After what seems like forever, Firecracker puts out another issue. It seems the web-only publication is web-only no longer. They are launching a print version (Live in the UK? Here are the details on how to pick up a free copy).
In this loaded issue there is a recap of the Far East Film Festival; a feature on short film in Singapore (Including an interview with short filmmakers Kan Lume and Royston Tan); as well as reviews for Fruit Chan's feature length version of Dumplings (which if you haven't seen, you should...NOW!), Election, Fearless, Battle Royale II, Lady Vengeance, Blissfully Yours, Fist from Shoalin, Seven Swords, Survive Style 5+, See You After School, She Shoots Straight, Samurai Commando - Mission 1549 and The Peacock King.
Some reading for your weekend.
Is the Hong Kong DVD of Dumplings worth a damn? I have my doubts, since it's selling for a mere 8.99 from YesAsia. Thanks.
I have the HK DVD of dumplings and it is very very nice. Even projected at 720P on a 100" Screen. Well worth the $9 + Shipping. It is however coming out in July 2006 on R1 DVD I believe ( DVDTIMES LINK).
Uh, a HK disc selling at $8.99 on YA is no indication whatsoever of its quality, whether it's a recent film or otherwise. ;)
Not too bad an issue; glad to see there's at least one UK source that "gets" Election... Survive Style 5+ doesn't quite deserve such lavish praise, though. Still, glad to see they're still around and even getting a wider audience.
Agreed on Survive Style 5+, I wasn't bored, but it didn't do much for me either. I'm glad I didn't drop down the $50 on the original Japanese DVD.
Oh, I thought parts of it were amazing. It was way too long, though - plus I hated the teenage friends' storyline, and the advertising lady's didn't do too much for me. Asano's was outstanding, though, and the ending was just magical. :) I liked it, I just think it could have used a hell of a lot of tightening up. It's certainly not the non-stop wild ride some people seem to think, IMO.
Both the Mega Star Three...Extremes and the feature-length Dumpling are superb. I believe the Lions Gate R1 Three...Extremes includes the feature-length Dumpling on a 2nd disc (correct me if I'm wrong). As for Firecracker, for me, it's a matter of too little too late. Anyone interested in picking up the R3 K See You After School for $10?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9148236670&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1
Thanks for the info on the Dumplings discs.