American Remake of Korean Hit Opens November 27th Source: FilmDistrict, Strategy PR press release Official Movie Site: OldboyFilm.com Special Thanks to Ana Pineda FilmDistrict has released two new clips highlighting Michael Imperioli and Pom Klementieff from OLDBOY, Spike Lee`s (DO THE RIGHT THING, INSIDE MAN) reinterpretation of the acclaimed 2003 Korean film. Written by Mark Protosevich (I AM LEGEND, THE CELL, THOR), the movie stars Josh Brolin (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, TRUE GRIT), Elizabeth Olsen (GODZILLA) and Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9, ELYSIUM). OLDBOY is a provocative, visceral thriller that follows the story of an advertising executive (Josh Brolin) who is abruptly kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover who orchestrated his bizarre and torturous punishment only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy and torment. OLDBOY
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Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures. © 2014 BILOCATION FILM COMMITTEE
Source: Kadokawa Pictures Official Site: bairoke.jp (Japan) Kadokawa has released a trailer and new images for BILOCATION (????????, Bairokeeshon, 2013), the 20th anniversary film from the company`s Horror Bunko imprint. The movie will be released in Japanese cinemas on January 18, 2014. “Bilocation” is a supernatural phenomenon in which an individual appears in two different places at the same time, which has been reported historically worldwide. What if your alter ego exceeds your experience and ability? And what if he/she tries to prevent you from standing in the way of him/her? Can you accept it, or will you kill the other “you”? BILOCATION depicts the nightmare of an alter ego that endangers not only your identity but also your very existence. It is an imaginative psychological thriller unlike anything you`ve ever seen.
Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin) has a chat with Chaney (Samuel L Jackson) in Spike Lee’s OLDBOY. Photo courtesy of FilmDistrict. © 2013 FilmDistrict Distribution LLC
American Remake of Korean Hit Opens November 27th Source: FilmDistrict, Strategy PR press release Official Movie Site: OldboyFilm.com Special Thanks to Jonathan Epstein FilmDistrict has stepped up their promotional campaign for OLDBOY, Spike Lee`s (DO THE RIGHT THING, INSIDE MAN) reinterpretation of the acclaimed 2003 Korean film. Written by Mark Protosevich (I AM LEGEND, THE CELL, THOR), the movie stars Josh Brolin (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, TRUE GRIT), Elizabeth Olsen (GODZILLA) and Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9, ELYSIUM). OLDBOY will open November 27, 2013 in theaters. Recent updates include new photos and clips from the movie, a website detailing Joe Doucett`s (Josh Brolin) 20 years in captivity, and an online contest to win a key prop from the film. OLDBOY- FIND THE DUMPLING, EAT THE CLUES Contest After being kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years, Joe has finally been released inexplicably and is ready to figure
Monsters battle outcast samurai in Universal Pictures` 47 RONIN. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2013 Universal Studios
Source: Universal Pictures press release, Toho Towa Official Site: 47roninmovie.com (US), 47ronin.jp (Japan) Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX trilogy, SPEED) makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 RONIN, Universal Pictures` epic 3D fantasy-adventure. Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. While based on the Japanese story Chushingura, the film crosses the theme of Japanese history with that of modern Hollywood cinema to expand the original story into something completely new. 47 RONIN will be released in Japan by Toho Towa on December 6, and in the United States by Universal on December 25, 2013. After the treacherous warlord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) kills their master
Japanese poster for 009?1: THE END OF THE BEGINNING. Image courtesy of Nikkatsu. ©2013 “009-1” F.P. ©ISHINOMORI PRODUCTION INC.
Source: Nikkatsu Corporation Official Site: 009-1.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Emico Kawai Shotaro Ishinomori’s 009-1 (??????????, Zero Zero Nain Wan) was first serialized in Weekly Manga Action magazine from 1967-1970. The manga has been adapted for both live action and anime television series and now comes to theaters with the live action feature film 009?1: THE END OF THE BEGINNING (009?1 ???????? THE END OF THE BEGINNING, 009?1 Zero Zero Kunoichi THE END OF THE BEGINNING). The movie is now playing in Japan, and will have its North American premiere on September 19th at the Arizona Underground Film Festival. The following 009?1: THE END OF THE BEGINNING press notes are courtesy of Nikkatsu... INTRODUCTION Marking the 75th anniversary of his birth, Shotaro Ishinomori’s classic spy heroine manga 009-1 has been adapted into a live-action motion picture for the first time ever! STORY In 20xx, the world
English promotional art for YURUSAREZARUMONO. Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. © 2013 Warner Entertainment Japan Inc.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures Japan, Venice International Film Festival Official Site: yurusarezaru.com (Japan) There is strength, and there is also weakness. There is the beauty and the ugliness of mankind. And in the end, there is the final prayer of a beating heart... In 1964 Clint Eastwood starred in the acclaimed spaghetti western A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS (Per un Pugno di Dollar), a remake of Akira Kurosawa`s samurai classic YOJIMBO (???, Yoojinboo, 1961). A half century later, the tables have turned as Eastwood`s Oscar winning western UNFORGIVEN (1992) has been remade -- with Eastwood`s blessing -- in Japan as YURUSAREZARUMONO (??????, 2013). Directed by Lee Sang-il (HULA GIRLS, VILLAIN) and starring Ken Watanabe (THE LAST SAMURAI, INCEPTION, GODZILLA) in the Eastwood role, YURUSAREZARUMONO will open in Japanese cinemas this Friday, September 13. That same day, the film will have its North American premiere
Source: FilmPressPlus Official Site: harlock-movie.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Richard Lormand FilmPressPlus, the press office for Toei Animation`s new CG anime feature HARLOCK: SPACE PIRATE (??????????, Kyaputen Haarokku, 2013), has provided three clips from the film. The movie is now playing in Japanese cinemas, and is being offered for worldwide distribution by international sales agent, GFM Films. For more information on HARLOCK: SPACE PIRATE please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: SPACE PIRATE CAPTAIN HARLOCK Press Notes HARLOCK: SPACE PIRATE Production Notes SPACE PIRATE CAPTAIN HARLOCK Heads Spectacular Animation Selection at Sitges 2013
Japanese poster for THE WIND RISES. © 2013 Nibariki ? GNDHDDTK
English Notes for New Studio Ghibli Film Source: Studio Ghibli, Wild Bunch Official Movie Site: kazetachinu.jp (Japan) Studio Ghibli`s THE WIND RISES (????, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. The studio recently announced this will be the final movie from internationally renowned filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki, who is now retired from directing. The following production notes are courtesy of Studio Ghibli and international sales agent, Wild Bunch... THE WIND RISES A film by Hayao Miyazaki A tribute to Jiro Horikoshi and Tatsuo Hori Synopsis Jiro dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. Nearsighted from a young age and thus unable to become a pilot, he joins the aircraft division of a major Japanese engineering company in 1927. His genius
Josh Brolin stars as ‘Joe Doucett’ in Spike Lee’s reinterpretation of OLDBOY. Photo courtesy of FilmDistrict. © 2013 FilmDistrict Distribution LLC
American Remake of Korean Hit Opens November 27th Source: FilmDistrict, Strategy PR press release Official Movie Site: OldboyFilm.com Special Thanks to Rachel Allen FilmDistrict has released new publicity materials for OLDBOY, starring Josh Brolin (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, TRUE GRIT), Elizabeth Olsen (GODZILLA) and Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9, ELYSIUM). A unique reinterpretation of the 2003 Korean film, OLDBOY is written by Mark Protosevich (I AM LEGEND, THE CELL, THOR) and directed by Spike Lee (DO THE RIGHT THING, INSIDE MAN). OLDBOY is a provocative, visceral thriller that follows the story of an advertising executive (Josh Brolin) who is abruptly kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover who orchestrated his bizarre and torturous punishment only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy and torment. OLDBOY will open
© 2013 Tsuburaya Productions
Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd., Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: m-78.jp/ginga Tsuburaya Productions and Shochiku have provided the trailer for the next Ultraman movie, ULTRAMAN GINGA – THEATER SPECIAL (?????????????????, Urutoraman Ginga Gekijoo Supesharu). The film will open in Japanese theaters on September 7, 2013. About Tsuburaya Productions Tsuburaya Productions, creator and copyrights owner of the superhero ULTRAMAN series was founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, world-renowned special effects wizard also known for his special effects work on the Godzilla series. With close to fifty years` experience, it is one of Japan`s oldest and most respected independent film and television production houses. Its popular Ultraman TV and film series which premiered in 1966 has been seen in over 100 territories worldwide and has spawned over 3,000 licensed products. In addition to production, the company also handles character licensing and program distribution and
New Release Date Announced for American Remake of Korean Hit Source: FilmDistrict, Strategy PR press release Official Movie Site: OldboyFilm.com Special Thanks to Rachel Allen FilmDistrict has released the uncensored trailer for OLDBOY, starring Josh Brolin (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, TRUE GRIT), Elizabeth Olsen (GODZILLA) and Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9, ELYSIUM). Written by Mark Protosevich (I AM LEGEND, THE CELL, THOR) and directed by Spike Lee (DO THE RIGHT THING, INSIDE MAN), the film is a remake of the South Korean hit OLDBOY (????, Oldeuboi, 2003) by director Park Chan-wook. Previously announced for October 25th, OLDBOY will now open November 27, 2013 in theaters. About FilmDistrict FilmDistrict is a leading independent distribution, acquisition, co-production and feature film financing entity, designed to bring commercially
© SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE © KATSUHIRO OTOMO/MASH?ROOM/SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE
Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: shortpeace-movie.com (Japan) Shochiku Co., Ltd. has provided the trailer for the anime omnibus SHORT PEACE (????????, Shooto Piisu). The movie -- featuring four short stories by directors Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA, STEAMBOY), Shuhei Morita (FREEDOM), Hiroaki Ando (TEKKONKINKREET) and Hajime Katoki (MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM) -- opened today in Japan. For more information on SHORT PEACE, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: Katsuhiro Otomo Headlines Anime Omnibus SHORT PEACE Shochiku Releases New SHORT PEACE Poster SHORT PEACE × Tokyo Monorail
PACIFIC RIM 7 Action Figures Series 1. Photo courtesy of NECA, Inc. © 2013 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC. © NECA, Inc.
Source: NECA, Inc. press release Official Site: necaonline.com/licenses/pacific-rim Official Movie Site: pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com Special Thanks to Leonardo Saraceni NECA has created a merchandise and collectible program featuring characters and themes from the much-anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures film, PACIFIC RIM. The program features items from various product categories, including: Action figures, HeroClix (the most popular collectible miniatures tabletop game on the market), mini-game, card game, cuffs and bracelets, dog tags, back packs, baseball hats, key chains, buttons, stickers, magnets and pins. PACIFIC RIM is also featured in NECA`s online store, Mock.com as well as mobile applications Shuffling the Deck and Connect With Pieces. ACTION FIGURES Pacific Rim 7" Action Figures Series 1 Figures stand roughly 6? – 8? tall and are created directly from the digital files used by ILM in the making of the movie. Avg Retail: $20/figure Launch: Available now U.S Outlets include: Toys
Source: Lionsgate, Bender/Helper Impact Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Geovani Rocha With POWER RANGERS SAMURAI: THE SIXTH RANGER Volume 4 arriving on DVD and Digital Download on May 14, Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released the preview clip "Unexpected Arrival", highlighting the Gold Ranger. About Saban Brands Formed in 2010 as a subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company’s experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives
© 2006 Chungeorahm Film
Author: Kim Song-ho and Keith Aiken Special Thanks to Juwon Lee A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE In 2006, writer/director Bong Joon-ho`s monster movie THE HOST (??, Gwoemul) became the highest-grossing film in Korean box office history. The movie also drew a considerable amount of international attention, playing to enthusiastic audiences at the Cannes International Film Festival and AFI Fest. THE HOST`s critical and commercial success quickly launched talk of myriad spinoffs. Even before the film had played in the United States, Universal Studios had acquired rights to do an American remake. In 2007 Chungeorahm Film, the production studio behind the original movie, announced plans for the Korean sequel THE HOST 2 and television series. In 2008 came word that Chungeorahm was partnering with Stoneman Films to make a Chinese version of THE HOST 2, separate from the Korean sequel. None of these projects have yet to
Keiko Kadota (Aki Morita) faces an unknown horror in the low budget short film, HENGE. Photo courtesy of King Record Company. © 2012 OMNI PRODUCTION
Source: King Record Company Ltd. Official Movie Site: hen-ge.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Akiko Uchida and Marc Walkow SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a Japanese movie not yet released in the United States. The traditions of the J-Horror and daikaiju genres come together in HENGE (???, Metamorphosis, 2011), the story of a doting wife caring for her husband who has been infected with a mysterious disease. A young couple living in a quiet residential area of Tokyo are dealing with bizarre mystery. The husband, Yoshiaki Kadota (Kazunari Aizawa), has been having bizarre seizures that are steadily increasing in intensity. He writhes on the floor and screams like a beast, terrifying his wife, Keiko (Aki Morita). Doctors can find no cause for Yoshiaki`s malady, which he describes as “zillions of bugs trying to take over my consciousness”. Keiko
Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: gkids.tv/intheaters GKIDS has provided the US trailer for Studio Ghibli`s FROM UP ON POPPY HILL (???????, Kokuriko-Zaka Kara, 2011). Written by legendary studio founder Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Goro Miyazaki, FROM UP ON POPPY HILL marks the first feature film collaboration between father and son. The English language version features the voices of Sarah Bolger (ONCE UPON A TIME), Anton Yelchin (STAR TREK), Gillian Anderson (THE X-FILES), Christina Hendricks (MAD MEN), Jamie Lee Curtis (TRUE LIES), Beau Bridges (THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS), Ron Howard (AMERICAN GRAFFITI), Aubrey Plaza (PARKS AND RECREATION) and Bruce Dern (BIG LOVE). About Studio Ghibli Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and is one of the most successful and well-respected animation studios in the world. Cultivating a creative force of talented directors, animators,
Terracotta Film Club will screen LADY SNOWBLOOD this month. Photo courtesy of Terracotta Distribution. © 1973 Toho Co., Ltd.
Samurai Masterpiece at the Prince Charles Cinema in London Source: Terracotta Distribution press release Special Thanks to Claire Marty `Terracotta Film Club` will present LADY SNOWBLOOD (????, Shurayukihime, 1973), a Japanese classic from legendary director Toshiya Fujita, for its 4th edition. This blood-splattered Samurai masterpiece from the golden age of Japanese cult cinema is credited as the main inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s KILL BILL series. LADY SNOWBLOOD’s theme song, "Shura No Hana", sung by Meiko Kaji (translated by Tarantino as "The Flower of Carnage") is also used in KILL BILL VOL. 1. Set in 17th century Japan, LADY SNOWBLOOD is based on a manga called Shurayukihime by Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub) and Kazuo Kamimura. Meiko Kaji (FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION, BLIND WOMAN`S CURSE) is Yuki, a woman raised from birth for one terrible, blood splattered purpose... to take vengeance against those who
Pang Ho-Cheung’s VULGARIA will screen next week at the Prince Charles Cinema in London. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2012 Making Film Productions.
Outrageous HK Comedy to Screen in London Source: Terracotta Distribution press release Official Movie Site: thirdwindowfilms.com/vulgaria (UK) Special Thanks to Claire Marty Terracotta Distribution launched in January 2013 the “Terracotta Film Club”, a monthly film residency at the legendary, cult Prince Charles Cinema will offer the chance to enjoy Asian films regularly on the big screen, right in the heart of London. “Terracotta Film Club” aims to keep Asian films in cinemas, via showing a mix of both classics and new releases, and to introduce the next generation of film fans to Asian cinema. Following the sell out of Jackie Chan’s POLICE STORY last month, this February edition of “Terracotta Film Club” presents the first UK screening of Pang Ho-Cheung’s VULGARIA (????, 2012) outside of the festival circuit. Terracotta promises an experience you won`t forget. Pang Ho-Cheung (DREAM HOME, YOU SHOOT I SHOOT,
One SciFi Japan reader has won a chirashi poster from 'The Path of Haruo Nakajima, The Man Who Became Godzilla', signed by Mr. Nakajima
A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Our thanks to everyone who entered SciFi Japan TV`s "Nakajima Poster Contest". We`ve received hundreds of entries, and the randomly chosen winner is: James Yance Congratulations to the winner! You will receive a "chirashi" promotional poster for "The Path of Haruo Nakajima, The Man Who Became Godzilla" event, personally signed by by original Godzilla suit actor, Haruo Nakajima. Your prize will ship soon. SciFi JAPAN TV Episode #05: INDEPENDENT KAIJU MOVIE MAKER, featuring director Kiyotaka Taguchi, will premiere on Wednesday, October 17th.