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Featured Cinema Articles, Interviews and Reviews
Iron Monkey, a review and discussion with Donnie Yen
I've been saying this for years and I have no qualms about saying it now, Iron Monkey is one of the best martial arts movies ever made. As a bonus, the version being released here in the States doesn't have me reaching for my revolver. Seriously. Buoyed by the success of Sony's Chinese language Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Miramax has gone and done what would have been unthinkable a couple of years ago- release Yuen Wo-Ping's 1993 classic basically uncut and in the original Cantonese language. Sure, with new subtitles, a new soundtrack and new sound effects it's not exactly the original version; but it's a lot closer than I ever expected to see from one of these Hollywood re-releases. Besides, since I like the new soundtrack, subtitles and sound effects, I'm actually happy with the changes. In all honesty, if they hadn't left out Wong Fei-Hung's theme, I would have no complaints at all with their handling of the film.
Will wonders never cease? Read More>>
Requiem for a Dream, a review and discussion with director Darren Aronofsky
Requiem for a Dream, the second feature from director Darren Aronofsky, provides a rare synthesis of cinematic experimentation and emotionally compelling storytelling. It's a brilliant effort. Taking the potential glimpsed in the low- budget, high energy Pi, and marrying it to Selby's powerful tale of love, dreams and addiction, Requiem for a Dream provides a jolting, heartfelt journey into the depths of the human experience. Read More>>
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
I'm biased (which I'll get into), but this is probably my favorite film of the year.
Ang Lee, the director responsible for films like The Ice Storm and Eat Drink Man Woman, here delivers a fascinating exploration of the traditional Chinese Wuxia Pian (film of martial chivalry.) With a blend of traditional elements and a modern attention to craft and character this film plays like a weird hybrid between the worlds of King Hu , Tsui Hark and Lee's own efforts. With an overalltone straight out of Hu's Dragon Gate Inn or Come Drink With Me, wild bursts of outrageous, fantastic action a' la Tsui's Once Upon a Time in China or Zu, Warrior from the Magic Mountain and Lee's own masterful appreciation of humanity. Crouching Tiger. represents a unique and welcomed achievement in genre cinema- a film that should satisfy both the genre fan and (because of its Academy blessed pedigree) the casual moviegoer. Read More>>
More favorites
District B13 review- Another new review. I'm on a roll. 2006 is ending in style.
My first review in several years- One Nite in Mongkok
A Review of The Tuxedo and an interview with the great Jackie Chan.
In The Mood For Love: If you had to choose one filmmaker working in Hong Kong today that has the requisite critical stroke to win the Academy Award® for best foreign film, Wong Kar-Wai would be the guy. Read More>>
Malena review and Guiseppe Tornatore interview
Bamboozled review and Spike Lee Interview: I spoke to Lee about this film and the review features some of his comments. Pretty cool.
Swordmasters of Hong Kong: Reviews of New Legend of Shaolin, Swordsman 2, Ashes of Time and Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain
Michelle Yeoh: Features reviews of Wing Chun, Holy Weapon, Butterfly and Sword and Heroic Trio
Turn Me Loose, an article I wrote about Hong Kong cinema for Boston's Weekly Dig. I was given free reign for a week so it's not a surprise what I came up with. The films covered are : Beast Cops, Thundering Mantis and The Blade.
City on Fire: The Hong Kong Films of Chow Yun-Fat Features a ton of capsule reviews: A Better Tomorrow I-III, City on Fire, Hard Boiled, God of Gamblers, God of Gamblers Return, Once a Thief, The Killer, Full Contact and Wild Search.
Netflix @ Home
28 Weeks Later
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Shipped on 04/10/08.
In this chilling drama starring Robert Carlyle, the inhabitants of the British Isles appear to have lost their battle against the onslaught of disease, as the deadly rage virus has killed every citizen there. Six months later, a group of Americans dare to set foot on the isles, convinced the danger has come and gone. But it soon becomes clear that the fight is far from over and the scourge continues to live, waiting to pounce on its next victims."
300
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Shipped on 02/25/08.
Zack Snyder directs this faithful adaptation of Frank Miller's (Sin City) graphic novel about the storied Battle of Thermopylae, a conflict that pitted the ancient Greeks against the Persians in 480 B.C. The film, which blends live-action shots with virtual backgrounds to capture Miller's original vision, co-stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Vincent Regan, Rodrigo Santoro and Dominic West. "
Casablanca
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Shipped on 02/14/08.
Of all the "gin joints" in Morocco, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), with husband Victor (Paul Henreid) in tow, had to walk into the one owned by Rick (Humphrey Bogart), a former beau she abandoned in Paris. War looms over them all, and in a much-discussed ending, Rick and Ilsa make heroic but heartbreaking choices. As time goes by, director Michael Curtiz's 1942 classic war noir only gets better. Peter Lorre and Claude Rains also star. "