5 comments about Capoeira Basic Techniques.

1. If at all possible find a good teacher of capoeira to learn from, be it a mestre, contra-mestre, professor, imstructor, etc. But if you can't make it to class regularly, then DVD is great to learn some basic and a few intermediate level moves in regional capoeira. The instruction comes in multiple languages (English was not the default language on my DVD so I had to change it). Also, you need an older or cheaper DVD player to play the DVD if you are in the US. I tried to play my DVD on my newer DVD player (3 yrs old) and it would not play at all, but I tried it on a DVD player that was about [...] and played just fine. Otherwise, this DVD was great and the bonus feature of the capoiera games was phenominal. You will see somethings you may not ever be able to do, but is really cool to look at.



2. Paulinho Sabia really did a great job on demonstrating step-by-step instructions! A really inspirational dvd and complete with short clips of regional style rodas in Brasil. There is the option of having a voice-over lady translate the portugues into english, but i would recommend just learning basic portugues and you will understand what Mestre is trying to say!
   I love this dvd and give major props for it!



3. It's hard to learn Capoeira from DVD, and there is no good substitution to a teacher watching you and giving you personal feedback. Moreover, it's hard to take notice of the details when watching this DVD, things like where the leg lands, how the hand moves etc. If you take a class, you'd probably learn most of the movements within weeks anyway - and with the details according to your school (I've noticed there are slight variations). But I did learn few things, so maybe you would too.



4. I have studied martial arts all of my life. The instructions on the DVD are thorough and helpful for beginners who are interested in this art. Capoeira is an excellent martial arts that I use for strength, flexibility, cardio, and keeping great shape. In addition to being fun and compelling, this DVD also presents techniques, that once mastered, can be extremely lethal moves. This video is worth the cost; it also has great extras that make it interesting to watch. Enjoy!



5. This will not play on my DVD player. It is a toss up if you order it. It may play it may not.

5 comments about Ultimate Fighting Championship Classics, Vol. 1.

1. Not as good as I remember. I live in denver, and I was at the very first ufc at mcnichols arena. It was better left to my memory! If you are a fan of the ufc today do not buy this, it's not the same. All it is is a bunch of rejects swinging at each other, only to be choked out by royce gracie at some point. The guys on this dvd have no idea what they were getting into fighting a grapler like royce.



2. This DVD won me major brownie points with my husband! He enjoys it and has watched it numerous times.



3. The first UFC features Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock.The format is an eight man tournament with limited rules.The winner gets $50,000.00 dollars for showing his style is the best.
   The tournament bracket is as follows;
   
   Gerard Gordeau(Savate) vs Teli Tuli(Sumo)
   Zane Frazier(Kenpo Karate) vs Kevin Rosier(Kickboxing)
   Royce Gracie(BJJ) vs Art Jimmerson(Boxing)
   Ken Shamrock(Catch Wrestling) vs Pat Smith(Kickboxing)
   
   My only complaint is that this dvd didn't have the Jason DeLucia(Kung Fu)vs Trent Jenkins(Karate)alternate match.



4. THIS IS WHEN THE UFC WAS AWESOME.......NOW GREEDY MEN HAVE SUNK THEIR FANGS INTO IT....ELITE XC IS FREE MMA ON SHOWTIME AND HDNET HAS IFL FOR FREE TOO. UFC HAS PEAKED AND WILL COLLAPSE.



5. UFC 1 is the first mega event that brought mixed martial arts to the American people and media. It took place on November 12, 1993 at Denver, Colorado and was touted as a MMA event that had " No rules, No scores, and No time limits". It featured different styles of martial arts and fighting against each other. It was broken into 4 fights with 8 fighters.
   
   Fight 1 featured Gerard Gordeau (Savate) vs Teila Tuli (Sumo)
   Fight 2 featured Kevin Rosier (kickboxing) vs Zane Frazier (Karate)
   Fight 3 featured Royce Gracie (Jiu-Jitsu ) vs Art Jimmerson (Boxing)
   Fight 4 featured Ken Shamrock (Shootfighting) vs Pat Smith (Tae Kwon Do)
   
   The fights were entertaining, but very short. Seeing 410 pd Tuli rummble after Gerard was crazy, and seeing boxer Art Jimmerson try to fight Royce with one boxing on his left hand was ridiculous. The Royce/Jimmerson was the worst, with Jimmerson basically tapping after Gracie took him down and lied on him. The event champion earned $50,000, and went on to become a MMA household name.
   
   The DVD is pretty bare as far as added features go. There are just the fights, plus 2 interviews with Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie.
   
   As other have recommended, this is a must DVD for MMA fans to see where it all started, and how far MMA has come today!

5 comments about Cradle 2 the Grave (Widescreen Edition).

1. Jet Li and a very familiar supporting cast put on a lackluster story and dialog, but the action somehow makes it all worth it.



2. I enjoyed watching this movie, but like most movies of this genre, certain parts left much to be desired. However, I love Jet Li and many of the actors in this movie, and thus I still rate it a 4!
   Jet Li is Su, a Taiwanese Intelligence officer who is trying to recover stolen "black diamonds" to bring back to his country. DMX is Tony, who is a master thief, whom steals the black stones from a diamond exchange only to lose them on a subway train trying to save his girlfriend Darryl (Gabrielle Union). The stones eventually wind up recovered by Mr. Chambers (Chi McBride: who does not get any credit at the movie's end?), who hides them in his Club, now run by Odion (Mike Jace from the Shield). Also helping out DMX is his brother, and Tommy ( the great Anthony Anderson)! Anthony is hilarious in this movie! Eventually terrorists led by Ling (Mark Dacascos) and Sona (Kelly Hu) kidnap DMX's daughter to get him to turn over the stones to him. Li and DMX team up to try and recover the stones from Chambers, and then recover DMX's daughter. Tom Arnold has a great role as a comedic arms-dealer, who helps out DMX and Li.
   I know some people hated the underground fight scene, but I loved it as it had Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture fighting Jet Li. I wish I could have seen Li bash Tito Ortiz's head in, but unfortunately the director made Tito tough for once in this scene. I kind of smirked when there is a scene of Ortiz defeating Liddell in the cage, which of course never happened in real life!
   The chase scene featuring DMX eluding police on an all-terrain vehicle is more comical than exciting. Especially when DMX is hopping from building roof top to roof top!
   Jet Li is once again such a great artist to watch. He is so fast and fluid taking out his opponents in this film. The final fight scene between Li and Dacascos is pretty cool, and the finality of the scene would not be a fun way too die! DMX was okay, but I believe he should stick to singing rather than acting or fighting.
   Special Features of the DVD:
   
   * Ultimate Fighting Champions: Features the UFC fighters in the film, and how they interacted with Jet Li.
   * Choreography of the Camera: features how they used many cameras to film the different angles and scenes of the film, especially the fight scenes.
   * DMX video "X Gonna give it to You"
   * Cast/Crew
   * And the Theatrical trailer of the film. Would have been nice to seen some trailers of other Jet Li films.
   Overall an enjoyable action film to watch!



3. With the passing of Bruce Lee so long ago, martial arts fans have been begging for a replacement. Many have tried to take his place from Chuck Norris to Jean Claude Van Damme. But none has had that fluid style, that grace that Lee had. The closest we had for a while was Jackie Chan, but he played things more for laughs than anything else. And then came Jet Li.
   
   Jet Li provides that fast paced, frenetic style that Lee had, making his fight sequences look almost like a ballet of violence than a simple fight. He also has a knack for making it look so easy and a screen presence that few in this genre have. So I was pleased to find his newest on video up to par with his best.
   
   CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE features rapper DMX as Fait, a high tech thief who spends the beginning of the movie with his crew pulling off a heist in a diamond exchange. Not only do they end up with a load of regular diamonds, they pick up a bag of black diamonds that they were hired for. As they attempt to escape, they split in two groups. One loses a bag of gems while riding the top of a subway car. The other loses the second bag to Li. But the bag with the black gems is safe in Fait's hand.
   
   The gang returns home and Fait puts his little girl to bed for the night. A doting father, he makes time for her, even helping her say her prayers before bed. Then he gets to work, taking the gems to his fence (Tom Arnold). Knowing something is up, he wants to know who is looking for the gems and what he can get for them.
   
   The gems end up stolen from Arnold and Fait gets a call from the real bad guy, Ling (Mark DaCascos). Ling lets Fait know that he has kidnapped his daughter and that he wants the diamonds...now. By now, Li has joined forces with Fait, letting him know that he is Taiwan secret police. The pair check in with a local gang lord who they know robbed Arnold. Getting no help from him, they do realize where he has hidden the gems.
   
   When they aren't where expected, they split once more in two groups to find them or someone who knows their location. Both pairs end up in some spectacular fight sequences and one in a thrilling car chase involving a four wheel ATV, a motorcycle and tons of police cars.
   
   With little hope in sight, they get a call from Fait's daughter on a cell phone she finds in the van the bad guys have locked her in. Putting together clues she has given them along with the truth about the stones, they set out on a rescue mission. And when that begins, we end up with a set of three fight sequences running simultaneously that are some of the best seen in recent years.
   
   I missed this one at the theater thinking it would be just another chop socky flick. I was wrong. What we have are some dynamite action stars making an action film that a number of directors should study. Why? Because far too many directors these days think that a fight sequence is about close ups of fists connecting or the hero's face. The truth is, as we see here, backing off with the camera gives us a chance to see the whole fight and not just bits and pieces of it.
   
   The final main fight between Li and DaCascos is fantastic. Both are extremely skilled in martial arts and choreographing a fight sequence. Both make it look as fluid as a splattered tray of mercury. The only thing as fluid and slick as this scene is a quart of Pennzoil.
   
   If you love action movies, then this is one not to miss. It delivers on all counts.



4. A lot of the critics have been complaining about Cradle 2 The Grave they even as far to say it's trash. The main thing the critics are all complaining about is the acting but who is acutally going to this movie for the acting you're going for the action. Jet Li, Anthony Anderson, DMX and director Andrzej Bartkowiak all worked together on Romeo Must Die while DMX,Drag-On Anthony Anderson , Tom Arnold and director Andrzej Bartkowiak all worked on Exit Wounds together.Andrzej Bartkowiak brings together his regulars and adds Gabirelle Union, Kelly Hu and Mark Dacoassas to the mix. The film has cool action sequences, a hot soundtrack and limtied wire work which is common for these types of films.



5. I didnt have high expectations for this movie because the trailer made it seem like your run-of-the-mill action flick. I was able to see it a couple days ago and was pleasantly surprised.
   
   Premise: Fait(DMX), a diamond thief plans an elaborate heist and steal what seems like black diamonds. A former CIA agent kidnaps Fait's daughter in exchange for the diamonds which are really plutonium devices used for war weapons. Fait teams up with Su(Jet Li), a hard-nosed Taiwanese intelligence agent to get his daughter back.
   
   Opinion: The script is decent but I had to penalize it for a couple of things. The movie could do without Anthony Henderson playing a sissy to distract a front desk security officer(doesnt anybody get sick and tired of these black comics playing effeminate roles in movies?),DMX doing stunts on a quad is unbelievable and does Drag-On have to be in very movie involving DMX? Other than that this movie is not that bad. The action scenes are plentiful and contrary to popular belief DMX's acting is better here than he was in Belly. Jet Li is splendid as Su, the Taiwanees agent. Tom Arnold is kind of funny as the go-to-man for weapons and such. The brutally georgeous Gabrielle Union is okay in this movie but she can do much better. All in all the movie is worth a look

4 comments about Understanding Qigong DVD4 (YMAA chi kung) Four Seasons Qigong - Dr. Yang.

1. Understanding Qigong DVD4 is the latest and most bountiful DVD of the Understanding Qigong series. Master Yang's understanding of Qigong has grown exponentially over the years, evident in the fruits of his labors, DVDs, videos and books that he has shared with his students and readers. Fortunately, along with his growth in knowledge is equally strong growth in passing along the knowledge in ways that the average student can assimilate and find useful in their lives. I've always believed that true teaching involves being able to bring the student to an understanding of the process involved, as opposed to being able to merely recite the correct answer.
   
   
   
   Over the years Master Yang's ability to pass on an understanding of the "key" to the knowledge being presented, has grown along with his own understanding. Many people claim to extensively study or practice the particular art or skill that they profess to embrace. Yet when you see the fruits of their efforts, they are not healthy or bountiful.
   
   Master Yang cites the numerous ancient texts that he has studied in his quest for mastery. When his teaching products are reviewed, it becomes obvious that he can "walk the talk".
   
   
   
   He is able to link the ancient Eastern knowledge with equally valuable modern Western knowledge. Master Yang is truly a dynamic and committed teacher. His dedication to the sharing of correct knowledge is something I am so thankful for.
   
   
   
   One basic theme of this DVD is "Use it or lose it". Just as stagnant water is not healthy, the body also needs to have movement to keep itself healthy. Due to today's modern society the majority of people have lost their daily contact with nature and live in an artificially designed world. Master Yang explains how in the past roads were not flat and smooth, but were hilly with rough and bumpy sections. Walking on this uneven surface helped the ligaments, tendons and connective tissue to stay strong and flexible.
   
   
   
   The roads that many people use today for jogging and exercising are perfectly smooth and flat, consequently resulting in only a small part of the connective tissue being used and strengthened. In a similar vein, I've always believed that people that work out with free weights are stronger than those who use weight lifting machines. In free weights, the person has to balance the weight from side to side and forward to back, as well as lifting the weight vertically. With a weight lifting machine, it balances the weight for you, resulting in less of a workout for the connective tissue.
   
   
   
   Over the years I've found that persons who lift free weights have more ability to neutralize a Qin Na move on their wrist than those who use machines for weight lifting. This is due to the strengthening of the connective tissue and muscles when having to balance the weight as well as lift it.
   
   
   
   Master Yang provides very powerful arguments for linking lack of movement to modern day medical problems, such as cancer. Someone very close to me who was not exercising had reached the point where she could not lift her arms above her head. Within a year or two she developed breast cancer. Master Yang talks about how important it is for women to learn upper body exercises to heal the body and prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Men are advised to use their legs properly in order to help prevent colon cancer. Corresponding exercises are demonstrated and explained for the various yin organs of the body.
   
   The exercises on the DVD are excellent. Even if they were just demonstrated, with no explanation, it would be a wonderful collection of valuable, effective and useful exercises. But Master Yang goes much further than just a demo tape, he provides extensive and thorough explanations of the various movements and their specific health benefits for the various yin organs. This is not someone just mimicking the movements and putting out a video, but rather a master who is taking the time and energy to properly and fully present the material. Master Yang's growing understanding of these concepts is so very much in evidence while watching this DVD.
   
   
   
   Master Yang tells a personal story about his mother experiencing the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease and how she began to lose her memory. After not seeing her for a few years, he was surprised to discover that she was no longer having problems with her memory. His mother told him that when she realized she was beginning to have memory problems, she would make a practice every day of trying to memorize phone numbers of all their friends and relatives. From using her brain every day in such a manner, it became more active, more electricity (Qi) was reaching the brain, and her memory became healthy again. When you use your muscles or your brain, you make electricity and oxygen move in your body. This leads to a healthy organism and helps prevent problems from arising as you grow older.
   
   
   
   Master Yang provides information about the role of fascia, which being a poor conductor, separates and shields different parts of the body which operate at different energy levels and different functions. Fascia surrounds the diaphragm, which is a good conductor, expanding and contracting constantly second by second throughout the day and night. Master Yang points out that a good conductor sandwiched between poor conductors satisfies the definition of a battery. This is the middle dan tien.
   
   
   
   In the upper half of the body are found the lungs and the heart, surrounding the heart is a sac, which is referred to in Chinese Medicine as the pericardium. The Chinese doctors believe that the pericardium is so important that it is not part of the heart, but rather a separate organ.
   
   
   
   Master Yang explains that the heart is like an engine, and the pericardium is like the cooling system.
   
   I like the fact that master Yang does not denigrate the Western modern science alternative, but rather, showing that it is a part of the whole, it can be used to further our understanding of how the channels in the body work, or to better see the structure of the meridians and the vessels. Master Yang states that the Chinese theories on energy are two thousand years old, and he believes that modern technology can enhance this ancient knowledge.
   
   
   
   Even if you are experienced in Qigong, or a beginner, start with DVD1 of the series and watch them in order. And then, most importantly as Master Yang points out, "just do it". A wonderful series on Qigong and a necessity for anyone studying internal martial arts/external martial arts or body energy work, such as Qigong.
   
   
   
   The table of contents is as follows:
   
   General Theory Review
   
   Herbs and Food
   
   Sounds
   
   Breathing
   
   Meditation
   
   Exercises
   
   Chinese Documents
   
   Song Dynasty
   
   Yuan Dynasty
   
   Ming Dynasty
   
   Qing Dynasty
   
   Qi and Qigong
   
   Upper Body and Lower Body
   
   12 Qi Channels
   
   6 Yin & 6 Yang
   
   12 Qi Channels Circulation
   
   12 Primary Channels / Vessels
   
   All four Seasons
   
   
   
   Four Seasons Exercises 1-8
   
   
   
   Both Hands Hold up the Heaven
   
   Large Dragon Loosens its Neck
   
   Buddha Explores the Sea
   
   Circle the Waist Horizontally
   
   Regulate the Middle & Lower Burners
   
   Loosening the Upper Burner
   
   White Crane Loosens its Wings
   
   White Crane Shakes its Wings
   
   
   
   Summer & Fall (Heart and Lungs)
   
   Summer and Fall Exercises 1-9
   
   
   
   Forward and Backward Swinging Arms
   
   Left and Right Windlasses Turn
   
   Feudal Lord Pulls the Bow
   
   Immortal Pushes the Stone Tablet
   
   Large Roc Arcs its wings
   
   Large Roc Spreads its Wings
   
   Shake the Head and Swing the Tail
   
   Baby Bird Receives the Food
   
   Crane Shakes its Wings
   
   
   
   Summer & Fall Massage
   
   
   
   Winter (Kidneys)
   
   Winter Exercises 1-4
   
   
   
   Two Hands Hold the Toes
   
   Phoenix Spreads its Wings
   
   Turn the Head to see the Moon
   
   Large Bear Softens the Waist
   
   
   
   Spring (Liver)
   
   Spring Exercises 1-4
   
   
   
   Left Right Single Lifting
   
   White Ape Picks up the Peach
   
   Loltan Bows
   
   Zhong Wan Up and Down
   
   Spring Massage
   
   Conclusion



2. I've watched the entire 4 DVD series, and the practice is explained in detail. I'm grateful for the plethora of information offered in this series. ...valuable addition to anyone's library.



3. A clear and scholarly presentation of the all different aspects of Qigong. I appreciate the fact that Dr. Yang is both a high level practitioner of this art and also a hard core scientist. Highly recommended!



4. I have the entire set by Dr. Yang and it is required viewing if your serious about learning Chi-Kung. I have read a lot of books on this subject, but this set, which is very well done clears up a lot of loose ends and one really understands the energy systems much clearer.

4 comments about Hana: The Tale of a Reluctant Samurai.

1. HANA: Tale of the Reluctant Warrior is more commonly known as "Hana Ebi Mo Nao" in Asia. The film follows the formulas that made chambara films famous with a bit more humanity and satire. Hirokazu Kore-Eda's take maybe a rethread of all the similar trappings, such as revenge and honor but he has subverted its execution to a "coming of age" film. The film's backdrop takes place in the 18th century when the samurai ideals are slowly beginning to fade. Yes, the film may be another revenge tale but it also takes an interesting twist with a very unorthodox style.
   
   A young samurai named Soza (Junichi Okada) arrives in Edo with the intention of tracking down his father's killer. However, despite all his training and upbringing in the samurai ideals, Soza isn't much of a warrior. His skills as a swordsman is lacking and his tracking abilities are even worse. 3 years past, and he isn't any closer in finding his father's killer. He spends his time in the slum, surrounded by an array of neighbors that can barely make ends meet but for some reason they are happy with what they have. Soza meets a comely widow and has developed a liking to her. Soza begins to doubt the very ideals drilled into his brain. Here in the real world, these philosophies seem diluted and hollow as he witnesses his brother`s life become meaningless after he had taken over his father`s dojo. His family pressures him to complete his mission, as the deed would fetch them a hefty sum of money in these peaceful times.
   
   Much like Yoji Yamada's "Samurai Trilogy", "Hana" takes a tone full of elegy. Chambara films tend to celebrate the samurai lifestyle but Hana subtlety casts it aside. It executes its storytelling with a lot of warmth, light-heartedness and cleverly dispersed bits of satire throughout. It is so subtle in its message that you may not even notice what Kore-Eda's trying to say. The film's focus on Soza as a young man bent on revenge and slowly finding the fullness of life among simple peasants is inspiring. If you remember the old adage; "Living a good life is the Best revenge" then you will have a good idea as to how and why Soza would have doubts about his mission.
   
   The director may not be critical to the Samurai lifestyle as much as Masaki Kobayashi's films, when in fact, he also sees the beauty of it. The story of the 47 Ronin is also told in this film as many of those Ronin actually live in the same town Soza does. These men are plotting their own revenge to avenge their Lord who was forced to commit Seppuku, and they are also offended by Soza's lack of commitment and they worry that their devices maybe uncovered. To those of you unfamiliar with the story; the story of the 47 RONIN is among the most praised tales of Samurai Honor and commitment. These men have taken meager jobs and have kept a low profile for many years until the right moment has come to strike and take vengeance on the Lord who has wronged their clan. (See Chushingura)
   
   While these men are plotting and bickering among themselves, Soza becomes involved in the community. Joining the townsfolk in their everyday routine, acting in a local play, and teaching children in a small pre-school he had opened to keep himself busy. The 47 Ronin are brooding and calculating ways to exact revenge and how to die honorably, while, Soza is drawn to a happy life, full of warm tenderness and friendship; he also finds himself slowly falling in love with a beautiful widow named Osae (Rie Miyazawa). Soza is not a coward, he is committed to his goal but unexpectedly, the young man seemed to have found peace and contentment in his life.
   
   Kore-Eda has assembled a very colorful cast of characters and are further more accentuated with its performers. The director introduces each one to the audience by giving us glimpses of their lives. The film does become somewhat hampered by this move, since it diverts our attention from Soza but I rather enjoyed it. It never hurts when you have a wonderful cast made up of Rie Miyazawa, Jun Kunimura, Yoshio Harada (Azumi), Tadanobu Asano (Party 7) who plays Soza's intended target, who is more than what Soza was expecting. This is actually the film's main strength and the manner of which everything falls in place is impressive and at the same time humorous.
   
   "Hana" is a powerful moral tale that exhibits warmth and its message of non-violence is crystal clear. People expecting swordplay and action will be very disappointed. Samurai aficionados may not care for its moral stance but I thought it was reflective of real world applications. The music adds a lot of energy and the costumes and set designs are very accurate. It may have more melodrama than I particularly care for but the warm humanity it emulates is inspiring. It may not follow the traditional tale of chambara period films but courage and honor maybe a matter of just how one looks at it.
   Sometimes, moving on with your life is the best revenge.
   
   RECOMMENDED! [3 ½ Stars]



2. FOR ME, IT BECAME TOO TOUCHY-FEELY, too soap operatic. Then too, the writing and directing didn't break any new ground or remind me of the many great movies of its genre.
   
   Shrug. Oh well.



3. If you're looking for a sword-swinging, blood squirting, action tale with fainting geishas and glowering samurai, then you'de better go elsewhere. However, if you want an interesting story, interestingly told - then come on in!
   The things I liked best about this film were the sets, (think: Kurosawa's "Lower Depths," but in color) the music - interesting choices, especially when "the boys in the band," (a group of unlikely performers with a mission) get going, and the plot's meandering twists.
   I'm not going into the plotline. That has been adequately dealt with by others. I bought this film knowing nothing about it, and enjoyed it thoroughly for not being primed to expect one thing or another.
   Just buy it. You might not like it as much as I do, but then you can be a swell person and donate it to your local library, which undoubtably needs additions to its "foreign" film section.



4. This film is just why American Directors like Quentin Tarentino steal the basics for their own films, then re-name them as Tarentino did with Killl Bill, which was a direct rip off of Lady Snow Blood, another good Japanese film copied with diligence, even to the music. Tarentino then gave credit to Kung Fu Movies for his inspiration. It will be just a matter of time, that a Hollywood director will steal Hana and call it something stupid and market it as an American piece of Genius.
   I personally will stick to Japanese Directors doing what they do best.

5 comments about Duel to the Death.

1. This flick was just o.k for me,,,I'm not one to enjoy kung fu where the dudes fly through the air like birds,,aswell,,I'm not too into swords play,,that killed it for me. The story however, was great,,the fight scenes nicely choreographed. However, don't think I would re-visit this one,,,for me it's just a one time watch!!



2. this movie really kicks a**.one of the most interesting fight scenes ever seen.and they weren't playing when they said fight to the death.I would highly recommend the movie for all martial arts lovers like myself.



3. From seeing the trailer on other movies, and some of the reviews here on Amazon, I was expecting a great Martial Arts movie. I did enjoy the movie and some of the martial arts scenes, but there seems to be some major gaps in this 1993 version of the film I have. The editing is horrible. There has to be some scenes that were left out!
   The basic plot is that every year the best swordsman from Japan and China meet in a battle at a Temple in China. Both of the main actors are very good, and there final battle is pretty cool, but I wished it lasted longer. In between there is a subplot of ninjas who are trying to kidnap the best martial artists of China.
   Some of the fight scenes are cool, but they are also very choppy. In one scene, you can blatantly still see the wires holding up the actors. It is 2007, those wires should be zapped out with computer tech.
   The ending is horrible! I thought, "that is it?"... there was so much promise!
   A good movie, but I am not sure why it is on some people's list of Top 10 Martial Arts movies?



4. Highly entertaining film that pits the best in Japan against the greatest in China for an annual "Duel To The Death" to prove their respective martial arts superiority. The movie gets most everything right by making both our Chinese and Japanese leads near equals (and both likeable in different ways) rather than leaning heavily towards one over the other. It also does a nice job subtley showing the differences and similarities of the two cultures locked in battle (from garb and swords to ethics and beliefs). The fighting here is pretty good although rarely lasting longer than a few minutes and implements Wuxia style flying and jumps here and there (this is an early film of Hero choreographer Siu-Tung Ching). The violence is exagerated and graphic with enough blood and limbs being hacked off to keep me happy including an excellent decapitation! As far as the production goes I was impressed with the killer soundtrack and memorable/bizzare visuals including a sky full of ninjas flying on kites, a talking severed head, a huge ninja that splits into several (including a fully nude female!), a legless man storming around on crutches... and the effects are all top notch (this is 1982 people?!). The finale finally matches China's master swordsman against Japan's finest samurai and the results are a gruesome and entertaining way to top everything off. The DVD release from Fox/Fortune Star looks and sounds great (and can be bought on the cheap) although the "special features" include nothing but 2 trailors?!



5. You watch this whole movie to see a fight between the japanese's best fighter and the chinese's best fighter. Then at the end the chinese guy doesnt even want to fight. Its already bad enough you sat and watched through the corny and terrible storyline thinking you may at least see a good fight at the end. What happens is you are greatly disappointed and determined to put this movie on the garbage list. Its not even worth a 2nd watch and theres only a handful of kung fu movies that make me feel that way. Examples are the guy with secret kung fu, and hitman in the hand of buhdda. My list of terrible kung fu flicks is low, but this is a lock for it. Do not buy this movie.

2 comments about Infernal Affairs 2 (Special Collector's Edition).

1. Infernal Affairs II is one prequel you definitely shouldn't see before the original - so much of the interest comes from spotting throwaway details that assume more importance in the original film, and the character revelations are far more fascinating if you've seen the original. Take the opening monologue: standard enough - until you see who it is that Inspector Wong is opening up to: what we know about their eventual fates and the implications it has about their relationship is far more intriguing than if you choose this outing as your starting point.
   
   With no Andy Lau or Tony Leung this time round, their younger selves played by the lacklustre Shawn Yue and Edison Chen are sidelined in favor of their superiors. It's a wise decision: Tsang and Francis Ng are superb, although curiously Anthony Wong isn't as good as in the original in a more expansive and more morally compromised role. The first half hour is awkward, but the deferred violence following the death of the local triad boss is well handled and the film fires into life with some genuinely great filmmaking once the consequences start catching up with the various characters.
   
   The influence here is clearly the Godfather films, but whereas Godfather II was ultimately just a typical sequel exercise in underlining and escalation, this back story really does add layers to the original, with Eric Tsang becoming a genuinely tragic figure in his final scene. Where Godfather II tended to use history merely as a backdrop, here the handover of Hong Kong becomes an integral part of the film. The final montage of power being handed over from one nation to another, as police badges are replaced alongside criminals photos on the wall carries real weight and substance: it's what the film is all about - the loss of authority and the gaining of power. (Special praise to for Chan Kwong Wing's superb score.) Not as good as the original, true, but still very impressive indeed and miles ahead of Scorsese's bloated remake of the original.



2. a very pretentious imitation of hollywood's 'god father'. but this hongkong mafia don is a much too exaggerated and pretentious one, also badly acted. the plot is a bit too far-fetched, trying to be very complicated and at times, quite messy. putting a short and fat guy as a powerful key player was a very bad casting job too. not bad, but definitely not great. my only impression after finished watching this film is nothing but way too pretentious.

5 comments about Pride Fighting Championships: Final Conflict 2005.

1. Like I've said, Pride does it right. The the longtime Pride 205lb. champ Wanderlei Silva is beaten!It's his first loss at 205 since losing to Tito Ortiz in the UFC five years before.Ricardo Arona's jubiliation is short lived, as Silva's teammate and protege Mauricio Shogun Rua destroys him in the final match.After defeating four of the best middleweights in Pride (Rampage,Rogerio Nogueira, Overeem and Arona), Shogun establishes himself as "the man" at 205.The Shogun-Overeem semi final match is full of fireworks, while the Arona-Silva match is more tactical.However, both matches are extremely entertaining.
   The Fedor-CroCo match was highly anticipated,and although not a barn-burner, it's still a good match between two of the top heavies in the world.This is one to add to your collection.



2. This is the Final round of the 2005 middleweight tournament. The two semi-fianls are Wandelei Silva v Ricardo Arona and Mauricio Shogun Rua v Alistair Overeem. Both fights are good, and one of the CuteBox boys goes down to defeat. Also, Fedor takes on CroCop for the Heavyweight belt. Not a bad show at all.



3. ...Of course this features one of the most anticipated MMA fights ever. Fedor vs. Cro-Cop. Great action with more surprises as usual. More unforgettable memories from Saitama Super Arena.



4. I have pretty much all the Pride's & UFC's.
   
   The Cro Cop V fedor fight on this, is bar none, THE best fight I have ever seen.
   
   Buy it for this.



5. final conflict 2005 features the semifinal and finals of the 2005 light heavyweight tournament.Also feautures the heavyweight championship fight between fedor and cro cop.there also 3 more fights in this event.
   best fights:
   1)cro cop vs fedor 2)arona vs wanderlei silva 3)shogun vs overeem

5 comments about The Crow.

1. There was the Crow comic book, and there is this movie.
   the orignal comic and this movie are by far the best versions of The Crow.
   
   after this movie were several movie and comic sequils, a tv series that remade the story, and a comic series that did the same thing.
   
   NONE of these were in any way interesting.
   
   this IS the BEST version of the Crow. just as the orignal comic is the best of the comics.
   the rest is garbage.
   
   there have been other actors cast in the roll and one even playing the same charture of Eric Draven.
   
   frankly I think that is a diservice to the memory of Brandon Lee
   to recast his role and have someone else do it.
   
   lee is the ONLY actor who does it well.
   
   and it is not only lee who plays his part so well.
   there is
   Michael Wincott
   who is excelent as the villen, Top Doller, he steals all his sceans.
   
   the fact is becaus of lee's tragic death, on the set of this very movie, some sceans were shot with a stunt double.
   and yet Lee is still very much a large part in the movie with several sceans.
   
   this movie is about the dead coming back to life.
   and that is very much punchuated by having Lee brought back to life in this movie.
   
   so this movie is the only one that is need for a collention.
   
   the rest are not worth the price of admission.
   
   the story is of Eric Draven who is killed along with his girl friend. some time later Draven is back to take revenge against the muggers who killed him. he faces Top Doller in a final battle and gains peace in the end.
   
   this movie is about reserection, revenge, atonment, and redemption.
   
   again with the movie having lee it is the theme of the dead returning.
   
   one of my favorite sceans is when one of the muggers is about to hurt Draven's girl friend and he quotes from some book about the Devil fearing good, and the mugger only mocks that. he mocks the power of good. but then Draven straps him to his own car with a bomb. and the mugger then sees the 'awful power' of goodness. I rather like that.
   
   this is one of the best movies ever made.
   defitly a great 'superhero' movie.
   
   and again.
   the best version of the Crow story Ive ever seen.



2. This was a really good movie. As always, the product from Amazon was excellent



3. Director Alex Proyas' American film debut and Brandon Lee's final performance before his untimely death The Crow sours on black wings straight out of the darkest portions of the imagination. A dark, visually luscious and captivating tale The Crow (Based on the graphic novel and comics by James O'Barr) truly is a sight to behold. Proyas demonstrates his artistic abilities in creating films with incredibly dark and eye popping set designs which he'd later use to create a perfect Film Noir atmosphere for his vastly underrated masterpiece Dark City (1998). It is a story of live, death and most certainly revenge.
   
   Eric Draven, a rock guitarist and his fiancée are brutally murdered on October 30th, and a year later Eric rises from the grave under the guidance of a mystic crow which follows him, or leads the way, helping him on his quest for vengeance. Using make-up and articles of clothing leftover from his days as a heavy metal band he soon enters the city, a new man so to speak, his look being one that helped inspire The Joker in The Dark Knight.
   
   One by one he takes down the four gang members who murdered him, leaving behind the outline of a crow wherever it was he they were killed, his methods often brutal and without remorse, or the slightest sign of pity, because why should those who killed him receive less than the worst he can offer? Eventually his vendetta leads him to the criminals' deranged boss and his possibly even more psychotic half-sister. The two begin face off towards the end, when Draven crashes a little baddie get together as the boss was preparing to cause some mayhem, because nothing brings more of a smile to his face then a little chaos and anarchy. Once his entire group is taken down by the black clad Draven, he flees determined to kill the reborn individual leading to the film's last confrontation.
   
   Brandon Lee gives an amazing performance, which only makes his loss during this film all the sadder. This film proves that he could have surpassed his father (Bruce Lee), because The Crow proves Brandon is the better actor, and it is a shame that will never see where this film would've taken him if he were alive today.
   
   Alex Proyas as stated before proves he is one of the most unique and talented filmmakers in the business, though his style may not suit mainstream or the average Joe's likes it's still something to behold, because the only other director I've seen close to Proyas' level of craftsmanship when it comes to this style of art is the more universally recognized Tim Burton.
   The movie is short, at around ninety minutes, but all it is too me is short, sweet and to the point and couldn't be better without dragging on.
   
   I give The Crow 5 out of five stars for outstanding visuals, story and for the sensational performance by Brandon Lee.



4. This is one of my all time favorite DVD's and I was so fortunate to find it available on Amazon at an amazing price. It is now safely in my collection where I will watch it over and over again.



5. This is such a great movie. It has the look of Batman and Batman Returns, and has the feel of all the gothic literature/films that have been seen. Brandon Lee's (sadly) final performance is a treat: he is the one and only "Eric Draven", and all the others are just copycats of him. Pacing and direction of this film is compelling, while the wicked art direction stands out. Action sequences are a must-see, and the script is purely well-written. ***** out of *****.

1 comments about Scorpion.

1. great MMA action combined with great narrative makes for an action filled and satisfying film watching experience.