New

As forewarned, a new post is here. Not a whole lot of update this time. I am currently narrowing down my picks for the best films of 2011, and should have those listed quite soon. Along with that list, I'll have a review for each film, so I'm working on those, as well. Until then, keep up with my film viewing on Twitter @monkeytailor.

Woops

I forgot to update, again. Sorry, October. Expect an update this week, as I will be watching Matthew Leutwyler's newest film, The River Why.

Feel free to follow me @monkeytailor on Twitter for more timely film thoughts.

Vroom, vroom

Going for a third viewing of Nicolas Winding Refn's "Drive." I'll post my thoughts on it and a few other films this week.

"Drive Time"

I'm watching a trio of films (Drive, Warrior and Straw Dogs) in theater today. I'll post my thoughts on them later this week. For now, follow my tweets about the films all day @monkeytailor.

Prizefighter

This time, another film I'm looking forward to seeing. Also, I ramble a bit about filmic excitement. Enjoy.


Kim Ki-duk's Amen

Just after having his (then) newest film, Arirang, released, Kim Ki-duk has another new film touring the festival circuit. The synposis for said film, Amen, is as follows: "the bizarre, disturbing journey of a young Korean girl who comes to Europe to search for someone she has to follow to Venice and Avignon. A mysterious character who hides behind a gas mask follows her everywhere and harasses her all the time." It reads like an interesting film, and knowing Kim's previous works, I'm sure it will be intriguing, if nothing else.

Releasing another film hot on the trail of his documentary, Arirang, means Kim is a busy man. Such an incredible director being back at work with a quick succession of films following a self-imposed exile from the world of cinema is exciting.

When I look at this year's releases, with two films (Arirang, Amen) from Kim, a new film (The Day He Arrives) from Hong Sangsoo and a second (untitled) in production, two films (The River Why, Answers to Nothing) being released by Director Matthew Leutwyler, and a bevy of films from many other top directors, I can't help but feel extremely excited. This year and 2012 may be the best years for quality films in...ever.


Kim Ki-duk's Filmography:
Crocodile
Wild Animals
Birdcage Inn
The Isle
Real Fiction
Address Unknown
Bad Guy
The Coast Guard
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...And Spring
Samaritan Girl
3-iron
The Bow
Time
Breath
Dream
Arirang
Amen

Let the Bullets Fly

As promised, my thoughts on Jiang Wen's Let the Bullets Fly. Enjoy.


Let the Bullets Fly
Directed by Jiang Wen, starring Chow Yun-fat, Jiang Wen, Ge You and Carina Lau.

As a conman (Ge) and his wife (Lau) travel through the countryside, they are attacked by a wanted man (Jiang) and his group of bandits. To save their lives, the couple makes a deal with the bandit leader to allow him in on their next con: pretending to be governor and governess of an affluent town. The bandit agrees to the proposal, provided he plays governor.

Once they arrive at (the supposedly ripe for the taking) Goose Town, they run into a couple of problems. Firstly, most of the town is poor; secondly, the reason for their financial state is local Godfather Huang (Chow). The bandits must play an intricate game of intrigue with Huang and his men in order to secure their goal.

Jiang Wen's Let the Bullets Fly is an Eastern Western. Like an good Western, there is plenty of gunplay, as well as pretty clear cut good and bad guys. For anyone that knows anything about Hong Kong or Chinese cinema, it goes without saying that the acting is excellent. For those that don't know about either of those cinemas, the acting is excellent. So, too, is the direction.

Jiang's film is a great blend of action and comedy, as well as hidden meanings within nearly every line and act that unfolds onscreen. Whether it be a comment on society, his home country, cinema or something else is up for interpretation; however, the underlying meanings never weigh the film down. For discerning film fans, there is plenty to engage, and, for the casual film goer, it's a really exciting film.

So, in case it isn't already obvious, Let the Bullets Fly is something I highly recommend.

Something to Look Forward To-night

This time it is an abbreviated post about a film I'm looking forward to seeing. The film: Jiang Wen's Let the Bullets Fly. I actually have this film sitting at home and will be watching it tonight, so check back for my thoughts on it sometime tomorrow.



Jiang Wen's Let the Bullets Fly
Starring Chow Yun-fat, Jiang Wen, Ge You and Carina Lau.

The newest film from "Sixth Generation" Chinese Director Jiang Wen is an action-comedy. As if the fact that Jiang directed it isn't enough, Let the Bullets Fly stars Jiang, as well as heavyweights from Hong Kong in Chow Yun-fat and Carina Lau, and from China, Ge You. With a talented cast and a top notch director, Let the Bullets Fly is something to be excited about sight-unseen.


Jiang Wen's Filmography:
In the Heat of the Sun
Devils on the Doorstep
The Sun Also Rises
Let the Bullets Fly