8 Movies for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is around the corner, and… well, there are many different kinds of dads out there. To assume that every one of them enjoy sitting down to stuff like The Pursuit Of Happyness is downright bias, because “dad” doesn’t define age groups. Any guy between puberty and death has potential to be a father, and that’s a huge spectrum to take into account.

Below is a list of eight movies to choose from that we hope would cover this large demographic, and they’ve been chosen based on three things: 1. they’re actually decent, 2. they all have the highest censorship rating of M18, meaning you won’t have that big a problem watching it with the dad, and 3. they cover a good range of genres.

The Pursuit Of Happyness (PG)
Biography, Drama
An obligatory entry, this. A bit too honeyed up for this writer, and never quite meets its potential. Sorry folks, Will Smith and Jaden Smith may make a sweet father-son pair, but they don’t make nearly as interesting a movie. Recommended only if you’ve seen everything else on this list.

Finding Nemo (G)
Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Because like anything that has to do with Disney, this one features a lead character with a dead/missing/non-existing mom. Sorry man, it’s Father’s Day we’re celebrating. Other than that: what rock have you been living under not to have heard the hype about this six years ago?

Outlander (M18 for Violence and Some Gore, but they’re just exaggerating)
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Fathering a kid may change a guy’s perspective and all that, but heeeeey, it’s a monster movie! That isn’t Godzilla! Outlander has a good story going on, and despite its low budget, isn’t a complete basket case visually. The CGI is decent, and the monster looks terrifying enough. It even glows in the dark! Oh, and it kills a bunch of people. Highly recommended for those with a taste for action and good old monster hunting, especially so when free-to-air TV has more or less broadcasted every other monster flick there is to broadcast. PG monster movies are silly, so why not rent an M18 one for the kick?

War Of The Worlds (PG)
Action, Adventure, Sci-fi, Thriller
Now, if you have a dad who’s fond of classics, we don’t actually recommend this. If you have a dad who loves Sci-Fi and alien invasion-type films, then hell yes! This one’s pretty badass and haunting, and frankly it’s surprising to see it under the PG tag. It can leave you a little psychologically scarred if you’re below the age of fourteen, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Fido (NC16 for Some Gory Scenes)
Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance
Got a dad who likes the unconventional? Fido’s about taming zombies, and there are not a lot of movies that feature tamed zombies doing household chores. It’s a breath of fresh air, and it’s funny too. Lots of fake blood and effects, but seeing how half of it doesn’t look painfully real, there’s nothing to fear.

Ip Man (PG for Fighting Scenes. Thanks for stating the obvious.)
Action, Biography, Drama, History
It’s a kung-fu movie. Actually it’s Wing Chun, but that isn’t the point. The point is, there’s fighting! Dudes love fighting, right? Useful if you’ve run out of Jackie Chan movies.

King Kong (PG for Some Intense Sequences)
Adventure, Romance
It’s Peter Jackson’s version we’re talking here. Which means you can treat your dad to an updated version of Kong where he isn’t a toy climbing up a five inch skyscraper model.

[Rec] (NC16 for Some Gore and Coarse Language)
Drama, Horror, Thriller
Our wild card: he may love you or hate you for this. It’s scary, and then it’s good. Word of warning: it’s in Spanish. Sure, get the U.S English remake Quarrantine if you must, but it just isn’t as crazy as the original. You may want to empty your bladder and grab a few pillows first, though.

The Sniper Press Conference

You’d think only presidents were entitled to exaggerated security and media attention. Nope! Edison Chen gets it too. Despite the pouring rain this afternoon, men in black, local and foreign media gathered at The Grand Hyatt hotel, honing in on three Very Important Peoples: Richie Jen, Edison Chen and Dante Lam. They are the lead cast and director of the Hong Kong action thriller, The Sniper. The sheer reception of the press conference by local and overseas paparazzi is enough to make your head spin – it sure made mine. You could tell that amongst the reporters, some were paparazzi by day, and fans by night.

To handle the crowd, two DJs from YES 9.33 FM (Cruz Teng and Wu Shu Ma Li) were present to host the press conference as opposed to the usual one. They made quick work of welcoming the press and talking about the film, at the same time explaining why there were two of them this time – Wu Shu Ma Li would play the part of a translator. Not too long after, the stars and director made their appearance amid camera flashes and applause.

Wasting no time (and time was definitely short with a tight schedule to follow), the host promptly got to the point, giving the director a chance to give a few selling points of the movie. “Aside from the action, the movie is really about the characters and their relationships with one another. The characters go through changes in a somewhat dark setting, so despite the physical shootouts they engage once in a while, it’s their story that counts.” To which Jen had to add, “It was one of my most physical roles. The stunts were pretty dangerous and there was a lot of pressure to get it right.”

Which, speaking of stunts, led to the host’s next question: Were there any injuries sustained during the course of the shoot?

“No, not really. It was quite safe; there were many precautions and rehearsals. Actually it was exciting to me, I got to train with a real sniper for my role,” says Chen.

“The director hired a HK sniper and we had a crash course on how a sniper would behave. It was quite difficult… snipers are trained to be steady so there were many times when I had to stay still in one position.”

“And we had to train in a place with a lot of mosquitoes! It was pure hardship!” jokes Jen.

On his character, Chen mentioned how he had to reshoot many takes because the director told him he wasn’t steady enough for a sniper. “My character and I… we have our own opinions about things, but we’re still willing to try out new suggestions,” Chen also added, when asked to note similarities between himself and his character.

How does it feel like carrying a gun? Jen says he has a different opinion now, compared to when he was a child. “Guns can kill. When I carried real guns in the army, I felt stressed. When I was young I thought it was manly and brave, now put a gun in my hand and I feel responsible for someone’s life.”

“Haha, when I was young the only guns I ever played with was water guns. Sniper guns are different from hand guns, I had to train a long time to handle them correctly,” adds Chen.

The press conference took an uncomfortable turn when a reporter asked how Chen felt about The Sniper being his first movie “comeback” since the photo scandal. Clearly dreading the question, Chen gave a sigh and said, “It’s not an “Edison Chen” movie; it’s a movie where a lot of people have put in effort making. Give the movie a chance, try to forget my past mistakes and think about The Sniper, not the actor.”

Asked if he’d be willing to work with the actresses involved in the scandal in future roles, Chen looked exasperated, before being thrown a lifeline by the host who quickly reminded the press to ask questions relevant to the movie. D’oh!

(First published at InCinemas)

5 Actors Who Should Retire

1. Steve Martin

He hasn’t starred in a decent film in a long time. Cheaper by the Dozen? Really? Cheaper by the Dozen 2? The Pink Panther? I know there are many, many mediocre films out there, but most of them don’t star old men past their prime. Steve Martin needs to lay down his torch before he sets himself on fire.

2. Richard Gere

I know what you’re about to say. “Stop being prejudiced against aging actors!” Well… no. It’s not like I said Jeremy Irons, or Michael Caine, both fine, charming actors improving with age. Richard Gere’s bland, a face I recall only because they played that Visa commercial one time too many. This dude has had the luck to star alongside much better actors in his (better) films, so hell yes, I’m discrediting all the movies he made that actually were good. Time to leave the industry, you hitchhiker!

3. Sarah Jessica Parker

Another talentless person way past her expiration date in Hollywood. For the benefit of all her female fans, let it be known that her so-called “fashion sense”, or “high fashion”, or whatever the hell you call wearing a garden on your head, isn’t exactly a hit with the opposite sex. People, she looks like a horse. When you look like a horse, the last thing you want to do is call attention to yourself, fashion or (non-)acting wise. It’s something else if you’re hideous but a real convincing actor, SJP isn’t even any good at her job. One can only pull off looking good for a while – yes, I’m talking to you too, Jessica Alba. Go away!

4. Nicolas Cage

Isn’t anyone tired just looking at him?

5. Jennifer Aniston

I’m probably a bit harsh on her for this, but soreness isn’t a very good motivation. I for one am convinced she’s only sticking around to be a thorn in Pitt/Jolie’s side, and the John Mayor hoo-ha is very, freaking annoying. Hey, she admitted it herself that she needed to stay in shape to get roles. When you’re this reliant on your figure, it can only mean you suck at actually acting, right? Get a move on, make coffee at Starbucks or something.

(First published at InCinemas)

81st Academy Awards Two Cents

Now that I’ve been fed and watered for lunch, it’s time to get talking about the Oscars. Because, like, my opinion matters.

The parody of Joaquin Phoenix was uncalled for.

It was mean, unfunny, and uncomfortable, and don’t say I don’t have a sense of humour. I couldn’t make out who it was behind all that fake beard, but I’ve a nagging suspicion it was Ben Stiller. Correct me if I’m wrong. Whatever the case – and I’m not being a preacher of good morals here – I did not appreciate the jabs made at the expense of a guy who may or may not be on drugs/possessed/insane. I mean, I thought it crossed the line.

On a lighter note: WTF, Hugh Jackman?!?! I don’t know if “LOL” would be an appropriate response since I’ve known the actor to be cool, and er, Wolverine-ish, so ripping away his sideburns and having him sing and dance looks a little funny to me. I still can’t figure if this is a good or a bad thing, though I do know he is one brave man capable of making a fool out of himself. I mean, I haven’t had much exposure to Jackman’s work, other than the X-men movies.

Another highlight: James Franco ought to do hippie roles forever, period. I don’t think I can get tired of watching him in high “cocaine-snorter” mode. I enjoyed the entire segment with him and Seth Rogen, and that is a joke you laugh with, people. Not insensitive imitations of someone who may or may not be on drugs/possessed/insane. I mean, is Franco’s “I’m high” laughter contagious, or what?

As for my hardest-to-predict category, I’d say it was for Best Achievement in Sound Editing. Its nominees were Iron Man, Slumdog Millionaire, WALL-E, Wanted and The Dark Knight, and frankly I thought all of them were pretty good contenders. Perhaps the weakest here is Iron Man. Slumdog Millionaire was unique, WALL-Epractically had to rely on its soundtrack, Wanted was a pretty decent action flick if you ignore the Loom of Fate, and has The Dark Knight not garnered enough praise? It had, in my opinion, the most deserving set of nominees. Also, I don’t think anyone really wanted to hear the same few titles hogging the limelight, so Wanted and Iron Man were good surprises. I’ll tell you a secret: in my universe, Iron Man would fry Batman in a minute, and I’ll tell you why: he makes his own weapons, whereas Batman bullies someone else to do it.

Where was I? Oh, Best Achievement in Sound Editing. Well yes, so in the end Slumdog Millionairewon, and I think the best acceptance speech was made in this category, too:

“This is unbelievable.”

(pause)

“I can’t believe it.”

(pause)

“This is not just a sound award. It’s history handed to me.”

And indeed it is. How many Hindi films can you say swept Oscars?

Last of all: Is it me or does Kate Winslet look like she aged a century over the past few years? I actually felt… alarmed at her wrinkles, I think I kind of went, “Let her win, oh god, she looks so tired and hopeful, come on!” Fine, it was a sympathy thing, but hey, I thought it was time she went home with one. I particularly enjoyed her shampoo bottle speech. It was a simple analogy, but not at all hard to identify with. (“…[during her childhood] this [Oscar] would have been a shampoo bottle. But it’s not a shampoo bottle now.”) 

Powerful.

(First published at InCinemas)

10 Memorable Movie Shots

Let me begin by saying my mind works on a freeze-frame basis. If I like something, it doesn’t go away. My brain doesn’t let it – it captures that moment, and freezes it, and puts in a special box with “Things To Be Remembered, And I Don’t Mean To-Do Lists” stamped on it. The following are shots and sequences from movies that struck me as awesome the first time, and stuck around long after.

These shots and sequences have been preserved for their own reasons, but mostly they were either very unique shots I’ve never personally seen applied anywhere else, or are just too good to be forgotten.

(HERE BE SPOILERS FOR THE MOVIES LISTED, duh)

In no particular order:

1. Milk
Whistle scene – an assault (and investigation) framed entirely in a whistle’s reflection, and this said whistle belonged to the victim, who tried to blow on it for assistance. What irony to witness it all on the shiny exterior of something supposed to save you! The cut to the next scene was just as brilliant, it was something as simple as an officer picking the whistle up. Fingers closing around this “scurrying glass” is as good a dismissal as any wipe or cut.

2. Slumdog Millionaire
The scene towards the beginning of the film, after Jamal and other kids are dispersed by two cops. As they run through an alleyway, we see all this from the perspective of a dog – not dog dog like in werewolf movies where you get a lot of CGIed vision nonsense – but stray dog, meaning it was lying on the ground to the left of the screen, looking indifferently at the racket passing by. The camera brings us to ground level, close to the dog’s head, and the dog’s eye and profile was just… beautiful. Mostly it was the glassy eye focusing on each of the children. I know I just made it sound creepy, but watch out for it. You probably won’t have to, since it grabs you they way it’s so unique, anyway.

3. The Dark Knight
The part where the Joker’s leaning out of the driver’s window, licking his lips and savouring the wind in his hair? Chilling.

4. Slumdog Millionaire
Last shot before credits. Actually I would have to say the first and last shots of the film, since they’re related. They’re one of those shots that give you a very real sense of closure. The first shot goes something like, “Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it? A) He cheated. B) He’s lucky. C) He’s a genius. D) It is written. And when “D. It is written” appears at the end of the movie, I’ll tell you – I felt a sense of enlightenment, the way “it is destined” still manages to send shivers down my spine no matter how cliched and overused that phrase is. My favourite part is how it jumps out and grabs you because the font is so tiny, and the way it’s almost out of frame, and unexpected. When you have to sit through two hours in a cinema, and witness practically the life journey of someone, it’s easy to forget the very first frame. These two scenes bring new meaning to the phrase “come full circle” indeed.

5. Ratatouille
When Anton Ego tastes his first mouthful of Remy’s ratatouille. Any other person would be thinking “fireworks display” and “seeing stars!” to describe good food, but POW! It takes Ego all the way back to his childhood. I can’t begin to describe how powerful that scene was.

6. Slumdog Millionaire
I know, I know, this list might as well be dedicated to the film, but there are just too many good things worth praising in there. “B.” written on misty glass in the bathroom deserves an honorable mention for creative editing, because it made me sit up and go, “Wait, “B.”? What’s “B.”? Did I miss something?” It acted like a hook to my attention, it made my neurons start firing! And I really appreciate a film that doesn’t insult my intelligence. I got teased, and it felt good. And then right after that bathroom scene, the answer finally hit when we got back to Jamal in the hot seat, with the multiple-choice question and its options superimposed on him. Of course! “B.” was the answer! (Literally and figuratively, too.) It was a hint given to him! And that satisfaction of having the answer hit home. You could see everyone else whispering in the cinema, some understanding, and some murmuring in confusion. There was audience involvement, and I loved it.

7. Pride And Glory
True, the movie kind of sucked, but that scene with Colin Farrell and the baby and the iron? It was nerve-wrecking, and deserved a horror movie made in its name.

8. Rabbit WIthout Ears
One of the best rom coms there ever was. Now, my expectations for this genre are pretty low, so this was a good surprise. The ending was more cheeky than romantic, and the taxi scene? Priceless. “Everybody gets to meet everybody else twice in their lives.” I don’t know how true this is, but in this case, it’s valid, and is both funny and romantic – something we don’t see too often in rom coms.

9. United 93
Cut to black has never been this appropriate.

10. Ratatouille
The scene where every rat had to conceal themselves and pretend to be part of the floor tiles in the kitchen? Brilliant.

Pity Hollywood hardly knows who he is

Guide To Oscar Predictions

If there is anything to learn from watching award ceremonies, it’s that there is no such thing as a universally good film. Awards are all about bell-curves and relativity, the way grades in school aren’t really a good judge of a person’s intelligence or achievement. It depends, unfortunately, on how well or badly everyone else around you did. But while this system is flawed, it is quite impossible to judge one’s merit – quality or talent – any other way.

Why do we say this? Simply because films that win awards at one ceremony hardly ever win in another (we’re referring to ceremonies that actually matter). Take The Golden Globes and The Academy Awards, for example. It is this observation, this pattern, that has led movie fanatics and critics to identify other patterns that may present a clue as to who and which film will go home with a golden statue in hand.

History, after all, is fond of repeating itself.

But say you haven’t been following the Golden Globes, or the Oscars, for the past ten years. Yet you’ve just made a bet with someone, convinced quality is quality, that something you enjoyed watching would certainly be recognised at one of the most prestigious (if not the MOST prestigious) ceremonies celebrating the film industry. That’ll probably happen in your universe, but not so much in a competitive world where everything from promotional activities to the end product counts. People’s reputations are at stake here. Some films were even made with the motivation of winning, hence the term “Oscar bait”. There’s tough competition. Face it, that five bucks you put down probably isn’t going to return to your pocket.

No point crying over spilt milk – here are some Oscar prediction tips to help you make a better informed choice next time.

 

 

The flashier the better

This is kind of the reason how the term “Oscar bait” came about. Is the movie about gays? Transsexuals? Someone handicapped? A mentally challenged person? Someone with an obsessive-compulsive disorder? They’ll usually win something – people often have a fascination with the unusual and the controversial.

Travelling back in time

All part of the nostalgia, for those above the age of 45 – and part of the fascination, for those under. Period pieces practically buy their Oscars – they just need to hire enough historians and art directors to make something look authentically vintage. If you’re accurate and flamboyant enough, you’ll probably bag all the art and design awards. 

Sympathy win

This is reserved only for actors who’ve risen from their ashes, returned from the dead, you name it. Spent the last ten years battling a drug problem? Here’s a statue to prove that Oscar voters have a heart, even if it means they just feel sorry for you.

Release dates

The memory factor comes into play – films released nearer (but before, obviously) to the Oscars are fresher in voters’ minds, and tend to be movies released after September. Silence of the Lambs (released February in the USA) and Forrest Gump (released July) are some exceptions.

Hair colour

Now this calls for a dumb blonde joke, and I know hair colour these days are just a matter of which dye one decides to pour on one’s scalp, but out of the 40 winners of acting over the past 10 years, only six were blond at the time when they won Oscars.

Older men, younger women

Yep.

Best Animated Feature Film

This category was introduced for the first time in 2001, and to date, five Pixar animated films have been nominated for the category, three of which won the title. Pixar’s closest competitor is Dreamworks SKG, whose titles were nominated five times, two of which won the title. You don’t need to be a genius to know that WALL-E will win this year, however.

Best Picture + Screenplay

The history of this happening aren’t that many, but hey, it’s logical. A good screenplay means everyone gets to work with quality material. Sure, you need a competent director and a good cast, but take this into consideration if you’re really desperate.

OMG, the bulb glows!

I’ve decided to try something new! You know that elation (or bitterness) you get after watching a movie? The one that either wows you or makes you feel disgusted, the one that clouds your judgement? Well, I’ve discovered a way to combat it.

Okay, not really, but I wanna try this. To give a movie the actual, unclouded-by-emotion rating it deserves, I’m going to re-write a second review post first-impression. This is how it’s going to work: The first review will reflect how I feel about the movie right after having watched it, and the second will reflect how I feel after settling down, and thinking the movie over (say, after a week). Because, you know, I really hate the feeling that I either gave too good/bad a review for some of them. There’s such a thing as having something grow on you – the Nick Carter and Justin Timberlake war is your evidence. It’s one thing feeling something is explosively, massively awesome, and another realising that it really isn’t all that great later on. BUT, I will only do this for movies I think deserve the second treatment.

Also, some movies make me re-watch them, and therefore I’m introducing a new rating: Perishability. Not that my current reviews have any ratings (I’m going to add them), but yeah. I think perishability is a good indicator of good movies. Are they rewatchable? Awesome only on first viewing? Or evergreen nasty? Yes, I think this is a terrific idea. Honestly, I do. Applaud me.

Now, re-writing is going to take a while, so don’t expect too much for the time being. I understand that people in general have shitty attention spans, so don’t worry, the second review is going to be short. You don’t actually think I’m THAT willing to write as long a review as the first, do you?

Chinese New Year Movies Releasing in 2009

And very silently, the Rat slinks away, back into the darkness whence it came. In almost an instant – faster than the eye can blink – a strapping figure takes its place. A stark contrast to the tiny figure of the rodent, this one comes extra large, and extra loud. It bellows, “OH MY GOODNESS, it’s been twelve years since I last got 365 days to my name!” and that’s how we know it’s the year of the Ox, people. 

At InCinemas.sg, we believe that there’s bound to be a movie for every occasion. Distributors and filmmakers believe this too, so to keep things short, we present to you movies coming out around the corner you may want to check out after you’ve collected all that ang pow money.

All’s Well End’s Well 2009

Releasing: 22 January 2009

Starring: Louis Koo, Ronald Cheng, Sandra Ng, Raymond Wong

(Anyone noticed the punctuation error on the theatrical posters? I could launch into a debate about whether or not this is intentional à la The Pursuit Of Happyness, but I truly think this is a genuine error there, and one I can’t ignore even though it’s making me go a little off-point. Ahem.)

 The third sequel following the 1992 Box Office success All’s Well Ends Well (1992), this 2009 version is centered around Yu Chu (Sandra Ng), a cranky and demanding 40 year-old magazine editor whose brother is persuading to get married. This is because he wants to tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend, but tradition has it that a younger sibling cannot get married before the eldest daughter has wed. He then hires a relationship expert (read: womanizer) to seduce his sister, only things go wrong the way things always do in romance comedies.

Why watch it: This film already has a history of being a Chinese New Year movie. Experience is one thing it has.

Love Matters

Releasing: 22 January 2009

Starring: Mark Lee, Henry Thia, Marcus Chin

Love Matters is a movie revolving around three main protagonists – 52 year old Tan Bo Seng, 17 year old Benny, his teenage son, and 36 year old Jeremy, Bo Seng’s ‘adopted’ brother – and their accidental journey in seeking and keeping love and happiness.

Why watch it: You can cart the whole family into the cinema – this one has generation gaps all figured out.

The Wedding Game

Releasing: 25 January 2009

Starring: Fann Wong, Christopher Lee

Directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham and originally called “Wedding Of The Year” – which I personally found more straightforward – The Wedding Game is a comedy and a “making-of” of the year’s most anticipated celebrity wedding (you ought to know which one). Fann Wong plays Vikki, who is proposed to by Jack (Christopher Lee. Honestly, they could have just used their real names and saved me the trouble) during the live telecast of a regional awards show. Surprised but happy, Vikki accepts – much to the delight of the public who has been following and rooting for the two superstars’ much publicized romance.

Why watch it: The last line of the previous paragraph tells you as much. People are going to talk about it, so you want to be in the know, just in case.

Noticed how two out of these three films are about weddings and finding eternal bliss and happiness? If you didn’t get a chance to spread the love around on Christmas, God has given you a second chance. Me? Any public holiday is a reason to smile.

(First published at InCinemas)

Asian Movies Releasing In The First Quarter Of 2009

Remember John Woo’s war movie last year? The one big on strategy and human-gutting? The one they called Red Cliff? We’re willing to bet you were balling your hands into fists when the “To Be Continued…” crawled across the screen, teasing you into shelling yet another $8.50 to see the real conclusion. Well, it’s back. Red Cliff 2 will see a release in local cinemas in the first quarter of 2009, but first, here’s a list of other Asian titles coming out during that time as well:

1. Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea (1 January)

Cconsisting of a record 170,000 hand drawn images and a box office record of over US$153 million in Japan, Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea is the 9th film from acclaimed animation directors, Hayao Miyazaki. Revolving around the relationship between a five year old boy Sosuke and an extraordinary goldfish called Ponyo, the two are thrown into an adventure when Ponyo’s decision to give up her underwater life creates a crack in an ancient magic spell, placing the world in danger.

Cast: Yuria Nara, Hiroki Doi, Jôji Tokoro, Tomoko Yamaguchi, Yuki Amami, Kazushige Nagashima, Akiko Yano

2. Lady Cop And Papa Crook (1 January)

This Hong Kong crime comedy written and directed by Felix Chong and Alan Mak creates an alliance of people from opposite sides of the law. Sammi Cheng plays a police officer who has to investigate the kidnapping of the son of a corrupt red diesel kingpin, and a common enemy brings about the unlikely partnership of cops and criminals.

Cast: Sammi Cheng, Eason Chan

3. Ong Bak 2 (8 January)

Starring Tony Jaa who plays a young man out for revenge against a rival tribe after he is saved from slavery, Ong Bak 2 may carry the same leading star and title as the first Ong Bak movie, but features a completely different story. Set in a semi-fictional ancient Thailand, Tony Jaa’s character is trained to unify the different styles of martial arts before going on a murderous spree.

Cast: Tony Jaa, Pongpat Wachirabunjong, Nirut Sirichanya, Janista Choochuaisuwan, Patthama Panthong

4. Red Cliff 2 (9 January)

Directed by action veteran John Woo, this second part of Red Cliff, or The Battle Of Red Cliff, is an epic war film based on events during the end of the Han Dynasty and prior to the period of the Three Kingdoms in ancient China.

Cast: Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Chang Chen, Lin Chiling

5. Chandni Chowk To China (15 January)

This Bollywood action-comedy is about a simple cook from Chandni Chowk mistaken for the reincarnation of an ancient peasant warrior Liu Shengh by residents of an oppressed Chinese village. This is also Bollywood’s first movie to be set in China.

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Chia Hui Liu, Deepika Padukone, Mithun Chakraborty, Roger Yuan

6. Hello Schoolgirl (12 February)

A South Korean romance comedy adapted from a popular webcomic by Kang Full explores the relationship between two couples who have a wide age gap.

Cast: Ji-Tae Yu, Yeon-Hee Lee, Jeong-An Chae, Kang In

7. Look For A Star (12 February)

Starring Andy Lau as a millionaire who falls in love with a casino dealer played by Shu Qi, who also happens to be a full-time cabaret dancer. This Hong Kong romance comedy was shot at  MGM Grand Macau.

Cast: Andy Lau, Shu Qi

8. K-20 (12 February)
Set in an alternate world where ninety percent of Japan’s wealth is controlled by a small sliver of the aristocracy, the Fiend is a sort of Robin Hood figure who steals from the rich. Kaneshiro plays a circus acrobat falsely set up as the Fiend who must escape from jail and track down the real thief to clear his name with the help of a beautiful police detective who is being targeted by the real thief.

Cast: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Takako Matsu, Tôru Nakamura, Kyusaku Shimada

(First published at InCinemas)