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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,...

In the world of My Hero Academia, traditional games hardly exist in their original forms. The Olympics are the biggest sports event in our world, and the same was true in the Mha universe before Quirks became prevalent. I guess once people have quirks like super speed, it becomes useless to find the limits of the human body. People would obviously take advantage of their Quirks to excel in sports.

Thus, common sporting events have been replaced by the U.A. Sports Festival in which students of U.A. High School display their abilities to their fullest. So, rather than exploring the potential of the human body, it focuses on exploring the potential of Quirks. But the appearance of Emperor Yotsuura in Vigilantes made me think of an idea.

Emperor Yotsura gave me a splendid idea Emperor Yotsuura is a unique character inspired by soccer in Mha: Vigilantes | Credits: Bones...

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,...

April is bringing fresh movies, shows, and specials to Paramount+! Whether you love action, comedy, or family-friendly content, there’s something for everyone. Get ready for new originals, classic favorites, and exclusive premieres. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming next month!

1. The Last Stop in Yuma County (April 1)

A traveling salesman, stranded at a remote Arizona rest stop, becomes caught in a dangerous hostage situation when two ruthless bank robbers arrive, willing to use violence to protect their stolen money.

2. Before Dawn (April 1)

A young man leaves his family’s sheep farm in the Australian outback and joins his fellow countrymen on the Western Front during World War I, hoping to help bring an end to the brutal conflict.

3. An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile special (April 6)

Filming on March 26 at London’s Palladium Theatre, a primetime concert special will feature live performances by Elton John and Brandi Carlile,...

South Korea’s leading entertainment company Cj Enm has appointed former Acemaker Movieworks CEO Jung Hyun-joo as its head of film business.

Jung takes the role with immediate effect and joins directly from Acemaker, a financing, distribution and production company that she founded in 2018. Cj Enm said the executive would “bolster the competitiveness” of its films, in what is an increasingly challenging market.

Previous head of film business Jerry Kyoungboum Ko has been named global project leader and will focus on Cj Enm’s global film projects in his new role.

With more than 20 years in the business, Jung is...

Jung Hyun-joo, the former CEO of Korean film company Acemaker, is joining Parasite studio Cj Enm.

Jung will join as Head of Film Business with immediate effect, bringing with her experience in helming films such as Boon Joon-ho’s The Host.

She joins Cj Enm as it turns 30 this year, during which time it has produced and distributed the likes of Oscar winner Parasite and Tony-winning musicals including Kinky Boots. The appointment of Jung is expected to strengthen its film team and accelerate global ambitions.

She has more than 20 years’ experience in Korean film, with The Host becoming one of the country’s top-grossing films ever under her production management and marketing guidance while she was at Chungeorahm Film.

She has also overseen distribution of the likes of The Lord of the Rings, Shaolin Soccer and Kill Bill in Korea through a role in Taewon Entertainment’s acquisitions team.

Cj...

Entertainment powerhouse Cj Enm has recruited seasoned executive Jung Hyun-joo as its head of film business. Jung, who previously served as CEO of Korean film company Acemaker, steps into the role effective immediately.

The appointment brings a heavyweight industry player to Cj Enm’s film operations. Jung’s resume includes her pivotal role behind Bong Joon Ho’s monster hit “The Host” during her tenure at Chungeorahm Film, where she managed production and marketing for what became one of Korea’s highest-grossing films.

Jung brings more than two decades of experience across production, financing and distribution. Her background includes spearheading Korean distribution for international blockbusters like “The Lord of the Rings,” “Shaolin Soccer” and “Kill Bill” while working at Taewon Entertainment, where she helped introduce over 100 international titles to Korean audiences.

During her stint at Showbox in the 2010s, Jung guided investment and production for commercial and critical successes including...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

The idea of a live-action anime series or movie has always raised eyebrows, as the project might just deviate from the source material and fail to resonate with the essence of the source material. Though there have been several heartfelt attempts to make a successful adaptation, all of them failed.

A still from Netflix’s One Piece. Credits: Netflix

However, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece breaks the cycle because the TV series has been a massive hit, with season 2 on the way. Despite the success, the manga artist was extremely pessimistic about bringing the idea to life, until he came across one Chinese cult classic film that we all have enjoyed watching while growing up.

Oda-Sensei explained that this film played an active role in making him believe that the technology has developed so much that his magnum opus will not disappoint the fans in any manner.

Eiichiro Oda Was...

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...

Sports movies often have inspirational coaches who lead their teams to victory, but there are also some terrible coaches which span from irresponsible and boorish to homicidal. The best sports movie coaches can be just as inspiring as the athletes, and some movies focus on them rather than the characters on the field. However, some movies, especially sports comedies, have laughably bad coaches instead.

Bad coaches in sports movies are often the villains, like Kreese in The Karate Kid or Hung in Shaolin Soccer. They aren't just bad because they're ineffective; they also knowingly endanger the athletes due to their obsessions with winning. Whether they should be fired or arrested, bad coaches can make sports movies much more interesting by raising the stakes and providing compelling villains.

Related 10 Most Inspiring Sports Movie Speeches

Some of the most motivational speeches in film history come from iconic sports movies that instill crucial...

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...

Few series have made waves quite like Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece in the vast world of manga and anime. As the pirate adventure prepares to set sail into the new waters with Netflix’s live-action adaptation, fans and newcomers alike are eager to see how this story is translated to the screen. But behind the grand adventures and fantastical powers lies a deeply personal motivation that has shaped the series from its beginning.

Nami and Ussop from Netflix’s One Piece live-action | Tomorrow Studios

Eiichiro Oda has shed light on the origins of One Piece and the thoughtful consideration that went into crafting its world. His insights reveal how a desire to break from convention and a heartfelt appreciation for those who supported him led to the creation of a story that has captured the imaginations of millions around the world.

A Pirate’s Tale of One Piece Born...

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.

From Terminator-eyed strikers to flame-wreathed shots on goal, no bombast is too much in this feature-length extrapolation of Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s popular series

Like Squid Game meets Shaolin Soccer, this feature-length extrapolation of Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s popular manga and anime set in a football training academy treats the beautiful game like an epic showdown between demonic forces or a Kurosawa-esque assault on a mountain fortress. Terminator-eyed strikers, flame-wreathed shots on goal, players zoning out in an amniotic limbo; no bombast is too much when hammering home Blue Lock’s key message: a star centre-forward must have an almighty ego.

The head coach is even called Jinpachi Ego. In trying to identify a unique attacking talent for the Japanese national team at the elite Blue Lock academy, he is unimpressed by the close-knit bond between the two final recruits: rich kid Reo (voiced by Yuma Uchida) and his diffident schoolmate Nagi...

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...

In recent times, anime and manga have started to bring about cultural shifts in the realm of wider pop culture and even entertainment in general. And leading this revolution is none other than Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece.

A still from One Piece

This revolution has only been strengthened with the release of Netflix’s One Piece live-action, which through defying the curse of former anime adaptions failing hard in execution, made a splash with both new and old fans of the manga and the animation.

Although this seems to have been a beacon of hope for live-action adaptations of the future, if Oda had never seen the 2001 action/sports film Shaolin Soccer, he may have never been convinced that his creation could be developed in the real world for the silver screen.

One Piece Creator Eiichiro Oda Reveals How Shaolin Soccer Encouraged Him To Make Netflix’s One Piece...

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...

To celebrate the release of From Beijing With Love coming to Blu-Ray on 23rd October we have not 1, not 2 but 3 Blu-Rays to give away!

Hong Kong’s King of Comedy Stephen Chow directs and stars in this hilarious spoof of the James Bond franchise. Martini swilling butcher (and disgraced former spy) Ling Ling Chat is dispatched to recover a stolen dinosaur skull from a golden-gun wielding supervillain. Equipped with the latest gadgets, our hero dons his tuxedo and swaggers into a world of danger, beautiful women, and metal mouthed assassins. Sound familiar?

One of Stephen Chow’s funniest films, Eureka Classics is proud to present From Beijing With Love on Blu-ray in its UK debut.

Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Small Print

This competition is open to UK residents only. The competition will close 30th October 2023 at 23.59 GMT The winner will...

Stephen Chow was the closest Hong Kong Comedy ever had to an international star. Breaking out with “Shaolin Soccer” and “Kung Fu Hustle” he suddenly stepped back to focus on direction. Prior to this was a huge back catalogue of his work that apart from sporadic releases was hardly seen in the west. Eureka Entertainment start to rectify that with the upcoming release of “From Beijing with Love” his Bond Spoof from 1994. Comedy however can be a very acquired taste and what makes them roar in Kowloon may not necessarily do so in Kansas. So time to take a trip back to the nineties and experience Stephen Chow in his prime.

on Amazon by clicking on the image below

The head of a dinosaur is stolen by a man in invincible armor and a golden gun. With numerous agents out of commission Ling Ling Fat (Stephen Chow...

Skillfully trained in multi types of martial arts like Jiu-jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Sanda, kickboxing and Mma, Mainland Chinese actor, screenwriter, director and fight choreographer Yue Song is back after his sting in the lukewarm “The King of the Streets” (2012), China’s first street-fighting film.

on Hi-Yah!

The thin plot of “The Bodyguard”, also known as “Super Bodyguard” or “Iron Protector”, concerns a disciple of the Iron Feet clan, Wu Lin, played by Yue Song. After the death of his master, Wu wanders into the modern city of Lengcheng (Cold City) looking for his martial arts brother Li Jiang (Shi Yan Neng). White doing a split in the city square, like Stephen Chow did in “Shaolin Soccer” (2001), a bunch of gangsters was chasing after a rich businessman run pass and interrupted his busking. Regardless, Wu effortlessly fights off the attackers and saves the man’s life.

Suddenly,...

Does it count as a white savior movie if the white character is the one who needs saving? In “Next Goal Wins,” the world’s top-grossing indigenous director, Taika Waititi, retells the story of how American Samoa went from having the world’s worst soccer team to, well, not the worst. While a white man was involved, the movie — which suggests how a film like “Cool Runnings” might be made with 30 years’ more cultural enlightenment — is mostly about how their coach (Michael Fassbender) needs an attitude adjustment. Come to think of it, that’s essentially the formula for most white savior movies.

In 2001, the American Samoa soccer team set a world record. They lost the World Cup Qualification game 31-0. Apparently, they only got worse from there. Enter Fassbender’s character, Thomas Rongen, a hothead with an alcohol problem and an emotional backstory which the movie keeps up its sleeve...

One Piece director Emma Sullivan addressed how the live-action series of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga was able to avoid making the same mistakes as other remakes such as Netflix’s failed Cowboy Bebop and Death Note adaptations.

For the past several years, adapting an anime into a live-action has been a hit-and-miss endeavor in Hollywood, due to important factors that didn’t meet fan expectations including casting and production quality. Speaking with Screen Rant, Sullivan explained what makes Netflix’s One Piece series different from other live-action adaptations, revealing that making actors copy their anime counterparts’ big expressions and animated actions would be "really awkward." Through a grounded approach, the creative team were able to first prioritize perfecting the characters’ personalities and stories in order to establish connection with the audience.

Related: One Piece Director Reveals Why Live-Action Luffy Was the ‘Hardest Character’ to Cast

"I've watched a few...

The early origins of the Straw Hat pirates are now freely available to read, giving fans a chance to absorb themselves in One Piece's rich lore.

North American licensor Viz Media made the first 12 volumes of the One Piece manga available to read for fans in the United States. Translations in Spanish, French, Chinese, and more are also available for worldwide audiences. "As the new series sets sail around the globe, you can show your friends where it all began in the One Piece comic!" Shonen Jump announced via X.

Related: Why One Piece Anime Fans Are Skeptical About The Netflix Live Action Series

Netflix’s One Piece live action series is finally here and to celebrate we’ve gathered One Piece comics from around the world in one place! Volumes 1～12 containing the entire East Blue Saga are available to read in 21 languages! As the new series sets sail around the globe,...

One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda may have just suggested that the manga would have been less goofy had he seen Shaolin Soccer earlier.

The team behind Netflix's adaptation of One Piece previously listed Beauty and the Beast, Kung Fu Hustle, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as inspirations. However, the show would have never even gotten off the ground if not for Shaolin Soccer's influence. "When I first started, I didn’t think there was any point in drawing a manga that could be remade in live-action," Oda says to The New York Times. "But when I saw the movie Shaolin Soccer, it felt like a manga-esque world brought to life. I changed my mind. I realized times had changed, and there was technology available that could make a live-action One Piece happen."

Related: One Piece's Eiichiro Oda Just Wants to Have Fun in Final Saga

One Piece...

A One Piece live-action series used to be unthinkable. Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, is a man of high standards who demands serious quality. That’s why, for a long time, he prevented any sort of live-action adaptation of One Piece. People have come to him before, and he refused to do any project of the sort.

But one B-movie changed Oda’s mind. However ridiculous the plot or outlandish the premise, it was the special effects that seemed passable to Oda. Fans of One Piece will know just how crazy things can get in the anime. The anime and Luffy’s stretching abilities would have been completely inconceivable in live-action, or at least they wouldn’t have looked realistic. But this B-movie from over two decades ago still managed to make Oda say it was possible to tell his story his way in live-action.

That film is Shaolin Soccer.

Eiichiro Oda was initially hesitant about letting Netflix adapt One Piece due to the poor track record of live-action anime adaptations. Oda demanded quality control and had the power to be involved in all stages of production for the live-action One Piece series. Oda was convinced that a live-action adaptation was possible after being inspired by the movie Shaolin Soccer and recognizing advancements in technology.

The live-action One Piece adaptation for Netflix is finally here! But it went on a long journey to get from best-selling manga of all time to a Netflix 8-part series. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda even pushed back when approached with the offer. For a long time, the brilliant manga creator refused to turn his Shonen Jump comic and record-breaking anime into a live-action adaptation.

Eiichiro Oda had serious reservations about letting Netflix take the reins on One Piece. And why shouldn’t he feel that way?...

The live-action One Piece adaptation on Netflix has received positive reviews from critics and has high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda had a lot of creative control over the series and took measures to ensure the adaptation was of high quality. Despite initial doubts about the challenges of adapting One Piece, Oda has been pleasantly surprised by the outcome and is confident in the show's success.

The live-action One Piece adaptation for Netflix is finally here! But is it any good? There have been a lot of anime to live-action adaptations that have flopped hard in the past. Netflix famously made series out of Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy BeBop, and Death Note, all of which had massive fanbases and were considered classics of the anime world. And all of them were almost entirely unwatchable.

This live-action One Piece series better be an improvement,...

Eiichiro Oda, One Piece creator and executive producer on Netflix’s upcoming adaptation, says that he changed his mind about whether his long-running manga could get a live-action adaption after both technology advances and seeing Shaolin Soccer.

In a rare interview with The New York Times, the Japanese artist behind the best-selling manga in history discusses how Stephen Chow’s 2001 Hong Kong sports comedy inspired the live-action take and how he ensured his upcoming series — which follows a stream of live-action manga adaptation misses — would be satisfactory to fans.

“When I first started, I didn’t think there was any point in drawing a manga that could be remade in live-action,” Oda said. “But when I saw the movie [Chow’s] , it felt like a manga-esque world brought to life.”

It was at that point, he says, that he changed his mind — with a little help from technological advances. “I realized times had changed,...

Netflix subscribers are about to be able to embark on a grand adventure, as the first season of the live-action adaptation of "One Piece" is about to premiere. To mark the occasion, Netflix just released the final trailer for the highly anticipated show.

For the uninitiated, "One Piece" is the single most popular manga ever published and one of the most influential works of modern Japanese fiction. Created by Eiichiro Oda, the manga -- which follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy as he sets out to become a pirate and find the mythical treasure known as One Piece and become king of the pirates -- not only holds a Guinness World Record, but it is also the best-selling manga series in history and the best-selling comic series printed in volumes.

As hugely popular and influential as "One Piece" is, however, the series is considered one of the most daunting...

Martial arts films are known for their action-packed fight choreography, but they also frequently incorporate comedy to entertain and amuse viewers. While Jackie Chan is synonymous with martial arts comedies, there are many other actors and filmmakers who have made exceptional contributions to the genre. From spoof films like "Kung Pow! Enter the Fist" to wacky kung fu adventures like "Kung Fu Hustle," there is a wide range of martial arts comedies that offer a unique blend of humor and action.

Martial arts comedies may be the bread and butter of Jackie Chan, but he's not the only actor who can pull off an excellent entry into the genre. There's a long list of martial arts comedies from all corners of the world, including many without his involvement. Martial arts films are first and foremost predicated on their action, with well-orchestrated fight choreography being the crux of their entertainment factor.

In out-there Estonian comedy “The Invisible Fight,” a clueless Russian border guard somehow escapes a surprise attack by three formidable Chinese action figures — gravity-defying kung fu warriors who swoop in out of nowhere, blasting Black Sabbath on their bright red boombox — so he does what anyone in his position would do: He resolves to become an Orthodox monk. Huh? “I guess God has other plans for you,” a less-fortunate comrade wheezes with his dying breath, setting up one of the oddest plots audiences are likely to find on the art-house circuit this year.

After attracting international attention with 2017 festival discovery “November” —a hyper-stylized, black-and-white folk horror novelty involving pagan stick monsters known as “kratts” — writer-director Rainer Sarnet swings to the color-saturated opposite extreme to make a genre-splicing martial arts satire. Set in the highly repressive, mid-’70s Soviet Union and shot like a vintage drive-in movie, “The Invisible Fight” treats kung fu as comedy,...

Director Anthony Stacchi revealed how the sound designers behind Netflix's The Monkey King gave Stick his unique singing voice.

Per IndieWire, Stacchi explained the challenges creators faced when it came to animating the titular Monkey King's trusty weapon and sidekick, Stick. "Early on, we wanted Monkey King to have his own little theme song," Stacchi said. "And so when we approached Voodoo Kung Fu to do a heavy metal song, that's how we met Nan Li, who does throat singing." The director additionally claimed the film's sound designers had already been struggling to find the right effects for months at that time, and were disappointed when preliminary audio samples for Stick came across as too robotic.

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Fortunately, Nan Li proposed a unique alternative for the magical staff. "We played Nan Li some of the stuff,...

Producer Pellin Chou set to attend special screening.

Netflix animation The Monkey King has been set as the closing film of the 22nd New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff), marking the first time the festival has partnered with the streaming giant.

The special screening will take place on July 30, more than two weeks before the August 18 premiere on Netflix worldwide. It will be attended by Netflix Animation producer Peilin Chou, a former Oriental Dreamworks executive who produced Abominable and was Oscar-nominated for Over The Moon.

The feature is directed by Anthony Stacchi, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2015 for co-directing The Boxtrolls,...

Netflix's Journey to the West-inspired animated film has debuted its first official trailer.

Via Netflix's YouTube Channel, The Monkey King sees its titular character journey alongside Lin and Stick in an action-packed adventure to defeat 100 demons and ascend to heaven. Shunned from a young age, the trailer's opening line addressing Monkey King as "the bravest, most epic, most spectacul-errifc, amazing-derful" speaks to the movie's narrative arc of overcoming ego to become a hero, and draws similarities to the hero of Chinese lore, Sun Wukong.

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Netflix's official synopsis reads: "Inspired by an epic Chinese tale, The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that follows a charismatic Monkey (Jimmy O. Yang) and his magical fighting Stick on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons, an eccentric Dragon King, and Monkey’s greatest foe of all —his own ego!

Fatally, perhaps, I went into Shin Kamen Rider as a Hideaki Anno fan first and a Kamen Rider fan… not so much. I knew about it, of course: the iconography of the motorbike-riding superhero with his bug-eyed grasshopper mask is as thoroughly ingrained into Japan’s pop-cultural consciousness as any Marvel or DC character in the States, having been a staple of TV, film, manga, and young boys’ imaginations for over half a century. Consume enough Japanese pop culture, and some exposure to Kamen Rider––his bike, his mask, his kabuki-like battle poses––is inevitable. Having seen barely one of the hundreds of hours of Kamen Rider content out there, however, I could not fill you in on the finer points of its character names, relationships, or plotlines––meaning that when Anno’s latest, allegedly standalone film stopped for regular applause lines and deep-cut lore references that received whooping ovations...

There are many hilarious movies like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby that have the same blend of a classic underdog sports story and an absurdist sense of humor. Talladega Nights stars Will Ferrell as the title character, an arrogant NASCAR driver, opposite both Sacha Baron Cohen as a challenging F1 driver and regular collaborator John C. Reilly as his teammate and best friend. Talladega Nights was widely praised by critics (via Rotten Tomatoes) and became one of Ferrell’s biggest box office hits with a global gross of more than $163 million (via Box Office Mojo).

While Talladega Nights is a uniquely memorable movie, other comparable films are worthy of recommendation. There are other comedies set against the backdrop of motorsports, like Logan Lucky, and other movies about an ambitious daredevil who dreams a little too big, like Hot Rod. Pixar's Cars is another story about a hotshot...

In Mainland China, filmmakers are producing TV dramas and feature films like hot cakes since the Hong Kong film companies no longer can complete mainly because of the lack of funds and talent after production peaked in the 1980s. Released online by the iQIYI network “The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Dragon Tamer” is another adaptation of the work of popular wuxia novelist Jin Yong.

Set during the Sung Dynasty in which the Jin Empire is at war with the Han Chinese, Guo Jing (Geng Ye Ting) a young man raised in Mongolia is on his way to the central plains of China. While stopping at an inn for food, the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan suddenly attack him but they are actually his teachers trying to test his fighting skills. Apparently, babies are being kidnapped and used in kung fu training which also involves poisonous snakes and that is...

(The Morning Watch is a recurring feature that highlights a handful of noteworthy videos from around the web. They could be video essays, fan-made productions, featurettes, short films, hilarious sketches, or just anything that has to do with our favorite movies and TV shows.)

In this edition, see what stuntmen think of the lightsaber battle from "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," as well as clips from movies like "The Matrix," "Shaolin Soccer," and more. Plus, find out some of the New York City locations that movies love to feature over and over again and meet the location scouts who...

The post The Morning Watch: Stuntmen React to The Phantom Menace, NYC Locations Movies Love to Use Repeatedly & More appeared first on /Film.

Partners lining up film, TV slate, currently attending Mia market in Rome.

Highly regarded industry veterans Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier have launched Los Angeles-based Upgrade Productions to develop and produce premium local-language film and TV for a global audience.

Backed by German powerhouse Constantin Film and with a strategic partnership in place with Bron, Upgrade aims to exploit the boom in demand for local-language content as the co-founders leverage deep relationships and experience in sales, acquisition and producing to partner with content creators around the world.

Brodlie, who most recently served as SVP international content at Disney+, and Kier,...

For the uninitiated, Stephen Chow comedies on the surface can be a tad confusing with a constant stream of cultural references and wordplay that is lost on non Cantonese speakers. His style of “make no sense” (mo lei tau) comedy does require an understanding of some of what he parodies. With “Shaolin Soccer” and “Kung Fu Hustle” aiming more at the international market, “Forbidden City Cop” is a great entry point to his more locally aimed work.

Ling Ling Fat (Stephen Chow) is an imperial guard with no actual fighting skill. Instead, he invents gadgets for himself and his wife Kar-ling (Carina Lau). After getting ostracized by the emperor, he tries to protect him from being assassinated by No Face (Yuen Shun-yi). After redeeming himsel,f he must bring the beautiful Cho (Carmen Lee) back to the palace for the emperor’s attentions. But things, as always,...