By Paul Caspers
Junji Sakamoto was born in 1958 and shot his first 16 mm short in 1986. His lengthy filmography includes movies about boxers—including his debut feature “Knockout” (1989)—and yakuza, political thrillers, historical films, and domestic dramas, and much besides. He used to be known for macho protagonists, but when gave the stage actress Naomi Fujiyama her first starring role in “Face” (2000), he gathered international acclaim, which has eluded him since. Hailed as ‘one of the unsung heroes of modern Japanese cinema’ by the critic Tony Rayns, he never became a household name, but the qualities and the sheer diversity of his work suggest a re-evaluation is overdue.
Junji Sakamoto’s latest film “Okiku and the World” had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, ahead of its Japanese release in late April, and the writer-director, attending the festival for the first time in 22 years, agreed to answer a few questions.
Junji Sakamoto was born in 1958 and shot his first 16 mm short in 1986. His lengthy filmography includes movies about boxers—including his debut feature “Knockout” (1989)—and yakuza, political thrillers, historical films, and domestic dramas, and much besides. He used to be known for macho protagonists, but when gave the stage actress Naomi Fujiyama her first starring role in “Face” (2000), he gathered international acclaim, which has eluded him since. Hailed as ‘one of the unsung heroes of modern Japanese cinema’ by the critic Tony Rayns, he never became a household name, but the qualities and the sheer diversity of his work suggest a re-evaluation is overdue.
Junji Sakamoto’s latest film “Okiku and the World” had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, ahead of its Japanese release in late April, and the writer-director, attending the festival for the first time in 22 years, agreed to answer a few questions.
- 2/8/2023
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Hot off the proverbial press we’ve just been dropped an English subbed version of the trailer from Panna Rittikrai’s (‘Born to Fight’ and ‘Bko: Bangkok Knockout’) last movie as a director... Vengeance of An Assassin, which will be released in November. Hard core fight action, violence galore and Subs, ohhhh we spoil you so! Check it out at the link. Synopsis: Being an assassin has its rules– always keep your eyes on your target; strict to your mission, execute without any hesitation and there is no room for negotiation! Each killer has his own background, but all of them has trade in their blood and losses. Natee is an assassin who decides to protect a girl whom he was ordered to kill. After they escape to a safe house where he had grown up with his brother Than. He is badly injured but is cured by Doctor Xi...
- 10/16/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
Panna Rittikrai, the action choreographer who introduced Thai action movies to world audiences, has died aged 53.
According to local press reports, Panna died from liver disease on Sunday in a Bangkok hospital. He had been battling illness since November 2013.
Born in 1961 in Khon Kaen province, Panna started working in the Bangkok film industry in 1979 training actors to fight. After moving back to his hometown, he put together his own stunt team and started making action movies. He trained Tony Jaa and had a major hit in 2003 with Ong Bak, produced by Sahamongkolfilm.
Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, Ong Bak introduced a new style of realistic, wire-free action choreography and put the Thai martial art of Muay Thai on the world map. It was swiftly followed by Tom Yum Goong (aka The Protector), reuniting the same team.
Panna soon turned director, as well as action choreographer, and directed a string of films for Sahamongkol including The Bodyguard, Ong Bak 2 and...
According to local press reports, Panna died from liver disease on Sunday in a Bangkok hospital. He had been battling illness since November 2013.
Born in 1961 in Khon Kaen province, Panna started working in the Bangkok film industry in 1979 training actors to fight. After moving back to his hometown, he put together his own stunt team and started making action movies. He trained Tony Jaa and had a major hit in 2003 with Ong Bak, produced by Sahamongkolfilm.
Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, Ong Bak introduced a new style of realistic, wire-free action choreography and put the Thai martial art of Muay Thai on the world map. It was swiftly followed by Tom Yum Goong (aka The Protector), reuniting the same team.
Panna soon turned director, as well as action choreographer, and directed a string of films for Sahamongkol including The Bodyguard, Ong Bak 2 and...
- 7/21/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Throw international martial arts badass Tony Jaa (“Ong Bak”) and low-budget 80s action icon Dolph Lundgren (“The Expendables,” “Red Scorpion”) into a movie together and you immediately have my attention. And that movie is “A Man Will Rise.” The other day, we had a few pictures from the set, but little to no actual information about the film, formerly titled “Local Hero.” Well now we’re back with even more photos, and whole bunch of news. And this isn’t just news, this is news that will pique your interest, especially if you enjoy watching people get pummeled about the head and face. First off, Tony Jaa is not only the star of “A Man Will Rise,” he’s also directing. This is his third venture behind the camera, as he helmed both “Ong Bak 2” and “Ong Bak 3.” He’s also bringing his old pal Panna Rittikrai (co-director of the two aforementioned films,...
- 4/12/2013
- by Brent McKnight
- Beyond Hollywood
American distributor Well Go USA are usually pretty good at not tinkering with their titles names, so it’s a little surprising that the latest title (director Nopporn Watin’s martial arts action ‘Yamada: The Samurai of Ayothaya’) is heading for the light of day Stateside under the less than original Muay Thai Warrior. Still, considering it’s a great action flick - and their track record to date - we guess we can forgive them this one transgression. Based on actual events from the 17th century's Ayutthaya period, Muay Thai Warrior combines lush visuals with a cast of Olympic athletes to provide viewers some of the most stunning and realistic Muay Thai techniques ever filmed for the big screen. The cast includes Seigi Ozeki (The Odd Couple), Sorapong Chatree (Bko: Bangkok Knockout, Ong Bak 2 & 3), Winai Kraibutr (Bangkok Revenge), and newcomers Kanokkorn Jaicheun, Thanawut Ketsaro and Buakhao Paw Pramuk. Muay Thai Warrior (urgh!
- 1/3/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
American distributor Well Go USA are usually pretty good at not tinkering with their titles names, so it’s a little surprising that the latest title (director Nopporn Watin’s martial arts action ‘Yamada: The Samurai of Ayothaya’) is heading for the light of day Stateside under the less than original Muay Thai Warrior. Still, considering it’s a great action flick - and their track record to date - we guess we can forgive them this one transgression. Based on actual events from the 17th century's Ayutthaya period, Muay Thai Warrior combines lush visuals with a cast of Olympic athletes to provide viewers some of the most stunning and realistic Muay Thai techniques ever filmed for the big screen. The cast includes Seigi Ozeki (The Odd Couple), Sorapong Chatree (Bko: Bangkok Knockout, Ong Bak 2 & 3), Winai Kraibutr (Bangkok Revenge), and newcomers Kanokkorn Jaicheun, Thanawut Ketsaro and Buakhao Paw Pramuk. Muay Thai Warrior (urgh!
- 1/3/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
With The Raid: Redemption now in cinemas around the world or on the cusp or release, the names of its stars have been gaining traction, those names being Iko Uwais, the star and master practitioner of Pencak Silat, and the director, Gareth Evans, from the Welsh valleys, who grew up with a love of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sam Peckinpah and John Woo. That love relayed itself into pursuing a career in cinema. Despite the misstep in 2006, with his little seen directorial debut, Footsteps, Evans never gave up on his dream until a moment of genuine serendipity when he found himself with the opportunity to direct a documentary about martial arts in Indonesia, an opportunity that lead from his Japanese-Indonesian wife. That lead to him making his next film, Merantau, where he started his work partnership with Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, and the rest is history, as they say.
- 5/18/2012
- by Rob Simpson
- SoundOnSight
In this week's episode, Tyler and Ben are joined by Joe Leininger (from The Playing Field) to discuss Panna Rittikrai's 2010 film, Bko: Bangkok Knockout.
Introduction
Character Name Game Intro - 2:37
Media Consumed
Joe
"I Hate My Teenage Daughter" - 3:59
"American Horror Story" - 6:23
Delirious - 8:36
Tyler
"Gilligan's Island" - 10:25
It's A Wonderful Life - 11:33
"Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" - 11:58
Ben
Jason Reitman's live read of The Princess Bride - 13:59
Review
Bko: Bangkok Knockout - 18:20
Wrap-Up
Next Time: Mystery Film - 37:40
Listener E-mail/Voicemail/Twitter - 38:55
Character Name Game - 42:25
Where You Can Find Us - 44:28
(Read Ben's coverage of Jason Reitman's live read of The Princess Bride here.)...
- 12/24/2011
- by benp
- GeekTyrant
In this week's episode, Ben and Tyler are joined by former co-host Pat Miller to discuss the first two films in the Die Hard franchise. Check out all of our back episodes at NotJustNewMovies.com, and don't forget to subscribe in iTunes and leave us a review. Thanks!
Introduction
Character Name Game Intro - 1:52
Review
Die Hard - 2:20
Die Hard 2: Die Harder - 30:00
Wrap-Up
Next Time: Bko: Bangkok Knockout - 59:00
Listener E-mail/Voicemail/Twitter - 59:22
Character Name Game - 1:05:48
Media Consumed
Tyler
"Better Off Ted" - 1:10:04
"Last Man Standing" - 1:12:08
The Sitter - 1:14:04
Ben
Sherlock Holmes - 1:17:16
Where You Can Find Us - 1:21:08
Av Club's Pop Pilgrims: Nakatomi Plaza...
- 12/15/2011
- by benp
- GeekTyrant
Panna Rittikrai sure can pick 'em. The man who introduced the world to Tony Jaa has discovered the next batch of Thai madmen prepared to risk life and limb to entertain you. The nine new faces in Bko: Bangkok Knockout do things with and to their bodies that no sane person would attempt, but that's Thai stunt work for you, always pushing the envelope and making the audience somehow simultaneously cringe and cheer. This movie is all but devoid of plot and exists only to pit crazy talented stunt men against one another in increasingly violent and absurd situations. In the immortal words of En Vogue, "Free your mind, and the rest will follow." Don't attempt to analyze, but lean back, and prepare to be...
- 9/17/2011
- Screen Anarchy
DVD Playhouse—September 2011
By Allen Gardner
In A Better World (Sony) Winner of last year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar, this Danish export looks at two fractured families and the effect that the adult world dysfunction has on their two sons, who form an immediate and potentially deadly bond. Director Susanne Bier delivers another powerful work that maintains its drive during the films’ first 2/3, then falters somewhat during the last act. Still, well-worth seeing, and beautifully made. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary by Bier and editor Pernille Bech Christensen; Interview with Bier. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
X-men First Class (20th Century Fox) “Origins” film set in the early 1960s, traces the beginnings of Magento and Professor X (played ably here by Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy), and how the once-close friends and colleagues became bitter enemies. First half is slam-bang entertainment at its stylish best,...
By Allen Gardner
In A Better World (Sony) Winner of last year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar, this Danish export looks at two fractured families and the effect that the adult world dysfunction has on their two sons, who form an immediate and potentially deadly bond. Director Susanne Bier delivers another powerful work that maintains its drive during the films’ first 2/3, then falters somewhat during the last act. Still, well-worth seeing, and beautifully made. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary by Bier and editor Pernille Bech Christensen; Interview with Bier. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
X-men First Class (20th Century Fox) “Origins” film set in the early 1960s, traces the beginnings of Magento and Professor X (played ably here by Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy), and how the once-close friends and colleagues became bitter enemies. First half is slam-bang entertainment at its stylish best,...
- 9/11/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
0:00 - Intro 6:00 - Headlines: Star Wars Blu-ray Changes, Josh Brolin to Star in Oldboy Remake, HBO Picks Up Mike Tyson Boxing Drama Da Brick, Steven Seagal Drives Tank into House, Killing Puppy 30:25 - Review: Red State 56:35 - Feature: Fall TV Preview 1:37:45 - Other Stuff We Watched: Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Exporting Raymond, Bko: Bangkok Knockout, If...., Dumb & Dumber, Paradise Lost, The Franchise: A Season with the San Francisco Giants, The Beaver, Buffalo Wingfest, Aladdin, Man on Fire 2:08:42 - Junk Mail: Current TV Top 50 Docs, Home Theatre Setups, DVD and Blu-ray Region Codes, Rumoured Arrested Development Movie Plot 2:23:45 - This Week's DVD Releases 2:26:10 - Outro 2:28:54 - Spoiler Discussion: Red State » Download the MP3 (79 Mb) » View the show notes » Vote for us on Podcast Alley! » Rate us on iTunes! Subscribe to the podcast feed: Donate via Paypal:...
- 9/7/2011
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
An opening ceremony to officially kick off the production of Tom Yum Goong 2 has already begun last Wednesday with the cast & crew in attendance. To bring the most action packed fighting the studios has to offer for the much anticipated sequel in 3D, action director Panna Rittikrai has assembled a martial arts cast line-up to join Tony Jaa and Jeeja Yanin (aka Jija Yanin). These include Dan Chupong (Dynamite Warrior, Ong Bak 3), Kazu Tang (Raging Phoenix, Bko: Bangkok Knockout) and American martial artist Marrese Crump, who is set to appear in Pittikrai's Formless and RZA's The Man With The Iron Fists. Returning from the first installment is director/producer Prachya Pinkaew and Thai comedian Mum Jokmok (aka Petchtai Wongkamlao). No word yet on...
- 8/19/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Bko: Bangkok Knockout aka Koht Soo Koht Soh
Directed by Panna Rittikrai
Written by Panna Rittikrai, Dojit Hongthong and Jonathon Siminoe
Thailand, 2010
Fantasia imdb
It comes as a bit of a shock to say that Bangkok Knokout is the best Kung Fu flick of this year’s Fantasia. It’s not as surprising to say that it includes the best martial arts and the best stunt work of the Festival. Thailand has been bringing the world the most bone-shattering, dirty, dangerous martial arts work since 2003′s Ong Bak and much of the credit for that can go to Panna Rittikrai, director of Ong Bak and Chocolate – or to put it another way, the man who introduced the world to Tony Jaa and Jeeja Yanin.
But great fighting by itself does not make for a great fighting film. The problem with most Thai films have been their weird and frequently incomprehensible...
Directed by Panna Rittikrai
Written by Panna Rittikrai, Dojit Hongthong and Jonathon Siminoe
Thailand, 2010
Fantasia imdb
It comes as a bit of a shock to say that Bangkok Knokout is the best Kung Fu flick of this year’s Fantasia. It’s not as surprising to say that it includes the best martial arts and the best stunt work of the Festival. Thailand has been bringing the world the most bone-shattering, dirty, dangerous martial arts work since 2003′s Ong Bak and much of the credit for that can go to Panna Rittikrai, director of Ong Bak and Chocolate – or to put it another way, the man who introduced the world to Tony Jaa and Jeeja Yanin.
But great fighting by itself does not make for a great fighting film. The problem with most Thai films have been their weird and frequently incomprehensible...
- 8/6/2011
- by Michael Ryan
- SoundOnSight
This looks fun, and our quote in the press release says it is, awesome! There's nothing quite like a little bit of Thai martial arts action, and this one flew a little bit under the radar, but if it is anywhere near as much fun as the films the cite in the press release, it's worth a shot. Any film directed by Panna Rittikrai is sure to have some bone crunching action and flying knees to the face, and that's never a bad thing. Bko: Bangkok Knockout recently played the New York Asian Film Festival, and comes to Blu-ray and DVD on August 30thFROM The Director And Fight Choreographer Of Born To Fight And The Ong Bak Franchisebko: Bangkok KNOCKOUTOnly The Strong Will Survive In...
- 7/27/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Get ready New Yorkers: the 2011 New York Asian Film Festival, two weeks of amazing (and sometimes amazingly weird) cinema, starts today at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater. This year's lineup is massive, so here are a few recommendations to get you started. There are lots of other good films at the fest, but you absolutely cannot miss these three.
"Sell Out!"
Directed by Yeo Joon Han, 2008
If "Dr. Strangelove" and "Office Space" had a baby, and then that baby was raised in a karaoke bar, it might look something like "Sell Out!" a hilarious, demented, and wildly creative comic musical from Malaysia. The film opens with TV host Rafflesia Pong (Jerrica Lai) interviewing a totally nude man named "Yeo Joon Han" -- a.k.a. the director of the movie we're watching -- in honor of his being named the Kryzhindangzhongbushaus Village Far Easter Film Festival's Young Oversea-Chinese Women New...
"Sell Out!"
Directed by Yeo Joon Han, 2008
If "Dr. Strangelove" and "Office Space" had a baby, and then that baby was raised in a karaoke bar, it might look something like "Sell Out!" a hilarious, demented, and wildly creative comic musical from Malaysia. The film opens with TV host Rafflesia Pong (Jerrica Lai) interviewing a totally nude man named "Yeo Joon Han" -- a.k.a. the director of the movie we're watching -- in honor of his being named the Kryzhindangzhongbushaus Village Far Easter Film Festival's Young Oversea-Chinese Women New...
- 7/1/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
The Tribeca Film Festival has the stars. The New York Film Festival has the award winners. But the New York Asian Film Festival has the coolest, boldest, and strangest genre movies, and that's why it holds a special place in my heart. While most festivals specialize in quote-unquote arthouse fare, Nyaff brings the Asian mainstream -- the stuff that would almost never play here otherwise -- to America.
We're big fans of the Nyaff at IFC and we're looking forward to another excellent edition this year. The lineup was just announced and it looks stacked. It includes a few superb films I saw at last year's Fantastic Fest, including the entertaining exploitation documentary "Machete Maidens Unleashed" from "Not Quite Hollywood" director Mark Hartley. The stuff I'm jazzed to see for the first time includes the world premiere of Takashi Miike's "Ninja Kids!!!" (their exclamation points, not mine), "Ocean Heaven,...
We're big fans of the Nyaff at IFC and we're looking forward to another excellent edition this year. The lineup was just announced and it looks stacked. It includes a few superb films I saw at last year's Fantastic Fest, including the entertaining exploitation documentary "Machete Maidens Unleashed" from "Not Quite Hollywood" director Mark Hartley. The stuff I'm jazzed to see for the first time includes the world premiere of Takashi Miike's "Ninja Kids!!!" (their exclamation points, not mine), "Ocean Heaven,...
- 5/31/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
While we wait ever patiently for Us distributor Magnet Releasing to get the lead out, and release Panna Rittikrai’s hard core fight pic Bko: Bangkok Knockout in the States, we’ll happily keep our options open as to where we can nab a copy on English subtitled DVD. Korea has just gone to the number one spot on that count, as its opens there theatrically next week. A DVD of full-on, bone crunching, martial arts fight action, out around July time then? Oh Yes, we think so.
- 5/7/2011
- 24framespersecond.net
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