NOCHNOI DOZOR

Alternate Title: Night Watch (International Title)
Country: Russia
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Action / Adventure / Thriller
Language Format: Russian
Running Time: 114 minutes

[Cast]
Konstantin Khabensky ......Anton Gorodetsky
Vladimir Menshov ..........Geser
Valeri Zolotukhin .........Vampire, Kostya's father
Mariya Poroshina ..........Svetlana
Galina Tyunina ............Olga, sorceress (owl)
Yuri Kutsenko .............Ignat (as Gosha Kutsenko)
Aleksei Chadov ............Kostya (Anton's young vampire neighbor)
Zhanna Friske .............Alisa Donnikova
Ilya Lagutenko ............Vampire Andrei
Viktor Verzhbitsky ........Zavulon
Rimma Markova .............Darya Schultz, witch
Mariya Mironova ...........Yegor's mother
Aleksei Maklakov ..........Semyon
Aleksandr Samojlenko ......Ilya (Bear), mage-transformer
Dmitry Martynov ...........Yegor (as Dmitri Martynov)

[Writer / Director]
Timur Bekmambetov

NOCHNOI DOZOR is the first of the planned trilogy by director Timur Bekmambetov. It is important to know this fact because the movie ends very abruptly. It will remind many moviegoers the first time they watched THE LORD OF THE RINGS FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, the sudden abrupt ending can also be seen in NOCHNOI DOZOR.

Although it did provide few interesting action scenes here, and there. However none of it was really memorable.

You know kind of like the first time you saw ONG BAK, or Jet Li's FIST OF LEGEND, how after watching the movie the action scenes were so awesome, so memorable that it stuck with you long after you've seen it? That's what I meant.

NOCHNOI DOZOR has none of that! But it does have an impressive array of visual eye-candies!!!

The three very important reasons why one should watch NOCHNOI DOZOR is that it's from Russia. Second, that it broke all the box-office records in its native homeland. Third, the most important, is the awesome almost surreal like visuals. This is evident the moment the movie begins. You'll notice right away the microscope-type camera angles, and the visually pleasing cinematography.

However the director for some reason has a thing for mosquitoes, both its image, point of view, and its annoying buzzing sound. There's shots where you almost feel like your riding the mosquitoe on its back. Really abstract camera placements. Perhaps the symbolism contains a philosophical message hidden within its artistic, and visual context.

Who knows...besides the director!

The epilogue is read in english. I don't know why english was chosen but personally I believe it would've been better had it been read in Russian. But what do I know right?

Whatever.

Anyways the story goes something like this:

In the beginning there was a war between the armies of the Light(Good), and the armies of the Dark(Evil). There have been so much bloodshed between the factions being that the war has been ongoing since the beginning of time itself. The time came finally(in the middle of battle no less)when the leaders from each factions came to terms with an agreement. The agreement is that both factions may not murder each other.

The armies from the Light may issue licenses only to the armies of the Dark. If anyone from either factions broke this agreement. The truce is over. Oh one more thing, no one may hurt a human. Period. No others from both factions may interfere with human existence, and no other may exploit a human. Not without license anyways.

Huh, licenses you may ask? Yup, licenses. The armies of Light may only issue a license under special circumstances that will allow a Dark other to commit an otherwise forbidden action. For example interefering with a human life.

Just to make sure that both factions follow the rules, each of them has watchers of sorts. During the day, the Dark armies has their Daywatchers to watch the activities of the Light, and the Light armies, has their Nightwatchers to watch the activities of the Dark. Hence the title. NOHNOI DOZOR, Night Watch in Russian.

Also, every now and then an "Other" is born from a human. This special human is what would be considered an 'Other'. A human with special abilities. Part of the truce between the Light, and the Dark is that. Both may neither convince the other to join. In other words, the other would have to choose which side to join. On their own free will. Now, legend has it that one day a powerful other will be born. Depending on which side he or she chooses will determine which side will we win.

Simple enough for ya?

I know it is a bit convoluted however it is still worth seeing for sure. The CGI effects is definitely impressive in both aesthetic, and its visual presentation. For scenes like in the 'Gloom' a dark portal-like place that only an other can traverse in is done very well. The night battle scene atop the cityscape is visually impressive.

The big budget is definitely present in NOCHNOI DOZOR no doubt about it.

The sound is equally as impressive. The ominous music, and sounds is well executed. It definitely adds a serious impact in the storytelling agenda. Very absorbing throughout.

Another thing to point out is that, the main character Konstantin Khabensky (Anton Gorodetsky) is the complete opposite of what a cool character should be like. He's sweaty, dirty, filthy, and always drinking...probably vodka. He keeps a flask in his vest pocket. In fact, the moment you see the hero, you'll see that there's nothing hero-like about him.

Just an ordinary looking guy. With an ability to "see" the Dark others. He doesn't have any super strength either. No extra special abilities whatsoever. Just that he can see the Dark others. What seperates him from the rest however is his 'iron will'. That's it! He's also the MacGuffin, he's actions definitely carries the whole story.

There's also a great, unexpected mind fuck at the end(just before it abruptly ends) I swear I was like..."ooh....okay....cool!" When you see the flick, you'll know what I mean. For sure!!!

NOCHNOI DOZOR is a very refreshing ride in the realm of Good, and Evil. I surely can't wait to see the 2nd installment of this planned trilogy. I caught a glimpse of the second movie on the Thai DVD, it's aptly titled: DNEVNOY DOZOR which means Day Watch in Russian.

The preview looked promising, it seems as though the second movie has quite a few more intense attention grabbing action scenes(at least I would hope so anyway!)

NOCHNOI DOZOR, is certainly one of Russia's greatest box office record smashers.
Currently, it is indeed one of Russia's greatest visually aesthetic cinematic achievements.

THRILLER : A CRUEL PICTURE

Alternate Title: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE!
Country: Sweden
Release Year: 1974
Genre: Thriller / Action / Drama
Language: Swedish
Running Time: UNCUT 107 minutes


[Cast]
Christina Lindberg .... Frigga/Madeleine/One Eye
Heinz Hopf .... Tony
Despina Tomazani .... Lip-stick lesbian
Per-Axel Arosenius .... Frigga's Father
Solveig Andersson .... Sally
Björn Kristiansson
Marie-Louise Mannervall .... Woman in village
Hildur Lindberg .... Mother's Friend
Stig Lokrantz
Olle Nordlander
Marshall McDough
Gunnar Palm
Pamela Pethö-Galantai .... Young Madeleine

[Writer / Director]
Bo Arne Vibenius

Christina Lindberg.

What a goddess! I've just discovered the beauty of 1970's trash-exploitation cinema. It's fuckin' awesome! For those of you who have'nt seen the cult-classic Swedish revenge flick [THRILLER: a very cruel picture] (retitled 'They Call Her One Eye' in the United States) go buy the DVD and make sure it's UNCUT, Director's CUT version, Re-Mastered, Special Edition. It's by far THE best revenge flick in existence!!!

Why do I say it's the best revenge film ever?
Why I'm glad you asked!

First of all, for those of you Asian Cinema Connousieurs out there like us here in HOUSE OF CINEMA. When we see a gun touting character sporting a trench coat for that sweet touch of ultra-coolness, we think that's John Woo all the way right??? WRONG, you're DEAD WRONG!!!

You see CHOW YUN FAT in the A BETTER TOMORROW TRILOGY was not the first one to ever sport a trench coat while blasting away at evil henchmen Nope....belive me...that's what I thought as well. The Dude responsible for setting this trend is Bo A Vibenius the director for 'THRILLER: a cruel picture' he came up with the very idea, just check out Christina's character in the poster above! Ain't she a bad-ass muthafucka!!!! you damn straight! That's not all...

We all know that the Keanu Reeves' character Neo in 'The Matrix' was sporting that ultra cool trench coat. Hmm....since the Wachowski Brothers watch alot of asian flicks I wonder where they got that idea??? Well none other than from John Woo's Hong Kong flicks of course!!! A Better Tomorrow was without a doubt the very best in Hong Kong gunplay action. Period. It just kinda makes me wonder WHEN John Woo saw THRILLER. I'm saying when because I'm 100% sure and without a doubt that's where he got the idea for the trench coat look, and the slow motion action as well. However I'm not here to discuss and talk about the John Woos, or the Wachowski Brothers. I'm here to talk about the Swedish Film "THRILLER: a cruel picture"

THRILLER was way ahead of its time. The storytelling, the cinematography, the wardrobe, and of course the gunplay action. Yup, this is the film that brought the super cool 'SLOW-MOTION-ACTION SEQUENCES. Yup you read right!!! It was'nt John Woo who came up with that idea, nope it was Bo A Vibenius as well. So prioir in seeing this film, I thought John Woo was the man who came up with Trench Coat look, and Slow Motion Action Sequences...but I was dead wrong indeed. And it doesn't stop there either......

Quentin Tarantino, a.k.a the master copycat of ripping off excellent ideas from other films took the idea from THRILLER, and applied it to Daryl Hannah's evil character in his KILL BILL duology!!!! Ain't that something??? Just to make one thing clear, I don't dislike Quentin on the contrary I like his movies. All of it, especially KILL BILL Volume 1. I called a truce after seeing how great KILL BILL Vol.1 was, even though I know he gathered a bunch of excellent ideas and crammed it all in KILL BILL, I still like the guy's work. Hey the guy can write excellent dialogue, sometimes I wonder if he ever worked as a writer for Seinfeld but anyways...back to THRILLER.

So if you're still wondering to yourself as to whether or not you should see this flick, do yourself a favor and go for it. Just keep in mind that this flick was made in 1973, so d0n't be expecting high octane action sequences. You should appreciate the flick for what it is, a very surreal yet haunting almost athmospheric in a sense that you feel that you're actually experiencing what she Christina Lindberg's character is experiencing. It is also a character study of sorts. The movie pretty much answers the question "How much can one person take before he/she blows up?" Well in THRILLER you see all the cruelty she takes from everyone, and all the cruelty she unleashes on everyone!!!

What do I think of THRILLER: a cruel picture?
It's an absolutel wonder, gorgeously shot revenge film that is not to be missed!
An exceptional rare piece of pulp filmaking at its finest.
THRILLER : A CRUEL PICTURE is truly ahead of its time!!!
I wonder if Bo Arne Vibenius knew he was making a masterpiece when he shot this film? If I can only travel back in time...Christina Lindberg will be mine!!!

Also if you like Christina Lindberg, check her out in the Japanese Pinky Violence cult-classic SEX & FURY (1973) she goes toe to toe with Reiko Ike, Japan's own sex goddess. Don't miss it!!!

ARAHAN

Alternate Title: ARAHAN:URBAN MARTIAL ARTS ACTION
Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Martial Arts / Comedy
Language: Korean
Running Time: 114 mintues

[Cast]
Seung-beom Ryu
So-yi Yoon
Sung-kee Ahn
Doo-hong Jung
Ju-sang Yun

[Writer / Director]
Seung-wan Ryoo

ARAHAN is sort of like a korean HOUSE OF FURY(2005)
It's a light-hearted actioner with awesome fight sequences.
The comedy without sounding too cliche' is very anime-ish if you will.

ARAHAN actually is like a cross-hybrid of SHAOLIN SOCCER(2001), IRON MONKEY(1992), and WHASANGO a.k.a VOLCANO HIGH(2002) I know it's sounds kinda wierd, but that's how I felt when watching ARAHAN.

It's a story about 7 martial arts masters whose job is to guard the key that can unlock powers beyond anyones' imagination. 2 of the masters has already fallen, four are still alive, and continuing to guard the key. One of the masters Ja woon(Sung-kee Ah) is taking care of his beautiful but feisty daugher Wi-jin(Soo-yi Oon)whose also a skilled martial artist herself.

Wi-jin uses her extraordinary fighting abilities to the test by pummeling down two-bit thieves, and purse-napping riff raffs. Along the way she meets Sang-hwan(Seung-beom Ryu)a brave but bumbling beat cop during one of her skirmishes.
She accidentally hits Sang with one of her wild, uncontrollable 'hadokens' [Gamers, you know what I mean!] a ball of energy that she unleashes with both her palms.

Sang gets hit with this ball of energy, and knocks him down cold. Wi-jin takes him to be healed by her father Ja woon and the 3 other masters, when they unexpectedly find out that Sang has a very rare, and strong form of 'chi'. Right away he wanted to train him to become a fighter, but because Sang woke up terrified he got up, and ran away.

Meanwhile, during his duty as a beatcop walking the streets. Sang comes across a couple of gangsters who beats the living crap out of him. Feeling sorry for himself he quickly remembers Wi-jin throwing that ball of energy, and him getting hit by it. Now comes an idea, why don't he study what she knows in order to learn how to throw those balls of energy. So that he can use what he learns from her, and use it unto the gangsters who beat him up.

Sounds simple right? Well...yeah!

Safe to say he went back to see Wi-Jin asking her if he too can learn such a trick! Soon, Wi's father Ja woon admits him, and started to teach him by assigning him different chores ala KARATE KID(1984) That's pretty much the story of how he became a excellent fighter. It turns out that the special 'chi' is a sort of power that helps Sang learn fast, and become a skilled martial artist.

So guess what?

The seventh master suddenly awakens and desires the key that will give him vast supernatural powers that will enable him to rule the world. So he unleashes death, and chaos to anyone that stood in his way. So who do you think he goes after???

Well I'll leave it up to you. It's very exciting especially during the scenes showing Sang finally getting the chance to show what he's learned. Like I said, the martial arts action in this flick undeniably ultra-cool!!!

It's fast, fluid, and truly looks painful. The only thing that kind of bothered me was during Wi-jin, and Sang's training. Their movements are'nt as graceful as they should have been. But it won't in any way spoil your enjoyment of this awesome flick.

So the plot is pretty simple to follow. The comedy is hilarious, there are some scenes in the movie where you'll just find yourself laughing hysterically.
However you will be watching ARAHAN for the sheer amount of martial arts action.
There are plenty especially when you get towards the middle, that's where all the action really takes off.

Yes, it could've used more intense fighting action in the beginning but, it's also good that director Seung-wan Ryoo paid close attention in the character development. It truly worked to perfection because, we were able to know who Sang, and Wi-jin as a person. Therefore, whenever they would get in to intense fight scenes, we feel for them. Especially when both of their lives are threatened.
It really was a great choice to include a nice plot, and backstory for the characters in ARAHAN.

I guess you can already tell what I'm about to write huh? It's okay.
I love movies like ARAHAN. It's why I watch these movies in the first place!
Everyone has to see this flick. It's an awesome ride in the urban streets of Seoul.
It's always a good thing to see a martial arts movie that is properly done, and well executed that is ARAHAN:Urban Martial Arts Action.

One Word: AWESOME!!!

WISHING STAIRS

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Language: Korean
Running Time: 97 minutes

[Cast]
Ji-hyo Song
Han-byeol Park
An Jo
Ji-Yeon Park

[Director]
Jae-yeon Yun

Let me set the record straight for everyone here, WISHING STAIRS is not a Horror flick! I repeat WISHING STAIRS is not a Horror flick!!! There I said it.

WISHING STAIRS might have a premise of a Horror movie, it even had potential in building a Horror theme from the storyline but it never really delved any deeper than it should have.

Basically there's this long stairway. There's 28 steps to be exact. It leads up to an all girl dormitory. Legend has it that if you wanted something or someone bad enough you can have your wish granted. By climbing the stairs hence, the title.

So a person continues to make their wish as they climbed the steps and if the person's lucky or in this case is unlucky, if a 29th step appeared their wish will be granted.

Yeah, that's pretty much it.
The whole story revolves around that cursed wishing stairs.
A local legend that the girls dismissed as well...a local legend.

Oh yeah, the characters basically is this. You have two young cute girls who are in the same ballet class. One girl's name is Yun Ji(Ji-hyo Song), the other girl's name is Kim So(Han-byeol Park) What a cutie pie!!! Anyways, throughout the first half of the movie they are without a doubt a couple. Lesbians. Although there were no scenes of the girls kissing, the constant hints, and idea is there. Don't know if the director was shy about lesbian-esque scenes but whatever.

Things start to get complicated when one of the girls gets chosen to go on a very special trip to perform onstage in Russia. If they do well there, it's their chance to be able to win a scholarship to be able to study ballet in Russia. Predictably, the girl who didn't get selected started to have a jealous rage over the girl who did, and there's your MacGuffin, JEALOUSY!!!

As mentioned this movie isn't a Horror film but rather a Drama in the first half, and a Thriller in the second half. The Drama in the beginning shows the affection that these two girls have for each other. The second half is when one of the girls gets chosen to go to Russia, and jealous girl wishes at the wising stairs that she'd be chosen to go instead.

One of the girls that's jealous got the idea from an overweight, red-haired girl who's kind of a main character in the movie. I say kind of because well the director never really explained why she's in the movie in the first place other than she's studying sculpture. I believe she's supposed to be attracted to Kim So, or at least she admired her. But it's because of her that Yun Ji got the idea about the wishing stairs. "make a wish while climbing the steps and if a 29th step appears make your wish, and it'll come true! she says to Yun Ji

Predictably she does, and all the wrath of unexplainable evil that the wishing stairs comes from is unleashed unto whoever messes with its unknown dark powers. Yeah. That's about right. Unexplainable events starts to unfold. Wierd, creepy sounds are magnified in certain intense moments typical of Asian Horror flicks. Oh and yup the "hair thing" is present in this flick. Another director whose been influenced by Hideo Nakata, director of RINGU(1998) Influenced, or a down-right copycat, who really knows!

The big problem I had with WISHING STAIRS is this. No matter how hard they tried to make Kim So(Han-byeol Park) look terrifying, it just doesn't work! She's just so damn beautiful! Painting her face all white doesn't work either, hey whaddya think this is JU-ON?(2003) okay? Really she's just frickin' cute! I just couldn't be scared of that cute beautiful face! Heck if a ghost that hot starts haunting me...be my guest!!!

Seriously the story is average. The drama is actually more interesting than the thriller parts. I don't know why this movie was advertised as a horror because it ain't! also, what's with that girl hanging from a tree in the background of the movie poster? This movie had no scenes of a girl hanging on the wishing stairs tree. Oh well, whatever!

The acting is okay in this flick. I would've rather made this movie into a love story between the two girls.They both had good chemistry. It should've been a drama flick instead! I would've had Takashi Miike direct this flick, how cool that would've been? He could do the same style he did with AUDITION (1999) Oh man!!! Miike-sensei, if you're reading this please do a remake of WISHING STAIRS but add your crazy, twisted, and psychotic forte'!!!

In short, WISHING STAIRS is worth watching at least once. You won't really come back for seconds I tell you that much. The only reason to watch this flick is to google over Han-byeol Park, that's about it!!! She's hot, very hot!!!

Ahh...Han-byeol Park, would you marry me???

A BITTERSWEET LIFE

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Drama / Crime / Action
Language: Korean
Running Time: 120 minutes

[Cast]
Jeong-min Hwang
Ku Jin
Hae-gon Kim
Roe-ha Kim
Yeong-cheol Kim
Byung-hun Lee
Gi-yeong Lee
Mu-yeong Lee
Jeong-Hyeok Mun
Dal-su Oh
Kwang-rok Oh
Min-a Shin

[Director]
Ji-woon Kim

"A PROVOCATIVE CRIME DRAMA THAT IS ABSORBING, ENGROSSING, AS IT IS INTOXICATING!!!"

I just finished watching Ji-woon Kim's A BITTERSWEET LIFE.

I'm still in awe.

Probably one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen.

No doubt about it.

I was completely engulfed by the story, as it unfolded before my eyes. I was absorbed entirely throughout the movie. It was so moving, mere words will not do it justice.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE in essence is presented to the viewers through the eyes of Sun-woo(Byung-hun Lee) A middle ranked Korean Mafia grunt who is a trusted enforcer of the head of his Korean Mafia family. President Kang(Yeong-cheol Kim) entrusts Sun-woo to do a certain...job for him before he leaves for Shanghai on a business trip.

This job requires Sun-woo to sort of watch over Kang's very attractive, very young girlfriend Hee soo(Min-a shin) This will be the turning point of Sun-woo's life.
Prior to accepting the job. Kang tells Sun-woo that he can do 1,000 things right, but sometimes it only takes 1 mistake, and his whole life can come crashing down.

Hence, Kang instructs Sun-woo to watch Hee-soo just for 3 days in order to see if she's cheating on him. If so, then Sun-woo should either give Kang a call in Shanghai, China. Or finish the job himself. Sun-woo has faithfully served Kang for seven years.

He has become the most trusted man out of President Kang's whole entire organization. Kang is so impressed of Sun-woo's faith, and loyalty that he gave him a posh restaurant to manage. The restaurant is aptly named "LA DOLCE VITA" which means 'A sweet life' in Italian. Isn't that just beautiful?

Sun-woo is the ultimate cool guy, because he never tends to lose his cool. Even at the most intense scenes, he manages to stay calm, and collected. He shows his relaxed yet volatile mannerisms by being extremely calm. It's almost as if Sun-woo's thinking to himself: "I know I can take you down, but why bother!"

Human beings unfortunately, have the tendency to lose their cool in the end. The same goes for Sun-woo. At the beginning of the movie, we are introduced immediately to Sun-woo's character. We are also introduced to his type of job, and what type of 'special' requirements it takes to do the kind of profession he does every single living day.

It's safe to say it ain't easy. He quickly disposes of the three troublemakers that's attempting to disturb, and disrespect his line of work, and his restaurant. That's when we the viewers realize even after a life and death situation like that, all Sun-woo does is wipe off debris, and dirt from his perfectly altered suit, and goes on about his daily routine.

Like I said, he's the ultimate cool guy!

Sun-woo is human, and he's not without weakness. Unfortunately for him this weakness of his will ultimately change his life. Forever. A decision he will make that will bring him on a journey of betrayal, violence, and self discovery.

Sun-woo will discover something within him that he's been yearning for so long, but didn't know nor was he aware of it. But because of one special person, he will in the end find himself.

Again, unfortunately for Sun-woo, there's people who will stand in his way. After all of the past beatings, and shakedowns he has done for his organization, in the name of President Kang. Where his loyalty is without question. He has given all of himself to President Kang's organization. Sun-woo has been the top enforcer of Kang.
The most trusted out of all of Kang's men.

Is going to be betrayed beyond belief.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE, is very graphic, and very bloody. It is executed however with artistic grace. Even the squeamish will not look away, because in the end. We'll all feel Sun-woo's agony during his torture scenes, and his rage during his revenge scenes. Oh yeah, this is definitely a revenge flick. But I don't think that's the central theme. I believe the theme is Sun-woo's self discovery of that special something that's been missing in his life, and ultimately discovered within him, however too late.

The pace is moderately fast. It's the type of movie that you'll have to watch, and pay attention to. It's never boring. All of the slower scenes contains vital information, and important dialogue that you'll have to know in order to understand what's going on. Unlike movies like BANLIEUE 13 that's fast paced action from beginning to end. A BITTERSWEET LIFE requires your full-undivided attention.

As mentioned before, the movie is very graphic. But never distasteful. The action scenes will not disappoint either. There's quite a bit of straight fisticuffs here. Sun-woo being the ultimate cool guy, is also the ultimate bad-ass when it comes to street fighting. He uses anything from baseball bats, to enflamed 2x4's, guns, and his very own lethal weapon...himself.

The movie is also gut-wrenching, to the point of uneasyness, because there's no doubt you'll care for what happens to Sun-woo. He will win your compassion in the first scenes of the movie. Being that the director's cut is 120 minutes, the span of events Sun-woo goes through from one difficult predicament to the next is unbelievably painful to watch. The fact that you never know what might happen to him, there's always a constant threat in the background.

The fact that both his own men, and his organization's opponent. The local rival gang leader Baek, a ruthless man is after him as well. You never know who might show up at any moment to put Sun-woo's life in danger. The suspense, and thrill of watching Sun-woo deal with problem, after problem is such a joy to watch, because you can almost feel what he's going through at the moment.

It sort of forces you to ask yourself: "What would I do in a situation like Sun-woo's?" It's really an absorbing storyline, and a very intriguing look at the lives of real-life professionals similar to Sun-woo's fictional character.

The use of classical music is a very wise choice. Classical music is a very rich texture of sounds that can become very personal to ones' feelings. It can evoke emotions that cannot be expressed otherwise. Just by the expression of their faces you'll see and understand their current state. Adding a classical music score only adds a very rich dynamic effect. Thus, enriching the storytelling experience.

The events that unfold in the last half of A BITTERSWEET LIFE is like a rollercoaster ride. As Sun-woo sets out on a journey of redemption. A sort of penance for his dark and forgettable past. He unleashes the fury, and rage that's been the key tool of his successful crime family, unto his betrayers.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE, questions the very essence of loyalty, and betrayal of ones' own humanity, and the consequences thereof. A masterful storytelling, this is what Korean Cinema is known for.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE should not be missed. It is without a doubt a very intoxicating experience. A perfectly made masterpiece, no doubt another Korean Cinematic gem!!!

BANLIEUE 13

Alternate Title: 13th District
Country: France
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Martial Arts / Action / Adventure
Lauguage Format: French
Running Time: 85 minutes


[Cast]
Cyril Raffaelli
David Belle
Tony D'Amario
Bibi Naceri
Dany Verissimo
François Chattot

[Writer]
Luc Besson / Bibi Naceri

[Producer]
Luc Besson

[Director]
Pierre Morel



French Cinema has come along way since the breakaway hit LA FEMME NIKITA (1991) and LEON THE PROFESSIONAL (1994) both directed by the french new-wave director LUC BESSON.

His TAXI (1998-2001) all three starring the awesome Samy Naceri is also a runaway hit at the box office worldwide. The latter is a personal favorite of mine.

The TAXI Series is just plain awesome! The second one being the best of the series!

Yes this is the movie of which the american made TAXI
starring Queen Latifah, and Jimmy Fallon borrows its theme. Luc Besson was given writing credits after all, so that more than stamps it.

Guess what...LUC BESSON also produced all three TAXI movies. Just to let you know Luc Besson directed the ultra fabulous THE FIFTH ELEMENT (1997) the movie that introduced to the whole world that Milla Jovovich is a future action femme fatale.

He's in the front, and behind the scenes of most of the major box office blockbusters as of late. He's responsible for movies like the awesome Jason Statham actioners TRANSPORTER 1 & 2 (2002-2005) The gut busting Jet Li flicks KISS OF THE DRAGON (2001),DANNY THE DOG a.k.a UNLEASHED (2005) The Jean Reno, and Ryoko Hirosue classic WASABI (2001) the list goes on...and...on!!!

Another thing about Luc Besson is that, he was the one who stepped up and snapped up the rights to release the mega action classic ONG BAK (2002) although personally I didn't think that Tony Jaa needed any help from any major producer to expose him to the world. ONG BAK did that for him.

However if there is ever a producer to do it, it might as well be Luc Besson. I just wish he'd stop messing with the original contents of the movies he'll release in the future. ONG BAK was perfect! It didn't need any alterations, edits, and soundtack changes. Then again, what do I know. Personally I'd leave everything be. Show it as it was meant to be seen.

Period.

On that note, here's my review of BANLIEUE 13 a.k.a District 13.

WHERE...DO...I...BEGIN...???

WOW!!!

Just as DOBERMANN(1997) pushed the envelope genres of sex, crime, violence, and gunplay in French Cinema. BANLIEUE 13 takes French Cinema action, and martial arts genres to the highest level it's ever been!!!

Let me start with the pace of this movie. It's absolutely fast, and it's always interesting. Never boring. There's never a dull moment in this flick. I'll say it again, the pace moves very precisely, and frickin' incredibly fast!!!

All the characters in BANLIEUE 13 speaks french so fluently fast which makes reading of the english subtitles a little difficult, but will not deter anyone who watches it. Trust me you'll get used to it after a while, that is of course you speak and understand the french language then good for you!!!

Now, the storyline. Let's see, the plot is simplistically easy to follow. All you have to do is understand what's going on in the beginning of the movie, and you can pretty much tell what's going to happen, or at least you'll think you'll know what's going to happen.

In 2010, crime has overtaken some parts of France. The gangs has completely outnumbered the police, so instead of continuing to enforce the law. The police builds walls around districts that is considered hopeless. BANLIEUE 13 a.k.a District 13, is the worst of them all. Fortunately there's still someone who cares, he's not about to conform to the crime lord who runs BANILIEUE 13. His name is Leito(David Belle). He and Taha(Bibi Naceri) (Yes, Samy Naceri's brother from the TAXI trilogy, and THE NEST) is not actually in good terms, because Leito is the good guy, and Taha is the bad crime lord.

Somewhere along the way Damien(Cyril Raffaelli) an undercover cop crosses paths with Leito. Together they set out to save Leito's sister Lola(the beautiful Dany Verissimo) from the clutches of Taha, and his henchmen lead by K-2(Tony D'Amario) and defuse a bomb at the same that Taha managed to get his hands.

See, the plot is simple!!!

I know, the plot is not that original I mean it's been done before, but that's not the reason you'll be watching BANLIEUE 13. Nope. You'll be watching this awesome french flick for...yup...you guessed it...for all of the action, and stunts baby!!!

BANLIEUE 13 has got to be one of the best, highly stylized, French Martial Arts, Action ever...and I mean...ever produced!!! Watching Cryil Raffaelli, David Belle, and all of the stunt team in action is an absolute blast, no, it's a frickin' revelation!!!

This is the type of movie that energizes anyone who watches it. It's almost as good as ONG BAK(2002) Yes, I said it...almost! It's that frickin' good!!! I can't praise BANLIEUE 13 enough! I'll type the next sentence in Capital just so you'll know what I'm trying to say here:

YOU MUST SEE BANLIEUE 13, DO NOT MISS IT! OR HATE YOURSELF FOREVER! PERIOD!

There, so like I said BANLIEUE 13 is a fresh new ride in the action martial arts realm from the French Cinema, courtesy of Luc Besson, and the magnificent skills of both Cyril, David, and the rest of the stunt team. Having Dany Verissimo in the cast is a big frickin' plus. She's beautiful.

You'll also notice that the wall climbing, and aerial leaps that was popularized by the Luc Besson produced YAMAKASI(2001) and ultimately massacred by the horrible Julien Seri directed LES FIL DU VENT (2004) is present in BANLIEUE 13. I hope he watched this film, and learned from it. Julien Seri you idiot, this is how you film YAMAKASI'S ACTION!!! Don't place the camera too close to the subject you're filming!!!

Thankfully BANLIEUE 13 resurrects the sport, and presents it in a very extreme fashion that you can actually appreciate!!!

It's almost as if the YAMAKASI Team was the ones performing those Urban Ninja stunts. Ultra-cooL!!!

BANLIEUE 13 is a smartly directed, and masterully produced actioner that will not disappoint anyone who watches it. It's a movie that has no boring scenes, quickly moves from one scene to the next. The action is one of the best I've seen in French Cinema.

The music used in BANLIEUE 13 is ultra-frickin-cool!!!

The soundtrack grabs you from the beginning, and pumps you up getting your adrenaline all in a rage. When meshed with the visual style and slow-motion action scenes the effect of the sounds is magnified to the max. Thoughtfully placed, and the clever editing only adds to the already fast-paced-storyline.

The humor is kept to a minimum emphasizing instead on the plot structure, stunts, gunplay, and action. Luc Besson has to have taught Pierre Morel, the directing precision of this film because every scene, and every dialogue echoes wit that's only seen in Luc Besson produced, and directed films.

Everything from the dynamic camera angles mostly seen in Hong Kong cinema is used. Slow motion technique is definitely kept to a minimum, it's only used in certain scenes to cleverly heightened the effect, and to show off some ultra difficult martial art moves that's being performed by the actual actors slash stuntmen.

It will take sometime before the French Cinema release another movie like BANLIEUE 13, at least until Cryil, and David does another movie similar to this one. I just hope Luc Besson will continue to be involved in it, because these guys are just plain awesome!!!

Cyril Raffaelli, is famous worldwide as a fight choreographer. He's done famous blockbusters like the aforementioned WASABI(2001), LES PACTE DES LOUPS(2001),TAXI Trilogy(1998-2001),THE TRANSPORTER Series(2003-2005),MESSENGER STORY OF JOAN OF ARC(1999),RONIN(1999),MAN IN THE IRON MASK(1999). All produced or directed by Luc Besson, except the last two mentioned. Anyone who has KISS OF THE DRAGON(2001) will definitely recognize Cryil. He's one of the last henchmen that whom Jet Li encounters, and ultimately duels with at the climax at the end. An awesome, but brief fight scene ensues for the two.

May I add Dany Verissimo who plays Lola, is a cutie pie!!! I hope to see more of her in the future. She's so perfect for this role, she plays a very cute, and very feisty chick!!! She looks like she has an asian mixed look to her. I hope she gets more roles like these, in fact I just hope she does well in the future. I like her, she's hot!!!

Bibi Naceri, and Tony D'Amario is absolutely perfect for their roles. In fact, everyone is.

All I can say is, Viva La France!!!

With BANLIEUE 13, the French Cinema proves that it can hold its own in the Martial Arts Action genre. I won't be surprised if this is a movie that will put France in the map as one of the premiere Martial Arts movie makers at least along with Hong Kong Cinema who produces the most Martial Arts in all genres, and of course Thai Cinema, and Korean Cinema respectively.

BANLIEUE 13 delivers a knock out punch to the guts of the rest of the past French Martial Arts action made before it.

BANLIEUE 13 is indeed a jaw-dropping, eye-popping, French Martial Arts Movie Classic!!!

BOSO

Alternate Title: Peep
Country: Philippines
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Erotic / Drama / Comedy
Language: Tagalog
Running Time: Director's Cut ?

[Cast]
Allen Dizon
Ella V
JC Parker
Bembol Roco
Joel Torre
Ronnie Lazaro
Tado
Justin de Leon
Katya Santos
Gwen Garcia
and Jeffrey Quizon

[Director]
Jon Red


BOSO (2005) is a type of movie that is a result of a very clever director, with intricate directing style, and resourceful work ethics. Jon Red is rising up to be one of the many new-wave filipino directors that is re-writing the filipino way of filmmaking. Thank goodness is a positive one. I haven't been much of a filipino cinema fan, at least not as of late but thanks to my Kuya (means brother in Tagalog)he has kept me current in it. Enough anyway to have the knowledge of who's who in Philippine cinema.

Clearly the MacGuffin here is the main character's uncontrollable desire to peep. Hence the title. The lead character is Jake played by Jeffrey Quizon. He is the handyman of a crazy rundown apartment building that's home to the many uniquely weird, and hilarious characters in BOSO.

His desire to peep was an accident. One day the owner of the building, his boss orders him to go up to the attic and place rat poison. Little did he know, this will change his boring life forever. A small hole big enough to see what was going on underneath caught his attention, as he peeped at what was happening down below he started to enjoy it. Especially if it's a hot young filipina chick changing clothes...having the time to watch something like that at his leisure made Jake feel...powerful almost...god-like if you will!

Soon every apartment in the building at its own private peep hole courtesy of Jake.
He soon learned that each and every person who lives in the building has their own private enjoyments, secrets, and their own personal demons within them. Watching Jake peep as he narrates his findings to the viewer is almost sinful, because the viewer really feels like he's actually there with Jake. In fact, it came to the point where he knew about all the details in each and every tenants lives, even the small ones.

Jake, because of his peepings knew who masterbated every night, he knows who get molested, and who's the molestor, he knows who is having sex...at the exact moment, he knows who doesn't like which tenants, he knows who steals habitually, etc. Jake shares this with you...the viewer!!!

Just you and him, and you feel almost as if...he's personally talking to you as he talks about each and every people he's peeping at.It's a very simple technique to grab the viewers' undivided attention. I swear, as I was watching this film I almost felt...somewhat guilty of peeping. That's when you know you're watching quality cinema, where it can transport you to another place, and time.

May I also add that Katya Santos, is a hot little mama!!! She is absolutely gorgeous. She plays Jake's love interest. Which is kinda wierd because she's married in the movie of course. She and her husband are the building's newest tenants whom Jake helps to move in. Newlyweds who just came back from their honeymoon and are taking their first step of their lives together. Of course that wont stop Jake from peeping at their newlywed lives. He's pervert..but...in a way the viewers is able to see why he does what he does. Well, because he explains it to you...he's very convincing to say the least!!!

As a matter of fact, in all of us there's a certain craving of curiousity but are afraid to succumb to. Jake on the other hand embraces the fact, as he shows us how he feeds his appetite for his vouyeristic hunger. Besides the sexual premise of this flick. It should not be missed because it highlights some of Philippines latest hot female newcomers in the entertainment biz, you've got Katya Santos, Gwen Garci, JC Parker (who very much resembles a young Penelope Cruz), and Ella V. The only chick Jake bangs in the flick!!!

However, still BOSO is in a way a landmark in Philippine Cinema because it shows the craftiness of filipino directors at least Jon Red anyway...he uses a Digital Video Camera to film BOSO, and manages to produce a very entertaining sex comedy!

I really hope that future filipino directors learn from this revolutionary director because the one thing that the Philippine Cinema is notorious for, is being cheap. The film companies will only invest a certain amount of money in a given project, unfortunately this age-old habit of the filipino way of filmaking is the ultimate curse that all of them had placed on their movies, and because of this most filipino action movies are crap!

Don't even think of watching a filipino action flick, it will make you sick!!!
No it won't be the acting that will disappoint you. In fact the acting in most filipino movies produced are superb no doubt especially acting performances from genres like Comedy, Horror, and Drama.

However, the one thing that will tick off anyone that watches a filipino action movie is the obvious cheap sets, and crappy explosions, as well as obviously fake sound effects. Don't even ask me about the blood effects...trust me on this!

Kudos to Jon Red in conceiving a thought provoking flick, as well as revolutionizing the filipino way of filmaking at the same time.

BOSO takes the Philippine Cinema to the next level as far production, and quality as concerned.

That means progress people!!

I can't wait to see what's next in Jon Red's bag of tricks. In the meantime, I shall wait in anticipation.

Thankfully the DVD that was released has english subtitles. That way english speakers can enjoy this rare filipino cinematic gem. That is if you can get a hold of the DVD that is.

In short, BOSO is recommended very highly by yours truly.
Highly recommended, and a very clever piece of Philippine movie making.

About frickin' time!!!

FLOWER AND SNAKE

Alternate Title: Hana to Hebi
Country: Japan
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Erotic / Thriller / Drama
Language Format: Japanese
Running Time: 115 minutes


[Cast]
Aya Sugimoto
Hironobu Nomura
Renji Ishibashi
Kenichi Endo
Misaki Yozaburo Ito
Susumu Terajima

[Director]
Takashi Ishii

There's no mistake, FLOWER & SNAKE (2003) is without a doubt an erotic exploitation film, with substance!

Exploitation films are not all horrid. Swedish exploitation film THRILLER:THEY CALL HER ONE EYE (1974)is how an exploitation film should be! It has the three very important elements;

Sex, Violence, and a decent storyline!

It's safe to say FLOWER & SNAKE, has all three elements.

Hana to Hebi, it's original title in Japanese written in romaji is a very intriguing japanese erotica. The fact that most of erotic films only concentrate on the sex scenes, and the sexual premise.

FLOWER & SNAKE actually pays close attention to its storyline, watching this flick you'll realize Takashi Ishii developed the plot first, and foremost. He develops all of the characters both the antagonists, and the protagonists.

In a way Takashi-san nurtures these characters in our minds making us understand why each of the characters act the way they do. It's almost as if he's giving each character a pseudo-justification for their actions.

This element works to perfection, because by the time the movie gets down to business as far as the sexual exploitation theme as concerned.....you'll find yourself caring for what happens to each character, either positively or negatively.

Takashi Ishii has a unique directing style. As of late anyway.
A few of his latest movies featured 'FIVE MAIN CHARACTERS' or leads if you will.

His past movie projects like FREEZE ME(200) a story about an (1)innocent woman getting gangraped by (3)three men, as she moves on with her life she goes to Tokyo, and there she starts a serious relationship with (1)a man while she plots her revenge against the three men who raped her. That totals (5) Main Characters.

GONIN (1995)is by far the movie of his career. This explosive flick featured (5) five men that devices a plot to steal a very large sum of money from the Yakuza, of all people!!! Things don't go as planned, to say the least and all hell breaks loose!Takashi-san is at his best with GONIN. Of course, having Takeshi Kitano in the cast of characters is indeed a very huge plus!

So FLOWER & SNAKE is no different. It features five main characters. (1)is the 95 year old perverted Yakuza leader played by the always spectacular Renji Ishibashi, (2)the Yakuza leader's right hand man played the very cool Kenichi Endo, (3)CEO, and Husband of Shizuko played by Hironobu Nomura, (4)Shizuko's cute bodyguard played by Misaki Mori, and of course (5) the main lead character Shizuko played by one of Japan's finest, Aya Sugimoto. That totals FIVE MAIN CHARACTERS.

Now, would you say that it's all coincedence that these particular movies all have five main characters? Perhaps. But isn't that the beauty of watching these awesome flicks? to be able to notice uniquely different filmaking styles, and to be able to decipher what they mean, or at least try to anyway??? I personally thinks so!!!

While I don't know why Takashi-san would specifically choose to direct a movie with five main characters, I do know that he focuses his directing attention to the superb storyline of his movies, past and present. FLOWER & SNAKE is no exception.

The movie's plot is very simple and easy to follow, which is why it is so easy to be able to actually care about the characters especially Shizuko, the professional tango dancer, the beautiful trophy wife of one of Tokyo's youngest sucessful CEO's.

Unfortunately for Shizuko, she manages to catch the desires of Ippei the aging 95 year old perverted Yakuza leader who orders his right hand man Endo to do whatever it takes to get her to be his private sex slave in order to quench his perverted sexual desires.

Endo goes about it by blackmailing Takayoshi, Shizuko's selfish, and somewhat caring husband. Endo demands Takayoshi to pay his debt to the Yakuza by giving his wife Shizuko to them...and so the plot thickens!!!

You can pretty much foretell what happens to Shizuko at this point!
Let's just say she gets subjected to some of the most perverted sexual exploitations ever filmed!!! It's almost porn-like, but done with taste! If that makes any sense!

Aya Sugimoto, has to be credited for this film because she endures painful bondage scenes. Not to mention many scenes that has her in a rather very precarious, and compromising position. There are scenes where she is completely suspended in mid-air while both her hands, feet, and mouth are bounded, and gagged. Other scenes where she is both tied up on a large bamboo stick while she gets gang-raped by 20-30 Japanese men, absolutely dreadful, and disheartning.

There are various scenes of golden showers, sexual tortures, as well as lesbianism. The movie really explores all the deep human sexual desires, and manages to show the viewer these very erotic scenes executed with a tasteful manner.

Shizuko, coming from a very well brought-up background, who gets subjected into the very raw nature of human sexual psyche. You'll see the change that happens within each of the five main characters. It's really well thought out, and Takashi-san has done a superb job in the execution of this Japanese re-make.

The original Japanese movie, adapted by Oniroku Dan's novel was released in 1974.
Takashi Ishii does the original movie justice, in fact he surpasses the original with his unique vision, and flare. The casting of FLOWER & SNAKE is excellent. Aya Sugimoto is the perfect actress to play Shizuko, because she has a very innocent appearance while deep inside she has a very reserved rage waiting to be unleashed.

FLOWER & SNAKE packs a serious wallop. While it's not for everyone, anyone who has appreciation for character, and plot development. As well as a very solid storyline, and superb acting, not to mention sexual scenes done in a tasteful manner, will definitely enjoy this Japanese Exploitation Film for sexual, and sensual senses.

RUNNING SCARED

Country: United States
Release Year: 2006
Genre: Action / Suspense / Crime / Gunplay / Thriller
Language Format: English
Running Time: 122 minutes

[Cast]
Paul Walker
Cameron Bright
Vera Farmiga
Karel Roden
Ivana Milicevic
Johnny Messner
Chazz Palminteri
Alex Neuberger
Michael Cudlitz
John Noble

[Writer / Director]
Wayne Kramer

From the moment that I saw the trailer for RUNNING SCARED (2006) late last year, I knew it was going to be something special. Now you might ask what did I see in the trailer that got me to want to see this Hollywood flick? Well...It was the Hong Kong style action, and gunplay. I love gritty crime action suspense flicks and this one looked pretty damn cool!!!

Now I know what some of you may think...I am cautious as well in watching Hollywood flicks that has an Asian Cinema influence. But not to worry because...

...luckily for us action fans...this RUNNING SCARED, delivered!!!

I have no idea who and where director Wayne Kramer came from...and I don't care!
As long as he keeps making movies like RUNNING SCARED, he's welcome to stay here in Tinseltown. Who ever he is, I anticipate his future projects because his masterful storytelling in RUNNING SCARED is absolutely brilliant!!!

From the intense opening scene he quickly grabs the viewers fickled attention, and holds it hostage for the next 122 minutes. If you are familiar with both Asian Cinema style action, and Tony Scott style of filmaking you'll quickly understand what type of movies the director Wayne Kramer has been watching, and studying for a while because it will definitely show as you watch this awesome flick!

The action scenes, and the gunplay is truly spectacular, and very graphic as the buckshots whizz past your ears. So does the bodies, and body parts, blood, and gore.
The pacing of the movie is flawless. The construct is no doubt well concieved.

You can definitely tell Mr. Kramer did his homework. The excellent use of overlaying flashbacks, slow motion, and obvious exaggerated action scenes is executed with absolute grace. Borrowing excellent ideas from asian cinema influence as well as crazy intoxicating cinema-style cinematography from acclaimed director Tony Scott MAN ON FIRE (2004)

But what good is the action scenes if it isn't backed up by a decent storyline? Well my friends let me tell you...

...the quality of the story, and the pace of the movie is excellent.

The MacGuffin here...is a snub nosed .38 This very distinct shiny piece is what will drive the whole movie, and all the characters in it. The movie starts by Joey played with psychotic authority by Paul Walker losing the aforementioned .38 revolver. A piece used to whack someone important that if found by either a rival mafia family, or the cops Joey will surely be done for.

That's pretty much the premise of the plot.

The whole movie revolves around that .38 as its passed from one crooked hand to the next. Almost all the time Joey has just missed it, and such. It's really a suspenseful cinematic experience!

It's a crazy paced movie because every gritty scene is marvelously shot. It's almost poetic like, in a sense that it completely grabs your attention. Paul Walker really surprised me with his performance here. Before seeing him in this flick, I just thought of him as a pretty boy in Hollywood. Now I know this dude can hold his own. He did an excellent performance in this flick. Hollywood Veteran Chazz Palminteri fits the bill as a dirty cop whose job is to make Jake's thug life a living hell!

Also worth mentioning is the awesome sub story this movie contains. It's almost as if it's a little bonuse-a little extra to the already complex, but absorbing storyline. An absolute crazy, gritty, whacked out, thrill-ride of a movie!!!

The soundtrack used in RUNNING SCARED is nothing short of amazing. It really helped stir the already crazy world Jake lives in, and the unique characters that revolves around it.

RUNNING SCARED is a visual l'imagerie for the eyes, ears, and nerves.
This is Hollywood at its best!!!
Don't miss this one fellas. Truly spectacular filmaking!!!