Staging absence: HAMNET and the poetics of grief
Zhao’s latest project therefore becomes a sonnet, not because it gestures toward abstract symbolism, but because it asserts itself as a work capable of recreating space.
FF 2025 – PENANCE: Action ex nihilo
For a little while there, it feels like Penance will be unstoppable, the perfect avatar of the heights micro-budget actioners can reach.
FF 2025: ROAD TO VENDETTA – Action is a Flat Circle
Feels like the work of a diligent student who tries to imitate his idols.
FF 2025: LUGER – The Inevitability of Violence
Have you ever wondered what would a gritty urban thriller/beat ’em up look like if it were set in Madrid and treated violence realistically?
The Furious – Virtuoso Body Spectacle as Vector of Syncretism and Innovation
The combined powers of Kenji Tanigaki and Kensuke Sonomura are synonymous with perpetual motion, an ability to command attention, stir up emotions, and provoke physical reactions in the audience.
ISOLATED – The Joy of Purity
ISOLATED hones in on action cinema as a sheer joy of purity.
CREATION OF THE GODS II: DEMON FORCE – Revitalizing the Chinese Mythological Epic
A delirious whirlwind of mythological battles that will decide the fate of the Chinese civilization.
THE PROSECUTOR – No Fists, No Justice
You’re here because you want to know whether Donnie Yen still kicks ass in his latest film. Rest assured, he does.
STRIKING RESCUE – Will Tony Jaa bring about the Chinese DTV paradigm shift?
If you want to see the Muay Thai warrior breaking bodies with his signature moves, you’ll get your money’s worth.
STUNTMAN – Keeping the Flame Alive
A vibrant homage to Hong Kong stuntmen, and so much more.
FF 2024 – AJ GOES TO THE DOG PARK: The Infinite Possibilities of Indie Filmmaking
Live-action Looney Tunes logic for a-gag-a-minute experience in creative filmmaking.
FF 2024 – ESCAPE FROM THE 21st CENTURY: Time Travel, Street Fighter II, and The End of Adolescence
Action sci-fi coming-of-age pop culture remix. Too much?
FF 2024 – DON’T MESS WITH GRANDMA: The Home Invasion Subversion
Micheal Jai White in a home invasion action comedy? You’re talking my language!
FF 2024 – GHOST KILLER: The Kinetic Synergy of Modern Japanese Actioners
Action master Kensuke Sonomura strikes again!
BIG BAD FILM FEST 2 – BANGKOK DOG: Can Thai Action Cinema Rise From its Ashes?
D.Y. Sao and Brian Le face off (again).
NYAFF 2024: BABY ASSASSINS NICE DAYS – Taking it to the Next Level
The Babies have reached their peak.
Film Exposure 