What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5

[Markgway]

Yeah, this video game shit is boring.

[bradavon]

Like you guys have never gone off topic.

1: SF4 is ALOT better than Mortal Kombat. You need to come back out of the early '90's, Brad.

I said Street Fighter as in the game in general, not part 4 specifically. I've not played SF4 enough to comment. I do love the MK fatalities and violence though. I preferred MK when MK was as modern as SF. Pity they've killed it off.

2: You really shouldn't play games like these with your keyboard. It could be the best game in the world and it would still suck, playing like that.

I think I'd need a better PC first .

3: I played SF4 on my last PC (the one before this one, which broke down and got replaced), and on that PC it ran perfect for me, and played nice. I will definately get the new Super Street Fighter 4

I said I've got a laptop, most aren't designed for gaming. I've not had a Desktop for several years now and would never buy one any more. If I was into gaming I'd buy a console.

[HungFist]

Like you guys have never gone off topic.

Since we actually have a video game topic it's a bit stupid that you guys are discussing computer games in a topic where no one wants to read about games instead of doing it in a topic where everybody wants to read about games.

[saltysam]

The Killer BD 5/5

Iconic film is one of the best HK movies ever,riveting stuff.The BD let's be frank is a letdown, this film has never looked great,even the HKL but it was to be hoped the BD would be definitive.Unfortunately it's not and while it's a step up from the dvd it's not great,with some DNR and a 1080i pal conversion.

Fist Of Legend BD 4.5/5

One of Jet Li's finest hours,this is superb entertainment. The BD is a solid presentation and i'm happy with it for the most part.

Legend Of A Fighter 3.5/5

Excellent kung fu movie from Yuen Woo Ping starring Beardy as Huo Yuan Chia and the great Yasuaki Kurata as his teacher turned enemy. it's a real shame HKL remastered this in the incorrect aspect ratio and it's unlikely we'll ever see this in it's full scope glory amazing that Beardy was a martial arts novice and actually taught himself to fight by studying other martial arts stars closely!

[Yi-Long]

Like you guys have never gone off topic.

Since we actually have a video game topic it's a bit stupid that you guys are discussing computer games in a topic where no one wants to read about games instead of doing it in a topic where everybody wants to read about games.

Sorry man. Knowing Brad though, we will probably be keeping this discussion up for about 3 more pages. so expect a fuckload of quotes getting replies and those being quoted again for a counter-reply, which obviously demands a new quote to keep everything 'organised' and clear, followed by a new answer.... and obviously it will all turn into insults and angry smilies which will keep me up at night while grinding my teeth and damning that bastard Brad!

[bradavon]

You'll notice I'd not replied to Hungfist. The conversation was done with. Salty brought it back on topic, as happens. In other nothing to speak of to start with. Well done for taking it back off topic though .

[HungFist]

X-Cross (Japan, 2007) – 3/5
"Run. They will cut off your leg!" With X-Cross director Kenta "dumbass" Fukasaku finally delivers a good movie. For its first 40 minutes it's an edge-of-your seat thriller supported by a slick screenplay that keeps the characters guessing for their savior's reliability while running for their life – paranoia in speed. Later the story sees a change of tone when lolita scissor hands walks into the frame and Fukasaku switches to cult gear no. 5. It’s doesn't play out all that bad to be honest, but the two different styles do tend to kick each other in the balls. A fun ride it is nevertheless, but it could be a great one only if it could decide what it really wants to be.

[HungFist]

Super Gore Girl (Japan, 2009) – 1.5/5
Using AV stars in Japanese splatter movies has become more of a rule than exception. Super Gore Girl, however, packs itself with sweet idols! The unlikely mix is easily explained: the film is mainly a scam. The cast is made of b-grade idols – gravure-girl Miki Yabe, Miss Magazine 2007 Aika, singing model Nao Nagasawa, and top billed AKB48 member Sayaka Akimoto. The girls play well behaving students of a catholic high school controlled by nazi-spirited student council. The premise shows potential, but the screenplay doesn’t carry past opening credits, and the acting is so bad that it even wrecks the cuteness factor. Gore is pushed behind a dozen corners as well; it’s only in the grand finale where Nagasawa pulls out a Rambo caliber cannon and turns the oppressors into meat sauce. It’s a wonderful scene full of handmade platter effects, but not much of a savior for the otherwise dull film. Thankfully the running time in kept in check; being the first half in the second volume of Neo Action double features Super Gore Girl is over in 45 minutes.

[HungFist]

Holy Fucking Shit

Big Panic: The Violent Crash (Japan, 1976) – 4/5

Kinji Fukasaku’s furious, completely insane action classic is most famous for its 20 minute car chase finale that remains one of the wildest pieces demolition derby action committed on film. The main storyline itself is slick and simple. Tsunehiko Watase stars as a desperate bank robber who attempts to escape from Japan with his new girlfriend (ex-pinky violence star Miki Sugimoto). Comedy and nudity add their spice to the sometimes messy mix that entertains from the first second to the last frame, and could possibly be called the Car Crash Movie of the 70’s, not just by Japanese but by global standards!

[HungFist]

Hokuriku Proxy War (Japan, 1977) – 4.5/5
One of the hardest hitting movies on Kinji Fukasaku’s career, Hokuriku Proxy War does much the same to yakuza cinema that Goyokin did for samurai movies. With the merciless Hokuriku winter as its background (constantly freezing cold, windy, and snowing) the film follows a reckless and stubborn yakuza that turns against his boss and eventually anyone who stands on his way. Hokuriku Proxy War has the typical ingredients of a Fukasaku yakuza movie, but this time the mix is more powerful than almost ever before. The storyline and characters are excellent, and the violence hurts even on the other side of the screen. Hiroshi Matsukata stars in the role of his life, backed up by a hard boiled supporting cast (Sonny Chiba, Jiro Chiba, Takeo Chii, Mikio Narita, Tatsuo Endo, Goro Ibuki, Ko Nishimura...).

[oldeschool17]

Hokuriku Proxy War (Japan, 1977) – 4.5/5
One of the hardest hitting movies on Kinji Fukasaku’s career, Hokuriku Proxy War does much the same to yakuza cinema that Goyokin did for samurai movies. With the merciless Hokuriku winter as its background (constantly freezing cold, windy, and snowing) the film follows a reckless and stubborn yakuza that turns against his boss and eventually anyone who stands on his way. Hokuriku Proxy War has the typical ingredients of a Fukasaku yakuza movie, but this time the mix is more powerful than almost ever before. The storyline and characters are excellent, and the violence hurts even on the other side of the screen. Hiroshi Matsukata stars in the role of his life, backed up by a hard boiled supporting cast (Sonny Chiba, Jiro Chiba, Takeo Chii, Mikio Narita, Tatsuo Endo, Goro Ibuki, Ko Nishimura...).

How does this film compare to the Yakuza Papers series?

[HungFist]

How does this film compare to the Yakuza Papers series?

Yakuza Papers were the first Fukasaku yakuza films I saw... that was a long time ago... so I can't remember them well anymore. But I'd still dare to say I rank Hokuriku above them. The Hokuriku setting alone is unbeatable (snow and cold is always great), and I really like Matsukata's performance.

Here's screencaps from the Toei dvd:
https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 13#p142513

[oldeschool17]

Well that peaks my interest in that you say its better than Yakuza Papers, cause I thought that series as a whole was formulaic

[saltysam]

Raging Phoenix 2.5/5 Thai actioner with the female star from Chocolate is overlong,takes it's time to get going and has an incredibly flimsy human traffiking plot.Some decent action though and it's worth seeing.

[Ray_Rogers]

Red Cliff Parts I & II - 6/5

Got this as an early birthday present on the 2nd since my birthday is on the 5th. Watched it actually on my birthday and the day after for both parts. Need more Romance of the Three Kingdoms stuff to watch. Most favourite John Woo film out of what I've seen currently. Normally I have my receiver set on 38-40 but I cranked the sound up to 55. It exceeded everything I've read and seen images for it since I've never watched this before.
Was the Magnolia Blu-ray.

[Markgway]

Excellent film(s). I'll be getting the original two-parter from Magnolia as soon as it's on sale.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRevie ... lu-ray.htm

[HungFist]

Hairpin Circus (Japan, 1972) – 3.5/5



The 1970's car film craze did not remain solely American phenomena. Toho Studio's response to The Vanishing Point places Japan’s Toyota 2000GT and Mazda Savanna RX-3 in the spotlights. The simple storyline follows former race driver (real life professional Kiyoshi Misaki) who gets on a crash course with Japan's new adrenaline addict generation that looks for quick thrills through dangerous street races. Much more than about demolition derby, Hairpin Circus is about the philosophical aspect of driving and hunger for speed. The film's strengths are atmospheric and plentiful scenes featuring sports cars speeding in the night. These scenes were shot on real streets and without tricks. The 1971 Macau Grand Pix featured in the film is also partly authentic footage; Misaki took part in it and finished 3rd. Another interesting aspect is the film’s portray of generations; the old wolf has tasted real sweat and blood, while the new, post war generation, lead by a young woman, hardly even understand the risks of the game they are playing.

[bradavon]

Excellent film(s). I'll be getting the original two-parter from Magnolia as soon as it's on sale.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRevie ... lu-ray.htm

It's already out. What's wrong with the UK EIV?

[saltysam]

Excellent film(s). I'll be getting the original two-parter from Magnolia as soon as it's on sale.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRevie ... lu-ray.htm

It's already out. What's wrong with the UK EIV?

It's cut for horsefalls i think.

[Shingster]

Has anyone on the net confirmed yet that the US Magnolia release of Red Cliff I/II is definitely uncut?

[Markgway]

http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/f ... ?fid=16042

[Shingster]

Thanks Mark, that's a definite future purchase from me then.

[bradavon]

Thanks Salty. If that's all, meh! Especially when its' cheap. I understand it has good AV. Fair enough though Mark.

EDIT: Crikey the USA Red Cliff BD has some extensive looking extras.

[Markgway]

Yeah, I'll be buying it as soon as the price is reduced (a fair bit).

[DangerousLeeHandsome]

Bodyguards and Assassins - 3/5
A great looking film with strong emphasis on set design and historical accuracy. The performances and for the most part, the script are strong. However it is a bit overly melodramatic for my taste. There isnt a whole lot of action but when there was, the fights were very well done. Kudos to action director Tung Wai and cinematographer Arthur Wong. A good effort that unfortunately falls short. C+

Ghost in the Shell 2.0 - 4.5/5
Love this movie. I'm not as big a fan of Japanese Anime as I was in middle/high school but I'll always remember Ghost in the Shell as one of the best the genre has to offer. A couple of the CG shots in 2.0 do look out of place but thankfully it isn't too over the top. Cool movie! A