CHINESE MOVIES
Ip Man 2 (Kung Fu, Drama)
Over USD47million Box office in Asia!
In the most highly anticipated action movie of 2010, the magic of raw and powerful kung ku returns to the big screen, courtesy of the inimitable Donnie Yen. In this sequel to the award-winning smash hit that focussed on his early life, Ip Man 2 truly delivers with stunning action of the highest calibre, firmly planting Yen as the kung fu king of Hong Kong cinema.
During the Sino-Japanese war, Ip Man (Donnie Yen) protected the dignity of Chinese by defeating a violent Japanese army. Now at risk of revenge, he escapes to Hong Kong where he proposes to start a new life with his family. With the aim of opening a wing chun school, Ip comes into conflict with Master Hung (Sammo Hung), controller of the territory’s martial arts. In order to earn respect and be accepted as a wu shu master, Ip must first show his physical prowess. With a duel set against each and every sifu in the city, he proves his worth, finally conquering the grand Master himself, Hung.
Meanwhile, corruption and racial tension is running high, with Hong Kong controlled by triads and crooked expatriate police. In an attempt to show authority, the Western controlled force arranges a boxing match, pitching Westerner against Chinese. And so, Ip is once again called into action…
Cast: Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Huang Xiao Ming
Director: Wilson Yip
Duration: 109min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except China & N. America
Once A Gangster (Drama, Comedy)
Film Festival:
2010 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
Written and directed by Felix Chong, one of Hong Kong’s most versatile of filmmakers, this humorous comedy takes a satirical look at the world of triads as succession problems thrust the gangsters into a potential war.
Celebrity chef Brisket (Jordan Chan) is known for his culinary sleight of hand, but little do others realise that this cook used to be a young and dangerous slayer who cut human flesh rather than poultry. Now a family man who strives to be a caring father, he finds his idyllic life turned upside down when his triad mentor comes calling, demanding he take a position of authority in the underworld.
Brisket’s only chance to extricate himself from this quagmire is to lose the election to Sparrow (Ekin Cheng), the supposed heir apparent to the previous kingpin. Ironically, whilst serving time in prison, Sparrow found his true calling in academia and has now set his sights on gaining a university education rather than donning his triad cloak.
While these two reluctant candidates try to outwit each other in order to avoid election, their inglorious pasts catch up as their followers plunge into mayhem and bloodshed to ensure their leader takes the throne…
Cast: Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan
Director: Felix Chong
Duration: 83min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Limited Asia
Fire of Conscience (Action, Drama)
Film Festival:
2010 Hong Kong International Film Festival
Nomination:
2010 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival- Competition, Best Actor
Tackling the complex and sensitive issue of police corruption, Dante Lam’s gripping and powerful thriller Fire of Conscience brims with gunplay, perilous stunt work and explosive action!
The investigation of a prostitute homicide brings headstrong, heavy-handed detective Manfred (Leon Lai) in an unlikely collaboration with sly, man-of-the-world inspector Kee (Richie Jen) from the Narcotics Bureau.
When DNA of one of Manfred’s fellow officers is found at the crime scene implicating him as prime suspect, Manfred must look beyond the obvious to get to the truth. Meanwhile, Kee’s uncanny eagerness to lend a helping hand outside of his own turf is beginning to smack of evil.
In the line of fire between a high level of corruption and possible malice, Manfred must figure out who’s the enemy and how to save his innocent partner from unfathomable disgrace. Unwittingly in the process, he is about to open a Pandora’s Box that threatens to upend the entire Hong Kong Police Force…
Cast: Leon Lai, Richie Jen, Vivian Hsu, Michelle Ye
Director: Dante Lam
Duration: 99min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Limited Asia
Beauty on Duty (Comedy)
Kingpin of comedic spoofs, Wong Jin teams up with leading ladies Sandra Ng and Charlene Choi in this crowd-pleasing, madcap comedy packed full of witty humour and charming characters.
Rookie policewoman Chung Oi-Fang (Charlene Choi) is assigned to safeguard June (Maggie Li), Miss Asia Youth Beauty Pageant contestant and daughter of a high profile criminal case witness. Wary of Chung’s limited experience, her police officer father Indiana (Hui Siu-Hung) assembles a crack team to assist in the assignment. Tough policewoman Iron Mary (Sandra Ng), old flame Lu Chi-On (Lu Yi), and kung fu kicking SDU officer Donnie Yuen (Fan Siu-Wong) are delegated to the mission. As Chung joins the line up, her popularity with the media explodes, much to the annoyance of her rivals and making June’s protection difficult. Adding to woes, Chung puts her career on the line by getting romantically involved with pageant singer Jerry (William Chan). Can she maintain her undercover guise long enough to see the case through?
Cast: Charlene Choi, Sandra Ng
Director: Wong Jing
Duration: 97min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except China
Little Big Soldier (Drama, Action, Comedy)
Film Festivals:
2010 Berlin International Film Festival
2010 Terracotta Far East Film Festival
2010 New York Asian Film Festival
Written, produced and starring Jackie Chan, Little Big Soldier is an entertaining action comedy featuring the inimitable star at his charismatic best. Taking place in the Warring States Period, this beautifully lensed pic is a welcome blend of comedy, action and heroic melodrama carried by Chan’s endearing and sympathetic performance.
It is the darkest of times in China, the country fractured into feuding states and ruthless warlords waging battle against one another.
Battalions from Liang and Wei states collide, with armies having the choice to kill or be killed. After a bloody battle, Liang foot soldier (Jackie Chan) and young Wei General (Wang Leehom) are the only two to survive.
Capturing the wounded General, the foot soldier is determined to present his enemy to the Liang ruler in the hope of collecting a reward for bravery. However, the journey to his homeland is far from trouble-free. With ambushes from opportunistic peasants and attacks by rogue bandits, the mismatched pair are forced to fight side by side in order to save their hides …
Cast: Jackie Chan, Wang Leehom
Director: Ding Sheng
Duration: 96min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except China
Hot Summer Days (Romantic Comedy)
Film Festival:
2010 Udine Far East Film Festival
The first Chinese language film produced by 20th Century Fox, this charming romantic comedy features a star-studded cast and cleverly intertwines six love stories set against the backdrop of an oppressive, sultry heat wave.
It’s the hottest summer on record and the extreme temperatures are sparking heightened emotions.
Hospitalised with heat stroke, a single father (Jacky Cheung) sends romantic text messages to a mainland masseuse (Rene Liu), but can love survive after each reveal their true identity? Each day, a young man (Jing Boran) patiently waits outside the factory of a naive worker (Angelababy) as proof of his affection. Sushi chef (Daniel Wu) strives to prepare the perfect meal in order to show his love for a respected food critic (Vivian Hsu). An arrogant photographer (Duan Yihong) seeks the whereabouts of a model (Michelle Wai) he insulted. An elderly widower (Gordon Liu) hunts for an antique lamp to place inside his wife’s shrine. And each night, air conditioner repairman (Nicholas Tse) challenges a motorcyclist (Barbie Hsu) to a road race, despite his moped being no match for her powerful motorbike.
When power fails, the city is plunged into darkness and chaos ensues. Can summer love still burn bright?
Cast: Jacky Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Rene Liu, Vivian Hsu, Barbie Hsu, Angelababy, Jing Boran, Duan Yihong, Fu Xinbo, Gordon Liu, Daniel Wu
Director: Tony Chan, Wing Shya
Duration: 93min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese (mixed with 20% Mandarin) and
Mandarin (mixed with 20% Cantonese)
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except China
All’s Well End’s Well Too 2010 (Comedy)
Starring the biggest names in Hong Kong film industry, this Lunar New Year blockbuster brings to the screen the fifth installment of director Raymond Wong’s madcap comedy All’s Well End’s Well series with a story centered on two hapless heroines played by Angelababy and Lynn Xiong.
Princess Pearl of Hua-tien (Angelababy) is packed off to learn important royal ceremonial duties far from her palace home. After a few years, the Queen mother (Lee Heung Kam) misses her daughter so much that the Emperor (Louis Koo) orders the princess to return home.
But whilst living apart from her family, Pearl has fallen for Army General Bing (Ronald Cheng) and now deeply in love, is reluctant to return. But return she must and with Bing accompanying her, they sail back to the kingdom. As they approach Hua-tien, they rescue Ying (Lynn Xiong), who to escape an arranged marriage has thrown herself into the sea. Trouble continues with an attack by unscrupulous pirates and Pearl falling overboard. In the ensuing chaos, it’s a hilarious case of mistaken identity as Ying finds herself installed in the luxury of the Palace, whilst Pearl must find her way in a world far from royal life....
Cast: Sandra Ng, Louis Koo, Angelababy, Lynn Xiong, Ronald Cheng
Director: Raymond Wong, Herman Yau
Duration: 93min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English / English
Territory: Worldwide except China
Echoes of the Rainbow (Drama)
Awards:
2010 (60th) Berlin International Film Festival- Crystal Bear Award for Best Feature Film in the Generation section
2010 Hong Kong Film Awards- Best Actor, Best New Performer, Best Screenplay, Best Original Film Song
Nomination:
2010 Hong Kong Film Awards- Best Actress
Film Festivals:
2010 (60th) Berlin International Film Festival
2010 (34th) Hong Kong International Film Festival
2010 Udine Far East Film Festival
Recipient of a Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 60th Berlin Film Festival, the nostalgic bittersweet family saga Echoes of the Rainbow reflects on the transience of life, fortune and happiness as seen through the eyes of an eight year old boy growing up in 1960’s Hong Kong. With first class performances from all four leads, this small budget production boasts an impressive Box Office and is fast gaining reputation as sleeper hit of 2010.
Eight year old rascal nicknamed Big Ears (Buzz Chung) would rather wander round Hong Kong pretending to be astronaut than finish his homework, much to the anger of his exasperated parents. Meanwhile, older brother Desmond (Aarif Lee) is the opposite, a straight A student and school athletics champion.
Living in a run down neighbourhood of Shamshuipo, father Law (Simon Yam) and his wife (Sandra Ng) operate a small shoe shop. Barely making a living, it’s a difficult time for this typical working class family and daily struggles are unfortunately about to take a turn for the worse...
Cast: Sandra Ng, Simon Yam, Aarif Lee, Buzz Chung
Director: Alex Law
Duration: 117min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory:Worldwide ex China
Confucius (Drama)
With the charismatic presence of Chow Yun Fat in title role, the big budgeted biopic of China’s legendary philosopher is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Helmed by director, Hu Mei, with striking cinematography from Oscar winning Peter Pau and lavish costumes from Oscar nominated Yee Chung Man, this historical epic depicts two distinct periods of this most celebrated educator’s life.
6th century B.C and China is a patchwork of feudal territories and states, each vying for supremacy. Due to his reputation as a principled and righteous man, Kong Qiu (Chow Yun Fat) is appointed to ministerial office, successfully restoring prestige and authority within the kingdom of Lu.
But as conflicts between powerful leaders arise, General Niu Gongshan (Zhang Xingzhe) and his army turn against Confucius. After receiving bribes from a neighbouring kingdom, the Lu ruler also turns hostile.
Stripped of office, Confucius is sent into exile. For fourteen years he wanders from kingdom to kingdom, attempting to share his wisdom, only to be shunned by his fellow countrymen. When political disaster once again threatens Lu, he is invited to return to his homeland. But for Confucius, his passion is no longer in the powerful world of politics...
Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Zhou Xun, Chen Jian Bin
Director: Hu Mei
Duration: 118min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except China
72 Tenants of Prosperity (Comedy)
Currently HK’s top grossing Chinese movie of 2010!
With a parade of stars, the witty and entertaining 72 Tenants of Prosperity sees Hong Kong funnyman Eric Tsang take his place both in front and behind the camera, as he presents a humorous tale of the common man’s survival in the big city .
1970’s Hong Kong and rapacious landlords (Lam Ka Tung and Charmaine Sheh) are trying to evict seventy two tenants from their Mongkok homes. Fighting the group’s eviction are sworn brothers Ha Kung (Justin Lo) and Shek Kin (Raymond Lam) and as they defeat the property owners, they coincidentally rescue Pinky (Fala Chen) from an arranged marriage. When both fall in love and propose to the attractive Pinky, the young woman flips a coin and Ha wins her hand in marriage.
Sworn brothers become sworn enemies and their hatred for each other fuels intense rivalry. Forty years on and they still continue to clash, however contention intensifies when children Tai Ling (Bosco Wong) and Jade (Stephy Tang) start to date. Adding to the drama, a mainland investor (Leung Tin) is attempting to acquire the now middle-aged Ha (Eric Tsang) and Shek’s (Jacky Cheung) electronics store premises for redevelopment, inflaming the estranged brothers’ wrath...
Cast: Eric Tsang, Jacky Cheung, Anita Yuen, Bosco Wong, Stephy Tang, Linda Chung, Wong Cho Lam
Director: Eric Tsang, Patrick Kong, Chung Shu Kai
Duration: 98min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Asia and Middle East except China
Bodyguards and Assassins (Action, Drama)
Nominations:
4th Asian Film Awards- Best Film, Best Actor, Best New Comer, Best Supporting Actor, Best Production Designer, Best Costume Designer
2009 Hong Kong Film Critics Society- Best Film
Awards:
2009 Hong Kong Film Critics Society - Best Actor, Recommended Film
Box office:
China Box office: Over USD42,000,000
Hong Kong Box office: Over USD2,120,000
Before Dr Sun Yat-sen can become the “father of modern China” by instigating the revolution of 1911, his life is almost cut short when he arrives in Hong Kong for a secret meeting to establish a united anti-Qing revolutionary front. Prior to his arrival, an elite army of assassins is dispatched by the Qing Court to ensure that Dr Sun does not leave the British Colony alive. Men with lethal weapons are posted across 13 blocks along the pier where Dr Sun is about to land.
Getting wind of the assassination attempt, a newspaper editor and a local tycoon (Wang Xueqi), who secretly support the revolution, take it upon themselves to protect Dr Sun at all costs. They recruit a motley group of ordinary-looking men and women who actually possess extraordinary fighting skills to protect Dr Sun from the moment he arrives at the pier.
Over the course of a single day, their friendships, convictions and abilities are sorely tested as they fight selflessly to protect a man they barely know. These bodyguards together fulfil their mission by saving Dr Sun’s life. They never consider themselves heroes or even revolutionaries, but their selfless devotion irrevocably changes the course of world history.
Cast: Donnie Yen, Wang Xueqi, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Nicholas Tse, Leon Lai
Director: Teddy Chen
Duration: 130 min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Limited Asia, Middle East, New Zealand and Australia only
The Storm Warriors (Action)
In 1998, The Stormriders, adapted from the synonymous top-selling Hong Kong comic by Ma Wing Shing, made an impression with its action choreography and brilliant use of computer-generated graphics. A decade later, The Stormriders’ heroes Wind and Cloud return in The Storm Warriors with more adventures in a spectacular virtual world of love and hatred, good versus evil and stunning action.
In an attempt to conquer China, the evil Japanese lord Godless (Simon Yam) captures significant figures of the martial arts world, including elder statesman Nameless. Warriors Wind (Ekin Cheng) and Cloud (Aaron Kwok) engage in a fierce battle with Godless but alone are no match for him. The heroes’ loved ones join the battle fighting selflessly to protect the trio in the hope that they will overcome Godless and save the country. Desperate for a much needed power boost, Wind decides to risk his soul and practise evil martial arts that will give him the strength needed to defeat Godless. How will the ultimate battle end? Will the evil power in Wind corrupt him?
Cast: Aaron Kwok, Ekin Cheng, Simon Yam, Nicholas Tse
Director: Pang Brothers
Duration: 110 min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except China
JAPANESE MOVIES
Flowers (Drama)
Film Festival:
2010 Cannes Film market
With an all star cast, joined by a stellar team of veteran actors in supporting roles, Flowers depicts the precious moments of strong, noble women in a saga spanning three generations.
Spring, 1936. Rin (Yu Aoi) is about to be wed to a man she’s never met, a marriage arranged by her stem father according to traditional custom. Having graduated from a girls’ school, she’s a progressive thinker and harbours doubts about the restrictive life of a woman in her time. Distraught at her fate, Rin runs away on her wedding day, still dressed in her bridal outfit.
Summer, 1960’s. Rin has three grown daughters. Eldest Kaoru (Yuko Takeuchi) tries to recover from the trauma of losing her husband in a car accident, whilst second daughter, Midori (Rena Tanaka) has more feminist views and wavers between a professional career and the prospect of marriage. The youngest, Sato (Yukie Nakama), has a heart condition, and braces for her own death as she prepares to give birth to her second child.
Winter, present day. Sato’s eldest daughter, Kana (Kyoka Suzuki) has moved to Tokyo to pursue her dream of becoming a pianist, but must come to terms with her shortcomings as well as an unplanned pregnancy. Meanwhile Sato’s youngest daughter, Kei (Ryoko Hirosue) is married with a child and always wears a smile. There’s a reason for her cheerful exuberance, though - she’s determined to live life to the full for a mother she never met…
Cast: Yu Aoi, Kyoka Suzuki, Yuko Takeuchi, Yukie Nakama, Ryoko Hirosue, Rena Tanaka
Director: Norihiro Koizumi
Category: PG-13
Duration: 109min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English/English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
BOX! (Drama)
With his hotly anticipated follow up to Detroit Metal City, director Toshio Lee pairs one of Japan’s most in-demand actors, Hayato Ichihara, with Kengo Kora in this coming-of- age sports movie.
Timid student Yuki (Kengo Kora) joins Ebisu High School Boxing Club, aspiring to the raw power of childhood friend and bad boy boxing prodigy, Kabu (Hayato Ichihara).
Despite Kabu’s laziness, his natural talent allows him to rack up a string of winning bouts. He may not listen to what anyone says, but he’s willing to give his all for people close to him. Meanwhile, Yuki applies his no-nonsense character to a serious training regime, gaining him support and admiration from his friend.
Watching over the two boys is school English teacher Yoko (Yu Kashii), who reluctantly becomes the boxing club’s new advisor; Maruno (Mitsuki Tanimura), who with a crush on Kabu, thrusts her way into the role of his manager; and club coach Sawaki (Toshio Kakei), who harbours a secret past.
Under Sawaki’s guidance, Yuki gradually builds strength, moving ever closer to undefeated champ, Kabu. Fate, however, rears its head forcing the two into a fierce showdown, putting their friendship to the ultimate test.
Cast: Hayato Ichihara, Kengo Kora
Director: Toshio Lee
Category: PG-13
Duration: 126min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
Nodame Cantabile The Movie II (Romantic Comedy)
Bringing this phenomenally popular series to a dramatic finish, the all-star cast Nodame Cantabile The Movie II heads to Paris for the final chapter of this exquisite musical journey.
Citing a need to focus on his music, Chiaki (Hiroshi Tamaki) and Nodame (Juri Ueno) are living apart. Whilst Nodame continues to hone her skills at the music conservatory, Chiaki takes up the offer of conducting a piano concerto starring prodigy violinist, Song Rui (Yu Yamada). Appearing on Nodame’s doorstep are old friends from Japan, Ryu (Eita) and Masumi (Keisuke Koide), who have travelled to Paris in support of Ryu’s girlfriend Kiyora (Asami Mizukawa) who’s about to perform in the competition of her life. Her performance is flawless, prompting Nodame’s determination to perform the concerto with Chiaki. However, Nodame’s spirit is crushed when her lover is slated to conduct Rui in the very same symphony. Now at an all time low, Nodame receives an invitation from Streseman (Naoto Takenaka) to headline a once only piano concerto. As her fingers dance upon the keys, the future of her relationship with Chiaki blurs. Are they fated to drift apart? The final movement has begun…
Cast: Juri Ueno, Hiroshi Tamaki
Director: Yasuhiro Kawamura
Category: PG-13
Duration: 123min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
Accidental Kidnapper (Drama)
Film Festivals:
2010 Udine Far East Film Festival
2010 JAPAN CUTS: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema
Based on the 2004 novel by Hiroshi Ogiwara, the much-anticipated Accidental Kidnapper follows the misadventures of a down-and-out ex-con who makes one last attempt to start over by kidnapping the child from a wealthy family. With heartthrob Katsunori Takahashi in lead role and an equally impressive supporting cast, this charismatic pic cleverly walks the drama/comedy line with style.
Hideyoshi Date (Katsunori Takahashi) has had absolutely no luck in his thirty eight years of life. With no job, no family, laden with debt and a criminal record, he makes a half-hearted attempt at suicide, only to find that too ends in failure. As he contemplates his future, six year old Densuke (Roi Hayashi) creeps into his car. Eager to get away from overbearing parents, the young boy has no intention of returning to his family and so Hideyoshi sees an opportunity to earn serious cash by faking the youngster’s kidnap. Issuing a large ransom demand, it’s the financial reversal of fortune that Hideyoshi needs. But when he learns Densuke’s father made his money as a yakuza boss, the stakes are suddenly raised…
Cast: Katsunori Takahashi, YOU, Show Aikawa
Director: Hideo Sakaki
Duration: 111min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English only
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
My Darling is A Foreigner (Romantic Comedy)
Based on a best-selling manga, this autobiographical live action comedy follows the pitfalls and pleasures of a relationship between a Japanese woman and her American boyfriend and is a hilarious account of the quirks of Japanese culture and how they are perceived by foreigners.
Illustrator and would-be manga artist Saori (Mao Inoue) is in love with Tony Laszlo (Jonathan Sherr), an American living in Japan. Unable to speak a word of English, Saori is nonetheless smitten with Tony and as their romance progresses, they set up home together with plans for marriage.
Saori’s mother was expected to present an obstacle to their union, but the charming Tony soon wins her over. Saori’s father however is not so easily convinced. Misunderstandings also start to shake the couple’s resolve, putting their relationship on a precariously rocky path …..
Cast: Mao Inoue, Jonathan Sherr
Director: Kazuaki Ue
Category: PG-13
Duration: 100min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
TRICK The Movie: Psychic Battle Royale (Drama)
What began as a late night television series, this massively popular production has spawned three feature films, the third released to commemorate Trick’s 10th anniversary. With an all star ensemble cast and directed by one of Japan’s most prolific and respected directors, TRICK The Movie: Psychic Battle Royale delivers for both diehard fans and those new to the imaginative world of Trick.
A remote isolated village is lorded over by a powerful shaman, Kamihaeri. On her death and according to local custom, the village holds a ‘Psychic Battle Royale’: a gathering of psychics from across Japan, each pitching themselves against one another in order to claim power. Hoping to win the lucrative treasure promised to the victor, self-proclaimed celebrity magician Naoko Yamada (Yukie Nakama) participates in the battle whilst Jiro Ueda (Hiroshi Abe) tags along in an attempt to stop the foolish tradition. Together they become embroiled in a terrifying yet absurd battle. What fate awaits our intrepid heroes?
Cast: Yukie Nakama, Hiroshi Abe
Director: Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Duration: 119min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English only
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
Golden Slumber (Drama)
The talented Yoshihiro Nakamura returns with this expertly crafted, compelling political drama in which a young man is falsely accused of assassinating the Prime Minister. Taking over US$11 million at the Box Office, this refreshing fugitive flick gained reputation as one of the most enjoyable offerings at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival and reunites The Glorious Team Batista II’s Masato Sakai and Yuko Takeuchi with director Nakamura.
The city of Sendai is celebrating an election victory of the first ever opposition leader. During a celebratory street parade, a bomb explodes as the Prime Minister elect’s procession snakes through the streets, killing him instantly.
Meanwhile, deliveryman Aoyagi (Masato Sakai) has arranged to meet old college friend Morita (Yoshioka Hidetaka) to discuss a potential fishing trip. Unknown to Aoyagi, the desperate Morita has set up his old friend as patsy for the murder of the new premier.
As evidence starts to materialise linking Aoyagi to the assassination, he turns to former girlfriend Haruko (Yuko Takeuchi) and university buddy Kazuo (Gekidan Hitori) for help. But with the National Police Force’s Chief Sasaki (Kagawa Teruyuki) hot on his trail, Aoyagi has no option but to go on the run...
Cast: Masato Sakai, Yuko Takeuchi
Director: Yoshihiro Nakamura
Category: PG-13
Duration: 130min, Edited
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Asia ex. Japan & Singapore
Liar Game (Drama)
Japan Box office: Over USD24,000,000
Based on a best-selling manga and subsequent record breaking television drama series, psychological thriller Liar Game pits avaricious contestants against one another in a high stakes battle of wits.
Innocent college student Nao Kanzaki (Erika Toda) has been lured into competing in a bizarre game and after being tricked by her former teacher Kazuo Fujisawa (Soichiro Kitamura), loses 100 million yen. In an effort to win back the cash, she enlists the assistance of master conman Shinichi Akiyama (Shota Matsuda). Victorious in their challenge they split the winnings; however the game is far from over. As Nao and Shinichi are unwillingly dragged into the fray, stakes rise and the two find themselves in the ultimate game of deception …
Cast: Toda Erika, Matsuda Shota
Director: Hiroaki Matsuyama
Duration: 133min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English / English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
About Her Brother (Drama)
Film Festival:
2010 Berlin International Film Festival- Closing Film
Selected to close the recent 60th Berlin International Film Festival, About Her Brother is veteran director Yoji Yamada’s homage to Kon Ichikawa’s 1960 release, and centres on the turbulent relationships within a middle class family.
In a residential neighbourhood of Tokyo, recently widowed Ginko (Sayuri Yoshinaga) runs a small pharmacy with help from her daughter Koharu (Yu Aoi) and mother in law (Haruko Kato).
On her wedding day, Koharu’s wayward brother Tetsuro (Tsurube Shofukutei) unexpectedly shows up. Considered black sheep of the family, he’s an unsuccessful comedy actor with a reputation of getting into trouble. After downing large quantities of alcohol, his behaviour descends into drunken mayhem breaking up the decorum of the wedding party. Duly sent back to Toyko, Tetsuro leaves the family reputation in tatters.
For Kohura, wedded bliss is short lived and when the marriage hits the rocks, she returns to live with her mother. Soon after, Tetsuro’s girlfriend Himoti (Midoriko Kimura) show’s up, requesting Ginko to cover the rebellious Tetsuro’s gambling debt.
Eventually ostracised by the family, Tetsuro’s name is barely mentioned – until Koharu receives a phone call asking her to travel to Osaka....
Cast : Sayuri Yoshinaga, Tsurube Shofukutei, Yu Aoi, Ryo Kase
Director: Yoji Yamada
Category: PG-13
Duration: 126min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English/ English
Territory: Asia and Middle East except Japan
Rinco’s Restaurant (Drama)
In this film adaptation of a best-selling novel, Japan’s darling of the silver screen Kou Shibasaki plays the role of a young woman, who after an emotional breakup, rediscovers happiness through investing her heart and soul into cooking.
So devastated is Rinco (Kou Shibasaki) by a broken relationship that she loses the ability to speak, and hence returns to the bosom of her native home and free-spirited mother, Ruriko (Kimiko Yo). Unsure of how to begin the healing process, Rinco is sure of one thing that makes her happy: cooking, and decides to open a small eatery that serves only one customer per day.
There is no menu. Instead, Rinco lets her culinary skills and imagination run wild, preparing delectable meals customised to her guest’s tastes and fancies. Little by little, rumour builds that “Rinco’s restaurant” is the place to go for fulfillment of one’s dreams. But will it be so for Rinco, who despite making others happy with her food, must resolve conflicts with her mother and contend with an earth-shattering secret that has been kept from her for years.....
Cast : Kou Shibasaki, Kimiko Yo
Director: Mai Tominaga
Category: PG-13
Duration: 118min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
Nodame Cantabile The Movie I (Romantic Comedy)
Box office:
Japan Box office: Over USD36,000,000
Japan’s most popular screen couple is back! Ever since the quirky piano wunderkind Megumi Noda and her brilliant mentor-conductor Chiaki splashed onto the pages of the comic book Nodame Cantabile, it became a cultural phenomenon. Followed by an immensely popular live action television serialisation, fans are now rewarded with a two part movie extravaganza from director Hideki Takeuchi.
Chiaki (Hiroshi Tamaki) has just won the prestigious Platini International Music Competition leading to his appointment as conductor of Le Marlet Orchestra. Despite the orchestra having had a previously exceptional reputation, he finds to his dismay nothing more than a ragtag group of lacklustre musicians with no unity or passion.
Meanwhile, Chiaki’s girlfriend Nodame (Juri Ueno) spends her days absorbed in piano practice. Along with friends Frank (Eiji Wentz), Tania (Becky) and Kuroki (Seiji Fukushi), all are pinning hopes on passing a tough examination at their music conservatory. When Nodame is asked to perform with the Le Marlet, she is beside herself with joy… until gifted pianist Rui (Yu Yamada) takes the part from under her.
For both Chiaki and Nodame, each face an uphill battle – the outcome of which could make or break their musical careers...
Cast : Juri Ueno, Hiroshi Tamaki
Director: Hideki Takeuchi
Category: PG-13
Duration: 119min, Theatrical
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English / English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan & US
The King of Jail Breakers (Drama)
Film Festivals:
2009 Okinawa International Movie Festival
2009 Pusan International Film Festival
2009 International Film Festival of Marrakech
2009 Asia Pacific Film Festival
After a long career as an actor, screenwriter and comedy performer, director Itsuji Itao presents his debut feature with this quirky and entertaining drama.
1920’s Japan. Masayuki Suzuki (Itsuji Itao) is a habitual fugitive, constantly escaping whenever incarcerated in prison.
His numerous break outs have earned him the title “The King of Jail Breakers”. But no matter how many times he flees, he always seems to end up behind bars once again. This cycle of escape and recapture baffles one of his prison guards, Kanemura (Jun Kunimura), who slowly starts to unravel the mystery of this peculiar character...
Cast : Itsuji Itao, Jun Kunimura
Director: Itsuji Itao
Duration: 93min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English only
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
Zero Focus (Drama)
Nominations:
2010 Japan Academy Prize- Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Music, Best Cinematography, Best Lighting, Best Art Direction, Best Recording, Best Film Editing
52nd Blue Ribbon Awards- Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress
Film Festival:
2009 Tokyo International Film Festival
Marking the 100th anniversary of Japan’s iconic mystery writer Seicho Matsumoto’s birth, this powerful, visually rich remake of the 1965 classic conveys the dramatic story of one man’s disappearance, all cleverly told through the eyes of his new wife in search of her missing husband.
It’s 1957 – post war Japan. Seven days after his arranged marriage, Kenichi Uhara (Hidetoshi Nishijima) leaves his wife Teiko (Ryoko Hirosue) for a brief business trip to Kanazawa, northern Japan.
When Kenichi does not return, Teiko becomes frantic. Hardly knowing her husband or where he might be, she heads to Kanazawa where she meets Sachiko Murota (Miki Nakatani) and Hisako Tanuma (Tae Kimura), women who appear to be from her husband’s past.
As the shocking truth of Kenichi’s former life is slowly unveiled, Teiko’s investigations begin to pose a serious threat - a threat with unimaginable consequences.....
Cast: Ryoko Hirosue, Miki Nakatani, Tae Kimura
Director: Isshin Inudo
Duration: 126min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Chinese and English/ English only
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
Go Find a Psychic! (Drama, Comedy)
Nomination:
52nd Blue Ribbon Awards- Best Actress
From the writing-directing team of the award-winning comedy, Summer Time Machine Blues comes another hilarious jab at the “supranormal” in Go Find a Psychic!
It’s Christmas Eve and at Cafe Kinesis a group of odd individuals gathers once a year to exchange stories and blow off steam. They are men of incredible psychic ability, yet are determined to keep their underused talents hidden.
When affable and starry-eyed television assistant director Yoneh Sakurai (Masami Nagasawa) is instructed to find genuine psychics for a popular variety show, she arrives at the cafe disillusioned and frustrated, having previously met only charlatans. To uphold secrecy, the group try to conceal their paranormal powers from Yoneh, but in doing so their psychokinetic energy is thrown into hilarious frenzy!
Cast: Masami Nagasawa, Hiroki Miyake, Suwa Masashi
Director: Katsuyuki Motohiro
Duration: 106min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Territory: Worldwide except Japan
KOREAN MOVIES
Blades of Blood (Action, Drama)
Film Festivals:
2010 Cannes Film Festival
2010 New York Asian Film Festival
With impeccable performances from its all-star cast, Blades of Blood is an action-packed, swashbuckling drama full of balletic choreography and poetic dialogue. Starring Hwang jung-min, recipient of the Korean film industry’s Best Actor award for the last nine years, this blockbuster historical epic details the plight of men from society’s lower classes who fight for equality in an unfair and brutal world.
16th Century, Chosun dynasty. Under the impending threat of a Japanese invasion, Hwang Jung-hak (Hwang Jung-min) and Lee Mong-hak (Cha Seung-won) create the “Grand Alliance”, with the united dream of a land where all men are equal.
As leader of the coalition, Lee has a vision of eradicating corruption and an aspiration to become king. Such ambition however causes unrest and as he slashes his way to power, betrays old friends and colleagues.
Having been at the wrath of power hungry Lee, blind swordsman Hwang sets out to reap revenge on his former friend. Together with Kyun-ja (Baek Sung-hyun), who lost his family to Lee’s attempted coup, they set out to track down the notorious rebel.
Fifteen thousand Japanese soldiers attack and invade Seoul. Just as the king plans to abandon his empire and flee for his life, Lee races towards the palace with his sword drawn. Hwang is still hot on his trail and amidst the sound of gunfire, the two arch enemies come face to face to begin the final battle they were destined to fight…
Cast: HWANG Jung-min, CHA Seung-won, HAN Ji-hye, BAEK Sung-hyun
Director: LEE Joon-ik
Duration: 107min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Korean
Subtitles: Chinese and English/ English
Territory: Worldwide ex Korea and Japan
Twilight Gangsters (Comedy)
Retaining top spot at the Box Office for 6 consecutive weeks, family comedy Twilight Gangsters is an entertaining tale of three feisty grandmothers who after losing their hard earned savings in a bank robbery turn themselves into larger than life bank robbers in an effort to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.
For the past eight years, grandmothers Jung-ja (Na Moon-hee), Young-hee (Kim Su-mi) and Shin-ja (Kim Hye-ok) have worked hard, scraping together spare cash for a dream trip to Hawaii. For each, life has not been easy and the package tour is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Having diligently saved over the years, the women are about to wire the cash when the bank is held up by robbers, who steal not only the banks money but that of its waiting customers.
Unable to claim compensation for their loss, the determined trio set out to track down the thieves. Between persistence and wisdom, they locate Jun-seok (Lim Chang-jung) but betrayed by his fellow thieves, he’s now penniless. Not dampening their resolve, the three senior citizens coerce Jun to train them in the art of bank robbery. Geared with a gun and floral print masks, are the grandmas dreams of Hawaii still in sight?
Cast: NA Moon-hee, KIM Su-mi, KIM Hye-ok
Director: KANG Hyo-jin
Duration: 109min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Korean
Subtitles: English
Territory: Worldwide ex Korea
Secret Reunion (Action, Drama)
Currently Korea’s top grossing Korean movie of 2010!
Ranked No.1 for 4 consecutive weeks at Korean Box office!
With a movie that is set to push his career into the fast lane, director Jang Hun presents a polished, engaging thriller which quickly took top spot at the Korean box office, raking in over US$36 million.
Living in Seoul, North Korean agent Ji-won (Gang Dong-won) looks like any other member of a capitalist society, however yearns for the day he can reunite with his family over the border. For his final mission, he’s called upon to assassinate a former colleague whose defection has made him target. South Korean Intelligence Officer Han-gyu (Song Kang-ho) catches wind of the plot and after a reckless shooting rampage, Han-gyu is fired for incompetency and Ji-won abandoned by his agency.
Six years on and by chance the two meet. Encouraged by a bounty for bringing in a North Korean spy, Han-gyu offers Ji-won partnership in his private investigation agency. Meanwhile, Ji-won sees the offer as a means to extract information from the former South Korean agent, sealing a return to his homeland. With both men out to restore their tarnished reputations, an unusual friendship packed with betrayal and intrigue develops …..
Cast: SONG Kang-ho, GANG Dong-won
Director: JANG Hun
Duration: 117min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Korean
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide ex Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia & Qatar
WOOCHI (Action, Comedy)
One of the most anticipated releases of 2009, this rip roaring fantasy adventure pulled in over 35 million at the Box Office and is packed with top notch special effects and first rate performances.
Five hundred years ago – in medieval Korea - a legendary flute falls into the hands of evil goblins and as a result, chaos spreads throughout the land. Seeking its return, three Taoist monks enlist the assistance of Master Hwadam (Kim Yoon-suk). However, on searching for the artifact, they find it in the safe hands of wizard-in-training Woochi (Gang Dong-won) and his Sifu (Baek Yoon-sik). To save the world from further unrest, it is broken in two, with Hwadam and Woochi’s Sifu each entrusted with half.
On the sudden death of the Sifu and the disappearance of the flute, foul play’s suspected. Woochi’s considered prime suspect and the monks seek revenge by magically sealing the wizard within an ancient scroll.
Fast forward to 2009. With goblins reappearing and disrupting fragile peace, the monks are called out of retirement to restore harmony. With no choice but to call on Woochi for assistance, they release him from his scroll entrapment. But for the master wizard, he’s more interested in exploring modern day Korea than saving the day!
Cast : Gang Dong-won, Kim Yoon-suk, Lim Soo-jung, Yoo Hae-jin
Director: Choi Dong-hoon
Duration: 116min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Korean
Subtitles: Chinese and English/ English
Territory: Worldwide ex Korea, Australia, New Zealand & Japan
Fortune Salon (Romantic Comedy)
In this lighthearted offering, funnyman Im Chang-jung partners with Korean cinema sweetheart Park Ye-jin in the slapstick comedy adventure, Fortune Salon.
Tae-rang (Park Ye-jin) is a gifted clairvoyant who runs a fortune telling service in Seoul’s upmarket Cheongdam district. With a client base of the city’s elite, she helps guide her customers in the matters of love. Despite her business success, her personal life is the opposite, having being doomed to bad luck when it comes to dating.
But there may be a light shining on Tae Rang’s future happiness, as her clairvoyant mother predicts her daughter will find contentment with a partner born May 16th, 1978.
Enter ex-jockey Seung-won (Im Chang-jung). This young man can’t believe his luck when he finds some money on street, but in his distraction is hit by a car driven by Tae-rang. Scruffy and not too sophisticated, Seung is hardly the man of Tae-rang’s dreams, but with his birth date an exact match to her mother’s prediction, she has no choice but to take a chance on fate...
Cast : Park Ye-jin, Im Chang-jung
Director: Kim Jin-young
Duration: 119min, Theatrical
Category: PG-13
Language: Korean
Subtitles: Chinese and English
Territory: Worldwide ex Korea, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore & Japan
Kiss Me, Kill Me (Romantic Comedy)
With his debut feature, director Yang Jong-hyun presents a witty romantic comedy as two troubled souls meet under the most extraordinary of circumstances.
Contract hit man Hyun-jun (Shin Hyun-jun) enters a house on instruction to kill its male occupant. However, as he takes aim at his sleeping target, he discovers only a woman, Jin-young (Kang Hye-jung) under the sheets.
Distraught after the traumatic break up from her lover of seven years, Jin-young wants to kill herself, to go out with a bang and not with a miserable and lonely dose of sleeping pills. A contract killing is her choice of suicide.
Hyun-jun abandons his mission, furious at how an unstable young woman may have ruined his reputation. But for the detached and lonely hit man, it is also the start to an unexpected love affair......
Cast: Shin Hyun-jun, Kang Hye-jung
Director: Yang Jong-hyun
Duration: 109min, Edited
Category: PG-13
Language: Korean
Subtitles: English
Territory: Worldwide ex Korea & Singapore
