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Accident (Louis Koo, Richie Ren) Hong Kong Movie Review

5 hours ago | AsianMoviePulse | See recent AsianMoviePulse news »

Accident is the latest film from director Pou-Soi Cheang (Shamo, Dog Bit Dog, and Love Battlefield) and producer Johnnie To (Mad Detective, Election, Ptu) via To’s Milkyway Images production. It tells the story of a crack team of assassins led by Brains (Louis Koo) who instead of forcefully killing their foe, instead come up with elaborate plans to make the murders look like every day accidents. Each ‘accident’ is painstakingly put together with every minor detail taking care of. It’s this attention to detail which quickly grabs the viewers’ attention from the very opening scene. »

- Tiger33

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Johnnie To produced Accident hits DVD & Blu-ray Disc in November

3 November 2009 3:17 AM, PST | Affenheimtheater | See recent Affenheimtheater news »

When it comes to quick and export-friendly home video release of recent domestic blockbusters, nobody beats our friends from Hong Kong. See the Johnnie To produced and Pou-Soi Cheang directed thriller Accident (Yi ngoi). The film had it’s theatrical release in Hong Kong on September 17th and not even two months later (November 11th) it will be available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc including English subtitles. Most of Mega Star’s Blu-ray Disc releases have been reported as region free, so there’s really no reason not to preorder this while we wait for an English subtitled release of Johnnie To’s Vengeance…

Preorder Accident on DVD or Blu-ray Disc from YesAsia »

- Ulrik

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Soi Cheang’s Accident on English subbed DVD

3 November 2009 1:07 AM, PST | 24framespersecond.net | See recent 24FramesPerSecond news »

Hong Kong director Soi Cheang’s (better known for his ultra violent cult films ‘Dog Bite Dog’ and ‘Shamo’) latest work, the psychologically thriller Accident, is up to order on English subtitled DVD. Produced by Johnnie To - and hailed as one of the best dramas to come out of Hk this year- Accident stars Louis Koo, and Richie Ren, in a Cat and Mouse battle for survival. Synopsis: A self-styled “accident choreographer,” the Brain is a professional hitman who kills his victims by trapping them in well crafted “accidents” that look like unfortunate mishaps but are in fact perfectly staged acts of crime. Perennially plagued with guilt, he is also suspicious and morbid by nature. The recent avalanche of memories of his lost wife does not make things any easier. After one mission accidentally goes wrong, causing the life of one of his men, the Brain is convinced that »

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Johnnie To’s Vengance: French DVD & Blu-ray Disc in December

27 October 2009 12:17 PM, PDT | Affenheimtheater | See recent Affenheimtheater news »

Sometimes, but just sometimes it must be great to live in a film-loving nation like France, because our friendly south-western neighbors were not only the first that could see Johnnie To’s Vengeance on the big screen back in May, but will also be the first to get a DVD and Blu-ray Disc release. On December 11th, TF1 Video will release the film in three flavors, a standard one disc edition, a two disc collector’s edition and of a Blu-ray Disc edition in a nice looking steelbook.

Sadly none of these releases will included English subtitles and TF1 Video also has the bad habit to enforce the French subtitles when the original (mostly english in Vengeance) language track is selected. But since Vengeance opened in Hong Kong on August 20th, I bet English friendly Hk DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases will pop up by the end of the year as well. »

- Ulrik

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Mvff '09: Sparrow

15 October 2009 10:54 AM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

Sparrow is a weird little movie. It's an obvious pet project by director Johnnie To that moves in its own breezy rhythm, no doubt an aftereffect of its lax shooting style. Over a period of three years, To and his tight crew—which includes usual faces like Simon Yam and Lam Ka Tung—would shoot scenes for Sparrow in-between their big projects. It's obvious that it's not one of To's best, but it's a very loose and fun film nonetheless.

You can tell it's a To film by its quartet of male anti-heroes. Simon Yam plays Kei, the leader of a quartet of "sparrows" (Hong Kong slang for pickpockets). A beautiful woman (the luminous Kelly Lin) from mainland China enters all their lives separately, and soon they are tangled in a dangerous game against the woman's husband, an old and powerful gang boss. A pretty lady wants to escape a »

- Arya Ponto

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Mill Valley Film Festival '09: Honorary Guests and Must-Sees

8 October 2009 1:48 PM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

The Mill Valley Film Festival opens tonight, filling the next 10 days with some of the most anticipated films of the rest of the year, as well as a selection of international films making its way to the Bay Area. In addition, the festival will also host the awarding of talents such as Woody Harrelson, Clive Owen, Uma Thurman, Jason Reitman and screen legend Anna Karina.

We'll have reviews coming in for the festival soon, but for the moment, here's a brief preview of what to look for.

Clive Owen gets a spotlight for bringing his latest work, the patriarchal drama The Boys Are Back, which opens the festival tonight. Owen plays a father who has to raise his two sons on his own after his wife's sudden death. As part of the program is a screening of Owen's breakout role in the gambling thriller Croupier.

Paired with fatherhood is Motherhood, »

- Arya Ponto

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Tere Kya Hoga Johnny to Premiere at Liff

2 October 2009 12:20 PM, PDT | Bollyspice | See recent Bollyspice news »

Sudhir Mishra's Tere Kya Hoga Johnny/Ride The Wave Johnny will premiere at the London International Film Festival on October 13th and is scheduled for release in India on November 28th. The film stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, Soha Ali Khan and Shahana Goswami. Compared in style to Wong Kar-Wai's In The Mood For Love, the film is a visual feast and Soha Ali Khan a revelation as a girl whose life is running out of control. Neil Nitin Mukesh also establishes himself in the movie as one of the most magnetic of new wave Indian stars. The producers will be making the most of the opportunity by setting up camp in London.

The Festival also features Gulaal, perhaps one of the most under-rated and under-promoted movies of the year. Anurag Kahyap's political thriller about radical student politics stars Kk Menon and Piyush Mishra and starts its run on Saturday, »

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Now on Netflix: The Asian Movies Arrive

1 October 2009 1:40 AM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

Netflix has added an impressive list of new films to their InstantWatch feature again this week. Quite a number of them are great titles from various Asian countries that I'm glad to see made accessible to Us viewers. Some of them are modern classics that need no introduction to cineastes, but others are pleasant surprises.

Tetsuo: The Iron Man

One of my favorite movies of all time, Tetsuo is Japanese cyberpunk at its most definitive. The first feature film by the great Shinya Tsukamoto, Tetsuo is the highly allegorical—and illogical—story of a businessman whose body slowly morphs into machine against his will, after he accidentally runs over a metal fetishist. Perverse, daring and brimming with energy, Tetsuo is one of the coolest things Japanese cult cinema has to offer.

Watch it now

Tokyo!

An anthology series, Tokyo! stands out for being directed by three famous directors (Michel Gondry, »

- Arya Ponto

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DVD Round Up, Sept. 29, 2009: ‘Deadgirl,’ ‘Nightwatching,’ ‘Next Day Air’

29 September 2009 9:29 AM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – Horror, action, drama, and comedy - HollywoodChicago.com’s DVD Round-Up has it all. Where else can you read about the latest from internationally acclaimed auteur Peter Greenaway and the newest Mos Def comedy in one column? These are the recently released titles that you might have missed when you last updated your Netflix queue. See if any of them grab you enough to deal with “Very Long Wait”.

All four titles - “Deadgirl,” “Next Day Air,” “Nightwatching,” and “Triangle” - were released on September 15th, 2009.

“Deadgirl”

Photo credit: Mpi Synopsis: “Daringly original and genre-busting, Deadgirl is an odyssey into the soul of our alienated youth that takes the conventions of the horror and coming-of-age movies and turns them on their heads.

When high school misfits Rickie and Jt decide to ditch school and find themselves lost in the crumbling facility of a nearby abandoned hospital, they come face-to-face »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

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The Good, The Bad And The Wtf: Think, The Fly! Think!

28 September 2009 1:02 AM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

This week's edition has quite a bit of trailers in them, most notably Michael Bay's company Platinum Dunes successfully bungling another slasher franchise by making the same dumb movie but with that pretty Bayesque glisten. If you're real nice, we'll even show you a trailer for a vampire movie that does Not have a brooding emotional vampire in it.

The Good

• These vampires just won't stop coming. Here's a teaser trailer for the horror film Stake Land, directed by Mulberry Street helmer Jim Mickle and starring Danielle Harris. Nothing to get too excited about, but it does have a nice aesthetic to it, at least in the teaser. Sort of like The Road meets True Blood's opening credits.

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• Evoking the visuals of Gus Van Sant and the mysterious mood of Michael Haneke comes this trailer for the independent film Afterschool. Written and directed by first-timer Antonio Campos, »

- Arya Ponto

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DVD Playhouse--September 2009

26 September 2009 1:01 PM, PDT | The Hollywood Interview | See recent The Hollywood Interview news »

DVD Playhouse—September 2009

By

Allen Gardner

The Human Condition (Criterion) Masaki Kobayashi’s epic (574 minutes) adaptation of Junpei Gomikawa’s six-volume novel was originally made and released as three separate films (1959-61), and is rightfully regarded as a landmark of Japanese cinema. Candide-like story of naïve, good-hearted Kaiji (Japanese superstar Tatsuya Nakadai) from labor camp supervisor, to Imperial Army solider, to Soviet Pow, and Kaiji’s struggle to maintain his humanity throughout. Unfolds with the mastery of a great novel, beautifully-shot, and a stunning example of cinematic mastery on the part of its makers. Four-disc set bonuses include: Interview with Kobayashi; Interview with Nakadai; Featurette; Trailer; Essay by critic Philip Kemp. Widescreen. Dolby 3.0 surround.

State Of Play (Universal) Russell Crowe stars as a veteran Washington D.C. political reporter investigating the murder of an aide to a rising congressional star (Ben Affleck), who also happens to be an old friend. »

- The Hollywood Interview.com

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[DVD Review] Triangle

24 September 2009 3:00 PM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

The DVD cover for Triangle says “Three Masters. One Masterpiece.” Triangle does not in fact live up to the hype its cover hopes to generate, but I understand the desire to make a little-known (to Americans anyway) film’s cover eye-catching. This Hong Kong import did pique my interest with its distinction of bringing together three innovative and influential Hk directors: Tsui Hark (Zu Warriors, Once Upon a Time in China), Ringo Lam (City on Fire, which inspired Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, the underrated twin Jackie Chan comedy Twin Dragons, and Chow Yun Fat vehicle Full Contact), Johnnie To (Ptu, Election, and Breaking News).

The primary cinematic appeal of Triangle is invested in the collaboration between these three “masters.” Each director takes the reins on one 30-minute section of this 90-minute film. The trio maintains the same editor and cinematography to ensure continuity but bring their own stylistic choices and cinematic flair to their third. »

- Mark Zhuravsky

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Sitges 2009 Complete Lineup

19 September 2009 12:48 AM, PDT | SoundOnSight | See recent SoundOnSight news »

The Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia announces its complete program. There are still a few surprises to be confirmed, like the closing gala, but they have already put together the final list of films that will be screened at Sitges 09. Below you’ll find the titles of each film and their sections as well as links for the films that we have already reviewed here on Sound On Sight. Opening Film [Rec]2. Paco Plaza and Jaume Balagueró. 2009. Official FANTÀSTIC In Competition Section Accident. Soi Cheang. 2009. Accidents Happen. Andrew Lancaster. 2009. The Children. Tom Shankland. 2008. [1] Cold Souls. Sophie Bartes. 2009. The Countess. Julie Delpy. 2009. Les Derniers Jours Du Monde. Jean-Marie and Arnaud Larrieu. 2009. Dogtooth (Kynodontas). Yorgos Lanthimos. 2009. Dorian Gray. Oliver Parker. 2009. Enter The Void. Gaspar Noé. 2009. Grace. Paul Solet. 2009. [2] Heartless. Philip Ridley. 2009. Hierro. Gabe Ibáñez. 2009. La Horde. Yannick Dahan and Benjamin Rocher. 2009. Ingrid. Eduard Cortés. 2009. Kinatay. Brillante Mendoza. 2009. Metropia. Tarik Saleh. 2009. Moon. »

- Ricky

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Greg’s 2009 Tiff Report: Day 6

18 September 2009 1:21 PM, PDT | FilmJunk | See recent FilmJunk news »

It has became a bit of a tradition for me to completely blow off a screening at least once a year.  Last year, it was the 4 hour Che.  Well, I didn't disappoint myself and when I woke up Thursday morning, I decided that it was time.  So, see you later Kamui.  It pained me to ditch a ninja movie, but after 11 movies and 2 wrestling events in 6 days, I was a mess.  Physically and mentally. I pulled myself together eventually and headed downtown for a 3:30pm screening at about 3:10pm.  This was not looking good.  After having to change subway lines I decided to take a cab the rest of the way.  I would have made the screening right on time had I not given up my cab to the attractive blonde woman who asked if she could have the cab.  I believe I responded with "muhlrahr".  She assumed »

- Greg

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Tiff 2009 Day 5: Soi Cheang's Accident

18 September 2009 | ioncinema | See recent ioncinema news »

- A title that received tremendous buzz from Venice, I came into Soi Cheang's Accident (produced by Johnnie To) not knowing much, and though the intro sequence is well plotted, this tale of a team of assassins covering up their tracks in a picture perfect manner, falls in the trappings of a screenplay that attempt to get too creative and too witty in its smallish shell. Hong Kong cinema fans will discover a new addition to the stable, but the chilled nature of the film will ensure that this receives little love from audiences not comfortable with cheeky. Full review coming soon.... »

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Tiff Review: Vengeance

17 September 2009 10:59 PM, PDT | FilmJunk | See recent FilmJunk news »

Vengeance Directed by Johnnie To Starring: Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Lam Ka Tung, Lam Suet and Simon Yam For those that have read my Tiff reviews and updates over the past few years, you may remember me mentioning a director by the name of Johnnie To.  Not only is he a great action director in Hong Kong, but I think he's one of the best ever in the world.  There's something to his style that I just love, so you can imagine how happy I was that his latest film Vengeance came to Tiff. Vengeance is the story of an older man with a failing memory named Costello (Hallyday) whose daughter is in a hospital struggling to survive, while her Chinese husband and their two kids lay dead after a gang hit.  Who wanted them dead and why?   Costello is immediately warned by police to stay out of the way »

- Greg

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Toronto — The Best Laid Plans: Accident And The Disappearance Of Alice Creed

17 September 2009 3:58 PM, PDT | Filmmaker Magazine - Blog | See recent Filmmaker Magazine news »

Industry friendly genre films are always top draws at film festivals, and So Chiang’s Accident, produced by Johnny To and straight from Venice, has a diabolical premise that calls out for an English-language remake. A team of hit-men and women meticulously stage their killings to appear as accidents. Chiang takes an Argento-like glee in these elaborate projects, which are part Rube Goldberg and part Al Queda training manual. Balloons float into the sky to block ever-present security cameras; minor car crashes set off chain reactions leading to neck-slicing rain showers of shattered glass; the slicked-down streets found in so many Hong Kong neo-noirs are here not just scenic backdrop but conductors of errant train-rail electricity. Victims... »

- Scott Macaulay

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Toronto in 60 Seconds: Wednesday, September 16, 2009

16 September 2009 8:02 AM, PDT | Cinematical | See recent Cinematical news »

Celeb Sightings: News is starting to ring in from the movie after-parties, and Eye Weekly's rundown grabbed some interesting bits. Like Sook-Yin Lee, star of Shortbus and director of this year's Year of the Carnivore, was drilling attendees about their first orgasms and bad babysitting experiences. And was George Clooney giving one-on-one lip service to Goats party caterers? Meanwhile ... an Italian film producer lost a load of cash and an important script when his bag was stolen at the Four Seasons, Keanu Reeves got asked for his thoughts on the death of Patrick Swayze, Johnnie To signs autographs, and Lassie got her own red carpet comic.

Our Coverage: We've got two new reviews up in the last 24 hours. First up, Erik Davis' take on Michael Cera and his Youth in Revolt. Erik's a big fan of the book, and he says: "it's practically impossible to smash 499 pages of dark comedic »

- Monika Bartyzel

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[DVD Review] Deadgirl: The Unrated Director's Cut

14 September 2009 5:00 AM, PDT | JustPressPlay.net | See recent JustPressPlay news »

Drawing from a broad range of influences the likes of Boxing Helena, director Atom Egoyan, and the collective works of David Cronenberg, this dirty micro-budgeted little nasty comes front-loaded with a provocative squirm-inducing premise that will no doubt drive strong ancillary business. But randy adolescents open for a thinly veiled skin flick will be largely disappointed. Similarly, those sick to the back teeth of torture porn would do well not to dismiss this as just another bandwagoner, as co-directors Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel have far more on their minds here than simply mining a gimmick for the purposes of titillation.

Penned by bit-part-actor-turned-screenwriter Trent Haaga, a man with a long and undistinguished career acting in the realm of Dtv horror, Deadgirl sketches out an eerily plausible portrait of horny adolescent maledom taken to its grim but logical conclusion. Skipping out on class for the afternoon, high school misfit Rickie »

- Neil Pedley

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Sitges 09: And the full lineup includes...

12 September 2009 1:14 AM, PDT | QuietEarth.us | See recent QuietEarth news »

The full lineup has been announced, and among the load of genre fare that's been running the fest circuit are the world premiers of:

Vincenzo Natali's latest, Splice, which we're all excited about.

Simon Fellows twisted adaptation Malice in Wonderland (trailer)

Along some of our personal favorites:

Black Dynamite (friggin awesome)

Swiss scifi flick Cargo (trailer)

Pater Sparrow's incredible Stanislaw Lem adaptation 1 (review)

The Mo Brothers Indonesian slasher Macabre (review)

Atm (get it?) horror-comedy The Human Centipede (review)

Full list after the break.

Opening Film

[Rec]2. Paco Plaza and Jaume Balagueró. 2009.

Official FANTÀSTIC In Competition Section

Accident. Soi Cheang. 2009.

Accidents Happen. Andrew Lancaster. 2009.

The Children. Tom Shankland. 2008.

Cold Souls. Sophie Bartes. 2009.

The Countess. Julie Delpy. 2009.

Les Derniers Jours Du Monde. Jean-Marie and Arnaud Larrieu. 2009.

Dogtooth (Kynodontas). Yorgos Lanthimos. 2009.

Dorian Gray. Oliver Parker. 2009.

Enter The Void. Gaspar Noé. 2009.

Grace. Paul Solet. 2009.

Heartless. Philip Ridley. 2009.

Hierro. Gabe Ibáñez. 2009.

La Horde. Yannick Dahan and Benjamin Rocher. »

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2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2000

1-20 of 123 articles from 2009   « Prev | Next »

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