A media review for my Media Theory class analyzing the increased Uighur Muslims coverage after the release of the Disney live-action film "Mulan" After the straight-to-streaming release of Disney’s Mulan in the Disney+ platform in the U.S. and other selected countries on Sept. 4, 2020 (‘Mulan (2020)’ [IMDb], n.d.), this live-action adaptation of the Chinese legend came under fire after viewers discovered the acknowledgment of the government security agency in the Chinese province of Xinjiang in the film’s closing credits. Xinjiang authorities are accused of the
Asian
‘Hedgehog in the Fog’ Short Film Critique: The Phantasm of Venturing Into the Unknown
A short essay for my Film Theory and Criticism Class The 1975 short animated film “Hedgehog in the Fog” (Yozhik v tumane) by Yuri Norstein offers an amalgam of terror and pleasure using the phantasm of venturing into the unknown. This evocative work of imagination features the journey of a hedgehog one evening to see his bear cub friend. As he travels in the foggy forest, he encounters many scary things that eventually become transformative moments of wonder. This 11-minute Russian
Blu-ray Review: ‘Bangkok Revenge’
Releasing on a single-disc Blu-ray package, the 2012 action movie "Bangkok Revenge" revolves around the story of a vengeful man trained to become a killing machine. This film directed by Jean-Marc Mineo showcases many moments of adrenaline and appealing athleticism. It stars Jon Foo, Caroline Ducey, and Michael Cohen. As a young boy, the main character witnessed the brutal murder of his parents. After getting shot at point-blank range during the same tragic event, he miraculously survived the bullet in his head.
Philippines-Japan Friendship Month opens with Eiga Sai — The Japanese Film Festival
In celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month, the Japanese Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, Shangrila-La Plaza Mall, University of the Philippines Film Institute, Film Development Council of the Philippines, ClickTheCity.com, and NET 25 TV, hosts the much-awaited screenings of critically acclaimed Japanese films at the annual Eiga Sai — The Japanese Film Festival. This year, the festival kicks off at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 4 from July 5 to 15, 2012. The festival will also have runs
Hollywood remakes of Asian Films: What makes them work?
There is a thin line separating remakes that work and those that don't. In the case of Asian films remade by Hollywood for quite some time now, there has been a varying mix of masterpieces, mediocre stuff, and dismaying flops. As Hollywood looks for new flavors and fresh concepts overseas, Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan have been some of the most popular sources for foreign films getting a Hollywood treatment. According to Korean-American producer Roy Lee of the Los Angeles company
Pinoy filmmakers shine at Busan International Film Fest ‘09
The film city of Busan, Korea paved way for another successful year for the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) from Oct. 8 to 16, 2009. The Philippines, once again, made big waves in this year’s festival. In its 14th year, BIFF has truly evolved to become one of the most important film festivals that filmmakers, film professionals, cinephiles, and the general film audience look forward to every October. For this year, 355 films from 70 countries (a record number) were
Japanese Film Festival Eiga Sai opens on July 8, 2008
In celebration of Philippines - Japan Friendship Month, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the UP Film Institute presents a glimpse of the Japanese culture in Eiga Sai '08. This year's offering brings together 5 contemporary, 1 classical and 2 animae/manga films in 35mm format for Japanese film enthusiasts and the general public. An invitational screening of "We Shall Overcome Someday" (Pacchigi) by director Kazuyuki
‘Ong-Bak’ Film Review: No doubles, no strings, no CGIs
This Thai action picture highlights the art of Muay Thai in this Southeast Asian country's contemporary scene. "Ong-Bak" amazes and defies the Hollywood cheats of stunt doubles, using CGI and animation, and working on strings while shooting on chroma to let the characters' actions fly and soar high. This action fare shows the real deal — what a premier martial artist can really do without resorting to any of action cinema's magic tricks. The film presents the centuries-old art of Muay Thai in a contemporary scene. It carries on the
‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ Film Review: Like silk kimonos and cherry blossoms
From Arthur Golden's international bestseller to an epic spectacle in the big screen, "Memoirs of a Geisha" offers a romantic portrait of Japanese culture, particularly of geisha life, with a western illustration. This tale retells the looming view of women in many cultures of the past. Women have been portrayed in various cultures as nothing more than delights to the men's eyes and as parts of their desire for asset and power. Issues can be raised in a story such as