Based on the events at the end of the Han Dynasty in China leading to the period called the Three Kingdoms period; John Woo returns to Asian Cinema to bring one of the greatest turning points in that period, the Battle of Red Cliff, to the big screen. How big a deal is this? This is the most expensive Chinese movie to date estimated at $80 million dollars to produce. Big name actors from Chow Yun Fat, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai had all been cast once to play these important historical figures.
The movie adaptation is based on the events at the Red Cliff (Chi Bi) where the outcome decided the fate of the end of Han and creation of the three separate kingdoms; the Shu, Wei and Wu. The events leading to this great battle is interesting enough to carry a film of epic proportions that even John Woo has made this movie into two separate parts with the first one being released this month. This is also the second movie based on the Three Kingdoms in 2008; which I have high expectations for. The other movie starred Andy Lau and Sammo Hung; and that was a disaster and a complete let down in terms of plot and acting. I seriously hope John Woo’s Red Cliff (Chi Bi) will not let me down.
Continue reading ‘The tale of Red Cliff saga begins’
How many of you remember Chow Yun Fat’s God of Gambler? I do. It was during a time period where Hong Kong movies just churned out gambling movie after gambling movie. It was the golden age of Hong Kong flicks I would say. Seriously; it was a mix of mafioso mixed with gambling and comedy.
As I was stumbling around the net looking for images, I found this God of Gambler relationship chart detailing how everyone was tied to each other somehow. Interesting chart to say nonetheless.
Continue reading ‘The God of Gambler Family Tree’
Hello all! As usual, I get an inside look at some cool events where I work. This weekend happens to be the IMATS. Not sure what it stands for but it is makeup related. I know it simply as the Video Makeup Artist Show and it is not just your normal makeup you pick up at the local Sephora. These are heavy makeup for photography or the ones you see in movies.
I am actually not attending this expo but did get a few snap shots of some of the models on display for this expo. Hope you enjoy all the pictures. Click each thumbnail for the full size image: Continue reading ‘Better than the Hollywood wax museum…’
Starring an all-star cast with Jet Li (Hero, Forbidden Kingdom), Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs) and Takeshi Kaneshiro (House of Flying Daggers); this movie is set during the Qing Dynasty when Empress Dowager Cixi ruled the lands of China. The story is about a lost general meeting local bandits to rejoin the army to find greatness and glory. Among other things, a brotherhood is formed like the three muscatels except due to selfishness and drama; it all gets broken down. Betrayal, control, obsession. All characters are developed well and acted wonderfully. I cannot find much complaint.
The film is currently available on YouTube and here is the first part to get you started: Continue reading ‘The Warlords’
I have been trying to compile a list of movies that had memorable movie scores to it. Several come to mind such as The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, Titanic, etc. However, I think my personal top 5 movies with amazing music soundtrack scores are the following:
| Rudy |
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The first time I saw this movie was in my sociology class. Didn’t think too much of the movie at the time, except that this is the ultimate underdog movie and I shared a name with the movie’s title. I think the musical score stood out the most and made this movie a whole lot better. Very dramatic indeed. |
| Requiem for a Dream |
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I saw this my first year in college recommended by my roommate. Movie was awesome and musical soundtrack made it unbelievable. Yes, the change of seasons, the psychedelic theme, and probably because I was under the influence made this movie and soundtrack especially memorable. To this day, I can still feel chills when I hear the violin from the main theme. |
| The Last Samurai |
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I saw this movie twice in the theaters. It wasn’t an especially great story; although I thought the movie’s cinematography and costumes were awesome. Add the musical score in the background, it just played over and over in my head. Must be my fondness toward Japanese culture and the Meiji period, due to watching one too many Kenshin episodes. |
| Cruel Intentions |
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Movie wasn’t impressive. Soundtrack impressed me. I really did not pay too much attention to the story; at the time Sarah Michelle Gellar was pretty hot but after watching her nose for too long; it became annoying. The background musical score made the mood though. It is one of the tougher to find soundtracks out there. I believe it is from the same composer of Requiem for a Dream. |
| The Rock |
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Awesome characters, awesome plot, awesome movie! Period. How can you not like Sean Connery’s character in this movie; the only man to escape Alcatraz? Also, listen to the music that plays in the background. Everything goes with whats going on the screen perfectly. Especially the scene between Sean Connery meets his in-movie daughter. |
Continue reading ‘Movies with amazing musical scores’
Based on the events at the end of the Han Dynasty in China leading to the period called the Three Kingdoms period; John Woo returns to Asian Cinema to bring one of the greatest turning points in that period, the Battle of Red Cliff, to the big screen. How big a deal is this? This is the most expensive Chinese movie to date estimated at $80 million dollars to produce. Big name actors from Chow Yun Fat, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai had all been cast once to play these important historical figures.
