama (L from death note), Yuriko Yos***aka, Kanata Hongo, Natsuna and Takayuki Yamada. It is scheduled for release across Japan on the 29th January, 2011.

[thedude57]

'The Idiots'

 

just heartd about 'The Idiots' (AKA 'Bakamono'), the long-awaited adaptation of the novel by Akiko Itoyama. Directed by Shusuke Kaneko ('Death Note'), the film centres around a young couple who separate unexpectedly, only to be reunited 10 years later and rediscover their feelings.

 

Synopsis

 

At the tender age of 19, Hide (Hiroki Narimiya) meets a 27-year-old woman by the name Gakuko (Yuki Uchida) who takes his virginity. Hide quickly falls in love, and is devastated the following year when Gakuko abruptly informs him that she’s marrying another man. Hide eventually leaves university and moves to Tokyo where he finds work and a new girlfriend named Shoko (Miho Shiraishi), but his misery leads him to become dependent on alcohol. Almost 10 years after their first meeting and the youthful love affair which followed, Hide and Gakuko meet again under drastically different circumstances, with each of their lives having been radically altered by irreparable loss.

 

'The Idiots' is due for release across Japan in December, 2010.

[echo faith]

i know i have mentioned this is the Manga topic - but really looking forward to this one:

 

Gantz: Part 1'

 

seen the trailers and press releases for 'Gantz: Part 1', the first of a 2-part live-action adaptation of Hiroya Oku's science-fiction manga. Directed by Shinsuke Sato, the film centres around two college students who die in a train accident only to be brought back to life by a mysterious black sphere. - fans of the Manga/anime series will hopefully love this movie - but i also believe newcomers to the world of Gantz should also enjoy it

 

Synopsis

 

When college student Kurono (Kazunari Ninomiya) sees his childhood friend Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) attempting to help a drunk who has fallen onto the subway train tracks, he spontaneously jumps in to help him. However, both are run down by the oncoming train and in the blink of an eye, suddenly find themselves transported to a strange apartment with others who should also be dead. In the centre of the living room is an enigmatic black orb known as ‘GANTZ’ who enlists each of them on a mission to hunt down and exterminate aliens.

 

'Gantz: Part 1' stars Kazunari Ninomiya (letters from iwo jima), Kenichi Matsuyama (L from death note), Yuriko Yos***aka, Kanata Hongo, Natsuna and Takayuki Yamada. It is scheduled for release across Japan on the 29th January, 2011.

 

love gantz, looking forward to these movies

[thedude57]

so am i

[thedude57]

The long-awaited bio pic "Bruce Lee, My Brother" recently started filming in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

 

The movie, based on reminiscences by Lee's young brother, Robert, details the legend's early years in Hong Kong. It will depict his experiences as a kung fu student, cha cha champion and child actor.

 

Bruce Lee is played by actor/singer Aarif Lee,

 

Lee's first love is played by newcomer Jennifer Tse, (daughter of Hong Kong screen legend Patrick Tse Yin, a contemporary of Lee's who knew the kung fu idol, though they never worked together.)

 

playing Bruce's father, the opera star and movie actor Lee Hoi-chuen, is veteran thespian Tony Leung Kar-fai.

 

recent photos and posters have been released for this upcoming bio pic of the legend