Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Korean War based 'Gran Torino' (2008) film

Gran Torino is an upcoming drama film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Eastwood stars as a racist Korean War veteran who catches a Hmong boy trying to steal his 1972 Gran Torino. The film features a predominantly Hmong cast and will be released in 2008 in North America with a scheduled limited release for December 17, and a wider, theatrical release on January 16, 2009.
Story
Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a racist Korean War veteran, becomes increasingly unhappy at the influx of Hmong people to his neighborhood. After he catches Tao (Vang), a teenage Hmong neighbor, attempting to steal his vintage Gran Torino car as part of a gang initiation, the boy is forced by the gang to work for Kowalski in penance. Estranged from his children and grandchildren, and having just lost his wife, Kowalski gradually becomes friendly with Tao and his family, learning about Hmong culture. He steadily loses his racist façade and attempts to protect Tao and his sister Sue (Her) from the gang.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Chinese blockbuster hit Painted Skin (Wa Pai)

Painted Skin is a 2008 Chinese-Hong Kong film starring Donni Yen, Qi Yuwu, Zhou Xun, Zhao Wei, Sun Li and Chen Kun. It was directed by Gordon Chan.
Story
Though the story is based mainly on a supernatural premise, it is more of a love story rather than a ghost/horror film. It is based on Pu Songling's classic novel, Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. Zhou Xun starrs Xiao Wei, a fox spirit (huli jing) that feasts on human hearts in order to maintain her lovely, youthful appearance. When General Wang Sheng (Chen Kun) 'rescues' her from a band of bandits and brings her home, trouble brews as the demon falls in love with the general, who is married to Pei Rong (Zhao Wei).
Another (older) love triangle is present, between the general's brother Pang Yong (Donnie Yen), the general, and his wife. Pei Rong asks Pang Yong for help as she suspects Xiao Wei for what she really is. Pang Yong is aided by an inexperienced 'demon buster', Xia Bing (Betty Sun). Hints of a developing relationship between Xia Bing and Pang Yong are there, although this is never really explored. Another subplot revolves around Xiao Wei's lizard demon ally (Qi Yuwu) who has unreciprocated feelings for her and helps her get all the human hearts she needs.
Painted Skin (Wa Pai) official korean trailer

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Upcoming Malaysian film ‘Cicakman 2 - Planet Hitam’

Cicakman 2 - Planet Hitam (Cicakman 2 - Black Planet) is a film sequel of Cicak-Man that will be released in 11 December 2008 by KRU Studios with collaboration with Grand Brilliance Sdn. Bhd.
Still directed by Yusry Abdul Halim with script by the director and Meor Shariman, this action-comedy will see the return of the cast from the first movie and new characters will be introduced.
Story
The evil Professor Klon (Aznil Nawawi) is back. This time, not only to overthrow the government and become the President of Metrofulus, but also to control the world's supply of fresh water through his ingenious plan; "Black Planet". When our blue planet has only 72 hours before turning black, Cicakman (Saiful Apek) comes to rescue.
But much to his surprise he face his old enemies; Ginger Boys, who return even more powerful as spiritual form as Ginger Ghosts (Adlin Aman Ramlie & AC Mizal). In addition, he is now faced with Professor Klon's hired assassin; Rrama (Tamara Bleszynski), an assassin who derives pleasure in killing as if it were a pure art form. As the situation starts taking a downward spiral, even a super hero needs help. But help appears in the most unexpected forms, including Danny (Yusry Abd Halim) his demised best friend, a powerful feng shui master, Miss Chee (Louisa Chong) and an unlikely party.
Apart from his heavy responsibilities to save the world, he also has his own personal dilemmas to address; that is Hairi vs Cicakman. He has to resolve his personal feelings towards Tania Fasha Sandha), who is seeking the true identity of Cicakman and he also has to choose whether to sacrifice his own life or save Iman (Sharifah Amani), Danny's blind sister.

Production
The shooting that took place in Penang, Gua Tempurung, Kampar, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, and Kuala Lumpur costs 2.5 million Ringgit. The costume used in the sequel is higher in quality than the prequel as well as the price cost RM 50 thousand per set while in the prequel the costume used costs only RM 20 thousand per set.
Cast
Saiful Apek as Cicak-Man/Hairi
Fasha Sandha as Tania
Aznil Nawawi as Profesor Klon
Tamara Bleszynski as Rrama
Adlin Aman Ramlie as Ginger Ghost 1
AC Mizal as Ginger Ghost 2
Sharifah Amani as Iman
Louisa Chong as Miss Chee
Linda Onn as Amarr
Yusry Abdul Halim as Danny
Aziz M. Osman as Fulus News Boss
Julia Ziegler as Kindergarten teacher
Edry Abdul Halim as Robber 1
Munir (Phyne Ballerz) as Robber 2
Ridzuan Hashim as Bakar
Jalaluddin Hassan as President Ramlan
Azwan Ali as Neighbour 1
Dee as Neighbour 2
Julie Dahlan as Neighbour 3
Fahrin Ahmad as Cameraman
Hafidzuddin Fazil as Chief fireman
Nadia Mustafar as Woman at supermarket 1
Mak Jah as Woman at supermarket 1
Zack Taipan as Japanese guy

Release
The film was first released at the 13th Pusan International Film Festival on October 5, 2008 as world premiere for superheroes in Asia segment. Other two sessions was held on October 7 at the festival. In Malaysia, the film will be released on 11 December 2008 with the goal by the producer of a million tickets sold compared to 670 thousand tickets sold for Cicak Man.
Soundtrack
Dafi - Lemah
Pianka - Mau Yang Besar
Tyco - Planet Hitam
Edry - Sumpah Takkan Cari Yang Lain
Anita Sarawak - Ular
Flava - Berhenti Mencinta
Adam - Jika Tak Kerna Kamu
Yusry & Melly Goeslaw - Dibius Cinta

‘Cicakman 2 - Planet Hitam’ Official Trailer

Saw 5 Official Trailer