easternkicks.com » USA

Blood Simple gets the Zhang Yimou makeover

Andrew Heskins — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:00:35 +0000

Sure, I know what you;re thinking, but it’s true – Zhang Yimou (Hero, House Of Flying Daggers, Not One Less, Raise The Red Lantern) has remade the Coen brothers classic Blood Simple as a historical Chinese drama called A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop,aka A Simple Noodle Story.

Will it work? Who knows. Either Yimou is being rather clever or lost the plot completely, but it’s about time an Asian filmmaker got their own back for all the Western remakes. (Even if, if this trailer is anything to go by, it’s all a little close to the original…)

Coming soon to American theatres, from 3 September. As for when we’ll see it in the UK…?

Mulan

Andrew Heskins — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:00:11 +0000

The lovely Vicky Zhao stars in this fine live-action version of the famous Mulan legend – so why is there such an overwhelming feeling of Déjà vu…?

Thanks to the 1998 Walt Disney film of the same name everyone knows the Chinese folktale of Mulan, right? The young maiden who takes her poorly father’s place in the Chinese army and ends up becoming one of China’s greatest heroes in the process. Go on, girl power!

Directors Jingle Ma’s (Tokyo Raiders, Silver Hawk, Seoul Raiders) and Wei Dong’s take on the legend takes a different slightly direction to the Disney film, as you would hope in an adult film. As with the earlier film, Hua Mulan (Vicki Zhao, Red Cliff, Shaolin Soccer, Painted Skin) takes her father’s (Rongguang Yu, New Police Story, The Storm Riders, The East Is Red) place in the Wei army when she realises he is too old and weak to survive the conflict with the invading Rouran hordes.

In the encampment keeping her identity is paramount, particularly as women aren’t allowed there even as girlfriends, let alone as soldiers, but Mulan soon shows herself to be an exceptional warrior. Her remarkable courage and knowledge of the art of war quickly propel her through the ranks to the position of General. Her fellow comrade Wentei (Chen Kun, Painted Skin, Let the Bullets Fly) recognises just how great she could, if she can just leave behind her one weakness on the battlefield – her affection for him.

As seems to be the trend nowadays, the style of Mulan follows the rough and rugged look pioneered by Musa: The Warrior and the highly successful The Warlords, if somewhat less plausibly. Sure, it’s all a bit grimy, but never quite as dark as Peter Chan’s film. Unsurprisingly the early training sequence is played much for laughs, which brings co-star Jaycee Chan (Invisible Target, 2 Young) as close the sort of comedic performance we’d expect from his father Jackie yet.

But about half an hour in or so, I suddenly have a feeling I’ve seen all this before. It takes me a little while to place, then I realise I have – in the first part of John Woo’s Red Cliff II when Zhao’s character goes undercover in the enemy’s army! (Admittedly, Woo was in turn no doubt inspired by Mulan in the first place.)

This casting (Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi and Liu Yifei were allegedly also up for the role) brings other unfortunate comparisons: the action through most of the film does not compare to other recent historical dramas, even the otherwise terrible Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon, despite action director Stephen Tung Wai’s other recent work on Bodyguards And Assassins. When it finally comes down to showing Mulan’s tactical genius, director Ma rather fudges it – instead showing a rather vague montage sequence (much like Three Kingdoms did).

What I’d really like to seen, at least once, is a finely orchestrated battle sequence in line with those in Red Cliff, something that proves just how clever she is.

Vicki Zhao, once again, gives a solid performance in the lead, though oddly decides to play the role in quite a feminine way. Perhaps this is too avoid overplayed, Yentel style deep voices, but it’s hard to imagine anyone being fooled into believing this very (very, very) attractive and somewhat emotional woman being anything but? Personally I still find Zhao a little incongruous when cast in historical roles, even though that seems to have been all she’s done lately. As with Red Cliff I’m happy to overlook that, but perhaps it’s time for Zhao to find a more up to date part?

There’s sturdy support from the cast, including Rongguang Yu, but once again it’s Hu Jun (Bodyguards And Assassins, Infernal Affairs II, Red Cliff) who excels at the villainous of the Rouran Dayan, Mendu, relishing evey minute of screen time as a thoroughly unlikable and dishonourable leader.

It’s obvious that it doesn’t take itself as seriously as many other recent efforts, and in doing so (as is obvious from behind the scenes footage included on the DVD/Blu-Ray) greatly enjoyed themselves on the set while making the film. This shines through, making Mulan a surprisingly enjoyable historical romp, and more enjoyable that many of its peers.

And hell, it’s Vicki Zhao. ‘Nuff said!

Mulan was released on 21 June by Cine Asia on DVD and Blu-ray.

It’s the last bank holiday in May: must be time for Astro Boy?

Andrew Heskins — Thu, 27 May 2010 09:00:19 +0000

Yep, half-term must be coming up. You can always tell when these things are coming up – but weirdly, looks like the root is quite manga…

First up is the DVD and Blu-ray release of Astro Boy, getting a big budget CGI makeover courtesy of Flushed Away director David Bowers and featuring an eccentric mix of voice actors including Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson , Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, Bill Nighy, Matt Lucas and Eugene Levy. Oddly the source material, the manga by Osamu Tezuka and following highly influential animated series, the godfather of all things Anime, don’t even seem to get a mention.

Arguably a little closer to the source comes Sleeping Bride, adapted from another work by Tezuka, The Glass Brain. An offbeat love story between a boy and a girl in a coma, it was directed by Hideo Nakata between his Ringu films and the ultimate J-Horror (actually it’s so good let’s not even label it) Dark Water. (His second English language film Chatroom, after the almost entirely unconnected The Ring Two, having debuted at the Cannes Film Festival to mixed reviews).

Both films come out this Monday, 31 May – though I’m betting the latter is a lot less orientated towards kids, and maybe a lot more interesting…

DVD: Rain Fall

Andrew Heskins — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:11:07 +0000

GARY OLDMAN STARS IN THE ACTION-PACKED CRIME-THRILLER BASED ON THE BESTSELLING NOVEL BY BARRY EISLER.

Based on the first book in the series of bestselling ‘John Rain’ novels by acclaimed author and former CIA operative Barry Eisler, the action-packed crime-thriller, Rain Fall, brings Eisler’s half-Japanese, half-American anti-hero to the screen for the first time in the form of award winning Japanese star, Keppei Shiina (The Last Princess; Sakuran).

Adapted for the screen and directed by Max Mannix (Dance Of The Dragon), this slickly mounted, tense thriller co-stars Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight; Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix), veteran Japanese actor Akira Emoto (Ichi; Memories Of Matsuko; Sinking Of Japan), Kyoko Hasegawa (Nanayo), Misa Shimizu (The Unbroken; The Harimaya Bridge) and Dirk Hunter (Undead).

Former US Special Force soldier turned contract killer John Rain is an assassin who specializes in making his ‘hits’ look like deaths from natural causes. Following his own, strict, self-imposed code of conduct, Rain only targets key figures and never accepts a job if it involves killing a woman or a child. But complications arise during Rain’s latest assignment when he becomes attracted to a young woman named Midori, the beautiful daughter of his most recent victim.

It soon becomes apparent that the killing of Midori’s father and its repercussions are just one small part of a much wider conspiracy involving both the CIA and Tokyo’s gangland crimelords. Now, both Rain and Midori have become targets themselves and Rain is forced to compromise his beliefs and to risk everything to protect the girl he loves before she is eliminated as collateral damage for being an innocent witness to a vast CIA cover up operation.

A hard boiled action thriller that will appeal to fans of the ‘Bourne’ movies, Rain Fall marks star Keppei Shiina as an action star in the making and features and typically powerful performance from Gary Oldman as Rain’s nemesis, the Chief Officer of the CIA’s Tokyo Bureau.

Rain Fall (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (£15.99) by Momentum Pictures on 29th March 2010.

Oldboy remake in legal wrangles

Andrew Heskins — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:00:19 +0000

Slightly old news now, but it seems the upcoming remake of Oldboy, directed by Steven Speilberg and starring Will Smith (don’t even get me started on the suitability of Smith in the lead!) has hit a bit of a sticking point…

The Hollywood Reporter says Futabasha, publisher of the original manga by Nobuaki Minegishi and Garon Tsuchiya on which Park Chan-wook’s film was based, has filed a case against Show East in Seoul, alleging the Korean company never had the right to negotiate a remake. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Show East has closed down and its CEO has disappeared. (Which itself sounds like it could be out of a Korean thriller?)

Despite this the production is moving ahead. An original US adaption of Oldboy was muted as far back as 2006, eventually with Justin Lin attached as director.

Exclusive interview: Yuri Lowenthal (Jinno – Afro Samurai)

Andrew Heskins — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:00:38 +0000

We talk to Yuri Lowenthal, star of Jinno in Afro Samurai and Afro Samurai: Resurrection, about life as an Anime voice actor…

What attracted you to the role of Jinno in the Afro Samurai films?

The fact that they asked me to play him. Not to be flip, but we rarely, as actors get to choose what roles we’d like to play. Unless of course, we’re Sam Jackson… But what thrilled me about getting to play him was his amazing arc as a character. He starts off as one guy and ends up in a very different, very very dark place. Plus I got to kick Sam Jackson’s ass. And they keep bringing him back from the dead for me to play again. And he’s a twin-sword-wielding insane cyborg death machine with a giant teddy bear head. What’s not to like?

How did you become involved in voice acting for Anime films (and video games) in the first place?

I started as an on-camera and theatre actor. I had always been in love with the many products of voice acting (mostly in the form of cartoons and video games) but never really thought of it as a possible career path until I moved out to LA where that work was a bit more available. I took a class to learn more about it, and my teacher ended up getting a job directing the dub of an anime series. I auditioned for him, was cast, and I started meeting people in that circle. That job led to others, which led to others. The more I worked, the … more I worked.

Are there any roles you’ve particularly enjoyed over the years?

It’s almost impossible to pick one character as a favorite. Some of my favorites include Superman from Legion of Superheroes, Ben Tennyson from Ben 10 Alien Force, The Prince from the Prince of Persia VG series, Kamal from ilovebees, Sasuke from Naruto, Yosuke from Persona 4, Suzaku from Code Geass, Simon from Gurren Lagann, Haseo from the .//Hack G.U. games, and of course Jinno/Kuma from Afro Samurai. Do you see how this is a hard question?

How was it working with far better known calibre of co-stars on Afro Samurai, like Samuel L. Jackson and Ron Perlman for a change?

“Working with” is an interesting term in voice acting. I actually didn’t even meet Sam until a couple of months ago at the release party for the Afro Samurai video game, despite the fact that I had been working opposite him for years. I do love getting to work on projects “with” them, though. Being a huge nerd, I’ve loved these guys for years and it’s an honor to even be associated with projects they’re involved in.

Have you been surprised by the popularity of the Afro Samurai character?

Only in that characters like this don’t usually get introduced to the masses as forcefully as Afro has. Certainly not because he’s not deserving of it. And it’s really a take-no-prisoners kind of franchise, not for the faint of heart, so I’m surprised, but happily so. It’s definitely my kind of show/movie/game.

Do you like the anonymity of voice work, or would you prefer to be ‘seen’ in more movies (and perhaps recognised in the street more often)?

Some days I feel one way, and some days I’m happy that I can go about my life and not be bothered. It all depends on the day. It’s a very odd type of fame. I don’t yet make enough money to buy a walled castle in the Hollywood Hills, so I think I’ll have to be okay with anonymous for the time being… In any case, I’m glad I was recognized enough to talk to you guys today. Thanks.

Afro Samuari: Resurrection, The Director’s Cut is released by Manga Entertainment on DVD on 27 April. The DVD will include: Afro Samurai Game; Enter the RZA; Afro in Depth; Afro Samurai: Meets the West Part 1; Afro Samurai: Meets the West Part 2; Afro Samurai at San Diego Comic-Con 2008 and Part A Video Commentary.

Thanks to Yuri Lowenthal for his time, and Farhana Shaikh of The Associates for forwarding the questions to him.

Blood: The Last Vampire – UK poster artwork released

Andrew Heskins — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:00:19 +0000

More clips and trailers coming soon…!

King Boxer – US exploitation trailer

Andrew Heskins — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:30:07 +0000

Also out on DVD today – as if we haven’t mentioned it enough times! – two absolute Shaw Brothers kung fu classic in the shape of King Boxer and 36th Chamber Of Shaolin! If you’ve yet to order your copy, enjoy this slendidily exploitative trailer from King Boxer’s US release as Five Fingers Of Death…

Blood: The Last Vampire – exclusive trailer

Andrew Heskins — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:00:52 +0000

Long regarded as one of the best examples of Anime, Blood: The Last Vampire is set to ignite screens alight with a whole new live-action version. Directed by Chris Nahon, responsible for the only decent Jet Li US vehicle Kiss Of The Dragon and featuring fight choreography by Li favourite Corey Yuen (So Close, Fong Sai Yuk), the film has a seriously good pedigree making it one of the most anticipated live-action adaptations of any anime ever produced.

Check out the trailer and see what you think!

Cinema: Dragonball: Evolution

Andrew Heskins — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:51:24 +0000

Dragonball: Evolution is the long-awaited, live-action motion picture based on the popular Japanese manga created by Akira Toriyama. Toriyama’s work spawned best selling graphic novels, videogames and a phenomenally successful television series.

The live action adventure centers on the heroic Goku (Justin Chatwin – War of the Worlds), a powerful warrior who discovers his inner strength and protects the Earth from an evil rogue bent on dominating the Universe and controlling the mystical objects from which the film takes its name.

Dragonball: Evolution will be released in cinemas around the UK on 8 April.

easternkicks.com » USA

Blood Simple gets the Zhang Yimou makeover

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Mulan

Mulan was released on 21 June by Cine Asia on DVD and Blu-ray.

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It’s the last bank holiday in May: must be time for Astro Boy?

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DVD: Rain Fall

Rain Fall (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (£15.99) by Momentum Pictures on 29th March 2010.

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Oldboy remake in legal wrangles

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Exclusive interview: Yuri Lowenthal (Jinno – Afro Samurai)

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Blood: The Last Vampire – UK poster artwork released

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King Boxer – US exploitation trailer

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Blood: The Last Vampire – exclusive trailer

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