April 1 Fortune Star Releases |
John Woo's Hero Collection
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John Woo's Hero Collection contains:
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| Fortune Star Release Schedule |
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| Thursday, 3/31/2005 |
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April 1 Fortune Star Releases |
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John Woo's Hero Collection
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John Woo's Hero Collection contains:
Specs
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| Fortune Star Release Schedule |
| Tuesday, 3/29/2005 (Second Update) |
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March 31 Fortune Star Releases |
Centre Stage (1992) [Director's Cut]
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Synopsis "Centre Stage" is set during China's silent movie era and revolves around the life of the legendary life of a gifted actress, Ruan Ling-yu. With her sensitive portrayal, Maggie Cheung Man-yuk took her story abroad and won the best actress award at the 42nd Berlin International Film Festival. In the spring of 1935, silent movie star Ruan Ling-yu took her own life, shocking the world. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of thousands of mourning fans. Yuan entered the film world at the age of 16. In the short span of 9 years, she made 29 silent movies and became the idol of tens of thousands. As she rose to fame, she also rose to infamy with scandals over her private life. Her death at such an early age has given rise to much debate: did she kill herself because of her career? Or for love? In her farewell note, Yuan wrote four words - "criticism should be feared" - and gave her final condemnation on the merciless public. Specs
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| Fortune Star Release Schedule |
| Tuesday, 3/29/2005 (First Update) |
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IVL April 17 Shaw Brothers Releases
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| DVD/VCD | |
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Clan Of The White Lotus (1979) Director: Lo Lieh Cast: Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Hui Ying-hung, Lo Lieh Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Lo Lieh was famous as Shaw Studio's first international kung-fu film star, but it was rare that he also directed, so this was one of those special events. Following the huge success of Executioners From Shaolin, Lo returned to the villain's role in this, a combination sequel and remake. The result is a lighter-hearted entertainment, as heroic Gordon Liu Chia-hui must learn "Embroidery Fist" and acupuncture to counter the evil White Lotus leader's deadly "Weightless Boxing" and "Nerve Centre Shutdown" techniques.
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Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre (1978) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Derek Yee (aka Erh Tung-sheng), Yu An-an, Lo Lieh, Wang Jung, Wang Lai, Ching Li Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Director Chu Yuan's titanic teaming with respected, inspired author Chin Yung created this unforgettable saga. Set during the Yuan Dynasty, it tells the fascinating story of the "Sacred Fire" sect, the Wu Tang swordsmanship clan, the disciples of the O Mei group, The Book of Chu Yang (which can make the reader immortal), and the destruction of Shaolin - complete with a killer cliffhanger. And that's just the start of the fascinating intrigues and ingratiating characters found here.
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Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2 (1978) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Derek Yee (aka Erh Tung-sheng), Yu An-an, Lo Lieh, Wang Lai, Ching Li Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The thrills continue in this second part of this cherished adventure, created by the renowned director Chu Yuan and ingenious novelist Chin Yung. Only the union of the title weapons can save the six remaining martial arts sects who are vying for mastery. So just sit back and enjoy the movie event which spawned a legacy that continues even today with a long-running, internationally loved television series, a role-playing game, and even collectible replicas of the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre themselves!
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Intrigue In Nylons (1972) Director: Kuei Chih-hung Cast: Ching Li, Tien Ching, Ling Ling, Ling Hsiao, Cheng Chun-mien Genre: Drama Synopsis Intrigue In Nylons stars one of Shaw Brothers' most versatile and beautiful actresses Ching Li playing Helen Hsieh, the London trained advertiser returning to Hong Kong to work for her father's nylon stocking company. She treacherously becomes the secretary to Li Tzu-yang, the boss of her father's competitor. They fall in love but she is forcibly destined to wed another. Li storms the church and steals her away much to the anger of the parents.
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Woman Of The Night (1973) Director: Yu Kuan-jen Cast: Tanny Tien Ni, Chin Han, Margaret Hsing Hui, Li Hsiang Genre: Drama Synopsis A captivating examination of human obsession and love, Woman Of The Night offers three stories in one film. In the first tale, a perverse young student with a voyeuristic habit spies on two of his female roommates. The second story follows an office manager who develops an infatuation with his secretary. The last part is a complex family drama about a debilitated father who forces his family to leave him, only to have a bittersweet reunion when his daughter's life is threatened.
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IVL March 31 Shaw Brothers Releases
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Deadly Secret, A (1980) Director: Mou Tun-fei Cast: Yueh Hua, Shih Szu, Pai Piao, Wu Yuan-chin, Liu Li-ling Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Director Mou Tun-fei came to international attention as director of the controversial Man Behind The Sun in 1988. But years prior, he was known for this unremitting tale of kung-fu sadism. Yueh Hua, co-star of Clan Of Amazons and Clans Of Intrigue, tears up the screen as a corrupt magistrate, so obsessed with finding a hidden treasure that he buries his daughter alive, setting off a frenzy of destruction.
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Finger Of Doom (1971) Director: Pao Hsueh-li Cast: Ivy Ling Po, Chin Han, Po Chin-hsien, Chen Feng-chen Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Pao Hsueh-li, the director of such popular pure kung-fu films as The Boxer From Shantung, created this critically acclaimed tale of the supernatural as well as swordplay. From its very first moment, when umbrella makers track a zombie burial party carrying a red coffin filled with a living dead heroine, you know you're in for something special. Mystery thrills, horror chills, and kung-fu spills await anyone fighting villainous Madame Kung Sun's "Finger of Doom."
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Friends (1973) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Alexander Fu Sheng, Lily Li Genre: Drama Awards
Synopsis International favorites David Chiang and Alexander Fu Sheng (winner of the Best Young Newcomer Award at the Asian Film Festival) star in this tale of a young man fighting kidnappers and white slavers, as well as his wealthy father's arrogance and snobbery.
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Invincible Fist, The (1969) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Li Ching, Lo Lieh, Fang Mien, Ku Feng, Chen Hsing Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis This is one of the few films where "Godfather of the kung-fu film" Chang Cheh headlined Lo Lieh as the leading hero, three years before Lo would become Shaw Brothers' first international star in King Boxer. Here he plays a dedicated chief constable for Tsang Chou village, who falls in love with the blind daughter of a bandit who is wreaking havoc. Joining him in all the action and emotion are award-winning actor Ku Feng and future superstar David Chiang.
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Taxi Driver, The (1975) Director: Pao Hsueh-li Cast: David Chiang, Wang Chung, Lin Chen-chi Genre: Drama Synopsis A year before Robert De Niro took the wheel, David Chiang cruised the mean streets as Chen Kuang, a taxi driver whose adventures reveal Hong Kong's verve with wit, compassion, and not a small amount of adventure (well choreographed by martial-arts great Liu Chia-yung). Variety noted, "The directing and photography show flair, and the script shows thought...The Shaw Brothers are keeping up standards with this humorous, socially aware local production."
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| 2005 Shaw Brothers Schedule | |
Mega Star March 24 Releases
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  Outer Box | |
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Seoul Raiders (2005) Director: Jingle Ma Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Richie Jen, Shu Qi Synopsis Lam (Tony Leung), a special agent of Japanese national security, teams up with JJ (Shu Qi), a thief with a hidden agenda, to find a pair of plates used for the making of counterfeit US notes. They plan to take the plates back to the US Embassy and split the US$30m reward. Their adversary, Owen (Richie Jen), a staff member at the US Embassy, has stolen the plates and run away to Korea. Specs
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Mega Star March 17 Releases
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Magic & Me Cast: Stephen Fung Synopsis Stephen Fung performs magic tricks. Specs
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| Monday, 3/28/2005 |
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IVL March 31 Japanese Releases
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Shall We Dance? (1996) Director: Masayuki Suo Cast: Koji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari, Naoto Takenaka, Eriko Watanabe Synopsis A middle-aged workaholic's incredibly dull life takes a funny turn when he signs up for a ballroom dance class - just to meet the sexy dance teacher. But when he finally muscles up the nerve for lessons he winds up with a different instructor and her colorfully eccentric class of beginners! And now he'll have to step lightly - and do some fancy footwork - if he expects to keep his new secret passion from his family and friends!
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IVL March 8 Korean Releases
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Bunshinsaba (2004) Synopsis Yu-jin and her blind mother move to a small village from Seoul. On her first day at the new school, Yu-jin gets picked on by her classmates. Along with other victims of hatred, Yu-jin puts a curse on the four girls tormenting them through a Ouija Board. On her second day at school, one of the spellbound bursts into flames and dies just as she sits down where Yu-jin used the board. The next day, another victim burns to death, and now the school is enclosed by horror.
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IVL March 3 Toei Releases
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And Then (1985) Director: Yoshimitsu Morita Cast: Yusaku Matsuda, Miwako Fujitani, Kaoru Kobayashi Synopsis Spring in 1909, Daisuke Nagai, the second son of a businessman is a would-be thinker living on the father's expense. He was secretly in love with Michiyo in his college days, but gave up marrying her with chivalrousness as he learned his classmate was much in love with her. "We will go back in time." But it isn't that easy...
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Station To Heaven (1984) Director: Masanobu Deme Cast: Sayuri Yoshinaga, Tomokazu Miura, Toshiyuki Nishida Synopsis Based on a true incident happened in Japan in 1960s. This Japanese drama is contemporary in setting but medieval in its characters and emotions as it focuses on a tangled web of murder and deceit encountered by a beautiful woman, Kayo (Sayuri Yoshinaga) after her abusive husband is murdered.
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Nagasaki Bura Bura (2000) Director: Yukio Fukamachi Cast: Sayuri Yoshinaga, Tomoyo Harada, Tetsuya Watari Synopsis An adaptation of lyricist Rei Nakanishi's award-winning novel, Nagasaki Bura Bura is an engaging story of a romantic involvement between a beautiful aging woman who used to be a legendary geisha (Sayuri Yoshinaga) and a scholar with a passion for old Nagasaki (Tetsuya Watari). They travel through the country collecting old songs. As they listen to the old music of Japan, something occurs which utterly changes their lives.
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| IVL/Toei Release Schedule | |
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IVL January 11 Toei Releases
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Seventeen (2002) Director: Shinichiro Sawai Cast: Rika Ishikawa, Miki Fujimoto Synopsis Seventeen, an age that friendship plays an important role in our life. Two girls at seventeen, Maiko, who wants to become a picture-book writer and Lisa, who is a misbehaved child living with her mother. Both of them live hard to deal with their dreams and families. One day, they met and formed a mutual understanding friendship.
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Worst By Chance (2003) Director: Mitsunori Gu Cast: Mika Nakashima, Hayato Ichihara, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi Synopsis Picture a boy bent on sell-destruction, a girl seeking despair, a man wishing to be happy, and a corpse wanting to be noticed. These three distressed people and a dead body rush forward. This is a hard-hitting romantic hip-hop movie, where the risks are so high they become impossible to fathom.
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| IVL/Toei Release Schedule | |
March 1 Universe Releases
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Storybook: Enchanted Attic (1995) Director: Lorenzo Doumani Cast: William McNamara, Swoosie Kurtz, Richard Moll, Gary Morgan Synopsis When eight year old Brandon believes in something, nothing will change his mind. That's just the kind of faith he needs, when he finds a magical Storybook and via the enchanted attic winds up with his dog Leo in Storyland. Brandon soon learns that the only way for him to return home is to save the Kingdom from the dark rule of Queen Evilia. With the help of his new friends Woody the Woodsman, Pouch the Boxing Kangaroo and Hoot the Owl, as well as his belief in himself, anything is possible.
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Crazy N' The City (2004) Director: James Yuen Cast: Eason Chan, Joey Yung, Francis Ng Synopsis Tensions arise when Chris (Eason Chan), a spineless constable who regards his works as a job, not a career, is partnered with an energetic and conscientious policewoman, Man Liu (Joey Yung). When a serial killer emerges in Hong Kong, Man Liu swears to catch him. Chris is impressed by her bravery and decides to secretly protect her...
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| Friday, 3/18/2005 (Second Update) |
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January 13 Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries
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| Galleries will be deleted after one week. | |
| Friday, 3/18/2005 (First Update) |
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IVL March 17 Shaw Brothers Releases
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| DVD/VCD | |
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Cat Vs Rat (1982) Director: Liu Chia-liang (aka Lau Kar-leung) Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Cheng Shao-chiu, Hui Ying-hung, Gordon Liu Chia-hui Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Out of Liu Chia-liang's classics, this one really stands out. It's almost a full-scale slapstick comedy, as well as a tailor-made showcase for the "odd couple" skills of international favorite Alexander Fu Sheng and the elegant "Cary Grant of kung-fu" Cheng Shao-chiu (Zu Warriors From The Magic Mountain and Shaolin And Wutang). Their wushu squabbling for supremacy ultimately imperils an incognito emperor, resulting in a sparkling, unexpected family affair from the king of kung-fu filmmakers.
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Illegal Immigrant, The (1985) Director: Mabel Cheung Yuan-ting Cast: Ching Yung-cho, Wu Fu-sheng, Liao Chung-yu Genre: Drama Awards
Synopsis The illustrious careers of the writing-directing-producing team of Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting and Alex Law (An Autumn's Tale, Painted Faces, etc.) got off to an auspicious start with The Illegal Immigrant. It's a grittily realistic New York Chinatown tale delving into the life of an illegal immigrant, his sham marriage, and indebtedness to thugs. A huge critical success, Illegal Immigrant won the 5th Hong Kong Film Award for Best Director (Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting) as well as nominations for Best Film and Best Screenplay (Alex Law).
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Tiger Killer (1982) Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Wang Ping, Ti Lung, Liu Yung, Ku Feng, Wang Lai Genre: Martial Arts Awards
Synopsis Li Han-hsiang was best known for his erotic romances, so when he directed this powerful martial arts drama, it came as a welcome surprise. Both Wang Ping and Ku Feng won Golden Horse acting awards, while the film was also honored for Best Costume Design. But it is star Ti Lung, rarely more soulful, which holds together the tale of a considerate kung-fu master who sadly learns that the human tiger (and tigress) are the more dangerous.
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Lost Souls (1980) Director: Mou Tun-fei Cast: Yen Hung, Chen Ming, Chan Shen, Chi Feng Genre: Drama Synopsis Sexploitation fantasy based on a real Hong Kong political issue, Lost Souls takes sex and violence quite seriously. One of the first movies to deal with the plight of Chinese youth escaping to the then-British colony, the film throws realism out the window for a titillating romp in which beautiful girls are used and abused in the best tradition of erotic exploitation cinema.
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Return Of The Crazy Bumpkins (1974) Director: John Lo Mar, Chang Yang, Leung Cho Cast: Yeh Feng, Wang Sha, Ai Ti, Milan Genre: Comedy Synopsis The sequel to John Lo Mar and Chang Yang's original film finds the naive village immigrant, Ah Niu (Yeh Feng) leaving jail to work and live with his crooked Uncle Chou (Wang Sha) again. But now, his girlfriend Ah Hua (Ai Ti) has become the wife of an abusive husband. As with the bittersweet original, Ah Niu - with his kind heart but simple mind - gets caught in various rackets and silly situations.
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| 2005 Shaw Brothers Schedule | |
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IVL March 3 Shaw Brothers Releases
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| DVD/VCD | |
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Bells Of Death, The (1968) Director: Yueh Feng Cast: Chin Ping, Chang I, Chao Hsin-yen, Lin Chiao, Tien Chun, Ku Feng, Wu Ma Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The Bells Of Death is a whirlwind story about a man embarking on a life long journey to learn the sword then find and eliminate the three men who killed his family and abducted his sister. Amidst fountains of blood and guts, actor Wu Ma rang true as his bells of glory eventually tolled. He went on to star in 180 movies (including with Jackie Chan and Jet Li) and become one of Hong Kong's premiere, new wave, ghost story film directors.
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Boxer Rebellion (1975) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Liang Chia-jen, Li Li-hua, Hu Chin, Richard Harrison, Jenny Tsang Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The "godfather of the kung-fu film," Chang Cheh, was given one of the highest budgets to date to tell this sweeping war story of disillusionment, and revenge. Kung-fu choreographer Liu Chia-liang led an all-star fighting cast featuring international favorite Alexander Fu Sheng and Shaw Brothers' villain supreme Wang Lung-wei. Even the most avid fans of Bloody Avengers, the heavily edited U.S. version of this film, will find this uncut, uncropped original a welcome revelation.
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Descendant Of The Sun (1983) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Derek Yee (aka Erh Tung-sheng), Cherie Chung Cho-hung, Ku Kwun-chung, Lung Tien-chiang Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Celebrated director Chu Yuan helms Descendant Of The Sun, a Superman meets Hercules ala old style martial art film. Derek Yee, is a magic solar baby sent Earthbound by a benevolent god, raised by an old carpenter, has martial art superpowers and "green kryptonite" loses them during solar eclipses. That's when the evil baby counterpart shows up. Demon-paced martial arts action by Jackie Chan's kung-fu classmates Yuan Pin and Yuen Hua compliments Toho Studio style special optical effects.
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Heroes Of The East (1978) aka Shaolin Challenges Ninja Director: Liu Chia-liang (aka Lau Kar-leung) Cast: Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Yasuaki Kurata, Yuka Mizuno Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Whether it's known as Heroes Of The East or Shaolin Challenges Ninja, this ranks as a special event from legendary director Liu Chia-liang. Watch, in appreciative awe, as a Chinese groom and Japanese bride create a loving "kung-fu family feud" with one Nipponese expert after another testing the skills of Gordon Liu Chia-hui - with swords, spears, pikes, karate, and even Sai Seui. The result is a dazzling delight...
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Crazy Bumpkins, The (1974) Director: John Lo Mar, Chang Yang Cast: Yeh Feng, Wang Sha, Ai Ti, Terry Liu Genre: Comedy Awards
Synopsis A bittersweet comedy about a simple hick who arrives in the big city to seek his fortune, The Crazy Bumpkins stars the popular Yeh Feng as Ah Niu, who leaves his native village to live with an uncle in Hong Kong, not realizing he is a crook. After taking on a hilarious series of illegal jobs with his uncle, he meets and falls for a single mother and decides to find some real work. However, bad luck and naivete soon conspire to keep him from true happiness.
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| 2005 Shaw Brothers Schedule | |
| Thursday, 3/17/2005 |
Mei Ah March 24 Releases
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Himalaya Singh (2005)
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Sixty Million Dollar Man (1995) (Remastered)
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Help (2003) (Remastered)
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| Monday, 3/14/2005 |
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March 22 Fortune Star Releases |
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A Chinese Ghost Story Box Set containing:
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| Fortune Star Release Schedule |
| Friday, 3/4/2005 (Second Update) |
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2005 Shaw Brothers Release Schedule |
| The entire 2005 Shaw Brothers release schedule is now available: |
| Friday, 3/4/2005 (First Update) |
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2005 Fortune Star Release Schedule |
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March Chinese Ghost Story, A Chinese Ghost Story II, A Chinese Ghost Story III, A Centre Stage April Better Tomorrow, A Killer, The May King Of Beggars Legend Of The Dragon June In The Line Of Duty 4 Iron Monkey July Legacy Of Rage Way Of The Dragon, The August Armour Of God Armour Of God II City On Fire Prison On Fire Prison On Fire II October Mr Vampire November Spooky Encounters (aka Encounters Of The Spooky Kind) Knockabout Magnificent Butcher, The December Fearless Hyena Fearless Hyena II Dragons Forever The above release schedule is tentative and subject to change. |
| Fortune Star/IVL 2005 Release Schedule |