An action heroine is born in the explosive new blockbuster Chocolate from director Prachya Pinkaew and action director Panna Rittikrai, the tag team behind Ong Bak and Tom Yum Goong. With only her first film, Jija Yanin Vismitananda already stands peerless as Asian Cinema’s next big female action star. Discovered five years ago by Prachya Pinkaew during casting sessions for Born to Fight, the 24-year-old actress makes a jaw-dropping debut with a full arsenal of Muay Thai moves that belie her petite frame. Originally trained in taekwondo, Jija Yanin Vismitananda underwent four years of training with Panna Rittikrai, plus personal tutelage from Tony Jaa, in preparation for her debut, and she certainly delivers the action in Chocolate. In an interesting international crossover, popular Japanese actor Abe Hiroshi (The Sword of Alexander) co-stars as Jija Yanin Vismitananda’s father.

Tensions are high as Thai gangsters and yakuza bump heads in Bangkok. Yakuza Masashi (Abe Hiroshi) further crosses the Thai underworld when his relationship with Zin (Ammara Siripong), an underling of Thai kingpin No. 8 (Pongpat Wachirabunjong), is revealed. Masashi is soon forced to return to Japan, leaving Zin and their unborn child behind in Thailand. Toughing it out as a single mother, Zin gives birth to an autistic daughter. Clearly a bit different from the rest of the kids, Zen (Jija Yanin Vismitananda) has unnaturally fast reflexes that she channels into learning Muay Thai. Though times are tough, Zen grows up healthy and happy until her mother is diagnosed with cancer. To pay for the medical care, Zen and portly buddy Moom (Taphon Phopwandee) decide to collect Zin’s old debts, speaking with fists when payment isn’t forthcoming – which is basically every time. Zin’s old cronies aren’t about to just sit around though while Zen blazes a path of damage through the underworld.

Very good muay-thai movie with a new face. Although the actress is not trained in muay-thai prior she did a very convincing take in this movie.

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Collaborating with director Wilson Yip for the fourth time, action star Donnie Yen takes the leading role in a momentous biopic of martial arts legend Ip Man, the Wing Chun grandmaster whose many students included Bruce Lee. Set in 1930s and 40s China during the Sino-Japanese War, Ip Man follows in the spirit of blockbuster period actioners like Fearless and Once Upon a Time in China with a rousing bout of folk hero patriotism and a breathtaking display of martial arts. Endorsed by Ip Man’s son who served as a consultant for the film, Ip Man takes some liberties with history, but cuts no corners when it comes to the intense action scenes choreographed by Sammo Hung. Donnie Yen delivers perhaps the best acting performance of his career, along with his usual jaw-dropping martial arts machismo. Ip Man co-stars Simon Yam (Fatal Move), Gordon Lam (Sparrow), Wong Yau Nam (AV), martial artists Fan Siu Wong (The Moss) and Xing Yu (Kung Fu Hustle), and Japanese actor and judo black-belt holder Ikeuchi Hiroyuki (Karaoke Terror) as Yen’s main rival.

Ip Man opens in 1930s Foshan, a town steeped in kung fu heritage and lined with an abundance of martial arts schools. The undisputed toast of Foshan though is Ip Man (Donnie Yen), known not only for his superb martial arts, but also for his great humility and integrity. Content with his wealthy, low-key life with his wife (Lynn Xiong Dai Ling) and son, Ip Man refuses to take disciples, though he is at times forced to give sound beatings to rash challengers. Everything changes, however, when war hits. There’s no more time for martial arts as Ip Man works hard to support his family through this time of poverty and oppression. But he can stay silent no longer when a Japanese general (Ikeuchi Hiroyuki) begins challenging Chinese martial artists to fatal duels.

I have to say this is one fantastic martial arts movie.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Local Foshan master challenges Ip Man.

A northern martial arts master challenges the various Foshan masters and easily defeated them. Ip Man saves the day.

After the Japanese forces occupied Foshan commerce collapsed and everyone is reduced to scrapping for food. The local Japanese commander organises martial arts fights for Chinese to win rice bags.

The local Foshan master enters the arena and takes on a Japanese fighter.

Local Foshan master takes on 3 Japanese exponents in the arena.

Ip Man fights the Japanese in the arena.

Ip Man fights to protect his family.

The northern master has turned bandit and harasses the Foshan automotive plant and Ip Man comes to their rescue.

Ip Man defeats the local Japanese commander.

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Chu Liu Xiang
Ken Chu of F4 makes his period drama debut in the highly anticipated wuxia series Chu Liu Xiang Chuan Qi (”The Legend of Chu Liu Xiang”). Dashing, carefree, and chivalrous swordsman Chu Liu Xiang has previously been portrayed by stars like Adam Cheng, Michael Miu, Ti Lung, and Richie Jen, and this time Ken Chu brings his own unique charisma to the role. In comparison to previous depictions of Chu Liu Xiang, the storied hero walks closer to earth in this drama, painting a more realistic character who feels, falters, and at times fails, but always stays true to his heart and principles. Chu Liu Xiang Chuan Qi co-stars idol drama heartthrob Kingone Wang (Why Why Love), Mainland starlet Hu Jing, and Hong Kong television star Benny Chan Ho Man (Gods of Honour). Featuring a talented cast, high-caliber special effects, and location shooting in Xinjiang, Yunnan, and Hengdian, Chu Liu Xiang Chuan Qi sets a new high standard for fusion period dramas.

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