HONEST FILM REVIEWS
ACTION FILMS
KARATE KID: LEGENDS (USA 2025) Directed by Jonathan Entwistle
Set 3 years after the series finale of Cobra Kai, Karate Kid: Legends tells the story of Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from China who has to relocate to New York due his mums new job. Unfortunately, this means leaving his great Uncle Han behind – a father-like figure who has been training him for many years. Once in the big apple, Li meets Mia and her dad Victor, a pizza restaurant owner who was a past boxing champion that's now in trouble with some pretty mean loan sharks. In an attempt to win Mia's heart, Li agrees to train up her father so that he can take part in an illegal fight that will help pay off his debt. Unfortunately, at the same time, Li also has to deal with Mia's jealous ex-boyfriend Conor, one of New York's best karate fighters who happens to have one hell of an attitude. After a few run-ins, Li is challenged by Conor to face off against him in the Five Boroughs fighting tournament, but after the defeat of Mia's father not wanting to disappoint his mother, Li refuses. But as fate would have it, Li's great Uncle Han soon arrives from China and agrees to help him win the tournament – this time with a little extra help from a special someone who had once been in the very same situation!
It has been 15 years since the last Karate Kid movie – 15 whole years, which is just crazy to think! And I really enjoyed it. Director Harald Zwart did a fine job, as did young Jaden Smith and everyone involved, but – naturally – for me, it was all about my hero Jackie Chan. Many questioned if he could bring that special kind of something that Pat Morita had brought to the original series as Mr. Miyagi, and I'd like to say he did and quite a bit more. Regardless of it's few flaws such as Jackie teaching kung fu when it was called The Karate Kid, cliched Hollywood moments, or die-hard fans' comparisons to the original and refusal to accept it as it's own piece, I still found the Will Smith produced remake to be one of Jackie's most polished and best Hollywood outings where he delivered a perfect and emotional performance in a role that was absolutely made for him at this stage of his life. Regardless, The Karate Kid (2010) was a success and did pretty well at the box-office and home video on release...
So why didn't we see a sequel much sooner?
I'm sure there are many reasons, but finally we have Karate Kid: Legends – a hugely entertaining sequel that sees the return of Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and the OG karate kid himself, Ralph Macchio, returning as Daniel LaRusso – his first appearance in a Karate Kid movie in over 35 years which was super exciting. Now, I know he has been acting pretty much since his groundbreaking role in 1984, and recently found new fame with the next generation in the hugely successful Cobra Kai (2018) series, but seeing him right up there on the big screen – next to Jackie Chan in a Karate Kid movie – was as incredible as it was emotional. Of course, in learning that Mr. Han was indeed a very close friend of the late Mr. Miyagi, now reveals that the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid is no longer just a remake! It is, in fact, as is this, part of the same universe just as the originals are. This means that – should any further sequels arise in the near future – those characters played by Jaden Smith or even Hilary Swank at that, could certainly make an appearance somewhere along the way. I mean, look who we got in that closing scene as a cameo.
Compared to his role as Mr. Han in the 2010 film, Jackie's portrayal of the martial-arts master is very different this time around. No longer is he the old man you feel sorry for, depressed over the loss of his family and hiding in the shadows – no, fifteen years later, this Mr. Han has very much found himself again. Now running a huge and successful martial-arts school in China, Han almost comes across as a younger version of himself. He is much funnier, more determined, and full of surprises about his past. Of course, a lot of time has passed since we last saw him, so these changes can be acceptable in the grand scheme of things. But this time, he definitely feels more – well, Jackie Chan. The charm is there, as are the cool and creative moves with that typical splash of fight comedy we've all come to love from this living legend. But it must be said that Karate Kid Legends is not a Jackie Chan movie by any means – that pleasure goes to the fantastic Ben Wang; a young Chinese-American who has been climbing the ranks pretty fast in the last five years.
I first caught Ben in the Disney+ sitcom American Born Chinese (2023) where he had the chance to star alongside Hong Kong greats like Michelle Yeoh and Daniel Wu, as well as the great Ke Huy Quan and Chin Han respectively. He was cute, he was funny, but he didn't really get to bust any moves. Here, however, Ben Wang is next level. After being selected as the next Karate Kid, Ben spent a few months of martial arts training before production began, and for his debut action role I was highly impressed. Proving that he was indeed the right man picked from hundreds, Wang charms, fights and entertains us with ease – and fight he does. Delivering moves that hark back to Hong Kong action movies from the late 80s, Ben Wang wows with his agility and kung fu ability, and along with his comic timing, cheeky charm and dramatic performance, undoubtedly steals the show. After his performance here in Karate Kid: Legends, I can only hope that we see Ben Wang in more action roles in the coming years of his career. Of course, his character of Li Fong did have two great martial arts masters guiding him. The aforementioned Mr. Han, and the original Karate Kid himself, Daniel LaRusso...
Played once again by the fantastic Ralph Macchio, who found new success in the revival of his character with the creation of the Cobra Kai (2018) show, his appearance here was a very welcome addition to the story – especially seeing him alongside Jackie Chan. In fact, Jackie has since stated how the original Karate Kid (1984) was a favourite of his, and how working with him was a dream come true. But for me, the connection of everything leading up to this was what made it so special. Opening with a scene from The Karate Kid 2 (1986) where Mr. Miyagi explains to Daniel his past with the Han family in China (obviously altered to suit the story), and later again when Mr. Han visits Daniel in Miyagi's old home – these two scenes, along with LaRusso's line in spreading the legacy of his sensai, paid such a homage to the late Pat Morita – just as past episodes of Cobra Kai had done – it brought a tear to my eye. While he gets to trade some moves with Jackie Chan during training sessions, Ralph Macchio is really just there for nostalgic purposes as much as he is a big part of connecting this whole universe together. Not only that, but as with Cobra Kai, Macchio also serves as one of the executive producers which was great to see. It's hard to believe this guy is just about touching retirement age already!
Of course, this trio of talent are joined by a great supporting cast who all prove to be entertaining in their own way. These include Sadie Stanley as Mia, a television actress who looks great and offers a great performance. Her dad Victor is played by popular US actor Joshua Jackson who really surprised me in this role, and actually became one of my favourite characters of the movie. Agents of Shield (2013) star, Ming Na Wen, appears as Li Fong's stern mother – niece to Jackie Chan's Mr. Han – who has a strong reason for removing her son from the world of martial arts. The big enemy of the piece, Mia's ex-boyfriend Conor, is played wonderfully by the handsome Aramis Knight who I first saw kicking ass in the fantastic Into The Badlands (2015) – a show that had him star alongside the great Daniel Wu which brings together another connection in this film. As mentioned, Ben Wang had starred with him in American Born Chinese (2023), but Daniel Wu was in fact a protege of Jackie Chan's – starring with him in films such as Gen-X Cops (1999), Around The World In 80 Days (2004), The Twins Effect 2 (2004), New Police Story (2004), Shinjuku Incident (2009), and others.
And finally, there are the fight scenes – fast paced, exciting, wonderfully choreographed, and sometimes brutal. While Jackie, who performed the majority of his own moves and stunts except for the more complicated moments – again, we need to remember how old this guy really is - no doubt got involved with the fight choreography, these were mainly handled under the watchful eyes of fight directors Xu Xiang Yang and Zhang Peng an interesting pair who worked together on the Chinese fantasy movie Asura in 2018 – the directorial debut of the latter and a film that was criticised so much upon release that it was pulled from cinemas after 3 days – although I really can't understand why. Between them, the pair have worked as second unit directors, stunt performers, and choreographers on films and TV shows such as The Last Samurai, Rush Hour 3, Kick Ass, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, The Wrath Of Vajra, Shang Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings, The Marvels, Kingsman, Ant-Man, Wonder Woman, American Born Chinese, and much more. Here, they successfully deliver some incredible moments of fight action that will even keep the most hardened Hong Kong film fan happy, with everyone involved doing a great job as both Zhang and Xu highlight each of their talents and abilities.
Karate Kid Legends is an interesting entry to this much loved series. It's very modern, naturally taking some cues from Cobra Kai (including the teen drama), and splashes animated title cards up on-screen as if it were an episode of the MCU's Ms. Marvel (2022) – but that's really not a bad thing. It's all about today's audience, and to be honest, it's a very different one to that of 1984's. Maybe it's because Karate Kid: Legends is British director Jonathan Entwistle feature film debut after directing TV shows such as The End Of The Fucking World (2017), Vanity Fair (2018), I'm Not Okay With This (2020), and Hello Tomorrow (2023). An interesting choice considering, but I feel he did a pretty good job in bringing a smile to my face, a tear to my eye, and filling me with happiness and more importantly, nostalgia. Yes, it may not be perfect but it works. It entertains, it makes you laugh, has great fight action, and has Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio lighting up the screen together. All in all, Karate Kid: Legends is a lot of fun and well worth checking out! (4/5) George @invincibleasia
COBRA (USA 1986) Dir. by George P. Cosmatos
Back in the late 80s, after Cobra had come out on home video, I remember – as did many of my friends then – walk around with a match hanging out the side of my mouth, calling myself Cobra. It was just one of the harmless influences this classic action movie had on me, along with many others from this time period; until I found Hong Kong cinema! Sadly though, it's been a good 30 years or so since I last watched Cobra. But now, thanks to this stunning new 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Arrow Video, I can look back at this underrated gem from 1986 in full clarity, and see what director George P. Cosmatos and writer/star Sylvester Stallone really wanted us to see...
And I'm glad I did!
Based on novel called Fair Game, I think it would be fair to say that Cobra oozes the excitement, action style, and cinematography of any Hong Kong action-thriller from this era. Of course, it still has it's fair share of Hollywood class such as it's dramatic scenes, soundtrack and dialogue – but it works. Now don't get me wrong, I'm under no illusion that Cobra is one of the greatest films ever made, but it's the type of 80s action movie that helped bring Stallone to where he is today, made during a time when danger lurked round every corner in LA, offering excitement, fear, and a boost of nostalgia that's always welcome at this stage of my life. Still, and even with the flaws it does present, I am a little upset that we never got a sequel to Cobra as we did with Stallone's famed Rambo and Rocky titles.
Italian director George P. Cosmatos, who passed in 2005, is the man at the helm and had just worked with Stallone the previous year when he directed him in the action-packed Rambo: First Blood Part 2. Prior to that he had directed films such as Massacre in Rome, The Cassandra Crossing, and Roger Moore's Escape To Athena as well as the fun horror flick, Of Unknown Origin, which saw Robocop star Peter Weller tackle a killer rat in his New York apartment. But full kudos must go to star of the show, Hollywood powerhouse Sylvester Stallone who, as legend has it, was said to have been the true director of the film – calling Cosmatos a good producer but a bad director. I love this man! Rarely has a Hollywood star took such control of ones destiny and carved their own career with determination and talent as an actor, writer, director and producer than he has. As with many before this, such as his aforementioned Rocky and Rambo films, Paradise Alley, F.I.S.T., Rhinestone - and even John Travolta's Staying Alive – Stallone pens the screenplay for Cobra. It's hardly Oscar winning material, but it's the kind of thing you expected for this genre of cinema back then. A product of it's time. Rumour has it that an extended, more violent version of the film is floating around somewhere out there with added plot points, lingering shots of mutilated bodies, and brutality helping to answer some questionable moments and continuity errors. Maybe someday we will get that true Stallone vision.
The lovely Brigitte Neilsen, who had just starred with Sly in Rocky IV after making her debut role in Red Sonja the same year, gets a much bigger role here as the young woman in need of Cobra's protection. Well known bad guy Brian Thompson, who was a regular face on many television shows and films at the time from The Terminator to Falcon Crest, Rage & Honour to Star Trek and more, stars as the fearsome Nightslasher – the deranged serial killer that almost didn't get the role after four auditions for coming across too nice. Honestly, if I saw this guy coming at me with a knife I think I'd just lie in a ball on the ground while all bodily functions just let loose. He's definitely a bad guy you love to hate, and a great opponent for Sly as the lawless lawman. They are joined by a host of familiar faces such as Reni Santoni, Andrew Robinson, John Herzfeld, Art LaFleur, and Lee Garlington.
Overall, this new 4K UHD release from Arrow was just brilliant. The restoration is gorgeous, offering an incredibly sharp picture and very natural colours. There are three great audio commentaries that accompany it including one with director George P. Cosmatos that was recorded in 2001, and two new ones with critics Kim Newman and Nick De Semlyen as well as critics Josh Nelson and Martyn Pedler. Super fans will also be glad to hear that the original TV version is also available to watch. Presented in 4:3 standard definition, this runs for an extra 7 minutes and offers a different version altogether with certain scenes of violence cut or replaced with alternate footage, and some additional scenes added that were missing from the theatrical version. It's well worth checking out! Film critic Martyn Conterio delivers a cool 13 minute video essay on the maverick cop genre called White Line Nightmare, while Abbey Bender offers a 10 minute essay called Dark Glasses, Violence & Robots on Cobra and maximalist cinema of the 1980s. Composer Sylvester Levay discusses his awesome score for Cobra in Slashing the Night Away, and we are treated to a Scream Factory archival interview with Brian Thompson which was pretty cool to see – very interesting guy. Actor Marco Rodriguez, who played the psycho supermarket killer, gets a lengthy interview in another archive Scream Factory piece, as does actors Andrew Robinson and Art LaFleur, and actress Lee Garlington – all of which are pretty exciting to watch and listen to. Fans will enjoy the 7 minute long archival 'Making of' doco which is a fantastic insight to how the film was made, delivered in 4:3 standard edition – I just wish it had been a bit longer. To top things off, trailers and an image gallery are also on offer making Arrow's 4K release of Cobra one such title that deserves to be picked up and a must for all fans of the great Sylvester Stallone! (4 / 5) George @invincibleasia
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V-CINEMA: BULLETS & BETRAYAL (JAPAN 1989-94)
Kicking off in 1989, famed Japanese film studio Toei launched their V-Cinema series of direct-to-video features – a mix of genre titles that focuses on action, crime, revenge, and betrayal. Many of these titles have never been seen outside of Japan – until now! Thankfully, Arrow Video have put together nine of their most exciting titles, restored in full HD on Blu-ray and released as the V Cinema Essentials: Bullets & Betrayal Collection; a stunning new box set featuring a host of extras including new introductions to each movie by Japanese film critic Masaki Tanioka, gorgeous new artwork by Chris Malbon, collectors art-cards and a wonderfully illustrated booklet, and much more...
Crime Hunter: Bullets Of Rage (Original Title: Kuraimuhanta Ikaro No Judan クライムハンタ－ 怒りの銃弾) sees Detective Joe Kawamura out for revenge against the men who gunned down his partner. Along the way he teams up with Lily, a gun-toting nun looking to get back five million dollars that was stolen from her church by an interfering criminal who decides to team-up for his own reasons. What a movie! While not perfect in any sense, and clocking in at just under one hour in it's running time, Crime Hunter: Bullets Of Rage took me right back to the classics of 80s Hong Kong heroic bloodshed fitting in perfectly alongside titles such as A Better Tomorrow (1986), The Big Heat (1988), Long Arm Of The Law (1984), and US made films such as Rambo (1988) and The Protector (1985) with Jackie Chan – all down to how it delivers the same energy, stunning visuals, gorgeous lighting, and crazy action. Featuring a young Riki Takeuchi as the unfortunate partner who gets killed, wonderful Masanori Sera as the vengeful cop Joe, Seiji Matano as the gun-toting criminal Bruce, and an appearance by the prolific Yoshio Harada, fans of classic Hong Kong action-cinema will easily fall in love with this wild film from director Toshimichi Okawa!
Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes The Bullet (Original Title: Neo Chinpira: Teppodama Pyu ネオ チンピラ 鉄砲玉ぴゅ～) Also known as Neo Thugs: Bullet Firing Sound Effect, this 1990 production from prolific director Banmei Takahashi sees wannabe yakuza-member Junko get more than he bargained for when he is tasked with avenging the murder of a fellow gang member. But when his seniors disappear and leave him to it alone, Junko must figure a way out of it – and all while dealing with his narcoleptic girlfriend. Brilliantly done and highly entertaining, Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes The Bullet comes across with a bit of a slow-burn at first, but really shakes you awake for it's second half. Sho Aikawa was just incredible as the leading man Junko, delivering a funny, emotional and dramatic performance that was close to a perfect debut role which helped kick-off a very prolific career. He is backed by a great cast throughout, while cinematographer Kazuhiro Miyoshi captures it all wonderfully. Although not really needed, a sequel would follow in 1991.
Stranger (Original Title: Yoru No Sutorenja Kyfou 夜のストレンジャー 恐怖 is an unbearable tense thriller that sees a late night taxi driver stalked by an unseen driver of an SUV. But is it a complete stranger or someone connected to their past? What a fantastic movie! Although slow burning in it's first half, Stranger keeps you guessing with it's tense storyline and fantastic performance by it's leading lady Yuko Natori – who also appeared in Yuen Biao's Saga Of The Phoenix (1989). Director Shunichi Nagasaki delivers a thrilling piece with some intense confrontations, a frantic car chase, and it's crazy final act. Nicely shot and simple in it's execution, Stranger is a great addition to the V-Cinema collection and one I look forward to going back to again. It's also worth noting that Shunichi is the same man behind films such as The Enchantment (1989), Shikoku (1999), Dogs (1999), and the fantastic 2007 martial-arts drama, Black Belt. Without a doubt, Stranger is one of 1991's most gripping V-cinema titles and makes for a great watch...
Carlos (Original Title: Karurosu カルロス) sees a Brazilian/Japanese petty criminal play two rival yakuza gangs against each other, but soon finds things getting out of hand and realises he has bitten off more than he can chew. If you had told me that John Woo directed Carlos, I might just have believed you! But it was directed by Kazuhiro Kiuchi; the very same man behind Be-Bop High School (1994). For his directional debut in 1991, Kiuchi impresses with his well-paced story telling, yakuza drama, dark humour, and ballistic gun-play. Playing the titular anti-hero is the fantastic and hugely prolific Naoto Takenaka, star of films such as Happiness Of The Katakuris (2001), Shall We Dance (1996), Azumi (2003), The Waterboys (2001), Jackie Chan's Shinjuku Incident (2009) and so much more. Joining him is the equally impressive Yuzo Hayakawa, who appeared in films such as Black Test Car (1962), The Wrath Of Daimajin (1966), Play It Cool (1970) and the popular Woman Gambler Series from the 1960s. Kojiro Kusanagai, Masumi Harukawa, Yumi Terao, also appear with Chuck Wilson impressing as the Western hitman. There's a lot to enjoy with this one!
Burning Dog (Original Title: Shugeki Baningu Dokku 襲撃) is a gripping heist film from 1991, where a gang of thieves plan to rob a US military base in Okinawa, but rising tensions between them soon plan the plan in jeopardy. One of the more lengthier films of the collection, Burning Dog is an interesting piece that comes across like a blend of 80s American action-thriller with a decent splash of 80s Hong Kong gangster fun. Perhaps it's the setting on the US-influenced island of Okinawa that helps create this particular approach, with the craze (at the time) of Chow Yun Fat's heroic bloodshed titles that proved to be a big hit in Japan – with Burning Dog giving off vibes of Ringo Lam's City On Fire in many of it's cool action scenes. Small time action hero Seiji Matano, who also starred as Bruce in the fantastic opening movie Crime Hunter: Bullets Of Rage (1989) as well as it's sequel from the same year and a third part in 1990, takes the lead once again and does a pretty decent job in the role.
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Death Threat (Original Title: Joshuu Sasori: Satsujin Yokoku 女囚さそり 殺人予告) is another exciting sequel to one of the most iconic franchises of Japanese cinema that sees a female assassin sent into a female prison in search of The Scorpion, a legendary and rebellious prisoner that hides in the bowels of the building. But all is not what it seems! If this was directed by Ringo Lam, it would be called Scorpion On Fire – it fits the pure grittiness of his other entries to the series and would be a great companion piece to Chow Yun Fat's Prison On Fire. Nihilistic and dark, this belated sequel to the famed series is pretty damn enjoyable (if you like you're women in prison movies). There's plenty of action, flesh, and over-the-top dramatics to entice fans back, and while it carries it's own twist in the plot with a fantastic finale, fits well into the Female Prisoner collection of movies. Directed by Toshiharu Ikeda who also gave us the great Evil Dead Trap (1988), Female Prisoner Scorpion: Death Threat is a nice addition to the V-cinema range and worth checking out if you're a fan of the original series...
Also made in 1991, The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses (Original Title: Za Hittoman Chihabaranonioi ザ・ヒットマン 血はバラの匂い ) is a yakuza crime flick directed by Teruo Ishii, that sees a broken man out for revenge when his fiancee is killed in the crossfire of a turf war. I quite enjoyed this. It came across like a mix between Death Wish and A Better Tomorrow, offering up some fantastic shoot-outs and a pretty damn exciting final showdown. In between, viewers are entertained with plenty of Yakuza politics, sex, and drama – but in a good way. The film is neatly shot, highlighted even more so with this new restoration, and (of course) directed by the legendary Teruo Ishii; the very same man behind a host of Japanese classics including Horrors Of Malformed Men (1969), Orgies Of Edo (1969), Abashiri Prison (1965), Blind Woman's Curse (1970), and Sonny Chiba's brilliant The Executioner (1974) among many more. But for me, the highlight was in it's leading man – the great Hideki Saijo who most Hong Kong film fans will know as Kenji/Saijo, the leader of the Angels in Iron Angels from 1987. Either that or the fact that he was very popular for singing the Japanese version of Y.M.C.A. (Young Man) back in the 80s. Regardless, he brings some of that Hong Kong action experience to the production and does a great job as the hero of the piece.
In Danger Point: The Road To Hell (Original Title: Jigokuhenomichi 地獄への道 ) the partnership of a duo of contract killers is tested when their most recent hit kicks off a run of unforeseen circumstances after he leaves them with a few last words. Directed by the wonderful Yasuharu Hasebe, the man behind classics such as the Stray Cat Rock Series (1970), Black Tight Killers (1966), Massacre Gun (1967) and the Organized Violence Series (1999), Danger Point: The Road To Hell (once again) oozes the flavours of any amount of John Woo-styled Hong Kong gangster flicks. And while it's easy to write it off as so, the film still has enough of it's own identity to make for a fun ride. While it may lack the amount of action I was really hoping for – although what is there is fantastic – the film is a pretty solid gangster-thriller with a top cast including the prolific Show Aikawa, star of the Dead Or Alive Trilogy (1999), Gozu (2003), Pulse (2001), Tokyo Zombie (2005) and the Suit Yourself Or Shoot Yourself Series (1996) among many more. He is joined by the equally busy and brilliant Jo Shishido of Branded To Kill (1967), A Tale Of Sorrow & Sadness (1977), Massacre Gun (1967), None But The Brave (1973) with Cheng Pei Pei and a young Jackie Chan, and The Setting Sun (1992) with Yuen Biao, and Miyuki Ono of Black Rain (1989) and Evil Dead Trap (1988) fame. Wonderfully made, well acted and pretty exciting all round!
Finally, from 1994, we have XX: Beautiful Hunter (Original Title: XX: Utsukushiki Karyuudo XX ダブルエックス 美しき狩人). As sexy as she is deadly, female assassin Shion rebel against the fanatical religious order that groomed and trained her from birth to be the perfect killer, when her latest target turns out to be the man she loves. On the run, Shion must contend with her fellow assassins that are now out to kill her. It's a story we've seen a thousand times today, but there's still something very fresh and fun about this adult-thriller. With shades of Crying Freeman about, XX: Beautiful Hunter plays like a live-action anime and – much like I've said for the majority of this collection – it just screams late 80s/early 90s Hong Kong cinema. It's cinematography and score reminded me of Yuen Woo Ping's Tiger Cage (1988) at times, and I'd be lying if I didn't say leading lady Makiko Kuno played like the Japanese Cynthia Khan. The film was directed by (recently deceased) Masaru Konuma; a pink cinema and erotica film-maker who delivered over 50 features from 1971 to 2002, who pulls together a great cast such as Makiko Kuno who is just brilliant as Shion. Still going strong today, Kuno has also starred in titles such as The Guard From Underground (1992), How Old Is The River? (1994), The Mars Canon (2002) and TV shows such as Ultraman Gaia (1998), Black Scandal (2018) and more. Adult actress Maiko Kazama, Katsuo Tokashiki, and Johnny Okura co-star, with the latter appearing in films such as A Legend Of Turmoil (1992), Boiling Point (1990), Mafia Family Yanagawa 2 (2002), and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983) with David Bowie, while the prolific Koji Shimizu – of Kagemusha (1980), Mandala (1971), Godzilla Tokyo SOS (2003), and the accompanying Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes The Bullet (1990) fame – helps flesh things out. Beautifully shot, intense, sexy, and highly entertaining, XX: Beautiful Hunter is a great closing piece to the collection and definitely worth watching.
Aside from the brilliant introductions by critic Masaki Tanioka, other extra features include Crime Hunter and the Dawn of V-Cinema; a 13 mins video essay by Tom Mes looking at the early video boom of Japan (which was actually quite fascinating) and Toei's approach to releasing anime and DTV films to the video market. Johnathan Clements presents a great video essay on Carlos, while Samm Deighan delivers one on the Female Prisoner Scorpion – and mainly the one here obviously. Mark Schilling does the same for Burning Dog and Frankie Balboa delivers a great piece on Teruo Ishii and The Hitman. Japanese film expert James Balmont talks about Danger Point, and critic Patrick Macias looks back at XX; Beautiful Hunter and how they brought back the sleaze. Of course, there are a host of lengthy interviews with directors and writers along with original trailers for most films. While all beautifully restored in HD, each film is delivered in their original 4:3 format as they were made direct-to-video, but that's certainly not a negative...
A melting pot of sorts, the V-cinema era was an interesting period but also a great one that delivered more fantastic titles than poor ones. Littered with many great directors and a host of prolific and upcoming stars, there seems to be something or someone in just about every title to please unsuspecting viewers. And what is delivered her in this V-Cinema: Bullets & Betrayal Collection is some of those finest ones. I adore this set! From it's stunning artwork to it's great interviews and many extras, through to each of the films included, I can't recommend this enough for fans of Asian action cinema. Gangsters, martial arts, gun-play, femme fatales, explosions, car chases, and plenty of humour, the V-Cinema: Bullets & Betrayal Collection is one of Arrow's best for 2025 – and I only hope they follow up with a second set in the near future! (5/5) George @invincibleasia
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THE RAPACIOUS JAILBREAKER (JAPAN 1974) Dir. by Sadao Nakajima
To say that this film 'jumps right into it' would be an understatement, but there's probably no easier way to explain how The Rapacious Jailbreaker kicks-off! From robbery and murder to the raping and abuse of fellow inmates, this Toei production grips you from the very beginning and refuses to let go. Also known as Escaped Murderer From Hiroshima Prison and Master Killer's Escape From Hiroshima, the film is set in postwar Japan and tells the story of convicted murderer Masayuki Ueda who has a bad habit of breaking out of jail. And every time he is caught and returned, he breaks out again – and again. Enforced by his strong survival instinct and pure defiance, Ueda's reasons for doing so change with every arrest, eventually turning into a fight to be free on a personal level and break free from the unforgiving loop that his life has become...
The irrepressible Hiroki Matsukata stars as the feisty leading man Ueda, and does quite a brilliant job in the role, playing an anti-hero of sorts offering plenty of laughs while delivering some brutal violence. He's a career criminal who doesn't care one bit as the years of incarceration just keep adding up! Beginning his career around 1960, Hiroki went onto star in 250 productions through to 2015 including Ronin Of Ako (1961), the Yagyu Chronicles Series (1962), Battles Without Honor & Humanity (1973), The Fall Of Ako Castle (1978), 13 Assassins (2010) and many more. The lovely Naoko Otani stars as his poor but supportive wife while actors such as Tomisaburo Wakayama, Tatsuo Umemiya, Goro Ibuki,Ko Nishimura, and Tatsuo Endo help flesh things out!
While a lot of the film is set in prison, a fair amount is also outside following Ueda on his escape. I can't help but feel that a film such as this perhaps inspired the likes of Hong Kong director Ringo Lam for Prison On Fire 2, and Jackie Chan (or Stanley Tong) with a particular zip-line getaway as seen in Police Story 3: Super Cop. The film was directed by the prolific and highly regarded Sadao Nakajima – a Toei film-maker who had gained a lot of interest throughout the 60s with his many samurai films, but had now found a new lease of life in the 70s when a second-wave of Yakuza movies became all the rage. Delivering over 70 directorial efforts throughout his career, Sadao was the man behind classics such as Female Ninja Magic (1964), Yakuza Gurentai (1966), Hot Springs Konjac Geisha (1970), Twisted Sex (1971), Jeans Blue: No Future (1974), The Great Okinawa Yakuza War (1976), The Shogun Assassins (1979) and many more...
Supposedly based on the real-life tale of a famed escapee, The Rapacious Jailbreaker moves along at a great pace and proves to be a highly enjoyable crime film overall. Beautifully shot and written by Tatsuo Nogami – the same pen behind classics such as Tattoo Of Love (1963), Three Yakuza (1965), Yagyu Clan Conspiracy (1978), Samurai Reincarnation (1981) and Paul Walker's Eight Below (2006) – the film is a must for all fans of the genre and of classic Japanese cinema. Supposedly the first film of an unofficial trilogy of titles, The Rapacious Jailbreaker was recently given a gorgeous Blu-ray release by Radiance Films that came with a stunning HD transfer, great audio commentary by Nathan Stuart and highly informative video essay on the director by Japanese film expert Tom Mes, as well as it's usual reversible sleeve and collectors booklet which is only limited to the initial run of 3000. Definitely one for the collection! (4/5) George @invincibleasia
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THE BEEKEEPER (USA 2024) Directed by David Ayer
(G) It has been some time since I enjoyed a good Jason Statham action flick - something that brought the same mindless popcorn entertainment like his classics such as The Transporter Trilogy, Safe, Wild Card and others - and I have to say, The Beekeeper gave me just what I wanted! While it won't win any awards and absolutely should not be taken seriously, the film is a non-stop ride of hard-hitting action, typical Statham humour, and OTT situations, and I can't wait to see it again! (3.5/5) George @invincibleasia
(A) The main problem of The Beekeeper is its structure and tone that's frequently inconsistent, from Statham's no-nonsense rampages to the antagonists that he faces, it's almost as if they are two completely different films mashed together and as a result, no ones a winner. And for the action we do get, its effect and appeal wears off quite quickly when the majority of antagonists are whimpering millennials quivering behind powerless old men in suits! (1/5) Adam @secondviewing
END OF DAYS (USA 1999) Directed by Peter Hyams
I remember catching this upon its release back in 1999 when I lived in Toronto, and while it wasn't quite perfect, there was definitely something pretty friggin cool about End Of Days that kept drawing me back. I mean, it's hard to not enjoy an Arnold Schwarzenegger flick at the best of times – and I'm not being bias just because we share birthdays – but this was also a very different role for the big man; it was dark, it was violent, and it had some pretty serious moments of horror throughout it. Directed by Peter Hyams, who was behind some great titles including Outland, Stay Tuned, Timecop, and Sudden Death, the film can be simply put as Arnie versus Satan, but is a little smarter than that and features the star as a suicidal ex-cop who now works for an elite security firm. But after the Devil arrives in New York in search of a bride before the turn of the century, the tough-as-nails protector must step up his game and put a stop to his nightmare threat!
This was Arnie's first film after the disastrous Batman & Robin, which was probably what resulted in him going in for heart surgery straight after filming, so End Of Days was a great come-back project that allowed him to deliver some serious drama, tough action, and emotional moments. Hyams does a great job directing – although Arnie actually didn't approve – and delivers one of his more enjoyable works of the 90s. He also pulls together a great supporting cast with the great Gabrielle Byrne starring as the Devil himself, along with Kevin Pollock, Miriam Margoyles, Carol Pounder and Udo Kier among others; all of whom deliver some memorable performances. But what I love most about End Of Days is that it avoids being too 90s in style – a period of Hollywood movies that I wasn't a huge fan of – and keeps its audience focused with its supernatural darkness, violent action, and effective horror. Overall though, this has been one massively underrated piece from Arnie's better days, and still proves to be as highly entertaining today than it was when I first caught it almost 25 years ago! (4/5) George @invincibleasia