What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
03-01-13, 11:36 AM
#526
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Again with regard to Japanese cinema - and I don't know this to be true - but I've always sort of thought that licensing costs - more specifically cost-prohibitive licensing charges - also worked against Japanese film distribution. I'm still wondering why a film I really loved - GACHI BOI (2008) - still, as far as I know, hasn't seen any sort of release outside of Japan. I'm pleased to own the Japanese DVD. At the same time, I think it'd be such a natural fit for an outfit such as Third Window to release. Even something such as the jidaigeki YEAR ONE IN THE NORTH (2005) hasn't seen an English-friendly release (at least last time I checked)...and that dates back to when DVD releases from smaller labels were still plentiful...you'd think someone would've tried to piggyback it on the success of Tom Cruise's THE LAST SAMURAI.
Might as well ramble on...
Das Letzte Schweigen (2010 - Germany) - the English title is THE SILENCE and I mention that because this 2010 film is actually receiving a "select cities" theatrical release here in the U.S. this month and next. I enjoyed the film. If you liked something such as MEMORIES OF MURDER, or THE LOVELY BONES, or ZODIAC (as was mentioned on the DVD cover, THE KILLING (Danish original) was also mentioned), then you'd likely have an interest in THE SILENCE. Actually, MEMORIES OF MURDER would have been a very suitable title for the movie.
The movie has a stumble or two which bothered me. One major one that comes early on has to do with "fingerprints" and try as I might I just can't resolve it to any level of satisfaction...that point stuck in my craw from the moment it happened and sowed a small sense of discontent that persisted throughout. Another is a scene that...I don't know, maybe tried to get into the head of one of the characters (or maybe it was trying to lead the viewer in another direction)...but it really didn't work and just felt confusing...it was brief just a minute but they should have just snipped it out. At times, maybe the performances were a tiny bit off. Also, I wouldn't have minded delving more deeply into at least a couple of the characters. All this being said, I did come away from the film with a positive stance on it. Again, nothing new under the sun, but still a chilling experience.
I watched it via the U.K. DVD which has burnt-in subs and only 2.0 audio (versus the 5.1 audio found on the unsubbed German releases). Since it is coming to U.S. theaters, maybe just hold out for a U.S. DVD/Blu.
I finished the first U.S. (aka Cinemax) season of STRIKE BACK...globe-trotting, lads' adventures in exotic locales, and attractive women eager to disrobe...the American half of our lead buddy-duo sometimes comes across as an overgrown, potty-mouthed fratboy but generally remains likeable. The action is gritty, though it too can be a little A-TEAM-esque in terms of the bad guys failure to inflict damage on our two leads. STRIKE BACK is perfectly fine escapist, armchair adventure for the guys. I enjoyed the show...fast-paced, easy-on-the-mind, popcorn fun.
STRIKE BACK is ten episodes, but the show is structured in a way that it really is a series of five, two-part episodes...the first episode builds to an intermission-type break and the second episode finishes things off...and the following pair of episodes jumps to a different location, features the next step in the story, and new guest characters. So I'd recommend you treat it as if you are watching a series of five, 90-minute, threaded together, direct-to-video, B-movies.
I've started GAME OF THRONES Season 2. I adored the first season. Keeping in mind I'm only three episodes into Season 2...I will say it has been a huge comedown. What was once sweet music now has no rhythm. Too many characters, too many locations, too much talking...a continuing series of scenes that hopscotch all over the map with little feeling of story progression (like a soap opera in that sense). There is just no feel of any individual story arc for each episode...it's just like, okay we've finished 52-minutes so time to stop and pick up next time...it just has no sense of build in the story...there is no rhythm or feel as to what scenes you should expect to see...and the story has no sense of sequence...it really doesn't matter what order you watch the individual scenes in. And I'm really missing a sense of having any rooting interest or main character to latch on to...that was there in Season 1 but has vanished in Season 2. Again, it's early so maybe things come together...but right now, wow, just a major letdown.
Might as well ramble on...
Das Letzte Schweigen (2010 - Germany) - the English title is THE SILENCE and I mention that because this 2010 film is actually receiving a "select cities" theatrical release here in the U.S. this month and next. I enjoyed the film. If you liked something such as MEMORIES OF MURDER, or THE LOVELY BONES, or ZODIAC (as was mentioned on the DVD cover, THE KILLING (Danish original) was also mentioned), then you'd likely have an interest in THE SILENCE. Actually, MEMORIES OF MURDER would have been a very suitable title for the movie.
The movie has a stumble or two which bothered me. One major one that comes early on has to do with "fingerprints" and try as I might I just can't resolve it to any level of satisfaction...that point stuck in my craw from the moment it happened and sowed a small sense of discontent that persisted throughout. Another is a scene that...I don't know, maybe tried to get into the head of one of the characters (or maybe it was trying to lead the viewer in another direction)...but it really didn't work and just felt confusing...it was brief just a minute but they should have just snipped it out. At times, maybe the performances were a tiny bit off. Also, I wouldn't have minded delving more deeply into at least a couple of the characters. All this being said, I did come away from the film with a positive stance on it. Again, nothing new under the sun, but still a chilling experience.
I watched it via the U.K. DVD which has burnt-in subs and only 2.0 audio (versus the 5.1 audio found on the unsubbed German releases). Since it is coming to U.S. theaters, maybe just hold out for a U.S. DVD/Blu.
I finished the first U.S. (aka Cinemax) season of STRIKE BACK...globe-trotting, lads' adventures in exotic locales, and attractive women eager to disrobe...the American half of our lead buddy-duo sometimes comes across as an overgrown, potty-mouthed fratboy but generally remains likeable. The action is gritty, though it too can be a little A-TEAM-esque in terms of the bad guys failure to inflict damage on our two leads. STRIKE BACK is perfectly fine escapist, armchair adventure for the guys. I enjoyed the show...fast-paced, easy-on-the-mind, popcorn fun.
STRIKE BACK is ten episodes, but the show is structured in a way that it really is a series of five, two-part episodes...the first episode builds to an intermission-type break and the second episode finishes things off...and the following pair of episodes jumps to a different location, features the next step in the story, and new guest characters. So I'd recommend you treat it as if you are watching a series of five, 90-minute, threaded together, direct-to-video, B-movies.
I've started GAME OF THRONES Season 2. I adored the first season. Keeping in mind I'm only three episodes into Season 2...I will say it has been a huge comedown. What was once sweet music now has no rhythm. Too many characters, too many locations, too much talking...a continuing series of scenes that hopscotch all over the map with little feeling of story progression (like a soap opera in that sense). There is just no feel of any individual story arc for each episode...it's just like, okay we've finished 52-minutes so time to stop and pick up next time...it just has no sense of build in the story...there is no rhythm or feel as to what scenes you should expect to see...and the story has no sense of sequence...it really doesn't matter what order you watch the individual scenes in. And I'm really missing a sense of having any rooting interest or main character to latch on to...that was there in Season 1 but has vanished in Season 2. Again, it's early so maybe things come together...but right now, wow, just a major letdown.
03-01-13, 11:44 AM
#527
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Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
Again with regard to Japanese cinema - and I don't know this to be true - but I've always sort of thought that licensing costs - more specifically cost-prohibitive licensing charges - also worked against Japanese film distribution. I'm still wondering why a film I really loved - GACHI BOI (2008) - still, as far as I know, hasn't seen any sort of release outside of Japan. I'm pleased to own the Japanese DVD. At the same time, I think it'd be such a natural fit for an outfit such as Third Window to release. Even something such as the jidaigeki YEAR ONE IN THE NORTH (2005) hasn't seen an English-friendly release (at least last time I checked)...and that dates back to when DVD releases from smaller labels were still plentiful...you'd think someone would've tried to piggyback it on the success of Tom Cruise's THE LAST SAMURAI.
as for licensing costs, prohibitive is a general way i've heard the situation being described as. couple of variations within it. one is blatantly, illogically prohibitive - six figure sums - the other is borderline, and just doesn't consider how few copies films generally sell in america. as far as i've heard, typical for a title for a j film to sell single-figure thousands, usually something like five k copies, perhaps. even if a company asks something like 15k to license a film, you've got to remember the additional costs and likely selling price, potential market size, and it's borderline if something works out. there was a good example recently of a company that started to go down the tubes - they suddenly seemed to switch to a slew of incredibly cheap j exploitation films as a last ditch attempt to maximise their return, and, considering their apparent popularity (actually, i've never been convinced they were huge, despite how obvious they've become) it seemed like a good idea.... but, it didn't work. my argument has long been to disappear into the masses of stuff that few have ever paid attention to, and hope to find something good that nobody knew of and would therefore be less to license. doesn't seem to happen. it's more of a step by step learning process being done in public and at a financial cost, rather than the hiring of experts or asking for wisdom from fans.
03-02-13, 11:56 AM
#528
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Appreciate the insightful post logboy.
I've sometimes wondered similarly with regard to the film buff side of things. In the sense that even here in movie message board land, even hardcore film buffs seem to limit themselves to consuming what is being fed to them...instead of doing a little digging around. Of course I realize there are other factors at work too...time, money, level of interest, etc. That being said, as one example and it is a discussion I (and others) have mentioned on this board, take the 2006 French films TELL NO ONE and LE SERPENT. For whatever reason, maybe because it was based on an American novel by popular author Harlan Coben, but TELL NO ONE found itself in the Internet hype machine to a fair degree. I know I've read that a number of folks very much enjoyed it. But then if you ask the same folks if they've seen or at least have interest in seeing LE SERPENT, you don't sense much of a response. Now I again realize that is one of thousands of examples in terms of film distribution and the business side of things...some films succeed in that regard and others don't. But my point is, even in movie buff land like here, folks don't seem to be willing to do a little digging and find LE SERPENT themselves. From what I recall, they are very similar films and I actually preferred LE SERPENT just a little bit more...so if you are among the number who loved TELL NO ONE, I don't see why you wouldn't have more enthusiasm about seeking out similar entries. Again, as aforementioned, I know time, money, etc. all come into play...also too it seems folks just go for what is being fed to them.
Triad (2012 - Hong Kong) - entirely derivative triad movie...spanning from YOUNG AND DANGEROUS early on to Johnnie To's ELECTION films later in the runtime. I'd like to tell you that this is a nice little B-movie, genre fix but I can't quite do that. In the hands of Herman Yau it might have worked, but not so much coming from Director Daniel Chan. The issue is that the whole feel of the movie is that of a music video...and by that I mean something like an 80's hair metal power ballad video...I kid you not there were a number of times I was half-expecting a cutaway to a Chinese hair metal band crooning away in some sort of abandoned warehouse location. Relatedly, there were a couple of times - during scenes when the youth triad gangs were approaching each other on the streets and such - that I half-expected Michael Jackson (like in the "Beat It" video) to pop out in between them, make peace, and have them all break out in dance. So yeah this is a bad thing for sure. And we might not have seen the end of it either as Director Chan is also the helmer of the 2013 YOUNG AND DANGEROUS reboot. Amusingly, the opening credits indicated at least a half-dozen names with regard to the writers for TRIAD...seriously, it took that many people to write this...you'd think just one of them could have borrowed a dozen triad genre DVDs and be done with the screenplay right quick. TRIAD was Category III but doesn't feature any degree of edginess (aka violence or sex/nudity) that one might expect from that rating. To be fair, TRIAD was not unentertaining, but - as it is with boxing or prison movies - it'd be tough to really screw up a genre effort such as this. At the same time, the style was headscratchingly archaic/outdated, and it is that aspect that puts a big hurt on being able to accept this movie.
Triad (2012 - Hong Kong) - entirely derivative triad movie...spanning from YOUNG AND DANGEROUS early on to Johnnie To's ELECTION films later in the runtime. I'd like to tell you that this is a nice little B-movie, genre fix but I can't quite do that. In the hands of Herman Yau it might have worked, but not so much coming from Director Daniel Chan. The issue is that the whole feel of the movie is that of a music video...and by that I mean something like an 80's hair metal power ballad video...I kid you not there were a number of times I was half-expecting a cutaway to a Chinese hair metal band crooning away in some sort of abandoned warehouse location. Relatedly, there were a couple of times - during scenes when the youth triad gangs were approaching each other on the streets and such - that I half-expected Michael Jackson (like in the "Beat It" video) to pop out in between them, make peace, and have them all break out in dance. So yeah this is a bad thing for sure. And we might not have seen the end of it either as Director Chan is also the helmer of the 2013 YOUNG AND DANGEROUS reboot. Amusingly, the opening credits indicated at least a half-dozen names with regard to the writers for TRIAD...seriously, it took that many people to write this...you'd think just one of them could have borrowed a dozen triad genre DVDs and be done with the screenplay right quick. TRIAD was Category III but doesn't feature any degree of edginess (aka violence or sex/nudity) that one might expect from that rating. To be fair, TRIAD was not unentertaining, but - as it is with boxing or prison movies - it'd be tough to really screw up a genre effort such as this. At the same time, the style was headscratchingly archaic/outdated, and it is that aspect that puts a big hurt on being able to accept this movie.
03-02-13, 12:22 PM
#529
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Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
Appreciate the insightful post logboy.
I've sometimes wondered similarly with regard to the film buff side of things. In the sense that even here in movie message board land, even hardcore film buffs seem to limit themselves to consuming what is being fed to them...instead of doing a little digging around. Of course I realize there are other factors at work too...time, money, level of interest, etc. That being said, as one example and it is a discussion I (and others) have mentioned on this board, take the 2006 French films TELL NO ONE and LE SERPENT. For whatever reason, maybe because it was based on an American novel by popular author Harlan Coben, but TELL NO ONE found itself in the Internet hype machine to a fair degree. I know I've read that a number of folks very much enjoyed it. But then if you ask the same folks if they've seen or at least have interest in seeing LE SERPENT, you don't sense much of a response. Now I again realize that is one of thousands of examples in terms of film distribution and the business side of things...some films succeed in that regard and others don't. But my point is, even in movie buff land like here, folks don't seem to be willing to do a little digging and find LE SERPENT themselves. From what I recall, they are very similar films and I actually preferred LE SERPENT just a little bit more...so if you are among the number who loved TELL NO ONE, I don't see why you wouldn't have more enthusiasm about seeking out similar entries. Again, as aforementioned, I know time, money, etc. all come into play...also too it seems folks just go for what is being fed to them.
I've sometimes wondered similarly with regard to the film buff side of things. In the sense that even here in movie message board land, even hardcore film buffs seem to limit themselves to consuming what is being fed to them...instead of doing a little digging around. Of course I realize there are other factors at work too...time, money, level of interest, etc. That being said, as one example and it is a discussion I (and others) have mentioned on this board, take the 2006 French films TELL NO ONE and LE SERPENT. For whatever reason, maybe because it was based on an American novel by popular author Harlan Coben, but TELL NO ONE found itself in the Internet hype machine to a fair degree. I know I've read that a number of folks very much enjoyed it. But then if you ask the same folks if they've seen or at least have interest in seeing LE SERPENT, you don't sense much of a response. Now I again realize that is one of thousands of examples in terms of film distribution and the business side of things...some films succeed in that regard and others don't. But my point is, even in movie buff land like here, folks don't seem to be willing to do a little digging and find LE SERPENT themselves. From what I recall, they are very similar films and I actually preferred LE SERPENT just a little bit more...so if you are among the number who loved TELL NO ONE, I don't see why you wouldn't have more enthusiasm about seeking out similar entries. Again, as aforementioned, I know time, money, etc. all come into play...also too it seems folks just go for what is being fed to them.
as far as feeding goes, i'd encourage anyone that doesn't quite know to what extent they're being led to get involved in trying to contribute to a website that looks to makes films more visible. essentially, from that side of a fence, the only way to tell if a site is making the effort to construct it pay-off is to see certain things gather & grow, maintain (audience numbers) and certain films gain more attention over others, depending usually on how easily it's written about; the language barrier tends to be forgotten about when it comes to gathering information, but it's all too obvious when it comes to the brick wall of not being able to see a subbed release of any film that gains some kind of attention.
sure, contributors always think they've written lots about something that hasn't worked out or paid off, but i take this as a hint they expect it to more often than not. in the end, the relative ease with which much asian stuff can be had (hk and k at least) means people aren't necessarily looking for the obscure as much as they're just finding the increasingly-obvious aspects of that output (those two countries are more predominantly popular entertainment when it comes to film, i think) that provides some slight alternative rather than anything that dramatically differs. when you had to pay out closer to $100 or more for a VHS or LD, you'd spend more time and pick more carefully, i guess.
i think the internet has proven good for spreading information, but it's proven likely to encourage settling for similar tastes as a way of avoiding the effort to keep looking for more - if you find it hard to stay in touch with any amount of what's out there, simply accept what's most-obviously put in front of you and assume (or kid yourself) that every possible effort and quality you might expect or hope for has been consisntently achieved in the sites that you visit for pointers; and by this i mean, you can't really rely on others, and you have to drive it yourself.
i've also found that although it's easily described as some form of snobbery, the ease with which you can find people who share the interest alters the sense of having made a victory in finding something that at least felt more obscure or unavailable at one time, because it was never quite certain to what extent things were travelling when you couldn't find trailers, know of releases (and be able to afford them), or locate people to share films with - pre-DVD, essentially.
Last edited by logboy; 03-02-13 at 12:27 PM.
03-03-13, 09:13 PM
#530
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Informed and thoughtful comments - as always - logboy.
The Traffickers (2012 - South Korea) - Relating how I feel about this one is...a little bit...complicated. Hmm...how to go about it. Okay...well, they got it all wrong...we can start out that way. This should have been delivered as a tight 90-minute, B-movie, thriller/horror flick...but they would have had to ramp up the grit and torture-porn aspects considerably...and it then could have been a nice little - and disturbing - effort. Actually, the subject matter - organ trafficking (wasn't going to announce that, but it is in the intro scene so it isn't really a spoiler) - is so troubling that a more palatable approach would have been to make this movie more a black comedy like FARGO perhaps. But this went neither route, and instead tried to go for...oh, I don't know, broadly grasping...let's say THE YELLOW SEA...in terms of a very loose fit...so it went for that sort of A-thriller treatment...at the same time, the technicals/production values and such were more geared towards a third-rate version of an A-thriller. Besides all that, the movie kind of didn't make much sense, had way too many coincidences...and was just sort of preposterous...well not really "sort of", more like totally.
And now I need you to disregard everything I just wrote. I mean it isn't invalid because that is how I felt for about 80 percent of the 111-minute runtime, but at the same time it is because on the final scorecard maybe none of that really stuck in terms of how I felt about the movie. Ultimately, things head to regions so audacious in their preposterousness that this film won me over. I mean I still think it got even more illogical, at least I think I think that...I certainly did at first...thinking that it makes even less sense (while also making more sense because what was bad about the movie maybe wasn't as bad anymore). And if it indeed was less sensible (but again also more sensible), I also had this rare inclination to turn a blind eye towards that...meaning the less sensible aspect...and now I even wonder if maybe there is some way I can rationalize away some of the logic issues...though that'd take a second run through the entire movie.
All that aside, the treatment of organ trafficking in this movie is unquestionably truly disturbing. So...THE TRAFFICKERS lands on the positive side of the ledger. I don't think I'd call it a good "bad movie" nor would I label it a flawed good movie...neither seems right. And I'm not sure if it's kinda clever or just really ridiculous...or maybe super-twisted is more accurate. But it scores for being "something" and leaving some form of imprint, and - especially following on formulaic cookie-cutter entries such as THE THIEVES and THE BERLIN FILE - I appreciate THE TRAFFICKERS for being a - we'll call it - stimulating experience...and stimulating whether it be in a good or bad or just plain gonzo way sometimes is agreeable enough.
The Traffickers (2012 - South Korea) - Relating how I feel about this one is...a little bit...complicated. Hmm...how to go about it. Okay...well, they got it all wrong...we can start out that way. This should have been delivered as a tight 90-minute, B-movie, thriller/horror flick...but they would have had to ramp up the grit and torture-porn aspects considerably...and it then could have been a nice little - and disturbing - effort. Actually, the subject matter - organ trafficking (wasn't going to announce that, but it is in the intro scene so it isn't really a spoiler) - is so troubling that a more palatable approach would have been to make this movie more a black comedy like FARGO perhaps. But this went neither route, and instead tried to go for...oh, I don't know, broadly grasping...let's say THE YELLOW SEA...in terms of a very loose fit...so it went for that sort of A-thriller treatment...at the same time, the technicals/production values and such were more geared towards a third-rate version of an A-thriller. Besides all that, the movie kind of didn't make much sense, had way too many coincidences...and was just sort of preposterous...well not really "sort of", more like totally.
And now I need you to disregard everything I just wrote. I mean it isn't invalid because that is how I felt for about 80 percent of the 111-minute runtime, but at the same time it is because on the final scorecard maybe none of that really stuck in terms of how I felt about the movie. Ultimately, things head to regions so audacious in their preposterousness that this film won me over. I mean I still think it got even more illogical, at least I think I think that...I certainly did at first...thinking that it makes even less sense (while also making more sense because what was bad about the movie maybe wasn't as bad anymore). And if it indeed was less sensible (but again also more sensible), I also had this rare inclination to turn a blind eye towards that...meaning the less sensible aspect...and now I even wonder if maybe there is some way I can rationalize away some of the logic issues...though that'd take a second run through the entire movie.
All that aside, the treatment of organ trafficking in this movie is unquestionably truly disturbing. So...THE TRAFFICKERS lands on the positive side of the ledger. I don't think I'd call it a good "bad movie" nor would I label it a flawed good movie...neither seems right. And I'm not sure if it's kinda clever or just really ridiculous...or maybe super-twisted is more accurate. But it scores for being "something" and leaving some form of imprint, and - especially following on formulaic cookie-cutter entries such as THE THIEVES and THE BERLIN FILE - I appreciate THE TRAFFICKERS for being a - we'll call it - stimulating experience...and stimulating whether it be in a good or bad or just plain gonzo way sometimes is agreeable enough.
Last edited by flixtime; 03-03-13 at 09:20 PM.
03-04-13, 07:55 AM
#531
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Forgot in my previous post to do a GAME OF THRONES Season 2 update...wanted to get it in in case I have to head to the sidelines for a bit...finished two more episodes...scheming and plotting (and "yes" I know they mean the same thing aka "yes" that confirms I've watched the fifth episode)...halfway through this season and the experience has been a complete slog from the get-go...I'm quite starting to dislike the show...it is a soap opera...endless scheming and plotting and nothing else...no pay off...too many characters (only one of whom is interesting)...too talky (only one - the same one - of whom ever says anything interesting)...the first season was excellent...this season would drop all the way to average and that goodwill is due solely to the budget (aka production values and quality actors)...average is okay but no so much when it is average and thoroughly dull...too many boring characters involved in too much couldn't care less intrigue in too many places and nothing actually progresses...halfway through the season and it at least feels like nothing has happened...THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH mini-series was so much better than this second season.
04-07-13, 09:18 PM
#532
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Watched some Hong Kong/China films that didn't register as anything special...THE GUILLOTINES...THE LAST TYCOON (a little surprised by the praise it got from both filmbiz.asia and lovehkfilm.com)....BACK TO 1942 (not to the level of the director's earlier AFTERSHOCK, or something like CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH).
A South Korean film did score well with me...enough so that I'd easily rank it with my earlier listed favorites of 2012...again not saying everyone should run out and buy it...but I liked it and would recommend it for suspense genre fans. The film is THE NEIGHBORS aka NEIGHBORHOOD (probably a slightly better title). It's a modest-budgeted, ensemble cast, suspense movie concerning a serial killer on the loose and how that sets in the neighborhood he calls home. At some point during the runtime I got a nagging sense of deja vu...there was a familiarity but I couldn't quite make the connection...it came to me the following morning...this movie - in a way - felt like Shyamalan's underappreciated LADY IN THE WATER (I appreciated it much more after a second viewing). The common ground - broadly speaking - is that LADY IN THE WATER was set at an apartment building and concerned various individuals - each with a unique function - all having to come together to assist/protect another. THE NEIGHBORS felt similar...a neighborhood setting and assorted individuals - each with a role - having to come together to hopefully prevent someone else from becoming a victim of the killer. THE NEIGHBORS has a bit of a horror (not particularly scary though) vibe too. The first-time director did a really nice job.
04-07-13, 10:09 PM
#533
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Forgot to comment after posting my thoughts on BRON/BROEN, but I had intended to mention my curiosity with regard to the British crime shows - MAYDAY and BROADCHURCH. MAYDAY releases on UK DVD tomorrow and BROADCHURCH (with David Tennant) releases on UK DVD next month.
04-09-13, 05:57 PM
#534
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
Appreciate the insightful post logboy.
I've sometimes wondered similarly with regard to the film buff side of things. In the sense that even here in movie message board land, even hardcore film buffs seem to limit themselves to consuming what is being fed to them...instead of doing a little digging around. Of course I realize there are other factors at work too...time, money, level of interest, etc. That being said, as one example and it is a discussion I (and others) have mentioned on this board, take the 2006 French films TELL NO ONE and LE SERPENT. For whatever reason, maybe because it was based on an American novel by popular author Harlan Coben, but TELL NO ONE found itself in the Internet hype machine to a fair degree. I know I've read that a number of folks very much enjoyed it. But then if you ask the same folks if they've seen or at least have interest in seeing LE SERPENT, you don't sense much of a response. Now I again realize that is one of thousands of examples in terms of film distribution and the business side of things...some films succeed in that regard and others don't. But my point is, even in movie buff land like here, folks don't seem to be willing to do a little digging and find LE SERPENT themselves. From what I recall, they are very similar films and I actually preferred LE SERPENT just a little bit more...so if you are among the number who loved TELL NO ONE, I don't see why you wouldn't have more enthusiasm about seeking out similar entries. Again, as aforementioned, I know time, money, etc. all come into play...also too it seems folks just go for what is being fed to them.
I've sometimes wondered similarly with regard to the film buff side of things. In the sense that even here in movie message board land, even hardcore film buffs seem to limit themselves to consuming what is being fed to them...instead of doing a little digging around. Of course I realize there are other factors at work too...time, money, level of interest, etc. That being said, as one example and it is a discussion I (and others) have mentioned on this board, take the 2006 French films TELL NO ONE and LE SERPENT. For whatever reason, maybe because it was based on an American novel by popular author Harlan Coben, but TELL NO ONE found itself in the Internet hype machine to a fair degree. I know I've read that a number of folks very much enjoyed it. But then if you ask the same folks if they've seen or at least have interest in seeing LE SERPENT, you don't sense much of a response. Now I again realize that is one of thousands of examples in terms of film distribution and the business side of things...some films succeed in that regard and others don't. But my point is, even in movie buff land like here, folks don't seem to be willing to do a little digging and find LE SERPENT themselves. From what I recall, they are very similar films and I actually preferred LE SERPENT just a little bit more...so if you are among the number who loved TELL NO ONE, I don't see why you wouldn't have more enthusiasm about seeking out similar entries. Again, as aforementioned, I know time, money, etc. all come into play...also too it seems folks just go for what is being fed to them.
Also, another problem for me anyway is that I gravitate toward older films.
BTW, I have never heard of Le Serpent until you brought it up.
Vengeance (2009)--Average film. To be honest it starts out pretty good with the stylistic murders in the first few scenes. But once the story gets rolling, it just kinda gets predictable. I wished they used Sylvie Testud more. There are some nice little action scenes here and there but on the whole I felt like I've seen this film (or parts of it) before. Not awful or anything but I just wish it took more chances and was a bit more creative.[
04-10-13, 01:29 PM
#535
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Pro-B started a thread for it...just his post and a couple of follow-up comments...but that was back in 2008, before your join-up date here...just search "Le Serpent" and it'll turn up right away. It doesn't seem that the movie ever got a release in the U.S., but the UK DVD is still available.
We seem to be on the same wavelength (some might suggest you consider seeing a doctor for that...haha), but yeah I felt the same about VENGEANCE back when I watched it...fine enough action setpieces but it just felt like Johnnie To recycling himself and I thought the ending was not done well enough.
Forgot to mention before but I did watch Sion Sono's GUILTY OF ROMANCE last month. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I'm curious to see how it works in the longer cut...basically the current version cuts the role of the female detective to a bare minimum. I do wonder if the additional material with that character might result in a bit of stylistic/tonal clash with the rest of the film. I didn't love it as much as HIMIZU or maybe even COLD FISH but I'd still rank it well and it sure beats the vast majority of other stuff out there. From what I recall, the violence wasn't as over-the-top as COLD FISH was towards the end so that was good. At the same time, Sion Sono is certainly not for everyone...conservative/sensitive viewers need not apply.
From the category of "an idle mind is the devil's playground"...I'm sort of considering doing a mini-fest of Cuba Gooding Jr. direct-to-video offerings. I believe it was this thread where I brought his name up in a recent discussion and contrary to that I actually kind of like the guy...I get it, the Hanes commercials and all...and there is no way I'd go near BOAT TRIP, SNOW DOGS, etc., but I do think he does melodrama well and I liked him in MEN OF HONOR, INSTINCT, WHAT DREAMS MAY COME...and a gut feel is that he seems like he'd be a likeable enough fella in the real world. So since I enjoy crime films maybe I'll sample his work on the DTV-crime/action front...was thinking DIRTY, HERO WANTED, LINEWATCH, WRONG TURN AT TAHOE, TICKING CLOCK, THE HIT LIST, SACRIFICE, and ONE IN THE CHAMBER. Perhaps I'll come to my senses and not bother. But again I do enjoy crime films, and lately - as mentioned earlier in this thread I believe - I have been negligent in sampling American DTV efforts these past few years...on the other hand two recent New Orleans-set DTV entries - THE COURIER and SINNERS AND SAINTS - didn't do a whole lot for me so maybe that was enough in terms of exploration.
While on the topic of crime films, I did watch Sweden's SNABBA CASH. It was released here on DVD last week under the title EASY MONEY. The first half-hour was a little scattershot in terms of taking some time for the various characters to come into better focus. After that it rolled along pretty well and even started to have a bit of a BREAKING BAD feel to it...in the sense that "easy money" from the drug trade isn't as simple as it sounds, while also offering a peak into more "big picture" aspects of the drug trade (for instance, money laundering). As it nears the climax though it returns to being a more conventional drug/crime film with action finale. Sweden also did two follow-up entries to SNABBA CASH...and the first part has been picked up for a U.S. remake.
On a related note...aka the lead in SNABBA CASH also starred in AMC's THE KILLING (the U.S. TV remake of FORBRYDELSEN)...Season 1 of THE KILLING was released on Blu-ray and DVD...the just-released Season 2 of THE KILLING is DVD-R only (whiskey-tango-foxtrot!)...a real headscratcher...maybe if that was the end of the show I can understand that they wouldn't put in much effort, but it is getting a Season 3.
We seem to be on the same wavelength (some might suggest you consider seeing a doctor for that...haha), but yeah I felt the same about VENGEANCE back when I watched it...fine enough action setpieces but it just felt like Johnnie To recycling himself and I thought the ending was not done well enough.
Forgot to mention before but I did watch Sion Sono's GUILTY OF ROMANCE last month. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I'm curious to see how it works in the longer cut...basically the current version cuts the role of the female detective to a bare minimum. I do wonder if the additional material with that character might result in a bit of stylistic/tonal clash with the rest of the film. I didn't love it as much as HIMIZU or maybe even COLD FISH but I'd still rank it well and it sure beats the vast majority of other stuff out there. From what I recall, the violence wasn't as over-the-top as COLD FISH was towards the end so that was good. At the same time, Sion Sono is certainly not for everyone...conservative/sensitive viewers need not apply.
From the category of "an idle mind is the devil's playground"...I'm sort of considering doing a mini-fest of Cuba Gooding Jr. direct-to-video offerings. I believe it was this thread where I brought his name up in a recent discussion and contrary to that I actually kind of like the guy...I get it, the Hanes commercials and all...and there is no way I'd go near BOAT TRIP, SNOW DOGS, etc., but I do think he does melodrama well and I liked him in MEN OF HONOR, INSTINCT, WHAT DREAMS MAY COME...and a gut feel is that he seems like he'd be a likeable enough fella in the real world. So since I enjoy crime films maybe I'll sample his work on the DTV-crime/action front...was thinking DIRTY, HERO WANTED, LINEWATCH, WRONG TURN AT TAHOE, TICKING CLOCK, THE HIT LIST, SACRIFICE, and ONE IN THE CHAMBER. Perhaps I'll come to my senses and not bother. But again I do enjoy crime films, and lately - as mentioned earlier in this thread I believe - I have been negligent in sampling American DTV efforts these past few years...on the other hand two recent New Orleans-set DTV entries - THE COURIER and SINNERS AND SAINTS - didn't do a whole lot for me so maybe that was enough in terms of exploration.
While on the topic of crime films, I did watch Sweden's SNABBA CASH. It was released here on DVD last week under the title EASY MONEY. The first half-hour was a little scattershot in terms of taking some time for the various characters to come into better focus. After that it rolled along pretty well and even started to have a bit of a BREAKING BAD feel to it...in the sense that "easy money" from the drug trade isn't as simple as it sounds, while also offering a peak into more "big picture" aspects of the drug trade (for instance, money laundering). As it nears the climax though it returns to being a more conventional drug/crime film with action finale. Sweden also did two follow-up entries to SNABBA CASH...and the first part has been picked up for a U.S. remake.
On a related note...aka the lead in SNABBA CASH also starred in AMC's THE KILLING (the U.S. TV remake of FORBRYDELSEN)...Season 1 of THE KILLING was released on Blu-ray and DVD...the just-released Season 2 of THE KILLING is DVD-R only (whiskey-tango-foxtrot!)...a real headscratcher...maybe if that was the end of the show I can understand that they wouldn't put in much effort, but it is getting a Season 3.
04-14-13, 12:06 PM
#536
DVD Talk Gold Edition
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) here in the U.S. has an interesting airing tonight (technically early Monday morning at 2am). Now the listing is rather confused and contradictory, but I'd be pleased with either one. The movie is KUROTOKAGE, but I'm not sure if it is the '62 version (directed by Umetsugu Inoue) or the '68 version (directed by Kinji Fukasaku). Despite being listed as the '62 version, all the other details listed seem to indicate the '68 version. The photo too on TCM's site has me guessing that it looks to be the '68 version. The runtime seems to reflect the '62 version (but TCM bungled the runtime for last night's airing of THE LAST DRAGON). Both versions are based on a novel from Rampo Edogawa. I don't believe either version is available on English-friendly DVD. The '68 version is on youtube with English subs right now and I've read at IMDb that the '62 version is on Hulu.
04-23-13, 04:04 PM
#537
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Fetih 1453 (2012 - Turkey) - Historical epic about the fall of Constantinople to the - film's protagonists - the Ottoman Turks. Is it a good film? No...more like fair-to-average, but if you are a genre fan and craving a fix, then - from an entertainment value perspective - it is satisfying enough. The runtime on the English-friendly Turkish DVD is 156-minutes. The first half is talky and focuses on the politics and build-up to the siege. The castle/fortress siege section kicks in at around the 80-minute mark. This section - while nothing different from any other sort of historical epic castle/fortress siege movie - is quite decent. Now, it isn't to the level of A-grade International cinema, but for a mainstream Turkish melodrama it is fine. Don't go into this expecting it to be of the caliber of Turkish arthouse cinema or something like that Turkish war movie NEFES...so maybe the feel is more like lower-end TV miniseries. If you look at IMDb there are a lot of negative comments and I wouldn't disagree with any of them...the acting is just okay (I found the lead actor not especially impressive), it isn't a realistic/historically accurate movie, etc., etc. The first half - being the set-up portion - is a little dry for sure...but it did move along at a decent pace.
The most interesting aspect for me was a side element of the film that showed the disharmony between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church...the leader in Constantinople is hesitant to request help from Rome because they don't want the Vatican to take control of things in the East.
The siege portion did feel a little choppy at times in the sense that you get a glimpse of some elements such as a huge chain used to blockade the water route to the city, and also the transportation of ships over land to get around the blockade, but then - probably for budgetary reasons - then never really expand upon those elements. I also anticipated one more skirmish section during the climactic battle...so in that sense the film kind of wrapped up quite quickly.
So if you are expecting Hollywood grade CGI, or a realistic feel for time and place (I thought the performers felt too contemporary), or a more realistic depiction of the actual events...then just pass on this movie. If you are a genre junkie/completist then it makes for an acceptable viewing despite numerous shortcomings aka it was not unentertaining and it was a change of pace for its different perspective (generally the good guys in these types of films are the European Crusaders).
The English subtitles on the Turkish DVD could've used some work. As an alternative (also for those who now consider watching a film on lowly DVD to be unpalatable), there is a German Blu-ray/DVD - under the title BATTLE OF EMPIRES: FETIH 1453 - that appears to be English-friendly (note: I don't know if the subtitles are any different from the Turkish DVD).
The most interesting aspect for me was a side element of the film that showed the disharmony between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church...the leader in Constantinople is hesitant to request help from Rome because they don't want the Vatican to take control of things in the East.
The siege portion did feel a little choppy at times in the sense that you get a glimpse of some elements such as a huge chain used to blockade the water route to the city, and also the transportation of ships over land to get around the blockade, but then - probably for budgetary reasons - then never really expand upon those elements. I also anticipated one more skirmish section during the climactic battle...so in that sense the film kind of wrapped up quite quickly.
So if you are expecting Hollywood grade CGI, or a realistic feel for time and place (I thought the performers felt too contemporary), or a more realistic depiction of the actual events...then just pass on this movie. If you are a genre junkie/completist then it makes for an acceptable viewing despite numerous shortcomings aka it was not unentertaining and it was a change of pace for its different perspective (generally the good guys in these types of films are the European Crusaders).
The English subtitles on the Turkish DVD could've used some work. As an alternative (also for those who now consider watching a film on lowly DVD to be unpalatable), there is a German Blu-ray/DVD - under the title BATTLE OF EMPIRES: FETIH 1453 - that appears to be English-friendly (note: I don't know if the subtitles are any different from the Turkish DVD).
04-25-13, 09:27 PM
#538
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Gather 'round laddies and let me share a tale...of the grandchild of a former Golan-Globus executive...and how said grandchild found a twenty-year-old script in the attic...for a proposed DELTA FORCE 6 or perhaps NAVY SEALS 3...and realized it was too lame even for Hollywood...so the grandchild suckered the French into buying it...
Special Forces (2011 - France) - One of the last images on the screen in this movie is that of a soldier...there is a patch on his uniform with the letters "POS"...rather fitting...as that is an apt description for this movie. We are in super lame direct-to-video territory with this film. To start this reminded me of ZERO DARK THIRTY...and then it becomes TEARS OF THE SUN mixed with a little BEHIND THE ENEMY LINES ('01 not '97...though I suppose that applies as well)...and then you get maybe a whiff of PLATOON...and close with a bit of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN via a heavy serving of 2010's THE WAY BACK. Now those movies were respectable, and you'd think borrowing from those movies would lead to something at least watchable for DTV fare...so you'd think...I know I did. Boy, was I wrong. SPECIAL FORCES was supposed to be a salute to the French military...all I took away from it is that they suck at Search & Rescue. The protagonists in this came across as so lame that I was kind of rooting for the bad guy...and outside of Indian war movies I rarely experience that sort of thing. SPECIAL FORCES just never worked as a real movie for me. And they actually wasted money on a respectable cast that adds nothing to the experience...I would have preferred a cast of no name actors.
Man, this month has been brutal...I've watched so much garbage that it makes me want to find a new hobby...and I'm talking well-budgeted films...yet not a wit of creativity, imagination, artfulness, passion...dullsville all the way...even I'm close to OD'ing on me bringing the negative vibes all the time.
Anyway, yeah, SPECIAL FORCES...proof positive that the French can out-stupid Hollywood.
Point being...if your copy is currently on backorder status with Amazon, I'd strongly advise you to cancel your order...you'll not only save $10, you'll save some brain cells too.
I wonder about the state of film reviewing...I don't know...it just seems to me like a whole lot of herd, groupthink, lemming type reviewing going on...I won't even comment on website type reviews where the mindset seems to be to find the silver lining in every case...or maybe it is a PR thing...keep handing out good reviews because that is the best way to promote yourself.
Okay I'm calm now...deep breath...I feel better now.
P.S. SPECIAL FORCES is set in Asia...that's enough reason for me to grumble about it in this thread...besides I had no other place to stick it...though I expect there might be those who'd gladly recommend a place...shame on you.
Special Forces (2011 - France) - One of the last images on the screen in this movie is that of a soldier...there is a patch on his uniform with the letters "POS"...rather fitting...as that is an apt description for this movie. We are in super lame direct-to-video territory with this film. To start this reminded me of ZERO DARK THIRTY...and then it becomes TEARS OF THE SUN mixed with a little BEHIND THE ENEMY LINES ('01 not '97...though I suppose that applies as well)...and then you get maybe a whiff of PLATOON...and close with a bit of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN via a heavy serving of 2010's THE WAY BACK. Now those movies were respectable, and you'd think borrowing from those movies would lead to something at least watchable for DTV fare...so you'd think...I know I did. Boy, was I wrong. SPECIAL FORCES was supposed to be a salute to the French military...all I took away from it is that they suck at Search & Rescue. The protagonists in this came across as so lame that I was kind of rooting for the bad guy...and outside of Indian war movies I rarely experience that sort of thing. SPECIAL FORCES just never worked as a real movie for me. And they actually wasted money on a respectable cast that adds nothing to the experience...I would have preferred a cast of no name actors.
Man, this month has been brutal...I've watched so much garbage that it makes me want to find a new hobby...and I'm talking well-budgeted films...yet not a wit of creativity, imagination, artfulness, passion...dullsville all the way...even I'm close to OD'ing on me bringing the negative vibes all the time.
Anyway, yeah, SPECIAL FORCES...proof positive that the French can out-stupid Hollywood.
Point being...if your copy is currently on backorder status with Amazon, I'd strongly advise you to cancel your order...you'll not only save $10, you'll save some brain cells too.
I wonder about the state of film reviewing...I don't know...it just seems to me like a whole lot of herd, groupthink, lemming type reviewing going on...I won't even comment on website type reviews where the mindset seems to be to find the silver lining in every case...or maybe it is a PR thing...keep handing out good reviews because that is the best way to promote yourself.
Okay I'm calm now...deep breath...I feel better now.
P.S. SPECIAL FORCES is set in Asia...that's enough reason for me to grumble about it in this thread...besides I had no other place to stick it...though I expect there might be those who'd gladly recommend a place...shame on you.
05-03-13, 10:20 AM
#539
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Ash Ketchum, just read some coverage of a newly-released book over at TCM and thought it might be of interest to you and others (though I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you were already aware of it).
The book by author Chris D. is:
GUN AND SWORD: An Encyclopedia of Japanese Gangster Films 1955-1980
In other matters, I watched Jackie Chan's latest CZ12 aka CHINESE ZODIAC. The best part...the girl in the short shorts stealing the keys and doing a split at around the six-minute mark. Other than that, the movie delivered little of interest...and the voicework for two of the female characters was especially grating to my ears.
The book by author Chris D. is:
GUN AND SWORD: An Encyclopedia of Japanese Gangster Films 1955-1980
In other matters, I watched Jackie Chan's latest CZ12 aka CHINESE ZODIAC. The best part...the girl in the short shorts stealing the keys and doing a split at around the six-minute mark. Other than that, the movie delivered little of interest...and the voicework for two of the female characters was especially grating to my ears.
05-06-13, 12:14 PM
#540
Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
Ash Ketchum, just read some coverage of a newly-released book over at TCM and thought it might be of interest to you and others (though I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you were already aware of it).
The book by author Chris D. is:
GUN AND SWORD: An Encyclopedia of Japanese Gangster Films 1955-1980
The book by author Chris D. is:
GUN AND SWORD: An Encyclopedia of Japanese Gangster Films 1955-1980
05-14-13, 11:48 AM
#541
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Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
In other matters, I watched Jackie Chan's latest CZ12 aka CHINESE ZODIAC. The best part...the girl in the short shorts stealing the keys and doing a split at around the six-minute mark. Other than that, the movie delivered little of interest...and the voicework for two of the female characters was especially grating to my ears.
05-22-13, 09:06 PM
#542
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Bunohan (2011 - Malaysia) - First off...though one of the characters is a martial artist, this is most certainly not a martial arts film...the promo material might make it seem like a martial arts flick, but again...it is not. It is a brooding, hothouse, with an undercurrent of mystical mumbo-jumbo drama encompassing an estranged family of three brothers and their father...perhaps a Malaysian arthouse/indie spin on Southern Gothic. Not a whole lot of Malaysian cinema makes its way over here and this seems to have come over with some fair amount of acclaim. I really wish I could come up with some way to put a positive spin on things, but I just can't. I mean it is perfectly fine in terms of acting and technicals and such, but it just never works at all in terms of story and characters...nothing comes to life. This really got off on the wrong foot...fractured storytelling, undefined characters, and too artsy...sometimes that works to create interest, but here it created distance for me...it was a frustrating way to open the film in the first ten minutes or so. The characters are put into better focus about twenty-five minutes, but that really doesn't help matters much. While you feel less disoriented...the film simply continues as slow, stagnant, dull, and talky...the story and characters just never capture your interest...and even though the film is only 98-minutes...well, the pacing was a slog...it was long and tedious. I wish I had connected better with this film...maybe if you are the type who really, really, really liked Asian entries such as I COME WITH THE RAIN and HEADSHOT, well, then maybe you can find some level of positive connection with BUNOHAN...but for me it unfortunately grades out as a clear thumbs down.
To not close on a curmudgeonly note, I'll continue some randomness from the Indian thread...I've been doing a bit of a DTV-fest...for my "hey flixtime, welcome to 2009!" moment I watched the martial arts flick BLOOD AND BONE (2009) starring Michael Jai White...all you guys who love THE RAID...well, it's all yours...BLOOD AND BONE is my baby (or maybe it'd be twins with Japan's KURO-OBI aka BLACK BELT (2007) which I also loved...but that was years back). BLOOD AND BONE was easily one of the most entertaining movies I've seen this year. And the whole King Kong thing...man, that was just so wrong that it was great! It certainly was an eye-opener in comparison to the neutered, PC cinema coming from big-budget Hollywood. Unlike THE RAID, BLOOD AND BONE actually has a decent story (unremarkable and simple, but still interesting...kind of like a real-world superhero tale). And too, I thought it had a lot of amusing dialogue...especially from the young sidekick/ring-announcer...in comparison I watched Schwarzenegger's THE LAST STAND yesterday and I don't recall being struck by any of the dialogue. To sidetrack, man I must be out of touch, THE LAST STAND was rated R...it's all fairly cartoony so I just don't get the R rating. But, yeah, BLOOD AND BONE comes highly recommended! Really, if anyone is considering something like Jackie Chan's CZ12, just drop that idea, and go with BLOOD AND BONE instead.
Another thought related to my so far so good DTV-fest...I like Cuba Gooding Jr., at the same time I think the similarly likeable Terrence Howard really needs to get his agent on the line and cut in on some of Cuba's DTV action...by the way, really liked THE BRAVE ONE with him and Jodi Foster.
And back to my earlier King Kong mention...while I'm a long way from being Mike Tyson or having hands of steal...I've never had a reaction to a character on screen as I did to this character in BLOOD AND BONE...my first thought was something along the lines of "if I punch him...and I mean hit him square...anywhere...nothing would happen to the guy...absolutely nothing, he wouldn't even feel it".
Grumpy note to close things out...what the heck is wrong with North Americans...well, I should probably exclude Canada, but what is wrong with the U.S./Mexico...really, shrinkwrapping shouldn't be that difficult...I do lots of International orders and shrinkwrap sticking to the spine of the case is like never an issue with stuff from anywhere else, but here in the good old U.S. of A., por ejemplo, out of the last 8 American DVDs/Blu-rays I've purchased the shrinkwrap has been fused to the case's spine on 7 of them...just a total nuisance...bunch of dunces...I need a Jarritos to cool down.
To not close on a curmudgeonly note, I'll continue some randomness from the Indian thread...I've been doing a bit of a DTV-fest...for my "hey flixtime, welcome to 2009!" moment I watched the martial arts flick BLOOD AND BONE (2009) starring Michael Jai White...all you guys who love THE RAID...well, it's all yours...BLOOD AND BONE is my baby (or maybe it'd be twins with Japan's KURO-OBI aka BLACK BELT (2007) which I also loved...but that was years back). BLOOD AND BONE was easily one of the most entertaining movies I've seen this year. And the whole King Kong thing...man, that was just so wrong that it was great! It certainly was an eye-opener in comparison to the neutered, PC cinema coming from big-budget Hollywood. Unlike THE RAID, BLOOD AND BONE actually has a decent story (unremarkable and simple, but still interesting...kind of like a real-world superhero tale). And too, I thought it had a lot of amusing dialogue...especially from the young sidekick/ring-announcer...in comparison I watched Schwarzenegger's THE LAST STAND yesterday and I don't recall being struck by any of the dialogue. To sidetrack, man I must be out of touch, THE LAST STAND was rated R...it's all fairly cartoony so I just don't get the R rating. But, yeah, BLOOD AND BONE comes highly recommended! Really, if anyone is considering something like Jackie Chan's CZ12, just drop that idea, and go with BLOOD AND BONE instead.
Another thought related to my so far so good DTV-fest...I like Cuba Gooding Jr., at the same time I think the similarly likeable Terrence Howard really needs to get his agent on the line and cut in on some of Cuba's DTV action...by the way, really liked THE BRAVE ONE with him and Jodi Foster.
And back to my earlier King Kong mention...while I'm a long way from being Mike Tyson or having hands of steal...I've never had a reaction to a character on screen as I did to this character in BLOOD AND BONE...my first thought was something along the lines of "if I punch him...and I mean hit him square...anywhere...nothing would happen to the guy...absolutely nothing, he wouldn't even feel it".
Grumpy note to close things out...what the heck is wrong with North Americans...well, I should probably exclude Canada, but what is wrong with the U.S./Mexico...really, shrinkwrapping shouldn't be that difficult...I do lots of International orders and shrinkwrap sticking to the spine of the case is like never an issue with stuff from anywhere else, but here in the good old U.S. of A., por ejemplo, out of the last 8 American DVDs/Blu-rays I've purchased the shrinkwrap has been fused to the case's spine on 7 of them...just a total nuisance...bunch of dunces...I need a Jarritos to cool down.
05-22-13, 09:14 PM
#543
DVD Talk God
Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
Shadowguard (2011):
Produced and co-written by Bey Logan. Directed and Starring Michael Biehn.
Co-starring Simon Yam and Phoenix Valen
I bought this on BD when I went to Hong Kong in February. Spent a little over $5 on it. Honestly, it's a pretty freaking terrible movie. I understand why Michael Biehn hated the experience working on this movie and wants to dis-associate himself from it. Terrible script, anemic action scenes and cheap sets. And to top it off, some of Biehn's dialogue was dubbed over.
Phoenix Valen is very pretty though, but her martial arts scenes were poorly choreographed.
Produced and co-written by Bey Logan. Directed and Starring Michael Biehn.
Co-starring Simon Yam and Phoenix Valen
I bought this on BD when I went to Hong Kong in February. Spent a little over $5 on it. Honestly, it's a pretty freaking terrible movie. I understand why Michael Biehn hated the experience working on this movie and wants to dis-associate himself from it. Terrible script, anemic action scenes and cheap sets. And to top it off, some of Biehn's dialogue was dubbed over.
Phoenix Valen is very pretty though, but her martial arts scenes were poorly choreographed.
05-24-13, 12:24 AM
#544
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
The Thieves (2012-Korea)--I finally watched this after buying this a few months ago. I thought this was a watchable film albeit very flawed. Some of the criticisms of flixtime are valid. This thing does run too long for it's own good. And some of the scenes that involved comedy/slapstick failed badly. I found most of the backstories interesting (ie the first hour) and that's where flixtime and I probably differ the most. There are almost too many characters here. Really the focus should have been on maybe 4 or 5 at the most instead of the 9 or 10 that ended up having some screen time.
I thought the last 25 minutes were pretty lazy for the most part as the film seemed to rely far too much on shoot out and chase scenes.
Oh yeah, there were some really stupid actions by the characters throughout this film. If I had to rate this film, I'd give it a 6.
I thought the last 25 minutes were pretty lazy for the most part as the film seemed to rely far too much on shoot out and chase scenes.
Oh yeah, there were some really stupid actions by the characters throughout this film. If I had to rate this film, I'd give it a 6.
07-24-13, 04:51 PM
#545
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Some Asian films I've seen recently:
Rurouni Kenshin (2012 - Japan) - Highly enjoyable mass-market fluff. I might've trimmed some minutes off the extended action climax that takes up most of the final third...and too none of it impressed as much as some of the smaller early bits. I seem to recall that filmbizasia mentioned that a two-part follow-up is on-tap for next year...I'm happy about that.
Lesson of the Evil (2012 - Japan) - Takashi Miike's latest...I quite liked it though all said and done it felt a little hollow in comparison to something such as CONFESSIONS (2010). Still I enjoyed it...and again you get extended mayhem to occupy the final third of the runtime.
Drug War (2012 - Chinese) - Johnnie To's latest...I liked it better than anything else he has done since EXILED. It isn't top-tier Johnnie To but it's satisfying. Didn't much care for the "Production Code" type ending, but what can you do. Maybe close to something like Korea's THE YELLOW SEA versus the usual slick Hong Kong fare.
Lost in Thailand (2012 - Chinese) - Mainland China box-office smash...generic road/buddy comedy...needed a slightly tighter runtime...but still not an unpleasant viewing...though I wouldn't call it recommended.
Saving General Yang (2013 - Chinese) - far superior to the last visit to Yang Clan territory...aka the awful LEGENDARY AMAZONS. This was an enjoyable B-movie for genre fans...from what I recall my thoughts were in-line with the filmbizasia review. I didn't like one little bit past the halfway mark where it came across as the Yangs running out on their troops...that really needed to be reworked...but otherwise I enjoyed it.
The Grandmaster (2013 - Chinese) - Wong Kar Wai's latest...umm, I didn't like it aka thumbs down. I was actually doing okay with it for maybe the first 48-minutes...moody, atmospheric, Ip Man biopic...visual poetry and slow-mo and such...too much slow-mo though...less would have been more and the visual poetry was a little too choppy, and the action didn't do much for me at all. And then from maybe the 48-minute mark to 83-minute mark it becomes another film...a WWII intrigue type entry maybe with the focus shifted entirely to another character. Even with the jump I was still doing okay though it did seem like at least one scene was severely trimmed. But after that 83-minute mark in jumps back to a rushed Ip Man biopic for the most part - except I think for one flashback with might've had the best action. But after that 83-minute mark or so, something happened and I completely disconnected from this movie. Really didn't care for the final third or so...incomplete characters...they should have called it THE GRANDMASTERS and should have scaled back a lot of the slo-mo (aka made room for more of the story) and then maybe would could have gotten a more complete tale (aka closer to the first long cut of the movie).
Caught in the Web (2012 - Chinese) - another winning entry from Director Chen Kaige (following on SACRIFICE). Probably a little late in the game to the subject matter about modern-day media frenzy, but still I enjoyed it. I didn't think the treatment was especially sophisticated or powerful but it was a solid enough entry for this type of film. Maybe for those who liked something such as Japan's NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME (2008).
Young and Dangerous: Reloaded (2013 - Chinese) - nothing to see here.
Cold Steel (2011 - Chinese) - I complained once...at least I think I did...about the inability to make watchable B-movies...well this was a decent enough WWII B-movie...a little action, a little romance...probably not enough sniper fare...but diverting enough in a see-it-and-forget-it type way...entertaining.
The Chrysalis (2012 - Chinese) - I wouldn't quite label this "horror" but maybe more psychological mystery. The answer to the mystery is nothing unique and you will figure everything out very early on...but I thought the movie played out well enough and got continually stronger as it went along. Watching a pretty girl on-screen for most of the runtime helped - she kind of reminded me of Rose McGowan. So again, decent enough B-movie...average/watchable/entertaining.
The Last Supper (2012 - Chinese) - latest from Director Lu Chuan (CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH, KEKEXILI). In terms of entertainment/interest it was a somewhat removed experience, but I still enjoyed it in terms of technical filmmaking. It isn't in the league of CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH, but I still liked it. Recommended.
Randomness....
RUST AND BONE (2012 - France) - well, I've said too much mean stuff about French TV shows so I'll muzzle myself...for the most part...thought the movie was "meh" for a lot of reasons...really don't get the praise for this one at all.
Watched a little more than half of the opening episode of the U.S. TV remake of BRON/BROEN/THE BRIDGE. As mentioned I really liked the Euro original. Based on what little I've seen of the remake...well, it sucked big time. It looked like a loser from the get-go but I stuck with it past the halfway point just to be sure...that was enough. Just compare the two shows in terms of the first episode reveal of "I want a divorce"...the U.S. remake was totally lame in comparison. Also, Diane Kruger was entirely awful in comparison to the European version of her character. Why they have to be so slavish in these remakes I don't know...why copy the looks of the characters, etc. Again, based on the little I was able to suffer through, I'd say just grab the Euro original and completely avoid the U.S. version.
Still working my way through my DTV-fest...I'm finding it surprisingly satisfying. To follow-up on my earlier Cuba Gooding Jr. comments, I've actually been pleased with what I've watched...for "modern" audiences of crime film fare I think DIRTY (2005) might offer some satisfaction...while it followed on TRAINING DAY, it actually reminded me a great deal of the recent END OF WATCH. For "old-fashioned" folks, I think HERO WANTED (2008) would be an enjoyable viewing...I liked this one a great deal (for what it was). Actually, I think the story could be reworked nicely to more A-grade fare by someplace such as South Korea...it'd fit nicely with the types of film they sometimes make. The fractured narrative in HERO WANTED might put folks off but I thought it was highly effective in creating interest and relating the noir-like story.
Rurouni Kenshin (2012 - Japan) - Highly enjoyable mass-market fluff. I might've trimmed some minutes off the extended action climax that takes up most of the final third...and too none of it impressed as much as some of the smaller early bits. I seem to recall that filmbizasia mentioned that a two-part follow-up is on-tap for next year...I'm happy about that.
Lesson of the Evil (2012 - Japan) - Takashi Miike's latest...I quite liked it though all said and done it felt a little hollow in comparison to something such as CONFESSIONS (2010). Still I enjoyed it...and again you get extended mayhem to occupy the final third of the runtime.
Drug War (2012 - Chinese) - Johnnie To's latest...I liked it better than anything else he has done since EXILED. It isn't top-tier Johnnie To but it's satisfying. Didn't much care for the "Production Code" type ending, but what can you do. Maybe close to something like Korea's THE YELLOW SEA versus the usual slick Hong Kong fare.
Lost in Thailand (2012 - Chinese) - Mainland China box-office smash...generic road/buddy comedy...needed a slightly tighter runtime...but still not an unpleasant viewing...though I wouldn't call it recommended.
Saving General Yang (2013 - Chinese) - far superior to the last visit to Yang Clan territory...aka the awful LEGENDARY AMAZONS. This was an enjoyable B-movie for genre fans...from what I recall my thoughts were in-line with the filmbizasia review. I didn't like one little bit past the halfway mark where it came across as the Yangs running out on their troops...that really needed to be reworked...but otherwise I enjoyed it.
The Grandmaster (2013 - Chinese) - Wong Kar Wai's latest...umm, I didn't like it aka thumbs down. I was actually doing okay with it for maybe the first 48-minutes...moody, atmospheric, Ip Man biopic...visual poetry and slow-mo and such...too much slow-mo though...less would have been more and the visual poetry was a little too choppy, and the action didn't do much for me at all. And then from maybe the 48-minute mark to 83-minute mark it becomes another film...a WWII intrigue type entry maybe with the focus shifted entirely to another character. Even with the jump I was still doing okay though it did seem like at least one scene was severely trimmed. But after that 83-minute mark in jumps back to a rushed Ip Man biopic for the most part - except I think for one flashback with might've had the best action. But after that 83-minute mark or so, something happened and I completely disconnected from this movie. Really didn't care for the final third or so...incomplete characters...they should have called it THE GRANDMASTERS and should have scaled back a lot of the slo-mo (aka made room for more of the story) and then maybe would could have gotten a more complete tale (aka closer to the first long cut of the movie).
Caught in the Web (2012 - Chinese) - another winning entry from Director Chen Kaige (following on SACRIFICE). Probably a little late in the game to the subject matter about modern-day media frenzy, but still I enjoyed it. I didn't think the treatment was especially sophisticated or powerful but it was a solid enough entry for this type of film. Maybe for those who liked something such as Japan's NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME (2008).
Young and Dangerous: Reloaded (2013 - Chinese) - nothing to see here.
Cold Steel (2011 - Chinese) - I complained once...at least I think I did...about the inability to make watchable B-movies...well this was a decent enough WWII B-movie...a little action, a little romance...probably not enough sniper fare...but diverting enough in a see-it-and-forget-it type way...entertaining.
The Chrysalis (2012 - Chinese) - I wouldn't quite label this "horror" but maybe more psychological mystery. The answer to the mystery is nothing unique and you will figure everything out very early on...but I thought the movie played out well enough and got continually stronger as it went along. Watching a pretty girl on-screen for most of the runtime helped - she kind of reminded me of Rose McGowan. So again, decent enough B-movie...average/watchable/entertaining.
The Last Supper (2012 - Chinese) - latest from Director Lu Chuan (CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH, KEKEXILI). In terms of entertainment/interest it was a somewhat removed experience, but I still enjoyed it in terms of technical filmmaking. It isn't in the league of CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH, but I still liked it. Recommended.
Randomness....
RUST AND BONE (2012 - France) - well, I've said too much mean stuff about French TV shows so I'll muzzle myself...for the most part...thought the movie was "meh" for a lot of reasons...really don't get the praise for this one at all.
Watched a little more than half of the opening episode of the U.S. TV remake of BRON/BROEN/THE BRIDGE. As mentioned I really liked the Euro original. Based on what little I've seen of the remake...well, it sucked big time. It looked like a loser from the get-go but I stuck with it past the halfway point just to be sure...that was enough. Just compare the two shows in terms of the first episode reveal of "I want a divorce"...the U.S. remake was totally lame in comparison. Also, Diane Kruger was entirely awful in comparison to the European version of her character. Why they have to be so slavish in these remakes I don't know...why copy the looks of the characters, etc. Again, based on the little I was able to suffer through, I'd say just grab the Euro original and completely avoid the U.S. version.
Still working my way through my DTV-fest...I'm finding it surprisingly satisfying. To follow-up on my earlier Cuba Gooding Jr. comments, I've actually been pleased with what I've watched...for "modern" audiences of crime film fare I think DIRTY (2005) might offer some satisfaction...while it followed on TRAINING DAY, it actually reminded me a great deal of the recent END OF WATCH. For "old-fashioned" folks, I think HERO WANTED (2008) would be an enjoyable viewing...I liked this one a great deal (for what it was). Actually, I think the story could be reworked nicely to more A-grade fare by someplace such as South Korea...it'd fit nicely with the types of film they sometimes make. The fractured narrative in HERO WANTED might put folks off but I thought it was highly effective in creating interest and relating the noir-like story.
07-28-13, 06:31 PM
#546
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
Watched a little more than half of the opening episode of the U.S. TV remake of BRON/BROEN/THE BRIDGE. As mentioned I really liked the Euro original. Based on what little I've seen of the remake...well, it sucked big time. It looked like a loser from the get-go but I stuck with it past the halfway point just to be sure...that was enough. Just compare the two shows in terms of the first episode reveal of "I want a divorce"...the U.S. remake was totally lame in comparison. Also, Diane Kruger was entirely awful in comparison to the European version of her character. Why they have to be so slavish in these remakes I don't know...why copy the looks of the characters, etc. Again, based on the little I was able to suffer through, I'd say just grab the Euro original and completely avoid the U.S. version.
Time for me to bash something: HEMLOCK GROVE. I watched this on Netfiix due to the good reviews it had gotten. Big mistake. There are some interesting ideas here but they are never fully realized since 60% off the show is basically soap opera style shit that takes up most of the screen time. The acting is abysmal here and Famke Jannsen has this really unconvincing and off putting accent. There are some really bad lines during every episode that makes me shake my head. This turned into Twilight style crap in the last half of the season. Sadly, it has been renewed for a second season. And it had a 45 million dolllar budget. That boggles the mind.
flixtime, have you seen New World yet? I can get it for $9.99 and was thinking about buying it.
07-29-13, 11:26 AM
#547
DVD Talk Gold Edition
sleepyhead, haven't watched NEW WORLD yet...haven't even picked it up yet so I can't even slot it for viewing before your deal via the Best Buy up-grade-and-save offer ends. Yeah, in general, I've fallen behind on my Korean viewing, but will be doing a major catch-up starting in mid-August...by "major" I mean close to twenty movies (will also be coming up to date on my Hindi viewing at the same time...so maybe fifteen Hindi movies).
Appreciate your chiming in on THE BRIDGE remake. The U.S. version really did come across as incompetent to my eyes. It was curious...you basically start with a straight copy but yet you totally bungle it...like a cover band totally messing up a great song by getting the timing wrong on all the notes. One more point I recall from the U.S. version is when Diane Kruger mentions her sister (when she and the male lead are driving to the woman's ranch in the first episode)...I seem to recall even that point being delivered much better in the original Swedish-Danish version. And I quit after that scene of the two of them driving and getting to the house...again past the halfway point of the first episode and then I couldn't tolerate any more.
Appreciate your chiming in on THE BRIDGE remake. The U.S. version really did come across as incompetent to my eyes. It was curious...you basically start with a straight copy but yet you totally bungle it...like a cover band totally messing up a great song by getting the timing wrong on all the notes. One more point I recall from the U.S. version is when Diane Kruger mentions her sister (when she and the male lead are driving to the woman's ranch in the first episode)...I seem to recall even that point being delivered much better in the original Swedish-Danish version. And I quit after that scene of the two of them driving and getting to the house...again past the halfway point of the first episode and then I couldn't tolerate any more.
07-29-13, 01:34 PM
#548
DVD Talk Hero
Re: What´s HOT in Asian cinema right now?
I blind-bought Berlin Files, based on some good word-of-mouth and that it looks interesting and that it's the kind of blu-ray that sells out quick. I'll report back on how I like it, but it seems right up my alley.
07-31-13, 04:04 PM
#549
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Not Asian related, but related to my recent randomness with regard to DTV and Cuba Gooding Jr.,....
I watched LOOPER (2012) the other day...it was quite decent...needed to trim fifteen minutes off the runtime in the opening half and didn't think much of Bruce Willis...but what struck me most was how very much LOOPER reminded me of another Cuba Gooding Jr. movie I recently watched and rather enjoyed (except for the very end), that being TICKING CLOCK (2011)...so, just wanted to mention it in case anyone might want to give it a go.
Being caught up in my current DTV craze...while normal folk are looking forward to the next Summer Hollywood blockbuster or perhaps looking further down the road to this Fall's Oscar-bait films, the English-language movie I'm eager to see in 2013 is Michael Jai White's FAVELA...he's an "ex-marine in Brazil's slums, battling the yakuza outfit who attacked his sister and left her for dead"...the movie is supposed to be the first in a planned series with the character doing his thing in locations around the world.
And to close on another DTV note...highly enjoyable and thus recommended are the two DTV follow-ups to Walter Hill's UNDISPUTED (2002).
In terms of English-language theatrical releases...I really liked Martin McDonagh's SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (2012). Colin Farrell of all people is starting to become somewhat of a favorite of mine in terms of current performers.
I watched LOOPER (2012) the other day...it was quite decent...needed to trim fifteen minutes off the runtime in the opening half and didn't think much of Bruce Willis...but what struck me most was how very much LOOPER reminded me of another Cuba Gooding Jr. movie I recently watched and rather enjoyed (except for the very end), that being TICKING CLOCK (2011)...so, just wanted to mention it in case anyone might want to give it a go.
Being caught up in my current DTV craze...while normal folk are looking forward to the next Summer Hollywood blockbuster or perhaps looking further down the road to this Fall's Oscar-bait films, the English-language movie I'm eager to see in 2013 is Michael Jai White's FAVELA...he's an "ex-marine in Brazil's slums, battling the yakuza outfit who attacked his sister and left her for dead"...the movie is supposed to be the first in a planned series with the character doing his thing in locations around the world.
And to close on another DTV note...highly enjoyable and thus recommended are the two DTV follow-ups to Walter Hill's UNDISPUTED (2002).
In terms of English-language theatrical releases...I really liked Martin McDonagh's SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (2012). Colin Farrell of all people is starting to become somewhat of a favorite of mine in terms of current performers.
08-01-13, 02:52 PM
#550
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Graceland (2012 - Philippines) - Kidnap suspense movie that is kind of tough to comment on without giving away too much of the movie. The handling of the kidnapping might lead one to feel a little deflated as it will be familiar to all who have seen one of the seminal works as far as kidnap films go. At the same time, this movie does do enough to create its own identity in what it has to say. I'm a little conflicted with regard to how the plot was executed...I'm not too sure that I'd buy into things given a second viewing. That being said, I'm generally pleased with the overall experience...perhaps more "interesting" than "enthusiastically recommended"...but if gritty kidnap films are your thing then maybe give it a spin. Being from the Philippines, the film does have a lower-budget, indie feel...within that constraint it is undeniably professional and skilled in terms of craft.
I wonder about this International Forum...is there any way to bring it to life again...perhaps a rebranding to encompass International Cinema/HD/DVD discussion. So the dormant (last I was aware) Arrow UK thread from the HD would be moved over to a rebranded International Forum...and threads like the Iranian thread currently in Movie Talk would in the future be in the International Forum. Yeah, another two threads or such isn't exactly a rebirth. And even the much larger Blu-ray.com Asian forum isn't exactly on fire with activity...so maybe in general talking movies on message boards is now passe. That is my primary interest...not so much talking about packaging or tech analysis and such. I guess ultimately it is about the users stepping up to participate...it's easy to grumble about how things aren't what they used to be...at the same time Michael Jackson had it right about the "man in the mirror"...what are you doing to make it better...it seems the vast majority are content with contributing to the view count and not much more.
I wonder about this International Forum...is there any way to bring it to life again...perhaps a rebranding to encompass International Cinema/HD/DVD discussion. So the dormant (last I was aware) Arrow UK thread from the HD would be moved over to a rebranded International Forum...and threads like the Iranian thread currently in Movie Talk would in the future be in the International Forum. Yeah, another two threads or such isn't exactly a rebirth. And even the much larger Blu-ray.com Asian forum isn't exactly on fire with activity...so maybe in general talking movies on message boards is now passe. That is my primary interest...not so much talking about packaging or tech analysis and such. I guess ultimately it is about the users stepping up to participate...it's easy to grumble about how things aren't what they used to be...at the same time Michael Jackson had it right about the "man in the mirror"...what are you doing to make it better...it seems the vast majority are content with contributing to the view count and not much more.