and the pain is less. Wooden acting, rotten dialogue
boring action sequences. Painfully bad. I rate this somewhere below Crippled Masters.
I'm going to watch Dirty Ho and Princess Iron Fan and clean this from my mind.
"That woman deserves her revenge . . . and . . . we deserve to die.".......2007-05-29
What most people fail to realize is that Kill Bill is first and foremost a love story.
What is a killer? A killer in the universe of Kill Bill is a person trained to kill with extraordinary skill, a person who puts feelings of compassion, mercy, and all moral scruples aside, a warrior. Kill Bill is a story about two killers who fall in love.
The female protagonist of the story, known in the first volume as Arlene a.k.a. "The Bride," is a pregnant, glowing, happy young woman who is with her fiancée and friends at her wedding rehearsal. The rehearsal is suddenly ambushed by several strangers dressed in black and carrying weapons - The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad - and these people are no mere strangers to The Bride. She knew them in another life and was even one of them, but it was a life she had given up, and as a consequence, the Deadly Vipers had come to take her out.
The Vipers kill every person in the chapel from the innocent bystanders to the "colored" man playing the piano. At last, they torture the pregnant Bride, shoving her and kicking her in the face as she staggers helplessly in the middle of their circle.
At last, The Bride's jilted lover Bill steps forward with a gun and stands over his fallen lover, giving a little speech. He was in love with The Bride and she'd left him and their life together, breaking his heart. Now she would pay. He pointed the gun at her temple and blew her brains out . . .
Some time later, The Bride awakes from a coma in the hospital to find her baby is gone. She weeps a moment for her lost child, then escapes from the hospital and sets out to exact her revenge on the Deadly Vipers and, most importantly, to kill Bill.
What's with the bleeping?.......2006-12-27
When I saw the first "volume" of "Kill Bill", I asked myself: "Self, why do they keep bleeping out this chick's name? Is surprise important, here? Does it turn out that she's really Eleanor Roosevelt, or Pam Grier, or something?" Now, after seeing the second part, I have my answer; it was strategically vital for Tarantino to conceal the fact that his heroine is, in reality, the famous Beatrix Kiddo! Whew. Glad I wasn't spoiled on that one.
But now I have another question: how is it possible for a man with this much talent to make such an agonizingly stupid movie?
Go buy it now.......2006-10-23
By Tom-K ill Bill volumes 1 & 2 (Must See)
"Kill Bill," simply stunning and earth shattering in every imaginable way. The music was the best and most fitting I have ever heard, the visual effects and camera shots were that of a science fiction film and art drama all rolled into one, and the acting and story were the best I've ever seen.
Though this movie was separated into two volumes, both are equally amazing and quality films. You can't just watch one, because by the end of the first, you'll find yourself begging for the second. And after the seeing the second movie, you'll find yourself begging for the third volume (If one will ever be made). But I suppose that's how it is with nearly every movie directed by Quentin Tarantino.
I personally believe that this movie would be enjoyable for anyone, no matter their interests, so go buy it.
Average customer rating:
- Zhang Ziyi Is Beautiful Gertrude in the Loose Adaptation of "Hamlet"
- Great for the eyes, a pain for the mind and ears.
- Zhang Ziyi works well in this re-work of "Hamlet"
- MANY SAY THIS IS THE CHINESE MILLENNIUM . . .
- A modern Asian version of Shakespeare, featuring the world's greatest actress
|
The Banquet (Special Edition) DVD
Director:
Feng Xiaogang
Manufacturer: Mega Star (HK)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
 General
| Martial Arts
| Action & Adventure
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Special Editions
| Fully Loaded DVDs
| Features
| DVD
| Video
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Curse of the Golden Flower
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Product Features:
- 2 disc package (ALL region NTSC)
- DTS 95/24
- Engliah and Chinese Subtitles
- HK Film Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress Zhou Xun
ASIN: B000KCZAF8 |
Product Description
A loose adaptation of Hamlet, "The Night Banquet" is set in an empire in chaos. The Emperor, the Empress, the Crown Prince, the Minister and the General all have their own enemies they would like to finish off at a night banquet.
Customer Reviews:
Zhang Ziyi Is Beautiful Gertrude in the Loose Adaptation of "Hamlet".......2007-08-06
Though "Banquet" (2006) is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's famous drama "Hamlet," this Chinese film should be seen as another entry in "wuxia" genre, Chinese martial arts action films such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Actually some of the crew of Oscar-winning Ang Lee film came back - Tim (Timmy) Yip as art director, Tan Dun providing original music again, Woo-ping Yuen as action choreographer and of course, the film's star Zhang Ziyi.
The story is set in the war-torn era of China after the collapse of Tang Dynasty. After the strange death of the Emperor, his younger brother Li (You Ge) succeeds the throne and he plans to assassinate the son of late Emperor, Prince Wu Luan (Daniel Wu). To protect the life of Prince now living like a hermit, devoting himself to dancing (to whom, it is suggested, she was once romantically attracted), beautiful Empress Wan (Zhang Ziyi) consents to marry Li. But there is more to come after her decision, which culminates in the "banquet" of the title.
Zhang Ziyi plays Empress Wan, equivalent to Gertrude of Shakespeare's original drama, but unlike the original play, she is not the hero's mother. Though the film is inspired by "Hamlet," I am not sure this should be called adaptation because the role of Prince Wu Luan (= Hamlet) is considerably reduced while Empress Wan plays a major role in the meandering storyline which looks sometimes unfocused. Changes are welcome as long as the original's interesting storyline is kept intact. Here, despite some intriguing premises, it became weak and confusing.
There are martial arts fighting scenes choreographed by Woo-ping Yuen, but not many. The opening sequence is visually striking, but the fighting didn't impress me because, well, I don't see the point of killing innocent dancers in this violent and bloody way (one decapitation included). I don't think people act or fight like this even in the wuxia world. Another fight sequence is slightly better, but I believe Woo-ping Yuen did a finer job in "Fearless."
Many people would watch this film because of Zhang Ziyi, who is fantastic as always, but more impressive is Xun Zhou as Qing Nu (or Ophelia) whose strong performance as unrequited lover almost steals the show from Zhang Ziyi. That is a great feat in itself.
"Banquet" is a welcome addition to wuxia films, but if you ask me whether or not this is a great one, my answer would be, sorry, not exactly.
Great for the eyes, a pain for the mind and ears........2007-07-05
Trying to describe the waste of time this film was would be more a waste of time than the film actually was. Another reviewer summed it up perfectly, it would be pointless for me to do the same. The worst offence? Violence is NEVER poetic.
Zhang Ziyi works well in this re-work of "Hamlet".......2007-06-12
I think the main criticism of "The Banquet" seems to have been related to its pace, but I found it moved at a pace that suited its content; the brooding nature of the narrative and the development of character needs a gentler pace. People also seem to have been critical of Zhang Ziyi, questioning her casting (as a result of which the character of empress wan was made younger) and her ability to do justice to the role. Quite frankly, I think she's done herself a lot of favors in this role. The film's narrative is heavily influenced by Shakespeare's 'HAMLET', which stands it in good stead, but the story and characters have been sufficiently tweaked by writers, Qiu Gangjian and Sheng Heyu, and director, Feng Xiaogang, to dismiss any accusations of it being a simple adaptation. The basic premise is there, as is the sense that we are building to something akin to the bard's tragic, climactic finale.
Zhang Ziyi role as Empress Wan, she is simply stunning as a young woman, who's had her identity and lover taken from her, been thrust into the role of Empress and is now torn by the return of her first love and the power she's become accustomed to, a power that remains in her grasp, whilst she is Li's. Ge You is also great at conveying the menace, weakness and torment that, as he says, arises as result of "the tug between power and love": a murderer, a usurper and a man enchanted by the charms of his new Empress. Daniel Wu puts in yet another solid performance as the emotional young Prince; like Empress Wan, his Wu Luan is torn between his feelings (for Wan), the pain of his father's murder and his relationship with the daughter of General Yin, Qing (Zhou Xun). Alongside Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun is amazing; as Qing, she represents something that none of the other characters do: innocence and truth. this often isolates her within the imperial court and her devotion to Prince Qu Luan drives her through the hardship that it causes her.
It is at this point, that I feel compelled to wax lyrical about the film on a purely visual level. The set of the imperial palace is almost a character itself. It has been dressed with astounding detail and the absolute beauty of almost every frame of the film, in which it appears, is a remarkable achievement; from the Empress's chamber, the throne room, corridors and exteriors. Besides the sets, the costume design is also quite beautiful. the combined effect of the costumes, their inhabitants and the world which they inhabit, make "The Banquet" one of the most beautiful films I've watched.
Finally, a word on the action sequences; they are, after all, the work of Yuen wo-ping. There are three, relatively short sequences, all featuring Daniel Wu, alongside a larger sequence at the beginning of the film. They are all visually stunning but, while actually being quite bloody and violent, they are more balletic in their choreography and execution. Personally, I love them. Over all, I have to say that I'm a big fan of this film. Feng Xiaogang has taken Shakespeare's influence and crafted a solid drama that has as much style as it does substance. That's not to say that it doesn't have it's faults, there's a few parts of the narrative that aren't as strong as others and the ultimate scene of the film may raise a question or two but, with so many reviews choosing to dwell on any negative they can see, I thought I'd go the other way and be nice.
MANY SAY THIS IS THE CHINESE MILLENNIUM . . . .......2007-02-28
I started viewing Chinese movies when THE EMPEROR AND THE ASSASSIN, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, and, of course, HERO hit. This magnificent, majestic movie, THE BANQUET, just seals the deal. Every aspect is wonderful. It's ballet and opera and action and human nature exposed and all film elements raised to another level. Even Wm. S would be wowed. It's grace and elegance and impact. Even the wire work and CGI are organic. So impressive!
Hollywood, with its box-office-driven formula$ are so lost; hopefully this and other new Chinese releases will draw their attention away from the box- office business and back to the art. But I doubt it.
Many say this is the Chinese Millennium; it looks like the next 993 years are going to be theirs. And movie-lovers, ours too. See this movie and see what's ahead. Better yet, buy it and see something new and thrilling each viewing.
A modern Asian version of Shakespeare, featuring the world's greatest actress.......2007-01-27
The Banquet is one of the best movies to come out in 2006. The movie is a huge Chinese production, like many of the movies that have come out of Hong Kong and China during the last few years. The story definitely will remind you of many Shakespeare plays, such as Hamlet or Titus. It's a story about revenge, passion, love, about the dark sides hidden within mena and women. It's about secret shemes, and about the power of passion and lust. The story, in a nutshell, is this - During the 10th Century, The China emporrer is murdered by his brother, who takes over the empire right away. However as we find out, the new emperror's intrest is not the huge China Empire, but his brother's beatiful and much younger wife. The empress, who despises her new "husband", uses her power over him for her own purposes. She wants to get rid of him, so that Lee-Wan, the prince (her step son, who is actually 4 years older than her), can become Emperror and she can become much more than the Emperror wife, but a Mother-Emperror. The new emperror is blindly in love with the young and beautiful queen, yet feels she still has feelings for the young prince and does his best to get rid of him, so there's no threat to his throne and more important - to his beautiful new wife. The new prince survives quite a few murder-attempts, and comes to the pallace to get his revenge. There he is caught in a love-triangle that features the beautiful queen and the Minster of War's young and innoccent daughter, who is madly in love with Lee-Wan, willing to die if she has to for him.
The movie is another Chinese masterpiece - the costums, the colours, the battle-scenes, the acting, the thrilling dialogues, the soundtrack... Everythig is on the highest level. While on a few points, the scrips fails to be consistent, it doesn't take a thing away from the movie or it's greatness. It's a strong viewing experience.
One of the biggest highlights of "The Banquet" (and it's not a surprise) is Ziyi Zhang, who plays the Young Queen. Zhang shows once again, that she's second to no other actress - whether it's her astonishing looks or her breathtaking acting! Throughout the movie, you get hypnotised by Zhang's amazing face and figure, as well as her performance. The range of emotions this actress displays is incredible. Just like "The House of Fying Daggers", this movie was MADE for Zhang, there's no doubt about that. I am sure that this was the only actress the producers had in their mind, when they made the movie. She is PERFECT for it, and she shows more depth than ever, looking more goegeous and sexy than ever. Unfortunately, other than a couple of minutes, we don't get so watch her incredible fighting skills, but hey - she plays a different role. No doubt, she IS the star of the movie, and she also is the deepest character, a women whose purposes and thoughts aren't easy to figure out untill the very end. It was nice to see Zhang play such a complicated character, and it's deffintetely the deepest character she's ever played. And, man oh man, does she look beautiful on every single scene she's on. Her facial expressions are breathtaking, and show the character's emotions so clearly!... I can't say enough about her acting and about the beauty of this woman. She's about 27, yet doesn't look a day over 18. She's incredibely sexy, and she doesn't have to expose flesh for it. It's her face, her voice, the way she moves her perfect body, and the amazing dresses she wears. I couldn't get enough of her appearence here (just like every other movie she's ever been in), and I trully think she's the greatest and most beautiful actress of our age.
I highly reccommend "The Banquet" to anyone who appreciates REAL cinema, who wants to see an artistic movie with amazing acting, and of course all Ziyi Zhang fans. IT's a masterpiece. I even went and saw it twice on the cinema, and the second time was even better for me, as I was able to spot a lot of details and concentrate of the scenes better. The music all throught the movie adds a lot too, Tan Dun's music has played a major role in helping the motion picture to jump to an awesome level of artistic achievement.
Average customer rating:
- almost romantic.
- Unrealistic
- The House of Flying Chaos.......
- Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals...
- Misleading criticism...
|
House of Flying Daggers (UMD mini for PSP)
Starring:
Anita Mui ,
Andy Lau ,
Takeshi Kaneshiro ,
Song Dandan , and
Zhang Ziyi
Director:
Zhang Yimou
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP
General
| Hong Kong Action
| Action & Adventure
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
General
| Universal Media Discs
| Stores
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Action & Adventure
| Universal Media Discs
| Stores
| DVD
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Martial Arts
| By Genre
| Foreign & International
| Stores
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Kung Fu Hustle (Widescreen Edition)
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Product Features:
- "Prepare your eyes for popping," in this "martial-arts fireball that throws in a lyrical love story, headspinning fights and dazzling surprises" (Rolling Stone). "A gorgeous entertainment" (A.O. Scott, New York Times). Mei is an exotic, beautiful blind dancer, associated with a dangerous revolutionary gang, known as the House of Flying Daggers. Captured by officers of the decadent Tang Dynasty, Me
ASIN: B0007VJ7O2
Release Date: 2005-04-19 |
Product Description
Watch movies on your PSP handheld with DVD picture quality inwidescreen. This full length movie fits on a single UMD disc.An exotic blind dancer finds herself torn between the loyalties oflove and honor as she fights acrobatic warriors in the treetops inbattles the likes of which have never before been seen.* Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro Zhang Ziyi Andy Lau Tak-wah Song Dandan. -- SPECIFICATIONs -----------------------------------MPAA Rating: PG13Genre : Martial Arts Period FilmTheatrical Date : 2004Run Time : 119 MinutesDistributor/Studio: Sony Pictures www.sonystyle.com
Amazon.com
No one uses color like Chinese director Zhang Yimou--movies like Raise the Red Lantern or Hero, though different in tone and subject matter, are drenched in rich, luscious shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. House of Flying Daggers is no exception; if they weren't choreographed with such vigorous imagination, the spectacular action sequences would seem little more than an excuse for vivid hues rippling across the screen. Government officers Leo and Jin (Asian superstars Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) set out to destroy an underground rebellion called the House of Flying Daggers (named for their weapon of choice, a curved blade that swoops through the air like a boomerang). Their only chance to find the rebels is a blind women named Mei (Ziyi Zhang, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who has some lethal kung fu moves of her own. In the guise of an aspiring rebel, Jin escorts Mei through gorgeous forests and fields that become bloody battlegrounds as soldiers try to kill them both. While arrows and spears of bamboo fly through the air, Mei, Jin, and Leo turn against each other in surprising ways, driven by passion and honor. Zhang's previous action/art film, Hero, sometimes sacrificed momentum for sheer visual beauty; House of Flying Daggers finds a more muscular balance of aesthetic splendor and dazzling swordplay. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
almost romantic. .......2007-08-28
On the surface, this thing is awesome eyecandy. lush scenery, beautiful costume, fantastic action sequences, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yes, it looks exquisite in all its widescreen delight and the sound is incredible. But... just beneath the thin, oh so slick veneer, is the over the top melodrama, the very one dimensional bad guy, the doomed romance, and all the cookie cutter disposable solidiers. This was a whole lot of fun to watch, and very moving at times, but on closer review it starts to resemble something like bamboo. Solid to a point, but hollow on the inside, and very likely to split apart when over used. Visually superb at times? of course. Entertaining? sure. Satisfying as a story? well...almost.
Unrealistic.......2007-08-27
First of all, let me explain. Yes, I know this is a fantasy tale that where we are supposed to suspend belief in order to enjoy the film, but I think these Chinese films take things a bit too far. For example, even in Spiderman where we are given a superhuman man with spider powers BUT his movements, his actions, his jumps seem to be what a person with his stregnth and abilities might be able to do. Ultimately the laws of physics are loosely followed. I understand it's a Chinese martial arts movie and the characters will do some incredible things, which is great but they do things that are completely and utterly impossible. Um... float for no reason. Prop themselelves between two bamboo stems even though in reality the pressure would push the bamboo sticks away from each other. Stuff like that just makes it hard for me to enjoy the movie.
Beyond this, the characters are cold and we are never really given a reason to care about them. Yes, the movie is beautiful at times and perhaps this is the only thing that saves it. Even the story isn't that bad but it needed to be developed and the characters needed to be fleshed out.
If you want to see a really good Chinese movie then I suggest you see "Together" by Hong Chen. Enjoy.
The House of Flying Chaos..............2007-08-12
I was a great fan of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, so, when I heard that another wuxia film was being brought to the United States, I flocked to the movie theater to see this one. Director Zhang Yimou (HERO) sets the scene for us with broad use of color and drama. I can't argue that the opening dance sequence with the blind courtesan (Ziyi Zhang) isn't pretty eyepopping. However, the convoluted plot left MUCH to be desired. Granted, I am up for an intriguing plot centered on a battle of wits anyday (I loved HERO), this film was, for me, one melodrama after another. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that I was particularly offended by one depiction of rape and abuse that then blossoms into a relationship between victim and victimizer. Also, there were some scenes intended to be highly dramatic in tone, and I recall several members of the audience giggling over the absurdity of the thoroughly unbelievable acting and the stylized violence (a familiar sequence in Chinese wuxia cinema is that where you see blood dripping from the slain/maimed individual's mouth). There aren't really heros here--just different degrees of villainhood, and, for the most part, it's a battle based on manipulation, and it all stems from the society of the House of Flying Daggers and interrogating those possibly affiliated with the organization. I would advise you to skip this one. It's just a little too much......I can't imagine how it transfers to the small screen, as a DVD, but I would imagine it just looks absurd on a smaller scale.
Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals..........2007-08-09
`House of Flying Daggers' is truly no `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. That's in no way to say it's not visually stunning and engrossing, it just lacks a little of that flare and a lot of that plot that made `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' so brilliant. Director Zhang Yimou keeps his film heavy on the action but very light on substance. It still delivers, don't get me wrong, and I was not entirely disappointed while it's credits began to roll but I will say that when you've been spoiled with something like Ang Lee's `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' you begin to wish that every Asian film could be that wonderful.
The film centers around a group of rebels referring to themselves as the House of Flying Daggers, or more specifically around one of their members, a blind woman named Mei posing as a showgirl. This rebel group is in direct conflict with the government and so two officials, Leo and Jin devise a plan to infiltrate the rebel's lair. Jin disguises himself as a lone rebel himself, rescues her from the hands of government officials and offers to escort her back to her group. Along the way though, they are met with adversity. The governor, unknowing of Leo and Jin's plan, has sent out his best soldiers to track down and kill Mei and Jin. The fight sequences that follow are brilliantly choreographed and directed. In fact, I'd be tempted to say they rival or maybe even transcend those in Lee's lauded film, but I haven't seen `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in a few years and so I'm not the best judge at the moment. The fight within the trees alone though is breathtaking.
As has been mentioned, the use of color within this film really takes it to another level. The fight sequences are even more spectacular thanks to the wide range of reds and greens, whites and yellows all wrapped up within the natural backdrop to the scenes. It's beautiful to look at, elegant and effortlessly put together. The actor's movements are so well calculated, so controlled, and they perfectly complement the mood each scene intends to portray.
`House of Flyer Daggers' fails in the one aspect of plot, for everything else is truly splendid. The above plot in itself would have sufficed, and it does have more twists and turns than an episode of `The Sopranos' but it tries a little too hard to transfer into a love story and it's there that it falls flat. I don't want to give away too much of those `twists and turns' but I will say that it loses it's focus towards the end, and instead of delivering a final battle between rebel's and government (a battle I was salivating over in expectation of) it gives us a battle between star-crossed lovers that delivers in beauty but fails to deliver in emotional depth and thus becomes just another fight.
The acting is decent all the way around, but Ziyi Zhang is truly the standout. Her performance is so tempered, so controlled it transcends the performances of her cast mates and becomes award worthy, Oscar nomination worthy even. She's the only actor in the cast that is able to really connect with the audience, in such a deep way that even though I found the love story aspect a little phony and unbelievable I believed her character, I believed her side of that love and that in itself was a major accomplishment for Zhang. Ziyi has got quite the resume going for herself, and she has all the potential in the world to be an Oscar winning actress. Once the academy learns to embrace her stylized performances over her more Americanized (say `Memoirs of a Geisha') then they will see the beauty and grace that we all see.
The film, while far from perfect, still offers quite a bit for the far on this form of martial arts film. The direction is top notch and the scenery just as breathtaking as the choreography. I surely enjoyed myself and would watch this film again. So sit back and enjoy, just don't expect anything too deep emotionally, just some beautiful, graceful and in the end brutal battles that more than make up for what this film lacks.
Misleading criticism..........2007-08-03
It is very disheartening to see a great number of reviews comparing this movie to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero. While they have similarities I can not help but feel that the comparisons are being done mainly because the audience is trying to grasp onto something familiar. Let us not compare apples to oranges simply because they were both grown in China, yes?
When this movie hit American theaters I wanted so badly to see it but I never had the chance. Quite some time passed and I eventually saw it available for rent.
The first impression was a strong one. The movie is vivid and saturated and the attention to detail painstaking. To cite an example, watch the tack used on the horses in the movie. It is all completely custom and each piece different than the next. The style is the same from piece to piece but none are alike. That speaks volumes on the dedication and quality put into the costuming and props. It is one thing to put true effort in to the actors attire but to really go as far as to make sure even the animals are properly turned out is impressive for this genre.
I feel that there isn't much left to say about the story. Nearly 300 reviews tell you it is an unrealistic tale of love, deception and lies... And finally, remuneration. However, I will disagree with many and say that the story is not empty nor is it frivolous. To have a love like Mei and Jin's is the dream of many, but at the same time a complete and utter nightmare. Their blind devotion and obsessive tendencies are dangerous and lead to the suffering of others besides themselves.
The action truly takes a back set to the love and drama but is treated with the highest respect. The scenes are beautiful and some incredibly feminine and enchanting.
The story is fanciful and romantic. The ending is heart breaking but fulfilling. Love and obsession merge with greed and retribution. I personally feel the story is quite realistic given the circumstances. No good can come of passion so strong and rampant.
I never tire of this film. I have long since added it to my collection and find yet another reason to love it each time I view it.
Average customer rating:
- Beautiful visuals carry this Korean WUXIA fantasy epic...
- A real let down...
|
The Restless (Standard Edition) DVD
Director:
Jo Dong Oh
Manufacturer: CJ Entertianment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Martial Arts
| Action & Adventure
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
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Product Features:
- 1 disc pack (region 0 NTSC)
ASIN: B000RNLRR0 |
Product Description
It is AD 924, at the end of the United Shilla Dynasty. Continuous riots sweep the land ruled by a corrupted government. Evil forces are rampant and malicious demons roam the land. YI Kwak, born with the powers to see spirits, joins the royal demon hunting squad, Chuh-yong-dae after losing his fiancee, Yon-hwa to evil demons. YI Kwak excels as the most talented warrior of Chuh-yong-dae and the royal squad seems to gain momentum as powerful fighters against the forces of darkness. Then one day, YI Kwak drifts into Joongcheon, the world of the dead through a strange shrine. Joongcheon, the intermediate world between Heaven and Earth, a place souls remain for 49 days, preparing for reincarnation.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful visuals carry this Korean WUXIA fantasy epic..........2007-07-02
The RESTLESS(aka: Jeong-Cheon) is the latest in South Korea's foray into the Fantasy- epic-romance/WUXIA Swordplay genre. This fantasy-adventure can definitely charm the viewer because it looks amazingly beautiful. The set designs are superb and the action is very entertaining.
Jung Woo-Sung(Musa the Warrior) is Gwak Yi, a former Chuyongdae(Royal Demon hunters) who after an encounter with demon-hybrids to protect a village, unexpectedly finds himself in Mid-Heaven, a pseudo-Buddhist holding where deceased souls gather to wait 49 days for their eventual reincarnation. There, Gwak Yi meets So-Hwa(Kim Tae-hee), a heavenly deity who is assigned an important task. So-hwa must deliver the so-called "Holy Stone" to the "Pool of Reflection" in order to prevent evil-doers from making a mess of the balance between Earth and Heaven. Noble and fearless, Gwak Yi enlists in Son-Hwa's cause immediately but he has his own hidden motivation.
Son-hwa is a dead ringer for Gwak Yi's former love Yon-Hwa, who he failed to protect from an untimely death. Actually, they are the same being, Son-hwa is a "Chuneen", whose a deity with no recollection of their past life on Earth. This complicates matters for both Gwak Yi and Son-hwa even further when Gwak Yi's former comrades(led by Hur Jun-ho)as a "Chuyongdae" are the ones who threaten the stability of Mid-Heaven. Meaning that in order to help Son-hwa, he must once again send his former comrades(to whom he owes a debt of honor) in the earthly plane to suffer a second death.
People who love SFX-laden epics will no doubt embrace "The Restless". There is plenty of action and they are very enthralling, thanks to the top-notch visual effects and awesome fight choreography. Highlights include a cool forest fight, and the very awesome epic finale, where Gwak Yi takes on about 10,000 demonic warrior spirits all by himself.(Azumi and Casshern, eat your hearts out!). The CGI effects are well-done and is sure to impress PS3 fanboys.
The story itself is not very original, but quite bearable. It is about Love and Hate, promises and loyalty, good and evil. The costumes and set designs may remind audiences of Tsui Hark's "Legend of Zu". The film's main WEAKNESS may be that the plot/characters may have a difficult time connecting with some viewers. The two leads do a decent interpretation of their characters. Jung Woo-sung suits the character of Gwak Yi, while lovely Kim Tae-Hee fills the screen with her charisma.
I bought the KOREAN (region-3) 2-disc Special Edition when it came out a month ago. Korean released dvds have such good presentation, which is why it's no wonder they're expensive. Great DVD from CJ Entertainment.
Take note that dvds made in Taiwan(like the unofficial ones circulating in Amazon)may be compressed in a way that may freeze in most stand alone players. They are encoded with no region coding to fool U.S. players.
PICTURE: 2.40 ratio Anamorphic Widescreen. The video transfer is phenomenal, sharpness and detail is awesome. Colors are very vibrant and the flesh-tones are very good. No complaints.
AUDIO/Subtitles: 5.1 Dolby Digital-Ex and DTS-ES Korean Language track. The sound is POWERFUL(especially on DTS), the channels are very nicely separated. English Subtitles are well-timed and translated.
EXTRAS: Music video, commentary, "making of", Behind the scenes, trailers and more.., unfortunately there are no subtitles in most of the docos.
CLOSING REMARKS:
The Restless may not be wholly original but it is a very well-made feature. You can really tell that they spent most of their budget in the visual effects, costumes and set designs. It is worth seeing and is a quite entertaining. Fans of Wuxia Swordplay epics will definitely embrace it for the action, if not, for it's beautiful visuals.
RECOMMENDED!
A real let down..........2007-06-21
***************Mild Spoilers********************
I have to say I was fairly disappointed with The Restless. Having read a wonderful review about it, and an interesting synopsis, I was hoping that this movie would be as good as my favorite Korean epic, Musa.
The story focuses on Yi Gwak, a demon slayer who is poisoned by a group of villagers who intend to kill him and collect the bounty on his head. He manages to escape, and passes out. He wakes up alive, but in Midheaven, the place where souls go and stay right before reincarnation. There, he meets a white reaper, who resembles his long dead wife. The plot gets complicated when his ex-squad of dead demon slayers show up chasing after the wife. Apparently she has something they want.
Unfortunately, the interesting plot is just about all this movie has going for it. The two lead actors were kind of dull and had no chemistry. Dare I say the acting even borderlined on bad? The fight scenes were redundant and cliched. They were all typical of your average Wu Xia films. The female lead tries to fight, gets overpowered and the hero runs in to save her... not once but SEVERAL times. In fact, in ALL of her fight scenes that's how it ends up. And the ending has the obligatory one man against a gazillion soldiers that he cuts through with relative ease. And some parts of the films just flat out DRAGGED. The dialogue was quite boring, leaving the characters very two dimensional.
That being said, the special effects were pretty. There was even one memorable and touching scene of a close up of the hero's friend as he dies, turning into this burning paper.
But unfortunately, special effects alone can't carry a movie.
So needless to say, I'm still searching for that wonderful Korean epic that will blow Musa out of the water.
![House of Flying Daggers (2 Discs, Uncut) [ NON-USA FORMAT, NTSC , Reg.3 Import ]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31KH8ZFEQHL.jpg)
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House of Flying Daggers (2 Discs, Uncut) [ NON-USA FORMAT, NTSC , Reg.3 Import ]
Manufacturer: Edko
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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Hero
Product Features:
- No Cuts
- Extras are not subtitled in English.
- "Making Of"
- Storyboards
- Music Video
ASIN: B000HZIBIQ |
Product Description
859 AD, the incompetent Emperor and corrupted government are ruining the Tang Dynasty. Rebel armies are forming, House of Flying Daggers being the largest and most prestigious. Feng Tian County's two local captains, Leo and Jin, are ordered to capture the House leader within ten days. Captin Leo suspects that Mei, the beautiful new dancer at the Peony Pavillion is actually the daughter of the former leader and hatches a plan to arrest her and bring her in for questioning. Captain Jin will then pretend to be a lone warrior and rescue her from prison, earning her trust and escorting her to the secret headquarters of the House of Flying Daggers. The plan works but on their long journey to the House, something unexpected and uncontrollable is forming...
Description
THE WARRIOR:
An action-filled epic starring Ziyi Zhang (House of Flying Daggers, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, upcoming Memoirs of a Geisha), The Warrior recounts the tale of a group of Korean envoys who entered China on a mission and were never heard from again. Captured and accused of espionage by Ming warriors, the Korean delegation is exiled by their captors to a remote desert. On their journey back to Korea, they rescue a kidnapped Ming princess (Zhang). In their effort to take the princess to safety, the group encounters rival Mongol warriors whom they face in a breathtaking battle scene.
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS:
"Prepare your eyes for popping," in this "martial-arts fireball that throws in a lyrical love story, head spinning fights and dazzling surprises" (Rolling Stone). "A gorgeous entertainment" (A.O. Scott, New York Times). Mei is an exotic, beautiful blind dancer, associated with a dangerous revolutionary gang, known as the House of Flying Daggers. Captured by officers of the decadent Tang Dynasty, Mei finds herself both threatened - and attracted - to the most unusual circumstances. Here, her heart and loyalties battle each other, amid warriors in the treetops and dazzling combat - the likes of which have never before been seen.
Amazon.com
No one uses color like Chinese director Zhang Yimou--movies like Raise the Red Lantern or Hero, though different in tone and subject matter, are drenched in rich, luscious shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. House of Flying Daggers is no exception; if they weren't choreographed with such vigorous imagination, the spectacular action sequences would seem little more than an excuse for vivid hues rippling across the screen. Government officers Leo and Jin (Asian superstars Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) set out to destroy an underground rebellion called the House of Flying Daggers (named for their weapon of choice, a curved blade that swoops through the air like a boomerang). Their only chance to find the rebels is a blind women named Mei (Ziyi Zhang, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who has some lethal kung fu moves of her own. In the guise of an aspiring rebel, Jin escorts Mei through gorgeous forests and fields that become bloody battlegrounds as soldiers try to kill them both. While arrows and spears of bamboo fly through the air, Mei, Jin, and Leo turn against each other in surprising ways, driven by passion and honor. Zhang's previous action/art film, Hero, sometimes sacrificed momentum for sheer visual beauty; House of Flying Daggers finds a more muscular balance of aesthetic splendor and dazzling swordplay. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
almost romantic. .......2007-08-28
On the surface, this thing is awesome eyecandy. lush scenery, beautiful costume, fantastic action sequences, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yes, it looks exquisite in all its widescreen delight and the sound is incredible. But... just beneath the thin, oh so slick veneer, is the over the top melodrama, the very one dimensional bad guy, the doomed romance, and all the cookie cutter disposable solidiers. This was a whole lot of fun to watch, and very moving at times, but on closer review it starts to resemble something like bamboo. Solid to a point, but hollow on the inside, and very likely to split apart when over used. Visually superb at times? of course. Entertaining? sure. Satisfying as a story? well...almost.
Unrealistic.......2007-08-27
First of all, let me explain. Yes, I know this is a fantasy tale that where we are supposed to suspend belief in order to enjoy the film, but I think these Chinese films take things a bit too far. For example, even in Spiderman where we are given a superhuman man with spider powers BUT his movements, his actions, his jumps seem to be what a person with his stregnth and abilities might be able to do. Ultimately the laws of physics are loosely followed. I understand it's a Chinese martial arts movie and the characters will do some incredible things, which is great but they do things that are completely and utterly impossible. Um... float for no reason. Prop themselelves between two bamboo stems even though in reality the pressure would push the bamboo sticks away from each other. Stuff like that just makes it hard for me to enjoy the movie.
Beyond this, the characters are cold and we are never really given a reason to care about them. Yes, the movie is beautiful at times and perhaps this is the only thing that saves it. Even the story isn't that bad but it needed to be developed and the characters needed to be fleshed out.
If you want to see a really good Chinese movie then I suggest you see "Together" by Hong Chen. Enjoy.
The House of Flying Chaos..............2007-08-12
I was a great fan of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, so, when I heard that another wuxia film was being brought to the United States, I flocked to the movie theater to see this one. Director Zhang Yimou (HERO) sets the scene for us with broad use of color and drama. I can't argue that the opening dance sequence with the blind courtesan (Ziyi Zhang) isn't pretty eyepopping. However, the convoluted plot left MUCH to be desired. Granted, I am up for an intriguing plot centered on a battle of wits anyday (I loved HERO), this film was, for me, one melodrama after another. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that I was particularly offended by one depiction of rape and abuse that then blossoms into a relationship between victim and victimizer. Also, there were some scenes intended to be highly dramatic in tone, and I recall several members of the audience giggling over the absurdity of the thoroughly unbelievable acting and the stylized violence (a familiar sequence in Chinese wuxia cinema is that where you see blood dripping from the slain/maimed individual's mouth). There aren't really heros here--just different degrees of villainhood, and, for the most part, it's a battle based on manipulation, and it all stems from the society of the House of Flying Daggers and interrogating those possibly affiliated with the organization. I would advise you to skip this one. It's just a little too much......I can't imagine how it transfers to the small screen, as a DVD, but I would imagine it just looks absurd on a smaller scale.
Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals..........2007-08-09
`House of Flying Daggers' is truly no `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. That's in no way to say it's not visually stunning and engrossing, it just lacks a little of that flare and a lot of that plot that made `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' so brilliant. Director Zhang Yimou keeps his film heavy on the action but very light on substance. It still delivers, don't get me wrong, and I was not entirely disappointed while it's credits began to roll but I will say that when you've been spoiled with something like Ang Lee's `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' you begin to wish that every Asian film could be that wonderful.
The film centers around a group of rebels referring to themselves as the House of Flying Daggers, or more specifically around one of their members, a blind woman named Mei posing as a showgirl. This rebel group is in direct conflict with the government and so two officials, Leo and Jin devise a plan to infiltrate the rebel's lair. Jin disguises himself as a lone rebel himself, rescues her from the hands of government officials and offers to escort her back to her group. Along the way though, they are met with adversity. The governor, unknowing of Leo and Jin's plan, has sent out his best soldiers to track down and kill Mei and Jin. The fight sequences that follow are brilliantly choreographed and directed. In fact, I'd be tempted to say they rival or maybe even transcend those in Lee's lauded film, but I haven't seen `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in a few years and so I'm not the best judge at the moment. The fight within the trees alone though is breathtaking.
As has been mentioned, the use of color within this film really takes it to another level. The fight sequences are even more spectacular thanks to the wide range of reds and greens, whites and yellows all wrapped up within the natural backdrop to the scenes. It's beautiful to look at, elegant and effortlessly put together. The actor's movements are so well calculated, so controlled, and they perfectly complement the mood each scene intends to portray.
`House of Flyer Daggers' fails in the one aspect of plot, for everything else is truly splendid. The above plot in itself would have sufficed, and it does have more twists and turns than an episode of `The Sopranos' but it tries a little too hard to transfer into a love story and it's there that it falls flat. I don't want to give away too much of those `twists and turns' but I will say that it loses it's focus towards the end, and instead of delivering a final battle between rebel's and government (a battle I was salivating over in expectation of) it gives us a battle between star-crossed lovers that delivers in beauty but fails to deliver in emotional depth and thus becomes just another fight.
The acting is decent all the way around, but Ziyi Zhang is truly the standout. Her performance is so tempered, so controlled it transcends the performances of her cast mates and becomes award worthy, Oscar nomination worthy even. She's the only actor in the cast that is able to really connect with the audience, in such a deep way that even though I found the love story aspect a little phony and unbelievable I believed her character, I believed her side of that love and that in itself was a major accomplishment for Zhang. Ziyi has got quite the resume going for herself, and she has all the potential in the world to be an Oscar winning actress. Once the academy learns to embrace her stylized performances over her more Americanized (say `Memoirs of a Geisha') then they will see the beauty and grace that we all see.
The film, while far from perfect, still offers quite a bit for the far on this form of martial arts film. The direction is top notch and the scenery just as breathtaking as the choreography. I surely enjoyed myself and would watch this film again. So sit back and enjoy, just don't expect anything too deep emotionally, just some beautiful, graceful and in the end brutal battles that more than make up for what this film lacks.
Misleading criticism..........2007-08-03
It is very disheartening to see a great number of reviews comparing this movie to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero. While they have similarities I can not help but feel that the comparisons are being done mainly because the audience is trying to grasp onto something familiar. Let us not compare apples to oranges simply because they were both grown in China, yes?
When this movie hit American theaters I wanted so badly to see it but I never had the chance. Quite some time passed and I eventually saw it available for rent.
The first impression was a strong one. The movie is vivid and saturated and the attention to detail painstaking. To cite an example, watch the tack used on the horses in the movie. It is all completely custom and each piece different than the next. The style is the same from piece to piece but none are alike. That speaks volumes on the dedication and quality put into the costuming and props. It is one thing to put true effort in to the actors attire but to really go as far as to make sure even the animals are properly turned out is impressive for this genre.
I feel that there isn't much left to say about the story. Nearly 300 reviews tell you it is an unrealistic tale of love, deception and lies... And finally, remuneration. However, I will disagree with many and say that the story is not empty nor is it frivolous. To have a love like Mei and Jin's is the dream of many, but at the same time a complete and utter nightmare. Their blind devotion and obsessive tendencies are dangerous and lead to the suffering of others besides themselves.
The action truly takes a back set to the love and drama but is treated with the highest respect. The scenes are beautiful and some incredibly feminine and enchanting.
The story is fanciful and romantic. The ending is heart breaking but fulfilling. Love and obsession merge with greed and retribution. I personally feel the story is quite realistic given the circumstances. No good can come of passion so strong and rampant.
I never tire of this film. I have long since added it to my collection and find yet another reason to love it each time I view it.
![Iron Monkey (Special Collector's Edition) [Region 2 Import]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21SAK5B72AL.jpg)
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Iron Monkey (Special Collector's Edition) [Region 2 Import]
Manufacturer: Hong Kong Legends
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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Special Editions
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Product Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and restored DVD transfer.
- English Dubbed and Cantanese Language with remastered subtitles
- AC3 Digital Audio
- Interview Gallery
- Original Trailer and more
ASIN: B000LPP7OI |
Product Description
For this breathtaking epic adventure set in the late Ching dynasty, acclaimed action director Yuen Woo-ping combines incredible dynamic, high-flying fight-action and stunning cinematography with a classic story of courage, honour and sacrifice. International action superstars Donnie Yen ("Once upon a Time in China 2," "Highlander 4") and Yu Rong Kwong ("Shanghai Noon," "Project S") give immaculate performances as two legendary warriors who must put their lives on the line to defeat the barbaric excesses of a corrupt political regime and protect the lives of the people whose cause they champion. Making judicious use of low-key lighting, high contrast colour combinations and a haunting soundtrack, director Yuen Woo-ping creates a unique visual tapestry and captures a mood, which is generally romantic and yet emotionally charged. Each fight sequence is both original and enervating, possessing a relentless kinetic energy and strong emotional underscoring, which lifts it well beyond traditional martial arts action.
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