Laha Mebow became the first woman from Taiwan to win the best director prize for ‘Gaga’.
Taiwanese family drama Coo-Coo 043 won best film and Hong Kong crime drama Limbo picked up the most prizes at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan on Saturday night (November 19) as Hong Kong cinema made a grand return winning nine awards.
The prizes were quite evenly distributed this year, with no single film sweeping the 59th edition of the annual ceremony, which was held at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei.
Scroll down for list of winners
Chan Ching-lin’s feature debut Coo-Coo 043, set...
Taiwanese family drama Coo-Coo 043 won best film and Hong Kong crime drama Limbo picked up the most prizes at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan on Saturday night (November 19) as Hong Kong cinema made a grand return winning nine awards.
The prizes were quite evenly distributed this year, with no single film sweeping the 59th edition of the annual ceremony, which was held at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei.
Scroll down for list of winners
Chan Ching-lin’s feature debut Coo-Coo 043, set...
- 11/20/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Taiwanese filmmaker Chan Ching-lin’s Coo-Coo 043 was awarded best narrative feature at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan on Saturday night, while Hong Kong crime drama Limbo, directed by Soi Cheang, won the biggest number of awards with four prizes.
Coo-Coo 043 also picked up the best new performer award for Hu Jhih-ciang. Also starring Yu An-shun and Yang Li-yin, the film revolves around a Taiwanese family that makes a living through racing pigeons, but is badly affected by economic pressures and the disappearance of a son. It premiered as the opening film of the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival (Tghff), where it won the Fipresci prize on the same night as the Golden Horse ceremony.
While Coo-Coo 043 won the top honour at the awards, Limbo took home the biggest haul of prizes with best adapted screenplay, best cinematography, best visual effects and best art direction (see details below). It also...
Coo-Coo 043 also picked up the best new performer award for Hu Jhih-ciang. Also starring Yu An-shun and Yang Li-yin, the film revolves around a Taiwanese family that makes a living through racing pigeons, but is badly affected by economic pressures and the disappearance of a son. It premiered as the opening film of the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival (Tghff), where it won the Fipresci prize on the same night as the Golden Horse ceremony.
While Coo-Coo 043 won the top honour at the awards, Limbo took home the biggest haul of prizes with best adapted screenplay, best cinematography, best visual effects and best art direction (see details below). It also...
- 11/20/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
“Coo-Coo 043,” a Taiwan family drama set against the backdrop of pigeon racing, was named the best film on Saturday at the Golden Horse Film Awards. Hong Kong-made crime thriller “Limbo” won four awards, making it the numerical winner.
“Coo-Coo 043,” which was directed by Chang Chin-lin and picked up 13 nominations, also won the best new performer award for Hu Jhih-ciang. A day earlier, the film also picked up the Golden Horse Film Festival’s Fipresci prize.
“Limbo,” directed by Soi Cheang, amassed 14 nominations. At the award ceremony in Taipei it won in the best adapted screenplay, cinematography, visual effects and art direction categories. A day before the ceremony, “Limbo” also picked up the Golden Horse festival’s audience choice award.
Other titles that earned multiple Ghfa prizes included: “The Sunny Side of the Street” with three wins (Anthony Wong as best actor and Malaysia’s Lau Kok-roi for both best new...
“Coo-Coo 043,” which was directed by Chang Chin-lin and picked up 13 nominations, also won the best new performer award for Hu Jhih-ciang. A day earlier, the film also picked up the Golden Horse Film Festival’s Fipresci prize.
“Limbo,” directed by Soi Cheang, amassed 14 nominations. At the award ceremony in Taipei it won in the best adapted screenplay, cinematography, visual effects and art direction categories. A day before the ceremony, “Limbo” also picked up the Golden Horse festival’s audience choice award.
Other titles that earned multiple Ghfa prizes included: “The Sunny Side of the Street” with three wins (Anthony Wong as best actor and Malaysia’s Lau Kok-roi for both best new...
- 11/20/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
“Anita,” the biopic of the late Canto-pop queen Anita Mui, led the race of the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards on Sunday night with five awards, including recognitions for the film’s actors and technical achievements. But the best film and best director awards went to action thriller “Raging Fire” directed by the late Benny Chan.
Sunday’s event, which was postponed from its original schedule in April, was the first in-person edition of the awards ceremony after two years of Covid hiatus — the 2020 edition was held online and 2021 was suspended.
The number of films released in Hong Kong has dramatically dropped over the past years as cinemas were forced to close doors for prolonged periods under the government’s Covid measures. As a result, this year’s event was a double edition taking in films released in both 2020 and 2021.
As the first Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony held in...
Sunday’s event, which was postponed from its original schedule in April, was the first in-person edition of the awards ceremony after two years of Covid hiatus — the 2020 edition was held online and 2021 was suspended.
The number of films released in Hong Kong has dramatically dropped over the past years as cinemas were forced to close doors for prolonged periods under the government’s Covid measures. As a result, this year’s event was a double edition taking in films released in both 2020 and 2021.
As the first Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony held in...
- 7/18/2022
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
Other big winners were biopic ’Anita’ and noir thriller ’Limbo’.
Action thriller Raging Fire has won best film and best director for the late Benny Chan at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards (Hkfa). Other big winners were biopic Anita and noir thriller Limbo.
The event took place last night (July 17) as the Hkfa’s first in-person ceremony since 2019 and was well attended by stars and leading film industry figures.
Scroll down for full list of winners
Raging Fire, in which Donnie Yen plays a cop who clashes with a former protege, marked the final film of veteran director Chan,...
Action thriller Raging Fire has won best film and best director for the late Benny Chan at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards (Hkfa). Other big winners were biopic Anita and noir thriller Limbo.
The event took place last night (July 17) as the Hkfa’s first in-person ceremony since 2019 and was well attended by stars and leading film industry figures.
Scroll down for full list of winners
Raging Fire, in which Donnie Yen plays a cop who clashes with a former protege, marked the final film of veteran director Chan,...
- 7/18/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Raging Fire, starring and produced by Donnie Yen, was awarded best film and best director for late action maestro Benny Chan at the Hong Kong Film Awards (Hkfa) on Sunday night. The ceremony took place at Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, the first time it had been held as a fully-fledged, in-person event since 2019.
Produced by Emperor Motion Pictures, Raging Fire was a rare pandemic-era hit in Hong Kong and China last year, and lauded as a welcome throwback to old school Hong Kong-style action movies. The film took four awards in total, also including best editing (Curran Pang) and best action choreography.
Benny Chan, one of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed action directors, was diagnosed with cancer while making the film, leading to Yen taking over during post-production. In a moving moment during the Hkfa ceremony, Hong Kong...
Produced by Emperor Motion Pictures, Raging Fire was a rare pandemic-era hit in Hong Kong and China last year, and lauded as a welcome throwback to old school Hong Kong-style action movies. The film took four awards in total, also including best editing (Curran Pang) and best action choreography.
Benny Chan, one of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed action directors, was diagnosed with cancer while making the film, leading to Yen taking over during post-production. In a moving moment during the Hkfa ceremony, Hong Kong...
- 7/17/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
In an online free live stream conference the Asian Film Award Academy announced the list of nominees for the 10th Asian Film Awards. The Assassin (Taiwan) by Hsiao-Hsien Hou lead the list with 9 nominations (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Original Music, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Sound), Then comes Bajirao Mastani (India) by Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Best Film, Best Editing, Best Original Music, Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects) and Port of Call (Hong Kong) by Philip Yung (Best Supporting Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Screenplay, Best Editing and Best Cinematography) with 5 nominations each. Mountains May Depart (China) by Jia Zhang Ke, Mr. Six (China) by Guan Hu and Veteran (South Korea) by Ryoo Seung-wan have 4 nominations each.
Best Film
The Assassin (Nie yin niang) by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan | 2015 Bajirao Mastani by Sanjay Leela Bhansali – India...
Best Film
The Assassin (Nie yin niang) by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan | 2015 Bajirao Mastani by Sanjay Leela Bhansali – India...
- 2/3/2016
- by Sebastian Nadilo
- AsianMoviePulse
Hou Hsiao-hsien’s The Assassin leads the nominations for the 10th Asian Film Awards with nine nods, followed by India’s Bajirao Mastani and Hong Kong’s Port Of Call with five apiece.
The Assassin, which won best director in Cannes last year, was nominated for best film, director, actress (Shu Qi), supporting actress (Zhou Yun), cinematography (Mark Lee Ping-bing) and four other technical categories.
Another sumptious period epic, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, was also nominated for best film, along with best editing, original music, costume design and visual effects.
Philip Yung’s social drama Port Of Call, based on the true story of a mainland prostitute who was murdered in Hong Kong, picked up nods for best supporting actor (Michael Ning), newcomer (Jessie Li), screenplay, editing and Christopher Doyle’s cinematography.
Rounding out the best film category are Jia Zhangke’s Mountains May Depart (France-China); Hashiguchi Ryosuke’s Three Stories Of Love (Japan...
The Assassin, which won best director in Cannes last year, was nominated for best film, director, actress (Shu Qi), supporting actress (Zhou Yun), cinematography (Mark Lee Ping-bing) and four other technical categories.
Another sumptious period epic, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, was also nominated for best film, along with best editing, original music, costume design and visual effects.
Philip Yung’s social drama Port Of Call, based on the true story of a mainland prostitute who was murdered in Hong Kong, picked up nods for best supporting actor (Michael Ning), newcomer (Jessie Li), screenplay, editing and Christopher Doyle’s cinematography.
Rounding out the best film category are Jia Zhangke’s Mountains May Depart (France-China); Hashiguchi Ryosuke’s Three Stories Of Love (Japan...
- 2/3/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Lou Ye’s Blind Massage was the big winner at this year’s Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, scooping six prizes including best film and best new performer for Zhang Lei.Scroll down for full list of winners
The mainland China production also won best adapted screenplay (Ma Yingli), best cinematography (Zeng Jian), best film editing (Kong Jinlei, Jolin Zhu) and best sound effects (Fu Kang).
Ann Hui won best director for historical biopic The Golden Era, while best original screenplay went to Yee Chih-yen for Meeting Dr Sun.
Chen Jianbin won best new director and best actor for A Fool, along with best supporting actor for Paradise In Service, which also took the best supporting actress prize for Regina Wan’s performance. Chen Hsiang-chi took best actress for Exit.
Fruit Chan’s The Midnight After won best visual effects and Liu Qiang was awarded best art direction for Black Coal, Thin Ice. Brotherhood...
The mainland China production also won best adapted screenplay (Ma Yingli), best cinematography (Zeng Jian), best film editing (Kong Jinlei, Jolin Zhu) and best sound effects (Fu Kang).
Ann Hui won best director for historical biopic The Golden Era, while best original screenplay went to Yee Chih-yen for Meeting Dr Sun.
Chen Jianbin won best new director and best actor for A Fool, along with best supporting actor for Paradise In Service, which also took the best supporting actress prize for Regina Wan’s performance. Chen Hsiang-chi took best actress for Exit.
Fruit Chan’s The Midnight After won best visual effects and Liu Qiang was awarded best art direction for Black Coal, Thin Ice. Brotherhood...
- 11/23/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Action star Donnie Yen, director Teddy Chen and actress Michelle Bai to attend London Film Festival premiere.
The 58th BFI London Film Festival (Oct 8-19) is to host the world premiere of Kung Fu Jungle (Yi Ge Ren de Wu Lin), attended by director Teddy Chen, action super star Donnie Yen (Ip Man) and actress Michelle Bai.
The film has been added to the festival’s Thrill selection and will screen premiere on Oct 12 at the Empire Leicester Square Cinema.
Yen plays Hahou, a former martial arts instructor, imprisoned after accidentally slaying an opponent. But when a vicious killer (Wang Baoqiang) starts targeting martial arts masters, the instructor offers to help a police inspector (Charlie Young) in return for his freedom. Bai plays the woman loved by Hahou who is threatened by the killer.
Lff director Clare Stewart described the film as “a breathtaking thrill-ride” and said she was “honoured” that the festival had been chosen by [link...
The 58th BFI London Film Festival (Oct 8-19) is to host the world premiere of Kung Fu Jungle (Yi Ge Ren de Wu Lin), attended by director Teddy Chen, action super star Donnie Yen (Ip Man) and actress Michelle Bai.
The film has been added to the festival’s Thrill selection and will screen premiere on Oct 12 at the Empire Leicester Square Cinema.
Yen plays Hahou, a former martial arts instructor, imprisoned after accidentally slaying an opponent. But when a vicious killer (Wang Baoqiang) starts targeting martial arts masters, the instructor offers to help a police inspector (Charlie Young) in return for his freedom. Bai plays the woman loved by Hahou who is threatened by the killer.
Lff director Clare Stewart described the film as “a breathtaking thrill-ride” and said she was “honoured” that the festival had been chosen by [link...
- 9/16/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: China’s Desen International Media has brought on board top VFX houses including Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop for its upcoming $27m 3D fantasy adventure.
Zhong Kui: Snow Girl And The Dark Crystal is currently shooting in China with acclaimed Hong Kong DoP Peter Pau serving as producer, DoP and VFX director on the film.
The cast is headed by Chen Kun, Li Bingbing, Winston Chao, Bao Beier, Yang Zishan and Jike Junyi. Executive producer is Desen’s Ann An.
“This will be a unique, oriental-style visual feast that will raise the bar in terms of story-telling, performances, photography and VFX,” said Pau, who is working with 3D stereographer Vincent E. Toto (Dredd) and a 3ality TS5 rig.
Zhao Tianyu (The Law Of Attraction) is directing, while Guo Junli (Gone With The Bullets) headed the screenplay team.
The story is based on legendary Tang Dynasty hero Zhong Kui who struggles between his desire to bring justice...
Zhong Kui: Snow Girl And The Dark Crystal is currently shooting in China with acclaimed Hong Kong DoP Peter Pau serving as producer, DoP and VFX director on the film.
The cast is headed by Chen Kun, Li Bingbing, Winston Chao, Bao Beier, Yang Zishan and Jike Junyi. Executive producer is Desen’s Ann An.
“This will be a unique, oriental-style visual feast that will raise the bar in terms of story-telling, performances, photography and VFX,” said Pau, who is working with 3D stereographer Vincent E. Toto (Dredd) and a 3ality TS5 rig.
Zhao Tianyu (The Law Of Attraction) is directing, while Guo Junli (Gone With The Bullets) headed the screenplay team.
The story is based on legendary Tang Dynasty hero Zhong Kui who struggles between his desire to bring justice...
- 3/24/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Wong Kar Wai’s The Grandmaster scooped the most nominations for this year’s Asian Film Awards with 11 nods, followed by Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer with five.
Nominations for The Grandmaster included best film, best director, best actor (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), best actress (Zhang Ziyi), best screenwriter and best cinemtographer (see full list below). Snowpiercer’s nominations included best film, best director, best screenwriter, best production designer and best costume designer.
Also nominated for best film are Chinese director Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land, which is screening at the Berlin film festival, The Great Passage from Japan, The Lunchbox from India and Taiwan’s Stray Dogs.
Rounding out the best director category are Stray Dogs director Tsai Ming-liang, Singapore’s Anthony Chen for Ilo Ilo and Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda for Like Father, Like Son.
Multiple nominees also included No Man’s Land, Stray Dogs, Cold Eyes and Rigor Mortis which each picked up four...
Nominations for The Grandmaster included best film, best director, best actor (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), best actress (Zhang Ziyi), best screenwriter and best cinemtographer (see full list below). Snowpiercer’s nominations included best film, best director, best screenwriter, best production designer and best costume designer.
Also nominated for best film are Chinese director Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land, which is screening at the Berlin film festival, The Great Passage from Japan, The Lunchbox from India and Taiwan’s Stray Dogs.
Rounding out the best director category are Stray Dogs director Tsai Ming-liang, Singapore’s Anthony Chen for Ilo Ilo and Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda for Like Father, Like Son.
Multiple nominees also included No Man’s Land, Stray Dogs, Cold Eyes and Rigor Mortis which each picked up four...
- 2/11/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards is expected to be a hell of a show with some great films going head to head. Leading the way with nominations is The Grand Master with 14, followed by Unbeatable (Dante Lam).
There were complaints last year, that the show didn’t live up to expectations, mainly due to the fact the movie Cold Wars, won nearly every award. Best actor award see the likes of these guys going head to head, Tony Leung (The Grandmaster), Louis Koo (The White Storm) and also Anthony Wong (Ip Man: The Final Fight).
Take a look at the list and comment who you think will win. The winners will be announced on April 13.
Best Film:
- The Grandmaster
- Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons
- The Way We Dance
- The White Storm
- Unbeatable
Best Director:
- Wong Kar Wai (The Grandmaster)
- Johnnie To...
There were complaints last year, that the show didn’t live up to expectations, mainly due to the fact the movie Cold Wars, won nearly every award. Best actor award see the likes of these guys going head to head, Tony Leung (The Grandmaster), Louis Koo (The White Storm) and also Anthony Wong (Ip Man: The Final Fight).
Take a look at the list and comment who you think will win. The winners will be announced on April 13.
Best Film:
- The Grandmaster
- Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons
- The Way We Dance
- The White Storm
- Unbeatable
Best Director:
- Wong Kar Wai (The Grandmaster)
- Johnnie To...
- 2/7/2014
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Having defeated the best fighters of the Imperial Japanese army in occupied Shanghai, Ip Man and his family settle in post-war Hong Kong. Struggling to make a living, Master Ip opens a kung fu school to bring his celebrated art of Wing Chun to the troubled youth of Hong Kong. His growing reputation soon brings challenges from powerful enemies, including pre-eminent Hung Gar master, Hung Quan (Sammo Hung). However, when corrupt colonial officials stage a life-or-death contest with formidable British boxer, Twister (Darren Shahlavi), to humiliate the Chinese people, the masters quickly forget their differences. Soon, the eyes of the nation are on the one man capable of securing a victory-Grandmaster Ip Man!
One of the biggest Chinese blockbusters in recent history, Ip Man 2 elevates martial arts fight choreography to new heights of excellence and delivers more excitement than ever before!
Special Features:
• Audio – DTS HD Master Audio Mandarin 5.1 / Mandarin...
One of the biggest Chinese blockbusters in recent history, Ip Man 2 elevates martial arts fight choreography to new heights of excellence and delivers more excitement than ever before!
Special Features:
• Audio – DTS HD Master Audio Mandarin 5.1 / Mandarin...
- 12/3/2010
- by Kat
- Nerdly
Best film: Bodyguards and Assassins Best Asian film: Departures (Japan) Best director: Teddy Chen, Bodyguards and Assassins Best new director: Cheung King-wai, Kj: Music and Life Best actor: Simon Yam, Echoes of the Rainbow Best actress: Wai Ying-Hong, At the End of Daybreak Best supporting actor: Nicholas Tse, Bodyguards and Assassins Best supporting actress: Michelle Ye, Accident Best new performer: Aarif Lee, Echoes of the Rainbow Best screenplay: Alex Law, Echoes of the Rainbow Best cinematographer: Arthur Wong, Bodyguards and Assassins Best film editing: Kong Chi-leung, Chan Chi-wai, Overheard Best art direction: Ken Mak, Bodyguards and Assassins Best costume and makeup design: Dora Ng, Bodyguards and Assassins Best action choreography: Stephen Tung, Lee Tat-chiu, Bodyguards [...]...
- 4/19/2010
- by Irene Young
- Alt Film Guide
This review was written for the festival screening of "Fearless".
SYDNEY -- Witty choreography juices the pedestrian plot of "Fearless", an earnest and technically accomplished biopic in which action star Jet Li flexes his limited dramatic muscles to portray kung fu master Huo Yuanjia.
"Fearless", reportedly the final film Li will make in the traditional wushu style, did excellent business when it opened earlier this year in East Asia, besting the opening weekends of "Hero" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". Western audiences less well-versed in the legend of the Chinese hero can't be expected to respond as well -- the film was originally slated to open Aug. 4 in the U.S. and changed to Sept. 22 -- and might be left frustrated by the shortcuts director Ronny Yu ("Freddy vs. Jason") takes in the telling of his tale.
Still, there is no shortage of bone-crunching brawls, expertly choreographed by the celebrated Yuen Wo Ping ("The Matrix" trilogy, "Kill Bill") in a spare, old-school style that makes the occasional use of wires and special effects look strangely incongruous. Who needs CGI when you've got Li dispensing with an adversary during a rain-soaked clash one-handed while clutching an umbrella?
The film opens in a beautifully realized turn-of-the-century China, where Huo -- famous for founding the Jingwu Sports Federation, the school Bruce Lee's character belonged to in the 1970s classic "Fist of Fury" -- is taking part in an inventively staged tournament to defend China's honor against foreigners who have labeled his countrymen "the weak men of Asia."
Huo squares off against four formidable opponents, representing the imperialist powers in China at the time, and the resulting death match is a dozy, with Wo Ping skillfully blending an array of fight styles and Li displaying an elegant mastery of both traditional weaponry and hand-to-hand combat.
Just as Huo prepares to face the final challenger, Tanaka (Nakamura Shidou, in a sadly underused role), the film flashes back to his childhood in Tianjin, where the seeds of a resolve to greatness are sown by the humiliation of his martial artist father (Collin Chou) in a public duel.
The keen kid grows into a cocksure and dissolute young man, mowing down opponents with punishing speed, despite the protestations of his restaurateur best friend Jinsun (Dong Yong) and against the advice of his mother (Paw Hee-ching), who cautions him against succumbing to hubris in the first of many fortune-cookie platitudes littering the script.
Tragedy almost inevitably strikes when Huo goes too far and kills a rival in a drunk rage (trashing Jinsun's eatery in the process). A vengeful disciple then slaughters Huo's family, leaving him so distraught that he wanders the countryside in a daze before winding up in a remote mountain village, where an old peasant lady and her beautiful blind granddaughter, Moon (Betty Sun), inspire him to use his powers for good.
Li ("The One", "Hero", "Unleashed") seems to welcome the chance to expand his emotional repertoire beyond a death-ray stare. Although his performance in the early scenes is aggressively theatrical, he grows into the role.
Most of the supporting players, however, are shortchanged. Moon, Tanaka and American strongman Hercules O'Brien (Nathan Jones) were seemingly created as plot devices rather than real characters, and Yu too often turns to cheap sentiment to replace emotional resonance.
Yu sliced 40 minutes, including all scenes featuring Michelle Yeoh, from the film just before its theatrical release, yet editor Virginia Katz keeps the pacing even. Production designer Kenneth Mak's elaborate sets suit the epic scale of the period piece, varying as the action shifts through visceral fight scenes to moments of quiet beauty in the mountains.
FEARLESS
Rogue Pictures
Wide River Investments and First Production Company China Film Group Corp. in collaboration with China Film Group Co-production Corp.
Credits:
Director: Ronny Yu
Assistant director: Yuen Wo Ping
Screenwriters: Chris Chow, Christine To
Producers: Bill Kong, Jet Li
Executive producers: Han Sanping, Jet Li
Director of photography: Poon Hang Sang
Production designer: Kenneth Mak
Music: Shigeru Umebayashi
Costume designer: Thomas Chong
Editor: Virginia Katz
Cast:
Huo Yuanjia: Jet Li
Moon: Betty Sun
Nong Jinsun: Dong Yong
Anno Tanaka: Nakamura Shidou
Huo's father: Collin Chou
Huo's mother: Paw Hee-ching
O'Brien: Nathan Jones
Mita: Masato Harada
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
SYDNEY -- Witty choreography juices the pedestrian plot of "Fearless", an earnest and technically accomplished biopic in which action star Jet Li flexes his limited dramatic muscles to portray kung fu master Huo Yuanjia.
"Fearless", reportedly the final film Li will make in the traditional wushu style, did excellent business when it opened earlier this year in East Asia, besting the opening weekends of "Hero" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". Western audiences less well-versed in the legend of the Chinese hero can't be expected to respond as well -- the film was originally slated to open Aug. 4 in the U.S. and changed to Sept. 22 -- and might be left frustrated by the shortcuts director Ronny Yu ("Freddy vs. Jason") takes in the telling of his tale.
Still, there is no shortage of bone-crunching brawls, expertly choreographed by the celebrated Yuen Wo Ping ("The Matrix" trilogy, "Kill Bill") in a spare, old-school style that makes the occasional use of wires and special effects look strangely incongruous. Who needs CGI when you've got Li dispensing with an adversary during a rain-soaked clash one-handed while clutching an umbrella?
The film opens in a beautifully realized turn-of-the-century China, where Huo -- famous for founding the Jingwu Sports Federation, the school Bruce Lee's character belonged to in the 1970s classic "Fist of Fury" -- is taking part in an inventively staged tournament to defend China's honor against foreigners who have labeled his countrymen "the weak men of Asia."
Huo squares off against four formidable opponents, representing the imperialist powers in China at the time, and the resulting death match is a dozy, with Wo Ping skillfully blending an array of fight styles and Li displaying an elegant mastery of both traditional weaponry and hand-to-hand combat.
Just as Huo prepares to face the final challenger, Tanaka (Nakamura Shidou, in a sadly underused role), the film flashes back to his childhood in Tianjin, where the seeds of a resolve to greatness are sown by the humiliation of his martial artist father (Collin Chou) in a public duel.
The keen kid grows into a cocksure and dissolute young man, mowing down opponents with punishing speed, despite the protestations of his restaurateur best friend Jinsun (Dong Yong) and against the advice of his mother (Paw Hee-ching), who cautions him against succumbing to hubris in the first of many fortune-cookie platitudes littering the script.
Tragedy almost inevitably strikes when Huo goes too far and kills a rival in a drunk rage (trashing Jinsun's eatery in the process). A vengeful disciple then slaughters Huo's family, leaving him so distraught that he wanders the countryside in a daze before winding up in a remote mountain village, where an old peasant lady and her beautiful blind granddaughter, Moon (Betty Sun), inspire him to use his powers for good.
Li ("The One", "Hero", "Unleashed") seems to welcome the chance to expand his emotional repertoire beyond a death-ray stare. Although his performance in the early scenes is aggressively theatrical, he grows into the role.
Most of the supporting players, however, are shortchanged. Moon, Tanaka and American strongman Hercules O'Brien (Nathan Jones) were seemingly created as plot devices rather than real characters, and Yu too often turns to cheap sentiment to replace emotional resonance.
Yu sliced 40 minutes, including all scenes featuring Michelle Yeoh, from the film just before its theatrical release, yet editor Virginia Katz keeps the pacing even. Production designer Kenneth Mak's elaborate sets suit the epic scale of the period piece, varying as the action shifts through visceral fight scenes to moments of quiet beauty in the mountains.
FEARLESS
Rogue Pictures
Wide River Investments and First Production Company China Film Group Corp. in collaboration with China Film Group Co-production Corp.
Credits:
Director: Ronny Yu
Assistant director: Yuen Wo Ping
Screenwriters: Chris Chow, Christine To
Producers: Bill Kong, Jet Li
Executive producers: Han Sanping, Jet Li
Director of photography: Poon Hang Sang
Production designer: Kenneth Mak
Music: Shigeru Umebayashi
Costume designer: Thomas Chong
Editor: Virginia Katz
Cast:
Huo Yuanjia: Jet Li
Moon: Betty Sun
Nong Jinsun: Dong Yong
Anno Tanaka: Nakamura Shidou
Huo's father: Collin Chou
Huo's mother: Paw Hee-ching
O'Brien: Nathan Jones
Mita: Masato Harada
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 9/21/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Screened
Sydney Film Festival
SYDNEY -- Witty choreography juices the pedestrian plot of Fearless, an earnest and technically accomplished biopic in which action star Jet Li flexes his limited dramatic muscles to portray kung fu master Huo Yuanjia.
Fearless, reportedly the final film Li will make in the traditional wushu style, did excellent business when it opened earlier this year in East Asia, besting the opening weekends of Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Western audiences less well-versed in the legend of the Chinese hero can't be expected to respond as well -- the film is slated to open Aug. 4 in the U.S. -- and might be left frustrated by the shortcuts director Ronny Yu (Freddy vs. Jason) takes in the telling of his tale.
Still, there is no shortage of bone-crunching brawls, expertly choreographed by the celebrated Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix trilogy, Kill Bill) in a spare, old-school style that makes the occasional use of wires and special effects look strangely incongruous. Who needs CGI when you've got Li dispensing with an adversary during a rain-soaked clash one-handed while clutching an umbrella?
The film opens in a beautifully realized turn-of-the-century China, where Huo -- famous for founding the Jingwu Sports Federation, the school Bruce Lee's character belonged to in the 1970s classic Fist of Fury -- is taking part in an inventively staged tournament to defend China's honor against foreigners who have labeled his countrymen "the weak men of Asia."
Huo squares off against four formidable opponents, representing the imperialist powers in China at the time, and the resulting death match is a dozy, with Wo Ping skillfully blending an array of fight styles and Li displaying an elegant mastery of both traditional weaponry and hand-to-hand combat.
Just as Huo prepares to face the final challenger, Tanaka (Nakamura Shidou, in a sadly underused role), the film flashes back to his childhood in Tianjin, where the seeds of a resolve to greatness are sown by the humiliation of his martial artist father (Collin Chou) in a public duel.
The keen kid grows into a cocksure and dissolute young man, mowing down opponents with punishing speed, despite the protestations of his restaurateur best friend Jinsun (Dong Yong) and against the advice of his mother (Paw Hee-ching), who cautions him against succumbing to hubris in the first of many fortune-cookie platitudes littering the script.
Tragedy almost inevitably strikes when Huo goes too far and kills a rival in a drunk rage (trashing Jinsun's eatery in the process). A vengeful disciple then slaughters Huo's family, leaving him so distraught that he wanders the countryside in a daze before winding up in a remote mountain village, where an old peasant lady and her beautiful blind granddaughter, Moon (Betty Sun), inspire him to use his powers for good.
Li (The One, Hero, Unleashed) seems to welcome the chance to expand his emotional repertoire beyond a death-ray stare. Although his performance in the early scenes is aggressively theatrical, he grows into the role.
Most of the supporting players, however, are shortchanged. Moon, Tanaka and American strongman Hercules O'Brien (Nathan Jones) were seemingly created as plot devices rather than real characters, and Yu too often turns to cheap sentiment to replace emotional resonance.
Yu sliced 40 minutes, including all scenes featuring Michelle Yeoh, from the film just before its theatrical release, yet editor Virginia Katz keeps the pacing even. Production designer Kenneth Mak's elaborate sets suit the epic scale of the period piece, varying as the action shifts through visceral fight scenes to moments of quiet beauty in the mountains.
FEARLESS
Rogue Pictures
Wide River Investments and First Production Company China Film Group Corp. in collaboration with China Film Group Co-production Corp.
Credits:
Director: Ronny Yu
Assistant director: Yuen Wo Ping
Screenwriters: Chris Chow, Christine To
Producers: Bill Kong, Jet Li
Executive producers: Han Sanping, Jet Li
Director of photography: Poon Hang Sang
Production designer: Kenneth Mak
Music: Shigeru Umebayashi
Costume designer: Thomas Chong
Editor: Virginia Katz
Cast:
Huo Yuanjia: Jet Li
Moon: Betty Sun
Nong Jinsun: Dong Yong
Anno Tanaka: Nakamura Shidou
Huo's father: Collin Chou
Huo's mother: Paw Hee-ching
O'Brien: Nathan Jones
Mita: Masato Harada
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 110 minutes...
Sydney Film Festival
SYDNEY -- Witty choreography juices the pedestrian plot of Fearless, an earnest and technically accomplished biopic in which action star Jet Li flexes his limited dramatic muscles to portray kung fu master Huo Yuanjia.
Fearless, reportedly the final film Li will make in the traditional wushu style, did excellent business when it opened earlier this year in East Asia, besting the opening weekends of Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Western audiences less well-versed in the legend of the Chinese hero can't be expected to respond as well -- the film is slated to open Aug. 4 in the U.S. -- and might be left frustrated by the shortcuts director Ronny Yu (Freddy vs. Jason) takes in the telling of his tale.
Still, there is no shortage of bone-crunching brawls, expertly choreographed by the celebrated Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix trilogy, Kill Bill) in a spare, old-school style that makes the occasional use of wires and special effects look strangely incongruous. Who needs CGI when you've got Li dispensing with an adversary during a rain-soaked clash one-handed while clutching an umbrella?
The film opens in a beautifully realized turn-of-the-century China, where Huo -- famous for founding the Jingwu Sports Federation, the school Bruce Lee's character belonged to in the 1970s classic Fist of Fury -- is taking part in an inventively staged tournament to defend China's honor against foreigners who have labeled his countrymen "the weak men of Asia."
Huo squares off against four formidable opponents, representing the imperialist powers in China at the time, and the resulting death match is a dozy, with Wo Ping skillfully blending an array of fight styles and Li displaying an elegant mastery of both traditional weaponry and hand-to-hand combat.
Just as Huo prepares to face the final challenger, Tanaka (Nakamura Shidou, in a sadly underused role), the film flashes back to his childhood in Tianjin, where the seeds of a resolve to greatness are sown by the humiliation of his martial artist father (Collin Chou) in a public duel.
The keen kid grows into a cocksure and dissolute young man, mowing down opponents with punishing speed, despite the protestations of his restaurateur best friend Jinsun (Dong Yong) and against the advice of his mother (Paw Hee-ching), who cautions him against succumbing to hubris in the first of many fortune-cookie platitudes littering the script.
Tragedy almost inevitably strikes when Huo goes too far and kills a rival in a drunk rage (trashing Jinsun's eatery in the process). A vengeful disciple then slaughters Huo's family, leaving him so distraught that he wanders the countryside in a daze before winding up in a remote mountain village, where an old peasant lady and her beautiful blind granddaughter, Moon (Betty Sun), inspire him to use his powers for good.
Li (The One, Hero, Unleashed) seems to welcome the chance to expand his emotional repertoire beyond a death-ray stare. Although his performance in the early scenes is aggressively theatrical, he grows into the role.
Most of the supporting players, however, are shortchanged. Moon, Tanaka and American strongman Hercules O'Brien (Nathan Jones) were seemingly created as plot devices rather than real characters, and Yu too often turns to cheap sentiment to replace emotional resonance.
Yu sliced 40 minutes, including all scenes featuring Michelle Yeoh, from the film just before its theatrical release, yet editor Virginia Katz keeps the pacing even. Production designer Kenneth Mak's elaborate sets suit the epic scale of the period piece, varying as the action shifts through visceral fight scenes to moments of quiet beauty in the mountains.
FEARLESS
Rogue Pictures
Wide River Investments and First Production Company China Film Group Corp. in collaboration with China Film Group Co-production Corp.
Credits:
Director: Ronny Yu
Assistant director: Yuen Wo Ping
Screenwriters: Chris Chow, Christine To
Producers: Bill Kong, Jet Li
Executive producers: Han Sanping, Jet Li
Director of photography: Poon Hang Sang
Production designer: Kenneth Mak
Music: Shigeru Umebayashi
Costume designer: Thomas Chong
Editor: Virginia Katz
Cast:
Huo Yuanjia: Jet Li
Moon: Betty Sun
Nong Jinsun: Dong Yong
Anno Tanaka: Nakamura Shidou
Huo's father: Collin Chou
Huo's mother: Paw Hee-ching
O'Brien: Nathan Jones
Mita: Masato Harada
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 110 minutes...
- 6/16/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
HONG KONG -- Golden Harvest's "Tokyo Raiders" is one of the more fully formed actioners to come out of Hong Kong this year. Directed by onetime cinematographer Jingle Ma, "Raiders" benefits from a clutter-free plot and sophisticated cinematography from Ma himself. What's more, careful editing gives the movie a relaxed, comfortable feel. This allows room for the development of a degree of charm, something often absent from the territory's fast and frantic action fare.
Although it's a Hong Kong production, most of the action is set in Tokyo. Hong Kong producers have recently been using Japanese stars, who are also popular at home, to raise investment from Japan, their major foreign market. "Raiders" goes further, taking the expensive step of using Japanese locations.
The move pays off. The foreign locations add exotica and jell nicely with the plot, even if the idea of a Chinese private eye working in Japan is far-fetched.
"Raiders" features three of Hong Kong's top stars in a story of gangland intrigue. Lin (Tony Leung Chiu Wai from Kar-wai Wong's "In the Mood for Love") plays a soft-boiled P.I. on the trail of errant mob lawyer Takahashi (Japan's Toru Nakamura). When Takahashi jilts Macy (Kelly Chan) at the altar and disappears, she joins the manhunt for him -- as does interior designer Yung (Ekin Cheng), who's due a wedge of cash from the missing lawyer. The trio soon crosses paths with tough yakuza who are after Takahashi because he possesses an incriminating computer disk.
Action scenes are relaxed and occasionally quirky. Action is expressed through camerawork and editing rather than physical prowess because neither male lead is a martial artist. The fighting implements and accessories are reminiscent of Hong Kong classics: umbrellas (used by Jackie Chan and Jet Li), pushbikes (featured in a classic Chan scene in "Project A"), motorized scooters and golf clubs. A groovy Latin soundtrack lends a bouncy tone to the fight scenes.
Ma, who made a successful foray into romance last year with the hit fantasy "Fly Me to Polaris", also takes time to build relationships among the trio. Leung invokes his usual charisma to give a soft twist to the P.I. role, while Kelly Chan remains easygoing and also glams it up to the hilt.
The story does lose its way mid-second act, where there are too many plot reversals and too much running around.
By the finale, though, everything has locked back into place. Thankfully, emotions are kept nicely in check even through the feel-good ending, where the usual kind of heartfelt outbursts are kept to a bare minimum.
TOKYO RAIDERS
Golden Harvest
A Red on Red production
Producers: Stephen Chu, Patricia Cheng, David Chan
Director: Jingle Ma
Screenwriters: Susan Chang, Felix Chong
Directors of photography: Jingle Ma, Chan Chi-ying
Production designers: Kenneth Mak, Chung Man Yee
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Music: Peter Kam
Editor: Kwong Chi-leung
Action director: Sit Chun-wai
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lin: Tony Leung Chiu Wai
Macy: Kelly Chan
Yung: Ekin Cheng
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Although it's a Hong Kong production, most of the action is set in Tokyo. Hong Kong producers have recently been using Japanese stars, who are also popular at home, to raise investment from Japan, their major foreign market. "Raiders" goes further, taking the expensive step of using Japanese locations.
The move pays off. The foreign locations add exotica and jell nicely with the plot, even if the idea of a Chinese private eye working in Japan is far-fetched.
"Raiders" features three of Hong Kong's top stars in a story of gangland intrigue. Lin (Tony Leung Chiu Wai from Kar-wai Wong's "In the Mood for Love") plays a soft-boiled P.I. on the trail of errant mob lawyer Takahashi (Japan's Toru Nakamura). When Takahashi jilts Macy (Kelly Chan) at the altar and disappears, she joins the manhunt for him -- as does interior designer Yung (Ekin Cheng), who's due a wedge of cash from the missing lawyer. The trio soon crosses paths with tough yakuza who are after Takahashi because he possesses an incriminating computer disk.
Action scenes are relaxed and occasionally quirky. Action is expressed through camerawork and editing rather than physical prowess because neither male lead is a martial artist. The fighting implements and accessories are reminiscent of Hong Kong classics: umbrellas (used by Jackie Chan and Jet Li), pushbikes (featured in a classic Chan scene in "Project A"), motorized scooters and golf clubs. A groovy Latin soundtrack lends a bouncy tone to the fight scenes.
Ma, who made a successful foray into romance last year with the hit fantasy "Fly Me to Polaris", also takes time to build relationships among the trio. Leung invokes his usual charisma to give a soft twist to the P.I. role, while Kelly Chan remains easygoing and also glams it up to the hilt.
The story does lose its way mid-second act, where there are too many plot reversals and too much running around.
By the finale, though, everything has locked back into place. Thankfully, emotions are kept nicely in check even through the feel-good ending, where the usual kind of heartfelt outbursts are kept to a bare minimum.
TOKYO RAIDERS
Golden Harvest
A Red on Red production
Producers: Stephen Chu, Patricia Cheng, David Chan
Director: Jingle Ma
Screenwriters: Susan Chang, Felix Chong
Directors of photography: Jingle Ma, Chan Chi-ying
Production designers: Kenneth Mak, Chung Man Yee
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Music: Peter Kam
Editor: Kwong Chi-leung
Action director: Sit Chun-wai
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lin: Tony Leung Chiu Wai
Macy: Kelly Chan
Yung: Ekin Cheng
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Golden Harvest's "Tokyo Raiders" is one of the more fully formed actioners to come out of Hong Kong this year. Directed by onetime cinematographer Jingle Ma, "Raiders" benefits from a clutter-free plot and sophisticated cinematography from Ma himself. What's more, careful editing gives the movie a relaxed, comfortable feel. This allows room for the development of a degree of charm, something often absent from the territory's fast and frantic action fare.
Although it's a Hong Kong production, most of the action is set in Tokyo. Hong Kong producers have recently been using Japanese stars, who are also popular at home, to raise investment from Japan, their major foreign market. "Raiders" goes further, taking the expensive step of using Japanese locations.
The move pays off. The foreign locations add exotica and jell nicely with the plot, even if the idea of a Chinese private eye working in Japan is far-fetched.
"Raiders" features three of Hong Kong's top stars in a story of gangland intrigue. Lin (Tony Leung Chiu Wai from Kar-wai Wong's "In the Mood for Love") plays a soft-boiled P.I. on the trail of errant mob lawyer Takahashi (Japan's Toru Nakamura). When Takahashi jilts Macy (Kelly Chan) at the altar and disappears, she joins the manhunt for him -- as does interior designer Yung (Ekin Cheng), who's due a wedge of cash from the missing lawyer. The trio soon crosses paths with tough yakuza who are after Takahashi because he possesses an incriminating computer disk.
Action scenes are relaxed and occasionally quirky. Action is expressed through camerawork and editing rather than physical prowess because neither male lead is a martial artist. The fighting implements and accessories are reminiscent of Hong Kong classics: umbrellas (used by Jackie Chan and Jet Li), pushbikes (featured in a classic Chan scene in "Project A"), motorized scooters and golf clubs. A groovy Latin soundtrack lends a bouncy tone to the fight scenes.
Ma, who made a successful foray into romance last year with the hit fantasy "Fly Me to Polaris", also takes time to build relationships among the trio. Leung invokes his usual charisma to give a soft twist to the P.I. role, while Kelly Chan remains easygoing and also glams it up to the hilt.
The story does lose its way mid-second act, where there are too many plot reversals and too much running around.
By the finale, though, everything has locked back into place. Thankfully, emotions are kept nicely in check even through the feel-good ending, where the usual kind of heartfelt outbursts are kept to a bare minimum.
TOKYO RAIDERS
Golden Harvest
A Red on Red production
Producers: Stephen Chu, Patricia Cheng, David Chan
Director: Jingle Ma
Screenwriters: Susan Chang, Felix Chong
Directors of photography: Jingle Ma, Chan Chi-ying
Production designers: Kenneth Mak, Chung Man Yee
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Music: Peter Kam
Editor: Kwong Chi-leung
Action director: Sit Chun-wai
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lin: Tony Leung Chiu Wai
Macy: Kelly Chan
Yung: Ekin Cheng
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Although it's a Hong Kong production, most of the action is set in Tokyo. Hong Kong producers have recently been using Japanese stars, who are also popular at home, to raise investment from Japan, their major foreign market. "Raiders" goes further, taking the expensive step of using Japanese locations.
The move pays off. The foreign locations add exotica and jell nicely with the plot, even if the idea of a Chinese private eye working in Japan is far-fetched.
"Raiders" features three of Hong Kong's top stars in a story of gangland intrigue. Lin (Tony Leung Chiu Wai from Kar-wai Wong's "In the Mood for Love") plays a soft-boiled P.I. on the trail of errant mob lawyer Takahashi (Japan's Toru Nakamura). When Takahashi jilts Macy (Kelly Chan) at the altar and disappears, she joins the manhunt for him -- as does interior designer Yung (Ekin Cheng), who's due a wedge of cash from the missing lawyer. The trio soon crosses paths with tough yakuza who are after Takahashi because he possesses an incriminating computer disk.
Action scenes are relaxed and occasionally quirky. Action is expressed through camerawork and editing rather than physical prowess because neither male lead is a martial artist. The fighting implements and accessories are reminiscent of Hong Kong classics: umbrellas (used by Jackie Chan and Jet Li), pushbikes (featured in a classic Chan scene in "Project A"), motorized scooters and golf clubs. A groovy Latin soundtrack lends a bouncy tone to the fight scenes.
Ma, who made a successful foray into romance last year with the hit fantasy "Fly Me to Polaris", also takes time to build relationships among the trio. Leung invokes his usual charisma to give a soft twist to the P.I. role, while Kelly Chan remains easygoing and also glams it up to the hilt.
The story does lose its way mid-second act, where there are too many plot reversals and too much running around.
By the finale, though, everything has locked back into place. Thankfully, emotions are kept nicely in check even through the feel-good ending, where the usual kind of heartfelt outbursts are kept to a bare minimum.
TOKYO RAIDERS
Golden Harvest
A Red on Red production
Producers: Stephen Chu, Patricia Cheng, David Chan
Director: Jingle Ma
Screenwriters: Susan Chang, Felix Chong
Directors of photography: Jingle Ma, Chan Chi-ying
Production designers: Kenneth Mak, Chung Man Yee
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Music: Peter Kam
Editor: Kwong Chi-leung
Action director: Sit Chun-wai
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lin: Tony Leung Chiu Wai
Macy: Kelly Chan
Yung: Ekin Cheng
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
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