Asian Movie Reviews »
Triad (2012) Movie Review
There’s no denying that recent years have been lean times for fans of triad and Hong Kong gang action, though there’s finally a splash of neon light at the end of the tunnel with...
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Natural Born Lovers (2012) Movie Review
Patrick Kong, Hong Kong’s top purveyor of cynical urban romantic comedy, returns with more of the same in “Natural Born Lovers”. It’s easy enough to see why Kong has proved so popular with audiences,...
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Dead Sushi (2012) Movie Review
Let me preface this review by saying that I absolutely adore the work of director Noboru Iguchi. From where I’m seated, the guy is a freaking genius. I don’t care how obsessed he is...
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Two Moons (2012) Movie Review
Pretty much every summer sees a clutch of horror films hitting Korean cinemas, and 2012 was no exception, one of which was “Two Moons” (a.k.a. “The Sleepless”), a chiller revolving around a group of...
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Due West: Our Sex Journey (2012) Movie Review
The revival of category III rated Chinese erotic cinema continues with “Due West: Our Sex Journey”, based on the popular internet writings of Xiang Xi Murakami Haruki. Like the recent global hit “Sex &...
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Shanghai Calling (2012) Movie Review
“Shanghai Calling”, from writer/director Daniel Hsia is a play it by the books “classic fish out of water” romantic comedy. It stars Daniel Henney, who we last saw in “X-men Origins: Wolverine” as Sam...
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Tai Chi Hero (2012) Movie Review
For anyone who hasn’t seen “Tai Chi 0”, there are spoilers in the following review. Stephen Fung’s steampunk-martial arts epic “Tai Chi” continues with “Tai Chi Hero”, released hot on the heels of “Tai...
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The Assassins (2012) Movie Review
For viewers still smarting at Chow Yun Fat having dropped out of John Woo’s epic “Red Cliff” comes “The Assassins”, finally offering fans the chance to see the actor playing legendary Three Kingdoms personage...
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Tai Chi Zero (2012) Movie Review #2
“Tai Chi” has unquestionably been one of the more high profile Chinese cinema events of the year, a two part steampunk-martial arts mash up whose trailers promised all manner of over the top madness....
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Encapsulated Cinema: Chinese Zodiac, John Dies at the End, and Dredd
Chinese Zodiac (2012) Action superstar Jackie Chan’s last foray into the cinematic world of death-defying stunts is sure to rub a number of his long-time fans the wrong way. Instead of going back to...
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The Grand Heist (2012) Movie Review
Korean cinema loves a good caper, and “The Grand Heist” offers a twist on the formula by setting the action back during the Joseon era of the 18th century, following a bunch of miscreants...
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Robo-G (2012) Movie Review
Although it may sound like a film following the exploits of a robotic gangster, “Robo-G” is in fact a Japanese outing charting the wackiness that ensues when an old man is hired to masquerade...
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Ghost Sweepers (2012) Movie Review
Attempting to inject a little originality into the horror genre is a laudable endeavour indeed, and something which has characterised the career to date of Korean director Shin Jung Won, who previously gave fans...
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The Concubine (2012) Movie Review
“The Concubine” sees actress Jo Yeo Jeong following her much praised performance in “The Servant” with another bodice-ripping costume drama and tale of lust and envy, this time for director Kim Dae Seung (“Bungee...
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The Taste of Money (2012) Movie Review
Im Sang Soo’s 2010 dark erotic drama “The Housemaid” caused quite a stir, winning awards at a variety of festivals around the world and being nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes. Still,...
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Pieta (2012) Movie Review
“Pieta” marks the 18th film from Korean auteur and agitator Kim Ki Duk, following up on his exceptionally personal and enjoyably bizarre 2011 Cannes winning documentary “Arirang”, which he made as part of a...
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Helter Skelter (2012) Movie Review
Quite possibly the best looking and most hysterical film of 2012, “Helter Skelter” marked the return of Japanese director and former fashion photographer Ninagawa Mika some 5 years after her colourful debut “Sakuran”. Based...
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All About My Wife (2012) Movie Review
Although it may sound worryingly like just another Korean romantic comedy, “All About my Wife” is thankfully a film with a lot more to offer. Directed by Min Kyu Dong (“Antique”), the film is...
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Diva (2012) Movie Review
The Hong Kong music industry comes under the spotlight in “Diva” from hotly tipped director Heiward Mak, who received praise and attention for her earlier outings “High Noon” and “Ex”, and for co-scripting Pang...
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Shadows of Love (aka Repeat I Love You, 2012) Movie Review
“Hi, Fidelity” writer director Calvin Poon returns with pan-Asian romantic comedy “Shadows of Love”, this time backed by acclaimed film maker Stanley Kwan (“Rouge”, “Centre Stage”) lending his talents as producer. The film features...
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