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

[Markgway]

Good action but too many frame cuts (and the BBFC cuts to the tape probably don't help either)

The BBFC cut 5:34.

Mantis Fists And Tiger Claws Of Shaolin (1977) - 7/10

Really? I thought it was an awful film.

[gasteropod]

I Saw the Devil (2010) - 4/5

Finally got around to watching this by renting the UK Blu-ray.

[SpearheadBT]

Wild Search (1989) - 3.5/5

I love Ringo Lam and his gritty crime films, and I guess it's one of the reasons why I was a bit disappointed in this one. It's a good film for sure, but I expected - I guess I wanted - something more along the lines that I'm used to. Sure, his films are not all the same, they have different aspects, but be it overall intensity, bleakness or suspense, this one didn't seem to be able to keep the momentum. And I don't hate films with important loves stories, but it felt a bit forced at times, particularly in the approach to make you feel something. It is a bit unfocused too, which is one of its biggest problem. The film of his I like the less so far, but still enjoyable.

[grim_tales]

I Saw the Devil (2010) - 4/5

Finally got around to watching this by renting the UK Blu-ray.

Thats a good movie I think I gave it 4/5 as well.

[gasteropod]

Thats a good movie I think I gave it 4/5 as well.

Am I right in thinking you bought both Blu-rays? Have you watched both cuts?

[grim_tales]

I havent seen the US version yet, will give it a watch soon I hope

[gasteropod]

I thought the Korean cut could have done without the rape, but the other stuff that was cut out for the International seems somewhat necessary.

[Killer Meteor]

A MAN CALLED TIGER (1973)

{Note: 79min US video tape)

Originally intended to star Bruce Lee, this Lo Wei flick seems to mark the point where the once decent director just gave up. This is not to say this is a bad film. It's perfectly watchable, and fairly entertaining. But it lacks a dynamic spark, and it does seem alternatly padded and lacking in focus (but to be fair, I'm watching a much shorter version).

Jimmy Wang Yu stars and is his usual bad-ass self, though I am somewhat baffled why four (yes, four!) women find his character so fascinating - he's a sullen, moody grouch at best, and a bit of a bastard!

Despite the film's Japanese setting, one is hard pressed to see why Golden Harvest bothered going. Most of the "Japanese" characters are played by Chinese actors (Tien Feng, Lo Wei) with no real attempt made to make them come across as Japanese (though we are spared Hiter moustaches and coke bottle spectacles, so I guess that is progression). The pretty Japanese actress Okada Kawai sings some pleasant songs, but in Mandarin!

The action choreography is decent by Han Ying Cheih though lacking in fine care - it's a bit too clunky compared to how good Sammo Hung's work was at the same time. There's an attempt at a big stunt on a cable car that was presumbly more of a big deal back in the day.

And Lo Wei, there is no need for you to practically wink at the camera during your intro scene. Your days as a matinee idol are long gone.

6/10

[saltysam]

The Raid 3/5 Brutally entertaining if a little over-hyped indonesian actioner. Taking it's inspiration from the likes of Die Hard & Precinct 13 the script won't be winning any awards but this movie is all about the action of which there's lots,gunplay,martial artss,knife fighting etc...the uk bd looks very poor,partly down to the source mterial i imagine but it should look better than this.

[Markgway]

Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 (1972-Japan) *½

Surreal (and quite bizarre) WIP exploitation drama possess a striking visual style, but is hammy, messy, and more unpleasant than fun (with an emphasis on cruelty throughout). Meiko Kaji's beauty and thousand-mile stare stick in the mind, and deserve a better vehicle than this half-baked feminist tract. FCSJ41 seems to have struck a chord with fans of Japanese fantasy cinema, so I'm probably not the right audience for this. Bear that in mind.

[HungFist]

Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 (1972-Japan) *½

Surreal (and quite bizarre) WIP exploitation drama possess a striking visual style, but is hammy, messy, and more unpleasant than fun (with an emphasis on cruelty throughout). Meiko Kaji's beauty and thousand-mile stare stick in the mind, and deserve a better vehicle than this half-baked feminist tract. FCSJ41 seems to have struck a chord with fans of Japanese fantasy cinema, so I'm probably not the right audience for this. Bear that in mind.

****½ is the correct rating

I have owned 3 different dvd editions of it

Just out of interest, how did you end up seeing it?

[Marshall]

I initially wasn't that crazy about FCS:J41, but the crappiness of that first R1 disc had a lot to do with it. The new one is miles better. I think this is a very good film, but I too am turned off by the cruelty of this series. It really requires a sense of detachment to enjoy the many great things about it.

[Markgway]

****½ is the correct rating

When my system only goes up to ****?
You must REALLY have loved this to create a new rating.

I have owned 3 different dvd editions of it

I had a feeling it would be your type of movie.

Just out of interest, how did you end up seeing it?

Youtube.

[grim_tales]

The Raid 3/5 Brutally entertaining if a little over-hyped indonesian actioner. Taking it's inspiration from the likes of Die Hard & Precinct 13 the script won't be winning any awards but this movie is all about the action of which there's lots,gunplay,martial artss,knife fighting etc...the uk bd looks very poor,partly down to the source mterial i imagine but it should look better than this.

Hmmm. Maybe the USA BD is better?
I agree with your review BTW, I really enjoyed it but didnt think it was AMAZING, if that makes sense, I think I gave it 7/10

[gasteropod]

Hmmm. Maybe the USA BD is better?
I agree with your review BTW, I really enjoyed it but didnt think it was AMAZING, if that makes sense, I think I gave it 7/10

I think the US BD has the original soundtrack that the UK is missing anyway so it's a no-brainer if so. I'm not saying the the original soundtrack is superior because as far as I can tell it isn't, but it would still be nice to have the choice.

[Markgway]

The UK gets shafted again.

It's practically a sport.

[Yi-Long]

No original soundtrack >>> download!

The same goes for the Dutch release, sadly. Also seems to be missing the original soundtrack. What an assholes.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but if I like it, I might pick up the Hong Kong release if that does have the original soundtrack, and if the disc is region-free.

I'm not going to import the BR from the USA, cause added shipping cost is usually too much to bother.

[grim_tales]

Is the USA version the original uncut version or the R rated version?

[gasteropod]

Is the USA version the original uncut version or the R rated version?

Original uncut.

[saltysam]

Allegedly the PQ on the usa release is pants as well.

[grim_tales]

Gas are you saying the "original version" on the UK release also has an altered score?
So the only way to see the true original version is the USA release?
Shame if the PQ is that bad Was thinking of picking it up

[saltysam]

Gas are you saying the "original version" on the UK release also has an altered score?
So the only way to see the true original version is the USA release?
Shame if the PQ is that bad Was thinking of picking it up

review of the USA disc...think the source material was poor to start with tbh

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Raid- ... ray/47087/

[gasteropod]

Gas are you saying the "original version" on the UK release also has an altered score?
So the only way to see the true original version is the USA release?
Shame if the PQ is that bad Was thinking of picking it up

Yeah the UK is uncut, but only has the new score by that guy from Linkin Park, so if you want to check out the film with the original Indonesian score, the US one is the way to go.

[grim_tales]

Thanks Gas

[HungFist]

Will watch The Raid in cinema later this month, don't know which version it's gonna be, though.

God of Gamblers (Hong Kong, 1989) – 2/5
The ever so charismatic Chow Yun Fat shines as master gambler in the opening and closing segments of Wong Jing’s film. Sadly, what is found in between is 90 minutes of tiresome idiot-comedy.

I'm Flash (Japan, 2012) – 2.5/5
Toshiaki Toyoda’s second theatrical release for the year, in the heels of the arthouse fair Monsters Club, is a more mainstream oriented gangster tale. Death Note’s pretty boy Tatsuya Fujiwara stars as a young cult leader who escapes political scandal to his Okinawa base, protected by three bored bodyguards lead by Ryuhei Matsuda. It’s somewhat a return to roots for Toyoda, with stylized visuals and rock score, yet a disappointment. For what was intended as trendy genre pic, it is neither intense enough nor especially original. The setting echoes of Kitano’s Sonatine, but without the laconic humor. Fujiwara falls short of charisma, Matsuda has little to do until the final reel, and the religious cult theme is underutilized. The mediocre film only comes to life during the final 15 minutes, which is a blazing showdown of violent old school Toyoda.