King Boxer (1972)

Hong Kong action film, King Boxer (1972) is better known in America as Five Fingers Of Death, and is a Shaw Brothers production that became an international cross-over hit. The success of which set the blueprint for martial arts movies. I was mainly drawn to watching it because of the imagery around hero Lo Lieh […]

Soldier Of Orange (1977)

Tuxedos and tails are a recurring item of clothing. Initially worn by the group of male uni students at parties, signifying their upper class status. Later as World War II leads to Holland being invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany, the tuxedo is used by resistance members reentering their own country, passing themselves as members […]

A Bittersweet Life (2005)

Watching Squid Game: Season 2 and I’m observing the man in the black mask, the Frontman, thinking, “What a handsome guy.” And Sally was reading up on the actor Lee Byung-hun, listing off his credits and little bulbs were popping off in my head, “Oh right, he was in The Magnificent Seven remake, The Good, […]

Sunset Strip (1985)

Sunset Strip (1985) put me in mind of that transition period in video stores where DVDs were coming in, and old VHS stock was being sold off in $1 ex-rental bins. Uncovering and finding video boxes to films I’ve never heard with no recognisable actors, often only distinguished by an illustrated poster or a blown […]

The 10th Victim (1965)

When a film depicts the future, it’s not just a vision of the future but a document of the time. Case in point, The 10th Victim (1965) which is set in the year 2079 and based on the short story by Robert Sheckley, and yet, it is completely a time capsule of 1960s pop-art, comic-book […]