Check out this video of Hideo Kojima's recommendations of Japanese films from the 1950s and '60s. As you may already know, Hideo Kojima is the creator of the Metal Gear Solid series of video games, along with other classic games. If you've played his games, you can tell he is a movie buff. I have heard of the movies he recommends in this video, but I have not been able to watch them yet. His list strengthens my resolve to finally watch those movies!
Criterion releases a wide variety of classic, artistic, and genre films in the highest quality possible. They even have martial arts movies in their collection! Here is where you can check out and buy what they have, and here is their YouTube channel.
Here is the official trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to Aquaman (2018). Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, and James Wan returns as director. Here is the synopsis:
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
I am actually looking forward to this one, and not just because I'm a DC fan! Aquaman was the last DC movie I watched in theaters, and it was the movie I watched in theaters as well (before the pandemic started). My life sucked at the time (terrible job and terrible health caused by the terrible job) so taking the time out to actually watch that movie was an awesome experience. From what the trailer is showing, it looks like it could be a good one! Of course, I wonder how everything is going to go now that the DCEU is no more, and the problems with Amber Heard (who plays Mera) are seemingly over with. I guess we have to watch it for ourselves and see!
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom comes out in theaters on December 20, 2023!
Toho has finally released the official trailer for Godzilla Minus One (Gojira MainasuWan) the latest movie being released on Godzilla's 70th anniversary. Here is the synopsis:
After the war, Japan's economic state has been reduced to zero. Godzilla appears and plunges the country into a negative state.
I have been a Godzilla fan most of my life, so I am always interested in the latest movie being released in the franchise. Unfortunately, I haven't seen every Godzilla movie (I still haven't been able to watch Shin Godzilla, let alone the latest American movies), but Godzilla Minus One is definitely on my radar! After reading director Takashi Yamazaki's pitch for it, I am ready for this one:
"Postwar Japan has lost everything. The film depicts an existence that gives unprecedented despair. The title Godzilla Minus One was created with this in mind. In order to depict this, the staff and I have worked together to create a setting where Godzilla looks as if "fear" itself is walking toward us, and where despair is piled on top of despair. I think this is the culmination of all the films I have made to date, and one that deserves to be "experienced" rather than "watched" in the theater. I hope you will experience the most terrifying Godzilla in the best possible environment."
Godzilla Minus One comes out in Japan on November 3, 2023 for the 70th anniversary, and on December 1, 2023 in North America. I need to see this one!
It's Fight Scene Friday™, and this week's scene is a collaboration between Lorenz Hideyoshi and the Team Red Pro crew! This is an anime-influenced fight scene, mixed with that Hong Kong style. Check it out, this fight scene rocks!
Check out the trailer for Cassandro, a biographical movie about the legendary lucha libre star. It stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Bad Bunny and is directed by Roger Ross Williams. Here is the synopsis:
Saúl Armendáriz, a homosexual amateur wrestler from El Paso, Texas, rises to international stardom when he creates the character Cassandro, the "Liberace of Lucha Libre." He upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life.
Of course, I am very interested in this movie because Cassandro is from my hometown of El Paso, Texas. I have seen Cassandro wrestle on shows here in El Paso, as well. I think it's amazing that an awesome (and well-respected) actor like Gael Garcia Bernal is playing him in this movie. I think it's so cool that Cassandro is having his story told in this way. It seems like lucha libre (and the wrestlers in it) will be treated with respect, and not like a joke like it usually is in Hollywood media. Cassandro comes out in theaters September 15, 2023 and then on Amazon Prime Video on September 22, 2023.
Check out the trailer for 100 Yards, director Xu Haofeng's latest martial arts epic. It stars Andy On (yes, the actor from Black Mask 2 (2002) and New Police Story (2004)), Jacky Heung, Li Yuan, Tang Shiyi, and Hayden Kuo. Here is a synopsis:
100 Yards is set in 1920s Tianjin, northern China, and centers on the rivalry between the son of a martial arts master and his most talented apprentice. When the old master dies, the two face off to take over his prominent martial arts academy. But rather than obey the rule of settling disputes behind closed doors, they take their fight to the street.
This movie looks amazing, I must say. It should be noted that Xu Haofeng's martial arts movies have action that is much more realistic than most martial arts movies of today. No wirework or stylized fights. Some people like it, some people don't. I haven't seen any of his movies yet, but two of them are on my list: The Master (2015) and The Sword Identity (2011). Anyways, I hope 100 Yards ends up being good. It comes out in 2024, so keep an eye out for it!
Check out the teaser trailer for House of Lee, an anime series coming from Shannon Lee, Emily Yang, and Shibuya. Here is the synopsis:
House of Lee is an action/fantasy series that sees Bruce Lee fighting to assemble his Dragon Warriors before the world plunges too far into darkness and shadow. It takes inspiration from the famous Bruce Lee quote, “Those who are unaware they are walking in darkness will never seek the light.”
This trailer will be playing before the 50th anniversary screenings of Enter TheDragon in movie theaters, and the show will premiere in 2024. I personally can't wait to watch this one! It has that 80s and 90s anime look (before it was done only on computers), which I love. Let's hope it's good!
