Quantcast
Channel: AsianCineFest
Viewing all 1893 articles
Browse latest View live

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of CELESTIAL METHOD

$
0
0

A long forgotten pact between friends will reawaken memories of a strange girl from an even stranger place in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, Celestial Method. This fantasy slice of life series is directed by Masayuki Sakoi (Needless, Princess Resurrection) with original character designs by QP: flapper (MM!, Oreimo 2), art direction by Hiromu Itou (Golden Time, Azumanga Daioh) and animation production by Studio 3Hz.

It’s been seven years since an unusual saucer mysteriously appeared in the sky above Kiriya Lake. With no one knowing what this strange object was or where it came from, concern and panic spread amongst the people. But as time went on this occurrence went from oddity to tourist attraction. Before long, the world lost interest entirely, and the saucer remained nearly forgotten in the sky. Now, former resident Nonoka Komiya returns to the small town after seven years in Tokyo. With only vague memories of her time in the town, the appearance of a spritely girl named Noel causes Nonoka to slowly remember wishes she and four of her friends made in an old observatory. After time lost, a new age begins as friends look forward to making new memories in Celestial Method.

Celestial Method will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

November Updates for VIZ's Neon Alley Anime Free Streaming Platform

$
0
0
 VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS SUBSTANTIAL NOVEMBER UPDATE
FOR NEON ALLEY ANIME FREE STREAMING PLATFORM

Premieres For COPPELION And NARUTO SHIPPUDEN SPIN OFF: ROCK LEE,
New SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Subtitled Episodes, And Updates For
BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, RANMA ½ And More!!

VIZ Media opens November with a new update for its Neon Alley free anime streaming platform that features a wide array of exciting new additions and episodes.

Notable new additions this month include the complete post-apocalyptic sci-fi action series COPPELION (Episodes 1-13), English dubbed for the first time, which will join the already available subtitled complete series on November 27th and will be available in the U.S. via Neon Alley, Hulu and Hulu Plus for a limited time. COPPELION takes place in the not-so-distant future as a catastrophic event has turned the old capital of Japan into a wasteland, forever changing the lives of its people. Decades later, three schoolgirls set foot into the now forsaken city. They are the Coppelion, genetically engineered humans created by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces to operate under the lethal conditions of the contaminated city. Trained since birth, the girls must use all of their skills and resources to carry out their one and only mission: to rescue those left behind.

Also making its exclusive Neon Alley English dub debut will be the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime spin-off comedy series, ROCK LEE AND HIS NINJA PALS (Episodes 1-13), available on November 28th to join the already available subtitled complete series consisting of 13 episodes. Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village, home to the famous Naruto Uzumaki, star of NARUTO/NARUTO SHIPPUDEN. Here, ninja train day and night to be able to carry out important missions. But wait! This show isn’t about Naruto, the mightiest ninja! It’s about Rock Lee, the one who can’t use ninjutsu at all!

Ninja action fans are also invited to catch the simulcasts of the latest subtitled NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes every Thursday. Visit www.NeonAlley.com for complete episodic details and airdates.

SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL fans can look forward to new episodes throughout November. SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL subtitled simulcast Episode 9, “Serenity Princess,” premieres on November 1st, followed by Episode 10, “Moon,” on November 15th. Two brand new subtitled episodes of SAILOR MOON will be added every Monday!

The latest Neon Alley monthly update is also augmented by nearly 100 additional episodes from other top-rated VIZ Media anime series including:

ACCEL WORLD
• Season 1, Set 2 (Episodes 13-24) of the edgy series launches on Neon Alley beginning on November 1st and blends a highly imaginative online game with real world impact that adds a new twist to one teen’s solution to being bullied.
• The entire series, Episodes 1-24, is also available subtitled on Neon Alley.

BLEACH
• English dubbed episodes 243–255 will be added to the current library of episodes of this action-packed series!
• Fans also can catch the entire series subtitled on Neon Alley (366 episodes total)!

NARUTO
• Neon Alley adds dubbed Episodes 53-65 of the original NARUTO anime series.
• With the newest addition, check out a total of 65 English dubbed episodes and the complete subtitled anime (all 220 episodes) series!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN
• Don’t miss simulcasts of the latest subtitled episodes of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN every Thursday in November beginning with Episode 385 on November 13th.
• Also enjoy the action-packed additions of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN English dubbed Episodes 13-18 bringing the total of available dubbed episodes of the series to over 100.

NURA RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN
• Catch Season 2, Episodes 14-26 available beginning on November 20th which now means you can watch the entire series dubbed! • The entire series comprising of two seasons with a total of 52 episodes, is now available subtitled on the streaming platform.

RANMA ½
• Enjoy the addition of 2 new dubbed RANMA ½ episodes each week throughout November beginning with Season 5, Episodes 111-112 on November 7th and every Friday thereafter.

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. with over 3,200 subtitled and English dubbed episodes and movies from more than 36 series! Neon Alley also reaches an expansive on-demand U.S.-based audience on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service, which enables viewers to watch shows anytime, anywhere across devices including Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) or PlayStation®4 (PS4™) systems Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu and Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.

Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.

WHY DON'T YOU PLAY IN HELL? opens today, Friday, November 7th

$
0
0
Drafthouse Films
presents
Why Don't You Play In Hell? / Jigoku de naze warui
Directed by Sion Sono
Japan, 2013, 129 minutes

Sion Sono's Why Don't You Play In Hell? opens today, Friday, November 7th at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin Texas and VOD. It's a hilarious movie in which an aspiring film crew and two gangs of yakuza who are at war with one another manage to all come together. The film will be opening in various other cities throughout November and into January, 2015. For a complete listing of theaters, cities and opening dates, as well as VOD platforms, click here.

Hirata (Hiroki Hasegawa)

Hirata (Hiroki Hasegawa) and is an aspiring filmmaker. He wants to make Sasaki (Tak Sakaguchi) an action film star, Japan's Bruce Lee. Other members of Hirata's crew -- known as The Fuck Bombers -- are Miki, "king of the dolly shots," and Tanigawa, "queen of hand-held shots."

On the yakuza side of things are the Muto faily, headed by Boss Taizo Muto (Jun Kunimura). His wife is Shizue (actress Tomochika). Their pert young daughter is Mitsuko, who does toothpaste commercials. Following an attempt on Boss Muto by the Kitagawa yakuza clan which Shizue thwarted, she is given a ten year prison sentence.


The film then picks up approximately ten years later, when Shizue's  release date is approaching. Mitsuko, now played by Fumi Nikaidô, wants to make her film debut. The conflict between Muto and Kitagawa is about to reach a bloody climax. And who better to document the carnage than Hirata and his Fuck Bombers?!

Why Don't You Play In Hell? is awesome fun, terrifically enjoyable. There are some fun cinematic references (Bruce Lee's yellow jumpsuit and a red balloon, for example).

Mitsuko, played by Fumi Nikaidô

The film was shown at Japan Society this past July as a co-presentation of the society's JAPAN CUTS film festival and the New York Asian Film Festival. Actress Fumi Nikaidô, who also starred in two other films shown at NYAFF, was presented with the festival's first Screen International Rising Star Award.

AsianCineFest Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; very highly recommended.

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of SHIROBAKO

$
0
0

A group of young girls will follow their dreams to make an anime of their very own in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, SHIROBAKO. This lighthearted comedy series about the trials and tribulations of anime production is directed by Tsutomu Mizushima (ANOTHER, Girls und Panzer) with series composition by Michiko Yokote (Genshiken, Princess Tutu), character designs by Kanami Sekiguchi (CANAAN, Tari Tari) and animation production by P.A. Works (Nagi no Asakura, Angel Beats!).

Synopsis: Aoi will never forget how she felt the day her high school animation club’s labor of love was shown at the cultural festival. The sense of awe and the feeling of accomplishment that came with completing their very first project are exactly what encouraged Aoi and her club mates to enter the animation industry in the first place.

But two years later Aoi has graduated, and now that she works as a production assistant for a big-name animation studio, the daunting reality of her job has somewhat diminished her enthusiasm.

Despite the long hours and the punishing schedule, Aoi still hopes to fulfill the promise she and her club friends Ema, Shizuka, Misa, and Midori made: to one day reunite and make a real animated feature of their own as professionals!

SHIROBAKO will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

11th Annual South Asian International Film Festival runs Nov 18-23 in NYC

$
0
0
The Eleventh Annual
South Asian International Film Festival
Announces 2014 Film Line-up

Opening Night to feature US Premiere of Jean-François Pouliot’s box office
smash DR. CABBIE; Closing Night celebrates the World Premiere of X

Additional films include Centerpiece World Premiere of HAPPY ENDING,
Cannes Un Certain Regard selection TITLI, Berlin Film Festival winner
KILLA, and Pakistan’s 2014 Oscar submission DUKHTAR

The South Asian International Film Festival, presented by HBO, celebrates its eleventh amazing year by delivering even more of the very best in South Asia's most original, daring, and exciting cinema! Running from November 18th through the 23rd, SAIFF 2014 features new thrilling premieres, acclaimed international guests, and the hotly-anticipated Festival Awards Gala – overseen by its new Executive Director, Joya Dass. A television personality, Dass has worked for Bloomberg, CNN, ABC, CBS, and can currently be seen anchoring business news for NY1.

On the 18th of November, SAIFF 2014 celebrates its Opening Night with the US premiere of DR. CABBIE, the stand-up-and-cheer blockbuster starring The Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Navvar! Midway through the fest, SAIFF invites you experience their celebrated 2014 Centerpiece title, the World Premiere of Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.’s uplifting romantic comedy HAPPY ENDING. And on Closing Night, the festival throws open their doors for the thrilling World Premiere of X– a ten-part intertwining story from eleven of India’s most exciting directors… all of whom will be attending the festival!

SAIFF 2014's feature film lineup includes:

Dukhtar. Directed by Afia Serena Nathaniel. 2014. Pakistan/USA/Norway. In Urdu and Pashto (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 93 min.

Ek Hazarachi Note. Directed by Shekhar Sathe. 2014. India. In Marathi (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 89 min.

Killa. Directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware. 2014. India. In Marathi (with English subtitles). North American Premiere. 110 min.

Labour of Love. Directed by Aditya Vikram Sengupta. 2014. India. In Bengali (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 93 min.

Titli. Directed by Kanu Behl. 2014. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 127 min.

Opening Night Premiere: DR. CABBIE
Directed by Jean-François Pouliot
2014, Canada/India, 101 minutes
In English
US Premiere

An unemployed doctor turned cab driver becomes a local hero when he converts his taxi into a mobile clinic. DR. CABBIE is the heartwarming journey of a young Indian doctor who immigrates to Canada with the selfless ambition of healing others while beginning a new life in the land of opportunity. Dr. Cabbie discovers his true purpose and true love when he embarks upon this journey of a doctor turned cabbie.

Centerpiece World Premiere: HAPPY ENDING
Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K..
2014, India, 135 minutes
 In Hindi (with English subtitles)
World Premiere

Yudi is a writer who hasn’t written anything in the last few years because he’s caught between finding inspiration and finding love. Armaan is a fading movie star is desperate to save his stardom. He went to Hollywood to get a Bollywood script written in the Hollywood style. His solution? Approach Yudi and ask him to write a film. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend thinks that she’s still in a relationship with him after they’ve broken up!

Closing Night World Premiere: X
Directed by Abhinav Shiv Tiwari, Anu Menon, Hemant Gaba,
Nalan Kumarasamy, Pratim D. Gupta, Q, Raja Sen, Rajshree Ojha,
Sandeep Mohan, Sudhish Kamath, and Supran Verma
2014, India, 112 minutes
In Hindi (with English subtitles)
World Premiere

X is a filmmaker’s journey through his past encounters with his 10 ex-girlfriends as he spends one surreal unforgettable night at a film festival after he meets a mysterious girl who intriguingly seems to have something to do with every woman in his life.

The Eleventh Annual South Asian International Film Festival runs from Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 to Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 in New York City, at the SVA Theater.

For additional information on SAIFF 2014, including screening dates, locations, featured guests, and ticketing information, visit www.saiff.org.

Two screenings of MISS TIBET: BEAUTY IN EXILE at DOC USA

$
0
0
Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile
Directed by Norah Shapiro
USA,  2014, 69 minutes
When: Sunday, November 16 at 7:15PM
 and Monday, November 17 at 11:15AM
Where: IFC CENTER (323 6th Avenue, NY)
Language: English, Tibetan
World Premiere

High in the Indian Himalayas, in the epicenter of the exiled Tibetan world, a maverick Tibetan impresario stages an unexpected spectacle: a western-style beauty pageant. When Tibetan-American teenager Tenzin Khecheo travels to India to participate in this 'pageant with a difference,' she finds herself not just competing for a crown, but confronting the intersection between her cultural identity and life in the western world. Pageant founder Lobsang Wangyal seeks to fill a void within the Tibetan exile community by bringing a bit of glamour into his corner of the world. Complete with catwalks and evening gowns, he sees his pageant as an opportunity for exiled Tibetan women to both immerse themselves in Tibetan culture and to add their voices to global fight for a free Tibet by using the pageant as a unlikely political platform.

Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile Trailer 

Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile Official Site

These screenings of Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile are part of the eight day DOC NYC film festival which runs from November 13 through 20

ABOUT DOC NYC
DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, presents its fifth edition November 13-20, 2014 at the IFC Center in Greenwich Village and Chelsea’s SVA Theatre and Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas. The 2014 festival will showcase 153 films, including 25 world and US premieres, plus panels, masterclasses, and a new Visionaries Tribute event, with more than 200 documentary makers and special guests appearing in person. In addition to an audience award, DOC NYC presents jury prizes in three competition sections; the festival is also an Academy qualifying festival for the Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject.

DOC NYC is made possible by its sponsors, including Leadership Sponsor HBO Documentary Films; Media Sponsors WNET and New York magazine; and Major Sponsors A&E IndieFilms, History Films and SundanceNow Doc Club. The festival is produced by IFC Center.

VIZ announces digital manga updates and special pricing for November

$
0
0
DEADMAN WONDERLAND Volume 1 ©Jinsei KATAOKA 2007 ©Kazuma KONDOU 2007
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SUBSTANTIAL
NOVEMBER DIGITAL MANGA UPDATES AND
SPECIAL  PRICING ON SEVERAL POPULAR SERIES

Catch Digital Launch Of 6 Hot New Manga Series
And Updates To More Than 20 Ongoing Titles;
Special November Pricing On 5 Fan-Favorite
Series And Titles To Debut on ComiXology

VIZ Media continues the drive into fall with the announcement of an array of digital manga updates and new series debuts for November. Fans and readers can catch today’s launch of two new series debuts including creator Aya Shouoto’s paranormal shojo drama, KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS and the final volume of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.

Other notable new digital series kicking off throughout the rest of the month include 3 titles from the VIZ Select imprint. Return to the world of CHIBI VAMPIRE with CHIBI VAMPIRE AIRMAIL on November 11th, savor the dark, demonic suspense of ZONE-00, which launches on November 18th, and former CLAMP artist/creator Tamayo Akiyama’s fantasy adventure series, MOURYOU KIDEN: LEGEND OF THE NYMPH, follows November 25th.

Fans are invited to take advantage of a limited time promotion running until November 30th offering up to 80% of on digital manga volumes from several acclaimed series from VIZ Manga and the VIZ Manga App. Check other partner sites for similar special pricing. Catch NARUTO Vols. 1-2 for only $1.99 each and Vols. 3-67 for only $4.99 each. Savor undead gothic manga drama with VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vols. 1-2 for only $1.99 each and Vols. 3-19 for only $4.99 each. ROSARIO + VAMPIRE SEASON I Vols. 1-2 are $1.99 each and Vols. 3-10 are available for $4.99 each; the series sequel, ROSARIO + VAMPIRE II, Vols. 1-2 are also offered for only $1.99 each and Vols. 3-13 for only $4.99 each. Also dive into the mafia comedy adventure NISEKOI with Vols. 1-2 for only $1.99 each and Vols. 3-9 for only $4.99.

VIZ Media is also pleased to announce a new addition on ComiXology from fellow publisher Kadokawa. Don’t miss exciting series including DEADMAN WONDERLAND and NEON GENESIS EVANGELION as well AI ORE, THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, and X that are accessible worldwide and/or wherever ComiXology is available. Also dive into more than a dozen additional manga titles also offered on ComiXology and published under the VIZ Select imprint such as CHIBI VAMPIRE, D.N. ANGEL, FATE/STAY NIGHT, FUTURE DIARY, LUCKY STAR, THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME, LAGOON ENGINE, SUKI and more.

Catch the rest of the November digital updates to more than 20 other VIZ Media continuing titles including the exciting series finales of PHANTOM THIEF JEANNE (Vol. 5), MILLION TEARS (Vol. 2) and SUKI (Vol. 3), as well as the latest additions to a variety of other popular series such as BLEACH (Vol. 62), BLUE EXORCIST (Vol. 12), FOOD WARS! (Vol. 4), JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 1 – PHANTOM BLOOD (Vol. 2), LUCKY STAR (Vol. 5), ONE-PUNCH MAN (Vol. 5), TRINITY BLOOD (Vol. 9) and scores more.

Readers can enjoy all of these new manga titles that are available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones and 7” tablets. The titles may also be purchased through the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, ComiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. These dynamic digital platforms offer fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy a massive catalog of new and classic manga titles that spans more than 2,300 volumes across over 200 different series.

New November Digital Manga Series Debuts:

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available Now
Anise Yamamoto has been told that if she ever removes the rose choker given to her by her father, a terrible punishment will befall her. Unfortunately she loses that choker when a bat-like being falls from the sky and hits her. Anise is granted four cards representing four knights whom she can summon with a kiss. But now that she has these gorgeous men at her beck and call, what exactly is her quest?!

CHIBI VAMPIRE AIRMAIL • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • DIGITAL MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available November 11th.
Return to the world of CHIBI VAMPIRE in this special collection of short stories.

ZONE-00, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • DIGITAL MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available November 18th
In a world where humans and demons coexist under a fragile peace, change is coming...A mysterious drug, known only as "Zone-00," seems to be causing demons all over Tokyo to lose control and revert to their old, violent ways. Enter two young students who stand on opposite sides of an ageless conflict. One a demon, the other an exorcist, they must now join forces to uncover the secret of "Zone-00" before it's too late! From the artist of Trinity Blood comes a dark, suspenseful tale in which two centuries-old enemies must fight together to save humanity.

MOURYOU KIDEN: LEGEND OF THE NYMPH, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • DIGITAL MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available November 25th
In a land submerged in a thousand years of fog, demons and nymphs do battle. Until one day, the fated meeting of sworn enemies unravels an intricate love story, and hurls Ayaka, the daughter of the deity, Reiki, into a voyage of discovery, and maddening love. Originally a member of CLAMP, the world's bestselling manga studio, Tamayo Akiyama delivers and unforgettable fantasy adventure.

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION © khara

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, Vol. 14 (SERIES FINALE!) • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available November 25th
Catch the grand finale to this groundbreaking sci-fi action series. The Third Impact has come. As the unbelievably massive form of Ayanami towers over the Earth, the Instrumentality Project enters its last stages. While the world shudders in terror as it is engulfed in a sea of LCL, Shinji’s consciousness merges with Lilith’s, and he searches his memories for a final understanding of himself and the fate of humanity. Digital edition also includes a special chapter not previously published! Print edition will be released in early 2015.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the comiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

All manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each and readers can also explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, visit www.vizmanga.com.

12th New York Korean Film Festival

$
0
0
The 12th New York Korean Film Festival
When: November 20 - 23, 2014
Where: BAM Rose Cinema
30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn NY

The New York Korean film festival is back in business! That's right. What Subway Cinema started in 2001 with When Korean Cinema Attacks! – New York Korean Film Festival, and what has known many incarnations and iterations since then, is back in the funky and freaky curatorial hands of the festival's original creators, now joining forces with BAMCinematek and the Korea Society to bring you the freshest crop of the record-breaking blockbusters and the must-see recent works of the peninsula's internationally celebrated auteurs and mavericks. The new New York Korean Film Festival wants to serve as your road map for the best in contemporary Korean cinema.

All films in Korean with English subtitles.

Thursday, November 20
- 7:15 PM GYEONGJU with Q&A with director Zhang Lu
Friday, November 21
- 7:00 PM THE ATTORNEY
- 9:30 PM A HARD DAY
Saturday, November 22
- 7:00 PM THE ADMIRAL: ROARING CURRENTS
- 9:30 PM MAN ON HIGH HEELS
Sunday, November 23
- 5:00 PM THE PIRATES
- 8:00 PM FUTURELESS THINGS 

For film descriptions and to order tickets, click here.

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint to release ASURA GIRL on November 18

$
0
0
Copyright © Otaro Maijo, 2003
English translation Copyright © Stephen B. Snyder 2014
VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT DELIVERS
AN ADRENALINE-FUELED RIDE THROUGH THE
GRITTY TOKYO UNDERGROUND IN ASURA GIRL

Award Winning Japanese Author Otaro Maijo’s Novel
About The Violent And Risqué Life Of A Girl Living
On The Edge Released In English For The First Time

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint publishes a gripping and strange thriller with the release of Otaro Maijo’s ASURA GIRL on November 18th.

The tense urban drama about the violent and sexually charged life of a Japanese teenage girl in Tokyo is offered in English for the very first time with a translation by Stephen Snyder, a professor of Japanese Studies at Middlebury College in Vermont and a noted translator of numerous works of Japanese fiction.

ASURA GIRL will be available in print from Haikasoru for $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. An eBook edition also will debut on November 18th for $8.99 (U.S. / CAN) for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store, the Kobo eBooks Store, and the Google Play store.

Seventeen-year-old Aiko lives a life of casual sex and casual violence, though at heart she remains a schoolgirl with an unrequited crush on her old classmate Yoji Kaneda. Life is about to get harder for Aiko, as a recent fling, Sano, has been kidnapped, and the serial killer Round-and-Round Devil has begun slaughtering children. The youth are rioting in the streets, egged on by the underground Internet bulletin board known as the Voice from Heaven. Expecting that Yoji will come and save her from the madness, Aiko posts a demand for her own murder on Voice of Heaven but will she be left waiting...or worse?

“ASURA GIRL starts with a teen girl living on the edge, and then pushes her off the cliff into a surreal underground on conspiracy, serial murder, apocalyptic fervor, and even love,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s tradebooks Editor. “Otaro Maijo combines well-observed depictions of desperate characters with the darkest humor and suspense. ASURA GIRL, largely set in the western suburbs of Tokyo, completely immerses the reader in the surreal and often deadly world Aiko and her friends inhabit. Check out this exhilarating new release from Haikasoru!”

Otaro Maijo is a novelist from Fukui, where most of his stories take place. He debuted with his mystery novel, Kemuri ka tsuchi ka kuimono (Smoke, Soil, or Food), with which he won the Mephisto Prize. He started writing pure literature with Kuma no basho (Place of the Bear), which was nominated for the Mishima Yukio Prize. Then in 2003, he won the Mishima Yukio Prize for Asura Girl.

For more information ASURA GIRL and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.com.

Korean crime thriller TRAFFICKERS is due out on December 23, 2014

$
0
0

Korea’s Black Market, Where Everything Is for Sale. Even Your Life.

The award-winning, action-packed South Korean crime thriller Traffickers debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital on Dec. 23rd, 2014 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film takes place over six hours on a passenger boat with an ongoing black-market organ-trafficking operation, and a desperate husband out to find his missing wife. Directed by first time feature film director Kim Hong-sun, who was named Best New Director at the 2012 Blue Dragon AwardsTraffickers stars Im Chang-jung (Twilight Gangsters), Daniel Choi (Cyrano Agency), Oh Dal-soo (Oldboy), Cho Youn-hee (Doomsday Book), Cho Dal-hwan (Pirates), Jeong Ji-yoon (I Saw the Devil).

Synopsis: Young-Gyu was the best. He was an organ dealer, smuggling body parts for sale to the highest bidder. His crew was the best – an organized team of professionals with top skills and no conscience. But when one of them dies on the job, the crew scatters. Now he fronts stolen goods, and has fallen in love with Yoo-Ri, a ticket agent at the port terminal. Her father is dying, and when she turns to a ruthless loan shark for help, Young-Gyu goes on a search to find his old partners for one last job.

Traffickers has a runtime of approximately 111 minutes and is not rated.

DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES arrives on November 18th

$
0
0
© OO/SVMD
CELEBRATED SUPERNATURAL SUSPENSE THRILLER DEATH NOTE
RETURNS TO NORTH AMERICA IN A NEW COMPLETE DVD COLLECTION

VIZ Media Announces
DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES
Featuring All 37 Episodes Of The Acclaimed
Paranormal Anime Crime Drama On 10 DVDs

VIZ Media delivers one of the greatest anime series to ever come to North America in a comprehensive complete collection with the release of DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on November 18th.

The new set is sure to capture the attention of anime fans and collectors and contains all 37 episodes of the acclaimed paranormal crime thriller on 10 DVDs. DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES will carry an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $52.99 CAN.

Dialogue features include English and Japanese 2.0 stereo audio and available English subtitle options. Over two hours of bonus features include insightful interviews with the DEATH NOTE creators, behind-the-scenes footage of the original Japanese voice cast, a production art gallery, and more!


The DEATH NOTE anime series is based on a bestselling manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Light Yagami is a genius high school student who is about to learn about life through a book of death. When a bored Shinigami, a god of Death, named Ryuk drops a black notepad called a Death Note, Light receives power over life and death with the stroke of a pen. Determined to use this dark gift for the best, Light sets out to rid the world of evil ... namely the people he believes to be evil. Should anyone hold such power? The consequences of Light's actions will set the world ablaze.

Also catch the complete 12-volume DEATH NOTE manga (graphic novel) series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), published in print by VIZ Media and available as individual volumes, 2-in-1 omnibus “Black Editions,” and also as a collected manga box set. The manga series also is available digitally from VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App as well as from a variety of digital partner’s proprietary platforms.

For more information on DEATH NOTE, please visit: deathnote.viz.com.

For more information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit: www.viz.com.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT premieres on Toonami tomorrow

$
0
0
 VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PREMIERE OF
INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT ON TOONAMI

Venerable Fantasy Action Anime Series Reaches
Grand Finale Beginning This Weekend!!

VIZ Media has announced the domestic broadcast premiere of INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, the finale to the long-running animated adventure saga, set to be broadcast on Adult Swim’s Toonami.

The first episode of the final story arc of the famed action/adventure/fantasy anime series will premiere at 2:00am on Sunday, November 16th with future episodes to air each subsequent Sunday. Check local listings for channel availability and specific regional broadcast times. Adult Swim’s (AdultSwim.com) Toonami is the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network for offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT is based on the massively popular manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi. The INUYASHA anime series has run for 193 episodes in total and has also spawned several popular feature films. Pulled back in time to Japan's ancient past, Japanese high school girl Kagome finds her destiny linked to a dog-like half-demon named Inuyasha, who remembers Kagome's previous incarnation as the woman who killed him - and to the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," which can fulfill the greatest dreams of any man or monster. Now Kagome and Inuyasha must work together to search for the scattered shards of the jewel before everyone's nightmares are given the power they need to come true.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT offers the culmination of the epic quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel. In the final episodes, the half-demon Inuyasha and modern schoolgirl Kagome face the deadly and cunning enemy demon mastermind, Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon!

“This legendary anime series reaches its ultimate conclusion with the exciting premiere of THE FINAL ACT on Toonami and plenty of action and quite a few plot surprises are in-store as Inuyasha and Kagome finally see the realization of their quest to restore the Shikon Jewel,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager of Animation. “INUYASHA first premiered on Toonami and the series has played a pivotal role in helping to spawn the massive popularity that manga and anime now enjoys in North America. It’s very fitting that Toonami hosts the grand finale of one of anime’s most famous properties. Don’t miss the exciting premiere this weekend!”

Fans also can explore colorful INUYASHA art books and the complete manga series, which is published in North America by VIZ Media, along with the entire anime series and related INUYASHA animated feature films available on DVD.

For more information on INUYASHA and other anime and manga titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

VIZ announces manga titles for holiday season shopping

$
0
0
Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino 2004/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.
 VIZ MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS EXCITING MANGA TITLES
FOR WISH LISTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2014 Holiday Releases Include New Manga Box Sets,
Shojo And Action/Sci-fi Manga Series And Other
Exciting Gift Ideas For Any Special Fan!

VIZ Media has announced a compelling array of manga, special box sets, novels and other titles that will make ideal gifts to suit a wide range of budgets and interests to delight readers and fans of all ages this holiday season.

Notable selections, which will be available in plenty of time for the start of the 2014 holiday shopping season, include lavish new box set editions for manga series BLACK BIRD, ONE PIECE, and VAMPIRE KNIGHT as well as the hardcover storybook – PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY – an oversized, full-color edition of the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film.

New and exemplary shojo manga series from VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat imprint that also will make thoughtful gifts include KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS and YUKARISM, a new manga series by the creator of YURARA AND RASETSU that launches December 2nd. Fans and readers of the gothic drama VAMPIRE KNIGHT will not want to miss a special limited edition of the series’ final volume, along with the release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS, a special collection of short stories based on Matsuri Hino’s critically acclaimed series.

Action fans can dive into the debut of the new RESIDENT EVIL series from the VIZ Signature imprint, as well as two exciting new Shonen Jump series, teen-friendly WORLD TRIGGER and Takeshi Obata’s ALL YOU NEED IS KILL, the stunning manga realization of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka that also inspired the blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow film that starred Tom Cruise.

Sci-fi readers also are invited to take note of ASURA GIRL and PHANTASM JAPAN, a pair of riveting new literary releases from the company’s Haikasoru imprint.

HOLIDAY MANGA BOX SETS:

ONE PIECE MANGA BOX SET VOL. 2 • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $185.99 U.S. / CAN • Available Now!
The latest ONE PIECE manga box set features Volumes 24-46, which comprise the series’ third and fourth story arcs – Skypiea and Water Seven. The Box Set also features a full-color poster and special ONE PIECE mini-comic. As a child, ONE PIECE main character Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, an enchanted Devil Fruit that gave him the ability to stretch like rubber. The only drawback? He'll never be able to swim again – a serious handicap for an aspiring sea dog! Years later, Luffy sets off on his quest to find the "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world...

BLACK BIRD MANGA BOX SET • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $149.99 U.S. / CAN • Available Now!
The BLACK BIRD Complete Box Set features the entire series run of 18 volumes. In the acclaimed series crated by Kanoko Sakurakouji, there is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Manga Box Set 2 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $89.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available Now!
This comprehensive manga box set features the second-half of the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series, Volumes 11-19, along with the hardcover 42-page art book. Set is contained in a gorgeously illustrated slipcase.

NOTABLE HOLIDAY SHOJO MANGA:

YUKARISM • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available December 2nd
In this new manga series by the creator of YURARA AND RASETSU, Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17, writes with amazingly accurate details about historical Japan. As it turns out, he has the ability to slip into his past life in the Edo period – as a beautiful, renowned courtesan named Yumurasaki!

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!
Anise Yamamoto has been told that if she ever removes the rose choker given to her by her father, a terrible punishment will befall her. Unfortunately she loses that choker when a bat-like being falls from the sky and hits her. Anise is granted four cards representing four knights whom she can summon with a kiss. But now that she has these gorgeous men at her beck and call, what exactly is her quest?!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT VOL. 19 (SERIES FINALE) LIMITED EDITION • Rated “T+” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!
Savor the tense finale to Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed paranormal series in a limited edition featuring an exclusive alternate cover and a hardcover 42-page art book.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN / $10.99 Digital • Available December 2nd!
Fans will not want to miss this special collection of short stories by Ayuna Fujisaki based on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, with illustrations by Matsuri Hino! Stories include “Deranged Love,” in which a dying Rido reflects on his obsessive love for Juri. Kaname seeks to reward Yuki for doing well on her studies with tutor Aido in “Gifts for Yuki.” The story of Sara’s first love is revealed in “Hidden Love.” In “Queen of the Abyss,” after Zero parts ways with Yuki and returns to being a vampire hunter, he encounters a vampire named Shien.

NOTABLE SHONEN ACTION MANGA:


ALL YOU NEED IS KILL © 2014 by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Ryosuke Takeuchi, yoshitoshi ABe, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
ALL YOU NEED IS KILL • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available Now!
Takeshi Obata’s ALL YOU NEED IS KILL originally premiered in VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga anthology earlier this year and is the stunning manga realization of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel, written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. In this rousing action story, when the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally – the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?

WORLD TRIGGER • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!
“Destroy thy Neighbor” in Daisuke Ashihara’s thrilling sci-fi action manga series, WORLD TRIGGER! Earth is under constant threat from Neighbors, invincible monsters from another dimension that destroy humanity’s way of life. At least there are the elite agents of Border, warriors who co-opt alien technology to fight back. Our hero Osamu Mikumo may not be the best agent, but along with his Neighbor friend Yuma, he’ll do whatever it takes to defend life on Earth as we know it.

NOTABLE VIZ SIGNATURE MANGA:

RESIDENT EVIL • Rated “M” for Mature Readers • MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN • Available Now!
Discover the sinister beginnings of the Resident Evil story in the first-ever manga series based on the smash hit game property. The highly virulent C-virus became a global disaster, but where did the outbreak start? In the series’ opening volume, at the prestigious and elite Marhawa Academy in Singapore, a female student suffers a horrifying transformation. Called in to investigate, Professor Doug Wright and his nephew Ricky find themselves caught up in a deadly and growing tragedy. As things get rapidly out of hand, Chris Redfield and his team from the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance arrive on the scene, while behind it all a mysterious figure looms.

FOR STUDIO GHIBLI FANS: 
PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY • MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN • Available Now!
This is the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and significantly different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat – a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...

HAIKASORU SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY, AND THRILLERS:

ASURA GIRL • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available Now!
This tense urban drama about the violent and sexually charged life of a Japanese teenage girl in Tokyo is offered in English for the very first time. Seventeen-year-old Aiko lives a life of casual sex and casual violence, though at heart she remains a schoolgirl with an unrequited crush on her old classmate Yoji Kaneda. Life is about to get harder for Aiko, as a recent fling, Sano, has been kidnapped, and the serial killer Round-and-Round Devil has begun slaughtering children. The youth are rioting in the streets, egged on by the underground Internet bulletin board known as the Voice from Heaven. Expecting that Yoji will come and save her from the madness, Aiko posts a demand for her own murder on Voice of Heaven but will she be left waiting...or worse?

PHANTASM JAPAN • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available Now!
The secret history of the most famous secret agent in the world. A bunny costume that reveals the truth in our souls. The unsettling notion that Japan itself may be a dream. The tastiest meal you’ll never have, a fedora-wearing neckbeard’s deadly date with a yokai, and the worst work shift anyone—human or not—has ever lived through. Welcome to Phantasm Japan, Haikasoru’s latest anthology of fantasy stories from around the world, including new tales by New York Times best-seller Zachary Mason, horror master Gary A. Braunbeck, popular Japanese author Miyuki Miyabe, and much more.

For more information on other manga titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

SO CLOSE 3D: DANCE WITH WILD DOLPHINS screening twice at one day only engagement in New York CIty

$
0
0
Dolphin Dance Project
and
Dance Films Association
present
 So Close 3D: Dance with Wild Dolphins
When: Sunday December 7th at 12 noon and 2 pm
Where: SVA Theater, 333 West 23rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Admission: $10 in advance / $15 at the door / $7 with student ID
Free for under 16 with advance reservation.
Map

So Close 3D: Dance with Wild Dolphins is a unique and unprecedented opportunity to see wild dolphins and trained human dancers as they collaborate to create underwater dances in the open ocean. The one hour program of this one day only engagement at the SVA theater includes several films presented in Dolby 3D that offer an extraordinarily intimate experience of participating in a movement-based conversation with wild dolphins - as close as being there.

A highlight of the program will be a preview of Dolphin Dreams, shot by the eminent IMAX director and Emmy Award-winning underwater cinematographer Howard Hall and with an original score by Grammy Award-winning cellist and composer David Darling. This gorgeous short film introduces us to the world of a charismatic pod of Atlantic Spotted dolphins through their dances with directors Chisa Hidaka and Benjamin Harley. “So Close” features dancer Kathleen Fisher, previously of the Trisha Brown Company and Bebe Miller Dance Company. The program will open with a live performance juxtaposing human dance against video projections of the movement- based communication of dolphins, highlighting their similarities.


The films of the Dolphin Dance Project delightfully upend expectations about who is ‘us’ and who is ‘animal’. Chisa Hidaka, MD, founded the project in 2009 based on her insight that wild dolphins and humans could achieve unexpected depths of mutual understanding through movement improvisation, like dancers do. The project’s award- winning debut film, Together: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins (2010) has screened at festivals and events world wide. Some of the project’s other past works are available to view online (https://www.youtube.com/user/dolphindanceproject).“We hope this work increases respect and protection for wild dolphins and their habitats,” says Chisa, “and raises fundamental questions about the relationships between humans and non- humans.”

This screening event is co-produced with Dance Films Association and underwritten by a grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council with additional support from Artist As Citizen.

ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE available November 25th

$
0
0
© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO /2007 SHIPPUDEN
© NMP 2012
VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE NORTH AMERICAN
HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF
ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE

“For My Friends And Family, I’ll Risk My Life For This Mission!”

VIZ Media gives anime fans across North America the opportunity to add the sixth and latest feature film of the massively popular NARURTO SHIPPUDEN saga to their personal collections as it announces the release of ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and DVD on November 25th.

The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is a 2-disc set and will carry an MSRP of $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN. The DVD edition of ROAD TO NINJA is a single-disc release that will carry an MSRP of $19.98 U.S. / $34.98 CAN.

A variety of bonus features will also make ROAD TO NINJA of special interest to NARUTO SHIPPUDEN fans. These include the original Japanese theatrical trailers, broadcast commercials, and promotional videos offered on both the DVD and Blu-ray editions. The Blu-ray edition features crisp 1080p High Definition video and also includes a special bonus art gallery. The Blu-ray edition contains DTS-HD audio, also with English and Japanese dialogue options and English subtitles. DVD audio selections include English 5.1 as well as Japanese 2.0 dialogue options, with English subtitles.

In ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE, long ago, a mysterious masked shinobi unleashed the Nine-Tailed Fox onto the Village Hidden in the Leaves to spread chaos and destruction. But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki sealed the Tailed Beast into their newborn son, Naruto, to save the village, foiling the shinobi’s plan.

Years later, Naruto and his friends succeed in driving away the infamous Akatsuki, who have mysteriously returned from the dead. Upon returning to the village, the young shinobi are praised by their families for completing a dangerous mission. Reminded of how alone he is, Naruto begins to wonder what it’s like to have parents, when a strange masked figure appears before him – the same masked shinobi responsible for the death of his parents!

VIZ Media also invites NARUTO fans to catch the exciting adventures of the world’s most popular ninja in manga (graphic novel) format (rated ‘T’ for Teens), available in-print and also digitally from VIZManga.com, the VIZ Manga App, and from a host of partner platforms. Fans can further dive into all of the previous NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN feature films on DVD or Blu-ray, and also catch anime series episodes and select films on Neon Alley, VIZ Media’s FREE media streaming platform, including brand new, subtitled episodes simulcast with Japan!

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

For more information on manga titles available from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Free "SECRET" screening at Korean Movie night tomorrow evening

$
0
0
Korean Cultural Service New York
presents
Korean Movie Night 2014
Series Six
Idols on Film: K-pop Superstars Take on Cinema!
?
When: Tuesday November 18, 2014 @ 7:00 pm
Doors open: 6:30 PM
Where: Tribeca Cinemas 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal, NYC
Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops
Admission: FREE!!!

The title of tomorrow evening's screening is a SECRET, but the Korean Cultural Service promises one of the most exciting films they’ve ever screened – starring some of the biggest idols of K-pop!

If you’re a fan of Korea cinema and K-pop stars, you don’t want to miss out on this one!


ICEMAN arrives today

$
0
0
Well Go USA
presents
Iceman / Bing Fung: Chung Sang Chi Mun
Directed by Law Wing-Cheong
Starring Donnie Yen, Eva Huang, Wang Baoqiang,
Simon Yam, and Lam Suet
China/Hong Kong, 2014, 105 minutes

Iceman, a multi-genre film from Law Wing-Cheong, debuts today on Blu-ray™ (SLP $29.98), DVD (SLP $24.98) and Digital from Well Go USA Entertainment. It's a remake of the 1989 film Iceman Cometh which starred Yuen Biao and Maggie Cheung. (Can't comment on the original as I've never seen it.)

In this new version Donnie Yen plays He Ying, a 4th rank general of the Ming Emperor's royal bodyguards. In 1621 A.D. he is supposed to bring an important artifact from India to the emperor. Unfortunately he's wrongfully accused of treason for killing a Chinese official and for aiding Japanese pirates. He flees with two of his former comrades in "hot" pursuit down a snow covered mountain. (Who knew that the Chinese invented snowboarding by using their shields?) Most unfortunately they're buried in an avalanche, where they remain frozen until they are somehow discovered in contemporary China (the film doesn't explain this at all).

He Ying (Donnie Yen) in restraints

The three are brought to Hong Kong in secure containers, but on the way the truck in which they are being transported crashes off a bridge and the containers are broken. He Ying regains consciousness first and takes a not surprisingly huge -- and I do mean huge -- piss.

In Hong Kong, he meets May Kwok, played by Eva Huang, a.k.a. Shengyi Huang, who made her film debut in Kung Fu Hustle (2004). She's a young, hip, contemporary Hong Kong woman who also loves her mother, who's in a care facility for the elderly.

He Ying's pursuers, Sao (Wang Baogiang of Lost in Thailand) and Neihu, who's become fond of modern pistols, somehow became gang leaders (again, something not explained in the film) and use their underlings to try to locate him.

He's also pursued by Police Commissioner Cheung (Simon Yam) and Mr. Tang, a politician who's in cohorts with Cheung.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the film is multi-genre, which in and of itself is not necessarily a problem. Lots of movies have their toes in more than one genre. Unfortunately Iceman is a real mishmash, a confused blend of genres that doesn't have any real center. Since it stars Yen, one could say that it's fundamentally a martial arts action film. But even as such, it's not so hot. the action containing way too much wire-fu, in my opinion.

It's also partially a science fiction, time-travel fantasy and a "fish-out-of-water" tale, with comedic elements (an exploding toilet, as well as the aforementioned huge piss) and a bit of romance thrown in to boot.

May (Eva Huang) and He Ying (Donnie Yen) visit her mother

Oh, and it was originally filmed in 3D, so many scenes contain sophomoric shots that were obviously intended to wow audiences with a "ain't this thing coming out of the screen at you really neat?" quality.

It's also important to note that Iceman is actually the first of a planned multi-film story. (Iceman 2 is in post-production and is scheduled to be released in February 2015 in China.) Thus, this Iceman really should be called Iceman, Part 1, or Iceman, Vol. 1, like the Kill Bill films. Iceman's ending leaves one hanging in mid-story.

The action scenes are okay, but nothing special, and again, there's a lot of wire-fu.

Personally, I think the best thing the film has going for it are Eva Huang's lovely, slim sensual legs.

DISC STATS:
- Audio Options:
  - Chinese 5.1 DTS HDMA
  - Chinese 2.0 Stereo
  - English 5.1 HD DTS
  - Spanish Dolbt 5.1
  - French DOlby 5.1
- Subtitles:
   - English
  - Spanish
  - French
  - Off
- Bonus:
  - Making Of (a seven-part featurette)
  - Trailer

AsianCineFest Rating: 2 out of 4 stars; mediocre, somewhat of a disappointment considering the talent involved.

Sentai Filmworks acquires STUDENT COUNCIL’S DISCRETION

$
0
0

Politics aren’t normally pretty, but at Hekiyo Academy, they’re absolutely gorgeous! Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, Student Council’s Discretion. This slice of life comedy series is adapted from the light novels by Sekina Aoi and is directed by Takuya Sato (Say,”I Love You”, Strawberry Marshmallow) with series composition by Jukki Hanada (Beyond the Boundary, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions) and animation production from Studio DEEN (Fate/stay night, Sakura Trick).

Synopsis: At Hekiyo Academy, all but one of the Student Council members are elected via popularity contests, and since teenagers think with hormones more often than intellects, those seats are filled by the attractive derrieres of the school’s most beautiful girls! That makes things extra rough on the one student chosen for academic scores, because besides being the council’s only male member, one of Ken Sugisaki’s main assignments is writing stories informing the student body about the many achievements of their Student Council.

That means manipulating the truth just a bit, and given that Ken’s a besotted fan of dating video games who fantasizes about his fellow council members as his “harem”, things tend to get even more out of hand. And exactly who’s going to be the leading lady is up for debate, as immature Kurimu, tomboyish Minatsu, twisted Chizuru and “boy love” obsessed Mafuyu are all trying to add their own particular spins, even as their jealous rivals in the Journalism Club aim to shoot them down! The lines between facts and fiction disappear and what REALLY happened will probably never be revealed except at the Student Council’s Discretion!

Student Council’s Discretion will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

VIZ announces selection of anime releases for the holiday season

$
0
0
Sailor Moon Season 1 Set 1 Blu-ray/DVD combo pack (©N.T./PNP, T.A.)
VIZ MEDIA OFFERS FANS A VIVID SELECTION OF
EXCITING ANIME RELEASES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Dive Into Exciting New And Continuing Series With Bu-ray And DVD Releases For
GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, SAILOR MOON, RANMA ½,
And The Latest Action-Packed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Feature Film

VIZ Media gives fans a wide array of exciting new anime releases to consider for wish and gift lists this holiday season.

New and veteran fans are invited to dive into legendary anime series such as the newly dubbed and uncut SAILOR MOON and RANMA ½ with box sets that also contain a wealth of extra features and special bonus material. VIZ Media is also proud to present GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, the vivid sci-fi/action series from the famed anime studio, Production IG, presented in a comprehensive DVD and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Fans of the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, will not want to miss the hero’s latest animated feature film, THE ROAD TO NINJA: NARUTO THE MOVIE, which also will be available on DVD and Blu-ray formats. 

New Anime Series Holiday Debuts:

GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET • Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN • Available Now!
In the distant future, Ledo, a young soldier from space wakes up and finds himself marooned on an ocean planet. Growing up in space, and knowing nothing but battle, he is a stranger in a strange land, full of odd customs and a foreign language, but he’s not alone. Starting a new journey on this verdurous planet, Ledo must find a way to survive and reconcile the fact that he may never be able to return home! VIZ Media gives GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET a collection-worthy treatment with a 16x9 high definition presentation and the inclusion of 2 bonus OVA episodes. The home media releases feature premium packaging with an O-Card for the DVD edition and an illustrated chipboard box with a full-color 2-sided Amaray™ wrap and a special GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET art book included with the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

RANMA ½ SET 4 • Limited Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN • Available December 2nd!
The Mayhem continues in the latest RANMA ½ home media set!! Shampoo visits Ranma, bringing a souvenir bell from China along with a Phantom Cat, who’s in search of a bride! Ranma will have to endure his fear of felines in order to defeat the Phantom Cat. Then, after a series of certain events, Ryoga becomes the strongest martial artist in the world. After that, Kuno gets his hands on a secret sword call the “Mangamaru,” which grants the user here wishes, and one of them is to have a date with the Pigtailed Girl! Finally, a mysterious foursome has come from China in search of the legendary Dragon’s Whisker and will stop at nothing to get it. But what is the Dragon’s Whisker and what does it have to do with Ranma? Set contains Episodes 70-92 on 3 Blu-ray or DVD discs housed in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

Fan Favorite Holiday Debuts:

© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO /2007 SHIPPUDEN
© NMP 2012
THE ROAD TO NINJA: NARUTO THE MOVIE • Blu-ray Combo Pack MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN; DVD MSRP: $19.98 U.S. / $34.98 CAN • Available November 25th!

In ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE, long ago, a mysterious masked shinobi unleashed the Nine-Tailed Fox onto the Village Hidden in the Leaves to spread chaos and destruction. But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki sealed the Tailed Beast into their newborn son, Naruto, to save the village, foiling the shinobi’s plan. Years later, Naruto and his friends succeed in driving away the infamous Akatsuki, who have mysteriously returned from the dead. Upon returning to the village, the young shinobi are praised by their families for completing a dangerous mission. Reminded of how alone he is, Naruto begins to wonder what it’s like to have parents, when a strange masked figure appears before him – the same masked shinobi responsible for the death of his parents!

The Blu-ray edition features crisp 1080p High Definition video and also includes a special bonus art gallery.

SAILOR MOON SEASON 1 SET 1 • Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD MSRP: $79.98 U.S. / $93.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN • Available Now!
SAILOR MOON depicts the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful 14-year-old schoolgirl who often finds herself in unwanted trouble. One day, she saves a talking cat named Luna from some mean kids, and her life is changed forever. Luna gives Usagi a magic brooch that transforms her into Sailor Moon, guardian of love and justice! Now Usagi must work with Luna to find the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess, whose Legendary Silver Crystal is Earth’s only hope against the dark forces of the evil Queen Beryl!

The stunning SAILOR MOON Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack offers a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), housed in a beautiful shimmery holofoil chipboard box with specialty printing, and contains an array of exclusive extra features along with an 88-page full-color booklet filled with artwork, character profiles, an episode guide, lyrics, and more! Blu-ray episodes are presented in full 1080p High Definition video.

For more information on anime titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of GINGITSUNE

$
0
0

The life of a shrine keeper is never easy, but for Makoto Saeki and her spirit friend Gintaro, problems are never far away in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, Gingitsune. This supernatural slice of life series is directed by Shin Misawa (Capeta, Initial D) with series composition by Hiroshi Yamaguchi (Desert Punk, Nobunagun), music by Tatsuya Katou (Celestial Method, Medaka Box), and animation production by Diomedea (Campione!, Kantai Collection -Kan Colle-).

Synopsis: Although Makoto Saeki’s life is quiet, it’s anything but ordinary! As the 15th successor to the Saeki Shrine, Makoto is gifted with the ability to see spirits of all sorts. But there’s one spirit in particular who has been at Makoto’s side since childhood— Gintaro, the huge silver fox who’s occupied her family’s shrine for over 350 years! With a love for oranges and a gruff demeanor, Gintaro serves as both messenger of the gods and guardian of the Saeki family shrine.

When Gintaro’s not lazing about or napping, he’s reluctantly helping Makoto tell the fortunes of classmates and providing wisdom as necessary. But with other spirits in the area who need just as much, if not more, help than their human counterparts, Makoto and Gintaro always have their hands full helping out those in need!

Gingitsune will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.
Viewing all 1893 articles
Browse latest View live