More Hollywood actors are expected to appear in starring roles in Chinese films as China’s film industry continue to expand, with bigger productions looking to meet international standards and feed the growing appetite for domestic blockbusters.
So far, however, the top Hollywood stars joining the ensemble casts of these blockbusters have almost all been men. Opportunities for Hollywood actresses in China still remain largely unavailable because of the lack of suitable roles and limited genres. Agencies have been pushing for female starring roles, however, and Milla Jovovich has a role in upcoming action-thriller “The Rookies.”
According to Jonah Greenberg, who left his role as head of CAA China in February to launch a Beijing-based development and production company called Salty Pictures, the agency helped Jovovich get the role, originally written as a male. Such a successful gender-switch of a role in a Chinese film to accommodate a Western actress is a first.
So far, however, the top Hollywood stars joining the ensemble casts of these blockbusters have almost all been men. Opportunities for Hollywood actresses in China still remain largely unavailable because of the lack of suitable roles and limited genres. Agencies have been pushing for female starring roles, however, and Milla Jovovich has a role in upcoming action-thriller “The Rookies.”
According to Jonah Greenberg, who left his role as head of CAA China in February to launch a Beijing-based development and production company called Salty Pictures, the agency helped Jovovich get the role, originally written as a male. Such a successful gender-switch of a role in a Chinese film to accommodate a Western actress is a first.
- 9/25/2018
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime is developing Hello Nancy, an original film based on the nonfiction book On Her Trail, My Mother, Nancy Dickerson, TV News’ First Woman Star by CBS This Morning co-host John Dickerson, with Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee Colbert serving as executive producers.
The Zookeeper’s Wife scribe Angela Workman will pen the adaptation and co-executive produce. Dickerson serves as associate producer.
Hello Nancy centers on pioneering journalist Nancy Dickerson, chronicling her trailblazing journey through the high-powered world of 1960s Washington, D.C., to become a prominent political journalist and eventually the first woman to anchor a TV news show. Among her numerous milestones, Dickerson was the first female member of the Washington TV press corps, the first reporter to speak to John F. Kennedy after his inauguration and more — all of which established her as a role model for a generation of aspiring media professionals. The challenges she faced along the way,...
The Zookeeper’s Wife scribe Angela Workman will pen the adaptation and co-executive produce. Dickerson serves as associate producer.
Hello Nancy centers on pioneering journalist Nancy Dickerson, chronicling her trailblazing journey through the high-powered world of 1960s Washington, D.C., to become a prominent political journalist and eventually the first woman to anchor a TV news show. Among her numerous milestones, Dickerson was the first female member of the Washington TV press corps, the first reporter to speak to John F. Kennedy after his inauguration and more — all of which established her as a role model for a generation of aspiring media professionals. The challenges she faced along the way,...
- 4/25/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Get used to hearing Niki Caro’s name. As the only female director to have not just one, but two studio pictures hitting the big screen over the next two years, including Disney’s much-hyped live-action remake of “Mulan,” the filmmaker is about to be catapulted to a rarefied position in an industry that is not always friendly to placing women behind the camera. That doesn’t mean she’s entirely happy about it.
“That just depresses me,” Caro told IndieWire when asked about her unique upcoming slate. “It’s wonderful for me, but God, I have survivor guilt over this. The fact that I’m working is great and I feel very fortunate, but the fact that so many highly skilled, gifted women are not, it’s shameful.”
But Caro has a plan to combat Hollywood’s gender imbalance behind the camera, and it’s one she’s already putting into action.
“That just depresses me,” Caro told IndieWire when asked about her unique upcoming slate. “It’s wonderful for me, but God, I have survivor guilt over this. The fact that I’m working is great and I feel very fortunate, but the fact that so many highly skilled, gifted women are not, it’s shameful.”
But Caro has a plan to combat Hollywood’s gender imbalance behind the camera, and it’s one she’s already putting into action.
- 3/29/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife Wendi Deng Murdoch has denied rumors she is dating Russian President Vladimir Putin – and also hit out at claims she had a relationship with former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Earlier this year, rumors swirled that Deng Murdoch, 47, and 63-year-old Putin, who is married, had sparked a romance. But Deng Murdoch told Vogue that she doesn't even know the Russian president.
"I've never met Putin," she told the magazine. "But wow, so much press about it. Why did they choose me?"
Although she denied dating rumors, Deng Murdoch told Vogue that she is single and happy to be fixed up.
Earlier this year, rumors swirled that Deng Murdoch, 47, and 63-year-old Putin, who is married, had sparked a romance. But Deng Murdoch told Vogue that she doesn't even know the Russian president.
"I've never met Putin," she told the magazine. "But wow, so much press about it. Why did they choose me?"
Although she denied dating rumors, Deng Murdoch told Vogue that she is single and happy to be fixed up.
- 7/25/2016
- by Char Adams, @CiCiAdams_
- People.com - TV Watch
Arclight Films’ Asian label, Easternlight Films, has picked up international rights to The Queens, directed by and starring Taiwanese singer and actress Annie Yi.
Produced by Beijing-based Desen International Media, the romantic comedy also stars Korean actress Song Hye Kyo and Chinese actress Vivian Wu. Chinese release is scheduled for November 7.
The film follows three cosmopolitan women, an actress, a PR specialist and a gallery manager, all wrestling with the ups and downs of their romantic lives. “We want to present the mystery, desires, sorrows and pain in urban relationships”” said Desen’s Ann An. “The motto for women from the film is ‘Don’t be a slave, and don’t be a queen, just be yourself’. The characters go through the transformation from ‘being a queen’ to purely ‘being themselves’.”
Also known by her Chinese name Yi Nengjing, Annie Yi starred in Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Good Men, Good Women (1995), Peter Greenaway’s 8 ½ Women (1999) and more recently...
Produced by Beijing-based Desen International Media, the romantic comedy also stars Korean actress Song Hye Kyo and Chinese actress Vivian Wu. Chinese release is scheduled for November 7.
The film follows three cosmopolitan women, an actress, a PR specialist and a gallery manager, all wrestling with the ups and downs of their romantic lives. “We want to present the mystery, desires, sorrows and pain in urban relationships”” said Desen’s Ann An. “The motto for women from the film is ‘Don’t be a slave, and don’t be a queen, just be yourself’. The characters go through the transformation from ‘being a queen’ to purely ‘being themselves’.”
Also known by her Chinese name Yi Nengjing, Annie Yi starred in Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Good Men, Good Women (1995), Peter Greenaway’s 8 ½ Women (1999) and more recently...
- 10/4/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
For the closing act at a charity event, Chinese actress Zhou Xun sang two songs - then stayed on stage for the best of encores. Rumors had swirled beforehand that Zhou would be announcing her engagement to actor Archie Kao at Wednesday's concert in Hangzhou, the capital of China's eastern province of Zhejiang. But after she sang, she went backstage to change her outfit and reappeared in an ivory Chanel wedding gown, holding a bouquet. As the crowd broke into a loud cheer, she was joined on stage by Kao, who was wearing a black tuxedo. The couple then surprised...
- 7/17/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
This December 24th Ryoo Seung-wan’s The Berlin File is debuting on DVD from Cj Entertainment. The Berlin File stars Jung-woo Ha (winner of the Best Actor award for this performance at the 2013 Baek Sang Art Awards), Suk-kyu Han (Eye for an Eye), Seung-beom Ryu (Perfect Number, Doomsday Book) and Gianna Jun (The Thieves, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan). The bonus materials include deleted scenes and “The Making of The Berlin Files,” a behind-scene scenes featurette.
Synopsis
A tense illegal arms deal in a Berlin hotel suddenly descends into mayhem after a “ghost” agent named Jong-Seong (Jung-woo Ha) appears on the scene. Secretly watching the deal go down is embattled South Korean intelligence chief Jin-soo (Suk-Kyu Han), the North Koreans and the CIA, who are all left trying to decode whether the ghost is a double-agent or taking the fall for a more insidious plot. Myung-soo (Seung-beom Ryu) a young,...
Synopsis
A tense illegal arms deal in a Berlin hotel suddenly descends into mayhem after a “ghost” agent named Jong-Seong (Jung-woo Ha) appears on the scene. Secretly watching the deal go down is embattled South Korean intelligence chief Jin-soo (Suk-Kyu Han), the North Koreans and the CIA, who are all left trying to decode whether the ghost is a double-agent or taking the fall for a more insidious plot. Myung-soo (Seung-beom Ryu) a young,...
- 12/17/2013
- by Nermina Kulovic
- AsianMoviePulse
DVD Release Date: Dec. 24, 2013
Price: DVD $26.98
Studio: Cj Entertainment
Ha Jung-woo goes for the gun in The Berlin File.
Korean action auteur Ryoo Seung-wan (City of Violence, Crying Fist) delivers his signature style to the East meets West double agent intrigue in the 2012 Korean action thriller film The Berlin File.
Exposed during an illegal arms trade gone wrong in Berlin, a North Korean “ghost” agent (Ha Jung-woo) finds himself in the cross-hairs of an international manhunt. Caught between his love of country and his wife (Gianna Jun), he must quickly prepare to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Along with Jung-woo Ha (winner of the Best Actor award for this performance at the 2013 Baek Sang Art Awards), the cast includes Suk-kyu Han (Eye for an Eye), Seung-beom Ryu (Perfect Number) and Gianna Jun (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan).
Presented in Korean with English subtitles, the DVD includes deleted scenes and “The Making of The Berlin Files,...
Price: DVD $26.98
Studio: Cj Entertainment
Ha Jung-woo goes for the gun in The Berlin File.
Korean action auteur Ryoo Seung-wan (City of Violence, Crying Fist) delivers his signature style to the East meets West double agent intrigue in the 2012 Korean action thriller film The Berlin File.
Exposed during an illegal arms trade gone wrong in Berlin, a North Korean “ghost” agent (Ha Jung-woo) finds himself in the cross-hairs of an international manhunt. Caught between his love of country and his wife (Gianna Jun), he must quickly prepare to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Along with Jung-woo Ha (winner of the Best Actor award for this performance at the 2013 Baek Sang Art Awards), the cast includes Suk-kyu Han (Eye for an Eye), Seung-beom Ryu (Perfect Number) and Gianna Jun (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan).
Presented in Korean with English subtitles, the DVD includes deleted scenes and “The Making of The Berlin Files,...
- 11/6/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Focus Features has hired Angela Workman ("Snow Flower And The Secret Fan," "The Zookeeper’s Wife") to pen the script for a period film adaptation of Jo Baker's upcoming novel "Longbourn" for Focus Features.
The book reimagines Jane Austen's "Pride And Prejudice" from the point of view of the servants at the Bennet family estate.
Under the surface of the Bennet house, there is constant chaos swirling downstairs as the servants prepare for assorted lavish balls.
The consequences of the Napoleonic Wars also come into play, while a romance between a newly arrived footman and a housemaid is a central element.
Workman is a much in demand scribe, penning the historical tale "Bronte" for Dreamworks and recently woking on a biopic of photojournalist Dorothea Lange.
Source: Deadline...
The book reimagines Jane Austen's "Pride And Prejudice" from the point of view of the servants at the Bennet family estate.
Under the surface of the Bennet house, there is constant chaos swirling downstairs as the servants prepare for assorted lavish balls.
The consequences of the Napoleonic Wars also come into play, while a romance between a newly arrived footman and a housemaid is a central element.
Workman is a much in demand scribe, penning the historical tale "Bronte" for Dreamworks and recently woking on a biopic of photojournalist Dorothea Lange.
Source: Deadline...
- 9/1/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
When not shooting movies around the world, Chinese star Li Bingbing devotes much of her time to environmental and animal rights causes. The Resident Evil: Retribution and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan actress called from Chicago, where she is filming Transformers 4, to talk to The Hollywood Reporter about her other latest project: joining nearly 40 artists and celebrities in the Elephant Parade, an internationally touring art exhibition to raise awareness and aid for the Asian elephant. “The threat of extinction is more real than many realize,” says Li. Threats including ivory poaching and deforestation have caused the
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- 8/24/2013
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here's your daily dose of an indie film in progress; at the end of the week, you'll have the chance to vote for your favorite. In the meantime: Is this a movie you’d want to see? Tell us in the comments. "Man From Reno" Tweetable Logline: A famous Japanese author and small town sheriff unexpectedly team up to solve a murder mystery in San Francisco. Elevator Pitch: It's a bi-lingual Japanese/English mystery thriller starring Steven Seagal's daughter and legendary "Scarface" actor Pepe Serna in the first leading role of his 40 year career. Production Team: Director: Dave Boyle ("White on Rice," "Surrogate Valentine," "Daylight Savings") Producer: Ko Mori ("The Harimaya Bridge") Director of Photography: Richard Wong ("Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," "Princess of Nebraska") Editor: Dave Boyle About the Production: I wanted to make this movie simply to tell a great story. I've always loved the mystery genre,...
- 8/14/2013
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
So excited to report that acclaimed Chinese actress Li Bingbing (Resident Evil: Retribution) has joined the cast of Transformers 4 who is (just so you know) no relation to Fan Bingbing (X-Men: Days of Future Past). Here’s the announcement from Paramount.
Michael Bay And Paramount Pictures Announce The Casting Of Chinese Actress Li Bingbing In The Eagerly Awaited ‘Transformers 4’
Hollywood, CA (May 20, 2013) – Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures jointly announced today that Chinese actress Li Bingbing (“Resident Evil: Retribution”) has been cast in the eagerly awaited “Transformers 4.” The actress joins Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Sophia Myles in the fourth installment in the hit series of movies based on the best-selling Hasbro toyline. Paramount Pictures will release the film on June 27th, 2014.
“I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China.
Michael Bay And Paramount Pictures Announce The Casting Of Chinese Actress Li Bingbing In The Eagerly Awaited ‘Transformers 4’
Hollywood, CA (May 20, 2013) – Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures jointly announced today that Chinese actress Li Bingbing (“Resident Evil: Retribution”) has been cast in the eagerly awaited “Transformers 4.” The actress joins Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Sophia Myles in the fourth installment in the hit series of movies based on the best-selling Hasbro toyline. Paramount Pictures will release the film on June 27th, 2014.
“I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China.
- 5/21/2013
- by Jess Orso
- ScifiMafia
Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures jointly announced today that Chinese actress Li Bingbing (“Resident Evil: Retribution”) has been cast in the eagerly awaited Transformers 4. The actress joins Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Sophia Myles in the fourth installment in the hit series of movies based on the best-selling Hasbro toyline. Paramount Pictures will release the film on June 27th, 2014.
“I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li,” said Michael Bay.
Li’s recent hits in China include the Tsui Hark-directed “Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame” and “1911.” She has already begun to cross over into American films, most recently co-starring in the Paul W.S. Anderson...
“I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li,” said Michael Bay.
Li’s recent hits in China include the Tsui Hark-directed “Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame” and “1911.” She has already begun to cross over into American films, most recently co-starring in the Paul W.S. Anderson...
- 5/20/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures have announced that Chinese actress, Li Bingbing ("Resident Evil: Retribution") has been cast in "Transformers 4." The actress joins Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Sophia Myles in the fourth installment in the hit series of movies based on the best-selling Hasbro toyline. Paramount Pictures will release the film on June 27th, 2014.
.I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li,. said Michael Bay.
In her native country of China, Li has many hits including the Tsui Hark-directed "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" and "1911." In America, Li has starred in "Resident Evil: Retribution," "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," and "Forbidden Kingdom.
.I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li,. said Michael Bay.
In her native country of China, Li has many hits including the Tsui Hark-directed "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" and "1911." In America, Li has starred in "Resident Evil: Retribution," "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," and "Forbidden Kingdom.
- 5/20/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Chinese actress Li Bingbing has joined the cast of "Transformers 4," Paramount Pictures said Monday. She will co-star in the sequel along with Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer and Jack Reynor. Michael Bay will once again direct and orchestrate the fireballs and global mayhem. Li has previously appeared in "Resident Evil: Retribution" and "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan." Li's casting and the decision by Paramount to film parts of the fourth installment in its mega-grossing franchise in China is an acknowledgement of the region's growing importance to Hollywood. Last year, China...
- 5/20/2013
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Chinese actress Li Bingbing (Resident Evil: Retribution, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) has been cast in Transformers 4.
The news was first reported by China’s m1905.com, a state-owned film site. The casting comes during recent high-profile efforts to court and increase Chinese interest in Hollywood tent-poles: Iron Man 3 was shot with footage specifically for the country, which is now the world’s second-largest film market. Meanwhile, Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show will air this summer, a reality TV competition to cast four speaking roles in the upcoming film, which jettisons franchise star Shia Labeouf...
The news was first reported by China’s m1905.com, a state-owned film site. The casting comes during recent high-profile efforts to court and increase Chinese interest in Hollywood tent-poles: Iron Man 3 was shot with footage specifically for the country, which is now the world’s second-largest film market. Meanwhile, Transformers 4 Chinese Actors Talent Search Reality Show will air this summer, a reality TV competition to cast four speaking roles in the upcoming film, which jettisons franchise star Shia Labeouf...
- 5/20/2013
- by Adam Carlson
- EW - Inside Movies
Li Bingbing has been cast in Transformers 4.
The popular actress has become the first Chinese recruit for Michael Bay's final outing on the franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She is expected to be the first in a series of castings from China, the source of financing and the location of the filming of some of Paramount Pictures' upcoming sequels.
Li's first English-language film was 2011's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. She also appeared last year in Resident Evil: Retribution.
She will join Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer and Sophia Myles on the action movie.
Transformers 4 will arrive in cinemas June 27, 2014.
Watch Mark Wahlberg talking to Digital Spy about Transformers, Ted and more below:...
The popular actress has become the first Chinese recruit for Michael Bay's final outing on the franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She is expected to be the first in a series of castings from China, the source of financing and the location of the filming of some of Paramount Pictures' upcoming sequels.
Li's first English-language film was 2011's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. She also appeared last year in Resident Evil: Retribution.
She will join Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer and Sophia Myles on the action movie.
Transformers 4 will arrive in cinemas June 27, 2014.
Watch Mark Wahlberg talking to Digital Spy about Transformers, Ted and more below:...
- 5/20/2013
- Digital Spy
Exclusive: Actress Li Bing Bing, already a superstar in Chinese cinema, has signed with UTA for representation in all areas in the U.S. and internationally. This is her first time with a Hollywood agency. Li’s recent hits in China include the Tsui Hark-directed Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame and 1911. She has already begun to cross over into American films, most recently co-starring in the Paul W.S. Anderson-directed Resident Evil: Retribution, and before that Snow Flower And The Secret Fan and Forbidden Kingdom. UTA will focus on developing opportunities in domestic and international film, television, digital media and endorsements, as well as building Chinese-American co-productions around her.
- 11/19/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING JR.
- Deadline
Zhang ZiYi is one of my favorite actresses, her acting is always great to watch, she fights very well and always chooses great movies, how can i not like her. Some of my favorite movies including Zhang are Hero, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House Of The Flying Daggers, Rush Hour 2 and The Banquet.
Selected Filmography
2000:Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
2001:Rush Hour 2
2002:Hero
2004:House of Flying Daggers
2005:Memoirs of a Geisha
2006:The Banquet
2012:The Grandmasters
Background
Zhang was born and raised in Beijing, to Zhang Yuanxiao, an accountant and later economist, and Li Zhousheng, a kindergarten teacher. She is very close to her older brother, Zhang Zinan. Zhang began studying dance when she was 8 years old; subsequently, she joined the Beijing Dance Academy by her parents’ suggestion at the age of 11. While at this boarding school, she noticed how mean the other girls were to each...
Selected Filmography
2000:Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
2001:Rush Hour 2
2002:Hero
2004:House of Flying Daggers
2005:Memoirs of a Geisha
2006:The Banquet
2012:The Grandmasters
Background
Zhang was born and raised in Beijing, to Zhang Yuanxiao, an accountant and later economist, and Li Zhousheng, a kindergarten teacher. She is very close to her older brother, Zhang Zinan. Zhang began studying dance when she was 8 years old; subsequently, she joined the Beijing Dance Academy by her parents’ suggestion at the age of 11. While at this boarding school, she noticed how mean the other girls were to each...
- 11/6/2012
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Blu-ray Release Date: Dec. 11, 2012
Price: Blu-ray $20.00
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director Wayne Wang’s (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) epic drama movie The Joy Luck Club was digitally restored for its high-definition Blu-ray debut.
The 1993 film is based on Amy Tan‘s acclaimed, best-selling novel (Tan also co-wrote the screenplay with What Dreams May Come‘s Ronald Bass). The movie tells the story of four older Chinese immigrant women living in San Francisco and their adult Chinese-American daughters (including Ming-Na, TV’s ER). As each reflects upon the past, they also guide each other through their present, including dealing with different cultures and ideas.
Rated R, The Joy Luck Club was called “one of the most touching and moving of the year’s films” by critic Robert Ebert, “refreshing and bittersweet” by Washington Post‘s Desson Thomson and “sweeping and intimate, a lovely evocation of changing cultures...
Price: Blu-ray $20.00
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director Wayne Wang’s (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) epic drama movie The Joy Luck Club was digitally restored for its high-definition Blu-ray debut.
The 1993 film is based on Amy Tan‘s acclaimed, best-selling novel (Tan also co-wrote the screenplay with What Dreams May Come‘s Ronald Bass). The movie tells the story of four older Chinese immigrant women living in San Francisco and their adult Chinese-American daughters (including Ming-Na, TV’s ER). As each reflects upon the past, they also guide each other through their present, including dealing with different cultures and ideas.
Rated R, The Joy Luck Club was called “one of the most touching and moving of the year’s films” by critic Robert Ebert, “refreshing and bittersweet” by Washington Post‘s Desson Thomson and “sweeping and intimate, a lovely evocation of changing cultures...
- 10/19/2012
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
It's like Ocean's Eleven. Only, in Korea.
Foreign movies are a tough sell for American audiences, we know. But that won't be a problem for The Thieves, Korea's highest-grossing movie of all time. After all, The Thieves stars Jung Jae Lee, Kim Yun Seok, and Gianna Jun (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan), and director Dong Hun Choi's last movie was the highly successful (in Korea) Juon Woo Chi!
Okay, so maybe The Thieves lacks a little name recognition here in the States, but consider The Raid: Redemption, an Indonesian action flick that was beloved by critics stateside and now has a sequel and an American remake in the works (and, if you like action movies and haven't seen it, you should probably correct that). We're not saying that The Thieves will have the same success, but after watching the movie's first trailer, it looks like it has potential.
Foreign movies are a tough sell for American audiences, we know. But that won't be a problem for The Thieves, Korea's highest-grossing movie of all time. After all, The Thieves stars Jung Jae Lee, Kim Yun Seok, and Gianna Jun (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan), and director Dong Hun Choi's last movie was the highly successful (in Korea) Juon Woo Chi!
Okay, so maybe The Thieves lacks a little name recognition here in the States, but consider The Raid: Redemption, an Indonesian action flick that was beloved by critics stateside and now has a sequel and an American remake in the works (and, if you like action movies and haven't seen it, you should probably correct that). We're not saying that The Thieves will have the same success, but after watching the movie's first trailer, it looks like it has potential.
- 10/14/2012
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
Although he’s a native to Hong Kong, Wayne Wang has had quite a bit of success directing features here and there in Hollywood over the years — unfortunately Maid in Manhattan was one of them, but what can you do. Coming off the quite disappointing, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the Chan is Missing helmer has since been hired to direct the feature adaptation of Jim Yardley‘s new book, Brave Dragons. [Deadline]
The novel is about “an NBA coach who moves with his wife to the Chinese industrial city Taiyuan to coach the Shanxi Brave Dragons, one of the worst teams in the Chinese Basketball Association.” It takes a “comedic look” at NBA head coach Bob Weiss and his wife as they “discover the exotic world of China over the course of a single season in the Cba.” The Shanxi Brave Dragons, who are owned by Boss Wang, have done unthinkable things,...
The novel is about “an NBA coach who moves with his wife to the Chinese industrial city Taiyuan to coach the Shanxi Brave Dragons, one of the worst teams in the Chinese Basketball Association.” It takes a “comedic look” at NBA head coach Bob Weiss and his wife as they “discover the exotic world of China over the course of a single season in the Cba.” The Shanxi Brave Dragons, who are owned by Boss Wang, have done unthinkable things,...
- 8/9/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Wayne Wang ("The Joy Luck Club," "Snow Flower And The Secret Fan") is set to direct an adaptation of Jim Yardley's novel "Brave Dragons" says Deadline.
The comedic true life story follows an NBA coach who moves with his wife to the Chinese industrial city of Taiyuan to coach the Shanxi Brave Dragons, one of the worst teams in the Chinese Basketball Association. The team's owner, an irascible steel tycoon, would berate and physically attack his misfit players.
Jonathan Prince is adapting the script while Jack Lechner, Ira Lechner and Jonathan Bing will produce.
The comedic true life story follows an NBA coach who moves with his wife to the Chinese industrial city of Taiyuan to coach the Shanxi Brave Dragons, one of the worst teams in the Chinese Basketball Association. The team's owner, an irascible steel tycoon, would berate and physically attack his misfit players.
Jonathan Prince is adapting the script while Jack Lechner, Ira Lechner and Jonathan Bing will produce.
- 8/7/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Wendy Murdoch's sophomore film as producer close to landing at Sony Journey of a Thousand Miles is based on the memoir by Lang Lang, chronicling his climb to become the top pianist as well as the challenges he faced within the Chinese culture as well as his family. This marks the second film from Murdoch and producer Florence Sloan after 2011's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, which Fox Searchlight Pictutres distributed. That film starred Bingbing Li, Gianna Jun, Vivian Wu and also included Hugh Jackman. Pic earned $1.3 million domestically, but overseas, it made over $10 million.
- 6/18/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Wendy Murdoch's sophomore film as producer close to landing at Sony Journey of a Thousand Miles is based on the memoir by Lang Lang, chronicling his climb to become the top pianist as well as the challenges he faced within the Chinese culture as well as his family. This marks the second film from Murdoch and producer Florence Sloan after 2011's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, which Fox Searchlight Pictutres distributed. That film starred Bingbing Li, Gianna Jun, Vivian Wu and also included Hugh Jackman. Pic earned $1.3 million domestically, but overseas, it made over $10 million.
- 6/18/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Yep, Hollywood actors making films in China is definitely going to be big. After Hugh Jackman going to China for Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Christian Bale for Flowers of War (what’s with all the flowers?), Kevin Spacey will shoot Inseparable, new Dayyan Eng‘s movie about a brash American crimefighter. The movie has [...]
Continue reading Kevin Spacey going to China for Inseparable plus Posters on FilmoFilia.
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Continue reading Kevin Spacey going to China for Inseparable plus Posters on FilmoFilia.
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- 5/24/2012
- by Sunrider
- Filmofilia
While actor Kevin Spacey has been hard at work assembling the new series “House of Cards” with fellow producer David Fincher at Netflix, he’s also finding time to join the ranks of talent like Christian Bale in the recent “The Flowers of War” and Hugh Jackman in “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” A-Listers starring in a Chinese movie featuring both Mandarin and English languages.
The “American Beauty” and “The Usual Suspects” Academy Award winner hit China’s theaters just this past weekend in the “Super”-esque superhero drama “Inseparable,” directed by Beijing based helmer Dayyan Eng. "Inseparable” follows the monotonous day-to-day routine of Li (Daniel Wu) as he wears his suit and tie and works a quirky job at a prosthetic-limb company. After the desperate nature of his life begins to haunt him, Li decides to commit suicide, but just as he's going to hang himself in the living room,...
The “American Beauty” and “The Usual Suspects” Academy Award winner hit China’s theaters just this past weekend in the “Super”-esque superhero drama “Inseparable,” directed by Beijing based helmer Dayyan Eng. "Inseparable” follows the monotonous day-to-day routine of Li (Daniel Wu) as he wears his suit and tie and works a quirky job at a prosthetic-limb company. After the desperate nature of his life begins to haunt him, Li decides to commit suicide, but just as he's going to hang himself in the living room,...
- 5/15/2012
- by Benjamin Wright
- The Playlist
Thanks to our friends at Pinnacle Films, we have two Snow Flower And The Secret Fan DVDs to give away to our Australian readers. This is a beautiful and elegant film directed by Wayne Wang (The Joy Luck Club). You can check out my full review. About Snow Flower And The Secret Fan: Inspired by the bestselling novel by Lisa See, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan tells the story of seven-year-old girls Snow Flower and Lily, in 19th century China, who had their feet bound at the same age and on the same day, which sealed their fates together as laotongs bound together for eternity. Isolated in their marriages, they furtively communicate by taking turns writing in a secret language, between the folds of a...
- 4/12/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Consumer voting for the 2012 Home Media Magazine Awards has begun. Hmm, you may recall, has been our partner in crime for the Reaper Awards over the past few years. Along with the typical categories of Best Theatrical, Best Direct-to-Video, Best Current TV Show, and lots more, they also have a Best Horror category.
From the Press Release:
Through April 15, 2012, film and TV fans and home entertainment enthusiasts can visit HomeMediaMagazine.com to select their favorite DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles of 2011, nominated by studios and distributors.
The results of the consumer vote will be combined with ballots submitted by a panel of journalist and blogger judges. Winners will be announced April 30. Judges also will select a Blu-ray, TV DVD, and an overall title.
Here are the horror nominees:
Evil Dead 2, Lionsgate
"True Blood", HBO
Chillerama, Image
Spooky Buddies, Disney
I Spit on Your Grave (1978), Anchor Bay
Hobo With a Shotgun,...
From the Press Release:
Through April 15, 2012, film and TV fans and home entertainment enthusiasts can visit HomeMediaMagazine.com to select their favorite DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles of 2011, nominated by studios and distributors.
The results of the consumer vote will be combined with ballots submitted by a panel of journalist and blogger judges. Winners will be announced April 30. Judges also will select a Blu-ray, TV DVD, and an overall title.
Here are the horror nominees:
Evil Dead 2, Lionsgate
"True Blood", HBO
Chillerama, Image
Spooky Buddies, Disney
I Spit on Your Grave (1978), Anchor Bay
Hobo With a Shotgun,...
- 3/13/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Getty Images Actress Li Bingbing arrives on the red carpet at the 84th Annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
After arriving in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, after a very Very long flight – 12 hours! – I sat down with my team and thought: this week is going to be crazy! I have to admit, I was exhausted. But this is Oscars week, and I was going to present at the Independent Spirit Awards, how could I rest?! We had work to do!
After arriving in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, after a very Very long flight – 12 hours! – I sat down with my team and thought: this week is going to be crazy! I have to admit, I was exhausted. But this is Oscars week, and I was going to present at the Independent Spirit Awards, how could I rest?! We had work to do!
- 2/28/2012
- by Li Bingbing
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
HollywoodNews.com: Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress, Janet McTeer and “China’s Leading Lady,” Li Bingbing, will both wear individually-customized, American alligator and exotic leather, haute couture, diamond pave, Lana Marks Brand Cleopatra Clutches during their camera-clicking Red Carpet walks at the 84th Annual Oscar Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120226/CL59772 )
Based in Palm Beach, Fl, Lana J. Marks has been a fashion fixture on Oscar’s Red Carpet for more than a decade. She is one of the world’s most-prestigious designers of elegant, exquisite and expensive handbags and accessories, according to many top fashion magazine editors. Lana Marks Brand haute couture Collections are commissioned and worn by princesses, U.S. presidential first ladies and Hollywood celebrities.
Cast Of Cleopatra Clutch Celebrities
Cleopatra Clutches are valued as high as $400,000.00. They are the most sought-after Oscar Night haute couture handbags; worn by Academy Award-Winning actresses,...
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120226/CL59772 )
Based in Palm Beach, Fl, Lana J. Marks has been a fashion fixture on Oscar’s Red Carpet for more than a decade. She is one of the world’s most-prestigious designers of elegant, exquisite and expensive handbags and accessories, according to many top fashion magazine editors. Lana Marks Brand haute couture Collections are commissioned and worn by princesses, U.S. presidential first ladies and Hollywood celebrities.
Cast Of Cleopatra Clutch Celebrities
Cleopatra Clutches are valued as high as $400,000.00. They are the most sought-after Oscar Night haute couture handbags; worn by Academy Award-Winning actresses,...
- 2/26/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
It takes a real man to admit to watching and enjoying a chick flick, and therefore I am here to declare that I watched and enjoyed the latest film by director Wayne Wang, Snow Flower And The Secret Fan. It is a beautiful film, and its beauty lies in both the stories it tells and the way it looks. Snow Flower is a film about friendship and sisterly love between two pairs of girls, one living in 19th century China and another in modern day Shanghai. The stories are told in parallel and the frequent jumps in the narrative between the two stories, almost certainly with the aim of highlighting the similarities in the struggles faced by women and the strength in the relationships between them...
- 2/9/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Thomas Newman and Michael Giacchino Each Have Four Of The 97 Scores Eligible For Best Original Score
Of the 265 films eligible [1] for Oscars at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in February, 97 of them have been deemed worthy to be nominated for Best Original Score. Thomas Newman (The Adjustment Bureau, The Debt, The Help, The Iron Lady) and Michael Giacchino (Cars 2, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Monte Carlo, Super 8) lead all eligible composers with four films this year while Alexandre Desplat (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, The Ides of March), Tyler Bates (Conan the Barbarian, The Darkest Hour, The Way), Mark Isham (The Conspirator, Dolphin Tale, Warrior) and Henry Jackman (Puss in Boots, Winnie the Pooh, X-Men First Class) all have three. Other familiar names are on the list too such as John Williams (The Adventures of Tintin, War Horse), James Newton Howard (Green Lantern, Water for Elephants) and Danny Elfman (Real Steel, Restless) who along with Alberto Iglesias (The Skin I Live In,...
- 12/23/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that ninety-seven scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 84th Academy Awards®.
The eligible scores along with the composer are listed below in alphabetical order by film title:
“The Adjustment Bureau,” Thomas Newman, composer
“The Adventures of Tintin,” John Williams, composer
“African Cats,” Nicholas Hooper, composer
“Albert Nobbs,” Brian Byrne, composer
“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” Mark Mothersbaugh, composer
“Anonymous,” Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser, composers
“Another Earth,” Phil Mossman and Will Bates, composers
“Answers to Nothing,” Craig Richey, composer
“Arthur Christmas,” Harry Gregson-Williams, composer
“The Artist,” Ludovic Bource, composer
“@urFRENZ,” Lisbeth Scott, composer
“Atlas Shrugged Part 1,” Elia Cmiral, composer
“Battle: Los Angeles,” Brian Tyler, composer
“Beastly,” Marcelo Zarvos, composer
“The Big Year,” Theodore Shapiro, composer
“Captain America: The First Avenger,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Cars 2,” Michael Giacchino, composer
“Cedar Rapids,...
The eligible scores along with the composer are listed below in alphabetical order by film title:
“The Adjustment Bureau,” Thomas Newman, composer
“The Adventures of Tintin,” John Williams, composer
“African Cats,” Nicholas Hooper, composer
“Albert Nobbs,” Brian Byrne, composer
“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” Mark Mothersbaugh, composer
“Anonymous,” Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser, composers
“Another Earth,” Phil Mossman and Will Bates, composers
“Answers to Nothing,” Craig Richey, composer
“Arthur Christmas,” Harry Gregson-Williams, composer
“The Artist,” Ludovic Bource, composer
“@urFRENZ,” Lisbeth Scott, composer
“Atlas Shrugged Part 1,” Elia Cmiral, composer
“Battle: Los Angeles,” Brian Tyler, composer
“Beastly,” Marcelo Zarvos, composer
“The Big Year,” Theodore Shapiro, composer
“Captain America: The First Avenger,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Cars 2,” Michael Giacchino, composer
“Cedar Rapids,...
- 12/23/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
I was actually beginning to believe Cliff Martinez's score for Drive may actually have a shot with all the love it has received in the precursor awards, but last night the Academy announced the list of 97 scores eligible for Best Original Score at the 2012 Oscars and, oops, what do you know, both Drive and Attack the Block didn't make the cut. The only other score I had on my current list of predictions for the category to not make the cut was Howard Shore's music for David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method. Why? Well, I would assume somewhere inside there the rules for requirement weren't met. As per the Academy, "To be eligible, the original score must be a substantial body of music that serves as original dramatic underscoring, and must be written specifically for the motion picture by the submitting composer. Scores diluted by the use of...
- 12/23/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Yesterday the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences released the 97 original film scores that will running for the final five nominations for the Best Original Score category at the upcoming 84h Academy Awards. Billy Crystal will be hosting the annual awards show, which be presented on February 26, 2012. Some how I am not surprised that Attack the Block got nixed, seeing that Tron: Legacy pretty much got the same treatment last year. Glad to see that Henry Jackman’s X-Men: First Class is getting a nod, and of course Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross had to be in it. Check out the full list below.
December 22, 2011
For Immediate Release
97 Original Scores in 2011 Oscar® Race
Beverly Hills, CA – Ninety-seven scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 84th Academy Awards®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
The...
December 22, 2011
For Immediate Release
97 Original Scores in 2011 Oscar® Race
Beverly Hills, CA – Ninety-seven scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 84th Academy Awards®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
The...
- 12/23/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Jan. 24, 2012
Price: DVD $29.99, Two-Disc Blu-ray $39.99, Three-Disc Blu-ray $44.99, standard-def download $29.99, high-def download $39.99
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Hugh Jackman (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) plays a former boxer whose sport has been taken over by robots in the family movie Real Steel.
The science-fiction film is based on a short story by Richard Matheson, who wrote the novels that inspired the films I Am Legend and What Dreams May Come, among others.
Real Steel centers around Charlie Kenton (Jackman) and his relationship with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo, Thor). When Max’s mother dies, Charlie agrees to give up custody — for a price — to Max’s aunt (Hope Davis, The Family Tree). But Max does have to spend a summer with his biological father, which ends up being quite the adventure.
While Charlie tries to make some money in tournaments with a new super robot,...
Price: DVD $29.99, Two-Disc Blu-ray $39.99, Three-Disc Blu-ray $44.99, standard-def download $29.99, high-def download $39.99
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Hugh Jackman (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) plays a former boxer whose sport has been taken over by robots in the family movie Real Steel.
The science-fiction film is based on a short story by Richard Matheson, who wrote the novels that inspired the films I Am Legend and What Dreams May Come, among others.
Real Steel centers around Charlie Kenton (Jackman) and his relationship with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo, Thor). When Max’s mother dies, Charlie agrees to give up custody — for a price — to Max’s aunt (Hope Davis, The Family Tree). But Max does have to spend a summer with his biological father, which ends up being quite the adventure.
While Charlie tries to make some money in tournaments with a new super robot,...
- 12/2/2011
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
DVD Playhouse—November 2011
By Allen Gardner
Tree Of Life (20th Century Fox) Terrence Malick’s latest effort is both the best film of 2011 and the finest work of his (arguably) mixed, but often masterly canon. A series of vignettes, mostly set in 1950s Texas, capture the memory of a man (Sean Penn) in present-day New York who looks back on his life, and his parents’ (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) troubled marriage, when word of his younger brother’s suicide reaches him. Almost indescribable beyond that, except to say no other film in history so perfectly evokes the magic and mystery of the human memory, which both crystalizes (and sometimes idealizes) the past. Like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001, this is a challenging, polarizing work that you must let wash over you. If you go along for the ride, you’re in for a unique, rewarding cinematic experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
By Allen Gardner
Tree Of Life (20th Century Fox) Terrence Malick’s latest effort is both the best film of 2011 and the finest work of his (arguably) mixed, but often masterly canon. A series of vignettes, mostly set in 1950s Texas, capture the memory of a man (Sean Penn) in present-day New York who looks back on his life, and his parents’ (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) troubled marriage, when word of his younger brother’s suicide reaches him. Almost indescribable beyond that, except to say no other film in history so perfectly evokes the magic and mystery of the human memory, which both crystalizes (and sometimes idealizes) the past. Like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001, this is a challenging, polarizing work that you must let wash over you. If you go along for the ride, you’re in for a unique, rewarding cinematic experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
- 11/25/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Like with all things of beauty, it’s far too easy to get swept up in the appreciation of the visual wonder without ever thinking to look deeper; this is easier to do in some art forms than others. For film, it’s all but impossible but for outstanding visuals alone to set it in the audience’s good graces. If the acting, direction, and story are bad, no amount of eye candy can rescue it. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan can testify to that, and in a way, that’s unfortunate. The film paints a beautiful picture on the screen, but if you have your ears open along with your eyes, you’re bound to be disappointed. Done right, the story of two lifelong friends keeping in touch and defying the obstacles of time, space, and culture to do so should have enough emotional heft and richly realized...
- 11/17/2011
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Centering around two stories, one set in 19th Century China and the other in present day Shanghai, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan tells the tale of Snow Flower and her friend Lily who are matched as 'laotong' ; binding themselves together as friends forever. In present day their descendants Sophia and Nina have the same blessing as children but years later as adults, they have grown apart. When Sophia is in a near fatal accident Nina researches the story of their ancestors to find the connection which has been lost.Unfortunately, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is guilty of the same problems many others films that try to tackle split narratives are as it never succeeds in telling either...
- 11/9/2011
- by Evrim Ersoy
- Monsters and Critics
From Zhang Yimou to Wayne Wang and Ang Lee, film-makers are playing a key part in reshaping China's relationship with its past
If history could be converted into stock options, China would have plenty to cash in: more than 4,000 years' worth. But the first round of big-budget films since the country's emergence as a 21st-century power have, mostly, taken the narrow view of those four millennia: unfailingly epic and hoarsely patriotic. 2002's Hero set the mould – shockingly, as it was directed by the former dissenter Zhang Yimou. Jet Li's nameless swordsman ultimately decides to abandon the film's central assassination because he realises that the king of Qin's dream to unify the whole of China is more important. It's not hard to detect the Communist party's beatific smile behind that plotline. As the noughties wore on, the martial arts in Yimou's films grew ever more formalised and claustrophobic, closer to...
If history could be converted into stock options, China would have plenty to cash in: more than 4,000 years' worth. But the first round of big-budget films since the country's emergence as a 21st-century power have, mostly, taken the narrow view of those four millennia: unfailingly epic and hoarsely patriotic. 2002's Hero set the mould – shockingly, as it was directed by the former dissenter Zhang Yimou. Jet Li's nameless swordsman ultimately decides to abandon the film's central assassination because he realises that the king of Qin's dream to unify the whole of China is more important. It's not hard to detect the Communist party's beatific smile behind that plotline. As the noughties wore on, the martial arts in Yimou's films grew ever more formalised and claustrophobic, closer to...
- 11/8/2011
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
Second-highest screen average goes to British gay drama, which grossed £32,500 and is due to hit Brighton this Friday
The arthouse battle
There's no shortage of film journalists who think they know better than the bookers deciding which films to programme in cinemas, especially when it comes to the arthouse sector. Most often, their opinions aren't tethered to market realities. But in the instance of British gay drama Weekend, the critics who for many weeks have been making positive noises about its likely appeal turned out to be right on the money. While leading arthouse chains Picturehouse and Curzon offered scant support to the title on its release date, preferring alternatives such as Miranda July's The Future, reviewers turned cartwheels in print with four- and five-star reviews. The outcome? Weekend proved the top new arthouse release by a convincing margin, despite a rollout compromised by a mixed bag of sites,...
The arthouse battle
There's no shortage of film journalists who think they know better than the bookers deciding which films to programme in cinemas, especially when it comes to the arthouse sector. Most often, their opinions aren't tethered to market realities. But in the instance of British gay drama Weekend, the critics who for many weeks have been making positive noises about its likely appeal turned out to be right on the money. While leading arthouse chains Picturehouse and Curzon offered scant support to the title on its release date, preferring alternatives such as Miranda July's The Future, reviewers turned cartwheels in print with four- and five-star reviews. The outcome? Weekend proved the top new arthouse release by a convincing margin, despite a rollout compromised by a mixed bag of sites,...
- 11/8/2011
- by Charles Gant
- The Guardian - Film News
Weekend (18)
(Andrew Haigh, 2011, UK) Tom Cullen, Chris New. 97 mins
You could easily label this a gay Before Sunrise or suchlike, with its 48-hour, boy-meets-boy premise, but it deserves to be judged on its own merits. There's a beautiful naturalism to the way these two Londoners progress from random one-night stand to something deeper, through sex, drugs and revealing conversation. Despite the narrow focus, it speaks volumes about love, art and gay identity.
Tower Heist (12A)
(Brett Ratner, 2011, Us) Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda. 104 mins
With Murphy's coaching, an all-star cast storms the high-rise fortress of Ponzi tyrant Alda in what could have been a great comedy for our times, but ends up just a mildly enjoyable one.
In Time (12A)
(Andrew Niccol, 2011, Us) Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy. 109 mins
Stylish, if logic-stretching, adventure set in a future where time is money and nobody looks older than 25.
The Future (12A)
(Miranda July,...
(Andrew Haigh, 2011, UK) Tom Cullen, Chris New. 97 mins
You could easily label this a gay Before Sunrise or suchlike, with its 48-hour, boy-meets-boy premise, but it deserves to be judged on its own merits. There's a beautiful naturalism to the way these two Londoners progress from random one-night stand to something deeper, through sex, drugs and revealing conversation. Despite the narrow focus, it speaks volumes about love, art and gay identity.
Tower Heist (12A)
(Brett Ratner, 2011, Us) Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda. 104 mins
With Murphy's coaching, an all-star cast storms the high-rise fortress of Ponzi tyrant Alda in what could have been a great comedy for our times, but ends up just a mildly enjoyable one.
In Time (12A)
(Andrew Niccol, 2011, Us) Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy. 109 mins
Stylish, if logic-stretching, adventure set in a future where time is money and nobody looks older than 25.
The Future (12A)
(Miranda July,...
- 11/5/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Young Chinese girls in Hunan province used Nushu, a language that no men could read, to communicate with one another. Now a new film aims to tell us more about it
A decade ago Chinese-American author Lisa See was researching an article on footbinding when she found a reference to Nushu, the world's only "women's writing". Though the origins were murky, the script revealed a culture of women's relationships and sparked the idea for her novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the film of which, co-produced by Rupert Murdoch's wife Wendi Deng, is released tomorrow.
After having their feet bound at around the age of seven, girls in Jiangyong County in Hunan province would live indoors – first in the "women's chamber" of their own homes, and later in the homes of their husband's family. To ease their isolation and offer support in their pain, girls from the same...
A decade ago Chinese-American author Lisa See was researching an article on footbinding when she found a reference to Nushu, the world's only "women's writing". Though the origins were murky, the script revealed a culture of women's relationships and sparked the idea for her novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the film of which, co-produced by Rupert Murdoch's wife Wendi Deng, is released tomorrow.
After having their feet bound at around the age of seven, girls in Jiangyong County in Hunan province would live indoors – first in the "women's chamber" of their own homes, and later in the homes of their husband's family. To ease their isolation and offer support in their pain, girls from the same...
- 11/4/2011
- by Homa Khaleeli
- The Guardian - Film News
A few months back, some of you may have heard about a deal struck between Relativity Media, an American film company, and the Chinese government ( currently known as the Sky Land partnership). This came about as a way to create even more business in China, while allowing Relativity to film in this foreign land with major tax breaks and distribution deals. Now, the first movie in Relativity’s line-up has started filming, and it’s certainly an interesting choice…
So just what is the first Us film sanctioned by the Chinese government? Well, believe it or not, it’s a buddy comedy scripted by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore ( both of “Hangover” fame). The plot? A bunch of friends are celebrating the last 21rst birthday in their group, the night before one of them has a major interview to get into medical school. Soon the debauchery gets out of hand and…...
So just what is the first Us film sanctioned by the Chinese government? Well, believe it or not, it’s a buddy comedy scripted by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore ( both of “Hangover” fame). The plot? A bunch of friends are celebrating the last 21rst birthday in their group, the night before one of them has a major interview to get into medical school. Soon the debauchery gets out of hand and…...
- 11/3/2011
- by nick.masercola
- AsianMoviePulse
We scour the interwebs for the coolest movie news and more so you don't have to ...
Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz let Hollywood Crush in on the prank the whole cast of "Breaking Dawn" pulled on their director. Imagine a flash mob of attractive, sparkly vampires spontaneously bursting into a choreographed dance number. It's definitely something we want to see in the DVD special features!
Live from New York... it's the "Dark Knight"! The cast and crew of "Dark Knight Rises" are filming today in New York City and attracting all sorts of attention, because not even New Yorkers are jaded enough to ignore Christian Bale dressed in a black spandex unitard. MTV reporters are there giving constant updates on all the action.
Don't know what to get your parents, children, teachers or pastors for Christmas this year? You're in luck, because Funny or Die released this exclusive video of...
Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz let Hollywood Crush in on the prank the whole cast of "Breaking Dawn" pulled on their director. Imagine a flash mob of attractive, sparkly vampires spontaneously bursting into a choreographed dance number. It's definitely something we want to see in the DVD special features!
Live from New York... it's the "Dark Knight"! The cast and crew of "Dark Knight Rises" are filming today in New York City and attracting all sorts of attention, because not even New Yorkers are jaded enough to ignore Christian Bale dressed in a black spandex unitard. MTV reporters are there giving constant updates on all the action.
Don't know what to get your parents, children, teachers or pastors for Christmas this year? You're in luck, because Funny or Die released this exclusive video of...
- 11/2/2011
- by Claire Donovan
- NextMovie
DVD Links: DVD News | Release Dates | New Dvds | Reviews | RSS Feed
It's a Wonderful Life: Collector's Edition Gift Set This is essentially the same Blu-ray that was released last year only this time around they include a collectible booklet and a cheap little novelty bell, but I love this movie so much I couldn't help but kick off this week with this new edition. However, if you want to buy it and save $7 you can buy the non-gift set edition [amazon asin="B001UHOWXI" text="right here"], you just won't get the bell or booklet.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind I first saw Confessions of a Dangerous Mind back in 2003 and really liked it. I bought the DVD that same year and haven't watched it a second time. I don't know why, but I just haven't had the urge to put this movie back in the player. Not sure why, but with this new Blu-ray edition...
It's a Wonderful Life: Collector's Edition Gift Set This is essentially the same Blu-ray that was released last year only this time around they include a collectible booklet and a cheap little novelty bell, but I love this movie so much I couldn't help but kick off this week with this new edition. However, if you want to buy it and save $7 you can buy the non-gift set edition [amazon asin="B001UHOWXI" text="right here"], you just won't get the bell or booklet.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind I first saw Confessions of a Dangerous Mind back in 2003 and really liked it. I bought the DVD that same year and haven't watched it a second time. I don't know why, but I just haven't had the urge to put this movie back in the player. Not sure why, but with this new Blu-ray edition...
- 11/1/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
3. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan From the director of The Joy Luck Club comes this beautiful little film basically ignored here in the States. Based on the novel of the same name, the story centers on the timeless bond between two sets of friends, descendants separated by centuries. In ancient China, two women are linked together through an age old ritual, but find themselves separated by their...
- 11/1/2011
- by Travis Hopson
- Punch Drunk Critics
Cars 2
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Great stuff for the whole family. Buy
Donny says: Never cared for this franchise. Rent
Water for Elephants
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Hey, there’s the Twilight dude. Rent
Donny says: Doesn’t look half bad. Rent
Crazy Stupid Love
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Gosling is on fire! Buy
Donny says: Haven’t seen this one yet, but I think I’m gonna blind buy it.
Californication: The Fourth Season
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Art imitating life. Life imitating art. Rent
Donny says: My favorite show on the boob tube. Buy
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: This one is not on my radar. Rent
Donny says: What Jason said. Rent
Toy Story 3D Trilogy
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: One of the best trilogies ever! Buy
Donny says: Top notch. Buy
Scrooged
(Formats:...
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Great stuff for the whole family. Buy
Donny says: Never cared for this franchise. Rent
Water for Elephants
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Hey, there’s the Twilight dude. Rent
Donny says: Doesn’t look half bad. Rent
Crazy Stupid Love
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Gosling is on fire! Buy
Donny says: Haven’t seen this one yet, but I think I’m gonna blind buy it.
Californication: The Fourth Season
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: Art imitating life. Life imitating art. Rent
Donny says: My favorite show on the boob tube. Buy
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: This one is not on my radar. Rent
Donny says: What Jason said. Rent
Toy Story 3D Trilogy
(Formats: Blu-ray/DVD)
Jason says: One of the best trilogies ever! Buy
Donny says: Top notch. Buy
Scrooged
(Formats:...
- 11/1/2011
- by Donny Broussard
- Killer Films
Rank the week of November 1st’s Blu-ray and DVD new releases against the best films of all-time: New Releases Cars 2
(Blu-ray & DVD | G | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #2213
Win Percentage: 48%
Times Ranked: 3502
Top-20 Rankings: 35
Directed By: John Lasseter
Starring: Larry the Cable Guy • Owen Wilson • Michael Caine • Emily Mortimer • Eddie Izzard
Genres: Action Comedy • Adventure • Adventure Comedy • Animation • Comedy • Family • Family-Oriented Adventure • Family-Oriented Comedy
Rank This Movie
Water For Elephants
(Blu-ray & DVD | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #3022
Win Percentage: 51%
Times Ranked: 2226
Top-20 Rankings: 17
Directed By: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Reese Witherspoon • Robert Pattinson • Christoph Waltz • Paul Schneider • Hal Holbrook
Genres: Animal Picture • Drama • Romance • Romantic Drama
Rank This Movie
Crazy Stupid Love
(Blu-ray & DVD | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #816
Win Percentage: 57%
Times Ranked: 3830
Top-20 Rankings: 19
Directed By: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Starring: Steve Carell • Ryan Gosling • Julianne Moore • Emma Stone • Marisa Tomei
Genres: Comedy Drama • Comedy of Manners • Drama • Romance • Romantic Comedy
Rank This Movie
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan...
(Blu-ray & DVD | G | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #2213
Win Percentage: 48%
Times Ranked: 3502
Top-20 Rankings: 35
Directed By: John Lasseter
Starring: Larry the Cable Guy • Owen Wilson • Michael Caine • Emily Mortimer • Eddie Izzard
Genres: Action Comedy • Adventure • Adventure Comedy • Animation • Comedy • Family • Family-Oriented Adventure • Family-Oriented Comedy
Rank This Movie
Water For Elephants
(Blu-ray & DVD | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #3022
Win Percentage: 51%
Times Ranked: 2226
Top-20 Rankings: 17
Directed By: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Reese Witherspoon • Robert Pattinson • Christoph Waltz • Paul Schneider • Hal Holbrook
Genres: Animal Picture • Drama • Romance • Romantic Drama
Rank This Movie
Crazy Stupid Love
(Blu-ray & DVD | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #816
Win Percentage: 57%
Times Ranked: 3830
Top-20 Rankings: 19
Directed By: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Starring: Steve Carell • Ryan Gosling • Julianne Moore • Emma Stone • Marisa Tomei
Genres: Comedy Drama • Comedy of Manners • Drama • Romance • Romantic Comedy
Rank This Movie
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan...
- 11/1/2011
- by Jonathan Hardesty
- Flickchart
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