Joker Dp Lawrence Sher has been named president of the jury for this year’s FilmLight Color Awards, which are open to TV and movie colorists.
The jury also includes cinematographers Greig Fraser, an Oscar winner for Dune who also lensed the upcoming sequel; Natasha Braier, whose credits include Honey Boy; and American Society of Cinematographers past presidents Michael Goi and Stephen Lighthill.
“I’m very excited to be president of the FilmLight Color Awards [jury],” said Sher, who earned an Oscar nom for Joker, and whose work includes Godzilla: King of the Monsters, War Dogs, The Hangover, Garden State and the upcoming Joker sequel. “I believe the color tools we have today are perhaps — along with the digital sensor — the most transformative change in filmmaking in the last 50 years. My relationship and collaboration with my colorists is as important as any relationship I have with my camera, grip and lighting teams.
The jury also includes cinematographers Greig Fraser, an Oscar winner for Dune who also lensed the upcoming sequel; Natasha Braier, whose credits include Honey Boy; and American Society of Cinematographers past presidents Michael Goi and Stephen Lighthill.
“I’m very excited to be president of the FilmLight Color Awards [jury],” said Sher, who earned an Oscar nom for Joker, and whose work includes Godzilla: King of the Monsters, War Dogs, The Hangover, Garden State and the upcoming Joker sequel. “I believe the color tools we have today are perhaps — along with the digital sensor — the most transformative change in filmmaking in the last 50 years. My relationship and collaboration with my colorists is as important as any relationship I have with my camera, grip and lighting teams.
- 7/24/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Probably one of the best years for action/martial arts cinema lately, 2021 saw a number of truly impressive titles coming out, as China’s blockbusters seem to be getting better, followed by the Korean ones, Japanese manga adaptations continue to be on a very high-level, at least production level-wise and Asean countries keep on producing some of the most interesting in the category through the combination of social commentary and exploitation elements. Furthermore, a number of movies that do not fall in any of the aforementioned groups but are of equal quality, rounded up a truly great year for Asian genre.
Without further ado, here are the best Asian martial arts/action films of 2021, in reverse order. Some films may have premiered in 2019, but since they mostly circulated in 2021, we decided to include them.
15. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (Keishi Ohtomo)
On the other hand, the action element is top notch,...
Without further ado, here are the best Asian martial arts/action films of 2021, in reverse order. Some films may have premiered in 2019, but since they mostly circulated in 2021, we decided to include them.
15. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (Keishi Ohtomo)
On the other hand, the action element is top notch,...
- 12/27/2021
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
The conclusion of what came to be the pentalogy of Rurouni Kenshin live action movies, was another much anticipated film of the year, even though the 4th entry bordered on being disappointing, with the exceptions of a few action scenes. However, and although the ending of the story was essentially known due to the previous film (which I felt should be watched last actually) the final episode is actually quite good, on par with the previous trilogy, at least for the most part.
The story essentially focuses on the beginnings of Kenshin as Hitokiri Battosai, which is portrayed through a series of flashbacks. As the movie starts, Kenshin is already a notorious killer moving in the shadows of Kyoto, according to the orders of Katsura, who leads the Choshu clan, a group of anti-shogun members. Having killed a hundred people since his hiring from Katsura a year ago, Kenshin has...
The story essentially focuses on the beginnings of Kenshin as Hitokiri Battosai, which is portrayed through a series of flashbacks. As the movie starts, Kenshin is already a notorious killer moving in the shadows of Kyoto, according to the orders of Katsura, who leads the Choshu clan, a group of anti-shogun members. Having killed a hundred people since his hiring from Katsura a year ago, Kenshin has...
- 8/3/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
One of the most anticipated movies of the last few years, particularly for fans of the “Rurouni Kenshin”-franchise, was the movie based on the final chapter of both the manga and the anime, which, in the original, concludes the story, in the most dramatic, but also the most magnificent way. Unfortunately, once more, a Netflix production went for impression rather than substance. Let us take things from the beginning though.
Wu Heishin, a man supposedly from Shanghai, arrives in Tokyo, only to be revealed a bit later, that his sole purpose is to exact revenge from Himura Kenshin, due to some events that took place between Battousai and his sister, Tomoe, in the past. Hajime Saito arrests the newcomer after a violent incident in the train that brought him, but a commercial agreement between Japan and China forces him to let him go. As Wu Heishin’s gang begins...
Wu Heishin, a man supposedly from Shanghai, arrives in Tokyo, only to be revealed a bit later, that his sole purpose is to exact revenge from Himura Kenshin, due to some events that took place between Battousai and his sister, Tomoe, in the past. Hajime Saito arrests the newcomer after a violent incident in the train that brought him, but a commercial agreement between Japan and China forces him to let him go. As Wu Heishin’s gang begins...
- 6/23/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
From her debut, Mika Ninagawa implemented a distinct style of her own, which focused on image even more than context, bolstering intense colors and impressive set designs and costumes, to the point that almost each frame looks like a painting or a photograph, with the latter actually being her main profession. And while her later movies also entail this style, “Sakuran” remains the one where this approach finds its apogee.
Sakuran is screening at Japan Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fnSUUGfD0s&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=JapanSocietyNYC
Based on the homonymous manga by Moyoco Anno and with a script by Yuki Tanada, the story takes place in 18th century Edo, in the red-light district of Yoshiwara. In that district, the most prestigious category of courtesans is called “Oiran”, and a whole protocol is established just for someone to meet them. The film revolves around Kiyoha, who is...
Sakuran is screening at Japan Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fnSUUGfD0s&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=JapanSocietyNYC
Based on the homonymous manga by Moyoco Anno and with a script by Yuki Tanada, the story takes place in 18th century Edo, in the red-light district of Yoshiwara. In that district, the most prestigious category of courtesans is called “Oiran”, and a whole protocol is established just for someone to meet them. The film revolves around Kiyoha, who is...
- 2/9/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The eyes of the world were pointed at Donnie Yen after the end of the spectacular “Ip Man” saga. His choice of an action comedy as a follow-up might be seen as a bit of a surprise, but “Enter the Fat Dragon” blends the well-known elements, like the breath-taking, laws-of-physics-defying action, humor, references and a bit of covert social commentary into an efficient time-killer about the good cops, bad cops and even worse gangsters in Hong Kong and Tokyo. It premiered in the Chinese New Year slot earlier this year, but its theatrical run was impaired by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this type of film is equally suitable for video formats, where we also caught it.
The title is taken from the cult Sammo Hung’s 1978 action-comedy about an overweight Bruce Lee fan getting involved in a fight with a gang of thugs that threaten his family,...
The title is taken from the cult Sammo Hung’s 1978 action-comedy about an overweight Bruce Lee fan getting involved in a fight with a gang of thugs that threaten his family,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Marko Stojiljković
- AsianMoviePulse
Korean Inchul Lee has been based in Japan since he was 19 years old, and in his debut short, seems to have adopted the aesthetics of the latter to the fullest, although some Korean elements are not missing.
In the year 4015, humanity has transformed itself into androids, in an effort to erase desire, the concept believed to have led to its almost complete destruction. However, eventually desires appeared again, in the form of obsession, curiosity, and freedom and finally, desire itself. As the animated introductory scene explaining all these fades out, the movie transforms into live action, as we watch Kai, a shoemaker and the owner of an atelier welcoming a client, Yellow, who is impressed by her shoes. Kai offers to manufacture a pair that will suit her perfectly and Yellow gladly agrees. However, the fact that her feet are not evenly matched seems to present some issues for Kai,...
In the year 4015, humanity has transformed itself into androids, in an effort to erase desire, the concept believed to have led to its almost complete destruction. However, eventually desires appeared again, in the form of obsession, curiosity, and freedom and finally, desire itself. As the animated introductory scene explaining all these fades out, the movie transforms into live action, as we watch Kai, a shoemaker and the owner of an atelier welcoming a client, Yellow, who is impressed by her shoes. Kai offers to manufacture a pair that will suit her perfectly and Yellow gladly agrees. However, the fact that her feet are not evenly matched seems to present some issues for Kai,...
- 7/5/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
For many film fans the name Bernard Rose is usually connected to perhaps his most famous film “Candyman”. However, the English director has also made a name for himself directing many period films, for example, about the life of musician Niccolo Paganini (“The Devil’s Violinist”), Ludvig van Beethoven (“Immortal Beloved”) as well as an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina”. His new film “Samurai Marathon” takes place during the time and age of the samurai.
Tokyo native Nana Komatsu was born in 1996 and began her career starring in a short film, called Tadaima, before immediately graduating to movies like Close Range Love and The World Of Kanako. Prior to these, however, she was a popular account holder on Instagram and a model. By 2015 she had already won the 38th Japan Academy Prize: Newcomers Of The Year award. She has since added several awards to her roster. Her credits...
Tokyo native Nana Komatsu was born in 1996 and began her career starring in a short film, called Tadaima, before immediately graduating to movies like Close Range Love and The World Of Kanako. Prior to these, however, she was a popular account holder on Instagram and a model. By 2015 she had already won the 38th Japan Academy Prize: Newcomers Of The Year award. She has since added several awards to her roster. Her credits...
- 6/30/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
“Candyman” director Bernard Rose has helmed a new Japanese film, “Samurai Marathon,” which HanWay Films will introduce to buyers in Berlin. The picture has an original score by Philip Glass and is produced by HanWay’s Jeremy Thomas.
Thomas has a pedigree in Japanese cinema, making films including “13 Assassins” and “Hara-Kiri.” He has again teamed with Toshiaki Nakazawa, who produced the Academy Award-winning “Departures,” on “Samurai Marathon.”
Having an English director on the Japanese-language project is an unusual twist for a samurai movie. Thomas told Variety that Rose gives a subtly adjusted take on the genre but remains true to the form.
“I suggested why don’t we try and make a samurai film with an English director, or one not so entrenched in the tradition of samurai, which is a very traditional form of Japanese cinema,” Thomas said, adding that Rose “was fascinated by the challenge.”
The story...
Thomas has a pedigree in Japanese cinema, making films including “13 Assassins” and “Hara-Kiri.” He has again teamed with Toshiaki Nakazawa, who produced the Academy Award-winning “Departures,” on “Samurai Marathon.”
Having an English director on the Japanese-language project is an unusual twist for a samurai movie. Thomas told Variety that Rose gives a subtly adjusted take on the genre but remains true to the form.
“I suggested why don’t we try and make a samurai film with an English director, or one not so entrenched in the tradition of samurai, which is a very traditional form of Japanese cinema,” Thomas said, adding that Rose “was fascinated by the challenge.”
The story...
- 2/6/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
“Manhunt”, which is a remake of the Japanese action classic from 1976 of the same name directed by Jun’ya Satô and the adaptation of the novel written by Jukô Nishimura, is the new film directed by the acclaimed action master John Woo, and stars Zhang Hanyu, Masaharu Fukuyama, Jun Kunimura, Tao Okamoto, Ha ji-won, Qi Wei and Angeles Woo among others.
“Manhunt” is the maestro’s return to his definitive style: the gun-fu, the heroic bloodshed. The master hasn’t directed a film of this style since “Mission Impossible 2”, and if you exclude that cool Hollywood mess, it is since “Hard Boiled” that he hasn´t made a Hong Kong action film. Fans of the director and of Hong Kong action cinema have been waiting for years for this moment to come, and it’s finally here.
It is impossible not to have expectations with a new film directed by John Woo,...
“Manhunt” is the maestro’s return to his definitive style: the gun-fu, the heroic bloodshed. The master hasn’t directed a film of this style since “Mission Impossible 2”, and if you exclude that cool Hollywood mess, it is since “Hard Boiled” that he hasn´t made a Hong Kong action film. Fans of the director and of Hong Kong action cinema have been waiting for years for this moment to come, and it’s finally here.
It is impossible not to have expectations with a new film directed by John Woo,...
- 1/26/2018
- by Pedro Morata
- AsianMoviePulse
From the outset, “God of War” had all the collateral of being a great film, starting with the big budget, continuing with the historic/epic/based-on-actual-events setting, and finishing with the collaboration of three legends of Asian cinema, Sammo Hung, Yasuaki Kurata and Gordon Chan, plus the already iconic Vincent Zhao. Furthermore, and contrary to the usual outcome of films that seem to have it all, which usually end up as complete blunders, “God of War” succeeds in every aspect.
“God of War” is part of the Asian selection at Fantasia International Film Festival
The story takes place in 1557 China, a place that suffers from political turmoil, but also from the attacks of Japanese pirates, a group consisting of samurai, ronin and local allies, who pillage along the coastline. Eventually, the pirates realize that the Chinese army cannot provide much resistance, and pass on to the land, capturing a fortress...
“God of War” is part of the Asian selection at Fantasia International Film Festival
The story takes place in 1557 China, a place that suffers from political turmoil, but also from the attacks of Japanese pirates, a group consisting of samurai, ronin and local allies, who pillage along the coastline. Eventually, the pirates realize that the Chinese army cannot provide much resistance, and pass on to the land, capturing a fortress...
- 8/2/2017
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
John Woo, the celebrated Hong Kong director behind such action masterpieces as A Better Tomorrow, The Killer and Hard Boiled, has begun prinicpal photography on Manhunt in Osaka, Japan. The Us$40 million Media Asia production is a remake of the 1976 film starring Ken Takakura, which itself was adapted from the novel by Kimi yo Funnu no Kawa o Watare by Juko Nishimura. Woo's international cast includes mainland star Zhang Hanyu (The Taking of Tiger Mountain), Japanese actors Masaharu Fukuyama (Like Father, Like Son), Jun Kunimura and Tao Okamoto, South Korean actress Ha Ji-won (Duelist) and Mandopop star Qi Wei. The crew behind Manhunt is also an impressive mix of Chinese and Japanese talent, including producer Gordon Chan and cinematographer Takuro Ishizaka. "Manhunt tells the...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 6/20/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Production has started on John Woo’s highly-anticipated action thriller Manhunt, starring Zhang Hanyu and Masaharu Fukuyama, in Osaka, Japan.
Korean actress Ha Ji-won and Chinese actress Qi Wei have also joined the cast of the $40m film, produced by Gordon Chan and Chan Hing-kai and backed by Hong Kong’s Media Asia.
The film’s ensemble cast also includes veteran and upcoming Japanese actors such as Yasuaki Kurata, Jun Kunimura, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Nanami Sakuraba, Naoto Takenaka and Tao Okamoto.
Japanese crew have also been tapped for the film, including art director Yohei Taneda and cinematographer Takuro Ishizaka.
The cast and crew held a traditional Japanese kagami biraki ceremony to mark the start of production, also attended by local government officials. Osaka prefecture and the Japanese rail transit corporation are both supporting the shooting of the film.
Based on a novel by Juko Nishimura, about a lawyer wrongly accused of murder, the project...
Korean actress Ha Ji-won and Chinese actress Qi Wei have also joined the cast of the $40m film, produced by Gordon Chan and Chan Hing-kai and backed by Hong Kong’s Media Asia.
The film’s ensemble cast also includes veteran and upcoming Japanese actors such as Yasuaki Kurata, Jun Kunimura, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Nanami Sakuraba, Naoto Takenaka and Tao Okamoto.
Japanese crew have also been tapped for the film, including art director Yohei Taneda and cinematographer Takuro Ishizaka.
The cast and crew held a traditional Japanese kagami biraki ceremony to mark the start of production, also attended by local government officials. Osaka prefecture and the Japanese rail transit corporation are both supporting the shooting of the film.
Based on a novel by Juko Nishimura, about a lawyer wrongly accused of murder, the project...
- 6/20/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Great news UK readers and fans of Rurouni Kenshin! The final chapter of the live-action version of Nobuhiro Watsuki’s best-selling manga will finally hit the cinemas of the UK.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, directed by Keishi Ohtomo, will be released on 17th April. The movie features Tekeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Munetaka Aoki, Kaito Oyagi, Tatsuya Fujiwara, among other actors. With a running time of more than two hours and some of the most incredible jaw dropping sword fight scenes this film will for sure please hardcore fans and noobies.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
Director: Keishi Ohtomo
Screenwriter: Nobuhiro Watsuki (manga), Kiyomi Fuji, Keishi Ohtomo
Cast: Tatsuya Fijiwara, Tekeru Sato, Emi Takei, Masaharu Fukuyama, Min Tanaka
Photography: Takuro Ishizaka
Production: Japan | 2014
Original Title: Ruroni Kenshin: Densetsu no saigo-hen
Genre: Action | Adventure | Drama
Duration: 134 minutes
Release: 17th April, 2015 (UK)
The final battle is near. Shishio now armed...
Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, directed by Keishi Ohtomo, will be released on 17th April. The movie features Tekeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Munetaka Aoki, Kaito Oyagi, Tatsuya Fujiwara, among other actors. With a running time of more than two hours and some of the most incredible jaw dropping sword fight scenes this film will for sure please hardcore fans and noobies.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
Director: Keishi Ohtomo
Screenwriter: Nobuhiro Watsuki (manga), Kiyomi Fuji, Keishi Ohtomo
Cast: Tatsuya Fijiwara, Tekeru Sato, Emi Takei, Masaharu Fukuyama, Min Tanaka
Photography: Takuro Ishizaka
Production: Japan | 2014
Original Title: Ruroni Kenshin: Densetsu no saigo-hen
Genre: Action | Adventure | Drama
Duration: 134 minutes
Release: 17th April, 2015 (UK)
The final battle is near. Shishio now armed...
- 3/1/2015
- by Sebastian Nadilo
- AsianMoviePulse
Review Ryan Lambie 30 Sep 2013 - 06:07
A successful balance of swords and romance, Japanese samurai epic Rurouni Kenshin is well worth your time, Ryan writes...
Japanese cinema has a grand tradition of samurai movies, from Akira Kurosawa’s lauded classics like Rashomon to more recent entries like Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins. Rurouni Kenshin is a little different, however, in that it’s an action romance clearly aimed at a slightly younger audience. First published in 1994, Nobuhiro Watsuki’s original Manga was a hit among both male and female readers, resulting in successful anime adaptations, videogames, and now a live-action movie. Director Keishi Otomo adapts the story with flair, offering up a lavish period piece that’s as full of swooning romantic drama as it is katana-swinging violence.
A beautifully-staged opening battle in the mountains of Kyoto sets the scene: it’s 1868, and the forces of the Meiji government have defeated the military shogunate,...
A successful balance of swords and romance, Japanese samurai epic Rurouni Kenshin is well worth your time, Ryan writes...
Japanese cinema has a grand tradition of samurai movies, from Akira Kurosawa’s lauded classics like Rashomon to more recent entries like Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins. Rurouni Kenshin is a little different, however, in that it’s an action romance clearly aimed at a slightly younger audience. First published in 1994, Nobuhiro Watsuki’s original Manga was a hit among both male and female readers, resulting in successful anime adaptations, videogames, and now a live-action movie. Director Keishi Otomo adapts the story with flair, offering up a lavish period piece that’s as full of swooning romantic drama as it is katana-swinging violence.
A beautifully-staged opening battle in the mountains of Kyoto sets the scene: it’s 1868, and the forces of the Meiji government have defeated the military shogunate,...
- 9/27/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
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