The Mist (product link) Science Fiction / Horror Now I If you haven't seen this movie then you must.
For me it has to be the best horror/sci-fi/thriller movie I've seen since John Carpenter's "The Thing". (I also enjoyed "Cloverfield", and there are some similarities between the two movies: "The Mist" was made and released before "Cloverfield" in the U.S.)
Both films owe a lot to other films but most obviously the source for a lot of this is H.P. Lovecraft's book, "The colour Out Of Space".
As for "The Mist", it surpassed "Cloverfield" in suspense and just overall dread of an unknown disaster (but loved both films).
This film has the bravest ending I've ever known a director to go for--it impacts upon you like no other film you have ever seen. This is a must-see and -own for film lovers
P.S. A hell of a lot of 9/11 and the war on terror and Iraq referenced through both films.
What can I say other than these are definitley some of the greatest films Sammo Hung has ever made, showcasing the best of his abilities.
This box set contains:
Spooky Encounters
The groundbreaking Hong Kong Martial arts horror comedy that paved the way for other greats like "Mr. Vampire" and "A Chinese Ghost Story".
This I have to say is one of my all-time favorite Sammo films, and it looks even more spectacular now that it's been remastered for this DVD.
The Magnificent Butcher:
I have to admit I'd not seen this film before and it had a lot to live up to after "Spooky"; and let me tell you, this one definitely won't disappoint.
I was totally and utterly gob smacked by this film because it lives up to the high standard expected from an 80's Sammo movie. Oh, by the way, Yuen Biao is in top form in this one.
Knockabout:
This is also another movie I'd not seen before and I have to say that this Yuen Biao and Leung Kar Yan vehicle (Sammo is a co-star in this one) is a jaw-dropper. This film shows Yuen Biao at his best (Sammo as director must have brought this out).
If these movies don't prove how talented Sammo is as a director and actor then nothing will. Each film deserves to have 5 stars, so I officailly rate this box set 15 stars. This box set is a must-have for all fu fans; and if you're not familar with Sammo or only know him for "Martial Law", then this is a must--so that you can be re-educated and introduced to the real Sammo Hung. Enjoy.
P.S. I hope we see "Spooky Encounters 2" on DVD sometime soon.
Operation Scorpio (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is another one of these films I saw in the early 90's that I was amazed by.
What can I say about this film that others haven't?
It's has muscle men fighting martial arts and a guy learning kung fu by cooking and another guy who fights using a scorpion style (yes, I know it sounds crazy but this is fu, and if there's one thing HK cinema can do, it's make something that sounds crazy amazing).
This film is all about the villain of the piece (the scorpion of the title ). He has the most amazing kicking style I've ever seen on film.
You can only describe him as half man, half amazing.
If you love hot chicks and horror then this one's for you.
It's a diabolical horror story, but the interplay between the charaters is quite funny and sexy naked women don't hurt either. However it's the fact that this film is only 60 minutes that really makes this work.
It's not a ground breaking movie, but I've seen far worse films.
It's worth a watch if you like this kind of thing.
I've got to say that there is one particular female player who will ensure that you watch this film to the end; because she's not just hot, she's also extremely big-breasted (I need to go to Japan to find this chick).
It has everything that should make it work: a great story, brilliant drama, outstanding action, exceptional cinematography, and directing--and it works.
Did I forget to mention it stars Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung as the villain (yes, the villain)? And yes, they have an unbeliveable final fight scene which you won't forget.
It also has the best knife fight sequence I've ever seen.
This film blew me away in a way that I haven't been blown in a long time (the last film to blow me away like this was "The Killer").
Donnie's once again in top from in this one. If you liked "Flash Point" you'll love this movie; and if you don't add it to your collection, you're not a true fu fan.
This one lives up to the hype and surpasses it.
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For all the reasons you've given, this is a great film.
I think the international title better fits this movie than the original, because everyone in this film seems to be "Above The Law".
As a martial movie it has everything to make this a true classic: some great fight scenes, Yuen Biao, big stunts, quality actors, Yuen Biao, likeable characters, an extremely villainous villain that you want to see get his comeupance--and did I say Yuen Biao?
With all of that, I really wanted to like this movie because I'm a fan of Yuen Biao (if you hadn't realized).
I hear you ask, what let this film down? I would have to say its lenience towards the international maket. Don't get me wrong, I love the way that everyone in this film is expendable (I mean everyone), and the dark ending (I've seen both) must been seen to be believed.
Not even the blatant stunt doubling done by Mr. Biao (at times he's doubling for Cynithia Rothrock) or his stunt team isn't that off-putting.
I personally feel that the drive for international appeal has made this film feel a bit lackluster.
We all know that Yuen Biao was the acrobatic leg master of the three brothers. This film is no "Prodigal Son" or "Knockabout", which displayed his outstanding martial abilities in top form.
Even Yuen Biao himself states that he feels this film didn't showcase his ablities.
Don't get me wrong, this is an entertaining watch, but this is far from the best of Mr. Biao's work.
Seeding Of A Ghost (product link) Erotica / Horror As far as Shaw Brothers horror goes, this is the best I've seen so far. This film is a cult revenge film that has everything from rape to necrophilia.
The visual effects aren't bad but a bit dated. This film has been influenced by the likes of "The Thing", "Alien", "Deadly Spawn", "Basket Case", "It's Alive", and even "Rosemary's Baby".
This is a martial murder mystery?! I would say it's a fu "Usual Suspects". Believe me, there's a major twist in this tale, please note that this film was made in 1979.
Now I originally saw this movie in about 1986-87 and was completely mesmerised by the story and the action being displayed. This film shows all the marks of what would appear later in Tsui Hark's films, which is romaticized swordsplay and fantastic never-before-seen fight sequences and camera angles.
At the time of watching this movie, I was unaware of Tsui Hark but became a fan of his over the years.
This film brought back my interest in martial movies.
This film has a fantastic story--to prove this point, no actual fight sequences take place until 55 minutes into the film. Please don't let this put you off, because they're not missed. However when the fight squences finally kick off, you will be gripped even more.
This is a film that can be appreciated by all film loves and is a must-have in all serious fu collectors' stashes.
How could I forget this movie's soundtrack? The opening and closing music must be the funkiest soundtrack ever put on a fu moive. Check it out, you'll love it.
This film is a benchmark movie. It's an unbelievable demonstration of how to make a classic fu film.
It has everything: action, comedy, and gripping drama--every element is exceptional.
I can't comment on the fight scenes because it gets better and better, but it has to be said that the fight in the gambling house has to one of the best; and the pole fight's got to be seen to be believed. That's just rhe tip of the iceberg.
The villain is a classic, you'll be longing for the revenge to happen. The henchmen are all top quality, especially the head one, nothing will disappoint.
It's films like this that show why Sammo--the chubby guy who can fight like Jackie but was more acrobatic--became such a big star.
If you've never seen a Sammo movie (what have you been doing, living on a remote desert island?), this one will make you want to buy up the rest of his back catalog (you won't be disappointed).
If you love Jackie, you'll be hooked by Sammo, beacuse his films deliver on every level.
I'd not seen this film in awhile--maybe about 15 years--and I've got to say that I'd forgotten how exceptional this film was on all levels. I was blown away and watched it like it was the first time.
I'm a big Jackie Chan fan, but to be honest, his films can sometimes just be a collage of spectacular action sequences, and Sammo's films also deliver on the story as well.
If you say you're a fu fan and you don't have this in you collection, then I doubt you're the fan you claim to be.
(Check out all the cameos, see how many you can find.)
This film is a bit like an action version of "Infernal Affairs" (what it lacks in as dramatic set pieces it makes up for in all out action).
It approaches all of its fight scenes with an innovative and realistic style.
Donnie's Fight scenes must be seen to be believed--you will be rewinding these scenes several times because you will be mesmerised by what you have seen.
This film will remind you why Donnie is a martial arts superstar if you've forgotten.
What Donnie has done in this movie is make you feel like the first time you saw a Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Jet Lee and Tony Jaa film.
I've been a big Donnie Yen fan since "In The Line Of Duty 4", but he did under-perform until "Iron Monkey".
One thing about Donnie is his martial skills are so good that no matter how he under-performs he will still leave a massive impression on you (e.g. "Holy Virgin Vs. Evil Dead).
A must-see for fu fans. If you're not familiar with Donnie Yen, then after this film you will be a fan and will want to check out his back catalogue.
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The action version of "Infernal Affairs" I'll def go with you on that.
Drunken Master 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is another example of Jackie Chan in top form--he really tries to excel for this follow-up to his classic "Drunken Master" (the film that made Jackie the star he is today).
The only thing that let this film down was the fact that in Jackie’s attempt to up the level of action in this film some wire work is used. (This is a bit disappointing when you are use too Jackie’s all out superman abilities).
Don't let this put you off because this is a must for all Jackie and fu lovers.
The Thundering Mantis (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This movie is another one of these fu films I saw in the early 90's that just blow me away.
The basic plot of this film isn't anything original (revenge), however how they get to the final fight scene and the actual final fight scene is unlike any fu film you would have seen before (I guarentee that).
This film took the final fight scene somewhere you would never imagine, it has to be seen to be believed (if you've never seen this film the final frames will leave you mesmerised and shocked).
If you're a true fu lover, then you must own a copy of this film.
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I can't really make an argument for giving this *****, but it's one of the most entertaining HK action films of its era, and I love it as much as you do. Okay, here goes: It's so entertaining that it earns *****, so there.
This is just one of those Tsui Hark movies that has taken me along time to get round too watching why I have no Idea (actually I think it’s because I’m a big fan of both Tsui Hark and Shaw Brothers Movies and I was worried about my expectations)?
Like all Tsui Hark movies this one doesn’t disappoint. It has a good pace and plausible Kung-Fu story (revenge) it's beautifully shoot and there are some innovative camera angles used during some fights – this is a film from the man who revolutionised HK Cinema in the 80’s and brought us ZU WARRIORS FROM MAGIC MOUNTAIN (the 1st film of his I ever saw in the mid 80’s), A CHINESE GHOST STORY AND IRON MONKEY.
After all that has been said and done this film still doesn't quite deliver what the above films did (one reason being the characters don’t seem to be used to their fullest potential) – This doesn’t make this a bad film far from it just has the problem of being compared to Mr Harks back catalogue.
It’s a mightily enjoyable film that has a villain with one of the most diabolical Impressive weapons I've ever seen in Fu cinema which can only be matched by the one armed swordsman’s (you could only see this in Hark movie).
The final fight will have you glued to your screen because Mr Hark shows us what he is made of and why you have chosen to watch one of his films.
Forbidden Love [Korean TV Series - 6 Disc Set] (product link) TV Shows/Movies / Drama
Another website described this as being like "Blade" with a love story.
Now, you can see the comparisons--the black leather and the weapons and some martial moves and the vampire-like characters; but other than that the similarities disappear.
I enjoyed the show but the only problems I had were:
The storylines were dragged out in an American-style soap opera way (for those who are unfamiliar with this thing of how "Dragonball Z" episodes can be dragged out, that’s what they do with the love story).
There weren't enough Blade/action type elements.
There are some good twists and turns, however the main villain is wasted.
Like all southeast Asian romance styled features, there is a Greek tragady element.
I loved the music and the stylization of the show--and it's filled with a lot of beautiful people.
And after saying all that, I still found it compelling to watch--the twists and the turns within the last few episodes will have you gripped
A must watch for those who like soap operas with more action than regular and those who are interested in seeing an authentic Korean TV show. Enjoy.
Ultraman [2004] (product link) Science Fiction / Action/Adventure Now Ultraman as a character I'm familiar with, but I've only seen episodes in the USA with the bad dubbing (the series was never shown in the UK).
So like the Godzilla movies I was keen to see what 2000 Ultraman would be like.
It was enjoyable but predictable (I'm more of a Guyver fan myself), I think die-hard fans will love it. Enjoy.
The Killer [1989] (product link) Bullet Ballet / Drama Of all John Woo's movies, this was the first I saw in 1992. It blew me away--I loved the music, the style, the acting, the action, the love story (and I'm not normally into that kind of stuff). No other film of his comes close. (Now I know a lot of people like "Hard Boiled", but it's just excessive to me. "The Killer" has just has the right amount of everything.)
Now I've got to admit I've got two VHS versions and two DVD versions. Some may say I'm a bit biased when it comes to this movie, but it's a must-see. Once watched you'll be addicted and you’ll want to see all of Mr. Woo's HK movies (way better than any of his western movies).
Oh, by the way, if you were going to say what about "Face/Off", visual and style-wise it's a poor man's "The Killer", and even the story is a bit of a rip-off. Enjoy.
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I loved this one also, it was the first John Woo movie I saw and definitely his best!
Invincible Pole Fighter (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is one of my all-time favorite classic Shaw Brothers fu movies. It was jaw-dropping the first time I saw this film, and it's even better now. A must-have for Shaw and fu fans.
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I agree. This movie is amazing the first time you see it and gets better with each viewing.
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