Archive for October 2017

Wonder Seven (1994) aka 7 jin gong


Action and gymnastics form a very happening combination! The result is a stunt-filled, action-packed spectacle. Wonder Seven is about seven martial artists, each with different skills, who come together to take on a group of international crime organizations.

Madame White Snake (1956) aka Byaku fujin no yoren


Lavish Japanese-Chinese coproduction based on an ancient Chinese legend about a man who falls in love with a snake goddess in human form.

Human Lanterns (1982) aka Ren pi deng long


A psychotic craftsman pits two rival Kung-Fu masters against each other while designing special lanterns from a disturbing source.

Mothra vs Godzilla (1964) aka Mosura tai Gojira


A greedy developer has placed huge machines to suck dry a part of the ocean near Tokyo so he can put luxury condos there. After a storm, a giant egg washes up on the beach nearby and is immediately put on public display. The developer’s plans go awry when he disrupts Godzilla’s rest and the monster goes stomping through Tokyo again. It’s up to the elderly Mothra, and then to its two offspring, to save Tokyo from destruction.

Drunken Master 3 (1994) aka Jui kuen III


Set around the turn of the century in China, the White Lotus Society plots to put the next Emperor on the throne. To do this they want their protege to marry the Princess Sun Yu who possesses an important jade ring. They dispatch Yueng Kwan to fetch her. However, Yueng Kwan is a patriot, working for the revolutionary forces of Sun Yat Sen. He abducts Sun Yu and finds refuge with the father of the future hero Wong Fei Hung.

Trials of an Okinawa Village (1971) aka Nippon jokyô-den: Gekitô Himeyuri-misaki


A female of a trucking company has run-ins with evil yakuza during the American occupation of Okinawa. Her hometown is threatened by usurers, gangsters and indirectly by American GI influences. She must battle a yakuza organization with her employees to help settle things.

The Flower and the Angry Waves (1964) aka Hana to dotô


Another subversion of audience expectations has Kobayashi acting somewhat cowardly in the snow-bound final showdown, an unheard-of trait in a ninkyô yakuza hero. Also with Tamio Kawaji as a sword-wielding assassin in Zero-cape-and -hat(!)

Don’t Look Up (1996) aka Joyû-rei


On the set of a dark war time drama at an old movie studio, a young director, Toshio Murai (Yanagi), is trying to complete his debut film. The two starring actresses, Hitomi Kurokawa and Saori Murakami, play sisters in his film. Murai has a crush on Hitomi (Shiroshima), the seasoned leading actress, and keeps a photo of her by his bed. The younger and less experienced actress, Saori (Ishibashi), is annoying and likes to have recess on the set. The production of the movie is consistently interrupted by strange occurrences and the cast and crew begin to get spooked.

Like You Know It All (2009) aka Jal al-ji-do mot-ha-myeon-seo


Invited to serve on the jury at a film festival, Director Ku does not care about his supposed-to-dos. Rather, chatting at parties and drinking now seem to be his all time favorites. Ku runs into an old friend who insists he come over for dinner and he stays the night at his friend’s house. Yet, the next day, Ku finds himself in trouble with an alleged accusation of seducing his friend’s wife. Later, he travels to Jeju Island to give a lecture. He hooks up with a painter for another long night of drinking. The day after, Ku is invited to the painter’s where he happens to see his ex-girlfriend.

Full Moon Scimitar (1979) aka Yuan yue wan dao


Inspired from a famous martial arts tale, a young swordsman becomes obsessed with sword supremacy and challenges another kung fu master, where everything begins.

Manhunt (1976) aka Kimi yo fundo no kawa wo watare


A tough police detective is falsely accused of corruption, and goes on the run to clear his name. He is assisted by the beautiful daughter of a rich man.

Green Snake (1993) aka Ching se

 
Two snake spirits become human and learn about love and suffering. A monk discovers his own weaknesses and finds that morality is not as simple as he had thought.

Circus Kids (1994) aka Ma hei siu chi


The circus group performs at the Shanfa Circus when a huge load of bombs crash on the stage and the performers try to find a home to live and get money for food.