"Dreams and illusions collide like spark dazzling in the sky." Fs has been posting unique music videos for years in our acclaimed Short Film section - and here's another funky one to add to our growing selection sci-fi music videos. This funky, flashy sci-fi music video is for the song "The Day When We Fall In Love", a collaboration between the artists Sing Sing Rabbit and Kelly Chen. The Cantonese language song (with subtitles included!) has a music video created by the Hong Kong based filmmaker Andy Tang, who runs a company called UnderThePillow - with the artist known as "Sing Sing Rabbit". The film has been selected to show as part of the 2024 Cinequest Film Festival selection this year, playing as a short in front of the film Three Birthdays. Sing Sing Rabbit plays Emma, who lives on a planet that is about to be destroyed, walking along the dunes with her violin,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
A small round of layoffs will affect TikTok‘s music division. According to Billboard, seven members of the TikTok Music team received pink slips last week.
The affected employees include at least one exec whose tenure at the short-form video app dated back to the Musical.ly days. Kelly Chen most recently served as the Senior Product Strategy & Ops at TikTok Music.
Chen recently posted about TikTok’s “expanded agreement” with Warner Music Group. That pact added Wmg tracks to TikTok’s Commercial Music Library. Wmg has also teamed with the video app to launch a program that will “Elevate” up-and-coming musical stars. Another of the laid-off employees, Marisa Jeffries, also worked in the label relations department.
TikTok cited “efficiency” as the reason behind the cuts. The app is in the midst of a global rollout for an audio service called TikTok Music, which just arrived in three new countries...
The affected employees include at least one exec whose tenure at the short-form video app dated back to the Musical.ly days. Kelly Chen most recently served as the Senior Product Strategy & Ops at TikTok Music.
Chen recently posted about TikTok’s “expanded agreement” with Warner Music Group. That pact added Wmg tracks to TikTok’s Commercial Music Library. Wmg has also teamed with the video app to launch a program that will “Elevate” up-and-coming musical stars. Another of the laid-off employees, Marisa Jeffries, also worked in the label relations department.
TikTok cited “efficiency” as the reason behind the cuts. The app is in the midst of a global rollout for an audio service called TikTok Music, which just arrived in three new countries...
- 8/17/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
When Princess Feiyin (Kelly Chen) takes her place on her father's thrown, all hell breaks loose. Before he died, the king himself had wanted Donnie (that would be Muyong Xuehu) to take over but some of the king's followers were slightly miffed that he would want a bastard orphan to take his thrown. So they give it to a girl instead and hey, that's okay right? Well, no actually. Some of Yan's army don't like the idea of being controlled by a woman either (happens to us all in the end) and fear that Yan's control will be taken from them. Either that or they'll be listening to Kelly Clarkson songs and platting each other's hair before the day is out. Out of jealousy, the Commander-in-chief dispatches warriors to assassinate Feiyin. An Empress And The Warriors wastes no time out of the blocks. The opening act is chock full of glorious action,...
- 10/3/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
When Princess Feiyin (Kelly Chen) takes her place on her father's thrown, all hell breaks loose. Before he died, the king himself had wanted Donnie (that would be Muyong Xuehu) to take over but some of the king's followers were slightly miffed that he would want a bastard orphan to take his thrown. So they give it to a girl instead and hey, that's okay right? Well, no actually. Some of Yan's army don't like the idea of being controlled by a woman either (happens to us all in the end) and fear that Yan's control will be taken from them. Either that or they'll be listening to Kelly Clarkson songs and platting each other's hair before the day is out. Out of jealousy, the Commander-in-chief dispatches warriors to assassinate Feiyin. An Empress And The Warriors wastes no time out of the blocks. The opening act is chock full of glorious action,...
- 10/3/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
When Princess Feiyin (Kelly Chen) takes her place on her father's thrown, all hell breaks loose. Before he died, the king himself had wanted Donnie (that would be Muyong Xuehu) to take over but some of the king's followers were slightly miffed that he would want a bastard orphan to take his thrown. So they give it to a girl instead and hey, that's okay right? Well, no actually. Some of Yan's army don't like the idea of being controlled by a woman either (happens to us all in the end) and fear that Yan's control will be taken from them. Either that or they'll be listening to Kelly Clarkson songs and platting each other's hair before the day is out. Out of jealousy, the Commander-in-chief dispatches warriors to assassinate Feiyin. An Empress And The Warriors wastes no time out of the blocks. The opening act is chock full of glorious action,...
- 10/3/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
Hong Kong director and UFO (United Filmmakers Organization) founder Lee Chi Ngai returns with “Horseplay”, an old-fashioned crime comedy boasting an all-star cast and exotic European locations. Though an acclaimed director, best known for the much loved “Lost and Found”, Lee isn’t exactly prolific, and the film is his first feature length Chinese language offering since “Magic Kitchen” back in 2004, following his segment in last year’s horror omnibus “Tales from the Dark”. Hk favourites Kelly Chen, Ekin Cheng and Tony Leung Ka Fai headline, with support from the likes of Eric Tsang, Wong Cho Lam and Mandy Lieu in a light-hearted tale of cops, robbers and art theft. Chen stars as Mui, an entertainment journalist who’s overjoyed when she gets the chance to combine a trip to London to attend her friend’s wedding with an assignment to try and track down a notorious art thief called...
- 7/11/2014
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
Yesterday saw the unveiling of the "Ultimate" trailer for Cheang Pou Soi's fantasy event film The Monkey King with action actor/director Donnie Yen as the title character caught in the middle of an epic battle between the Jade Emperor from Heaven, played by Chow Yun-Fat and the Buffalo Demon King from Hell, played by Aaron Kwok. There is definitely no shortage of grand scale spectacle, featuring a Chinese dragon, heavenly palaces floating in the sky and super-powered martial arts action sequences.Also starring in this mystical CG extravaganza are Kelly Chen, Gigi Leung, Eilin Zhang, Joe Chen, Peter Ho, Xia Zi Tong and Carlson Cheng.Ever since the beginning of time, it was the deities who had maintained the order of the heaven and earth. However, owing...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 1/25/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Check out a new trailer for Pou-Soi Cheang’s bonkers looking “The Monkey King”, which stars Donnie Yen as the titular monkey man and Chow Yun Fat as his nemesis, the Jade Emperor of Heaven. The trailer is chock full of crazy CGI battles and flying around the clouds and nutso fighting. It reminds me of the good old days of Hong Kong action cinema, back when characters would fly around the screen shooting lasers out of their hands at each other. No, really. There were movies like that, and they weren’t sci-fi, either. Oh, and monkeys rule! Second trailer for the action/fantasy film The Monkey King (大鬧天宮) directed by Cheang Pou-soi and starring Donnie Yen. The film is based on selected chapters of Wu Cheng’en’s classical novel Journey to the West and will tell the story of how the Monkey King rebels against the Jade Emperor of Heaven.
- 1/3/2014
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
Even more foreign horrors are ready to crawl out of the shadows and into your hearts just in time for the Chinese Hungry Ghost celebration. Read on for the first details regarding this two-part terror anthology.
Screen Daily is reporting that Edko Films is ready to unveil a two-part horror feature Tales From The Dark, comprising six segments adapted from stories written by best-selling Hong Kong author Lilian Lee. The six segments will be directed by Fruit Chan, Lee Chi Ngai, Lawrence Lau, Teddy Robin, Gordon Chan and actor Simon Yam in his directorial debut. The project’s ensemble cast will include Yam, Kelly Chen, Maggie Shiu, Yuen Qiu, Josephine Koo, Tony Leung Kar-fai and Lam Suet.
The two parts of the film will be released on July 4 and August 1 to coincide with the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival.
More on these soon!
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Screen Daily is reporting that Edko Films is ready to unveil a two-part horror feature Tales From The Dark, comprising six segments adapted from stories written by best-selling Hong Kong author Lilian Lee. The six segments will be directed by Fruit Chan, Lee Chi Ngai, Lawrence Lau, Teddy Robin, Gordon Chan and actor Simon Yam in his directorial debut. The project’s ensemble cast will include Yam, Kelly Chen, Maggie Shiu, Yuen Qiu, Josephine Koo, Tony Leung Kar-fai and Lam Suet.
The two parts of the film will be released on July 4 and August 1 to coincide with the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival.
More on these soon!
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
- 3/19/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Wounded King Yan passes the crown over his cruelly reckless nephew to bestow it on General Muyong Xuehu (Donnie Yen), an orphan not of the royal bloodline. With claim to the throne now in dispute, his daughter Princess Yan Feier (Kelly Chen) reluctantly takes command and possession of the Swallow Sword in order to preserve unity in the Kingdom of the Great Yan Empire. Doubts about a female ruler persist however, and the army will only follow a great warrior...
- 10/18/2012
- Sky Movies
Fact: I wouldn’t give a damn about this movie if Donnie Yen weren’t all over it. The guy has charisma to spare, and while it’s good to see him doing something that doesn’t require him to pummel human beings for two straight hours, I’m still not too sure about this one. I understand that the “All’s Well, End’s Well” franchise is a staple of Chinese New Year cinema, but even I have my limits when it comes to schmaltzy goofiness. You’ll see what I mean in just a second. Assuming, of course, that you’re brave enough to stuff this trailer into the oh-so tender folds of your brain. Chan Hing-ka and Janet Chun’s “All’s Well, End’s Well” stars Louis Koo, Sandra Ng, Donnie Yen, Bak-Ming Wong, Kelly Chen, Chapman To, Lynn Hung, Mi Yang, and Ni Yang. The film opens on January 19th,...
- 1/12/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
If you have seen and liked the music video for Donnie Yen's new film All's Well Ends Well 2012 that we posted just before Christmas, you may also want to check out the film's new English-subbed trailer that has become available. The comedy is directed by Chan Hing-ka and Janet Chun (All's Well Ends Well 2011, La Comedie Humaine), and features an all star cast including Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Kelly Chen, Lynn Hung, Chapman To and Sandra Ng. All's Well Ends Well 2012 is due to be released in Hong Kong and China just before Chinese New Year. And for my fellow Australians, the film has been picked up by China Lion for distribution and will open in cinemas on Australia Day. ...
- 1/11/2012
- Screen Anarchy
I’m assuming that this Chinese New Year flick is the equivalent of, say, “Valentine’s Day” and “New Year’s Eve” here in the States. Why else would Donnie Yen and his equally impressive cast mates find themselves in something as ridiculously cheesy as “All’s Well, End’s Well 2012″? There’s a lot of color, music, and goofy tomfoolery taking place in the embedded trailer, which, from what I’ve been told, is what people should expect from the seventh installment of the “All’s Well, End’s Well” series. The damned thing looks beyond silly, and given my love of all things Donnie Yen, there’s a very severe possibility that I’ll give it a shot when and if this things ever arrives on an English-subtitled DVD. Until then, this teaser and these images will have to keep me company. “All’s Well, End’s Well 2012″, which stars Louis Koo,...
- 1/3/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
A brand new music video has been released for Donnie Yen's new film, All's Well Ends Well 2012 (also known as Eighth Happiness). Directed by Chan Hing-ka and Janet Chun, who were responsible for All's Well Ends Well 2011 as well as La Comedie Humaine (one of the best Hong Kong comedies of 2011), the film is due for release during Chinese New Year in 2012. All's Well Ends Well 2012 features an all star cast including Yen, Louis Koo, Kelly Chen, Lynn Hung, Chapman To and Sandra Ng. In the film, Donnie plays a rock star and for this role, he has been practising his singing and dancing. The song featured in the Mv, sung by Donnie himself, is a new version of...
- 12/24/2011
- Screen Anarchy
The U.S arm of China Lion Film Distribution have just announced release dates for two great Chinese New Year’s titles, and they’re right at the ends of the spectrum in genre terms; The Viral Factor, starring Jay Chou and Nicolas Tse, and Alls Well That Ends Well (2012), starring Donnie Yen and Louis Koo. The Viral Factor will open on January 20th, 2012, while Alls Well That Ends Well (2012) will release on January 27th, 2012, throughout North America. Comedy and action chaos - seems they have a fair few bases covered there! Trailers below. The Viral Factor stars international superstar Jay Chou as an ex-government agent whose involvement in a kidnap rescue mission leads to a meet-up with his corrupt and wanted brother (played by award-winning actor Nicholas Tse). The film is directed by Dante Lam, who previously helmed The Beast Stalker and co-directed the cult classic Beast Cops. The...
- 12/6/2011
- 24framespersecond.net
The U.S arm of China Lion Film Distribution have just announced release dates for two great Chinese New Year’s titles, and they’re right at the ends of the spectrum in genre terms; The Viral Factor, starring Jay Chou and Nicolas Tse, and Alls Well That Ends Well (2012), starring Donnie Yen and Louis Koo. The Viral Factor will open on January 20th, 2012, while Alls Well That Ends Well (2012) will release on January 27th, 2012, throughout North America. Comedy and action chaos - seems they have a fair few bases covered there! Trailers below. The Viral Factor stars international superstar Jay Chou as an ex-government agent whose involvement in a kidnap rescue mission leads to a meet-up with his corrupt and wanted brother (played by award-winning actor Nicholas Tse). The film is directed by Dante Lam, who previously helmed The Beast Stalker and co-directed the cult classic Beast Cops. The...
- 12/6/2011
- 24framespersecond.net
Sure, “Dog Bite Dog” director Soi Cheang’s “The Monkey King” might be a year and some change away from hitting theaters, but that hasn’t stopped the promotional machine from unleashing a teaser trailer to get you pumped and prepared for the splendor to come. Although there’s no actual footage from the production in the clip you’re about to watch, getting a look at all of the talent associated with this very interesting project is reason enough to keep this flick on your cinematic radar. Granted, this could always be a case of too many cooks in the proverbial kitchen, but I’m more than willing to give Donnie Yen and his impressive team the benefit of the doubt. You’ll see what I mean in a minute. “The Monkey King”, which stars Donnie Yen, Donnie Yen, Aaron Kwok, Chow Yun-fat, Peter Ho, Faye Wong, Cecilia Cheung,...
- 12/13/2010
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
Production on “Shamo” director Soi Cheang’s big-budget fantasy epic “The Monkey King” already started last month with an impressive cast that included Donnie Yen, Aaron Kwok, and Chow Yun-Fat. The film has now added three lovely lasses to the roster: Cecilia Cheung (left), Gigi Leung and Kelly Chen. “Monkey King”, as you might have guessed, is yet another iteration of the vastly popular Chinese tome “Journey to the West”. In the film, Yen is playing the Monkey King, while Kwok is Bull Demon King. Chow Yun-Fat, meanwhile, will co-star as the Jade Emperor of Heaven. Also joining the cast: Taiwan actors Peter Ho and Joe Chen, and mainland actor Liu Ye. “The Monkey King” is clocking in with an estimated $57 million dollar budget, which may seem “modest” by Hollywood standards, but is a whopper in Chinese movie industry terms. The film is scheduled for release in 2012 in 3D.
- 11/9/2010
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
DVD Playhouse—August 2009
By
Allen Gardner
Watchmen—Director’S Cut (Warner Bros.) Director Zack Snyder’s film of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel is as worthy an adaptation of a great book that has ever been filmed. In an alternative version of the year 1985, Richard Nixon is serving his third term as President and super heroes have been outlawed by a congressional act, in spite of the fact that two of the most high-profile “masks,” Dr. Manhattan (Billy Cruddup) and The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) helped the U.S. win the Vietnam War. When The Comedian is found murdered, many former heroes become concerned that a conspiracy is afoot to assassinate retired costumed crime fighters. Former masks Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) and still-operating Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley, in an Oscar-worthy turn) launch an investigation of their own, all while the Pentagon’s “Doomsday...
By
Allen Gardner
Watchmen—Director’S Cut (Warner Bros.) Director Zack Snyder’s film of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel is as worthy an adaptation of a great book that has ever been filmed. In an alternative version of the year 1985, Richard Nixon is serving his third term as President and super heroes have been outlawed by a congressional act, in spite of the fact that two of the most high-profile “masks,” Dr. Manhattan (Billy Cruddup) and The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) helped the U.S. win the Vietnam War. When The Comedian is found murdered, many former heroes become concerned that a conspiracy is afoot to assassinate retired costumed crime fighters. Former masks Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) and still-operating Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley, in an Oscar-worthy turn) launch an investigation of their own, all while the Pentagon’s “Doomsday...
- 8/10/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Rob Hunter loves movies. He also loves serving chicken fingers and domestic beers to all the fat patrons at Chotchkie's. These two joys come together in the form of cash money payments that he receives every week and immediately uses to buy more DVDs. So join us each week as he takes a look at new DVD releases and gives his highly unqualified opinion as to which titles are worth BUYing, which are better off as RENTals, and which should be AVOIDed at all costs. Click on any of the titles below to magically head over to Amazon.com and pick up the DVD. And don't forget to check out Neil Miller's hilariously titled This Week In Blu-ray column for reviews on the latest high definition Blu-ray releases! Nothing new worth buying this week! Coraline Pitch: Button eyes haven't been this creepy since Clive Barker's Nightbreed... Why Rent? I...
- 7/21/2009
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Director: Siu-Tung Ching. Review: Tim Irwin. Donnie Yen and Kelly Chen team up to bring us yet another martial arts/armor and swords epic from Hong Kong. Unfortunately, this is one of the weakest films of the recent war epics that have been flowing from all parts of Asia. Films like ‘Musa,’ ‘Seven Swords,’ and ‘The Warlords’ have all been done with aplomb, and even if they weren't instant classics they were all quite enjoyable. Here we have Kelly Chen (Infernal Affairs) and Donnie Yen (what movie hasn't he been in?) as the princess and a general of the kingdom. In the opening dramatic battle Kelly's father (the King) dies and passes on the kingdom to Donnie (even though he's an orphan who has basically lived with the King and grown into a fierce general). But when the time comes Donnie insists that the princess become the King (also known...
- 4/12/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Director: Ching Siu-Tung . Review: Adam Wing. So I guess it's that time of the month again, a time to kick back and revel in the wonder that is Donnie Yen. For better or worse, prepare to be entertained…The story begins when Donnie… no hang on, let’s try that again. The story begins at the end of the battle between two kingdoms, that would be Yan and Zhao then. Princess Feiyin (Kelly Chen) accepts the appointment as successor to her fathers thrown after he dies in battle. He had wanted Donnie, I mean Muyong Xuehu, to take over his duties but some of the king's followers are slightly miffed that he would want a bastard orphan to take his thrown. So they give it to a girl instead and hey, that's okay right? Well, no. The problem is that some quarters of Yan's army are none too pleased about...
- 3/21/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Action superstar Donnie Yen dons his armour once again, to follow the lead of Cantonese Pop icon Kelly Chen in Tony Ching Siu Tung's Big budget epic An Empress and the Warriors. Tung who previously handled the action for Zhang Yimou's "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers" manages to create a lavish old school action (with a touch of romance) pic, that is a true feast for the eyes. Yan Feier (Kelly Chen) is thrust into the role of empress when her father the King is viciously murdered by his own nephew, Wu Ba (Guo Xiao Dong). His treachery unknown to Feier, Wu Ba plots to gain control of the kingdom for himself. Meanwhile, Feier turns to legendary warrior Brother Hu (Donnie Yen) to instruct her in the ways of warfare. But Wu sends assassins after Feier, and she's poisoned by an assassin's dart before being lost in the woods.
- 3/9/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Veteran Hong Kong director Tony Siu-Tung Ching (director of classic "A Chinese Ghost Story" and the "Swordsman" trilogy and the action choreographer for "Curse Of The Golden Flower", "Hero" and "House Of Flying Daggers") makes a dazzling return to vintage form with the epic, An Empress And The Warriors, starring Donnie Yen (Flashpoint; Dragon Tiger Gate; Seven Swords; Hero), Kelly Chen (the Infernal Affairs trilogy; Tokyo Raiders) and Leon Lai (Seven Swords; Infernal Affairs 3).
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tags: world cinema...
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tags: world cinema...
- 3/1/2009
- by Leigh
- Latemag.com/film
If you look at the last 5 movies in Donnie Yen’s filmography, I feel that his better works had resulted from his collaboration with director Wilson Yip. In Painted Skin and An Empress and The Warriors, he was relegated to supporting roles, with the former being ineffectively cast against type, and the latter playing second fiddle to the leads Kelly Chen and Leon Lai. With Yip, he’s the able star of the show, and in each of the movies, was put to do what he does best – numbing arse kicking action, with Spl sparring with Sammo Hung and Wu Jing, Dragon Tiger Gate having to lead Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue battling bad hair days, and introducing some wildly kinetic Mixed Martial Arts action in Flash Point. So how does his latest collaboration with Wilson Yip fare?...
- 12/17/2008
- by Stefan
- Screen Anarchy
Hong Kong Filmart
HONG KONG -- Mars and Venus fight for ascendancy as a warrior-princess must choose between personal romantic fulfillment and patriotic duty in An Empress and the Warriors. Thematically, the film sustains this dichotomy with atmospheric alternations between a saccharine fairy tale love plot and strapping martial arts duels and battle scenes.
As the first feature since 2000 to be helmed by renowned martial arts director Tony Ching Siu Tung (who choreographed The Curse of the Golden Flower and House of Flying Daggers), this could be the most anticipated Chinese period action blockbuster since The Warlords aside from Red Cliff. Although it doesn't thrill like Ching's seminal A Chinese Ghost Story or Swordsman II of the golden 1990s, it doesn't disappoint as a swashbuckling romance that puts its big-name cast to good hard work. The film already has sold to many Asian territories.
Set when China was still 10 warring states, the story has greatness thrust upon Princess Fei'er (Kelly Chen) when her father dies. She forces herself to develop martial prowess and lead her kingdom, Yan, first to repel invaders, then to squelch the mutiny of cousin Wu Ba (Guo Xiao-dong), who covets the throne. She is trained by Gen. Muyong Xuehu (Donnie Yen), who is both a Big Brother figure and secret admirer.
While fleeing an ambush set by Wu, Fei'er is rescued and nursed to health by forest dweller Duan Lanquan (Leon Lai). She falls for her hippie healer and becomes skeptical of her kingdom's warlike culture and her own royal destiny. Notwithstanding a flirtation with bandages and a hot air balloon ride over spectacular landscapes, the romance is like the multigrain porridge and organic yams that Lanquan prepares -- wholesome but bland.
Chen, better known as a singer and pretty face in escapist romances, takes up the gauntlet to play an Amazonian heroine. She achieves a breakthrough in image, but screen partners Yen and Lai remain typecast.
The exquisitely wrought armor forms an integral part of overall art direction in creating a sense of Arthurian majesty. The outfits' ungainly weight also means high-wire pyrotechnics are ruled out in favor of earth-bound, puissant clashing of swords. Nothing happens at breakneck speed, but there are no lulls in the succession of fight scenes.
As the spotlight is on the three leads, the best martial arts choreography is reserved for one-on-one battles set against ravishing natural backdrops, such as a floating log on the river or Lanquan's fight with some ninja-like assassins in his tree house in the film's most elaborately designed set piece.
Although the film sports fashionable anti-war jargon, it does not skimp on the body count. Battle scenes and two chases through the woods are graphic but skillfully lensed by Zhang Yimou regular Zhao Xiaoding.
AN EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS
Polybona Film Distribution and Big Pictures present an United Filmmakers Organization production sales agent: Golden Network Asia, Mei Ah Entertainment (Asia)
Credits:
Director: Tony Ching Siu Tung
Screenwriter: James Yuen
Producers: Yu Dong, Claudie Chung
Executive producers: Yu Dong, Eric Tsang, Li Kuo-hsing
Director of photography: Zhao Xiaoding
Production designer: Yee Chung Man
Music: Mark Lui
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Editor: Tracy Adams
Cast:
Yan Fei'er: Kelly Chen
Muyong Xuehu: Donnie Yen
Duan Lanquan: Leon Lai
Wu Ba: Guo Xiaodong
Running time -- 95 minutes
No MPAA rating...
HONG KONG -- Mars and Venus fight for ascendancy as a warrior-princess must choose between personal romantic fulfillment and patriotic duty in An Empress and the Warriors. Thematically, the film sustains this dichotomy with atmospheric alternations between a saccharine fairy tale love plot and strapping martial arts duels and battle scenes.
As the first feature since 2000 to be helmed by renowned martial arts director Tony Ching Siu Tung (who choreographed The Curse of the Golden Flower and House of Flying Daggers), this could be the most anticipated Chinese period action blockbuster since The Warlords aside from Red Cliff. Although it doesn't thrill like Ching's seminal A Chinese Ghost Story or Swordsman II of the golden 1990s, it doesn't disappoint as a swashbuckling romance that puts its big-name cast to good hard work. The film already has sold to many Asian territories.
Set when China was still 10 warring states, the story has greatness thrust upon Princess Fei'er (Kelly Chen) when her father dies. She forces herself to develop martial prowess and lead her kingdom, Yan, first to repel invaders, then to squelch the mutiny of cousin Wu Ba (Guo Xiao-dong), who covets the throne. She is trained by Gen. Muyong Xuehu (Donnie Yen), who is both a Big Brother figure and secret admirer.
While fleeing an ambush set by Wu, Fei'er is rescued and nursed to health by forest dweller Duan Lanquan (Leon Lai). She falls for her hippie healer and becomes skeptical of her kingdom's warlike culture and her own royal destiny. Notwithstanding a flirtation with bandages and a hot air balloon ride over spectacular landscapes, the romance is like the multigrain porridge and organic yams that Lanquan prepares -- wholesome but bland.
Chen, better known as a singer and pretty face in escapist romances, takes up the gauntlet to play an Amazonian heroine. She achieves a breakthrough in image, but screen partners Yen and Lai remain typecast.
The exquisitely wrought armor forms an integral part of overall art direction in creating a sense of Arthurian majesty. The outfits' ungainly weight also means high-wire pyrotechnics are ruled out in favor of earth-bound, puissant clashing of swords. Nothing happens at breakneck speed, but there are no lulls in the succession of fight scenes.
As the spotlight is on the three leads, the best martial arts choreography is reserved for one-on-one battles set against ravishing natural backdrops, such as a floating log on the river or Lanquan's fight with some ninja-like assassins in his tree house in the film's most elaborately designed set piece.
Although the film sports fashionable anti-war jargon, it does not skimp on the body count. Battle scenes and two chases through the woods are graphic but skillfully lensed by Zhang Yimou regular Zhao Xiaoding.
AN EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS
Polybona Film Distribution and Big Pictures present an United Filmmakers Organization production sales agent: Golden Network Asia, Mei Ah Entertainment (Asia)
Credits:
Director: Tony Ching Siu Tung
Screenwriter: James Yuen
Producers: Yu Dong, Claudie Chung
Executive producers: Yu Dong, Eric Tsang, Li Kuo-hsing
Director of photography: Zhao Xiaoding
Production designer: Yee Chung Man
Music: Mark Lui
Costume designer: Dora Ng
Editor: Tracy Adams
Cast:
Yan Fei'er: Kelly Chen
Muyong Xuehu: Donnie Yen
Duan Lanquan: Leon Lai
Wu Ba: Guo Xiaodong
Running time -- 95 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/21/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
HONG KONG -- Riding on the success of hit trilogy Infernal Affairs, Hong Kong film producer-distributor Media Asia Films has greenlighted five projects for this year and expects to roll out another three before the close of the year, with at least one originating out of mainland China, the company said Monday. The first film to start production will be Johnnie To's $2.6 million police action drama Breaking News. Starring Richie Jen (Silver Hawk) and Kelly Chen (Infernal Affairs), it will start production this month as a co-production with China Film Co-Production, in time for a summer release. The prolific To also Will Helm an as-yet untitled $5.1 million romantic comedy headlining Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng, the stars of 2001 boxoffice champion Needing You.
HONG KONG -- What made Hong Kong crime dramas so exciting in the '80s were their urban romanticism and hard-boiled melodrama. The existential Triad gangster elevated to tragic-hero and chivalrous avenger was a common story line that wowed audiences and critics around the world. In "Infernal Affairs", some of that turf has been re-staked by rising writer-director Alan Mak, co-directing with director Andrew Lau ("Storm Riders", "Young and Dangerous").
This gritty police thriller is a gargantuan hit in Hong Kong, having broken numerous boxoffice records during the competitive Christmas season. Although the territory's cinema may not be what it once was, this taut and entertaining picture should have enough macho magnetism to generate international interest.
Leading a high-powered cast is Tony Leung (Cannes best actor for "In the Mood for Love"). He plays Yan, a veteran cop who has spent a decade undercover, infiltrating crime syndicates. Meanwhile, a Triad member lives a parallel but counter life on the opposite side of the law. Perennial Hong Kong fave Andy Lau is Ming, a young Triad planted into the police force in his teens by crime boss Sam (Eric Tsang). The mole has now been promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Both men have grown weary with their personal hells -- living secretive and lonely existences in the gray area between good and bad. (The film's Chinese title, "Mo-Gaan-Do," refers to the lowest level of hell in Buddhism.) Yan is tired of pretending to be an amoral gangster and wants his normal life back. Meanwhile, Ming yearns to become a cop for real and shed his forced role as a Triad spy.
The pathos between the two men come to a head during a failed drug bust when the cops and criminals realize a mole exists within their respective camps. At that point, it becomes a cat-and-mouse game for each man to track down his undercover counterpart before his own identity is exposed.
Driven by two great performances surrounded by solid supporting acts, "Infernal Affairs" is the rare testosterone movie that is also mature and thoughtful. Imagine Michael Mann's "Heat" set in Hong Kong. It doesn't have John Woo-style fireworks, but with character drama this tense and suspenseful, such bullet ballets are not missed.
Brilliantly shot by co-director Lau and cinematographer Lai Yiu Fai -- not to mention the "visual consultancy" of Chris Doyle, which essentially means he dropped by the set periodically to help calibrate the lighting and color between his other projects -- the sheen of the skyline contrasts spectacularly against the scum of its mildewy concrete. Few cities can match Hong Kong for its extreme paradox of urban decay and powerful material lure, and "Infernal Affairs" takes full advantage of the city's look to mirror the corroding ethics of its leads. The only drawbacks are its unfocused female characters played by Chinese pop princesses Sammi Cheng, Kelly Chen and Elva Hsiao, all of whom are here serving as brief feminine respite from the musky showdown.
Otherwise, this is a gripping, well-paced genre piece with an ending that isn't corrupted by a need to please audiences. Without a doubt, "Internal Affairs" is the best commercial movie from Hong Kong in a long while.
INFERNAL AFFAIRS
Media Asia Films
Basic Pictures
Credits:
Directors: Alan Mak Andrew Lau
Writers: Alan Mak, Felix Chong
Producer: Andrew Lau
Executive producer: Nansun Shi, John Chong
Directors of photography: Andrew Lau, Lai Yiu Fai
Visual consultant: Christopher Doyle
Production designers: Choo Sung Pong, Sung Pong, Wong Ching Ching
Costume designer: Lee Pik Kwan
Music: Chan Kwong Wing
Editors: Danny Pang, Pang Ching Hei
Stunt Co-ordinator: Dion Lam
Cast:
Ming: Andy Lau
Yan: Tony Leung
Wong: Anthony Wong
Sam: Eric Tsang
Young Ming: Edison Chen
Young Yan: Shawn Yue
B: Lam Ka Tung
Keung: Chapman To
Mary: Sammi Cheng
Dr. Lee: Kelly Chen
May: Elva Hsiao
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
This gritty police thriller is a gargantuan hit in Hong Kong, having broken numerous boxoffice records during the competitive Christmas season. Although the territory's cinema may not be what it once was, this taut and entertaining picture should have enough macho magnetism to generate international interest.
Leading a high-powered cast is Tony Leung (Cannes best actor for "In the Mood for Love"). He plays Yan, a veteran cop who has spent a decade undercover, infiltrating crime syndicates. Meanwhile, a Triad member lives a parallel but counter life on the opposite side of the law. Perennial Hong Kong fave Andy Lau is Ming, a young Triad planted into the police force in his teens by crime boss Sam (Eric Tsang). The mole has now been promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Both men have grown weary with their personal hells -- living secretive and lonely existences in the gray area between good and bad. (The film's Chinese title, "Mo-Gaan-Do," refers to the lowest level of hell in Buddhism.) Yan is tired of pretending to be an amoral gangster and wants his normal life back. Meanwhile, Ming yearns to become a cop for real and shed his forced role as a Triad spy.
The pathos between the two men come to a head during a failed drug bust when the cops and criminals realize a mole exists within their respective camps. At that point, it becomes a cat-and-mouse game for each man to track down his undercover counterpart before his own identity is exposed.
Driven by two great performances surrounded by solid supporting acts, "Infernal Affairs" is the rare testosterone movie that is also mature and thoughtful. Imagine Michael Mann's "Heat" set in Hong Kong. It doesn't have John Woo-style fireworks, but with character drama this tense and suspenseful, such bullet ballets are not missed.
Brilliantly shot by co-director Lau and cinematographer Lai Yiu Fai -- not to mention the "visual consultancy" of Chris Doyle, which essentially means he dropped by the set periodically to help calibrate the lighting and color between his other projects -- the sheen of the skyline contrasts spectacularly against the scum of its mildewy concrete. Few cities can match Hong Kong for its extreme paradox of urban decay and powerful material lure, and "Infernal Affairs" takes full advantage of the city's look to mirror the corroding ethics of its leads. The only drawbacks are its unfocused female characters played by Chinese pop princesses Sammi Cheng, Kelly Chen and Elva Hsiao, all of whom are here serving as brief feminine respite from the musky showdown.
Otherwise, this is a gripping, well-paced genre piece with an ending that isn't corrupted by a need to please audiences. Without a doubt, "Internal Affairs" is the best commercial movie from Hong Kong in a long while.
INFERNAL AFFAIRS
Media Asia Films
Basic Pictures
Credits:
Directors: Alan Mak Andrew Lau
Writers: Alan Mak, Felix Chong
Producer: Andrew Lau
Executive producer: Nansun Shi, John Chong
Directors of photography: Andrew Lau, Lai Yiu Fai
Visual consultant: Christopher Doyle
Production designers: Choo Sung Pong, Sung Pong, Wong Ching Ching
Costume designer: Lee Pik Kwan
Music: Chan Kwong Wing
Editors: Danny Pang, Pang Ching Hei
Stunt Co-ordinator: Dion Lam
Cast:
Ming: Andy Lau
Yan: Tony Leung
Wong: Anthony Wong
Sam: Eric Tsang
Young Ming: Edison Chen
Young Yan: Shawn Yue
B: Lam Ka Tung
Keung: Chapman To
Mary: Sammi Cheng
Dr. Lee: Kelly Chen
May: Elva Hsiao
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
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