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The dawn of the 21st century was one borne of anxiety, from Y2K fears surrounding the growing dependence on technology to geopolitical instability and extremism. Those sensibilities informed a lot of the cinematic output of the decade, while the increasingly globalized industry opened doors for international movies to be enjoyed by wider audiences. So many of the memorable movies from the decade revolved around paranoia and morally compromised protagonists, each nuanced in their own way. At the same time, a lot of 2000s movies still maintained a robust sense of fun, leaning into dark comedy or outright slapstick.

Simply put, not only were there a lot of great movies in the 2000s but a wide variety of impressive films released during the decade. Whether it was international movies gaining greater recognition or auteur-driven blockbusters, it was a great period for inventive cinema.

Here are the 15 best movies of the 2000s,...

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye continues the adventures of its central pair with an almost aggressive refusal to slow down. The story operates with a particular brand of genre-blender whiplash that feels unnervingly appropriate for our times.

We are reintroduced to Momo Ayase, the spirit medium, and Okarun, her compatriot cursed with alien abilities, characters who treat paranormal catastrophe as a slightly inconvenient after-school activity. Their dynamic remains a chaotic ballet of adolescent awkwardness and world-saving necessity.

Into this mix comes the next stage of the plot, centered on their friend Jiji. The mission seems straightforward enough for their line of work: travel to Jiji’s sleepy hometown, famous for its hot springs, and exorcise whatever is ailing his parents. But the film quickly signals that a simple haunted house is the least of their concerns.

A deep-seated local legend about a sacrificial serpent, a town that is just a little too quiet,...

Dan Da Dan returns for an even more satisfying spectacle of supernatural and occult shenanigans as Jiji experiences a monstrous metamorphosis.

There’s an exciting, electric feeling whenever a series concludes a near-flawless freshman season that can quickly turn to dread when the prospect of topping that next year is considered. Dan Da Dan was far and away 2024’s pop culture juggernaut, thanks to its effortless mix of horror, science fiction, and coming of age rom-com bliss. There’s an inherent challenge to sequels — or second seasons — which is why there are so many properties that start out strong, but ultimately leak quality over time. Dan Da Dan avoids these expected pitfalls and delivers something that must be seen to be believed — just like some urban legend cryptid.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye tells a strong story that proves the first season’s magic wasn’t a fluke and that...

There was a point in time when Hollywood studios thought 3D was the shining, sprawling future of cinema. Granted, a lot of 3D movies throughout the past 15 years have been gimmicky to the point of predictability, or they've been otherwise "regular" 2D movies with the three-dimensional effect artlessly and indifferently tacked on for a higher ticket price, which might account for why the novelty gradually wore off over time and stopped being the talk of the town..

Still, during the tech's heyday at the turn of the 2010s, a lot of thoughtful filmmakers made interesting, productive use of 3D in a variety of ways, creating a collective body of work that ensures dark multiplex goggles will be remembered as a genuine new frontier -- as opposed to a quaint little fad -- in film history books. From exuberant action blockbuster flicks to immersive documentaries to radical avant-garde experiments in animation and live-action alike,...

The Chinese are so bad at marketing this film that a lot still might have not heard about it (they live in their own space anyway). About how it is now the highest grossing animated movie of all time and the 5th highest grossing movie of all time joining the honor roll of Avatar, Avengers Endgame, Avatar Way of Water and Titanic. It really went under everyone's radar who rely on the Hollywood machine for their usual staple of blockbuster movies. But there comes a time when you get fed up with the constant bombardment of unimaginative products from Hollywood in recent years. Remakes, live-action treatments, sequels no one want, nostalgia baits and so on.

Ne Zha 2 came in as a breath of fresh air in this environment of mediocre Hollywood blockbuster content. And it deserves every penny it is getting right now.

The first act starts off with...

Netflix’s martial arts comedy-drama series Cobra Kai reinvigorated nostalgia for the Karate Kid franchise and garnered a whole new audience. The show’s committed ensemble cast, effective comedy and heartfelt drama speak to viewers of all ages. While the series has set a high bar for martial arts storytelling, the world of cinema, including these classic movies, offers up some of the genre’s all-time greats.

By emphasizing action, interesting characters and top-notch filmmaking, many of these martial arts films capture a similarly enjoyable atmosphere as Cobra Kai. They offer a nuanced narrative that resonates with audiences through intense drama or entertains viewers with clever comedy.

Bloodsport Helped Launch an Action Star’s Career

Striking a balance between cheesiness and unabashed charm, the 1988 martial arts film Bloodsport effectively crafts its fight sequences. It draws viewers into a storyline centered on an illegal martial arts tournament featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme as the lead.

The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama might be one of the greatest anime franchises in history and there is no doubt of that. The series was a pillar that helped the anime industry become a global success, and even after so long it continues to inspire fans and other creators with its enticing storyline and brilliantly written characters.

The Dragon Ball Franchise | Credit: Toei Animation

While almost every project by the franchise has been a worldwide success, there is one that the Dragon Ball community refuses to acknowledge as one of their own. This project was none other than the 2009 live-action adaptation of the Dragon Ball story, called Dragonball Evolution by 20th Century Studios which was an incredible failure.

Almost every aspect of the movie was rejected by the Dragon Ball fans and even the former editor of the Dragon Ball manga, Kazuhiko Torishima hated everything about it.

Exclusive: While Hong Kong’s film industry has not had the easiest ride since the pandemic, it continues to defy expectations by throwing up locally produced films that have been breaking records at the local box office.

The most recent of these, Emperor Motion Pictures’ The Last Dance, released in November 2024, has become the highest-grossing Hong Kong film of all time – indeed the highest-grossing Chinese-language film ever at the Hong Kong box office – grossing more than $20M (Hk$161M).

The film has also performed strongly on its international release – taking more than $800,000 in the UK, where it’s the third highest grossing Hong Kong film of all time behind Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle and Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood For Love. It has also done well in other territories, including North America, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, grossing $4M (RM18M) in the latter, a...

Stars Collective Film Entertainment Group is mounting an ambitious animated film trilogy based on “Journey to the West,” one of China’s four great classical novels, the company revealed on the first day of Hong Kong FilMart.

The trilogy — comprising “Bajie,” “Monkey King” and “Nezha” — aims to introduce and expand Eastern mythology to global audiences, building on recent successes in the space. The project comes as Eastern mythology continues gaining traction in entertainment, with video game ”Black Myth: Wukong,” which is based on Chinese mythology, hitting record-breaking sales of 28 million copies ($1.25 billion in revenue) since its August 2024 release, while Lunar New Year release “Ne Zha 2” has passed $2 billion at the global box office.

“Journey to the West,” which has been translated into more than 40 languages, is described as an Eastern fusion of “The Odyssey” and “The Lord of the Rings,” spanning realms of gods, demons and humans. Currently in script development,...

Released on the streaming platforms in China on Lunar New Year’s Eve, January 28th 2025, “Invincible Swordsman” is a product of Wong Jing and mainland director Luo Yi Wei. Adapted very loosely from the wuxia novel “The Smiling, Proud Wanderer” written by Louis Cha, or Jin Yong, this is basically a straight remake of Ching Siu Tung and Tsui Hark’s “Swordsman II” (1992) starring Brigitte Lin and Jet Li.

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The film kicks off with Ren Wo Xing (Yin Zi Wai) the leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult practicing his “Cosmic Absorbing Power” on the Blackwoods Cliff. Out of nowhere, a self-castrated man with supreme kung fu powers, calling himself Dong Feng Bu Bai or Invincible East (Kitty Zhang Yu Qi) appears to challenge him. During their fierce battle, Dong easily defeats Ren, blinds him in one eye, declares himself as the new leader and imprisons...

The 18th Asian Film Awards proudly announces this year’s recipients of the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award —Korean screen icon Jang Dong-gunand acclaimed Chinese actress Tang Wei. Recognised for their remarkable achievements and lasting contributions to Asian cinema, both esteemed actors will attend the awards ceremony on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District to accept this prestigious honour.

Jang Dong-gun expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award, and I sincerely thank the Asian Film Awards for this recognition. Having my three-decade acting career acknowledged is deeply meaningful and inspires me to keep going. I look forward to sharing this joy with everyone in Hong Kong.” Tang Wei also shared her excitement, stating, “I am truly grateful to the Asian Film Awards for recognising my work. Hong Kong has always been special to me, and I...

The Asian Film Awards has unveiled Korean veteran actor Jang Dong-gun and Chinese actress Tang Wei as this year’s recipients of the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, which will be presented during the awards ceremony in Hong Kong on March 16.

With more than 30 years in the film and television industry, Jang has starred in top Korean films like Friend, Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War, No Tears for the Dead and A Normal Family, among others. He has also acted alongside Hong Kong talent like Cecilia Cheung and Nicholas Tse in Chen Kaige’s pan-Asian production The Promise and reunited with Cheung in Dangerous Liaisons.

Tang played leading roles in Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave and Bi Gan’s Long Day’s Journey into Night. She also co-starred with Chris Hemsworth in Michael Mann’s Blackhat and worked on numerous Hong Kong productions and co-productions like The Golden Era, Office...

From directing fantasy wuxia (“Martial Universe” and the “Demon Subduing Division” series) to modern day themed action adventures (“Blind War” and “The Comeback”) mainland director Huo is no stranger as far as online streaming movies go. However, with “Second Life”, which features Philip Ng and Yuen Qiu in the leads, he has given viewers a taste of old Hong Kong action comedy but made in China instead.

At the funeral of policeman Shi, the gang boss who had him killed shows up and pokes fun at his pregnant wife Liang Jie (Zhao Xiao Fei). The furious Liang kills him in the heat of the moment and ends up in the prison. A few months later she gives birth to a baby boy nicknamed “Jelly Noodles”. However, after his first birthday, the prison has him transferred to an orphanage. Fast forward thirty years, the much older Liang, (now played by Yuen...

Actor, comedian, and YouTuber Steven He has been set to star in Kung Fu Deadly, a supernatural martial arts action-comedy that sees pest control dealing with an ancient Chinese enemy.

Deadline reports today that filming has begun in Dublin and County Meath, Ireland.

Kung Ful Deadly will follow “two hapless pest controllers who are thrust into mortal danger when they accidentally tranquilize a Taoist hunter of Chinese undead aka ‘Jiangshi’ who are spreading through the city. Having interrupted her pursuit of a centuries old enemy and with the clock ticking, they must reluctantly band together to rid the city of this supernatural menace the only way they know how: extermination.”

For the uninitiated, Jiangshi are folkloric vampires distinguished by their unique hopping movement. Recent family-friendly animated series like Gremlins: Secret of the Mogwai and Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld feature contemporary depictions of the Jiangshi, but Kung Fu Deadly sounds...

Exclusive: Filming has begun in Dublin and County Meath, Ireland, on Kung Fu Deadly, a martial arts supernatural action-comedy starring YouTuber and TikToker Steven He.

Produced by Paddy McDonald (Predestination), who also wrote the script with Nicholas Cooper (Zombie Plane), the Irish-Australian co-production is being directed by Fergal Costello (BAFTA winner for Brain In Gear). Essential Film Group is handling worldwide sales.

The movie concerns two hapless pest controllers who are thrust into mortal danger when they accidentally tranquilize a Taoist hunter of Chinese undead aka “Jiangshi” who are spreading through the city. Having interrupted her pursuit of a centuries old enemy and with the clock ticking, they must reluctantly band together to rid the city of this supernatural menace the only way they know how: extermination.

Also starring are Michael Tient (Lir Academy), Gemma Chua-Tran (Heartbreak High), Jason Tobin (F9; The Fast Saga) and Max Huang (Mortal Kombat 1 & 2). Lee Huang...

Quick LinksDragonball: Evolution Is Considered To Be One of the Worst Anime Adaptations and Worst Movies Of All TimeWhat Was Akira Toriyama's Reaction to Dragonball: Evolution?Dragonball Evolution Inspired Akira Toriyama To Return to the Anime

For many Westerners, Dragon Ball was the very first introduction to all the wonder that anime had to offer. It's a franchise that remains incredibly popular and dear to people's hearts, and the impact it's had on pop culture is undeniable. Because of this, in the mid-2000s, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came knocking at the door to produce a live-action film. The first and so far only attempt to bring the Dragon Ball franchise to the realm of live-action, Dragonball Evolution, has not only garnered a reputation as one of the worst anime adaptations ever made but as one of the worst films ever made in general.

Bruce Lee was a true legend, not only in martial arts but in the world of cinema, as his skills, charisma, and teachings reshaped the way the world viewed movement on screen. The icon brought a new level of intensity to fight scenes, making them feel more like a form of art than anything else. Lee didn't just perform, but made every move count, blending speed, power, and grace in a way no one had seen before.

Other than amassing a cult following, Lee inspired a number of films that feature his signature combination of athleticism and philosophy. From classic martial arts movies everyone should see to hidden gems of the '80s and '90s, each piece carries a piece of his unparalleled legacy. With no doubt about it, Bruce Lee changed martial arts movies forever, proving that the genre could be about more than just action.

Kung Fu Hustle...

Remember the first time you watched The Matrix? The mind-bending reality, the intense action sequences, and most notably, that hypnotic cascade of green characters running vertically across a pitch-black screen. To most fans, this iconic imagery is ingrained in the mind like an old friend.

The Matrix code—arguably one of the most iconic visual elements in cinematic history—has left audiences mesmerized, and it’s something that has remained imprinted in the collective pop culture consciousness since the film’s release in 1999. The constant green rain of characters wasn’t just a visual effect; it became symbolic of the deep, often unfathomable reality in the world the film created.

Keanu Reeves as Neo | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

And yet, when you dig a little deeper into the origins of that hypnotic code, it’s hard to believe what you’re about to hear. That very same code—the one...

Starring in a martial arts movie is tough enough, but working behind the scenes as well makes the challenge even more daunting and demanding, and Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow knows exactly how that feels.

Stephen Chow in Kung Fu Hustle / Credits: Columbia Pictures

There’s something impressive about movie projects where the director is also the lead star, and Chow proved this is possible when he helmed 2004’s Kung Fu Hustle, a film he also co-wrote and produced. The filmmaker admitted it wasn’t an easy job, and there were times he felt lost and needed someone to remind him of his mistakes.

Stephen Chow on the struggles of making Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle is both a commercial and critical success, establishing Stephen Chow as a force in the field of acting as well as directing. After the success of Shaolin Soccer in 2001, he was offered a...

Chinese sci-fi adventure Escape from the 21st Century is heading to Cineverse later this year, including the streaming service Fandor and eventually Midnight Pulp and Screambox.

A feature debut for director Yang Li, Escape from the 21st Century tells the story of three friends who gain the power to travel back and forth 20 years with a sneeze.

“Experiencing Escape from the 21st Century sparked vibrant echoes of Tsui Hark’s dynamism and Stephen Chow’s tonal mastery (major complement),” Cineverse Executive Director, Programming Eric Rowe hypes. “An exhilarating thrill ride of brazen creativity and unrelenting ingenuity, Escape delivers a dazzling fusion of genre thrills and comedic hijinks — Simply put, this film is propulsive, vibrant, and a hell of a lot of fun.”

ScreenDaily notes that the film made $15m at the China box office from an August 2024 release. It then went on an extensive festival run around the world, including Toronto,...

While there are various streaming services available that offer endless movies and TV shows, Tubi stands out for its free ad-supported streaming option. Since its inception in 2014, Tubi has steadily grown in popularity, with over 80 million active users and availability in multiple languages. Aside from offering a variety of exciting movies from third-party licensors, the streamer is well-known for its original works.

As with every prior month, Tubi returns to entertain fans as they prepare for another successful year, with a slew of new films available for streaming on the platform. In particular, action films on Tubi are an interesting bunch to look forward to, with multiple classics from the 1990s and the 2000s slated to be released. With that in mind, here's every action movie that will be streaming for free on Tubi in January 2025.

'Bad Boys I & II' Streaming January 1

Bad Boys is one of the most popular and entertaining action franchises,...

It’s astounding how many great modern martial arts movies have received near-universal praise on Rotten Tomatoes. While it’s well known that iconic classics of years gone by, like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, have long been favored by movie critics, these films' legendary status can sometimes overshadow the merits of more recent martial arts triumphs in the 21st century. That’s why it’s important to take the time to praise modern martial arts movies that have pushed the genre into brave new territory in recent years and continued to enthrall viewers with spectacular fight sequences.

Some of the all-time great martial performances occurred in the 21st century, and acclaimed directors like Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee have kept the quality of martial arts cinema high. These excellent films boasted spectacular performances from modern martial arts stars like Tony Jaa, Jet Li, and Michelle Yeoh. While martial arts cinema...

Executioners.Now that’s a suit, I think, as Johnnie To walks into the offices of the Museum of Modern Art in New York—shades on, cuffs shot. I’m not there in person, but even through the low-resolution video-chat window, the Hong Kong maestro cuts a sharp silhouette. If you’re familiar with To’s films—most of which boast a lithe 90-odd-minute running time—then his expertly tailored aura makes perfect sense. Just like the man himself—who, five months shy of turning 70, appears to be in rude health—there isn’t an inch of fat on a Johnnie To picture. To is best known in the West as an action director with an innate sense for space and place. He released his first film eleven months after Tsui Hark’s debut, The Butterfly Murders (1979), coming up a few years behind John Woo. But To’s approach to...

RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Nov 29-Dec 1)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Moana 2(Disney) £12m £12m 1 2. Wicked(Universal) £8.3m £28.5m 2 3. Gladiator II(Paramount) £2.6m £23.4m 3 4. Paddington In Peru(Studiocanal) £1.8m £27.3m 4 5. Conclave(Black Bear) £886,000 £1.1m 1

Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.27

It was another record-breaking weekend at the UK and Ireland box office as Moana 2 sailed to the top with a £12m debut for Disney.

The sequel had the third-highest opening of the year, behind last week’s Wicked (£13.7m) and Deadpool & Wolverine (£12.6m) but was ahead of fellow Disney animation Inside Out 2 which scored an £11.3m debut back in June.

Rank Film (distributor) Three-day gross (Nov 22-24) Total gross to date Week 1. Wicked (Universal) £13.7m £13.7m 1 2. Gladiator II (Paramount) £4.7m £18.4m 2 3. Paddington In Peru (Studiocanal) £4.2m £24.4m 3 4. Red One (Warner Bros) £822,000 £5.8m 3 5. Heretic(Efd) £205,457 £205,457 4

Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26

Wickedcast its spell on UK-Ireland audiences this weekend, bringing in £13.7m in its debut – the best-performing opening weekend for a stage-to-screen adaptation in the territory, and the biggest opening weekend of 2024.

The musical was released at 701 sites, for a site average of £19,543 for Universal.It beat previous stage-to-screen record holder Les Misérables, with £8.1m in 2013. Wicked also knocked Deadpool & Wolverine...

Some of the most beloved martial arts films are those that go all out with their storytelling. Over-the-top martial arts films have an exaggerated display of either comedy, violence, or martial arts skills or all three at the same time. However, when done right, these heightened elements don't make it appear as though a film is trying too hard. The over-the-top antics are often grounded by the strong performances of a film's cast and the innovative approaches to fight choreography.

Jackie Chan is a familiar face in plenty of over-the-top martial arts films, as his career is largely defined by those with risky, extravagant stunts regularly paired with slapstick humor. However, as previously mentioned, humor and death-defying stunts aren't the only ways for films to be considered over-the-top. Riki-Oh and Shaolin Soccer are two films that feature absurd amounts of violence and superhuman martial arts skills, respectively, delivering an entertaining...

Donnie Yen has built up a reputation as among the greatest martial arts stars of all time, due in no small part to his incredible roles in old-school kung fu movies. While Yen later earned recognition in major series like John Wick, Star Wars, and Ip Man, he got his start in the 1980s and truly broke out as a major star during the 1990s. These earlier films showcased his impeccable skills as an actor, director, and talented martial artist.

The early days of Donnie Yens career had plenty of underrated films that lovers of old-school kung fu cinema should be sure to check out. From epic action movies about noble police officers hunting down corrupt cops to fantastical wuxia movies set in times past, Yen has always had the versatility and talent to excel in whatever genre he tried his hand at. As a true icon of modern martial arts cinema,...

Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s Blue Lock has taken the anime world by storm, and some believe that the series is destined to be the next big thing in the sports genre. The smooth one-two passes, epic duels between two players who are equally striving to become the greatest egoists in the world, and the ability to convert goals have made it a go-to choice among football fans.

Rin Itoshi and Isagi Yoichi in Blue Lock Season 2. Credits: 8 Bit

The series took a ton of criticism under its name, where many called out the show for presenting subpar animation, which made the fans question if this was the same show that made them fall in love with it. However, the gripping storyline of the series has kept its viewers close, who continue to watch how the story unfolds.

Interestingly, the random has an interesting take; they ardently believe that Kaneshiro-Sensei’s magnum...

Martial arts movies have been a staple genre of Western culture since the 1970s. Pioneers like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan set the standard for epic, fast-paced fight scenes and brought them to the silver screen. Films like Robert Clouse's Enter The Dragon and Yuen Woo-Ping's Drunken Master helped create the world of martial arts cinema that is famous today.

The genre hasn't slowed down since its creation, with many upcoming projects like the long-awaited Karate Kid reboot set to hit screens in 2025. However, certain martial arts movies take themselves more seriously than others. While some plots are centered around character development and realistic fighting applications, other films go the extra mile and focus on downright absurd scenarios. These campy martial arts movies set aside realism and include fighting that is truly ridiculous, but altogether extremely fun to watch.

Dragon Tiger Gate (2006) Clash Of Brothers

Wilson Yip's...

If Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle had you laughing in stitches, prepare to cry with his E.T.-inspired sci-fi family drama, CJ7. This isn't a typical father-son story, as CJ7 brings an adorable extraterrestrial guest into the family. Chow Ti (Chow) is a single dad living with his son, Dicky Chow (Xu Jiao), in the urban ruins of their neighborhood. Ti works as a construction worker by day, barely making ends meet. When Dicky asks if his dad could buy him the latest robot toy, the CJ1, Ti simply can't afford it. Later at night, Ti stumbles upon a strange green orb in the junkyard and decides to give it to Dicky, passing it off as a better toy than the CJ1. Little do they know, this orb is actually a mysterious remnant from a visiting flying saucer, which morphs into a cuddly, dog-like alien creature that Dicky...

Jeffrey Katzenberg was probably too early when he launched Quibi (short for quick bites) in early 2020. The company closed down six months later having consumed nearly $1.5 billion of capital.

Fast forward four years and the global market (excluding China) for micro-dramas, or ultra short fiction content made for consumption on the go, is said to be worth $2 billion a year. It is expected to double by 2025.

Like Korean webtoons, micro dramas are digitally native content, made for viewers using handheld mobile devices. That may be one of the reasons why the streaming services that lean into TV sets and PCs (such as Netflix and Disney+) flourished during Covid lockdowns and why micro dramas took off once people began to commute and travel for leisure again. Most scroll vertically, like social media and unlike a book or magazine.

China, however, is the world leader with a market size that probably equals the rest of the world.

While kung fu movies have cycled in and out of popularity, they have also created an influx of many great parody films of the genre. Kung fu and martial arts films saw a significant rise in favor in the 1980s and 1990s, with hundreds of movies produced then. Audiences appreciated the typically likable and underdog heroes, as well as the intense choreography and kung fu techniques featured in the movies. Many iconic kung fu film stars even practiced the martial art in real life, adding realness to their performances.

However, the stylized and well-known martial arts genre also provided lots of material for spoof films. Kung fu parody movies often focus on mocking any combination of the genre's stunts, filming style, language, and intense tone. These films also became quite popular, subverting a genre with which many had grown familiar. Even notable kung fu stars like Jackie Chan pivoted from...

Taiwanese actress Shu Qi has wrapped production on her directorial debut — a project previously kept under wraps. Production company Mandarin Vision released a teaser image for the new film, titled Girl, along with a shot of Shu behind the camera during a recent location shoot.

Described as an original story written and directed by Shu, the film is scheduled for release in Asia sometime in 2025, according to the producers. It’s unclear whether Shu will also perform in Girl. Mandarin Vision declined to share additional information about the project.

Shu Qi on set for ‘Girl.

A fashion icon and favorite of both arthouse and commercial filmmakers across the Chinese-speaking world, Shu made her breakthrough in Taiwanese master Hou Hsiao-hsien’s 2001 feature Millennium Mambo. Later successes have included Feng Xiaogang’s If You Are the One (2008), Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013) from Stephen Chow, Gone with the Bullets (2014) by Jiang Wen,...

Theirs is a love without name in “Bound in Heaven,” when the connection between Xia You (Ni Ni) and Xu Zitai (Zhou You) is so primal that neither bother to introduce themselves to one another until after spending a night together. Details like these can seem besides the point in Huo Xin’s torrid adaptation of Li Xiuwen’s novel of the same name. Passion trumps all else, both in front and behind the camera, in an auspicious directorial debut from the veteran screenwriter, who sees a doomed romance as an opportunity for a spirited drama when its central duo lives each day like their last.

Any day could well be for Xu, who knows the expiration date for the relationship will come sooner than later due to a terminal illness. As the humble owner of a noodle shop in Wuhan, getting treatment or even a proper diagnosis is out of reach.

Specialty sales and finance firm Rediance has picked up international sales rights to “Bound in Heaven,” the directorial debut feature of experienced Chinese screenwriter Huo Xin.

The tragic love story will have its world premiere this week in the Centerpiece section of the Toronto International Film Festival. It will subsequently travel to San Sebastian for its European debut.

Adapted from the novel of the same title by Li Xiuwen, the drama centers around a successful young woman who lives in the city with her abusive fiance and a lonely terminally ill man running a noodle shop in Wuhan. A chance encounter sparks an immediate attraction and their connection provides light and lightness in their emotional and dark journeys.

The film stars Ni Ni, who appeared in Zhang Yimou’s “The Flowers of War” and 2022 smash hit “Lost in the Stars.” Zhou You, who also appeared in Jia Zhangke’s Cannes...

The perfect director for a live-action Dragon Ball Z movie has already proven that he could deftly translate the unique fight scenes onto the big screen. Dragon Ball Z was technically already adapted into a live-action film with the 2009 effort Dragonball Evolution, directed by James Wong and produced by Stephen Chow. But that movie was an abomination. It whitewashed the cast, it was completely unfaithful to the source material, and it dealt an irreparable blow to the world of anime-to-movie adaptations.

Dragon Ball Z is still ripe for a more faithful live-action movie adaptation. It has a massive fan base that would definitely show up if a more worthy adaptation was produced, and its a great story that deserves to find its way to an audience that might not give the original anime a chance. The previous film version was so poorly received that its unlikely Hollywood would take another stab at the property.

Cheng Pei-pei, the beloved Chinese actor who died last month, will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Horse Film Awards in November.

Cheng, considered a pioneer of martial arts roles for female actors, died in the San Francisco Bay Area after suffering from a degenerative brain disease. She was 78.

Veteran Taiwanese cinematographer and director Lin Wen-chin will also be recognized.

The Golden Horse Film Festival, which runs Nov. 7-23, will present tributes to Cheng, including screenings of martial arts classics “Come Drink With Me” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and the musical “Hong Kong Nocturne,” featuring Cheng.

“Cheng started off as a trainee in Southern Experimental Theatre Company of Shaw Brothers Studio, and gradually took off in the mid-1960s, especially for her portrayal of the lead Golden Swallow in King Hu’s ‘Come Drink With Me,’ which also established her on-screen persona as a swordswoman.

Asian cinema has gifted the world with a plethora of iconic fighting movies that blend intense action with rich storytelling and cultural depth. Together, these films represent the diverse and dynamic world of Asian fighting movies, captivating audiences with their artistry and action. A few favorites include:

Enter the Dragon (1973) – Bruce Lee

A classic with Bruce Lee’s,”Enter the Dragon” sets the stage for martial arts films with groundbreaking choreography and charismatic performances.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – Directed by Ang Lee

This movie was extremely popular across the globe and introduced audiences to the poetic beauty and elegance of wuxia cinema.

Ip Man (2008)

This movie is a biographical martial arts film that tells the story of the legendary Wing Chun master Ip Man, who later became the mentor of Bruce Lee, and his resistance against Japanese occupation in China during the 1930s.

The Raid: Redemption (2011)

“The Raid: Redemption” showcases...

Corey Yuen, the actor, action choreographer and director of “So Close” and “Doa: Dead or Alive,” died in 2022, the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers confirmed to Variety.

Local and English-language reports say that Yuen died of Covid-19 on an undisclosed date in Hong Kong. He was born on Feb. 15, 1951 as Ying Gang-ming.

His death was initially kept private at the request of his family. But on Monday, the news was revealed on Chinese-language social media by fellow action star Jackie Chan, who paid tribute to Yuen and others in the industry who had died.

Yuen and Chan were contemporaries and trained together with Sammo Hung Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu and Yuen Biao at the Peking Opera School. Together, they were sometimes referred to as the Seven Little Fortunes or The Lucky Seven and made their mark during the heyday of Hong Kong cinema from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.

Released in 2009, Dragonball Evolution quickly came under fire because it achieved a new milestone in being the most disappointing watch that has ever been created in the history of cinema. The flick soon became a hot topic of conversation among fans and critics, primarily because it was heavily different from the source material.

Justin Chatwin & Emmy Rossum in Dragonball Evolution. Credits: Credits: 20th Century Fox

The film was a quagmire of mess and complications, from whitewashing the characters to deviating from the source material and subduing the magical essence that Akira Toriyama had spent his life creating. It could not get any worse, or could it?

James Marsters, who played Demon King Piccolo, claimed he was duped into agreeing and that the adaptation would be allegedly made by a well-known director with a large production budget.

James Marsters Recalls How He Was Allegedly Tricked Into Joining Dragonball Evolution

James Wong...

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series is one of the most renowned and commercially successful franchises that has ever been created. Over the years, the franchise has had numerous additions, including films, video games, merchandise, action figures, and a live-action film. While Toriyama-Sensei’s Shonen series excelled in every way possible, Dragonball Evolution faltered in every possible aspect.

Goku and Bulma in Dragonball Evolution. Credits: 20th Century Fox

From a subpar plot to whitewashing the characters, the film was a disaster that tanked big time at the box office. Well, for a long time, fans believed that the film flopped because it deviated from the source material.

However, in a surprising turn of events, James Marsters, the actor who played Demon King Piccolo in the adaptation, opened up about his experience. Especially how he was deceived into joining the cast and adding his name to the project, whose name adds...

Quick Links The Latest Kung Fu Hustle 2 News Kung Fu Hustle 2 Is Confirmed Kung Fu Hustle 2 Cast Kung Fu Hustle 2 Story Kung Fu Hustle 2: Further News & Info Kung Fu Hustle 2 has been officially confirmed by Stephen Chow, who will also direct. The sequel won't be a direct continuation. Instead it could be set in modern-day with a likely female lead. New cast and characters are expected, with no casting announcements made yet.

Kung Fu Hustle 2 is finally official and there are already a ton of exciting updates about the long-awaited sequel. The original Kung Fu Hustle became an instant cult favorite in 2004, and many have been anxiously awaiting a follow-up. Stephen Chow is a legendary figure in Chinese cinema and started his career as an actor. He first moved into the directing seat for 1993's Flirting Scholar, and started to regularly direct his own projects like 1996's The God Of Cookery.

Left to right: Everything Everywhere All At Once (A24), Starship Troopers (TriStar Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images), Enter The Dragon ((Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images), The Matrix (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)Graphic: The A.V. Club

The recent release of Thelma, a film that subverts the conventions of action films,...

Celebrate the cinematic genius of Stephen Chow with a selection of his most iconic films, showcasing his unique blend of humor, creativity, and cultural impact in Heart of the Richmond: Stephen Chow Film Festival. This three-day festival in Richmond district is a tribute to one of Hong Kong's most beloved filmmakers, offering audiences the chance to experience his timeless classics on the big screen. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Stephen Chow and enjoy an unforgettable film experience! Heart of the Richmond: Stephen Chow Film Festival is is a partnership of the Balboa Theater, The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, the Office of Supervisor Connie Chan, and Another Planet Entertainment.

Friday July 12

Opening Reception: 6:30-7:30

Featuring traditional Chinese dancing, hors d'oeuvres, and Cantonese calligraphy

Shaolin Soccer (2001): 8pm

The film revolves around a former Shaolin monk who reunites his five brothers,...

Stephen Chow, the once iconic Hong Kong comedian, actor and director who had a string of hit films in the 1990s and first decade of the 21st century, is to produce a variety show in mainland China.

The show, to be called “The King of Comedy Stand-up Season,” is to be aired by iQiyi, one of China’s dominant streaming platforms. The title is a reference to one of Chow’s best-known movies, released in 1999.

The variety show project was described as the first step in a 360-degree partnership between Chow’s Hong Kong stock market-listed Bingo Group and the Nasdaq-listed iQiyi. The announcement was made as part of iQiyi’s annual Spring iJOY presentation and event. The partnership is also expected to include drama series, variety shows and animation productions.

Earlier this year Chow (aka Chow Sing-chi) struck a deal with Douyin, the Bytedance-owned Chinese sister company of TikTok,...

During his early career, Danny Chan Kwok Kwan, actor and Jeet Kune Do practitioner portrayed Bruce Lee in the 50-episode TV series “The Legend of Bruce Lee” (2008) due to his resemblance to him. After his portrayal of the Bruce Lee look-alike goalkeeper in Stephen Chow's “Shaolin Soccer” he became more popular which led him to further playing Lee in the “Ip Man” film series. However, in “Desperado” or “Thug in a Suit” as translated from its Chinese title, he finally has the chance to shine as a leading man.

Set in Taicheng, a made up city somewhere in Southeast Asia, most likely Thailand or Cambodia, this online iQIYI film kicks off with a great action set piece in which the thug in a suit, Zhao Ke, comes to a butchery warehouse alone to rescue his sworn brother Barno. The warehouse is actually a front for drug smuggling and a trap to lure him in.

James Marsters was lured into playing Piccolo in Dragonball Evolution with false promises of a grand-scale production and high budget. Despite setbacks, Marsters dedicated himself to the role, even performing dangerous stunts, showcasing his commitment and versatility as an actor. Marsters walked into the wrong theater on opening night of Dragonball Evolution, mistaking a showing of Fast & Furious for his own movie.

James Marsters plays Piccolo in Dragonball Evolution, but it was allegedly due to a game of smoke and mirrors by the studio. The 2009 movie aimed to bring the beloved Dragon Ball manga and anime series to life in a live-action format, and sought to encapsulate the essence of Goku's adventures as he seeks out the Dragon Balls to prevent the evil Lord Piccolo from using them. Despite its ambitious goals, a lot went wrong with Dragonball Evolution, and it underwhelmed at the box office, earning $55.7 million...

The Kung Fu Panda franchise is awaiting the release of its fourth film, which has come a long way from its concept of an anthropomorphic animal learning kung fu. Starring Jack Black as Po, Kung Fu Panda 4 sees many familiar characters such as Master Shifu, Tai Lung, and Kai, while introducing new villains such as The Chameleon.

The first film was known for its bizarre concept of a Panda learning kung fu and was one of the most anticipated films of 2008. The film was one of the commercially successful films by DreamWorks Animation, earning over $631 million. While a simplistic comedy with action, the concept of Kung Fu Panda was reportedly inspired by the iconic film Kung Fu Hustle.

When Was Kung Fu Panda Developed? A still from Kung Fu Panda

The Jack Black starrer Kung Fu Panda was one of the most beloved animated franchises in the world. The...

Jackie Chan has plenty of movies, but there are a few non-Jackie Chan movies that feel like lost additions to his filmography thanks to their tone and style. For example, Tiger Cage 2, starring Donnie Yen, feels like a lost Jackie Chan movie with its stunts and Ong Bak and others pay homage to Jackie Chan's physicality with bone-crunching fights and free-running sequences.

While Jackie Chan has a lot of classic movies, there are also a lot of great martial arts movies that feel like lost additions to the actor’s oeuvre for a variety of reasons. Alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan is one of the most influential martial artists in cinema history. The screen veteran’s earliest starring roles date back to the late ‘70s, when the popularity of Bruce Lee’s work led to a huge demand for martial arts movies. Chan starred in 1978’s Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow,...

Stephen Chow (aka Chow Sing-chi) has struck a deal with Douyin, the Chinese sister company of TikTok, to produce a slate of mini-drama series for mainland China audiences.

Mini dramas are a form of professionally-generated content that has become hugely popular in China, and to a lesser extent in other parts of Asia. Series typically have 20-100 episodes of 1-15 minutes each, though just a couple of minutes is typical. This makes them easily digestible and suitable for casual consumption on mobile devices. The most popular genres are comedy and romantic drama and many are derived from web novels.

In a statement on Douyin’s WeChat social media feed, the company said that Chow’s first series project is called “Jinzhu Yuye” and is currently a work-in-progress that could be delivered by May. He is understood to be working with other creators.

Hong Kong-based writer-director-producer Chow was in his heyday...