"Blades of Blood" 2-Disc Korea Version DVD

After the groundbreaking hits "King and The Clown", director Lee Joon Ik once again captures the Joseon era with the riveting period actioner "Blades of Blood". Based on a comic by Park Heung Yong, the film matches up two of Korea's most acclaimed and charismatic actors, Cha Seung Won (Secret) and Hwang Jung Min (A Man Who Was Superman), in a duel to the death. The DVD edition of this film includes audio commentary, pre-production, making of, character analysis, action featurette, dialogue with audience, music video, trailer, and other special features.

On the verge of the 16th-century Japanese invasion, the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) is thrown into political and social chaos. The film throws up a lot of the laughs by featuring an irritable, and rather vapid, King Seonjo, and two opposing bicameral parties that are more concerned with gaining his favor than finding solutions: ``The Japanese are coming, please round up the army,’’ beseeches one group to the king, while the other group says nay just for the sake of disagreeing ``Are they really not coming?’’ asks one official, to which another responds, ``How should I know? Since they said the Japanese are coming, we should just say they aren’t.’’
Those dreaming of building a better world try to fight the foreign forces by forming their own political party, Daedonggye, but are forced to disband after being framed for treason.
Lee Mong-hak (Cha Seung-won), a descendent of the royal family, assumes leadership of the group and organizes a large-scale coup. Fueled by his ambition to claim the crown, he does not hesitate to ruthlessly kill friends and colleagues that get in his way.
As a sword-swinging rebellion grips the nation, Lee’s old friend, an uncanny blind swordsman named Hwang Jeong-hak (Hwang Jung-min), sets out to stop the bloody ordeal. Meanwhile, Gyeon-ja, a vengeful young man who lost his family to Lee’s coup (Baek Seong-hyeon), and Baek-ji, a beautiful ``gisaeng’’ whose heart was broken by Lee (Han Ji-hye plays the role of the concubine entertainer), join Jeong-hak to track down the notorious rebel.

PURCHASE THE DVD AT YESASIA

FIND OUT MORE...

"Ip Man 2" Hong Kong Version Blu-ray & DVD

“Ip Man 2” is a semi biographical martial arts film as well as the sequel to the thriving martial arts flick “Ip Man” back in 2008. Doubling the intensity, this sequel not only powered by Donnie Yen alone, but also legendary kung fu cinema great - Sammo Hung, the action director of both films which now participated too as one of Yip Man’s rival. In its theatrical run, "Ip Man 2" has become the highest grossing Chinese film so far in China this year at slightly over 200m yuan. The success of first “Ip Man” film, and now its sequel, is are down to the special style of kung fu it displays - Wing Chun, a technique made famous by Bruce Lee. Hong Kong megastar Donnie Yen once again showing his awesome talent as the historical figure Yip Man aka Ip Man, a Grandmaster of the marvelous kung fu style. Directed by Wilson Yip, the sequel, which is more martial arts oriented, sees Yen against with Sammo Hung in some of the most exciting martial arts sequences in the recent years. Now you can collect the blockbuster film cause it's available on the friendly home video formats.

Continuing from where the first film left off, Wing Chun master Ip Man and his family move to Hong Kong in the early 1950s after their escape from the Japanese. There, Ip Man plans to teach "Wing Chun" on the roof of a building owned by newspaper editor Kan Leung (Pierre Ngo). A young boxer by the name of Leung Wong (Xiaoming Huang) and his friends asks Ip Man to become their master and thus, Ip Man gained his first pupils in Hong Kong.
Ip Man's pupil Leung Wong is then kidnapped by bully Wai-Kei Cheng (Yu-Hang To). Ip rushes to a fish market to save Leung Wong and there he meets the bully's master Chun-nam Hung (Sammo Hung). Master Chun-nam Hung informs Ip Man that if he wishes to teach wushu in Hong Kong he must accept challenges from masters of all wushu types within the time of burning a joss stick.
Ip Man realized that he must fight these other masters and so took on the challenge. The last challenger to Ip Man was Master Chun-nam Hung. The two masters fought to a stand still by the time the joss stick finished burning. Master Hung admiring the skills of Ip Man and was now allowed open his own wushu institute.
Master Chun-nam Hung was involved in a King of Boxing Competition and invited Ip Man to the show. Ip Man brought his pupils to the King of Boxing Competition. At the King of Boxing Competition a ruthless foreign man named Twister (Darren Shahlavi) insults Master Chun-nam Hung and challenges him to a fight. Master Chun-nam Hung is beaten to death in the match. Ip Man unable to restrain himself anymore, steps onto the stage and fights the King of Boxing ...

Blu-ray and 2-disc DVD Editions come with:
● Making Of
● Cast and Crew Interviews
● Deleted Scenes
● Featurette on Four Major Scenes
● Shooting Diary
● Gala Premiere
● Photo Gallery
● Trailers

PURCHASE Ip Man 2 Blu-ray | DVD - Standard Edition / Special Edition from YESASIA.

FIND OUT MORE...

"True Legend" Hong Kong Version DVD

"True Legend" is regarded by critics as one of the most stunning flicks Yuen Woo-Ping has ever directed. Many of its scenes were shot in breathtakingly dangerous places, like the Hukou Waterfall at the Yellow River in North China's Shanxi Province. This latest film from the famous martial arts choreographer and director is about 19th-century hero Su Qi-Er whose stories were passed down as folk tales. He was originally a wealthy kung-fu amateur in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), but after losing his fortune because of a conspiracy against him, he devoted himself to martial arts and eventually became a renowned master. One of the most memorable characters in martial arts film history, having been played by Simon Yuen Siu-Tin (Woo-Ping’s father) in DRUNKEN MASTER (1978) and in a comedic light, Stephen Chow in KING OF BEGGARS (1992). In this martial arts epic that sees Woo-Ping return to the director's chair he has vacated for 14 years, has mainland action star Vincent Zhao (Once Upon a Time in China series) as the legendary figure Beggar Su. Now you can check for yourself how rich are the martial arts scenes in this film by purchasing the special DVD edition via YESASIA.

Synopsis:
"True Legend" is the extraordinary journey of a man - a martial arts hero - whose greatest dream is to create a unique school of martial arts for the world to follow.

All his life, Su Can has been pursuing the summit in martial arts. There are two things he holds dearest to his heart – the dream of creating a unique kind of martial arts that will pass on to generations; and his beloved wife. Su has a happy family and his wife is the joy of his life. But owing to a turn of fate and his own stubbornness, Su falls helplessly into a quagmire and his family is destroyed.

After losing his wife, Su cannot live with himself and collapses totally. He is drunk all the time and becomes a crazy beggar in everyone’s eyes. Everyday, his young son ties him with a piece of rope and leads him through the streets, greeted by people’s curious and disdainful gazes.

PURCHASE "TRUE LEGEND" AT YESASIA

FIND OUT MORE...

"14 Blades" Blu-ray Hong Kong Version

“14 Blades” is a mix of martial arts and espionage flick which Chinese title “Jinyiwei” means “The Brocaded Robe Guards” was a nickname to the Ming emperors' own version of the CIA. The organization was set up in the late 14th century by Ming dynasty founder Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Hongwu), first as his own personal guards numbering in the hundreds, and later gaining many more other responsibilities (including intelligence, of course), reaching their apex in the 16th century with a total force around the low six figures. “14 Blades” is the latest from Hong Kong director Daniel Lee, who made the brainless “Dragon Squad” and the much improved “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon”. The film starred the most sought after Kung Fu star in Chinese cinema today, Donnie Yen, and also features a mix of new and veteran performers. Veteran genre actors who make appearances include Chen Kuan-tai, one of Shaw Brothers’ top kung fu stars of the 1970s who starred in cult Kung Fu classic “Flying Guillotine which are very similar in plot to this film, Wu Ma (The Dead and The Deadly), Sammo Hung (Martial Law, Resurrection of the Dragon), mainland wushu champion Xu Xiang-dong (“Wing Chun” TV series), Chen Zhi-hua (Ip Man), and Damian Lau (Duel to the Death). However, all of the young stars featured are idols rather than dedicated martial artists. Wu Chun is a member of Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit and has starred in several TV series. Qi Yuwu is a former Star Search China winner from Singapore. As the leading lady is mainland actress Vicki Zhao Wei who made appearances in John Woo’s “Red Cliff” as well as “Mulan”, Chinese live version for the country’s legendary epic tale.

Set in the final years of China's Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the Imperial Guards are raised and trained to be ruthless killing machines since childhood, to execute whatever questionable orders from the Imperial Court or Emperor without questions, and Green Dragon (Yen), being the most highly skilled of them all, is no exception. Each of them possesses a chest containing 14 blades, and the Imperial Guards would use different weapons under different situations, with 8 being used for all forms of tortures, and another 5 for killings, and the last one for hara kiri. And they are also experts at psychological warfare, negotiating or weakening the enemies' minds in order to accomplish their missions. But deep within his heart, there's still an iota of conscience left in Green Dragon, who begins to question its motives and runs away from the organization while being hunted down, when he discovers a big conspiracy as an evil eunuch gains control of the Imperial Court and Imperial Guards. While on the run, Green Dragon becomes acquainted with Qiao Hua (Zhao), daughter of the chief of an Armed Escort Agency. Initially, like all Imperial Guards do, he's merely making use of her. However, he gradually falls for her while she finds out that she's being made use of.

PURCHASE THE BLU-RAY AT YESASIA

FIND OUT MORE...

The Battle of the Warriors U.S. DVD

It has announced that Dragon Dynasty will be releasing Jacob’s Cheung’s 2006 period war epic "A Battle Of Wits" on DVD September 8th under the name "Battle Of The Warriors." The film is a Hong Kong historical action drama film based upon a Japanese historical novel of the same name which was in turn inspired by Warring States history in China. The epic starring Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs, House Of Flying Daggers, Warlords), Fan Bingbing (Forbidden Kingdom, Shinjuku Incident), Ahn Sung-ki (The Divine Weapon), Wang Zhiwen, Nicky Wu, and newcomer Choi Siwon. Also based on the sensational Japanese manga series called "Bokko," "Battle of the Warriors" features a gritty, realistic style, with an incredible level of historical detail that highlights each of its unparalleled, ferocious battles.

Plot: The film is set in the Warring States Period of China. The state of Zhao invades the (fictional) city-state of Liang. Ge Li (Andy Lau), a Mohist, comes to Liang to help protect the city. He warns of the dangers of surrendering to an invading Zhao army that intends to conquer Liang. The king of Liang (Wang Zhiwen) worries about Ge Li inciting war amongst the public, but decides to allow him to temporarily aid in defending Liang.

Ge Li's creates a bulwark and various traps to slow down the invading army. The Prince (Choi Siwon) and Generals of Liang question his leadership and skills as a tactician, but time after time, his tactics proved successful. The Prince of Liang eventually develops a high level of respect for Ge Li's wisdom and experience. After Ge Li successfully defends the kingdom from superior numbers, he becomes highly revered by the local populace.

Feeling threatened by Ge Li's popularity, the king of Liang plots to have him be deposed of rank and executed on false charges. Ge Li returns from a scouting mission and is charged with starting a war under false pretenses. The Prince of Liang fakes a fight against Ge Li so that he can use himself as a hostage to help free Ge Li. The improved arrows that Ge Li used to help defend Liang were then ironically used against him. The Prince of Liang is killed in the incident. Ge Li's sympathizers are falsely accused of being part of a rebellion against Liang, and they are tortured and executed.

The King of Liang foolishly believes the Zhao army has already left, but the Zhao army raids the city in a surprise attack. Ge Li returns with a surviving group of the Liang army to restore power to the people of Liang. After the conflict, Ge Li leaves with some orphans of Liang to promote peace among kingdoms. The King of Liang would be killed five years later, and eventually the Qin army would unite China and became the Qin Dynasty.

ORDER THE DVD AT AMAZON

FIND OUT MORE...

A Frozen Flower 2-Disc Uncut Director's Edition DVD

Although they said it was based on a true story from Goryeo Dynasty Korea (918-1392), viewers should bear in mind that the story is purely fictional. "A Frozen Flower" the film which directed by Yoo Ha (A Dirty Carnival, Once Upon A Time In High School) has also taken its title from a song of that era which described the sexual relationships between men and women. But in a resemblance to Ang Lee’s acclaimed drama, “Brokeback Mountain,” this film is a melodrama that following a secreted homosexual love, which take place between King of Goryeo and his bodyguard. As Yoo Ha explained that the film was "a love story between men," the director wanted to make a change from his previous works by doing a historical film with this fifth feature film of his career, he said, "I always felt uncomfortable with the genre but I felt I should try to overcome those feelings. It is also a new challenge for me to focus on a melodrama". Previously, director Yoo Ha has been widely acclaimed by moviegoers and critics alike for bringing out violence and collectivity from deep within the human soul, as well as for his provocative view on conventional ideas.

When the movie was released on 30th Dec, 2008 in South Korea, it was sold 310,000 tickets in just one day and easily topped the box office chart. "A Frozen Flower" also took in over 1 million admissions in its first four days, setting an all time record for an adult-rated film. It seems Erotic movies, often with scenes of nudity, are now hugely popular in Korea. Ignited by "Lust, Caution", which drew 3 million viewers in 2007, the fervor continued throughout last year with "Portrait of a Beauty" attracting 2.5 million and this "A Frozen Flower" with 4 million viewers. For you who haven't seen how erotic is the film, now it available at YESASIA DVD shelf in its special 2 disc uncut directors edition package.

Synopsis: In the end of Goryeo era politically manipulated by the Yuan Dynasty, the ambitious King of the Goryeo Dynasty organizes Kunryongwe. Hong Lim, the commander of Kunryongwe, captivates the King of Goryeo, and the Queen keeps her eyes on the relationship between Hong Lim and the King with a reluctant view. Meanwhile, the bilateral relation between Goryeo and the Yuan gets worse as Yuan demands to install the cousin of the King in the Crown Prince of Goryeo with ascribing it to no son the King has. The King refuses it resolutely, so the high-ranking officials of Goryeo, who are in submission to Yuan, are discontented with the king. One day, the King gives Hong Lim a covert yet unobjectionable order to sleep with the Queen instead of himself to protect the independence of Goryeo from the Yuan by making a son, the successor to Goryeo throne.

Although sexuality and nudity are no longer a hush-hush issue in this traditionally Confucian country, the South Korean movie "Ssanghwajeom (A Frozen Flower)" made headlines long before it was released here on Dec. 30 for its blunt depictions of homo- and bi-sexuality. The sex scenes in this historical drama, the fifth film by South Korea's only poet-turned-director Yoo Ha, certainly live up to their reputation. But these scenes are not simply meant to titillate. They are critical in showing how the boy in the palace slowly turns into a man and fights to come to terms with his sexual identity. And growing up is far harsher and more brutal for him, as it is the queen to whom he is inexorably drawn.
"The essence is still all there," the soft-spoken director said in a recent interview with a local movie magazine. "But this movie was a new and a frightening challenge for me because I was to talk about two very difficult things: historical drama and sexuality." The two factors that agonized Yoo so much appear to be mere tools used to complete the director's long-struggling persona. Unlike the two male characters in Yoo's past works, Hong Lim musters up "enough guts" to put up a real fight with the king, who was the creator of his first world, a benevolent father and a protective lover all in one.

BUY THE DVD AT YESASIA

FIND OUT MORE...