2006 Shaw Brothers Releases |
| The 2006 Shaw Brothers release schedule (through March) is now available: |
|
| Wednesday, 12/21/2005 (Second Update) |
|
2006 Shaw Brothers Releases |
| The 2006 Shaw Brothers release schedule (through March) is now available: |
|
IVL January 5 Shaw Brothers Releases
|
| DVD/VCD | |
|
14 Amazons, The (1972) Director: Cheng Kang, Tung Shiu-yung Cast: Ivy Ling Po, Lisa Lu, Lily Ho, Yueh Hua, Li Ching, and Full Roster Of Shaw Actress Genre: Martial Arts Awards
Synopsis Long before "feminism" made it to Hong Kong, women proved themselves more than equal to men in this martial arts classic, The 14 Amazons. The cast is a veritable "who's who" of the golden age of Shaw Brothers swordplay adventures, and was not only a major box office hit (ranking fourth for 1972), but also a top prize winner, including Best Supporting Actress for Lisa Lu, a special citation for outstanding lead female performance for Lily Ho, Best Director for Cheng Kang, and an award for Honourable Mention For Drama.
|  |
|
Ambitious Kung Fu Girl (1981) Director: Lu Chun-ku Cast: Chen Kuan-tai, Michelle Mei Suet, Lin Hsiu-chun, Yuan Te (aka Chiang Lin) Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The lovely Michelle Mei Suet, star of The 36 Crazy Fist and Ten Tigers Of Shaolin, plays a spoiled girl who ignores her true love to go off in search of a swordsman she idolizes. That sets the stage for one great action scene after another, until she's about to be sold into slavery. If you want to bet that her true love arrives in the nick of time, you'd be a winner...as is this amusing and entertaining variation on the standard kung-fu film.
|  |
|
Empress Wu (1960) Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Li Li-hua, Chao Lei, Ting Ning, Lo Wei, Chiao Chuang, Lo Chi, Hu King-chuan, Kao Pao-shu Genre: Period Drama Awards
Synopsis The renowned Li Li-hua, who had already starred in more than fifty films, gives a magnificent performance as Wu Tse-tien, the most famous woman in China's more than four thousand year history. The screen fairly bursts with royalty, intrigue, tragedy, and triumph as the script charts her from her teenage years to her old age all beautifully photographed by Japanese cinematographer T. Nishimoto. The glorious pagentry was awarded Honourable Mention For Drama at the Golden Horse Awards.
|  |
|
Shepherd Girl, The (1963) Director: Lo Chen Cast: Julie Yeh Feng, Kwan Shan, Ouyang Sha-fei, Chiang Kwong-chao Genre: Musical Synopsis Love moves the mountains and the sea in this heartwarming musical of a singing shepherdess and her boatman beau. Julie Yeh Feng plays Hsiu Hsiu, blessed by beauty but cursed by her gambling addict of a father. Her heart is won by handsome and dashing Liu Ta-lung (Kwan Shan) but both lovers will have to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds before they can be together. Lo Chen, who carved his name at Shaw Brothers as a master of poignant dramas tries his hand in The Shepherd Girl with an all-new cast and an all-new feel.
|  |
|
Songfest (1963) Director: Yuan Chiu-feng Cast: Margaret Tu Chuan, Chiao Chuang, Julie Shih Yen, Chiao Chiao, Lily Ho Genre: Musical Synopsis As tuneful as its name implies, Songfest is an Eastmancolor-Shawscope costume musical, traditionally Chinese in content but possessing a timeless spirit and modern technique. Shot on location at Taiwan's beautiful Sun-Moon Lake, it's the turbulent romance of a passionate tea picker (the fiery Margaret Tu Chuan, in one of her most famous roles) and a debonair fisherman (Chiao Chuang). Watch for future Shaw Brothers superstar Lily Ho, then 16-years-old, in her debut as Margaret Tu Chuan's vivacious tea picking friend.
| |
|
IVL December 22 Shaw Brothers Releases
|
| DVD/VCD | |
|
Blue Skies (1967) Director: Hsieh Chun Cast: Peter Chen Ho, Cheng Pei-pei, Margaret Tu Chuan, Chiang Kwong-chao, Lydia Shum Genre: Musical Synopsis The villainess from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in one of her early non-kung-fu roles shows she can carry a tune as well. Cheng Pei-pei plays Hsiao-yun, a young singer forced to choose between love and a career. After stepping in for another singer at the last minute, Hsiao-yun becomes an overnight sensation. However, the success starts having detrimental effects on her relationship with a pianist and she must now also deal with the unwanted attention from an influential backer of her show.
|  |
|
Demon Of The Lute (1983) Director: Lung Yi-sheng Cast: Hui Ying-hung, Chien Hsiao-hou, Pai Piao, Kuo Chue Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The "Scenario and Directed By" credit is rare, but Lung Yi-sheng warranted it for two memorable Shaw movies starring the lovely and lethal Hui Ying-hung. This is the first - a beautiful fight fantasy of lute demons, magical arrows, bottomless abysses, an arduous quest, hermaphrodites, a villain named "Red-Haired Evil," and a mischievous knight named "Old Naughty." It's little wonder Lung also directed, since another director might inadvertently deflate this delicate, but delightful, confection.
|  |
|
Magnificent Concubine, The (1960) aka Yang Kwei Fei Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Li Li-hua, Yen Chuan, Li Hsiang-chun Guest Star: Chao Lei Genre: Huangmei Opera Awards
Synopsis Many screen versions have been made of this classic Chinese love story, but auteur Li Han-hsiang's version is the most popular of them all. Yen Chuan plays the weak emperor, whose obsession with his consort, Yang Kwei Fei (played by the ever-elegant and ever-sensual Li Li-hua) makes him leaves the running of the country to his Prime Minister (Yang Chi-ching), who happens to be Yang Kwei Fei's brother. Unfortunately, the cruel and selfish Prime Minister's decisions leave the empire in shambles. "Magnificent" is the only word that could describe this exquisite production.
|  |
|
Magnificent Wanderers (1976) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chi, Li Yi-min Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The "godfather of the kung-fu film," Chang Cheh helmed this sweeping, all-action adventure of undercover, traveling patriots battling corrupt Mongol chieftains and their bloodthirsty henchmen. He guides a spectacular all-star kung-fu cast so there's hardly a moment to spare. Stolen gold, hostage villagers, raging soldiers, corrupt courts, and an ammo dump fill the plot until both exceptional martial arts and explosions share the screen.
|  |
|
Tragic Commitment (1995) Director: Frankie Chan Cast: Anita Yuan Yung-yi, Cheung Chi-lam, Deanie Yip, Josie Ho Genre: Drama Synopsis Alex (Cheung Chi-lam) is happily married to maternal doctor Tung (Anita Yuan Yung-yi) for five years. When Alex is fatally wounded in an accident, he reveals to Tung about his affair with Blackie (Josie Ho), who is impregnated with his baby. Alex's mom (Deanie Yip) is devastated about his son's death, but insisted Tung to locate Blackie. The three women begin to live under the same roof where conflicts ensue.
| |
|
Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries
| |
|
|
| The galleries will be deleted after one week. | |
|
December 15 Fortune Star Releases |
Jackie Chan Kungfu Delight Collection
  |
Fearless Hyena, The (1978) Director: Jackie Chan Cast: Jackie Chan, James Tien, Kenneth Tsang Synopsis In this directorial debut, Jackie plays Lung, a talented fighter but prefers to spend his time loafing around and picking fights, despite orders from his grandfather (James Tien) not to fight. Unknown to him, a brutal general (Yam Sai Kun) has been slaughtering all the people from his grandfather's clan. When the general recognizes Lung's style of kung fu during one of his street fights, he hunts down Lung's grandfather and kills him. A grieving Lung plans his vengeance and is aided by crippled kung fu master who imparts to him a new kind of "emotional kung fu". Mentally and physically ready, Lung finally seeks out the wicked general to see justice done. Fearless Hyena 2, The (1979) Director: Chan Chuen Cast: Jackie Chan, Yam Sai Kun, Kwan Yung Moon, James Tien, Chen Hui Lou Synopsis Jackie plays Ching Lung, who is separated from his brother Tung (Austin Wai) when they were both very young. The brothers are reunited after their father is murdered by the cruel Heaven and Earth Devils. With Lung's outstanding kung fu and Tung's knack for machinery and setting traps, the brothers pool their talent to fight Heaven and Earth to avenge their father's death. Specs
|
| Wednesday, 12/21/2005 (First Update) |
Panorama December 23 Releases
| |
  | |
|
Sympathy For Lady Vengeance (2005) Director: Park Chan Wook Cast: Lee Young Ae, Choi Min Shik Synopsis All she wanted was a peaceful life... Geum-ja. Geum-ja (Lee Young-ae), a beautiful girl who cannot help but draw attention of all the men around her, was first introduced to the public as the one responsible for the abduction and murder of a little boy at the age of twenty. Being so young and pretty, her horrific crime drew national media attention. But now, 13 years have passed and in that time, Geum-ja has been the most hardworking and model prisoner, earning the nickname "sweet" Geum-ja. "Sweet" Geum-ja, however, has not been idle during her time in prison. For 13 years, she plotted revenge against her former teacher, Mr. Baek (Choi Min-sik). Her kindness while in "the joint" has paid off and has now gained many friends and allies. Now that Geum-ja is getting out of jail, she is ready to put her carefully conceived plan into action. What happened between Geum-ja and her teacher 13 years ago? Why does she want revenge? And how will her quest for vengeance end? These are the mysteries of SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE.
| |
|
Panorama December 20 Releases
| |
  | |
|
Election (2005) Director: Johnnie To Cast: Simon Yam, Tony Leung Kar Fai, Wong Tin Lam Synopsis The time has come, as it does every two years, for the senior members of Hong Kong's oldest Triad, The Wo Shing Society, to elect a new chairman. Fierce rivalries emerge between the two eligible candidates. Lok, respected by the Uncles is the favourite to win. But his rival Big D will stop at nothing to change this, including going against hundreds of years of Triad tradition and influencing the vote with money and violence. When Wo Shing's ancient symbol of leadership, the Dragon's Head Baton, goes missing, a ruthless struggle for power erupts and the race to retrieve the Baton threatens to tear Wo Shing in two. Can Wo Shing balance their traditional brotherhood ways with the cut-throat modern world of 21st century business?
| |
|
Panorama December 16 Releases
| |
  | |
  | |
|
Everlasting Regret (2005) Director: Stanley Kwan Cast: Sammi Cheng, Daniel Wu, Tony Leung Ka Fai Synopsis Based on Wang Anyi's Changhen Ge, the multi-award winning novel that was voted the most influential work of the 90s in China, Everlasting Regret follows a legendary Shanghai beauty from her glamourous days to her simpler life, as she struggles to preserve the dignity of her past while surviving the constant betrayal of her men. She stands tall and proud as she bears witness to the waves of changes to her city from 1947 to 1981, until one wave finally overwhelms her.
| |
Devil Angel (1995) Director: Fu Lee Cast: Vivian Hsu, Yeung Si Man
|  |
| Cathay | |
|
Bedside Story, The (1960) Director: Bu Wancang Cast: Helen Li Mei, Zhang Yang Synopsis Renowned director Bu Wancang's first production with MP&GI, The Bedside Story is a light-hearted comedy about a struggle between a maverick actress (Helen Li Mei) and her stubborn and conservative brother-in-law (Zhang Yang), which represents a debate between individualistic values and family obligations. Apparently the happy enlightenment of Li represents a triumph of the latter over the former. Li, Zhang and Lei Zhen, who plays the role of Li's husband, all showcase their distinctive personalities in their portraits of the characters. Wang Lai's rare appearance as a young urban lady represents a precious moment in her long career well-known for senior roles.
|  |
| Cathay Release Schedule | |
Mega Star December 28 Golden Collection Series Releases
| |
| As Tears Go By (1988) | |
 | |
Specs
| |
| Golden Collection Series Release Schedule |
| Edko December 22 Releases | |
|
Say Yes (2001) Director: Kim Sung-hong Cast: Park Joong-hoon, Chu Sang-mi, Kim Ju-hyuk Synopsis Yoon-hee and Jung-hyun depart on a road trip to the countryside to celebrate their first anniversary. While savoring their time together, they meet a stranger named M. To their surprise, M shows up every destination the couple arrives. He interrupts their time alone as he continues to harass them at the most unexpected moments. The couple later learns that M's a serial killer. They tried to flee but failed, and Jung-hyun is faced with a decision he may regret for the rest of his life...
|  |
Asia Video December 23 Releases
| |
|
Hinokio (2005) Director: Takahiko Akiyamao Cast: Masatoshi Nakamura, Kanata Hongo, Mikako Tabe, Riho Makise Synopsis It is the time near future. Twelve-year-old Satoru has gone into withdrawal following the death of his mother in a car accident. The story begins with him steering HINOKIO, a two-legged remote control robot his scientist father has invented, to school. It is through operating Hinokio from his room that Satoru gradually opens up to others. Through the eyes of Hinokio, Satoru finds out about real life and friendship, and discovers his first love. However, soon Satoru faces the fact that the robot gives only a simulation of experience, and he must go out into the real world himself in order to feel the reality.
|  |
|
Sad Love Story (2005) [TV Series] Cast: Kwon Sang Woo, Kim Hee Sun, Yeon Jung Hoon Synopsis It is the time near future. Twelve-year-old Satoru has gone into withdrawal following the death of his mother in a car accident. The story begins with him steering HINOKIO, a two-legged remote control robot his scientist father has invented, to school. It is through operating Hinokio from his room that Satoru gradually opens up to others. Through the eyes of Hinokio, Satoru finds out about real life and friendship, and discovers his first love. However, soon Satoru faces the fact that the robot gives only a simulation of experience, and he must go out into the real world himself in order to feel the reality.
|  |
| Thursday, 12/15/2005 |
|
Asia Video December 20 Releases
| |
|
Mr. Coconut (1989) Director: Clifton Ko Cast: Michael Hui, Ricky Hui, Raymond Wong, Olivia Cheng, Joey Wang, Simon Yam, Maria Cordero Synopsis Michael Hui plays the lovable "Mr. Coconut", who arrives in town from Hainan China where he lived with his coconuts. Here in the sophisticated urban jungles of Hong Kong. "Mr. Coconut" has finally reunited with his family, as he endures Hong Kong Streets of the late 1980s, filled with stock and property gamblers, heavy mobile phones etc..... "Mr. Coconut", a Hong Kong Lunar New Year film classic, is also Michael's first 30 million box office hit in which he received the Best Actor Nomination in 1989.
|  |
|
Magic Touch, The (1992) Director: Michael Hui Cast: Michael Hui, Leon Lai, Ricky Hui, Winnie Lau, Sunny Fang, Chan Hiu Ying, Dayo Wong, Carrie Ng, Philip Chan Synopsis "The Magic Touch" has Michael Hui returned to the director's chair in more than 7 years. In this sci-fi comedy, Michael plays fortune-telling can artist who turned out to really "see the future" and does good deeds. "The Magic Touch" features some early performances of pop start Leon Lai and comedian Dayo Wong. Together they have made this film one of the top films of 1992 and also becoming Michael Hui's highest box office grossing film to this day.
|  |
|
Always On My Mind (1993) Director: Jacob Cheung Cast: Michael Hui, Josephine Siao, Cherie Chan, Simon Lui, Rain Lau, John Tang Synopsis "Always On My Mind" 1993 is about self-discovery of a man after being diagnosed with an incurable disease. Michael Hui plays the title role as the coward newscaster-turned-opportunistic-moneygrubber, with much help from his "beloved" family. "Always On My Mind" is a vicious satire that exposes the media industry as somewhat fraudulent, weak, and shallow. All these end up to a rare comedy with a refined combination of laughter's with tears and happiness with sorrow.
|  |
| Sunday, 12/11/2005 |
Mei Ah December 23 Releases
| |
Dragon Squad (2005)
|
 |
A Grand Collection Of Swordsman II Box Set
Swordsman 2 (1991) |
 |
A Collection Of "The Romancing Star" Series Box Set
Romancing Star, The (1987) |
 |
|
Mei Ah December 15 Releases
| |
Die Harder (1995)
|
 |
Operation Billionaires (1998)
|
 |
The Dynasty [TV Series]
|
 |
|
Mei Ah December 9 DVD Covers/Synopsis
| |
|
On The Mountain Of Tai Hang (2005) Director: Wei Lian Cast: Tony Leung Ka Fai, Wong Wufu, Xu Guangming, Liu Dekai Synopsis On the Mountain of Tai Hang tells the story of the Sino-Japanese war and the commander-in-chief, Zhu De, leading the main force of the Eighth Route Army to the battlefront against the Japanese invaders. Presented are several important campaigns, from September 1937 to May 1940, including the Pingxingguan victory, the surprise attack on Yangmingbao, Xinkou campaign and Huangtuling campaign, where Abuguixiu, lieutenant general of the Japanese army, was shot down. The film also reflects the close relationship between the Eighth Route Army and the people.
|  |
Wong Kar-Wai Moments Box Set
Disc 1: |
 |
|
Mei Ah November 10 DVD Covers/Synopsis
| |
|
Embrace Your Shadow (2005) Director: Joe Ma Cast: Fiona Sit, Dylan Kwok, Cheung Kwok Keung Synopsis Yin's life is full of unfortunates, she has to take care of her brother who is dumped by his wife because he has arterities, and their daughter. Life is hard but she is optimistic and feels satisfied. One day, Yin and Ken meet. Ken is a robber and has no relatives, the warmth of Yin's family touches him. He helps Yin and they fall in love gradually. However, Ken causes Yin's brother die indirectly, hatred and love co-exists in Yin's heart which makes her has no choice but to break up with Ken. At that moment, Yin discovers she has arterities and it is going into an aggravation. When she is facing the possibility of death, she realizes she cannot live without Ken. They get back finally and confront to the difficulties together. However, the God is not so kind, Ken is destined to lose Yin...
|  |
A Grand Collection Of Running Out Of Time Box Set
Running Out Of Time (1999) |
 |
A Grand Collection Of Black Mask Box Set
Black Mask (1996) |
 |
|
Mei Ah October 14 DVD Covers/Synopsis
| |
|
Racing Stripes (2005) Director: Frederik Du Chau Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Hayden Panettiere Synopsis In a ranging thunderstorm, a baby zebra is abandoned by a traveling circus. A horse farmer Nolan Walsh rescues him and takes him home to his daughter Channing, and she calls him "Stripes". Stripes is soon introduced to the barnyard family, led by Tucker Ruffshodd, Frannie, Goose and Reggie. Day by day, Stripes looks at the Turfway Racetrack nearby, and dreaming to be the champion in the horse racing. Born as a zebra, it seems impossible, but with the help from Tucker, who has coached a host of champion horses in the past, will his dream come true and bring glory to Nolan again?
|  |
A Grand Collection Of Love Undercover Box Set
Disc 1: |
 |
Jackie Chan's Kung Fu Classic Collection Box Set
Disc 1: |
 |
|
Mei Ah October 6 DVD Covers/Synopsis
| |
|
First Time Is The Last Time, The (1988) Director: Ray Leung Cast: Andy Lau, Carrie Ng Synopsis Young Yuk Fung is sweet-talked by her gigolo to go to a prison in order to kill an inmate there and avenge a triad boss's death. Yuk is bullied by other inmates instead, fortunately a pregnant inmate and another girl, Winnie give her moral support. Winnie turns out to be her hit. And to Yuk's surprise she puts up no resistance when Yuk tries to kill her. Also, when Yuk knows Winnie's past, she feels sympathy at her. So, Yuk does not kill Winnie. On the day of Yuk's release, her boyfriend runs her over with a car...
|  |
|
Dead Men Do Tell Tales [TV Series] Director: Kan Weiping Cast: Ho Ping, Wu Jun, Luo Haiqiong, Fan Wei
|
 |
|
Mei Ah September 22 DVD Covers/Synopsis
| |
|
Basic Interests Director: Feng Xiaoning Cast: Gou Da, Yang Sou, Wang Jun Synopsis With the same name, this film is based on the best-selling documentary book "Basic Interests". The folk song in the China plateau flows from generation to generation unmasking the hardships of the peasants. The spark out of a fighting between villagers reveals the untold stories, which are about a warrior; a coffin without being buried for thirteen years; a meeting with the authority being waited for thirty-two years; and a group of poor peasants being oppressed. What are the underlying causes? And what are the rationales? Through the untouched stories, Director Feng helps the peasants to appeal...
|  |
A Grand Collection Of God Of Gamblers Box Set
God Of Gamblers (1989) |
 |
A Grand Collection Of God Of Gamblers II Box Set
God Of Gamblers II (1991) |
 |
|
Mei Ah August 29 DVD Covers/Synopsis
| |
|
Dragon Reloaded (2005) Director: Vincent Kok Cast: Ronald Cheng, Sam Lee, Cheung Tat Ming, Miki Yeung Synopsis Dragon, Gold and Hei have been being cops for two years. Dragon feels desperate because his girlfriend Stephy dumps him. To forget the pain, they go to the "Golden Pond Village" for vacation. Accidentally, they assist a criminal Keung to steal the treasure of the village, "Goddess Statue". Disasters are appearing continuously because of the lack of the treasure¡¦s protection, so the villagers treat them as God of plague. To settle the resentment, their superintendent sends them to be the village's detectives, which gives the villagers a chance to torture them as revenge. What will they be? And how can they redeem the villagers?
|  |
|
Mr. Mistress (1988) Director: Chui Pak Lam Cast: Cherie Chung, Ho Shou Hsin, Nina Li, Eric Tsang Synopsis Ivan is a sales manager and enjoying couple life with his charming, sexy wife called Mimi, but the appearance of Alice crushes their relationship. Alice is the Vise President of one of the biggest Aerobics Equipment company, looking for appointed agent in Hong Kong. Coincidently, Alice's manager Peter is Ivan's old schoolmate, he promises Ivan to put him into the group. In order to chase Mimi, Peter sets up tricks to ruin her relationship with Ivan. He makes chance for Ivan and Alice to meet, and they fall in love gradually. Mimi discovered their relationship and decided to leave Hong Kong. A courtship cannot exists three people, Alice chooses to explain to Mimi that all things are set up by Peter, then she leaves and Mimi and Ivan back to their perfect couple life.
|  |
| Tuesday, 12/6/2005 (Second Update) |
Deltamac Upcoming Releases
|
| According to Deltamac, the Sha Po Lang DVD is tentatively scheduled to be released in January. |
Joy Sales Upcoming Releases
|
|
December 13 Possessed (1983) Possessed 2 (1984) December 15 New Born (2005)
December 22 A Side, B Side, Seaside (2005) |
| Tuesday, 12/6/2005 (First Update) |
|
Panorama Recent Releases
| |
| Cathay | |
|
June Bride, The (1960) Director: Tang Huang Cast: Grace Chang, Chang Yang Synopsis June Bride is a great musical drama starring wonderful Grace Chang and handsome Chang Yang. Audiences will be brought to a new dimension of Grace's versatility, and her graphic portrayal of a young bride being caught under the cross fire of conflicting emotions. Her beautiful and well trained voice will no doubt provide to her fans the greatest possible entertainment. The movie becomes even more enjoyable with Eileen Chang's sarcastic script. A brilliant supporting cast including Roy Chiao, Tien Ching and Liu En-chia highlighted the golden era of MP&GI in the 50s and 60s.
|  |
|
Happily Ever After (1960) Director: Evan Yang (Yi Wen) Cast: Lucilla You Min, Roy Chiao Synopsis Following her award-winning performance in Her Tender Heart and All in the Family, Lucilla You Min demonstrated her simple, lively and tender beauty in Happily Ever After. Written and directed by renowned director Yi Wen, the film portrayed a coincidental encounter of a rich man's son and a storekeeper's daughter with the cause of an advertisement painting. Happily Ever After was Lucilla's first co-operation with Roy Chiao in the lead, something very different from what her fans might have expected. Hsieh Chia-hua, a winner of Miss Shanghai beauty pageant in the 1940s, also made a glamorous appearance in the film as Roy Chiao's fiance.
|  |
| Cathay Release Schedule | |
| Japanese | |
Tora-san Plays Cupid (1977) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Kiyoshi Atsumi, Chieko Baisho, Masatoshi Nakamura, Shinobu Ootake Synopsis The twentieth instalment in the Tora-san series. Tora-san wants to become a matchmaker. He draws from his own experiences and teachers the ignorant young man, Ryosuke, how to win the heart of Sachiko. However, Tora-san's methods are so outdated which makes it even harder for Ryosuke. Finally, Ryosuke failed on his quest for love and he decided to commit suicide on the roof of Tora-san's house. Fortunately, his life is being saved. When he returns to his hometown, he finds that Tora-san is there. That is because Tora-san has fallen in love his the divorced sister of Ryosuke...
|  |
Tora-san's Stage-Struck (1978) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Kiyoshi Atsumi, Chieko Baisho, Nana Kinomi, Tetsuo Takeda Synopsis The 21st instalment in the Tora-san series. Tora-san's uncle is suffering from a serious illness, all the family members want Tora-san to take over the family business. Tora-san tries his best and finally won praises across town. Until one day, Sakura's ex-classmate, Nanako, comes to town to perform for the SKD. Tora-san attends the performance and immediately falls for Nanako when he sees her dancing on the stage. At that time, a friend of Tora-san comes from Kyushu to visit him. Tora-san brings him to the show and he falls in love with another dancer. Suddenly, Nanako collapses as she is struggling from an affair that has lasted ten years already. It made her wanted to quit dancing altogether.
|  |
Tora-san's Talk-of-the-Town (1978) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Kiyoshi Atsumi, Chieko Baisho, Takashi Shimura, Reiko Ohara Synopsis The 22nd instalment in the Tora-san series. Shimura Takashi of "Seven Samurai" and "Ikiru" appears for the third and final time in the Tora-san series. Tora-san encounters a high priest for several times on the road. He also meets his brother-in-law's father, Hyouichiro Suwa, who keeps sighing for his boring old life. He advices Tora-san to read more fables of the ancient times, and meditate on his own life. When Tora-san comes back home, he shares his experiences with his family and begins his religious journey. However, he cancels his journey as soon as he sees the new employee, Sanae. Sanae is planning a divorce with her husband. Tora-san helps her with her new life and the two of them hit it off immediately. Unfortunately, her cousin appears and Tora-san is destined to lose his love again.
|  |
Tora-san, The Matchmaker (1979) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Kiyoshi Atsumi, Chieko Baisho, Kaori Momoi, Akira Fuse Synopsis The 23rd instalment in the Tora-san series. After collaborating with Yamada Yoji in "The Yellow Handkerchief", Momoi Kaori work with the director again in this film as the innocent and emotional Hitomi, who comes from a wealthy family. Tora-san meets her on his way to Hokkaido when she was having second thoughts about her wedding. Tora-san tries to help her to gather herself and prepare to get married. However, she manages to run away before the actual ceremony. She arrives at Tora-san's home in her wedding dress. Tora-san immediately agrees to hide her in the house. One day, her fiance, Kunio, comes to find her. He has left his parents and is now living alone. Hitomi is moved by his will to change and agrees to get married with him again. A happy ending for the couple, but another sad story for Tora-san.
|  |
|
Hidden Blade (2004) [Deluxe Double-Disc Set Edition] Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Masatoshi Nagase, Takako Matsu Synopsis In the mid-19th century, during the final days of the Shoguns and the Samurais, Munezo (Masatoshi Nagase), a low-ranking samurai, is struggling within a tumultuous era marked by government rebellions and the introduction of artillery. One day, he encounters Kie (Takako Matsu), who used to be his maid, by chance and rescues her as she is being abused in her married life. An old friend turns traitor on the clan, Munezo is drawn reluctantly into violence, culminating in a shocking finale that marks a nostalgic end to the feudal epoch of Japan.
|  |
| Korean | |
Marathon (2005) Director: Chung Yoon-Chui Cast: Cho Seung-Woo, Kim Mi-Sook Synopsis Cho-won is a lovely, normal-looking child who likes chocolate cookies and zebras. Finding out he is autistic, his mother kneels down before the burden of reality. However, his mother discovers his love for running, and begins to train him. 20 years later, Cho-won's intelligence is still that of a five-year-old boy. He farts everywhere, bows to his younger brother, and dances to music wherever he is. However, his mom dedicates herself to training him to accomplish a 'Sub-3-Hour,' which is completing a marathon below three hours, a dream for amateur runners. One day, Jung-woo, a former marathon champion comes to work at Cho-won's school to fulfill his community service for a DUI. Cho-won's mother begs him to coach her son. Taking the job unwillingly, he learns to open his heart to Cho-won as they spend more time together and sees the possibility of accomplishing a 'Sub-3-Hour.' Jung-wook and Cho-won's mother have a serious dispute over how to train Cho-won. Amid the heated argument, Jung-wook tells Cho-won's mother that she's obsessed, which makes her realize that she's been pushing his son around to make herself feel better about him being autistic. Consequently, she decides not to let him run any more.
|  |
| Hong Kong | |
Drink Drank Drunk (2005) Director: Derek Yee Cast: Miriam Yeung, Daniel Wu Synopsis Siu-man (Miriam Yeung) is a beer waitress who hardly gets drunk. She always wishes to have her own coffee shop. She has lost faith in men after being badly hurt in a relationship and believes that drunken words can never be treated as real. One night, she sees Michael (Daniel Wu), a chef of a French restaurant, who gets drunk because he is on the verge of closing down his restaurant. They become friends very soon and Siu-man rents his restaurant to run coffee shop in daytime. Siu Man then begins to help Michael to rebuild his business, and the two fall in love.
|  |
Dint King Inside King Cast: Louis Fan
|  |
| Saturday, 12/3/2005 |
|
December 13 Fortune Star Releases |
Chow Yun Fat Series
 |
All About Ah Long (1989) Director: Johnny To Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Sylvia Chang, Huang Kun Husen Synopsis Ah Long (Chow Yun Fat), a former motorcycle racer who lived the life of a wastrel, womanizing, drinking and beating his pregnant girlfriend, Por Por (Sylvia Chang) 10 years ago. He was injured in a terrible accident while trying to outrun the police in one of his escapades and was sentenced to jail. After his release, he tries to put a life together for himself and his son (Huang Kun Husen) as a truck driver for a quarry. A chance encounter brings Por Por back into the life of Ah Long and to the son whom she was told had died at birth. While Ah Long hopes for a re-union, Por Por only wants to take the boy back to the U.S. for a new, orderly life. In an attempt to prove himself, Ah Long decides to take a chance at the race track for one last time… Hong Kong 1941 (1983) Director: Leong Po Chih Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Alex Man, Cecilia Yip, Paul Chun Synopsis "Hong Kong 1941" is set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in 1941. Fei (Chow Yun Fat), a young man who's trying to scrape up enough money to catch a boat to the U.S. He befriends Keung (Alex Man), who comes from a wealthy family, but is now a coolie working for a successful rice merchant. Keung's childhood friend, Nam who is betrothed to a man by her politically ambitions father. The trio decides to make a run for the boat. But on the day of their planned escape, they awoke to the Japanese attack on the city and were forced to stay behind. Fei signed up to work for the Japanese to help Keung and Nam in their next attempt to escape… Specs
|
| Friday, 12/2/2005 (Third Update) |
|
Dec 6 Releases
| |
 | |
|
Fireflies: River Of Light (2003) Director: Hiroshi Sugawara Cast: Koji Yakusho, Yukiyoshi Ozawa, Risako Sugaya Synopsis After finally passing his teacher's exam, Miwa (Yukiyoshi Ozawa) devoted himself to teaching in a rustic primary school. He struggles to get through to his students, until he creates a class project to raise fireflies to fly over it once again. All students, even the autistic girl Hikari (Risako Sugaya), become passionately involved in the project. However, it brings them into conflict with parents and the school, one problem after another stands in his way. Specs:
| |
| Friday, 12/2/2005 (Second Update) |
|
December 23 Releases
| |
 | |
|
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Synopsis Sophie finds her life thrown into turmoil when she encounters a handsome-but-mysterious wizard named Howl. She is turned into a 90-year-old woman by the Witch of the Waste. Embarking on an incredible odyssey to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl's magical moving castle where she becomes acquainted with Howl's apprentice, and a hot-headed fire demon named Calcifer. Sophie's love and support comes to have a major impact on Howl, who flies in the face of orders from the palace to become a pawn of war and instead risks his life to help bring peace to the kingdom. A 2 Disc Set:
The first pressing of the VCD includes a Limited Edition Coaster Set: 
| |
| Friday, 12/2/2005 (First Update) |
|
Mei Ah December 9 Releases
| |
|
On The Mountain Of Tai Hang (2005) Director: Wei Lian Cast: Tony Leung Ka Fai, Wong Wufu, Xu Guangming, Liu Dekai
|
|
Wong Kar-Wai Moments Box Set
Disc 1: |
|