Asian Film Reviews

Mere Brother ki Dulhan(My borther's wife) Hindi Bollywood film Review, Johnson Thomas-Rating: * *

2011-09-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film ReviewJohnson ThomasNot for me this dull-hanFilm: Mere brother Ki DulhanCast: Imran Khan, Ali Zafar, Katrina Kaif, Kanwwaljiit Singh, Parikshat SahniDirector: Ali Abbas ZafarRating: * *This Yashraj medium budget quickie marks the writing and directing debut of Ali Abbas Zafar-but by no means is it a distinguished one. The film lacks fizz , is impossibly flat and uninteresting and except for the cuteness quotient of the triangular leads Imran , Katrina and Ali Zafar, there is nothing much on offer here. Yashraj specialises in romance so that is the top-most ingredient in the film and there’s a little comedy- too awkward and painful to smile about, thrown in for good measure? The set-up bears similarities to ‘Tanu weds Manu’ in a sense. Dimple(Katrina) is the bad girl with a heart of gold, Khush(Imran) is the straight as arrow young brother of the dulha Luv(Ali Zafar)-a consummate bad-good mix with Dev Anand’s pitch, tone and mannerisms. Now how they come together to form a triangle is the odious part. Luv has just had a tiff with his live-in girlfriend Piyali(Tara D’souza)- their tirade specifying their incompatibility. His lateness and tardiness against her becoming more Indian than what she was when he first met her- and the film immediately announces their break-up. Minutes after, he rings up his brother Khush(Imran) and makes a command request for a bride from India(contrary to what he expressed in his tirade against Piyali), then declaring that he is tired of videshi London Born Confused Desis. He tells his assistant-director-in-films, brother to make the search as he believes his brother’s tastes are the same as his(both apparently liked Madhuri Dixit when they were kids). Now why would someone so liberal in his thinking, savvy in outlook, who lives and works in London make such an outmoded and incredible request? The inconsistencies in this script are confounding. The pop-cine references in dialogue and plot do not help perk-up the narrative either. When Dimple(Katrina) assays her disgust with the fast life –something to the effect ‘Main potty, potty(she meant party, party I guess) jate thak gayi hoon’ – it’s time for a big guffaw. The rest is childish humour that comes and goes even before you can take notice.Mr Nice guy goes in search of his bother’s ideal dulhan(bride) and we are treated to a visual serenade of likely candidates in song, dance and awful close-ups, until the call from the right one comes, following a full-page picture classified in a leading daily. Off goes Khush with his mom to check out the proposal but Khush is in for a surprise. Dimple , the girl in question , is a London born and bred Indian girl whose father (Kanwaljit) retired from the foreign service. She also happens to be someone he met five years back while on a picnic with his college mates. Did they fall in love then? No. That was a chance meeting and they went their separate ways. 5 years later he persuades her to marry his brother and she readily agrees. The stage is set for them to spend a lot of time together, get to know each other better and fall in love too- to allow the narrative to ensue in some belaboured drama. And it’s not a funny sight at all. A day before the engagement Dimple expresses her doubts about her choice to Khush. A day after the engagement, Khush delivers his surprise declaration of love. Dimple suggests they run away but Khush, a wannabe Shah Rukh Khan from ‘Pardes,DDLJ’ claims he is committed to making his and her folks accept their togetherness without resorting to such a drastic step. Thereafter it takes some heavy duty manipulation on the part of writer-director and actors to arrive at a happily ever after finale.Ali Abbas Zafar, who is originally from Dehradun sets the story in and around Dehradun, Delhi and Agra. The Taj Mahal is a consistent motif abused unabashedly to underline the romantic overtures between the lead pair, especially when there is simply no zing in the air around them. The chemistry between Imran and Katrina is non-existent and it feels like banded labour when you have to watch the two broker a relationship in the back-drop of a twisted end-play that is stagey and uninteresting. The characters are all flaky, dimensionless and totally uninteresting. Performances appear stilted (Imran), awkward(Ali Zafar) and in Katrina’s case the effort to appear bohemian shows. Her sweet, Barbie doll looks don’t gel with the bad-girl persona that she forces herself to be in this film. Her gyrations looks awkward and painful too. It’s really not entertaining seeing her aim for a perky performance when the resultant appears well short of energy and is several yards off the mark.. The music is mediocre , the background score terribly lacklustre and the direction just doesn’t have a cohesive force enough to energise. Phew! Not for me this dull-han!Johnsont307@gmail.com

Bangkok Cinema Scene: Movies opening September 8-14, 2011

2011-09-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Eternity (Tee Rak)

Sivaroj Kongsakul's debut feature Eternity (ที่รัก, Tee Rak) premiered at last year's Pusan International Film Festival, where it won the New Currents competition and made Sivaroj another Thai name for world cinema followers to get acquainted with. It opened the World Film Festival of Bangkok last year, before heading back out on the road on a award-winning run of festivals in Rotterdam, Deauville and Hong Kong and earning critical praise at the LA Film Fest. It's also been announced for the upcoming London Film Festival. In the meantime, Sivaroj went to France, where he took part in the Cannes Cinefondation Residency program.

Now, finally, Sivaroj's highly emotional, personal and spiritual ode to his late father comes home to Bangkok once again, giving the multiplex crowds a contemplative alternative to the cacophonous Hollywood and Thai-studio blockbusters as part of the Extra Virgin Director's Screen Project at SF World Cinema at CentralWorld.

A quiet, tearful and homespun tale, Eternity (Tee Rak) is a look at man's existence in three segments, tracing back from his lonely sadness in the afterlife, to his all-too-fleeting romance and marriage and finally to the wife and son he's left behind.

It is not to be confused with a much-bigger, much-gaudier film with the same English title released by the Thai film industry last year, the director of which just happens to be releasing an outrageously big movie this week.

Running until October 12, showtimes for Eternity are at 7.30 on weeknights and 2.30 and 7.10 on Saturdays and Sundays at SFW CentralWorld. And after this Saturday afternoon's show, Sivaroj will be present for a Q&A. Rated G.

U Mong Pa Meung (The Outrage)

Thai melodrama guru ML Bhandevanop “Mom Noi” Devakula directs U Mong Pa Meung (อุโมงค์ผาเมือง), an adaptation of Rashomon, a murder mystery that was most famously depicted in the classic 1950 movie by Akira Kurosawa.

Mom Noi insists this isn't a remake (even though the international English title The Outrage is the same as the 1964 Paul Newman western that was a remake of Rashomon). Rather, this "Thai Rashomon" is an adaptation of a stage play that was translated by statesman and writer MR Kukrit Pramoj from a Broadway version of the story. The movie has the dual purposes of celebrating the centennial of Kukrit's birth and the 40th anniversary of studio Sahamongkolfilm International.

It's set 500 years ago in the Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand. The lush Chiang Mai mountain setting is the same as Mom Noi's romantic epic last year, Eternity (Chua Fah Din Salai). It also has the stagebound, breathless melodrama and lavish costuming that audiences of Mom Noi's films have come to expect. And it has action choreography by Ong-Bak stunt guru Panna Rittikrai.

The Thai title, U Mong Pa Meung, refers to a tunnel under a city wall (instead of a city gate, as in the Kurosawa movie), where a woodcutter (Petthai Wongkumlao), a monk (Mario Maurer) and an old man (Pongpat Wachirabunjong) have taken shelter for the evening and they discuss and argue over the news of a murder in the woods and the conflicting accounts of it in the trial that followed.

Ananda Everingham takes the "samurai" role as a nobleman warrior, murdered while travelling with his wife ("Ploy" Chermarn Boonyasak). Dom Hetrakul is in the Toshiro Mifune role as the bandit. Rated 15+.

Also opening

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark – Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth) "presents" this horror thriller, an amped-up remake of a 1973 made-for-TV movie, about a little girl (Bailee Madison) who moves into a creepy old Gothic mansion with her family and starts seeing nasty little creatures. Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes also star. Del Toro co-scripted the film with veteran screenwriter Matthew Robbins and they handed directorial duties over to comic-book artist Troy Nixey. Critical reception is mixed. "While it's pleasantly atmospheric and initially quite scary, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark ultimately fails to deliver the skin-crawling chills of the original." Rated 15+.

Zookeeper – Kevin James is an unlucky-in-romance zookeeper who receives advice in the ways of mating from his animals. The talking critters include Adam Sandler, Jon Favreau, Sylvester Stallone, Nick Nolte, Cher, Maya Rudolph and Don Rickles. The live-action cast includes Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Donnie Wahlberg, Joe Rogen and The Hangover's Ken Jeong. Critical reception is overwhelmingly negative. I think this going to seem like a major comedown after the critically acclaimed hit Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Rated 15+.

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan – A young man sets out to arrange a marriage for his brother but finds himself falling for his future sister-in-law. Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif and Ali Zafar star in this love-triangle romantic comedy. In Hindi with English subtitles at Major Cineplex Sukhumvit (Ekamai) tonight at 8, Sunday at 7.30 and Monday at 8 and at Major Rama III tomorrow at 8 and Sunday at 4. Call (089) 488 2620 or visit www.BollywoodThai.com

Also showing

Chulalongkorn University International Film Festival – The annual twice-yearly screening series of acclaimed foreign films closes out on Friday, September 9, with The Illusionist, the latest feature by Triplets of Belleville animator Sylvain Chomet. Based on a screenplay Jacques Tati, it's the story of a French illusionist who finds himself out of work and has an adventure in Scotland with a young woman. The movie is on DVD with English subtitles. The show time is at 5pm in the Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Building, 9th floor, off Henri Dunant Road.

All That I Love – This acclaimed Polish drama follows the lives and loves of four young guys as they struggle to form a punk band against the backdrop of 1980s Poland and its political turmoils stemming from communism and the Solidarity movement. Directed by Jacek Borcuch, it was in competition at the Sundance Film Festival last year, and has won praise from other festivals, including Busan, Rotterdam, Brussels, New York and Los Angeles. It was also Poland's official entry to the Oscars. The screening is at 8pm next Thursday, September 15 at the Foreign Correspondents Club. Entry for non-members is 150 baht and 100 baht for anyone wanting to sample the vodka and zhurek from the Polish Embassy.

ACF 1148: VIZ Media’s "Heroes of Anime" summer sweepstakes ends on September 15th

2011-09-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

There’s only a short time until VIZ Media’s Heroes of Anime summer sweepstakes ends on September 15th,and fans are encouraged to enter for a chance to win passes to attend theexclusive U.S theatrical premiere of the latest NARUTO feature film – NARUTOSHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS – set to take place in New York City in October duringthe 2011 New York Comic Con. Entry details and complete information are available at: www.viz.com/25years.

The Heroes of Anime contest,which also celebrates VIZ Media’s 25^th Anniversary, will award onelucky Grand Prize winner with 2 passes to the premiere of NARUTOSHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS as well as free airfare and hotel accommodations in New York City forthemselves and a guest.

Runner-up Heroes of Animeprizes include an Apple iPad™, awarded to one lucky contestant, as well asseveral prize packages that will include fun tchotchkes and collectibles from avariety of top VIZ Media anime properties.

In NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS, a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived fromoverseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leavingbehind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” fromthe Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden LeafVillage long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stopthis new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths withSasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

More information on NARUTO is availableat www.Naruto.com.

ACF 1147: "Yeonghwa: Korean Film Today" coming to MoMA

2011-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yeonghwa: Korean Film Today

When: Thursday, September 22 through Sunday, October 2

Where: Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53 Street, New York, NY 10019

As they did last year, The Korea Society NY and the Museum of Modern Art again will be presenting a series of recent Korean feature films.

Yeonghwa, or “film” in Korean,is a good word for cinéastes to know, given the Korean film industry’s successat festivals and among critics and audiences worldwide. Korean film blendstechnical excellence, idiosyncratic individual expression, and anentrepreneurial spirit—filmmakers often write and direct their work, and bothactors and filmmakers benefit from the country’s homegrown “star system”—whileembracing a wide variety of styles and subjects. Korean cinema is generallymade for a national audience, so its vision is rarely diminished by compromisesin the name of global appeal.

This second season of Yeonghwa includeseight feature films, opening with Rolling Home with a Bull, by LeeSoon-rye (whose 1996 Three Friends was the first film by a female Koreanfilmmaker to be shown in MoMA’s New Directors/New Films), and Jean Kyu-hwan’sremarkable Town Trilogy. Enriching the exhibition are short works bymajor Korean filmmakers from Jeonju International Film Festival’s Digital FilmProject and a two-film retrospective of the late popular director Lee Man-hee(1931–1975), whose work has recently been rediscovered by a new generation ofKorean film critics. All films are in Korean with English subtitles. Specialthanks to Laurence Kardish, Senior Curator, The Museum of Modern Art.

Further information, including titles, descriptions and showtimes, is available from The Korea Society or MoMA.

ACF 1146: "Social Graphics: The Art of Jeski" exhibition at The Korea Society

2011-09-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Social Graphics: The Art of Jeski

When September 8 - November 4, 2001

Where: The KoreaSociety Gallery
950 Third Avenue @ 57th Street, 8th Floor

(entrance on 57th, the south-west corner of the intersection)

Regular gallery hours are 10 AM - 5 PM, M-F

and admission is free

Opening Reception with the artist on

Thursday September 8th from 6 to 8 PM - RSVP

Social Graphics: The Art of Jeskisalutes the award-winning efforts of artist and social activist Jeseok Yi, whohas wowed the design and non-profit communities with his thoughtful and oftensatirical works. Featuring fourteen of Korean-born Jeski’s works fororganizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, World Vision, City HarvestNew York, the American Disability Association and the Global Coalition forPeace, the exhibition provides sharp and insightful commentary on war, globalwarming, pollution, and other social concerns.

Jeskistresses simplicity in messaging and encourages interaction between the designand the real world. His social graphics illustrate the power of creativity toinform, educate, and change society for the better. His efforts are a reminderof the vibrancy of Korean civil society, the strength of its NGOs, and Korea’scontribution to international efforts aimed at peace and social justice.

About the Artist

Jeski was born andeducated in Korea and gained fame in winning several major internationaladvertisement awards, including Cannes International, Clio and New YorkFestivals awards. He earned his BFA from School of Visual Arts in New York. Heis the founder of the Jeski Social Campaign and is a Seoul MetropolitanGovernment Honorary Ambassador.

Website: www.jeski.org

South Asian Film Festival, Goa Sept 15-18, 2011

2011-09-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

Lipika kapil Hi, As you are aware, South Asia Foundation is all set to bring the Sixth edition of South Asian Film Festival (SAFF-2011) in Goa from September 15-18, 2011, there are a slew of initiatives that are planned to make this a big one. From paying tribute to Shammi Kapoor ji to the interesting walk through of her career by beautiful Sharmila Tagore , the Film festival is likely to cover various aspects of cinema across the south Asian countries. Enclosed/ attached is the a detailed press note on SAFF 2011. Hope you find this information useful. Many thanksLipika Kapil9971479967 The 6th South Asian Film Festival in Goa focuses on ‘Dissolving Boundaries’ between all seven South Asian neighboursSeptember 15-18, 2011 Goa, August 30: The 6th South Asian Film Festival (saff), an annual event organised by the South Asia Foundation (SAF), a non-profit, non political, development and socio-cultural organisation is all set to bring to the fore the flavour of cinema from all the South Asian Countries. Beginning on September 15, 2011, the four day long festival is based on the theme – ‘Dissolving Boundaries’ spreading the message of togetherness and oneness amongst the South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, & Sri Lanka. saff is also an initiative of the Foundation to bring people to people closer at the grass-root level through the medium of cinema. The South Asian Film Festival will pay tribute to two stalwarts of the South Asian Film Industry. Legendary actor ‘Shammi Kapoor’ has made immense contribution to Indian Cinema and as a mark of respect to the celebrated actor, a special screening of his film “Kashmir Ki Kali” would be showcased, in presence of Ms. Sharmila Tagore. Also, Sh. Randhir Kapoor will take us through the journey of this illustrious actor. Bangladeshi film-maker, Tareque Masud, who passed away recently in a tragic road accident, will also be paid tribute at saff-2011. Tareque was the first Bangladeshi film-maker, who was recognised by the Cannes Film Festival. He was also one of the two key witnesses of the International War Crime Tribunal and was involved in documenting every minute detail of the Bangladesh Liberation Movement and the repression that it had faced. He will remain an inspiration to saff. saff-2011, will also showcase the brilliant cinematic journey of Ms. Sharmila Tagore, starting her career with the great director Sh. Satyajit Ray’s ‘Apur Sansar’ to ‘Life goes on’ directed by Kolkata born, London based director Ms. Sangeeta Dutta. saff-2011 will screen more than 50 films from all the South Asian countries, including India in the genre - Classic Films, Short Films, Documentary Films, Mainstream Popular Films and also premiere of two films. The saff-2011 will be a perfect blend of South Asian Cinema, from ‘Apur Sansar’ to ‘Bodyguard’ being released shortly, and the heart wrenching love story, ‘Meherjaan’ from Bangladesh, directed by Bangladesh born, western educated Ms. Rubaiyat Hossain, presently making films in her country beating all odds and adversaries. Rubaiyat will also share her part of the story at saff. At the inauguration of saff, Sharmila Tagore, one of the finest actors of Indian cinema and probably the global face of South Asia will walk us through her journey, from the black & white era of Indian cinema to her latest stint in the Mumbai film industry. Her deep association with Sh. Satyajit Ray that led her to Indian cinema is probably the most interesting story that would be shared at the saff platform. Key Highlights of SAFF, 2011 September 14- Press Conference to announce the impact and relevance of SAFF by Sh. Digambar Kamat, Honourable Chief Minister of Goa in presence of Sh. Subhash Ghai, Ms. Sharmila Tagore, Sh. Mahesh Bhatt and other eminent South Asian Film-makers and actors. September 15- Inauguration of saff-2011 with a power packed performance by Maldivian singer Unoosha with a blend of Goa’s vibrant music. Showcasing Goan crafts, glimpses of Delhi Pottery which is the life-line of the National Capital’s greenery, Art Exhibition at Kala Academy Goa, Panaji, Goa. September 15 – 18- SAF initiated Goa Crafts Development Project will be displayed with rich traditional and new range of craft-products of Goa in collaboration with GHRSSIC, Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce and Department of Tourism, Government of Goa at Kala Academy Goa, Panaji. September 16 -- 17- Workshop and Seminar: Sh. Randhir Kapoor, Ms. Sharmila Tagore, Sh. Mahesh Bhatt, Sh. Subhash Ghai, Sh. Neeraj Pandey, Ms. Maheen Zia, Ms. Rubaiyat Hossain, Ms. Karma Deki along with many other South Asian Film-makers will be present during saff to support the initiative of the Foundation. Various side events like workshops on Script writing, Directions and various aspects of film making and challenges facing South Asian Cinema will be conducted. Introduction of a special film, that is part of the IIM-A academic curriculam, will also be carried out by Dr. Navdeep Mathur, Faculty of IIM-A along with a Seminar on South Asian Cinema and global impact on the industry. Sept 18- Closing Ceremony for the South Asia Film Festival -2011 at Kala Academy Goa, Panaji. All South Asian countries are also sending one designated media person to cover the event.The complete screening schedule and synopsis of films is available on www.southasianfilmfestival.in.About South Asia FoundationSouth Asia Foundation (Estd. in 1991,), a non-profit, non-political, development organization has been working towards women empowerment, solution to poverty by creating employment opportunity through crafts sector in the Region. It also works towards policy advocacy, promoting peace and harmony with an objective of strengthening socio-cultural ties among the South Asian countries. For further information please contact: Rahul BaruaSecretary GeneralSouth Asia Foundationsouthasianfilmfestival@gmail.com. Lipika KapilMedia Consultantlipika.perfect@gmail.com+91-09971479967 Tuhina BhattacharyaSouth Asia Foundationsaff2006@gmail.com. +91-9999446139

Bas Ek Tamanna, Hindi Bollywood Film Review, Johnson Thomas

2011-09-04T00:23:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film reviewJohnson ThomasWouldn’t wish this on anyoneFilm: Bas Ek TamannaCast: Reema Lagoo, Gauri Karnik, Rituparna Sen Gupta, Samir AftabDirector: Rahul KapoorRating: *Helmer Rahul kapoor’s foray into the muslim social comes a cropper. The story is hackneyed, the plotting is uninteresting and the performances juast as lackadaisal.The story epitomisdes the increasing aspirations of a ghettoised muslim community. An Indian Muslim boy, a graduate, working as a tourist guide, Faraaz (Samir Aftab), his mother, a devout and pious Najma (Reema Lagoo) and his wheelchair- bound father, Nadeem (S.M. Zaheer), belonging to a lower middle-class family in Lucknow sees a sea-change in their existence because of Faraaz’s chance encounter with a rich Dubai based woman Sameera(Rituparna Sen Gupta). Faraaz has a girlfriend Sanah(Gauri Karnik) but thinks nothing of leaving his loved ones behind in searching of better prospects –when Sameera offers him a job as a kind of male nanny cum father figure to her son afflicted with bi-polar disorder.Faraz eventually breaks off all connections with his past once he gets addicted to the good life in Dubai.e film tries toexplore the conflicts that sudden wealth/success bring into the life of someone who was hitherto struggling to make ends meet. How is value system crumbles and it’s only when he experience a cross-road in his life’s journey does he realises the value of that which he once held dear.The story has a strong theme and moral but it’s nt presented in a viable form. Ali Hashmat Siddiqui's script is just a tad too old-fashioned to evoke a connect with today's audiences. The characters are as usual clichéd and the performances look jaded and uninspiring. As an Eid release, the filmmaker must have expected to cash in on the celebratory crowd but the entire treatment of the story and the unimpressive narrative does not make for a celebratory mood.So there are really not going to be many takers for this one.Johnsont307@gmail.comj

Unfair 2: The Answer (アンフェア the answer) [Japan] - 2011

2011-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Country: Japan
Production Company: Fuji Television Network/ Japan Music Entertainment/ Kansai Telecasting Corporation/ Kyodo Television/ Toho Company
Genre: Drama/ Action/ Crime
Director: Shimako Sato
Starring: Ryoko Shinohara, Sadao Abe, Masaya Kato, Susumu Terajima, Teruyuki Kagawa
Length: 109 mins
Date of release: 17th September, 2011

Synopsis

Natsumi Yukihira (Ryoko Shinohara) is one top rated detective while working for Metropolitan Police Department, and is currently working for the criminal division at Hokkaido. Meanwhile, central Tokyo receives a shocking news: a bizarre murder in which the nails are driven into the victims' body.

Fingerprint are taken from the victims and Kazuo Sato (Teruyuki Kagawa), who is Natsumi's ex-husband is also involved in this case. He keeps a USB memory stick that contains the sensitive information about the police force and hands it over to her. Soon, Natsumi becomes the serial murder suspect...

Mummy Punjabi, English Bollywood Film Review, Johnson Thomas

2011-09-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

English Film ReviewJohnson Thomas

Mummy Mummy Modern Dread!Film: Mummy PunjabiCast: Kiron Kher,Kanwaljeet Singh, Jackie Shroff, Viraf Patel, DivyaDuttaDirector: Pammi SonalRating: *Veteran journalist Pammi Sonal’s directorial debut is more like a TV sitcom than a film. The Mummy(Kiron Kher) here, is a modern one juxtaposed against a old-fashioned male dominated Punjabi household consisting of a husband and three adult children. Her husband(Kanwaljeet Singh) is so traditional that he doesn’t even have her name added to the family bank account. So that’s something she nags him about. She also calls her straight-jacketed husband boring and flirts openly with an ex-flame Mannu(Jackie Shroff).. Her sons lives are under her strict supervision but her daughter ‘s is another matter.. She wants her two sons married and settled in life so she opts for a traditional Indian girl for one and an NRI doctor for another. But the bahus(read daughter-in-laws) don’t turn out what they professed to be and Mummyji does a lot of wailing and crying on the fragile shoulders of her naid, Munniya(Divya Dutta). It’s heightened melodrama from there on. The script is basically best suited for a TV soap where the kind of exaggerated over simplification of family life can feel very much at home. The performances are loud, the comedy is kitschy and the dialogues in English sound pretty alien. This is really not a true measure of what a punjabi household looks like. There are plenty of contrivances and clichés involved despite the fact that the whole set-up aims for an ultra-modern-traditional mix. It’s quite ridiculous to see the bickering and the obviously manipulative snafus in the relationships that are shown as going awry. Kiron Kher in the lead role is hysterically vacuous.The rest of the cast don't even register . There is nothing appealing in this dreadful bore of film!Johnsont307@gmail.com

ACF 1145: "Rozen Maiden" animated series acquired by Sentai Filmworks

2011-09-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sentai Filmworks has announced the acquisition of the popular ROZEN MAIDEN animated series, a package that includes the original 12 episode series and the 12 episode sequel series ROZEN MAIDEN: TRÄUMEND and the two made for video episodes known as ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE, which have previously been unreleased in North America. Based on the hit manga by the artist known as Peach Pit (Di Gi Charat) all three titles were directed by Kou Matsuo (Red Garden, Yozakura Quartet) using character designs and script supervision by Jukkii Hanada (Mahoromatic, S.A., Yozakura Quartet) and character designs by Kumi Ishii (Red Garden.)

Watch for ROZEN MAIDEN this winter through multiple digital outlets as well as a complete collection on DVD just in time for Christmas. In addition, the new ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE DVD will be available as a stand-alone item, featuring a new English dub by production studio BangZoom! Entertainment.

Synopsis: Remember those nightmares you had as a child, where your toys came to life? That’s the reality that Jun Sakurada suddenly finds himself living when Shinku arrives in a box, the first of several magical Rozen Maidens to invade his secluded life. Worse, he’s found himself magically bound to Shinku, his life force powering hers, and she’s not too crazy about the way he’s been living his life. Unfortunately, fixing everything that’s wrong with Jun is going to have to take a back seat to making sure that Shinku survives the Alice Game, a competition that pits Rozen Maiden against Rozen Maiden for the prize of becoming a real girl, while the losers’ life essence is drained and they become lifeless toys again. Now, in order to win this deadly game, Jun and Shinku will have to find a way to work together. But to do that they’ll have to start trusting each other first! Get ready for a whole new kind of ‘guys and dolls’ as ‘action figure’ takes on a new meaning in ROZEN MAIDEN - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

That girl in Yellow Boots, Bollywood English Film Review, Johnson Thomas

2011-09-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

English film reviewJohnson ThomasLove’s Labour LostFilm: That Girl in Yellow BootsCast: Kalki Kochlin, Prashant, Gulshan Devaiah, Naseeruddin Shah, Pooja SwarupDirector: Anuraag KashyapRating: * *Ever since Anuraag Kashyap and Kalki Kochlin teamed up for the indie shocker“Dev D’ and took their professional relationship into the personal, he has been trying to give her career in the movies a fillup- and quite successfully at that. A well-received ‘Shaitan’ was followed by the hit ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and Kalki’s star was already on an ascendant. But this film, ‘That girl in Yellow Boots’ planned much before ‘Sahitan’ and ‘ZNMD,” having a story by Kalki and screenplay co-scripted by Anuraag Kashyap himself, is not cinematic at all. The narrative merely elaborates on a one line theme about a woman searching for her father in Mumbai and Pune. The father supposedly walked out on her, Ruth(Kalki) and her mother following the suicide of her step-sister Emily. Now Ruth, a UK citizen has run away from home and come to India to search out the whereabouts of a father she knows nothing about. She has fleeting memories of the fond relationship she had with him as a child but no picture or address to aid her-just a letter he wrote her. Even the envelope with the address is lost. From one of her contacts she gets close to his trail.

The story is simple enough but there are impediments to her search. Her visa has expired and all efforts to renew her stay validity come a cropper because of corrupt consulate personnel and police. She works illegally at a shady massage parlour managed by a phone addict Maya(Pooja Swaroop) and even helps clients get-off with a shake-hand/happy ending(euphemism) in order to earn extra big bucks to keep her wastrel junkie boyfriend(Prashant) and the blackmailing cop in line. She also has late night dinner meets with one high-ranking official from the consulate and throws in soliciting as part and parcel of the exchange. Does she really need to do all this? is a question any sane person would ask. Ruth wallows in her own degradation while playing to the gallery on her own victimisation. She is unhappy with her boyfriend but doesn’t want to kick him out of her life. She willingly lets the others-her clients and her various sources use and abuse her sexually when she could just as well have done without it. It’s a kind of perverted scenario that is immensely off-putting. To top it all she also comes in contact with a local goon Chuttiappa(Gulshn Devaiaih) who wants to collect from her what Prashant owes to him. Her clients are all perverted old men who find more pleasure in young hands massaging their libido rather than in the conjugal act. Then there is this old gentleman Diwakar(Naseeruddin Shah) who is always fully clothed in and out of the massage session and looks dotingly at Ruth, in fatherly fashion. The scenario is well set for a twisted revelation towards the end but it’s not as shocking as the director-writer duo would have wanted it to be- mainly because by the time the revelation occurs you become so benumbed by the entire unsettling experience of sitting through a series of visceral perversions, that you are too fatigued to react to the climactic revelation.

The characters are few and other than Ruth, no one receives enough screen-time or development to warrant endearment. Even Ruth’s character is so wishy-washy that it becomes hard to relate to her predicament or even empathise with it. Her sexploitation appears far too willing for us to see her as a victim. It is also quite unbelievable that her mother would not have warned her about her father’s sexual preferences before she set out to find him. Too many loose ends and not enough logic to sustain interest in such a flimsy set-up.The tone and tenor is dark and the colours suitably saturated. The pace though is more doodling than happening. There is also not much of import or impact happening throughout the narrative so you wouldn’t be faulted if you fell asleep mid-way through the film. The runtime is a short 92 minutes but that is not a help at all. Kashyap may have earned his name as a cult helmer but with this effort he is merely set on imitating masterly styles instead of concentrating on substance. The camerawork is suitably grungy but the performances lack the spark to make this effort more than just a curious case of misappropriated intent..Johnsont307@gmail.com

Film critic Johnson Thomas quoted in DNA newspaper

2011-09-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

The 3D formula of films is nothing more than a headachePublished: Sunday, Aug 14, 2011, 16:31 IST | Updated: Sunday, Aug 14, 2011, 18:57 ISTBy Aniruddha Guha | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA Every other week, we have a big hype over a Hollywood film releasing in 3D, either live action or animated. The last one month saw Green Lantern, Cars 2, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, The Smurfs, The Lion King and (this Friday) Captain America, all releasing in 3D.The ticket prices for a 3D film are higher (some multiplexes even charge extra for the 3D frames), and 3D shows for a film outnumber the 2D shows allotted to the same film. But few of these so-called 3D films live up to the “immersive experience” promise of their marketing campaigns.Firstly, many of these ‘3D films’ are actually shot in 2D, then converted to 3D, which is not the same thing at all. A film shot in stereoscopic 3D requires a dual camera set-up, called Fusion Camera. Two cameras are placed next to each other to replicate the left and right eyes of a human being.This is more complicated and expensive than the converted stereoscopic 3D where graphic artists give depth to a film shot in 2D in post-production. Avatar was an example of a film shot with a Fusion Camera, and the results were there for all to see.Of the other films mentioned earlier, only Transformers used Fusion Camera technology, while the rest were filmed in regular 2D fashion and later converted. But the ads don’t tell you that.Ranjit Singh (Tony), head of The Animation Society of India (TASI), says that most films that convert to 3D are doing nothing more than cashing in on the current fad. “At one point, sci-fi was fashionable; now everyone wants to show their film in 3D.”Even Simba flopsWhile he can’t think of one live action 3D film that wowed him, Shrek Forever After was among the few animation films in 3D that provided a really immersive experience, according to Singh. “In animation, since everything is created from scratch, the camera set-up isn’t that important. There are software applications that help you render animation images in stereo 3D. Even then, usually it’s just one or two really good 3D shots, while the rest is nothing great.”A couple of weeks ago, the classical animation film The Lion King was re-released in theatres, in 3D. This was supposed to add a new dimension to the most successful hand-drawn animation film of all time. “It’s essentially the same film; all the hard work we put into the original has been preserved,” the film’s co-director Rob Minkoff toldThe Mag in a phone interview. “The 3D conversion gives that extra dimension of space, which makes it a heightened experience of watching the film,” he said.But the new version came a cropper at the box office (in India, it was released only in PVR properties, where it was discontinued due to lack of audiences), and critics weren’t impressed by the 3D either. “Other than the opening sequence, which was breathtaking in the original 2D version anyway, there was nothing that 3D technology brought to the film,” says film critic Johnson Thomas, adding that as a story, The Lion King was still appealing, but watching it in 3D didn’t make sense.Walt Disney did hit the jackpot with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (released in 3D), with earnings of more than a billion dollars. But it was probably the global following of ThePirates franchise that brought about its commercial success, not its 3D which was panned. Many other films like The Last Airbender, Yogi Bear, Sanctum, and Gulliver’s Travels met with a lukewarm response at the box office despite promising 3D nirvana.Distracting, nauseatingMovie experts haven’t been kind to 3D either. Film critic Roger Ebert says it is “distracting and nausea-inducing”, and argues that it adds no value to the movie-going experience. Filmmaker Christopher Nolan has steadfastly stayed away from the technology in his films (The Dark Knight, Inception and now The Dark Knight Rises). Auteur Gore Verbinski didn’t want to make the animated Rango in 3D because he felt “this isn’t right.”In fact, it’s now believed that the technology can come in the way of a good viewing experience, because it makes images dull and the eyes get tired after a point. There’s been concern about headaches too. “Unless you get a genuine 3D experience, which only films which are shot using the Fusion Camera give you, like Avatar and Captain America, there’s no point in putting yourself through all the pain,” says Thomas.Perhaps all this will get sorted out with new technology, where audiences will be able to watch 3D films with the naked eye (without wearing 3D frames). Until then, the headache and the higher ticket price just don’t seem worthwhile. Even Simba can’t make 3D work.

Bol, Hindi/urdu Pakistani film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-09-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hindi film reviewsJohnson Thomas

A soul- stirring cry for the oppressed!Film: BolCast: Atif Aslam, Humaima Malik, Mahira Khan, Iman Ali, Shafqat Cheema, Manzar Sehbai, Zaib Rehman, Amir KashmiriDirector: Shoaib MansoorRating: * * *Shoiab Mansoor’s earlier work as director was ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ an indictment against religious fanatism and it’s inhuman practice. ‘Bol’ his current work takes that denouement further by dwelling into the religio-cultural mind-space of a people governed by laws of the Shariat which are interpreted as per convenience by it’s self-appointed guardians. The film is stark, hard-hitting and has stirring drama to carry the story through to an illuminating climax.

The narrative begins with Zainub(Humaima Malik) being sentenced to death and on the prompting of her brother-in-law Mustafa, and as granted by the President, she gives in to the ‘last wish’ of telling her story to the media. She talks of displacement during partition, the family’s shift to Lahore and the birth of a hermaphrodite Saif Ullah( Amr Kashmiri)in a family already teeming with girls. Her mother (Zaib Rehman) weakened by consecutive childbirth gets protection from future pregnancies at Zainub’s insistence. Her father, a local Hakim(Manzar Sehbai) is devoutly religious and looks forward to the birth of a son as part of Allah’s wish. Disappointed by Saif’s birth ,he banishes him to a corner of the house and prefers to forget him altogether. It’s upto Zainub and her sisters to care for him. When Saif shows outward signs of his true sexuality, the sisters are perturbed and Zainub with the help of their kind hearted neighbour Mustafa(Atif Aslam) sends him to work as a assistant painter under the guidance of a man who paints trucks for a living. But the other painter assistants, recognising Saif’s sexual leanings, rape him and when he returns home the next day his rigid puritanical father, in a fit of misguided righteous anger uses a plastic bag to suffocate him to death. Zainab is heart broken but she must carry on as she herself is burdened by the shame of a failed marriage. Mustafa secretly marries Ayesha (Mahira Khan)despite Hakim saheb’s objections to his Shia belongings. Hakim in the meanwhile is debt-ridden and is forced to take up the job he was desisting from engaging in , i.e. teaching of the Nazra Quran to Saqa Kanjar’s( Shafqat Cheema) children. Saqa Kanjar even lauds him for his ability to father girl children, which is a highly valued ability in the kanjar community- for which Saqa is willing to pay in lakhs. Seeing a way out of his debts, Hakim marries Saqa Kanjar’s resident tawaif Mina (Iman Ali) and their liaison begets a girl child. Hakim’s family though is caught unawares when one fine day Mina leaves her daughter at their doorstep and Saqa Kanjar with his henchmen in tow come to take back their prized possession. A deranged Hakim prefers to kill the child rather than hand him over to Saqa but Zainub intervenes and ends up having to face the gallows!

It’s a long-drawn-out story, the runtime touches close to three hours but every moment within is a moment of revelation- about the kind of oppression that blind belief in religious customs can wreak on human existence. The narrative is unembellished, the colours within are muted and earthy , the pace is slow but inveigling and the tension picks up slowly and steadily as the story twists and turns towards it’s eventual climax. The picture brightens when Mustafa and Ayesha sneak out to perform at a concert or when the daughters of the house give vein to their material desires while the tyrannical Hakim is away from the house. The atmosphere goes right back to the oppressive when Hakim is back and the sounds of laughter turn to cries of anguish. Shoaib Mansoor’s story and script is very hard-hitting and provokes thought and debate on the use of religion and orthodox practices to control the weak and the voiceless. The story is set in Pakistan but could be true of any region in the world governed by ultra-conservative religious societies. The dialogues penned by Shoaib Mansoor himself are veritable gems. The urdu’ lehza’ is impeccable and the words that communicate the pain, anguish and frustration of a repressed society have a beauty all their own. The pop-cross-cultural references about Meena Kumari, Pakeezah and Umrao Jaan add more layers to the already sharply etched multi-hued narrative. Manzar Shehbai’s Hakim Sahab is riveting as is Humaima Malik’s Zainub. Zaib Rehman, Shafqat Cheema, Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan, Amr Kashmiri, Iman Ali, also acquit themselves with honour. The songs in the film were unwarranted and for most appeared to be intrusive rather than inclusive. Shoaib Mansoor’s heartfelt narration is given greater depth and voice by Salman Razzaq’s amazing cinematography and Armughan Hassan’s languid editing style. This is a film definitely worth watching!Johnsont307@gmail.com

Blue Salt (푸른소금) [South Korea] - 2011

2011-09-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Country: South Korea
Production Company: Studio Blue
Genre: Action/ Crime/ Romance
Director: Lee Hyun Seung
Starring: Song Kang Ho, Shin Se Kyung, Chun Jung Myung, Lee Jong Hyuk, Kim Min Jun, Yoon Yeo Jung, Kim Roe Ha, Oh Dal Su
Length: 120 mins
Date of release: 31st August, 2011

Synopsis

Doo Hun (Song Kang Ho) is a retired mafia boss who gets to know a young mysterious woman, Se Bin (Shin Se Kyung) from a culinary class. One day, Se Bin gets involved with a loan shark gang when her friend fails to pay back the loan. They order Se Bin to take away Doo Hun's life but she refuses as she likes him.

Later, Doo Hun gets seriously injured and not aware that someone wants to take away his life. Meanwhile, Se Bin becomes a female assassin by joining a professional hitman business run by Madame Kang (Yoon Yeo Jung). Her first task is to take away Doo Hun's life...

ACF 1144: "Hi-So" to be screened at MoMA starting September 8th, 2011

2011-09-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

May and Ananda in his old home

Hi-So

Directed by Aditya Assarat

Thailand, 2010, 102 minutes

With Ananda Everingham, Cerise Leang, Sajee Apiwong.

The ContemporAsian film series at New York's Museum of Modern Art continues next Thursday with a week-long screening of Aditya Assarat's look at Bangkok's contemporary high society (hence the film's title, Hi-So).

Hi-So was screened this past June as one of the films in the Blissfully Thai film series at Asia Society here in NY. For my review of it, click here.

Synopsis: Upon returning to Thailand from San Francisco, Ananda (Ananda Everinghan)gets a starring role in a film shot off-season at a desolate vacation spot in the countryside. His American girlfriend, Zoe (Cerise Leang), comes to visit, but as the shooting proceeds she becomes plagued by boredom and isolation, and the relationship soon sours. Several months later, Ananda is living in Bangkok with his new Thai girlfriend, May (Sajee Apiwong), whom he met on set. Everything goes well at first, but as Ananda becomes increasingly caught up in his expat social circle, May begins to feel isolated and unhappy as well. The film’s gentle and at times self-reflexive camerawork explores the internal loneliness of young people adrift between cultures and languages—people who feel displaced and disconnected with the memory of, and debris from, the 2004 tsunami ever present in the background. In Thai, English; English subtitles.

MoMA Screening Schedule:

Thursday, September 8, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2

Friday, September 9, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2

Saturday, September 10, 2011, 4:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2

Sunday, September 11, 2011, 2:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2

Monday, September 12, 2011, 4:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2

Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Theater 2, T2

Bodyguard, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-09-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film ReviewJohnson Thomas

Protection Unsuccessful but Phillum successfoolFilm: BodyguardCast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Hazel Keech, Mahesh ManjrekarDirector: SiddiqueRating: * ½‘Bodyguard’ is Salman’s biggest challenge yet. He has had successive successes in “Wanted’, ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Ready.’ His star is on the ascendant. It appears that on-screen, he can do no wrong. But will a film like ‘Bodyguard’ which consists mainly of film mag poster shots, song and dance music videos and conspicuously obvious FX enabled stunt choreography with neither a credible story or plot line to speak of, really do well? Salman Khan’s Sister Alvira and Brother-in-law Atul are the producers so they were obviously not going to take any risks with their home brand. They just needed a framework that suited Salman and Siddique’s south-side successes (in Malayalam and Tamil) both titled ‘Bodyguard’ was the ideal project for just such an occasion. Siddique was roped-in to direct and an equally successful Kareena Kapoor was pencilled in as the heroine. The resultant was bound to hit the bulls-eye what with an all-encompassing marketing campaign making Salman’s presence omnipotent. Salman’s on-screen antics are usually designed to poke fun at himself. He usually performs them with a twinkle in his eye and a sweet-sweet smile on a visage that can never appear seriously serious. So when in this film, he performs the most outrageous and unbelievable stunts you just gape with incredulity . There is obviously no time to think and pick fault with such a contrived set-up. Lovely Singh( Salman) jumps from one train to another, both travelling in opposite directions and at speeds above 100kmph and then again he dodges a fullisade of bullets by going around in circles. And that is old hat for the typical bollywood masala film-cliches be damned. An over-weight side-kick provides the sidey humor and the girl who Salman body-guard’s, Divya(Kareena kapoor) calls him up anonymously innumerable times everyday so that the two dysfunctional people can eventually and quite conveniently at that, fall in love. Now, why would anyone be surprised? To add a bit of melodrama, Salman is said to owe Divya’s father Rana(Raj Babbar) his life and therefore is hard-pressed to continue the assignment. The story is incredibly pithy. The characters lack wholesomeness and the treatment is pretty much one-dimensional. Even Katrina kaif’s item number, amidst all the ubiquitous nonsense on-screen , is a pretty unnecessary addition.

Siddique doesn’t attempt even a single realistic frame- every visual is crammed with gloss and stardust. Salman’s stiff-backed posture looks toonish and Kareena’s bubbly irreverence is far too plastic to be heart-felt. The climactic struggle with the baddies appears to have been an after-thought because Salman just about wipes them out in a fell sweep without much preamble.

Salman is a non-actor, cannot shake a leg to save his face yet whenever he comes on screen his presence is magnetic. His sincerity comes through like a beacon, luring the hoi-polloi in droves. His brand is supreme-what with the super success of ‘Wanted’, ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Ready,’ and ‘Bodygurad’ I am sure will be no exception. Right now, everything this man touches turns to gold. Even a film ‘Chillar Party,’ which he chose to lend his name to much after the post-production stage, did reasonably well because of his star name attached to it. He is amongst the biggest stars Bollywood has ever seen. The brand may be cultivated but the image is genuine. Whatever he does on screen basically shows off his innate character to good effect. From his romantic films( Maine Pyar Kiye) to the comedic( Partner, No Entry, Judwaa) to the demented (Tere Naam) Salman never embodies the character, he always plays himself with a style and panache that endears and endures- and therefore has developed a direct link with the audience that others, even far better actors , have not managed to do. His films have a buzz all their own that even’ Bodyguard’ – a repetitive dose of Salman posturing, hitting 3000 screens across the country has managed to surpass . Canny marketing, smart packaging and songs that make you go tap-tap, just add weight to the star magic that Salman himself emanates. His is a success story that cuts across all classes, defying logic, traditional wisdom and even aesthetics . In fact the audience have stopped expecting him to emote –they’d rather deal with the real man with all his ticks, quirks and inadequacies , who despite it all manages to wipe out the bad guys in one fell sweep. And it’s all well worth the hefty-price of a multiplex ticket or even a specially re-configured single screen one. So Rs.20 crore from a first day showing on Eid is an expected bonanza. Another Rs.20 crore is expected from the second day. There is no surprise here.In aesthetic terms this film is a zero while commercially it may be regarded as supremely successful just on the basis of the first two days collections. Whether this film can stretch beyond a week and still manage such immaculate returns is a question that only time can answer.Johnsont307@gmail.com

Lan Kwai Fong (喜愛夜蒲) [Hong Kong] - 2011

2011-09-02T00:01:00.001-07:00

Country: Hong Kong
Production Company: Local Production/ Mei Ah Films Production Co. Ltd.
Genre: Drama
Director: Wilson Chin
Starring: Shiga Lin, Chen Zhi Ming, Jason Chan, Bonnie Xian, Jun Kung, Miki Yeung, Jeana Ho, Gregory Wong, Sin Lap Man, Dada Chan
Length: 105 mins
Date of release: 15th September, 2011

Synopsis

Lan Kwai Fong regulars Steven (Chen Zhi Ming) encounters stewardess Jennifer (Shiga Lin) and the two have one night stand. Both feel it is true love so they make a date to meet on New Year's Eve at the same venue. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding, Steven does not turn up, and Jennifer decides not to return again.

Steven meets up with Jennifer again after eight months and wants to restart a relationship with her. However, Jennifer is no longer single and attached to his boss, Leslie (Jun Kung). At the same time, Steven receives a call that his grandfather (Sin Lap Man) collapses and need to be hospitalized.

As a retired engineer, his grandfather advises Steven to follow his friend Sean (Gregory Wong), who has a girlfriend Cat (Dada Chan). Sean encourages Steven to follow his own heart. Steven then proceeds to express his feeling towards Jennifer, but she has just agreed to marry Leslie.

Feeling sad with broken heart, Steven decides to move on with his life. He gladly accepts his company's transfer to the foreign head office. His friends then organise a farewell party for him, and gets reunited with Jennifer again at the party. Will the two be together again even though Jennifer is already engaged?

ACF 1143: Nationwide theatrical release of Tsui Hark's "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" begins today!

2011-09-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Indomina Releasing

The nationwide theatrical release of Tsui Hark's Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame, a huge hit at this summer's New York Asian Film Festival, begins today, courtesy of Indomina Releasing. (Read what the good folks of Subway Cinema, presenters of the annual New York Asian Film Festival, had to say about Tsui Hark and Detective Dee here.)

The schedule of when Detective Dee will begin playing in various U.S. cities over the course of September is:

September 2
New York
- Regal E- Walk
- Angelika Film Center
Los Angeles - The Landmark

September 16
San Francisco - Landmark Embarcadero Center Cinema
San Francisco (East Bay) - Landmark Shattuck
San Francisco (Peninsula) - Landmark Aquarius

September 23
Chicago - Landmark Century Centre Cinema
Washington DC - Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema
Seattle - Landmark Varsity Theatre
Boston - Landmark Kendall Square Cinema
Honolulu - Consolidated Pearlridge
Dallas - Landmark Inwood Theatre
Philadelphia - Landmark Ritz 5
Minneapolis - Landmark Uptown Theatre
Denver - Landmark Mayan Theatre
Detroit - Landmark Maple Art Theatre
Toronto - Scotiabank Theatre
Toronto - Eglinton Town Centre
Vancouver - International Village Cinemas

September 30
Phoenix - Harkins Camelview
Austin - Alamo South Lamar

For more information at Indomina Releasing's Detective Dee website, click here.

ACF 1142: VIZ releasing seven volumes of Naruto in seven day period

2011-09-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

VIZ MANGA DEBUTS SEVEN VOLUMES

OF NARUTOIN SEVEN DAYS

Release Promotion Culminates inNARUTO Volume 52

Debuting Same DayAs Print Counterpart on September 6th

VIZ Media starts offSeptember with a special NARUTO release promotion through VIZManga.comand the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad™, iPhone™ and iPod™ touch. NARUTO Vol.46 is available now, Vol. 47 launches today, September 1st, and a new volume of NARUTO(volumes 48-51) will be available each day thereafter. On Tuesday, September 6th,NARUTO Volume 52 will debut DAY-AND-DATE with its print counterpart!

Created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999,NARUTO (rated ‘T’ for Teens) quickly became Japan’s mostpopular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85million copies to-date. NARUTO is also one of the most popular anime/mangaproperties in North America. The NARUTO manga and animated series depict the adventures of a youngboy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with thespirit of the nine-tailed fox demon sealed within his body, is forced to live abullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto isresilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him.Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship,teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong. More information on NARUTO is availableat www.NARUTO.com.

NARUTO Vol.52 sees a Cell Seven reunion as Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto finally meet and theformer classmates' complicated past gives way to a violent and unsure future.Naruto realizes he must eventually battle Sasuke one-on-one...to the death! Butwith Sasuke and his dark allies bent on complete destruction, and politicalintrigue in the villages, will the powerful Allied Shinobi Forces allow the two"friends" to meet in battle?!

September5th also sees new additions to 11 other VIZ Media manga series,including:

BLACK BIRD Vol. 10 – available a day earlier than the printcounterpart!

DENGEKI DIASY Vol. 4

DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 25

GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA Vol. 3

I’LL GIVE MY ALL TOMORROW Vol. 3

KEKKAISHI Vol. 12

OISHINBO Vol. 2

ONE PIECE Vol. 42

OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 10

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE II Vol. 4

RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 21

VIZ Media's digital manga platform continues to expandaccess for fans in North America to the world's best manga. Starting with theVIZ Manga app (the #1 app for reading manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch)in 2010, the recently launched VIZManga.com is now a leading online destinationfor reading manga on desktop/laptop computers and on Android-powered deviceswith built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users can select fromnearly 400 volumes across 40+ series and then enjoy their purchases through evenmore devices than ever.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.comor www.VIZ.com/apps.

Raya Tak Jadi (Malaysia) - 2011

2011-09-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

Country: Malaysia
Production Company: Lineclear Motion Pictures/ Grand Brilliance
Genre: Comedy
Director: Prof. Madya A. Razak Mohaideen
Starring: Saiful Apek, Johan Raja Lawak, Jalaluddin Hassan, Wan Sharmila, Iedil Putra, Noreen Noor, Mak Jah, Mohd Farid Wari
Length: 93 mins
Date of release: 15th September, 2011

Synopsis

A busineman is waiting for his imported fruit dates to arrive during the month of Ramadan. However, the contena does not arrive and as a result of this he suffers from losses. He instructs two of his staffs to kidnap Haji Ehsan (Jalaluddin Hassan), who is the keeper of the rulers' seal and ask for ransom money from his family.

They lock him at the bonnet of a taxi. Problem arises when they accidentally change taxi that belongs to Shuib (Saiful Apek). Together with his deaf brother Bob (Johan Raja Lawak), they manage to rescue him and discover his real identity. Later, the businessman and his staffs manage to get caught by the police in the end.

For the upcoming Hari Raya celebration it means a lot for both Shuib and Bob. They never have special celebration previously until Haji Ehsan and his family comes to visit them, and bring gifts for them, as a reward for saving his life. What is even more special Haji Ehsan decides to employ both of them to work for him.

International film news

2011-09-01T04:25:00.000-07:00

MUBI digest

FAREWELL, RAÚL RUIZ

We’ve been bidding a long and fond farewell to one of cinema’s most beguiling storytellers, Raúl Ruiz, who passed away on Friday, August 19, aged 70. Click here for remembrances, films and clips, posters and all our reviews, including Ignatiy Vishnevetsky on Mysteries of Lisbon. Also, depending on where you are in the world, you can watch Ruiz’s Three Lives and Only One Death (1996), Genealogies of a Crime (1997) and That Day (2003) on MUBI.

NOW PLAYING ON MUBI films we think you'll love

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2007

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Agnès Varda

France

1962

Walkabout

Nicolas Roeg

Australia

1971

ALL EYES ON VENICE

The Ides of March, the fourth feature directed by George Clooney, has opened what promises to be a strong edition of the Venice Film Festival. Films by David Cronenberg, Roman Polanski, Giorgos Lanthimos, Philippe Garrel, Aleksandr Sokurov, Johnnie To, Andrea Arnold and more are competing for this year’s Golden Lion. Not only will we be covering all the news and reviews, but our own Daniel Kasman is on the Lido, sending in early word on the discoveries of the festival. Also: Marie-Pierre Duhamel and Enrico Magrelli, head of the Italian Cinematheque, discuss this year’s retrospective of Italian experimental cinema of the 1960s and 70s.

OUR FIRST SOUNDTRACK MIX!

How does a cinephile get through an hour at the desktop? By streaming a hand-selected mix of movie soundtracks, of course! Experimental filmmaker Paul Clipson has put together our very first, HYPER SLEEP, reflecting a wide array of jazz, classical, experimental and pop influences.

NEW SERIES

A couple more firsts at the Notebook — Daniel Riccuito has launched a series called “Depression Lessons,” a collection of cinematic anecdotes culled from the tremendously relevant cinema of the Great Depression, and Daniel Kasman has a new one he calls “The Camera Moves” in which he examines just what it is that director-cinematographer teams are up to in a few outstanding sequences.

THE CINEMATIC JOKEBOOK

The beauty of the idea behind one of our favorite new Tumblrs is that it’s so simple. Paul Matwychuk has set out to create “the definitive archive of movie scenes in which people tell corny jokes.” So far, the clips featured in The Cinematic Jokebook come from films as varied as Certified Copy and Chinatown, Blue Valentine and Small Change.

ACF 1141: Section23 Films announces October 2011 slate of releases

2011-09-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

SECTION23 FILMS ANNOUNCES

OCTOBER SLATE

GLASS MAIDEN COMPLETE COLLECTION Available on October 4th

Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its October slate of releases, including the exciting sci-fi meets private eye series, GLASS MAIDEN. The complete collection will be released on DVD by the exciting new anime label and Section23 client, Maiden Japan.

Product details follow, in order of release

Title: GLASS MAIDEN COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by: Maiden Japan

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 300 min.

Street Date: 10/4/2011

Format: DVD

Language: Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Shu's a detective, the brooding, enigmatic type with an eye for the ladies. Together with his kid brother Akira, and 'the girls' Manami and Ayaka, he runs an investigative agency that takes on the odd case here and there. Okay, odder than usual, given that their main broker is a cross-dresser and their closest associate's a doctor with a 'thing' about cosplay. And then the oddest case of all comes through: a 'package' intended for 'delivery' that turns out to be a lot more trouble than expected. You see, Shu's always considered himself a quick study (he can see through most lies in a second) but when he goes head on with a girl who doesn't even know who she is, he'll be seeing through more than he ever imagined seeing through. Unfortunately, there are other people who want Sara back and they know a lot more about who, and what, she actually is than she does! Old fashioned detective work meets the latest in modern weapons technology as sci-fi meets private eye in GLASS MAIDEN - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Title: LA CORDA D'ORO ~ PRIMO PASSO COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by: Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 650 min.

Street Date: 10/4/2011

Format: DVD

Language: Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $69.98

SYNOPSIS: At the Seiso Academy, there are two kinds of students: those enrolled in the world famous music curriculum and those enrolled in the far less demanding general studies program. Kahoko Hino falls into the latter category; a completely average student who isn't even interested in music. All that changes, however, when Kahoko is given a magic violin by Lili, a fairy who lives inside the academy! Now she's an outstanding new prodigy. The problem is that, although only Hino knows it, she doesn't play the same way as all of the other students. But is it really just the magic violin that makes the difference? Or are Hino's growing respect and feelings for others in her class changing things too? One way or another, she'll have to face the music in La Corda d'Oro ~ Primo Passo - The Complete Collection!

Title: KOBATO COLLECTION 2

Published by: Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 300 min.

Street Date: 10/11/2011

Format: DVD

Language: Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Seeking the right to keep her magical flask, Kobato has been working as hard as she can to ease the pain in others hearts. Unfortunately, there are some jobs that seem to defy even her ability and one of those has become far more personal than she should have ever allowed it to become. The nursery where Fujimoto works is in trouble, and nothing Kobato can do seems to make things any better. Worse, while her magic healing flask is filling with kompeitos, the negative emotions she pulls from the others that she helps, she cannot tell Fujimoto about how she herself truly feels, and Ioryogi knows that the time given to Kobato in order to prove herself is rapidly running out. Will Kobato's time run out before she can ease the heart of the one closest to her? Her fate, and that of all those she loves, will be revealed in the second and final collection of Kobato!

Title: PRINCESS TUTU COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by: AEsir Holdings

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 650 min.

Street Date: 10/11/2011

Format: DVD

Language: English, Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $39.98

SYNOPSIS: A klutzy teen is transformed into a magical ballerina princess, but don't let that fool you! Dark and sophisticated, this modern fairy tale is more Brothers Grimm than Disney!

Title: HELL GIRL: TWO MIRRORS COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by: Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 650 min.

Street Date: 10/18/2011

Format: DVD

Language: Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $69.98

SYNOPSIS: Whenever there has been Hell to pay, Ai Enma has been the collector. Whatever damnation you wish on another, she can deliver. At the cost of your own soul, of course. This is why she is known as the Hell Girl. Remorseless and implacable, she is the physical embodiment of revenge. But now, after endless years serving the depraved demands of vengeance obsessed mortals, cracks have begun to form in her once emotionless façade and she must take a journey she never expected, to answer the question she's never dared to ask before: when you're already in Hell, are you allowed to die? The volatile emotions that Ai has kept entombed in her soul have begun to exhume themselves and the answer lies buried in HELL GIRL - TWO MIRRORS - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Title: RAY COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by: Maiden Japan

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 325 min.

Street Date: 10/18/2011

Format: DVD

Language: Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: If you have enough money, you can buy anything. So why wait for an organ you need to become available? Raised to be harvested for parts, Ray had already lost her eyes when renegade surgeon Black Jack rescued her. Now, ten years later, she has grown up to be a surgeon herself. And thanks to the unique artificial eyes she received as replacements, she has with a reputation for performing incredible medical operations that no one else could even attempt. But unknown to any but a select few, her surgical endeavors are only part of a greater mission: to discover what happened to the other children she was raised with, and to find the men who stole the eyes she was born with and to bring them to justice. Vengeance wields a scalpel and sees with X-ray eyes in RAY - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Title: HIMAWARI! SEASON 1 COLLECTION

Published by: Maiden Japan

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Run Time: 325 min.

Street Date: 10/25/2011

Format: DVD

Language: Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Himawari Hinata is NOT your typical Japanese school girl. In fact, ever since being rescued by a ninja when she was younger, her greatest ambition has been to become one herself. And now, finally, she's got her shot at her dreams: the opportunity to study at Shinobi Gakuen in the Village of Mist, the elite academy where kunoichi, female ninjas, are trained. Unfortunately, Himawari isn’t as prepared as some of her fellow candidates and, on her very first day in the village, she ends up being saved by one of her teachers! To add to the embarrassment, the person who rescues her isn't even a ninja! He's Hayato Marikoji and HIS duty is to teach the ninja how to act like a normal person like himself! With that inauspicious start, will Himawari ever be able to gain entrance to the school? And if she does, can she meet the rigorous standards demanded by her teachers? And why does Hayato remind her so much of an important person from her past? With a whole school full of ninjas, there's certain to be more going on than meets the eye in HIMAWARI! Season 1 Collection!

Bangkok Cinema Scene: Movies opening September 1-7, 2011

2011-08-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Fright Night

Anton Yelchin squares off against Colin Farrell in Fright Night, a remake of the cult 1985 horror comedy.

Yelchin, who played wunderkind ensign Chekov in the Star Trek movie, goes on the offensive after he learns his new neighbor Jerry (Farrell) is a vampire.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots and Toni Collette also star.

Australian-born filmmaker Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) directs.

"It may not have been necessary to remake the 1985 cult classic, but the new Fright Night benefits from terrific performances by Colin Farrell and David Tennant – and it's smart, funny and stylishly gory to boot," is the mostly positive consensus.

It's in 3D in some cinemas.

Also opening

Colombiana – Avatar and The Losers star Zoe Saldana is still in action mode in this revenge flick. After witnessing her parents’ murder as a child in Bogota, she grows up to be an assassin, taking assignments while also searching for the man responsible for her parents' deaths. Luc Besson is a producer, and it's very much in the same vein as his classic female assassin drama Le Femme Nikita. And, Colombiana was originally conceived as a sequel to Besson's Léon: The Professional. Olivier Megaton (Transporter 3) directs. Critical reception is mixed, with the consensus seeming to be that action fans won't be disappointed, as long as they don't take it too seriously.

Love, Not Yet (รักจัดหนัก, Rak Jad Nak) – Bioscope film magazine editor Suphab Rimthepathip produces this romance omnibus that takes a look at teenage pregnancies. Rated 15+.

Bangkok Kung Fu – Yuthlert Sippapak directs this action-comedy about young martial artists who all grew up under the same master. They seek revenge against the gangsters who stole their lives. The cast includes "Pe" Arak Amornsupasiri, "Film" Ratthaphoom Tokhongsab, Mario Maurer and Yes or No actress Sucharat Manaying along with various teen-idol performers from the RS Public record label. Rated 13+.

Ceremony – A young man heads to an elegant beachside estate in a bumbling attempt to derail the wedding of the older woman he's infatuated with. Michael Angarano and Uma Thurman star. Critical reception is mixed. It's at House, Major Cineplex Ratchayothin and SFW CentralWorld. Rated 18+.

Trust – David Schwimmer directs this psychological thriller about a teenager's life that's ruined after she meets a guy she met online who doesn't turn out to be the dreamboat he was posing to be. Liana Liberato portrays the girl, with Clive Owen and Catherine Keener as her mother and father. Critical consensus is mostly positive, saying Schwimmer "gets some gut-wrenching performances out of his actors but he still lacks the chops to fully ratchet up story tension". It's at the Scala.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins – Jim Carrey is a divorced businessman who turns his life around when he becomes the father figure to six penguins. It's based on a 1938 children's book by Richard and Florence Atwater. Although the South Pole birds are sometimes rendered in CGI, actual penguins were used in the making of this picture. Mark Waters (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Mean Girls) directs. Critical reception is mixed. At SF cinemas.

Born To Be Wild – Morgan Freeman narrates this documentary. It looks at baby wild animals in two places – elephants at a sanctuary in Kenya and orangutans at a sanctuary in Borneo. Only at IMAX in 3D.

Also showing

Chulalongkorn University International Film Festival – Four more films remain in this segment of the twice-yearly screening series of recent acclaimed movies. On Friday, it's the woman-and-her-dog-road-trip drama Wendy and Lucy starring Michelle Williams. The Greek arthouse psychological thriller Dogtooth shows on Monday. The Spanish animation Chico and Rita, set in 1940s Cuba, screens next Wednesday. And the fest closes on September 9 with French animator Sylvain Chomet's The Illusionist, based on a screenplay by Jacques Tati. After each screening there's a chance to share opinions with film critics Kittisak Suvannapokhin, Nopamat Veohong and Kong Rithdee. All movies are on DVD with English subtitles. Show times are at 5pm in the Mahachakri Sirindhorn Building, 9th Floor.

Morbid Symptom – The DK Filmhouse (Film Virus) screening series alongside the Dialogic exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre continues on Saturday with the program "Cannot be Born", featuring David Cronenberg's 1979 mutant-children thriller The Brood at 3pm and Night of Counting the Years, a.ka. The Mummy, a 1969 fact-based drama by Egyptian director Shadi Abdel Salam at 5. The screening venue is a corner of the BACC's ninth-floor gallery, on a bare white wall where there are a handful of beanbag chairs strewn around. If you want a seat, get there early.

Lady of No Fear – As the Luc Besson-directed Aung San Suu Kyi biopic The Lady, filmed in Thailand starring Michelle Yeoh, is ready to hit big screens, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre will show the documentary Lady of No Fear. Danish director Anne Gyrithe Bonne researched for more than three years, meeting friends and family members of the Burmese pro-democracy leader, going through archives, libraries, and photographs to put together Suu Kyi's life story. Bonne will be here to talk about the film. The first screening is at 8pm on Tuesday, September 6 at the FCCT in the penthouse of the Maneeya Center Building at Chitlom BTS station. Admission is B150 non-members. It will then screen at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 7, at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre in the 5th-floor auditorium.

Bernie – Albert Dupontel directs and stars in this quirky 1996 comedy as an orphan, who at age 30, finally decides to leave the orphanage and find out why his parents abandoned him. Along the way, he has an adventure. It screens at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 7 at the Alliance Francaise.

ACF 1140: VIZ titles sweep NY Times manga bestseller list for week of August 20th

2011-08-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

VIZ MEDIA DOMINATES THE LATEST

NEW YORK TIMES MANGA BESTSELLER LIST

Newest YU-GI-OH! GX Volume Takes #1 Spot

And Is Complemented By Other Top Manga Properties

Including BLUE EXORCIST, BLEACH, BAKUMAN｡,

BLACK BIRD, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, NARUTO

And More!

VIZ Media titles have swept the latest Top 10 on the New York Times Manga Bestseller list for the week of August 2oth.

The top selling VIZ Media manga (graphic novel) titles included:

1.             YU-GI-OH! GX Vol. 7
2.             BLUE EXORCIST Vol. 3
3.             BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 6
4.             BLEACH 3-In-1 Edition Vol. 2
5.             FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST 3-In-1 Edition Vol. 2
6.             AI ORE! Vol. 2
7.             SAKURA HIME: THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS SAKURA,    Vol. 2
8.             BLACK BIRD Vol. 5
9.             NARUTO Vol. 48
10.         NARUTO 3-In-1 Edition Vol. 1

The New York Times Bestseller lists are an expanded version of those appearing in the September 4, 2011 print edition of the Book Review, reflecting sales for the week ending August 20, 2011. Rankings reflect weekly sales for books sold in both print and electronic formats.

“It’s very exciting to see such a varied array of VIZ Media titles sweep the latest New York Times Top 10 manga bestseller list,” says Leyla Aker, Vice President, Publishing. “Cornerstone properties like the top placing YU-GI-OH! GX, as well as NARUTO, BLEACH, and FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, continue to resonate with legions of fans and our new 3-In-1 omnibus manga collections have also proved a big hit with readers. We’re also very happy to see several shojo properties like AI ORE, SAKURA HIME, and BLACK BIRD perform so well. We look forward to readers continuing to look to VIZ Media for the best in both print and digital manga!”

Way Back Home (Philippines) - 2011

2011-08-31T04:36:00.000-07:00

Country: Philippines
Production Company: ABS-CBN Film Productions/ Star Cinema Productions
Genre: Drama/ Family
Director: Jerry Lopez Sineneng
Starring: Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Enrique Gil, Sam Concepcion, Agot Isidro, Tonton Gutierrez, Lotlot De Leon, Bella Flores, Ahron Villena, Jairus Aquino, Josh Ivan Morales, Clarence Delgado, Gilleth Sandico
Length: 120 mins
Date of release: 17th August, 2011

Synopsis

Sisters Jessica (Julia Montes) and Joanna (Kathryn Bernardo) get separated when they are young. Jessica grows up in a wealthy family while Joanna has to settle her fate with a poor seaside family. She spends most of her childhood swimming and running around with her best friend, Michael (Enrique Gil).

As a young girl Jessica grows up to be an excellent student with good results and won swimming team trophies. However, she is constantly craving for her missing sister and love from her distant mother (Agot Isidro). And thanks to a swimming competition the two sisters reunite after twelve years.

When Joanna moves in with her new family, Jessica feels neglected as her family pays more attention to her sister. Soon she decides to make Joanna's life miserable by ignoring her at school. What is the fate of the two sisters in the end? Will Jessica kick Joanna out from her own home?

Super Cockroach (像小强一样活着) [China] - 2011

2011-08-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

Country: China
Production Company: Fujian Hengye Film/ China Film Group Digital Cinema Line Co. Ltd.
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Director: Guan Er
Starring: Zhao Ying Jun, Meng Xia, Na Wei, Jin Qiao Qiao, Fang Qing Zhuo
Length: 94 mins
Date of release: 29th July, 2011

Synopsis

Zhang Xiao Qiang (Zhao Ying Jun) was born into a family of liars. His grandfather was the greatest liar for forty years. He inherited the lying genetics from him and is good at faking cry, and good at deceiving people on his tragic childhood story. At the end people would believe he comes from a poor family.

One day he goes to a city with a friend and both pretend to be beggars and to show off their lying talents. Along the way Xiao Qiang saves a female police Liu Ying (Meng Xia) and a man Wu Da Cheng (Na Wei) from gangsters intimidation. For his small help he is given a title as courageous hero.

However his good deed soon turn into a series of misfortunes, as he gets involved with Mrs Lee (Jin Qiao Qiao), a gangster that is involved with debt collecting and also with fightings. He has no choice but to unite with Liu Ying to face these gangsters. Can Xiao Qiang and Liu Ying defeat these gangsters?

ACF 1139: Free screening of Yoon Sung-Hyun's "Bleak Night" on Tuesday, September 6th

2011-08-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Korean Cultural Service NY

presents

Korean Movie Night

Series 5: Hidden Gems of Korean Cinema, Part II

Bleak Night / Pasuggun

Directe by: Yoon Sung-Hyun

South Korea, 2011, 117 minutes

When: Tuesday, September 6th @ 7:00 PM

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas

54 Varick Street, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Admission: FREE!!!

All seating is first-come, first served.

The Hollywood Reporter heralds director Yoon Sung-Hyun as one of the best new Korean filmmakers and director Bong Joon-Ho (The Host) calls his first movie “astonishing.” Yoon’s award-winning Bleak Night was the talk of the Rotterdam Film Festival and 2011’s indie break-out film in Korea, and it’s easy to see why. Leaping back and forth through time, the movie follows a grieving father as he tries to solve the mystery of his teenaged son’s suicide. Suffused with sadness, it’s one of the toughest movies about high school friendship ever made.

Chitkabrey- Shades of grey, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-08-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film Review

Johnson Thomas

A crass act

Film: Chitkabrey

Cast: Ravi Kishen, Rahul Singh, Khusboo Gupta, Divya Dwivedi, Rajesh Shringapure, Akshara Gowda, Svetlana Manvolo

Director: Suneet Arora

Rating: *

Suneet Arora’s ‘Chitkabrey- shades of Grey’ is basically a sort of abridged version of the reality show Big Boss /Big Brother made for the Big screen. Seven couples are tricked into coming in for a college alumni meet and then entrapped in a massive bungalow. The Big Boss Rakesh Chaubey (Ravi Kishen)instructs them about their incarceration and his gun-toting henchmen build up the fear psychosis in them- Enough to make them reveal and re-enact the transgressions of their youth. They don’t recognise the voice nor his face when Rakesh reveals himself but when he recants the abuse they meted to him in the name of ragging at college, it hits them hard. They now know he is there for revenge and they are all shitting bricks. The wives are sent off to collect ransom money to free their husbands but each of them has enough reason not to want their husbands back. So will they come back for their bitter halves?- is what takes a sizable amount of time to unravel.

Suneet Arora is not a seasoned story-teller. His narrative is crude and unbecoming of a mainstream release. Probably that is why this film had to find a window between the big releases to garner a showing. The narrative is pretty crudely put-together, performances are shoddy and the nudity is revolting. This is a very perverse product and only the hard-hearted may be able to stomach it!

Johnsont307@gmail.com

Standby, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-08-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film Review

Johnson Thomas

Sporting but contrived

Film: Stand By

Cast: Sachin Khedekar, Dalip Thahil, Avtar Gill, Nagesh Bhonsle, Siddharth Kher

Director: Sanjay Surkar

Rating: * * ½

Then premise itself is copiously contrived. For those who know anything about football and even for those who don’t follow the game religiously it’s a logical conclusion that there is no such thing as a stand-by in a team sport. Whether be it cricket, football , hockey, basketball or any other popular sport at a state or national level, the probables’ are usually selected and sent to the training camps thereafter. The actual playing team is only selected a day before the match. But 4 time National award winning hitherto marathii film Director Sanjay Surkar osahe(Chowkat Raja, Tu Thete Ne, Raosaheb and Ghara Baher) postulates otherwise, to tell this very contrived, fictitious and manipulated story about two friends Rahul (Adhinath Kothare)and Shekar (Siddharth Kher)who play football together at the state level and get selected for the Indian team where one of them has come in as a stand-by.

Jealousy, money-power, selection controversies , betrayal and revenge then take centre stage. While Rahul is a middle-class boy, son of a self-righteous ex-India football player, Shekar is the much loved son of a rich businessman with far reaching clout. So the fight is between the righteous and the unprincipled , Skill and application versus hot-headed zeal. Suffice to say no one comes out the victor here. Contrivances are many, clichés are a given but the performances are certainly enlivening. Sachin Khedekar as the upright father with a dream for his son for which he is willing to sacrifice even his life, gives a wonderful performance. Adinath Kothare is sincere and effective as Rahul while Siddharth Kher puts on a vivid show as Shekar, the envy ridden player who cannot face-up to being second best. Sanjay Surkar handles the drama quite effectively but the story and screenplay ring false. The contrived nature of the premise itself makes what transpires on screen look half-baked and uninteresting. This could have been a rousing sports film in the ‘Chak De’ mould but for it’s illogical storyline and obviously manipulated script.

Johnsont307@gmail.com

King Naresuan 4 (ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช 4 ศึกนันทบุเรง) [Thailand] - 2011

2011-08-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

Country: Thailand
Production Company: Prommitr International Production/ Sahamongkol Film International
Genre: Drama/ War
Director: Chatrichalerm Yukol
Starring: Wonchana Sawasdee, Chatchai Plengpanich, Grace Mahadamrongkul, Jakkrit Amarat, Noppachai Chaiyanam, Sai Jareonpura, Sorapong Chatree, Wintai Suwaree
Length: 150 mins
Date of release: 11th August, 2011

Synopsis

The king from Burma kingdom has plan to invade the capital of Siam located at Ayutthaya. With a formidable army numbering over 200,000 at Burma's side, King Naresuan from the kingdom of Ayutthaya sees this as a big threat and becomes the battle commander during the war.

During the war there are also broken love due to escalation of personal conflicts. King Naresuan cleverly ensures that the Burma's side do not land near the city wall and adjust his army's strategy as his army number is limited. Eventually he manages to trick the enemies and prevent Ayutthaya from being destroyed.

ACF 1138: "Films for Hope" tribute animation festival at Japan Society on Septembe 11th, 2011

2011-08-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tribute Animation Festival for Japan

Debuts in NYC with Premiere Pixar Short

Films for Hope

Curated by Justin Leach with Appearances by Enrico Casarosa and Dai Sato **

Sunday, September 11, 2011, 1:00-8:00 pm, at Japan Society

Conceived and developed in response to the disasters following the March 11 earthquake in Japan, Films for Hope is a showcase of thrilling, diverse short animated films from around the world celebrating the creativity of artists inspired by Japanese animation techniques and storytelling.

Taking place Sunday, September 11, at Japan Society, Films for Hope commemorates the half year point after the earthquake, as well as the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

“This is a time of mourning and remembrance in the U.S. and Japan, with rebuilding efforts in both countries still underway,” notes curator Justin Leach. “This series of films captures the spirit of possibility and the incredible invention that ushers us through seemingly insurmountable challenges and makes us more resilient on the other side of tragedy.”

With over 30 shorts from countries such as France, Spain, the U.K. Germany, Poland, Taiwan, China, Canada, the U.S. and Japan, the festival features the East Coast premiere of Pixar’s latest animated short film, La Luna. Director Enrico Casarosa appears in person to discuss the creation and production of La Luna, as well as his efforts to help Japan through grassroots fundraising.

In addition, Dai Sato presents his new animated feature Norageki! (Five Numbers!), a U.S. premiere, and discusses his efforts to help those impacted by the earthquake and share his thoughts on how the disasters will impact Japan’s animation industry in the years to come.

The one-day festival is comprised of four programs. The first two are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, including Once Upon a Dream: Kids Block ( 1:00-2:00 pm) and Komaneko: The Curious Cat (2:30-3:30). Programs 3 and 4 are recommended for ages 13+ due to some violence and mature themes. They are Sector Animauteurs (4:00-5:15) and the centerpiece presentation La Luna and Five Numbers! (5:30-7:00). The final program is followed by a reception.

Tickets to individual programs are $10/$7 members, students and seniors. A ONE-DAY PASS including all four screenings is available for $34/$24 Japan Society members, students & seniors. Half of all ticket sales go to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. All films shown have been graciously donated in support of the project. Curated by Justin Leach, the festival is a joint initiative of Japan Society’s Film Program and the U.S.-Japan Innovators Network.

SCHEDULE

Program 1: Once Upon a Dream: Kids Block
1pm-2pm

Featuring Le Royaume by Oussama Bouacheria, Julien Chheng, Sébastien Hary, Aymeric Kevin, Ulysse Malassagne, Franck Monier, Nunos Alves Rodrigues, Mobile by Verena Fels, Happy Bogeys 1 by Takashi Kurihara, Paraphernalia by Sabrina Cotugno, Dreamgiver by Tyler Carter, Happy Bogeys 2 by Takashi Kurihara, Burning Safari by Vincent Aupetit/Jeanne Irzenski/Florent De La Taille/Maxime Maleo/Aurelien Predal/Claude-William Trebutien, Salesman Pete by Marc Bouyer, Max Loubaresse, Anthony Vivien, Happy Bogeys 3 by Takashi Kurihara, The Arctic Circle by Kevin Parry, Lizard Planet by Tomoyoshi Joko, Happy Bogeys 4 by Takashi Kurihara, Shell Out by Sunmee Dong, Gulp by Sumo Science, and Out of Sight by Ya-Ting Yu.

This Program is suitable for all ages.

Program 2: Komaneko: The Curious Cat
2:30pm-3:30pm

Komaneko by Tsuneo Goda

2006, 60 min., 35mm, color. Directed by Tsuneo Goda. No dialogue.

Komaneko spends her days in her attic making films with her handmade dolls. This delightful puppet animation features five short episodes from the director of the Domo-kun series Komaneko’s pastel hues, kawaii characters and storylines delight both children and adults alike.

This Program is suitable for all ages.

Program 3: Sector Animauteurs

4pm-5:15pm

Featuring Rain Town by Hiroyasu Ishida, Caffeine by Danae Diaz, Happy Bogeys 5 by Takashi Kurihara, In a Pig's Eye by Atsushi Wada, Happy Bogeys 6 by Takashi Kurihara, Paths of Hate by Damian Neno2, Happy Bogeys 7 by Takashi Kurihara, Key Lime Pie by Trevor Jimenez, Kung Fu Cooking Girls by Cloud Yang, Grand Central by Charlotte Cambon, Théo Guignard, Noé Lecombre, Hugo Moreno, Soizic Mouton, Brooklyn by Alice Bissonet, Benjamin Moreau, Corentin Penloup, Marion Roussel, Louis Thomas, Happy Bogeys 8 by Takashi Kurihara, Alma by Rodrigo Blaas, The Lighthouse Keeper by David Francois, Rony Hotin, Jeremie Moreau, Baptiste Rogron, Gaelle Thierry, Mailys Vallade, and La Maison en Petits Cubes by Kunio Kato (2009 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film).

This Program is suggested for ages 13+ for some violence and mature content in Paths of Hate and Kung Fu Cooking Girls.

Program 4: La Luna and Five Numbers!
5:30pm-7pm

La Luna, New York Premiere

2011, 6 min 51sec., 35 mm, color, directed by Enrico Casarosa.

The timeless fable of a young boy coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his papa and grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family's most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his papa or his grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?

Five Numbers! U.S. Premiere

2011, 24 min., DVD, color, directed by Hiroaki Ando, script by Dai Sato.

Four ex-convicts wake up in the ultimate prison. The guards are all gone and they do not know why they are there. A race to escape ensues, and the only person who seems to know the way out is the fifth prisoner, a mysterious old man with a black cat.

This Program is suggested for ages 13+ for mature content in Five Numbers!

The screenings are followed by a conversation with director Enrico Casarosa (La Luna) and scriptwriter Dai Sato (Five Numbers!, Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) on the making of their latest films and how the aftermath of the March 11 disasters in Japan may influence Japan’s animation industry.

Enrico Casarosa is Director / Head of Story for Pixar Animation Studios. He joined Pixar in January 2002. He began working as a story artist on Cars and the Academy Award-winning feature Ratatouille. Casarosa’s next project was as story artist on Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award-winning feature film Up. Casarosa made his directing debut with the short film, La Luna, which will screen with the Disney•Pixar feature film Brave in 2012. Casarosa counts his early influences in Hayao Miyazaki’s work and grew up watching Miyazaki’s television series in Italy. Born and raised in Genoa, Casarosa moved to New York City in his twenties, to study animation at the School of Visual Arts and Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Before coming to Pixar, Casarosa worked as a storyboard artist at Blue Sky Studios on Ice Age and Robots. He also worked as a background designer and storyboard artist for a number of Disney Channel Television Series’ including “101 Dalmatians” and “PB&J Otters”. More at http://enricocasarosa.com/wordpress.1/.

Dai Sato, is an anime scriptwriter for Storyriders. Dai Sato started as a runner at several of Tokyo's leading animation studios and TV stations before establishing a name for himself in TV. He has collaborated with some of Japan's best-known anime writers, and used this experience in game development projects and interactive club events. He set up the Tokyo-based indie label Frogman Records in 1993, and in 1996 he created the Tokyo and London-based tech/anime/fashion/game consultancy group FROGNATION with Kengo Watanabe and Lynn Robson. Then, in the summer of 2007, Dai left FROGNATION and started his own company, Storyriders. An experienced journalist, he has regular weekly and monthly columns in many of Tokyo's leading game and culture magazines. Dai has been a writer for critically and popularly acclaimed television series and films such as Tekken: Blood Vengeance (2011), Halo Legends (2010), Eden of the East (2009), Samurai Champloo (2004), Casshern (2004), Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2004), and Cowboy Bebop (1998). Dai is a member of Japan Society’s U.S.-Japan Innovators Network.

Films for Hope is founded by Justin Leach, a 12 year veteran of the animation industry who has worked in on such films as: Great Expectations, Palmetto, Bunny, Ice Age, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Ghost in the Shell 2.0, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ice Age 3, Rio, Ice Age 4 (in production), and Leafmen (In production). Leach lived and worked in Japan for nearly three years as a CG Creator at Production I.G. Hecurrently works at Blue Sky Studios as a Rigging Supervisor. He is a member of Japan Society’s U.S.-Japan Innovators Network. More at http://filmsforhope.org/.

Japan Society’s Film Program offers a diverse selection of Japanese films, from classics to contemporary independent productions. Its aim is to entertain, educate and support activities in the Society's arts & culture programs. The Film Program has included retrospectives of great directors, thematic series and many U.S. premieres. Some original film series curated by the Japan Society have traveled to other U.S. venues in tours organized by the Film Program. For more, visit http://www.japansociety.org/film.

Founded in 1907, Japan Society is a world-class, multidisciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and English and Japanese-speaking audiences. At the Society, more than 100 events each year feature sophisticated, topically relevant presentations of Japanese art and culture and open, critical dialogue on issues of vital importance to the U.S., Japan and East Asia. An American nonprofit, nonpolitical organization, the Society cultivates a constructive, resonant and dynamic relationship between the people of the U.S. and Japan. More at http://www.japansociety.org.

Films for Hope takes place Sunday, September 1:00-8:00 pm. Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street between First and Second avenues (accessible by the 4/5/6 and 7 subway at Grand Central or the E and V subway at Lexington Avenue). Tickets to individual programs are $10/$7 members, students and seniors. A ONE-DAY PASS including all four screenings is available for $34/$24 Japan Society members, students & seniors (this offer is only when purchasing tickets in person or over the phone.) Tickets can be purchased in person at Japan Society, by calling the box office at 212-715-1258, or by visiting www.japansociety.org. For more information, call 212-832-1155 or visit the website.

Yeh Dooriyan, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-08-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film Review

Johnson Thomas

Film: Yeh Dooriyan

Cast: Kaishav Arora, Deepshika Nagpal

Director: Deepshika Nagpal

Rating: *

A movie written, directed and produced by the lead actress was a long time coming after Sheetal’s ‘Honey’ way back in the early eighties. Only a peculiar kind of megalomania can lead to such endeavours and I must say Deepshika who has hitherto played blink-and-you-miss roles in films may have had no alternative but to make her own film so that she bag the starring role. Like ‘Honey’ in the past , such films are not expected to amount to much and ‘Yeh Dooriyan’ which is supposedly an autobiographical story of the lead actress herself amounts to nothing but a crudely put-together big-screen rendition of a very personal relationship break--down . One fails to understand why anyone would want to expose their insecurities in such unflattering fashion. A divorcee being treated like a sex-object is the main grouse of the film.

33 year old divorcee, single mother Simi(Deepshika) of two kids has a difficult time finding love until she meets Raj (Kaishav Arora) , a handsome model who sweeps her off her feet. Love blossoms between the two until Raj’s mother (Kunika) puts her foot down at having a divorcee as a daughter-in-law .While Raj is battling with his dilemma Simi’s ex-husband Abhay(Ayub Khan)tries to woo her back and of course, optimising the divorcee cliché, there are other men salivating after her.. The relationship tangle just gets murkier and melodramatic from thereon.

The narrative is inept and fails to convey any nuanced emotion. The performances are yucky and the rest of the technical credits are also sub-standard. The language, diction , songs etc lack the classiness of a mainstream product. This is basically retrograde stuff. There is really no silver lining in this dark and dank cloud!

johnsont307@gmail.com

Shabri, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-08-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film Review

Johnson Thomas

Godmother revisited

Film: Shabri

Cast: Isha Koppikar, Manish Wadhwan, Pradeep Rawat. Zakir Hussain

Director: Lalit Marathe

Rating: * * *

Helmer Lalit Marathe’s debut film takes the road travelled by his mentor Ram Gopal Verma. The path is treacherous with a done before theme and far too many short-cuts but the thrill still exists. The gray hued narrative takes us deep into the life of a hard working, sincere and outspoken woman, Shabri(Isha Koppikar) living in one of the hutment colonies of Mumbai, who becomes emotionally crippled by circumstances and how she rises to a position of authority in the local mafia forms the grist of the story scripted by Lalit Marathe . Shabri’s brother is a vagabond, father a drunk and it’s upto her self(by running a flour mill) and her mother to keep the family going. Her brother’s involvement with a matka gang leads to his death in police custody and her friend Murad(Raj Arjun) , one of local mafia don Rajdar bhai’s many henchmen, helps her wreak vengeance on the police officer involved. Naturally the police are hot on her trail and Muard and her father lose their lives in the melee that follows. Now it’s up to Shabri to seek out Rajdhar bhai (Pradeep Rawat)with some help from an undercover cop (Zakir Hussein) and Murad’s associate(Manish Wadhwan).

There is not much to surprise in this done before story but the treatment is no-doubt one that keeps you glued to your seats. The pacing and momentum is cut just right to keep the tension at a high. The performances are all note-worthy especially Esha Koppikar’s Shabri is imminently bel;ievable and Pradeep Rawat’s Rajdhar bhai quietly menacing. Raj Arjun’s Murad is also quite earnest and so is Manish Wadhwan as his two-timing associate. Zakir Hussein though, appears to be playing to the gallery in a role that appears to be the weakest link in the film. Lalit Marathe’s script is pretty weak. The narrative starts out well establishing important characters and going about their development. But once that is done Marathe gets into fast-forward mode and manipulates the second half to suit the lead character’s climactic achievement. Half-way through the film you start beginning to feel the haste with which Marathe plots the ending. There is no true development at all in the second half. That is where the film rings false. The background score is well in keeping with the tone and tenor of the narrative. Even the cinematography is vividly graphic in capturing the sparseness of the area and the milieu. Marathe has made a very commendable first film.

Johnsont307@gmail.com

Conan The Barbarian, Hollywood English film Review, Johnson Thomas

2011-08-27T01:21:00.000-07:00

English Film Review

Johnson Thomas

Bludgeoning Excitement

Film: Conan The Barbarian

Cast: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan, Rachel Nichols, , Saïd Taghmaoui, Leo Howard, Bob Sapp, Katarzyna Wolejnio, Nonso Anozie

Director: Marcus Nispel

Rating: * * *

Partly an origin story, this mythical warrior saga is a bludgeoning endorsement for the inhuman sport of pulverisation. The lead character the Cimmerian, Conan(Leo Howard) as a little boy scalps more than a dozen plucky warriors belonging to evil Khalar Zym’s (Stephen Lang) clan. His father Corin(Ron Perlman) even forges him a unique sword to celebrate his maturity as a leader but before it comes time for him to use it his clan is butchered in front of him and young Conan is left to fend for himself.

Conan the mytho-fantastical character created by Robert E. Howard was first published in a pulp magazine called Weird Tales, in 1932 and later on following his death, several others kept the series going with cinematic adaptations including by John Milius in 1982, starring the mealy mouthed Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger in his career defining role. This 79 year old franchise reboot stars a sharply etched Jason Momoa(of Baywatch fame) in the title role, and he not only has the looks and body to suit the legendary character, he is also a far better act than the monosyllabic Arnold could ever be.

The screenplay by Thomas Dean Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer and Sean Hood prefers to sock it to omas us in gigantic portions. The plot is straightforward revenge actioner. There is plenty of pulverising action and skil-full sword-plays to kick-up the energy and the enjoyment. The film is introduced by a voice-over from Morgan Freeman and once the origin bit is out of the way, settles into a revenge drama with plenty of mind-numbing action and a wee whiff of romance. A mature Conan is seeking revenge against Khalar Zym and his sorceress daughter Marique(Rose McGowan) and en route he gets entangles with a pretty blue blood princess(Rachel Nichols) whose blood happens to be vital for Khalar Zym’s ominous plans. The 2D version of this action spectacle is impressive enough so the 3D viewing is not required. Helmer Marcus Nispel( formerly known for his music videos and latterly for ‘The Texas Chainsaw Masacre and Friday the 13th) cranks up the visceral action to a level that is gruesome, brutish and cringe inducing for most of it’s run-time. And that too even after the censors did their hatchet job. It’s a no-holds-barred brawny display of superhuman male testosterone and really not intended for feeble hearted peace lovers. Visually, the dark, iconic look established by fantasy painter Frank Frazetta is given a ritualistic cinematic finish by cinematographer Thomas Kloss , the music by Tyler Bates evokes a sense of drama while the editing by Ken Blackwell keeps the testosterone flourishing and in high gear. The action fanatics are sure to revel in this barbaric spillage.

Johnsont307@gmail.com

You Are The Apple Of My Eye (那些年, 我們一起追的女孩) [Taiwan] - 2011

2011-08-27T00:01:00.001-07:00

Country: Taiwan
Production Company: Star Ritz
Genre: Drama
Director: Giddens Ko
Starring: Ke Zhen Dong, Ao Quan, Wan Sheng Yu, Cai Chang Xian, She Shao Wen, Chen Yan Xi, Wan Wan
Length: 110 mins
Date of release: 19th August, 2011

Synopsis

Ke Teng (Ke Zhen Dong) and his school buddies: Lao Cao (Ao Quan), Bo Qi (Wan Sheng Yu), Gai Bian (Cai Chang Xian) and Ah He (She Shao Wen) usually play together. At the same time they also have common liking for one particular girl, Chen Jia Yi (Chen Yan Xi), all the way from junior to senior high school.

Once Ke Teng is punished by the teacher due to his mischief as he tries to get close with Jia Yi. At first they dislike to see each other and slowly both build good impression with each other. Ke Teng decides to pursue her and his buddies also decide to join in this tug of war. Who will win her heart?

ACF 1137: "Samurai Girls Complete Collection" now available on DVD and Blu-Ray

2011-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Section23 Films has announced the release of the hit series SAMURAI GIRLS. The uncensored Complete Collection is available on both DVD and Blu-Ray, and is on sale now.

The Samurai Code was never this sexy…..

SYNOPSIS: Muneakiru Yagyu is a gifted student of the samurai way. But until he arrives at his dojo, he never knew how gifted he truly was. Because there, a beautiful girl, Jubei, falls-naked-from the sky and right into his arms. And when they kiss, he magically transforms her into a powerful master samurai. So, naturally, every beautiful girl at the dojo can't wait to kiss him. And some, like the sexy Gisen, want to do even more. It's a tale of power and lust, filled with beautiful, scantily clad swordfighters who will do anything to please their master and attain even greater power. Get your sword ready for Samurai Girls!

Title: SAMURAI GIRLS COMPLETE COLLECTION - DVD

Running Time: 300 min.

Age Rating: TV MA (V, D)

Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Published by: Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Format: DVD

SRP: $59.98

Title: SAMURAI GIRLS COMPLETE COLLECTION - BLU-RAY

Running Time: 300 min.

Age Rating: TV MA (V, D)

Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Published by: Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by: Section23 Films

Format: BD

SRP: $69.98

Pocong Mandi Goyang Pinggul (Indonesia) - 2011

2011-08-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

Country: Indonesia
Production Company: K2K Production
Genre: Horror/ Comedy
Director: Yoyok
Starring: Sasha Grey, Sheza Idris, Chand Kelvin, Annisa Bahar, Baby Margaretha, Andreano Philip, Tatang Gepeng, Tata Dado, Mpok Nori, Ucok Baba
Length: 90 mins
Date of release: 28th April, 2011

Synopsis

Ferdy (Chand Kelvin) makes friend with a webcam partner from Los Angeles called Sasha Altmeyer (Sasha Grey). The two are intimate and chat via the Internet. Sasha frequently poses sexily on the webcam, and he gets so crazy with her. Eventually Ferdy decides to dump his current girlfriend, Rheina (Baby Margaretha).

When Ferdy's mother and sister view via the webcam they see no one online, but Ferdy insists Sasha is online. As Ferdy's mother is doubtful she hires a private detective at Los Angeles to check her identity. The truth soon reveal that Sasha had passed away in an accident, and Ferdy has been chatting with a ghost...

ACF 1136: : "COOL JAPAN: OLD MEETS NEW IN KYOTO" at J-Pop Summit Festival in S.F. this Saturday

2011-08-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

NEW PEOPLE AND CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN PRESENT

COOL JAPAN: OLD MEETS NEW IN KYOTO

WITH SOU • SOU FASHION DESIGNER AT

2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

SOU • SOU Founding Designer Explores Ideas Of Creating Modern Designs

Based On Japanese Tradition With Discussion And Fashion Show

The Consulate General of Japan, in cooperation with NEW PEOPLE will present Cool Japan: Old Meets New in Kyoto, a unique fashion show and cultural discussion set to take place on Saturday, August 27th as part of the 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival.

The Fashion Show (1:15pm - 2:15pm): A SOU • SOU fashion show, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 1:15pm - 2:15pm on the Pagoda Stage at Japantown’s Peace Plaza. It will feature innovative apparel and footwear products from the SOU • SOU brand, designed by Takeshi Wakabayashi, as well as a new collaborative line launched with NEW PEOPLE! Catch a variety of prominent local individuals who will act as models, including Japanese Consul General Hiroshi Inomata, famed food critic Patricia Unterman, and Graham Leggat, former Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society.

Designer Talk (4:00pm to 5:30pm): Invitation only event at NEW PEOPLE SUPERFROG Gallery (3rd Floor) SOU • SOU designer Takeshi Wakabayashi will discuss his ideas of, “Creating modern designs based on Japanese tradition.” Kyoto, where Wakabayashi resides, is an ancient capitol of Japan and a stronghold of traditional Japanese arts and culture with an accumulation of artisanship and related technology going back centuries. The city has also become a bustling center for modern creative design, where these cultural and industrial assets are to survive. Wakabayashi will also discuss how these innovative ideas are being passed to the young generations, based on his ongoing career as a professor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design.

“I’m very proud to present this special event in cooperation with NEW PEOPLE as part of the ‘Cool Japan Project,’ sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” says Consul General Hiroshi Inomata. “I invite the San Francisco Bay Area, potential business partners, and J-Pop Summit visitors to discover some great examples of Japanese innovation and high-quality products in the SOU • SOU brand, which also won two prizes at the Visit Japan Campaign - Japan’s Attractive Souvenir Contest 2010.”

Consul General Inomata will also host a reception party following the end of the lecture at 6:00pm at the near-by Hotel Kabuki in the Mezzanine Lounge. A variety of SOU • SOU products will also be on display and more information will be available on the Cool Japan Project.

Wakabayashi ‘s SOU • SOU brand has developed a unique line of Japanese classic “Tabi” shoes based on a design originally favored by Japanese construction workers. SOU • SOU’s combination of form-fitting soles and colorful graphic patterns has attracted a huge following, from dancers to the sneaker-obsessed. Designed to be fresh and fun, each shoe is handcrafted in Japan and made for durability using traditional techniques and puts a vibrant, modern twist on the ultra-comfortable, traditional Japanese work shoe.

The 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival is a showcase for Japanese pop culture events and is highlighted by live bands and DJs, fashion shows, a vocaloid music conference, theatrical film premieres, dance workshops and performances, and assorted arts, crafts and food vendors. Full details and programming schedules are now available at J-pop.com.

More information about the Consulate General of Japan is available at: http://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp.

NEW PEOPLE opened in 2009 and has become a unique must-see attraction of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. The 20,000 square foot contemporary venue features the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post Street in the city’s Japantown.

Rabbit Horror 3D (ラビット・ホラー3D) [Japan] - 2011

2011-08-25T00:01:00.001-07:00

Country: Japan
Production Company: Fortissimo Films/ Ogura Jimusyo Co.
Genre: Horror
Director: Takashi Shimizu
Starring: Hikari Mitsushima, Takeru Shibuya, Tamaki Ogawa, Nao Omori, Teruyuki Kagawa
Length: 83 mins
Date of release: 17th September, 2011

Synopsis

Kiriko (Hikari Mitsushima) and his brother Daigo (Takeru Shibuya) are watching 3D movie when a stuffed rabbit suddenly jumps out from the screen. Earlier Daigo violently took away the life of a rabbit inside a schoolyard, and Kiriko failed to stop his action in time.

Soon Daigo has been invited to enter a mysterious world, where a strange stairs appears in the storeroom every night. Kiriko feels that there is someone on the other side of the closet at home. She decides to follow a stranger dressed in a rabbit costume who suddenly arrives to take his brother away into an alternate world.

ACF 1135: "Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers" exhibition coming to Japan Society, NY

2011-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Akio Hamatani (1947- ). W-Orbit, 2010.

Rayon, indigo; special technique.

Diameter approximately 157 in. (400 cm).

Courtesy of the artist.

Japan Society Showcases a Growing Aesthetic Movement–Art

Inspired By Extreme Textile Making

Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers

September 16-December 18, 2011 at Japan Society Gallery

This fall Japan Society Gallery will explore a new art that is emerging from a remarkable fusion of Japanese artisanal and industrial textile-making. Coaxed from materials as age-old as hemp and newly developed as microfilaments, a varied array of more than 35 large-scale works will be on view in Fiber Futures: Japan's Textile Pioneers from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, December 18, 2011.

While the spirit of a Japanese sensibility and a technical virtuosity hewn over centuries is everywhere evident, what best characterizes the work on view is a thirst for experimentation, whether it be in the search for the unconventional material or in the fusing of seemingly opposing extremes of old and new. One also sees the medium of fiber used to express ideas about nature and sustainability and personal and cultural identity.

Hitomi Nagai (1954- ).

Birth, 2011.

Cotton; waffle weave.

79 × 43 × 11 in. (200 × 110 × 28 cm).

Photo: Mareo Suemasa.

“These works remind us that important art need not always be about rebellion or subversion,” notes Joe Earle, Director of Japan Society Gallery and curator of the exhibition. “For most of the 30 artists represented here, it is the material that tells them what to do next, in the spirit of tariki, originally a Buddhist term meaning the ‘power of another.’”

Hiroko Watanabe.

Aka no kodō (Red Pulse), 1999.

Cotton and metal fiber; hand weaving.

51 × 39 × 10 in. (129 × 98 × 25 cm).

Photo: Mareo Suemasa.

“The very qualities that are unique to fabric inspire me and my fellow artists to try to move beyond mere technical mastery to create daring and beautiful works of art,” says Hiroko Watanabe, a professor at Tama Art University, president of International Textile Network Japan, and an artist represented in Fiber Futures. The exhibition is a juried show, jointly presented by Japan Society and International Textile Network Japan as part of a long-term collaboration with Tama Art University Museum in Tokyo.

Kyōko Ibe (1941- ).

Airy Sonnet of Blue, 1989.

Kōzo mulberry fiber.

197 × 236 × 276 in. (500 × 600 × 700 cm).

Museu de Arte Moderna, São Paulo.

Photo: Ei Oiwa.

Japan Society has commissioned an installation from Kyoko Ibe, one of Japan’s most influential paper artists, as part of the exhibition. An ethereal web of indigo-dyed gossamer threads will sway to the breeze and catch and reflect light as it floats above the garden pool in the lobby of the Society’s landmarked building. Ibe’s other work in the show is a screen made of paper from the 19th century, remnants of ink glowing blue-black—a palimpsest of words once read and lives once lived. Emotion is found in reuse in this highly sophisticated object lesson in sustainability.

Jun’ichi Arai (1932 -).

Flame-resistant shop curtain, 2005.

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) film, vacuum-deposited aluminum.

142 × 142 in. (360 × 360 cm).

Photo: Mareo Suemasa.

Jun’ichi Arai, one of the world’s most celebrated textile pioneers, is contributing a show-stopper, a huge, eye-poppingly beautiful filmy gold and silver curtain whose formal simplicity belies extraordinary technical complexity. Of a double-cloth weave—gold on one side, silver on the other—the curtain is made of monofilament “slit film” yarn, ultra-thin strips sliced from polyphenylene sulfide film with a 1/10000 of a millimeter vacuum-deposited aluminum coating. For the silver color, the aluminum was covered with an even thinner layer of clear epoxy resin, and for the gold, the resin was mixed with a yellow dye. Finally, the artist employed a process called “melt-off,” which he himself invented, to dissolve the aluminum coating from unprotected areas of the surface.

Yuh Okano (1965- ).

Flower: Coming Events Cast Their Shadow Before, 2010.

Silk, partially felted with raw wool; hand-formed corsages.

71 × 20 in. (180 × 50 cm).

Courtesy of the artist.

Yuh Okano, another noted textile designer and artist active in both Japan and New York, will show a brick-hued piece from her “Water” series, pairing the natural (wool) and the synthetic (polyester) to rugged, regal affect. The tireless inventor Reiko Sudo, known for devising “abusive treatments” in the pursuit of unexpected surfaces, presents a new installation work. Fabrication (2011) floats in space, a single piece of fabric fashioned from tightly embroidered “warps” hand-shaped over a metal rod into strips and then sewed together in different combinations.

Reiko Sudo’s “abuse” of fabric is just one of the extremes to which conventional textile methods are taken—or pushed—in this exhibition. On occasion, the process becomes part of the meaning of the artwork, as in Kazuyo’s Onoyama’s astonishing Orikata (Folded Form), 2006. Here the artist has taken a thin yellow polyester fabric and folded it over and over as a prayer for, in the artist’s words, “happiness, peace, abundance and good health, and as an expression of the close relationship that should exist between human life and our natural environment.” (It is a custom in Japan to fold 1,000 paper cranes as a way of praying for recovery from illness.) For Hiroko Watanabe, the challenge was to so saturate a handwoven piece of cotton and metal fiber fabric with scarlet that, in the artist’s words, would draw out “the magical power of red.” The resulting tufted drop of fabric is tough, dense, difficult, and unforgettable.

Yasuko Iyanaga (1948- ).

Umi kara no okurimono: Air, X [A Gift from the Sea: Air, X], 2010.

Spun silk and wire; tie-dyeing.

51 1/8 × 51 1/8 × 19 5/8 in. (130 × 130 × 50 cm).

Courtesy of the artist.

For the viewer who encounters Yasuko Iyanaga’s bravura application of shibori tie-dyeing on a single piece of spun silk, it may seem as though a gentle breath is animating a giant, curvaceous, and ridge-encrusted sea creature. Other artists as well explore fiber’s potential as a sculptural medium to express natural beauty, including Hitomi Nagai, whose large-scale waffle-weave is composed of white warp and weft threads gathered and twisted at regular intervals into an enigmatic honeycomb, and Kyoko Kumai, whose large-scale installation—near-weightless orbs of fine stainless-steel yarn—evokes the sky and the cosmos.

Naoko Serino (1962- ).

Generating—8, 2006. Jute; free technique.

51 × 79 × 157 in. (130 × 200 × 400 cm).

Courtesy of the artist.

The artists featured in Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers are:

Machiko Agano, b. 1953; Mitsuko Akutsu, b. 1952; Jun’ichi Arai, b. 1932; Tomoko Arakawa, b. 1974; Tetsuo Fujimoto, b. 1952; Dai Fujiwara, b.1967; Akio Hamatani, b. 1947; Kyoko Ibe, b. 1941; Kiyomi Iwata, b. 1941; Yasuko Iyanaga, b. 1948; Naomi Kobayashi, b. 1945; Kinya Koyama, b. 1946; Shigeo Kubota, b. 1947; Kyoko Kumai, b. 1943; Akiko Kumazawa, b. 1976; Tetsuo Kusama, b. 1946; Hitomi Nagai, b. 1954; Emiko Nakano, b. 1941; Yuh Okano, b. 1965; Fuminori Ono, b. 1971; Kazuyo Onoyama, b. 1951; Rei Saito, b. 1978; Hisako Sekijima, b. 1944; Naoko Serino, b. 1962; Reiko Sudo, b. 1953; Hideho Tanaka, b. 1942; Takaaki Tanaka, b. 1967; Misao Tsubaki, b. 1941; Hiroko Watanabe, b.1957; Atsuko Yoshioka, b. 1947.

For further information about this upcoming exhibition, click here.

Bangkok Cinema Scene: Movies opening August 25-September 1, 2011

2011-08-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

Cowboys & Aliens

James Bond meets Indiana Jones/Han Solo in the wild wild west in Cowboys & Aliens, a genre-bending mash-up starring Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.

Set in New Mexico Territory in 1873, a stranger (Craig) awakens in the desert with a metal band on his wrist. He has no recollection of how it got there. He wanders into the town of Absolution, where he gets into a confrontation with a troublemaking local rich kid. The town sheriff recognizes the stranger as a wanted outlaw. And the rich troublemaker's father, the local cattle baron (Ford), wants the stranger for his own purposes of revenge. Suddenly, alien spaceships begin attacking the town and the reason for that device on the stranger's wrist becomes clear.

Olivia Wilde, Paul Dano, Sam Rockwell, Clancy Brown and Keith Carradine also star.

Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Elf) directs. It's adapted from a 2006 graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg.

Critical reception is mixed. "Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are as dependably appealing as ever, but they're let down by director Jon Favreau's inability to smooth Cowboys & Aliens' jarring tonal shifts," is the consensus.

Cowboys & Aliens was also a disappointment at the box office, being beat for No. 1 by The Smurfs, following the trend of other recent hybridized westerns like Johah Hex, The Warrior's Way and Priest that have performed poorly at the box office. It's blamed for Disney killing its planned big-screen adaptation of The Lone Ranger.

Whatever. I'm anxious to see Cowboys & Aliens. I like westerns. And I like sci-fi. I think I might like Cowboys & Aliens.

In addition to most multiplexes, it's also at IMAX (but it's not 3D). Rated 13+.

Also opening

Kon Khon (คนโขน) – Two veteran stars of the Thai silver screen – Sorapong Chatree and Nirut Sirichanya – are pitted against each other in this dark-looking drama about rival dance troupes in 1965. The story is about performers of khon, the masked-dance artform that's used to depict the Ramakien, Thailand's version of the Ramayana epic poem. It's directed by actor Sarunyu Wongkrachang. Rated G.

Conan the Barbarian – Hawaiian-born model-actor Jason Momoa steps into the role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in a 1982 film of the same name directed by John Milius. Based on a character created in the 1930s by pulp novelist Robert E. Howard, Conan is a warrior in ancient Cimmeria whose father is killed. Conan the boy grows into strong fighter, bent on taking revenge, which turns into an epic battle. Ron Perlman is the dad and Stephen Lang (Avatar) is the warlord Khalar Zym. Rose McGowan is the warlord's daughter, a powerful witch. Rachel Nichols also stars. Marcus Nispel, who previously helmed remakes of Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, directs. "While its relentless, gory violence is more faithful to the Robert E. Howard books, Conan the Barbarian forsakes three-dimensional characters, dialogue, and acting in favor of unnecessary 3D effects," is the critical consensus, which is mostly negative. In 3D in some cinemas. Rated 15+.

Also showing

15th Thai Short Film & Video Festival – Closing on Sunday, remaining highlights in the fest include the Queer Shorts tonight (Thursday, August 25) from 5pm and S-Express shorts from the Philippines and Indonesia on Friday. Saturday includes screenings in the International Competition and the Duke Awards for documentaries. On Sunday there's lots of animation, with Shorts for Kids at 11 and then the Payute Ngaokrachang Award competition for Thai animation in the afternoon from 1. Some films don't have English subtitles, but go along anyway and you'll likely see something that'll make you glad you did. The fest is at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center in the 5th-floor auditorium and 4th-floor meeting room. Admission is free.

Thai Film Archive – The 1998 German heist drama Run Lola Run screens today. Directed by Tom Tykwer, this kinetic thriller stars plucky Franka Potente as a young woman whose boyfriend has gotten in trouble and needs 100,000 Deutschmarks. She has 20 minutes to help him. The story is divided into three "runs" – three scenarios with different outcomes. Next Wednesday, it's the acclaimed 2003 Spanish drama Take My Eyes, about a woman trying to break the cycle of domestic violence. Both have English subtitles. Show times are at 5.30pm in the Sri Salaya Theatre at the Thai Film Archive in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom.

Chulalongkorn University International Film Festival – The twice-yearly screening series of internationally acclaimed movies continues tomorrow (August 26) with the Japanese revenge thriller Confessions, 2008's drugs drama Afterschool on August 29 and Davis Guggenheim's documentary on the troubled US school system Waiting for Superman on August 31. After each screening there's a talk with film critics Kittisak Suvannapokhin, Nopamat Veohong and Kong Rithdee. All movies are on DVD with English subtitles. Show times are at 5pm in the Mahachakri Sirindhorn Building, 9th floor.

Third Class Citizen 028: Before Samed – Film-activist group Third Class Citizen offers a retrospective on the short fiilms of Pairach Khumwan at 4pm on Saturday, August 27 at E@Double U Restraurant on the 9th floor of SF World Cinema at Central World. Films include Relativity, Distortion, Are You Mac?, Grayscale and The City of Slince Admission is free.

Spider – Tossapol Boonsinsukh will premiere his short film Spider on Saturday, August 27 at the Reading Room, with screenings at 5 and 6pm. The 17-minute film is in Thai with no subtitles. Check the Facebook event page for more details.

Public Enemy Number One – The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand screens a documentary on Wilfred Burchett, the controversial Australian journalist who covered the Korean and Vietnam wars with such a critical eye that he was branded a communist and a traitor. David Bradbury directs, and is expected to be present for the screening. The show time is at 8pm on Tuesday, August 30. Admission is 150 baht for non-members.

La répétition (Replay) – Emmanuelle Béart and Pascale Bussières star in this 2001 drama about two women who are lifelong friends. Their relationship becomes more than friendship, verges on the obsessive and morphs over the course of many years. Catherine Corsini directs. It's screening at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 31 at the Alliance Francaise.

Gisaeng Spirit (기생령) [South Korea] - 2011

2011-08-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Country: South Korea
Production Company: East Sky Films
Genre: Horror
Director: Ko Seok Jin
Starring: Hwang Ji Hyeon, Han Eun Jeong, Park Seong Min, Hyomin, Lee Hyeong Seok, Jeon Byeong Cheol
Length: 92 mins
Date of release: 4th August, 2011

Synopsis

Ka Hee (Hwang Ji Hyeon) has a problem giving birth and as a result of this she decides to consult a shaman to solve her problem. After taking advice she locks an orphaned child inside a pot and takes his life away. Later on she gives birth to a child called Bin (Lee Hyeong Seok) and loses her own life afterwards.

After her death Bin is being taken care by his aunt (Han Eun Jeong) and husband (Park Seong Min) at his haunted home. The couple discover Bin is showing abnormal behavior sometimes and they are tired of continuous nightmare. They decide to take some action to stop the curse.

ACF 1134: U.S. Premiere of "Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade" Game at upcoming J-Pop Summit Festival

2011-08-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

***"HATSUNE MIKU PROJECT DIVA* *ARCADE"***

TO MAKE SPECIAL U.S. DEBUT AT

2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

NEW PEOPLE will team with SEGA Corporation to bring the “Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade” to the 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival, taking place in the city’s Japantown for two days – Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th.

“Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade” is being shipped from Japan as a special treat for J-Pop Summit attendees and is the first and only unit outside Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Players will be able to purchase $1.00 tickets to play the game at the NEW PEOPLE Booth stationed on Post Street throughout the Festival. Ticket sales begin at 11:00am on Saturday. August 27th. Due to time limits, only 50 tickets will be available for purchase each day.

J-Pop Summit attendees are also invited to play “Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade” – for free – at the J-Pop Summit VIP party, taking place Saturday August 27th from 7:30pm to 10:00pm at NEW PEOPLE. Come mingle with a variety of featured artists and performers from the Festival, enjoy snacks and beverages, and try your skill at the first-ever Hatsune Miku video game to come to America! Get your VIP Party ticket now.

The weekend-long J-Pop Summit is highlighted by live bands and DJs, fashion shows, a Vocaloid music conference, several theatrical film premieres, dance workshops and performances, and assorted arts, crafts and food vendors. Full details and programming schedules are now available at J-pop.com.

“Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade” is the first-ever CGM (Consumer Generated Media) arcade game and features a dazzling digital world created by the players themselves. “Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade” is a rhythm game featuring Hatsune Miku and other Vocaloid virtual pop stars singing popular songs from SEGA’s “Hatsune Miku -Project DIVA-“ game for the Sony PSP, and from the Niko Niko Douga web site. Check out how to play.

Hatsune Miku, whose name means, “first sound of the future,” is a digital female avatar and the most popular of the Vocaloid Character Series software originally created by Crypton Future Media using Yamaha’s Vocaloid 2 engine to create synthesized vocal tracks. In Japan, Hatsune Miku is a major national phenomenon where she appears in many popular video games and music videos.

Hatsune Miku has also played several sellout “concerts,” performing on stage as a 3D hologram backed by a live band. Her international notoriety has spread to North America, where she was recently featured in a TV commercial for the 2011 Toyota Corolla. Hatsune Miku also performed her first U.S. concert for more than 5,000 people at an event called “MIKUNOPOLIS in LOS ANGELES,” which took place at the 2011 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, CA.

NEW PEOPLE opened in 2009 and has become a unique must-see attraction of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. The 20,000 square foot contemporary venue features the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post Street in the city’s Japantown.

The Fortune Buddies (劲抽福禄寿) [Hong Kong] - 2011

2011-08-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

Country: Hong Kong
Production Company: Shaw Brothers
Genre: Comedy
Director: Chung Shu Kai
Starring: Louis Yuen, Wong Cho Lam, Eric Tsang, Johnson Lee, Fala Chen, Fiona Sit, Maggie Cheung Ho Yee, Pauline Wong, Michael Tse, Bosco Wong, Richard Ng, Kristal Tin, Mak Ling Ling, Michelle Lo, Lam Suet, King Kong
Length: 93 mins
Date of release: 11th August, 2011

Synopsis

Lam Luk (Wong Cho Lam) will be getting married soon to his girlfriend (Fiona Sit). However, he is short of money to make down payment for a flat. The amount required is five hundred thousand. He has no choice but to find the money in order to impress his future father-in-law (Eric Tsang).

He decides to take different jobs with his friends: Jit Sau (Johnson Lee) and Fook Cheung (Louis Yuen). The trio get involved with a wrestling performance at Mongkok and won a match by surprise with a foreigner. However, as they get more and more popular a lifetime challenge is waiting for them...

Bini-Biniku Gangster (Malaysia) - 2011

2011-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Country: Malaysia
Production Company: Metrowealth Movies Production
Genre: Action/ Comedy
Director: Ismail Bob Hashim
Starring: Shaheizy Sam, Yana Samsudin, Intan Ladyana, Zul Handyblack
Length: 92 mins
Date of release: 22nd September, 2011

Synopsis

Herry (Shaheizy Sam) and Manja (Yana Samsudin) is one happy and romantic couple. Manja is also a good wife and housewife. What Herry does not know is his wife is a leader of a gangster group. They have been married for two years but the problem is Manja could not conceive and is looking for a substitute wife.

She also wants to cover up her gangster activities behind Herry by asking him to marry an extra wife. Finally Herry marries Reanna (Intan Ladyana), who is also his work colleague. Although Manja agrees of their marriage, deep bottom of her heart she is jealous when she sees the intimacy between Reanna and Herry.

Soon starts a cold war between Manja and Reanna. While they are busy fighting they realize Herry has disappeared. Both of the wives try to look for Herry everywhere and run out of clue. Manja rushes to his enemy called Min Siam, as she is worried Herry may be kidnapped by Min Siam group members...

Rakenrol (Philippines) - 2011

2011-08-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Country: Philippines
Production Company: Furball/ Revolver/ Postmanila/ Reality Entertainment
Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Director: Quark Henares
Starring: Jason Abalos, Ramon Bautista, Glaiza De Castro, Matet De Leon, Ketchup Eusebio, Diether Ocampo, Jun Sabayton, Alwyn Uytingco
Length: 112 mins
Date of release: 7th September, 2011

Synopsis

Odie (Jason Abalos), a song writer is being courted by Irene (Glaiza De Castro) to form a band. At the same time Odie falls in love with Irene. They invite Mo (Ketchup Eusebio), an ex-guitarist and young punk drummer Junfour (Alwyn Uytinco) to join their band called Hapipaks.

The band starts slowly and manage to climb up the ladder under the supervision of Matet De Leon (Matet De Leon). One day Irene meets her rock music idol Jacci Rocha (Diether Ocampo), a playboy who has crush upon her. Odie, who is secretly in love with Irene all this while starts to get jealous.

Will Odie opens up of his feeling to Irene? Who will Irene choose in the end and what is the fate of the band?

Chatur Singh 2 star, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

2011-08-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hindi Film review

Johnson Thomas

Awful a-twitter

Film: Chatur Singh 2 star

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Suresh Menon, Anupam Kher, Ameesha Patel

Director: Ajay Chandok

Rating: *

Chatur Singh Two Star is an action comedy film based on the novel ‘Chalaak Jasoos’ but the antics on display bear close resemblance to the Pink Panther series. This is an awful film and hogs that cue right from inception itself. The story line is non-existent, the script clueless and the performances quite ludicrous. Sanjay Dutt is at an age where he should be playing character roles yet here we see him as the buffooning under cover cop whose clumsiness and penchant for getting into a soup at every turn is more widely renowned than =his crime solving skills. It’s an awful performance- sluggish, slow on the uptake and offensively juvenile.Suresh Menon is a pain and Ameesha Patel far too desperate looking to make a mark. This film is a mistake!

Johnsont307@gmail.com

Asian Film Reviews

Mere Brother ki Dulhan(My borther's wife) Hindi Bollywood film Review, Johnson Thomas-Rating: * *

Bangkok Cinema Scene: Movies opening September 8-14, 2011

ACF 1148: VIZ Media’s "Heroes of Anime" summer sweepstakes ends on September 15th

ACF 1147: "Yeonghwa: Korean Film Today" coming to MoMA

ACF 1146: "Social Graphics: The Art of Jeski" exhibition at The Korea Society

South Asian Film Festival, Goa Sept 15-18, 2011

Bas Ek Tamanna, Hindi Bollywood Film Review, Johnson Thomas

Unfair 2: The Answer (アンフェア the answer) [Japan] - 2011

Mummy Punjabi, English Bollywood Film Review, Johnson Thomas

ACF 1145: "Rozen Maiden" animated series acquired by Sentai Filmworks

That girl in Yellow Boots, Bollywood English Film Review, Johnson Thomas

Film critic Johnson Thomas quoted in DNA newspaper

Bol, Hindi/urdu Pakistani film review, Johnson Thomas

Blue Salt (푸른소금) [South Korea] - 2011

ACF 1144: "Hi-So" to be screened at MoMA starting September 8th, 2011

Bodyguard, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

Lan Kwai Fong (喜愛夜蒲) [Hong Kong] - 2011

ACF 1143: Nationwide theatrical release of Tsui Hark's "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" begins today!

ACF 1142: VIZ releasing seven volumes of Naruto in seven day period

Raya Tak Jadi (Malaysia) - 2011

International film news

ACF 1141: Section23 Films announces October 2011 slate of releases

Bangkok Cinema Scene: Movies opening September 1-7, 2011

ACF 1140: VIZ titles sweep NY Times manga bestseller list for week of August 20th

Way Back Home (Philippines) - 2011

Super Cockroach (像小强一样活着) [China] - 2011

ACF 1139: Free screening of Yoon Sung-Hyun's "Bleak Night" on Tuesday, September 6th

Chitkabrey- Shades of grey, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

Standby, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

King Naresuan 4 (ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช 4 ศึกนันทบุเรง) [Thailand] - 2011

ACF 1138: "Films for Hope" tribute animation festival at Japan Society on Septembe 11th, 2011

Yeh Dooriyan, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

Shabri, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

Conan The Barbarian, Hollywood English film Review, Johnson Thomas

You Are The Apple Of My Eye (那些年, 我們一起追的女孩) [Taiwan] - 2011

ACF 1137: "Samurai Girls Complete Collection" now available on DVD and Blu-Ray

Pocong Mandi Goyang Pinggul (Indonesia) - 2011

ACF 1136: : "COOL JAPAN: OLD MEETS NEW IN KYOTO" at J-Pop Summit Festival in S.F. this Saturday

Rabbit Horror 3D (ラビット・ホラー3D) [Japan] - 2011

ACF 1135: "Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers" exhibition coming to Japan Society, NY

Bangkok Cinema Scene: Movies opening August 25-September 1, 2011

Gisaeng Spirit (기생령) [South Korea] - 2011

ACF 1134: U.S. Premiere of "Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade" Game at upcoming J-Pop Summit Festival

"HATSUNE MIKU PROJECT DIVA ARCADE"

TO MAKE SPECIAL U.S. DEBUT AT

2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The Fortune Buddies (劲抽福禄寿) [Hong Kong] - 2011

Bini-Biniku Gangster (Malaysia) - 2011

Rakenrol (Philippines) - 2011

Chatur Singh 2 star, Hindi Bollywood film review, Johnson Thomas

***"HATSUNE MIKU PROJECT DIVA* *ARCADE"***