The Lost Bladesman

This new Chinese movie adapted from the story of Guan Yu crossing five passes and slaying six generals in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The Lost Bladesman Poster

Genres: Action, Biography, Drama
Director: Felix Chong, Alan Mak
Starring: Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Betty Sun
Also Known As: Guan yun chang
Country: China, Hong Kong
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: 28 April 2011 (China)
Runtime: 109 min

Plot Summary:
In the final years of the Eastern Han dynasty, AD 200. The Prime Minister Cao Cao (Jiang Wen) decides to attack the Emperor's uncle Liu Bei (Alex Fong). Liu Bei is defeated in a battle by Cao's forces, while his family is captured by the enemy. Liu Bei's sworn brother Guan Yu (Donnie Yen), surrenders to Cao Cao to protect Liu's family who is held captive at Cao's camp. Cao Cao knows he's a great warrior and attempt at persuading him to join his cause — to stay and rebuild  the Han dynasty. However, Guan says he must rejoin Liu with his oath of brotherhood and preserve his honor. Guan eventually sets out on a treacherous journey with wave after wave of killers ambushing him en route, Guan Yu is forced to unleash his deadly blade and slaughter his way out. That is the story of legendary Guan Yu crossing five passes and slaying six generals.

"The Lost Bladesman" Review:
This new Chinese movie is told through impressive style and fittingly epic visuals. If you don't know the story of the Three Kingdoms or if you already really like it, then you'll definitely enjoy this Chinese film. If you are crazy about Donnie Yen or if you just enjoy watching him kick the crap out of someone then you'll also enjoy this Chinese movie.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1648093/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pluvVeG3Ie8

You can preorder the "The Lost Bladesman" DVD (English subtitled) now from here.

Mr. & Mrs. Single

The new Chinese movie "Mr. and Mrs. Single" tackles the Chinese social phenomenon of secret marriages for young couples looking for better jobs and higher income. The romantic-comedy based on the popular theatrical play of the same name in China, Mr. & Mrs. Single is the latest urban romance from Hong Kong director Patrick Kong.

Mr. & Mrs. Single Poster

Genres: Drama
Director: Patrick Kong
Starring: Eason Chan, Rene Liu, Bing Bai, Harlem Yu
Also Known As: Yin Hun Nan Nv
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: 8 April 2011 (China)
Runtime: 100 min

Plot Summary:
"Let' s get married… it's love's antidote"

Cui Minguo (Eason Chan) who has to adds to the high cost of living, in order to get a new job as an personal assistant to CEO Mandy (Rene Liu) at a perfume company on the referral of his friend Tony (Harlem Yu). Eager to secure this well-paying job, Minguo decides to keep his marriage a secret in the workplace. In time, As Mandy becomes more appreciative of him,  their relationship starts to arouse the suspicions of his wife, Jingyi (Bai Bing), who also discovers Minguo has been lying about his marital status at work. During one inevitable business trip abroad, as the two are drawn closer and closer by temptation, Minguo risks exposing his secret and jeopardizing both his career and marriage.

"Mr. & Mrs. Single" Review:
This new Chinese movie, like Go Lala Go, explores the Chinese office politics and contemporary social phenomenon of young men hiding the fact that they are married in order to secure more attractive jobs. "Mr. and Mrs. Single" based on the popular Chinese theatrical play of the same name, the film is a feel-good romantic comedy that delivers the laughs while tackling themes that easily resonate with all couples.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1887955/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djE37C1VR2M

You can preorder the "Mr. & Mrs. Single" DVD (English subtitled) now from here.

Wu xia

The new Chinese movie is a refreshing film for the martial arts genre, part period detective mystery, part martial arts drama, and part pressure-points manual. Both Donnie Yen and Takeshi Kaneshiro gave a very strong performance.

Wu xia Poster

Genres: Action, Drama
Director: Peter Chan
Starring: Donnie Yen, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tang Wei
Also Known As: Dragon
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: 4 July 2011 (China)
Runtime: 125 min

Plot Summary:
The story set in a village in Yunnan province, southern China, 1917. Liu Jinxi (Donnie Yen) is a local paper-maker lives with his wife Ayu (Tang Wei) and their two sons in this remote village. However, when a pair of bandit attempt to rob the local store, Liu fought off two bandits and accidentally kills them in the battle. Local chief is happy it happened under his jurisdiction because of learned one of the bandits was amongthe ten most wanted people in the land,and the town is busy proclaiming the average paper maker a local hero. Or so it seems until detective Xu Baijiu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) begins to investigate how a untrained man could have dispatched two seasoned bandits.

"Wu xia" Review:
Wu Xia is a fascinating fusion of a detective story, forensic science, action, humor, politics and family drama. The editing of this new Chinese movie is nicely framed - the CSI-like flashbacks coupled with Kaneshiro's detailed monologue provides a fascinating view into human pressure points. The music is a refreshing trait for me - the score is too tense and somber and not melodramatic, although I never knew an electric guitar can be that effective in a period kung-fu film, sort of like Ry Cooder in Hill's "Last Man Standing".

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1718199/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JHGPiYoEac

The Pretending Lovers

The Pretending Lovers, a new Chinese movie directed by Fendou Liu. The new romantic comedy, which a first for Chinese films, the climactic scene shot in Trondheim, Norway through captured on the extraordinary sight of the aurora.

The Pretending Lovers Poster

Genres: Drama, Romance
Director: Fendou Liu
Starring: Bo Huang, Yiyan Jiang, Zhang Mo
Also Known As: Jia Zhuang Qing Lu
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: 24 June 2011 (China)
Runtime: 93 min

Plot Summary:
Honest insurance company salesman named Wen Chen (Bo Huang) encounter kindergarten teacher Lu Shen (Yiyan Jiang). Like many other lonely souls in the city, Lu Shen decides to play the "let's pretend lovers" game, and so she asks him to be her fake boyfriend and Chen Wen agreeably accept her requisition. But it turns out that sassy girlfriends begins treating him to a series of bizarre challenges.

"The Pretending Lovers" Review:
Not exactly the heartthrob type, Bo Huang may be an unlikely choice for romantic hero roles but that's exactly what the Golden Horse Best Actor Award-winner is in The Pretending Lovers! Directed by Fendou Liu, the urban romantic comedy pays obvious homage to My Sassy Girl, but there is no denying that the new Chinese movie possesses a genuine charm of its own thanks to its delightful mix of side-splitting hilarity and sappy melodrama.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1990255/

The Piano in a Factory

This new Chinese movie tells the story of a father to fight for custody of his daughter against his estranged wife, a steel factory worker decides to build a piano from scratch.

The Piano in a Factory Poster

Genres: Drama, Comedy
Director: Zhang Meng
Starring: Shin-yeong Jang, Qian Liu, Wang Qian-Yuan, Hailu Qin
Also Known As: Gang de qin
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: July 15, 2011
Runtime: 119 min

Plot Summary:
The story is set in an economically depressed steel-making city in Northeastern China where everything is covered by snow most of the year.

CHEN (Wang Qian-Yuan), in charge of recreational activities of a factory, has separated with his wife for some years. He is dedicated to getting his daughter to be a pianist but can not afford a piano because he has to take care of his aged ill parents. His friend, a door keeper of a school, finds him a music room for his daughter to play piano, but someone reports this to school master, leaving his friend being fired.

His wife wants to divorce from him and ask for the custody of the daughter. They fight with each other for the issue. The court rules that the daughter makes the decision. The daughter says that she'll stay with whomever provides her with a piano. Chen tries to borrow money from his friends but fails. He goes out to drink with his pals. As they get drunk, someone comes up with a planto steal the piano from the school. After having sobered up, they carry the piano back to the classroom as they find that piano is made of steel plates and ropes and they can manufacture one by themselves.

Though the piano has been made, his daughter chooses to live with her mother. Before departing father, the daughter plays the piano not very much in the tune. Chen and his pals in the workshop are listening to the melody silently.

"The Piano in a Factory" Review:
Director Zhang Meng uses black humor to tell the story of the father's pursuit. The film is Zhang's second feature. Wang Qianyuan, who plays the father, was named best actor at the 2010 Tokyo International Film Festival. This new Chinese movie won the World Competition at this year's Miami International Film Festival.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723118/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QjQGBj08vM

Buddha Mountain

This new Chinese movie center on around the quartet as they clash over values, romance and the generational divide, only resolved when the four travel together to a mountain to help rebuild a temple destroyed during the Sichuan earthquake.

Buddha Mountain Poster

Genres: Romance
Director: Yu Li
Starring: Bingbing Fan, Sylvia Chang, Bo-lin Chen
Also Known As: Guan yin shan
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: 4 March 2011 (China)
Runtime: 102 min

Plot Summary:
In Chengdu, Sichuan province, China, three best friends Ding Bo (Chen Po-lin), Nan Feng (Fan Bingbing) and Fatso (Fei Long) move a new accommodation, that belong to a retired Chinese opera singer Chang Yue Qin (Sylvia Chang), — a widow who has lost her son in a car accident. Ding Bo estranged from his father after his mother dies and his father married a new young wife. Nan Feng, an outwardly tough young woman from a small town outside Chengdu who sings in a bar, leaving a family of violence and alcoholism. Severely abused and often bullied, Fatso makes faithful pals with Ding Bo and Nan Feng. As they gradually get to know each other, and their constant clash turns into mutual caring, an unexpected event would give them a new understanding of the meaning of love, life, and loss.

"Buddha Mountain" Review:
Buddha Mountain is a symbolic film to a certain extent: there are three recurrent themes which it revolves around, namely roads and railroads, destruction/reconstruction and life/death. The roads seem to signify changes, while the earthquake shattered town and temple stand for the four's lives – reconstructed in a way. This is a story about life, death and youth.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745713/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOcgxmuuLxk

Get Buddha Mountain movie (English subtitled) by clicking here!

The Man Behind the Courtyard House

A crime thriller starring Simon Yam and Zhang Jingchu, this new Chinese movie tells the story of a man who is misled by multiple factors and becomes a cold-blooded serial killer.

Shou Wang Zhe Poster

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Xing Fei
Starring: Shengyi Huang, Simon Yam, Jingchu Zhang
Also Known As: Shou Wang Zhe, Watchmen
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: 25 March 2011 (China)
Runtime: 103 min

Plot Summary:
Billed as the Chinese version of David Fincher's "Se7en", the suspense thriller movie tracks leading role Chen Zhihui who begins a new life when he is released after spending 10 years in prison before becomes a serial killer. Simon Yam plays a mysterious dude in the courtyard, you don't want to mess with him.

"The Man Behind the Courtyard House" Review:
This new Chinese movie is certainly a chilling warning for everyone to be a little bit paranoid about our actions because it could come and perplex us again even after two decades. Overall this is a good movie with subtle textures that didn't resort to over the top gore, which would have made it campy. A sophisticated film that shouldn’t have resulted to emphasis on literal sophistication such as the characters dancing the Tango and discussing unnecessary thoughts about philosophy only made it trying hard to appear intelligent when its superb decision on holding back on cliche is the biggest proof that it is already intelligently made.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1876441/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_551TvAVfzI

Mei Li Ren Sheng

When they first meet, no one can see this coming. This 2011 new Chinese movie start with a lovely meeting between a young real-estate agent (Peiru) from Hong Kong and lonely policeman Fang Zhangdong at a karaoke bar in Beijing.

Mei Li Ren Sheng Poster

Genres: Romance, Drama
Director: Wai-keung Lau
Starring: Qi Shu, Ye Liu, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang
Also Known As: A Beautiful Life
Country: China, Hong Kong
Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, Chinese, English
Release Date: 13 May 2011 (China)
Runtime: 124 min
Official Site: http://www.mediaasia.com/abeautifullife/en_main.html

Plot Summary:
Li Peiru (Shu Qi) is a young, beautiful Beijing-based real-estate agent from Hong Kong meet with a lonely heart local policeman Fang Zhendong (Liu Ye) at a karaoke in Beijing. Despite the fact that Peiru has a boyfriend is married man, but she finds a comfortable protector in Zhendong who remains single to take care of his kid brother Zhencong (Tian Liang). As Peiru gradually give up her materialistic values and falls in love with the good hearted Zhendong, but Zhendong makes some tough decisions about his future when he is suffering from a disease of vascular dementia.

"Mei Li Ren Sheng" Review:
Mei Li Ren Sheng is an impressive Chinese movie that rarely well sketched romantic drama about the tractor-beam allure that a certain type of wild, damaged women possess for a especially corresponding type of lonely men. Starting in present-day Beijing, the movie uses an appealing visual palette and strong performances to communicate and luxuriate in universal feelings about longing, connection and love.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1934335/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3AKtzrSgdI

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

This 2011 new Chinese movie tells a story about the timeless portrait of female friendship between Lily and Snow Flower, and two girls develop their own secret code as a fighting way to the rigid cultural norms for women, in 19th century China.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Poster

Genres: Drama, History
Director: Wayne Wang
Writers: Ron Bass, Angela Workman, Michael Ray
Starring: Gianna Jun, Li Bingbing, Vivian Wu, Jiang Wu, Russell Wong, Coco Chiang, Jingyun Hu, Archie Kao, Chiang Yi
Also Known As: Xuehua yu Mishan
Country: China, USA
Language: English
Release Date: 24 June 2011 (China)
Runtime: 120 min
Official Site: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/snowflowerandthesecretfan/

Plot Summary:
In 19th-century China, seven year old girls Snow Flower and Lily are matched as laotong - or "old sames" - bound together for eternity. Isolated by their families, they furtively communicate by taking turns writing in a secret language, nu shu, between the folds of a white silk fan. In a parallel story in present day Shanghai, the laotong's descendants, Nina and Sophia, struggle to maintain the intimacy of their own childhood friendship in the face of demanding careers, complicated love lives, and a relentlessly evolving Shanghai. Drawing on the lessons of the past, the two modern women must understand the story of their ancestral connection, hidden from them in the folds of the antique white silk fan, or risk losing one another forever. What unfolds are two stories, generations apart, but everlasting in their universal notion of love, hope and friendship.

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" Review:
This new Chinese movie adapted from author Lisa See's bestselling novel Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. The movie themes centered on two pairs of women strive to maintain their enduring bond by exploring their ancestral connection in modern Shanghai. Connected as a Chinese tradition called laotong. One pair live in 1820's China, the other in modern day Shanghai, you will feel like you was watching an old-fashioned Chinese drama and a contemporary movie at the same time. The sense of time passing is palpable. The preciousness of time together is well-illustrated. In this it is different from other films in theatres, and the difference is welcome. A grateful nod to (Chinese-born) producers Wendi Murdoch and Florence Sloan for honoring Chinese traditions, languages, and customs which are so authentically and vibrantly portrayed in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1541995/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wlk7TsdhsY

Ying Han 2

CYing Han 2 is filled with Chinese martial arts fights. This 2011 new Chinese movie is a sequel to the original movie Underdog Knight released in 2008.

Ying Han 2 Poster

Genres: Action, Drama
Director: Sheng Ding
Starring: En-chun Chiao, Ye Liu, Eilin Zhang
Also Known As: Underdog Knight 2
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: China, 1 Apr 2011
Runtime: 90 min

Plot Summary:
Laosan fights international criminals to protect a national treasure from being stolen during an exhibition. He also rescues his girlfriend from kidnappers.

"Ying Han 2" Review:
This film is a sequel to the well-received 2008 directorial debut of director Ding Sheng (Little Big Soldier), starring Liu Ye as a mentally damaged former soldier on a quest to right wrongs and fight evil whose naivete is taken advantage of by the very people he swears to fight against.

The Underdog Knight 2 Laosan fights international criminals to protect a national treasure from being stolen during an exhibition. He also rescues his girlfriend from kidnappers. Director Ding Sheng returns to helm the film. Playing Laosan's girlfriend is Zhang Xinglin, Miss World 2007.

If it anything to go by it looks like a solid HK action flick with plenty of explosions and bodily harm to satisfy everyone. Enjoy it after the break!

Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1883397/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzkaxv-MgwI

Rest on Your Shoulder

The 2011 new Chinese movie: "Rest on Your Shoulder" tells a story about making sacrifices for love. But its essential message lies in the broader sense of love - love for our planet; love for all things around you.

Rest on Your Shoulder Poster

Genres: Drama, Romance
Director: Jacob Cheung
Starring: Chen Kun, Gigi Leung, Kwai Lun-Mei, Jiang Yiyan, Benz Hui
Also Known As: Jian Shang Die
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
Release Date: China, 8 July 2011
Runtime: 122 min

Plot Summary:
Moon Island, China, the present day. Famous botanist Yan Guo (Aloys Chen), who is researching the medicinal properties of the phalaenopsis orchid, and his fiancee Baobao (Jiang Yiyan) plant a seed as a token of their love in a magical spot and it blooms. However, Yan Guo suddenly falls ill from a nervous allergy and when Baobao goes back to the site to retrieve the flower for the doctors she finds it has withered. The god Eros appears and says it wasn't he who made the flower bloom, as it's not even the right season. Baobao offers her life in return for Yan Guo's and Eros does a deal: she is to wait three years before seeing Yan Guo again, to find out whether his love for her is worth her sacrifice. Meanwhile, Yan Guo recovers and convalesces at home, thinking Baobao is dead. In fact, she has morphed into a butterfly and is watching him through the window of his cottage. The following spring Baobao wakes up after her winter hibernation and befriends a ladybird, grasshopper and two butterflies, Fei and Shuang, who help her find Yan Guo's cottage again. She sees him working with young student Bai Lan (Gwei Lun-mei), who happens to be allergic to butterflies. Baobao follows around Yan Guo, who lets her rest on his shoulder, unaware it is really Baobao. When Yan Guo is chosen as Man of the Year, journalist Yang Lin (Gigi Leung) arrives to interview him. The following spring, when Yan Guo returns to his cottage, Yang Lin helps him when the place is flooded, and Baobao watches as the two become closer. Suddenly, however, government scientists — alerted by Yang Lin's photos of dying plants — arrive to evacuate Moon Island and disinfect it.

"Rest on Your Shoulder" Review:
After starting off as a very Asian love story, with a fantastical element — girl becomes a butterfly for three years to test the love between her and her boyfriend — the new Chinese movie veers off into kiddie territory with animated talking insects before veering off again into a kind-of-romantic triangle between the boy and two more girls, and then climaxing in a kind-of-ecological drama.

The music by Joe Hisaishi, who composed most of Hayao Miyazaki's animated features, tends toward the sappy, but it helps to brighten the rhythm during some dull lapses when the film is droning on drily about conservation. It also helps bridge the gap in tone between the adult love story and the childish insect shenanigans. The four main cast members make do with stock expressions and responses for their undemanding roles.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x9KQSliEEY&feature=related