Stock for THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A STORY WRITTEN WITH WATER will be in with us tomorrow (Thursday 28th March) a week later than planned, and we will make sure to pack as many orders as possible to make last post on Thursday.
We will also aim to pack on Friday (it's a public holiday in the UK so won't be working full day) so that we can send orders out on Saturday morning's post as well.
This should be the last of any delays in receiving stock.
Update 28 March: stock not arrived. We had notification that the delivery window was 11:45am to 14:45 and we don't have any stock, and we've missed last post. Chasing up for another update. Apologies again to everyone.
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Tokyo, 1934. Gang boss Arakawa is too ill and a successor must be named. The choice falls on Nakai, but being an outsider he refuses and suggests senior clansman Matsuda instead. An atmospheric tale of gangland intrigue written by Kazuo Kasahara, Big Time Gambling Boss is one of the all-time classics of the yakuza genre.
Before he made his name in LONE WOLF AND CUB, Tomisaburo Wakayama starred in this triptych of violent samurai spectacles that draw on James Bond and Spaghetti Westerns for inspiration yet feature the familiar style and blood-spattering action of the period.
It’s the 16th century and Japan is in chaos. Samurai clans engage each other in battle over who gets to rule the nation, while warlords call upon the ninja to spy on and assassinate their rivals.
In the early 1970s, Kinji Fukasaku's five-film Battles Without Honor and Humanity series was a massive hit in Japan, and kicked off a boom in realistic, modern yakuza films based on true stories. Although Fukasaku had intended to end the series, Toei Studio convinced him to return to the director's chair for this unconnected, follow-up trilogy of films, each starring Battles leading man Bunta Sugawara and telling separate, but fictional stories about the yakuza in different locations in Japan.
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Follow Luis Valla and follow his work. And now If you have athirst for more Jet Li action, look no further.
]]>So, sit back and relax to this short film.
Through a humorous and poignant lens, this timely comedy-drama delves into the challenges of forging meaningful connections between people of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures, while also examining the ways in which technology shapes our interactions. Year of the Rat premiered to audiences at the 2022 Hawai’i International Film Festival.
It went on the Chinese American Film Festival where it received a Golden Angel Award, and most recently played at DisOrient 2023.
Find out more about the photographer Ricky Qi and his film Year of the Rat.
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Terracotta would like to introduce you to the excellent Youtube channel JAKE ON FILM, if you don't already know it.
More than just another film review site, you'll find well made content shot by the production team which is themed to the film they are reviewing, and you get good insight into the background and context of the film as well.
Here's a special guest post from Jake, of JAKE ON FILM, about the seminal film Drunken Master (and of course we hope that we get that elusive Drunken Master II blu ray release from one of the labels soon!).
Susbcribe to JAKE ON FILM @jakeonfilm, exploring the outer edges of the film universe, on youtube!
Enjoy!
Welcome drunkards! Jake On Film is celebrating Drunken Boxing (Jui Kuen) this month, with the immortal Drunken Master (1978).
Some may be surprised that this strange technique is a real style of Kung Fu and was first mentioned in The Water Margin (one of the classic novels of Chinese literature circa 1500) as the character Wu Song is a practitioner, using sways, bobs, and weaves to deceive his opponent into thinking he is drunk.
The Water Margin
With this history in mind, we jump to 1978 - Yuen Woo Ping has just had success with Snake in The Eagle’s Shadow with previous box office poison, Jackie Chan. They decide to repeat the formula but with a style audiences hadn’t seen on screen since the black and white days of the quintessential Wong Fei Hing - Kwan Tak Hing.
Drunken Master starts in a field (as all good Kung Fu films do) with our villain; hitman Jim Ti-Sam (Korean super kicking legend Hwang Jang Lee) using his skills to defeat his latest victim (Woo Ping’s brother Yuen Shu Yee) cut to Jackie Chan at his father’s Kung Fu school acting the fool and embarrassing his teacher, idiot extraordinaire Dean Shek. Chan is legendary folk hero Wong Fei Hung - unlike the more stoic version portrayed by Jet Li in The Once Upon a Time in China series, Chan plays him as an immature fool. After groping a woman and beating up a rival school member, his dad punishes him by sending him to train with his uncle, another legendary character, Beggar So (Yuen Woo Ping’s Dad Simon Yuen) who eventually teaches him the eight immortal drunken style, which he must use to defeat Jim Ti-Sam.
What stands out most about Drunken Master is Jackie himself, his martial arts prowess, penchant for comedy and sheer physical ability jumps out the screen and slap you in the face. The training sequences and multiple long fights are sadomasochistic at times. The other, is the ability of Hwang Jang Lee, with no Kung Fu training but a taekwondo black belt to his name, his movement, technique, and power are awe inspiring.
Jackie Chan showing comedic skills in DRUNKEN MASTER
The training sequences are brilliantly done, Chan being pushed to the limit by Beggar So, their relationship is also nicely played, including a great bonding scene reciting the poetry of Li Bai the drunken poet, didn’t expect that from a Kung Fu comedy, did you? Then of course the drunken style itself, Jackie running through the eight different characters within the style whilst the classic track ‘On the General's Orders’ booms out. Kung Fu at its finest.
Yes, it takes almost an hour for the Drunken Fist to be introduced and this rambunctious version of Wong Fei Hung can become tiring with the silliness dialled to 11 but with top tier action, showcasing such a unique style, it truly stands the test of time, as an all-time classic.
The best way to watch this gem is Eureka’s Masters of Cinema addition, which you can purchase on the Terracotta website using the code JOF10 for a cheeky 10% off. The package has a DVD and Blu-ray disc and features the original Cantonese track (previous releases just featured a Mandarin mono) the English dub does still have the amusing character names of Freddy Wong and Thunderfoot but it’s not the one from the original VHS, which some people like for nostalgia reasons.
You get an amusing interview with Jackie Chan, in which he can’t remember much about making the film (too many blows to the head since then!) and a classic ramble from Hong Kong film expert Tony Rayns, add to that a solid commentary from Jeff Yang and Ric Meyers and you’ve got a collector’s item on your hands.
Right, time to grab your favourite tipple and indulge in this Kung Fu classic. Until next time, keep watching…
Jake
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When people think of the new masters of Japanese cinema, the same roster of names continues to crop up. Hirokazu Koreeda, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Takashi Miike, among others, tend to be the usual suspects as far as international acclaim goes. However, there is another director whose consistently introspective, vibrant, and brutal work has flown almost entirely under the radar, and that is Toshiaki Toyoda.
The director has faced uphill battles for most of his career, in part because of two very public arrests, first in 2005 and again in 2019. However, being shunned by the Japanese film industry hasn’t soured Toyoda’s appetite for filmmaking, nor has it dampened his raw talent. Following up on their 2016 boxset exploring the director’s electrifying early works, Third Window Films return with another release celebrating the films of Japan’s neglected cult filmmaker.
read the rest of the article on the excellent site All The Anime, a site for not just anime news, but for Japanese cinema too: https://blog.alltheanime.com/toshiaki-toyoda/
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Teruo Ishii’s action-packed prison breakout films starring Ken Takakura
Constructed in the late nineteenth century to house political prisoners, Japan’s infamous Abashiri Prison served as the inspiration for a popular and prolific run of yakuza movies released between 1965 and 1972. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the first three entries in this landmark series, directed by the “King of Cult” Teruo Ishii (Shogun’s Joy of Torture) and starring a titan of Japanese genre cinema, Ken Takakura (The Bullet Train).
Known for his dystopian cyberpunk classic Tetsuo: The Iron Man, in his newest films – including Shadow of Fire, which is currently touring the UK – Japanese director Shinya Tsukamoto has turned his attentions towards the scars of wartime.
Read the BFI article.
Want to watch more of Shinya Tsukamoto's films? We have a selection of them on our store #ShopTerracotta courtesy of Third Window Films.
]]>Today is Lunar New Year! So why not spend some quality time with friends and relatives and watch 5 of the best classic Hong Kong comedy movies!
These 5 movies will keep you entertained all day.
]]>Today is Lunar New Year! So why not spend some quality time with friends and relatives, watching the best festive comedy movies!
These 5 classic Hong Kong movies will keep you entertained all day.
One of the most iconic Hong Kong CNY romcoms series started with this film. With a cast of Hong Kong superstars, including; Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung and Stephen Chow. Watch the trailer to find out what happens in this funny, touching and ridiculous events comedy.
Stephen Chow’s movies are always good for a laugh. This is the third chapter of “Fight Back to School”, which was released on CNY 1993. Chow plays an undercover cop, whilst pretending to be the husband of rich socialite, Anita Mui, in order to investigate a murder case. Don't expect CSI HK, this is Stephen Chow.
It's no secret Hong Kong people love playing Mahjong when visiting friends and relatives. The ever talented Andy Lau, plays a Mahjong expert player who is hit with a streak of bad luck and lose of wealth due to a curse from his ex-girlfriend. Can he overcome his slump and become “fat choi” (prosperous) again?
This is Golden Harvests last film! A New Year tradition is to ask a Feng-Shui masters about their luck in the coming year. Miriam Yeung plays an optimistic girl whose always down on her luck and hopes with the help of Feng-Shui expert, Tony Leung, things will change. A truth revels itself of their pre-existence life and the two are faced in a Feng-Shui battle.
Find a great selection of Hong Kong Films on the Terracotta store
Written by Huiyan Leung
]]>January has already seen When Taekwondo Strikes, Samurai Wolf and Kung-Fu Cult Master, with a more releases in Feb and March. Check out the preorders section for more details
]]>January has already seen When Taekwondo Strikes, Samurai Wolf and Kung-Fu Cult Master, with a more releases in Feb and March. Check out the preorders section for more details
2K restoration of action-packed superhero spectacle starring Jet Li in a dazzling and explosive martial arts extravaganza.
Eureka present a fully uncut new 2K restoration for the first time ever in the UK on Blu-ray. Available from 22 April 2024, the set will feature an O-card slipcase, collector’s booklet PLUS a BONUS DISC featuring an extended version of the film.
Two of the most gloriously entertaining films of Cynthia Rothrock’s career
CHINA O’BRIEN I + II, the franchise that established American martial artist Cynthia Rothrock as an international action star. Presented on UK Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray for the first time anywhere in the world, from brand new 4K restorations as part of Eureka Classics range. Available from 30 April 2024, the first print run of 2000 copies of each format will feature a Limited-edition O-card slipcase and collector’s booklet.
A fast-paced fight-filled martial arts classic, starring Angela Mao and an incredible array of talent from the genre. Queen of Kung Fu Angela Mao and King of Taekwondo Jhoon Rhee join forces in this action-packed Hong Kong classic!
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]]>2024's programme is a reflection on how memories play a powerful role in the mind. Shaped fluidly by individuals or time. Memories have and continue to be a source of inspiration for many creatives & filmmakers, fuelling their creativity to craft colourful stories. The films in this years program explores how memories are employed in the cinematic voices of Japanese filmmakers, from films where memories are a focal point to works where they play a subliminal role in driving or affecting people’s minds and behaviour.
Event starts 2 February - 31 March 2024
More info and tickets available here.
Find whats on at your local cinema.
ABERYSTWYTH, BELFAST, BIRMINGHAM, BRISTOL, CAMBRIDGE, CARDIFF, CHESTER, CHICHESTER, COLCHESTER,COVENTRY, DERBY, DUNDEE, EDINBURGH, EXETER, INVERNESS, KENDAL, LANCASTER, LEICESTER, LEWES, LIVERPOOL, LONDON, MANCHESTER, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NORWICH, NOTTINGHAM, ORKNEY, OXFORD, PLYMOUTH, SHEFFIELD, YORK
2023 was such a great year for new releases, even we struggled to keep up with ThirdWindow, Radiance & Eureka. Well, Christmas just a small pause, because 2024, is set to be an even better year for releases. Check out some of the forthcoming titles with the trailers below.
Taka, a shiftless young man, sets off on a quest to find his missing brother Mune. Teaming up with a quirky new friend and an edgy, mysterious young girl, Taka finds himself taking on a pack of vicious monster cats determined to execute unscrupulous pet shop owners.
Queen of Kung Fu Angela Mao and King of Taekwondo Jhoon Rhee join forces in this action-packed Hong Kong classic!
Samurai Wolf 1 & 2
SAMURAI WOLF I & II are two anarchic, spaghetti western-inspired samurai adventures from legendary genre auteur Hideo Gosha.
In the aftermath of World War II, a writer’s love affair with another woman drives his wife mad with distrust. Realising his errors, he tries all he can to save her from literally losing her mind.
Want more trailers visit the Terracotta Distribution YouTube channel
]]>One of the noteworthy aspects of Arrow Video's diverse catalog is its extensive collection of Asian films, showcasing the richness and diversity of cinema from the East.
Arrow Video's foray into Asian cinema is marked by a discerning selection of films that span various genres, styles, and periods.
From iconic Japanese classics to obscure hidden gems, the distributor has curated a collection that reflects the depth and breadth of Asian filmmaking. One standout feature of Arrow Video's approach is its emphasis on not just popular titles, but also on introducing audiences to lesser-known works that deserve attention.
The distributor has played a crucial role in bringing Asian cinema to a global audience, acting as a bridge between the East and the West. By acquiring and distributing films that might otherwise have gone unnoticed outside their home countries, Arrow Video has contributed to the cross-cultural exchange of cinematic art. This has not only expanded the horizons of cinephiles but also fostered a greater appreciation for the diversity of storytelling and visual styles inherent in Asian filmmaking.
Arrow Video's commitment to preserving the cinematic experience is evident in the meticulous restoration and remastering of many Asian films in their catalog. The distributor understands the importance of presenting these works in the best possible quality, ensuring that audiences can enjoy them in all their glory. This dedication to restoration not only honors the filmmakers' original vision but also allows contemporary viewers to experience these films as they were meant to be seen.
One notable aspect of Arrow Video's Asian film collection is its inclusion of both classic and contemporary titles. This dynamic approach provides audiences with a comprehensive view of the evolution of Asian cinema over the years. From the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema to the modern masterpieces emerging from South Korea and Japan, Arrow Video's catalog is a journey through the rich tapestry of Asian filmmaking.
The distributor's commitment to quality extends beyond the films themselves to the supplementary materials included in their releases. Arrow films are often accompanied with insightful essays, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features. This not only enhances the viewer's understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of the films but also provides a valuable resource for film enthusiasts and scholars alike.
In conclusion, Arrow Video's venture into the realm of Asian cinema is a testament to its dedication to preserving and celebrating the global cinematic heritage. By carefully curating a diverse collection, restoring films to their original glory, and providing enriching supplementary content, Arrow Video has become a vital force in introducing audiences to the captivating world of Asian filmmaking. As the distributor continues to expand its catalogue, cinephiles can look forward to discovering and rediscovering cinematic treasures from the East, thanks to Arrow Video's unwavering commitment to the art of film.
Arrow Video is a distinguished film distributor that has carved its niche in the realm of home entertainment, particularly in the Blu-ray market. Specializing in cult, horror, and genre films, Arrow Video has garnered a reputation for delivering high-quality releases that cater to discerning cinephiles. One of the notable facets of Arrow Video's extensive catalog is its impressive selection of Asian films on Blu-ray, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to own and experience these cinematic gems in stunning high definition.
Arrow Video's Commitment to Quality:
Arrow Video is renowned for its commitment to delivering top-notch home entertainment experiences. The company takes pride in meticulously restoring and remastering films to ensure optimal picture and sound quality. This dedication to excellence extends to their collection of Asian films, where audiences can immerse themselves in the visually stunning and culturally rich worlds presented on Blu-ray.
Expansive Asian Film Collection:
Arrow Video's Asian film collection spans a diverse range of genres, from classic martial arts epics to avant-garde masterpieces. Fans of Japanese cinema, in particular, will find a treasure trove of titles that showcase the country's cinematic prowess. Whether it's the iconic works of Akira Kurosawa or the thrilling contemporary offerings, Arrow Video has curated a selection that caters to a broad spectrum of tastes.
Exclusive Limited Editions:
For collectors and enthusiasts who seek something beyond the ordinary, Arrow Video often releases exclusive limited editions of their Asian film titles. These editions may include special packaging, collector's booklets, and additional bonus features that provide an in-depth look into the making of the films. These limited editions are designed to enhance the overall viewing experience and make for prized additions to any film enthusiast's collection.
Enhanced Viewing Experience:
Arrow Video's Blu-ray releases go beyond just the film itself. The distributor understands the importance of supplementary content, and their Asian film releases often come packed with insightful bonus features. From behind-the-scenes documentaries to interviews with filmmakers and cast members, these additions enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the cinematic artistry behind each film.
Easy Accessibility:
Arrow Video has made acquiring these cinematic treasures a seamless process. Through their online platform and partnerships with various retailers, enthusiasts can easily browse, select, and purchase their favorite Asian films on Blu-ray. With secure shipping options, the films arrive promptly, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for the avid collector.
In conclusion, Arrow Video stands as a beacon for cinephiles seeking unparalleled quality and diversity in their home entertainment choices. The distributor's commitment to restoring and presenting Asian films on Blu-ray showcases a dedication to preserving the rich cultural tapestry of cinema. For those eager to delve into the captivating worlds of Asian cinema in the comfort of their homes, Arrow Video's extensive catalog is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Elevate your cinematic journey with Arrow Video's Blu-ray releases and bring home the magic of Asian cinema in stunning high definition.
Check out our range of Arrow Films bluray and 4K UHD releases on the Terracotta store
]]>Directed by the legendary John Woo, Red Cliff (2008) is a sweeping historical epic that unfolds against the backdrop of the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period in ancient China. This visually stunning film recounts the legendary Battle of Red Cliffs, a pivotal moment in Chinese history. As warlords converge on the strategically vital Red Cliff, alliances form and betrayals loom, setting the stage for an unparalleled cinematic spectacle.
Woo's masterful storytelling in the RED CLIFF movie and dynamic cinematography bring to life a tapestry of intricate characters, strategic brilliance, and breath-taking battles.
With a stellar ensemble cast, including Tony Leung (INFERNAL AFFAIRS, HAPPY TOGETHER), Takeshi Kaneshiro (CHUNGKING EXPRESS), and Zhang Fengyi (FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE), the film balances grand scale warfare with intimate character arcs.
RED CLIFF seamlessly blends martial arts prowess, political intrigue, and emotional depth, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of historical dramas and action epics.
Newly added to the Terracotta store, get the RED CLIFF movie on blu ray, witness the clash of empires and the artistry of John Woo, as history unfolds in stunning high definition. Order now on the Terracotta store and bring home a piece of cinematic brilliance that transcends time and culture.
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There are definitely some none Asian we are looking forward to also.
Get preorders when you #ShopTerracotta
Go and follow him on his social
]]>Terracotta attended the Manchester screening at HOME, a unique cultural centre in the heart of Manchester city, where you can find more independent and world cinema as well as theatre pefemances and a great place to eat, drink and socialize.
It was a well attended event, with what looked like capacity of 3/4 of the seating of screen 2 (which is a large auditorium), so a massive congratulations to Sophie and Megan from Central City Media, Band Fours distributor, for putting it on.
The event was hosted by Youtuber & influencer Zonjai and Sophie, who introduced the film. Giving us a brief insight into film before the lights went down and we settled into our seats and watched the film.
So, a brief synopsis of the film is a dysfunctional family having to come together, as each member is going through there own personal struggles and how music is a connecting art/ spiritual force which could potentially bring them together or break them. On a deeper level, the film deals with generational anxieties, mental health and both personal and social identity. Its starts a little slow and is somewhat comedic at times, but there is a switch in the film which puts the pieces to the puzzle together and the film instantly becomes stronger in story and character and definitely worth watching.
After the film, the director Mo Lai Yan Chi and producer Teddy Robin (who stars in the film, as the estranged dad) did a 30-minute Q&A with the audience, giving us, the audience, some beautiful insights into the making and symbolism of the film.
Thanks again to Central City Media for the invite. In UK cinemas 15th Dec
]]>We've spent most of this weekend picking and packing; notifications of shipment will be sent out today (Monday 27th) for orders that we packed this weekend.
Thank you all for your patience and support. This page will be updated regularly, so please check back.
(and remember, we pack our boxes carefully with the aim to have pristine items delivered to you, so we might be slower than other places to ship your order; and also, if we are busy packing orders, we might not always be able to reply to emails immediately).
UPDATE Tuesday 28th Nov:
Because we have been slow to respond to emails, we have introduced the Order Status checker page for ORDERS THAT HAVE NOT YET SHIPPED.
Please give it a go: Terracotta Order Status Page.
Have your email address and order number ready. If your order can't be found then likely it has shipped.
This is a trial page to see if you like it, and it might have some small tweaks that need to be made whilst we are implementing it.
There is a supply issue currently and we will get more stock around 3rd or 4th of December.
This impacts orders that were supposed to ship together with TYPHOON CLUB that were ordered from September onwards.
Apologies for this wait. Typhoon release date is 27th Nov, so we will ship orders with Typhoon and Door about a week later than originally planned.
50% shipped before the weekend.
We have another batch ready to ship - please await notification of shipment.
The release date of this title was moved officially to 27th November, but not communicated to all retailers, some of whom you have seen shipped a week early.
We are on track to have shipped nearly all of the pre-orders for this title by the end of tomorrow (excluding orders with future release date titles).
update end of Monday 27th: all Long Arm now shipped except a small amount (less than 10) that didn't make last post cut off which we will ship tomorrow. Excludes orders that include either Door or other future releases.
TYPHOON CLUB (Third Window Films)
Release date 27th Nov. Majority of orders packed and ready to ship, excluding those with future release date titles and excluding orders that include DOOR (see above).
update end of Monday 27th: a handful (less than 5) orders with order date pre-September will be shipped tomorrow. The remainder that are waiting for Door will be sent next week. Do contact us if you have any questions on this.
Release date 27th Nov. Stock arrived late on Friday, we have picked the orders this weekend, ready to pack on Monday
update end of Monday 27th: all orders packed and shipped up until orders made 19th Nov; orders made 20th Nov and onwards will be shipped tomorrow.
BLACK FRIDAY WEEK orders
We have picked orders that were made up to Wednesday 22nd Nov, ready to pack and ship by Tuesday 28th.
These orders would ordinarily have shipped by Friday 24th. So we are 2 working days late on these titles. Apologies for the wait to all those who are affected.
We will aim to close the gap this week, once we have sent out pre-orders for the above titles
update end of Monday 27th: Making in roads into the backlog, most of the orders up to Thursday 23rd Nov that do not contain pre-orders have been shipped.
FUTURE RELEASES
The above MIGHT impact the speed in which we can pack orders for titles due out next week (see RELEASE SCHEDULE).
However, we will keep working all hours possible to get this backlog cleared. Please keep checking this page for updates.
Thank you all for your support, and sorry for the longer than expected time to ship out your orders during this busy period.
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However, today is BLACK FRIDAY and we have loads of titles on sale.
We will continue the sale until Cyber Monday, so, grab yourself a bargain.
Apologies for the myriad release date changes and the wait for this title.
You might have noticed that some retailers have already shipped this title. The official release date is 27th November, despite that not being apparent on the 88Films site.
The reversed happened with The Medallion, where we received stock a month early and shipped the orders without knowing of the release date change.
So our allocation of stock is arriving today/ tomorrow and we will start picking, packing and shipping your order as soon as it arrives.
Enjoy the boxset when you get it.
Long Arm of the Law influenced Tarantino with it's story line of a bungled jewellery robbery resulting in the shooting of a cop, and the thieves having to lay low. If you are still in need of a copy, you can get a Long Arm of the Law blu ray boxset on the Terracotta store whilst we still have stock.
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Your questions is which one to get first
Andy Lau at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival for his In Conversation with... discussion with Jennifer Hsiung. The star of Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor, Andy Lau has been a leading figure in Asian cinema for the past four decades. Like many of his contemporaries, Lau started out in the early 1980s as an actor for Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong’s premier television network. He landed his first feature film role in Ann Hui’s Boat People (1982), a central work of the Hong Kong New Wave. In the late 1980s, Lau fully transitioned to working in film and enthralled audiences and critics alike in Wong Kar Wai’s As Tears Go By (1988) and Days of Being Wild (1990). Lau launched his own production company in the early 1990s and has starred in over 160 feature films, including Johnnie To’s relentless police thriller Running Out of Time (1999), Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s twisty and unpredictable Infernal Affairs (2002) and Infernal Affairs III (2003), Zhang Yimou’s martial arts extravaganza House of Flying Daggers (2004), Tsui Hark’s delirious fantasy whodunit Detective Dee: The Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010), Hui’s grounded drama A Simple Life (2011), and Frant Gwo’s mega-action blockbuster The Wandering Earth 2 (2023). A natural entertainer and multi-faceted artist, Lau has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor, received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award at the 2006 Busan International Film Festival, and holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist.” He joins us for an in-depth conversation about his storied career as an actor, producer, and celebrated Cantopop singer-songwriter, as well as his new film The Movie Emperor, which is a Gala Presentation at this year’s Festival.
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Queen of Kung Fu Angela Mao and King of Taekwondo Jhoon Rhee join forces in this action-packed Hong Kong classic!
In Japanese occupied Korea, resistance leader Lee (Rhee) is captured by the Japanese occupying forces. To rescue him, his pupil Jin (Carter Wong, The Skyhawk) must get help from a Hapkido expert (Mao). Together they fight their way through an army of Japanese villains played by a number of genre favourites including Hwang In-shik (Way of the Dragon), Kenji Kazama (The Streetfighter) and Sammo Hung (The Millionaires’ Express).
Four Shaolin kung fu action films directed by Joseph Kuo: SHAOLIN KUNG FU, THE SHAOLIN KIDS, 18 BRONZEMEN and THE RETURN OF THE 18 BRONZEMEN.
An epic two-part wuxia-comedy based on the writings of acclaimed Chinese novelist Jin Yong, the ROYAL TRAMP films star Stephen Chow as a cowardly bard who finds himself taking part in a real adventure when he is inducted into a sect of revolutionaries.
An early entry in the Hong Kong gambling film cycle of the ’80s and ’90s, Casino Raiders injects the genre with a dose of bloody mayhem courtesy of directors Jimmy Heung and Wong Jing.
Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) brings together an ensemble cast, including two icons of Japanese cinema – Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai) and Sonny Chiba (The Street Fighter) – for this samurai epic, a retelling of the classic story of the 47 Ronin.
]]>That’s right – no Rocky. No Raging Bull. With Small, Slow but Steady now streaming on BFI Player, we go blow to blow with the rich history of boxing movies from Japan.
]]>When it comes to cinema, boxing might be the most malleable sport of them all. It’s not a team sport, so you can hone in on one, maybe two main protagonists, allowing for more developed characterisation. There are fewer financial barriers to entry at a grassroots level, meaning boxing films can focus on young and/or working-class characters who are novices, with less concern for the expenses of equipment or uniforms. Its violence can mean permanent physical damage, or even death in the ring, which adds inherent drama to proceedings. And while many boxing films focus on the glory of winning, you’ll find just as many where loss is the story’s endgame. The journey to making it through can be as central as a championship victory.
Yet, the great boxing films from the English-speaking world generally flit between the same four modes: biopic, inspirational drama, social realism and documentary. Over in Japan, where boxing is incredibly popular (alongside other combat sports), things are more varied and interesting.
The Japanese professional scene has fighters of high skill levels, but it’s in the lower weight classes – less celebrated in, say, America – where the country dominates, with Japan having the third most champions in the world. As of early 2022, Japan’s produced 85 male world champions and 23 female world champions, though few have risked their titles outside of their country.
Combat sports in general are also very popular in Japanese media, particularly when it comes to action-based shonen manga and anime, many of which involve fighting tournaments both fantastical or realistic. And boxing manga titles Ashita No Joe and Hajime No Ippo are among the most influential series of any kind in the medium.
Many Japanese filmmakers, both well-known or obscure overseas, have taken the sport and used it for both recognisable and quite radical ends. Here are 10 of the best, all considerably different from one another.
Director: Takumi Furukawa
Season of the Sun is one of the inaugural examples of the so-called ‘sun tribe’ (taiyozoku) film – a subgenre named after the media’s term for the postwar generation of well-to-do teenagers who spent their days indulging their hedonistic impulses, with little concern for accepted morality. Adapted from a novel by Shintaro Ishihara – whose work also provided the basis for landmark sun-tribe film Crazed Fruit (1956) – it sees a member of a college boxing team, Tatsuya (Hiroyuki Nagato), begin to casually date Eiko (Yoko Minamida), a young woman who suggests she has similar trouble with traditional approaches to romance and familial relationships. When Eiko starts changing her attitude and expresses deeper feelings, Tatsuya responds with increased cruelty towards his on-and-off lover.
The most controversial aspects of sun-tribe films were their sensuality and representations of sex. A key scene sees Tatsuya greet Eiko in his family home, wearing nothing but a towel. After an extended silent staring match, she commands him to show her how he hits his sandbag. As Tatsuya begins furiously beating the nearby bag, Eiko watches intently, without blinking, before eventually dashing over and grabbing him. He picks her up, carries her to his room and closes the door behind them. The very next scene reveals them postcoital, Eiko still in bed. This is possibly not cinema’s only instance of a beaten punching bag being used as an implied stand-in for someone masturbating in front of their partner, but it’s very likely the first example.
Director: Umetsugu Inoue
A dual boxing and ballet melodrama, The Champion sees a love triangle develop between Eikichi (Tatsuya Mihashi), a former hopeful boxer turned nightclub manager, and the two promising talents he becomes a benefactor for. There’s Shuntaro (Yujiro Ishihara), a boxing novice who beat Eikichi’s first apprentice (Joe Shishido) in a match he only entered to boost his tough guy credentials on the street. And there’s ballet student Mari (Mie Kitahara), whom Eikichi decides to financially support in secret after sympathising with her dream to dance in the Tokyo Ballet.
The film’s lavish sets and colours show the influence of classic musicals and dance films, particularly in one magnificent fantastical detour. Recalling Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s The Red Shoes (1948) and Vincente Minnelli’s An American in Paris (1951) in particular, Mari’s big ballet breakthrough escapes the confines of the stage for an extended, wordless sequence. Come for the boxing, stay for the dancing. Although, the boxing material is great too.
Director: Shuji Terayama
Boxer is perhaps the most traditional feature from Shuji Terayama, a provocative avant-garde artist and filmmaker, who directed such radical films as Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets (1971). Nonetheless, the ostensibly simple story – about a former champion training the upstart who accidentally killed the older man’s brother – is still among the most surreally visualised boxing films ever made, where fused rainbow colours seem to constantly bleed from the sky. You have the more standard training montages and thwarted dreams, but Terayama’s greater focus is on the punishment and dedication of the body in combat: on what someone can and can’t achieve when pushed to physical limits.
Director: Junji Sakamoto
As Raging Bull (1980) alone proves, you don’t need a good person to have an engaging boxer protagonist. A darkly comic comeback tale, Knockout provides viewers with a misogynist, homophobic mess of a former champion in Eiji Adachi, who stages an often-disastrous attempt at redemption after suffering brain damage in the ring and then proving to be the world’s worst gym chairman. In a real-life allusion, Adachi is played by Hidekazu Akai, who retired from a pro boxer career four years before the film’s release, following a brain haemorrhage.
Director: Shinya Tsukamoto
Given that the experience of watching Shinya Tsukamoto’s Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989) rattles like a barrage of punches to the face (in a good way), it’s only appropriate that the director’s Tokyo Fist would be the definitive body-horror text for the boxing movie. It sees a meek businessman (Tsukamoto himself) undergo a crisis of toxic masculinity when a childhood friend, now a boxer (Koji Tsukamoto, the director’s real-life ex-boxer brother), re-enters his life and sets his sights on the businessman’s fiancée (Kaori Fujii).
An altercation prompts the non-professional fighter to start training rigorously to get revenge, while the disrespected woman in this twisted love-hate triangle transforms herself physically and spiritually, in ways that only further expose the inadequacies of both prospective partners. Expressionistically lit, claustrophobic frames capture fluids erupting from faces and chests like geysers in this increasingly abstract though tactile tale of people who are unable to express themselves without warping their own bodies. At the same time, they furiously try to break apart those of other people – pain and violence as palpable emotional release from the structures restricting us. It would pair well with David Cronenberg’s Crash (1996).
Director: Takeshi Kitano
One of Takeshi Kitano’s finest works, Kids Return charts the dual journeys of two high school dropout friends. One joins the yakuza while the other goes from rookie boxer to genuine contender, only for the same susceptibility to bad influences that affected his schooldays to sabotage meaningful progression. Both the ring and life at large can chew you up, spit you out and decimate your spirit, but Kitano shows that – even if you’ve been knocked out – there’s always potential for a second chance.
Director: Toshiaki Toyoda
Many sports documentaries focus on winners, or at least inspiring, larger-than-life personalities. Unchain subverts this by spotlighting people relatively lacking in self-esteem and definitely underperforming in competition. It’s all the more compelling for presenting unfulfilled ambitions among those cast aside by society. Its initial linchpin is boxer Unchain Kaji, who retired at age 30 with an eye injury and a losing record, before director Toshiaki Toyoda expands his attention to Kaji’s boxer friends.
Director: Fumihiko Sori
When promoting directorial debut Creed III (2023), self-confessed anime nerd Michael B. Jordan discussed how Japanese animation explicitly influenced some of the staging in the latest Rocky franchise entry, with one particular cross counter moment – when opponents manage to punch each other in the face at the same time – reportedly being inspired by an episode of Naruto: Shippuden.
That move’s popularity in fighting anime and manga is said to stem from its use in the Ashita No Joe manga and its TV adaptations, of which Tomorrow’s Joe (2011) is an entertaining live-action retelling. Charting the 1960s-set rivalry between a troubled professional boxer and a slum-dwelling delinquent discovering his untapped potential for the sport, the film benefits from being directed by Fumihiko Sori, whose work has encompassed both animation and other live-action manga adaptations, namely Ping Pong (2002) and a trilogy of Fullmetal Alchemist films.
Director: Masaharu Take
Many of the best boxing films explore the physical and mental transformation required for even entry-level participation in combat. This multiple prize-winning independent feature sees Sakura Ando’s grungy, early-30s slacker character finally light a fire in her belly after a streak of life kicking her down: from disrespect from her entire family, leading to her moving out, to a sexual assault from her creepy co-worker at a 100-yen supermarket. It’s a dark underdog story, though ultimately a moving one.
Director: Sho Miyake
Like 100 Yen Love, this atypical female boxer drama was also a recipient of the best actress prize at Japan’s equivalent of the Oscars. This one’s rooted in the story of real-life hearing-impaired boxer Keiko Ogasawara, loosely adapting elements of her memoir but moving her early-career doubts in confidence to the Covid-19 era. Anchored by a remarkable performance from Yukino Kishii, the low-key tale is less about victory than it is about the how and why of fighting in the first place, especially when the pandemic’s decimation of small businesses like local gyms makes it even harder for someone with such perceived disadvantages, compared to other fighters, to navigate any significant progression.
Apologies to anyone who has pre-ordered this already and was expecting it to ship next week.
If you haven't got a copy yet, you can order The Medallion blu ray on the Terracotta store.
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