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UPI
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
John Woo: Film retrospective showcases beauty of violence
1 of 6 | John Woo, seen at the 2017 Venice Film Festival, considers "A Better Tomorrow" his first auteur movie. Photo by Ettore Ferrari/EPA LOS ANGELES, July 31 (UPI) -- Editor's note: This article contains spoilers his article contains spoilers for "A Better Tomorrow," "The Killer," "A Bullet in the Head" and "Hard Boiled." Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo came to Los Angeles in 1993 following the success of his gangster films like A Better Tomorrow, The Killer and A Bullet in the Head, which captured a unique style of action. He brought heroes spinning and jumping in slow motion while they shot guns, sometimes two at a time, to Hollywood films like Hard Target, Face/Off and the recent Silent Night. His Hong Kong films, along with A Better Tomorrow's sequels and the cop drama Hard Boiled, have now been restored in 4K. The Better Tomorrow movies and The Killer are already available, while A Bullet in the Head releases Aug. 22 and Hard Boiled's restoration begins a theatrical retrospective Saturday, which Woo will attend in Los Angeles. In a recent interview with UPI, Woo, 78, said these earlier films signalled his auteur phase. Woo had been directing features since 1974, but it was 1986's A Better Tomorrow that allowed him to explore the aesthetics that would become his trademarks. "With A Better Tomorrow, I got the opportunity to do whatever I want," Woo said. "I could say that was my first auteur movie." The John Woo style Woo credited producer Tsui Hark, who directed A Better Tomorrow III and other films also receiving 4K restorations and theatrical screenings, with empowering him to explore those techniques. In A Better Tomorrow, Ho (Ti Lung) and Kit (Leslie Cheung) are on opposite sides of the law. Chow Yun-fat plays Mark, Ho's bodyguard in the counterfeiting business. The trio get involved in shootouts with police and Triad gangsters, but Woo focused on their friendship. "I was using slow motion to emphasize the emotion of the action," Woo said. "So to make action look more elegant." When Woo's characters would shoot at each other, Woo considered the gunfire musical. "When I'm making the gun battle sequences, I just do it like I'm making a dancing scene," Woo said. "The body movement, even the rhythm of the gunshots, it sounds very much like music. I so care about the rhythm, especially the gunshot, the gunfire and the movement. The whole thing looks pretty much like ballet dancing." Woo grew up watching movie musicals and listens to music on the set of his action movies. His playlist ranges from Ennio Morricone to classical music and rock n' roll. While his characters may be spinning, jumping or rolling, slow motion is just as important to capture their facial expressions. "I like movement, all kinds of movement, body movement or camera movement," Woo said. "I like everything on the move. It also can help the mythic quality, make a scene look more beautiful and have some kind of romanticism. I like to see beautiful things." Drawing from childhood 1989's The Killer introduced another Woo trademark, doves flying through gunfire. Chow plays a hitman who befriends a cop (Danny Lee) while taking a job to atone for blinding an innocent singer on his last assignment. Woo remade the film with Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy last year. In the original Killer's climax, Chow and Lee have to shoot their way out of a church. Woo chose doves to show the character within the violent men. "Deep inside their hearts, they have good hearts and a lot of humanity inside," Woo said. "There's some kind of beauty inside their heart." Woo was already familiar with doves because in high school, he would draw posters for his church, featuring doves. He did not realize they would become his trademark after The Killer, flying through many other violent scenes. "I just love the bird," Woo said. "I think the bird is the most innocent and pure and very peaceful animal to me." Woo continued to enjoy freedom making films like A Bullet in the Head and Hard Boiled. The latter, for example, afforded Woo 150 days to explore the story of hard boiled cop Tequila (Chow) teaming up with undercover cop Alan (Leslie Cheung). "In Hong Kong I could work like a painter," Woo said. "The second half of the movie was shot without a script. I create on the set. I create dialogue, create every scene on set, because everything was so simple." A Bullet in the Head is still the film Woo considers his most personal. It revolves around three friends (Leung, Jacky Cheung and Waise Lee) who attempt to escape poverty by joining the criminal underworld in Vietnam. It's 1967, so the trio end up embroiled in the Vietnam War. "The first half of the movie was based on my biography," Woo said. Growing up in the slums of Shek Kip Mei, Woo said he was friends with a gambler's son, whom he sometimes protected from police. They got into some trouble, but Woo said the second half of the film is fiction. From tragedy to hope Still, the gangster plot and war atrocities that test the characters' friendship ring true to Woo. Money and survival instincts test whether friendship can truly last forever. "It's a test of their friendship," Woo said. Some of the characters fail that test, as most of Woo's Hong Kong films end tragically to emphasize the turmoil Woo was expressing. Hard Boiled originally had a darker ending too. In that film, Woo reconsidered Alan's heroic death after his crew vocalized their affection for him. "When I shot the scene, everybody was so quiet," Woo said. "The women, they were crying. They were begging me, 'John, please don't let him die. Don't let Tony Leung die. He's a good man.'" Other crew members tried to convince him that Alan had suffered enough during the events of the film. So Woo shot one more scene with Leung showing Alan survived. "It brings in a lot of hope," Woo said. "That's how I changed the ending, because of the crew. They're really involved and Tony was such a nice man and nice character, everybody loved him." The fate of one of Woo's Hollywood characters may be changing in the near future, too. Paramount is developing a Face/Off sequel without Woo. Screenwriter Simon Barrett and director Adam Wingard are working on a sequel that would bring back Nicolas Cage and John Travolta in a film that would see their sons carry on their rivalry. They posit that Cage's character, Castor Troy, was not dead but only unconscious at the end of the original, which amused Woo. "Well, Castor was dying," Woo said. "Some people like a producer or writer are always thinking what if they make a sequel? So they keep him alive. But I think he should die."
UPI
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
'Point Break,' 'Timecop,' John Woo movies coming to digital 4K
1 of 3 | Keanu Reeves, seen at the "Ballerina" premiere in Los Angeles, stars "Point Break," coming to 4K digital. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- Shout! Studios announced the digital 4K releases of Point Break, Timecop and several Hong Kong films on Wednesday. The two Hollywood films are available Friday for rent or purchase in 4K for the first time. The A Better Tomorrow trilogy premieres digitally on July 8. John Woo directed the first two and Tsui Hark the third, all starring Chow Yun-fat. Woo and Chow's The Killer and Tsui's Peking Opera Blues become available July 22. Shout! released physical 4K UHDs of Point Break and Timecop. Point Break stars Patrick Swayze as an FBI agent who goes undercover with surfers led by Patrick Swayze to catch a gang of bank robbers. Timecop stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as a time-traveling policeman. Shout! made a deal to distribute the Golden Princess library under its Hong Kong Classics banner. A collection of Jet Li films and City on Fire, also starring Chow, are planned for 4K UHD. A Better Tomorrow launched Woo's signature action style with slow motion moves and gangsters shooting two guns at once. Those, along with The Killer, made Chow a leading Hong Kong action star. They would also reteam for Hard Boiled and Once a Thief. Woo directed a remake of The Killer starring Nathalie Emmanuelle and Omar Sy last year. Tsui also directed and produced the Once Upon a Time in China films and produced Chinese Ghost Story and Iron Monkey films. Peking Opera Blues is an action comedy starring Brigitte Lin, Sally Yeh and Cherie Chung. Shout! plans to release the Chinese Ghost Story trilogy August 5 and Woo's A Bullet in the Head in 4K on Aug 19.
New Paper
25-05-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
King Ravana brings up first career win for Khor in Ipoh
IPOH - Khor Peng Hwa was thrilled to be welcoming his first winner at his third meeting as a full-fledged trainer, when King Ravana took out the opener in Ipoh on May 24. Previously known as Gold Rush when trained by Tan Kah Soon in Singapore, King Ravana ran seventh over 1,400m in his first run for the new Malaysian handler in Ipoh on May 11. He then ground out a tough win in the the RM20,000 (S$6,000) Class 5A event (1,600m) second-up. The $27 shot led in the straight under Saddam Saari. But at the 200m, A Better Tomorrow (Harmeet Singh Gill), on his outside, and Circuit Star (Lim Shung Uai), on his inside, drew level with him. King Ravana fought back with every stride to score by ¾ length from A Better Tomorrow eventually. Circuit Star finished third. Before the Ipoh-born Khor - more popularly known as Ah Lek - received his trainer's licence in April 2025, he was an assistant trainer to the late Dutch-Malaysian trainer Evert van Breukelen, and more recently, Peter Lee. The 60-year-old had tasted success regularly while working under his former bosses, but this time, he won it in his own right. Khor did not dream of working in the racing industry, even if he was born into racing, figuratively. "My father, Khor Sun Yam, was a gardener with the Perak Turf Club, and my family stayed in the staff quarters on the racecourse grounds," he said. "I played with horses in the stables as a kid, but I never thought I would be in racing." Khor studied up to Form Six, but had no idea what to do for his first job. It was then when he recalled enjoying the company of the horses and the excitement of seeing the equine athletes in action. He started out as a syce with trainer Mohd Zafir when he was 20 years old. After working under Loh Kit Soon and Johnny Kok, he joined van Breukelen as a stable supervisor. Khor was also granted his B trainer's licence while with van Breukelen, but when his mentor passed away, he joined Lee for four years. King Ravana's victory did not come easy, but Khor praised the Jimmy Choux eight-year-old for his sheer grit in races. "I am elated to finally saddle my first winner. I want to thank the Perak Turf Club for giving me the licence," said Khor, who is single. "Last time, the 1,400m was a bit too short for him. The 1,600m and 1,800m should be his best trips. "I was not so worried even if he looked a bit one-paced (in the last 200m), because he has a big heart and would always find that extra gear. The last time he won (on March 3, under Lee), he fought back to beat his then-stablemate (Char Kway Teow) by a nose. "He should be up in Class 4 next, which is tougher. We'll see what is available on the programme." Unplaced in 12 starts at Kranji, King Ravana broke through immediately in Malaysia in 2022. He had four consecutive wins for Leong Poh Keong, before picking up two more in 2023 and 2024 when under Lee's care. TURFONLINE
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Popular Irish supermarket with 185 locations opens brand new store in busy city as major anniversary celebrated
A POPULAR Irish supermarket chain has opened a brand new store as it celebrates 25 years in business. Lidl Ireland opened a new store in Galway this morning in a major boost to Advertisement 4 Lidl opened a new store in Claregalway, Co Galway today Credit: Xposure 4 Galway county LGFA players Nicola Ward, Kate Slevin and Kate Geraghty joined the Lidl Claregalway store team Credit: Xposure 4 Lidl Claregalway store manager Edgars Juksinskis pictured with Carmel Ní Bhroin, Principal, Claregalway National School S.N. Bhaile Chláir Na Gaillimhe to give donation of €500 in Lidl vouchers and Neil McLoughlin, Lidl Area Manager Credit: Xposure Located in Claregalway, this is the retailer's 100th store to feature a solar PV system that will generate more than 20 per cent of the building's energy requirements. This takes And it is set to create 30 new jobs in the local area in a boost to residents. It represents a €7million investment into the community by the retailer, and is located right in the centre of the village. Advertisement READ MORE IN LIDL It has state-of-the-art facilities including a spacious shop floor with wide aisles, self-service checkouts, long tills, an off licence, and an in-store bakery. The Claregalway branch is the retailer's 186th store in the Republic of Ireland, and 229th store on the entire island. Lidl has committed to reducing operational emissions as part of it's A Better Tomorrow sustainability strategy. To date, Lidl has invested more than €12million into solar panel installation and is currently the owner of the largest array of rooftop solar panels in the country. Advertisement Most read in Money The shop also has a range of additional sustainability features in this new store, including LED lighting with Dali control, high performance building fabric, heat recovery and electric vehicle charger spaces for customers. The store was opened this morning alongside Galway county Shoppers go wild as Dubai chocolate dupe drops in Lidl To mark the opening, the team at Lidl Claregalway donated €1,000 in Lidl vouchers to Anam Croí and Claregalway National The first ten shoppers through the door got to be the first to enjoy opening day discounts and received a complimentary Lidl gift voucher. Advertisement Commenting at the Claregalway store opening, Lidl Ireland's Regional Managing Director Tara O'Connor said: "On behalf of Lidl Ireland I am delighted to open our new Claregalway store. "This year Lidl celebrates its 25th Anniversary in Ireland and it's a great way to begin our celebrations in "We have been with the Galway community since the beginning of our Lidl journey here in Ireland back in 2000, and it's great to see the ongoing support the Galway community has offered us along the way. MILESTONE "Lidl Claregalway has been highly anticipated in the area and we're delighted to finally welcome customers to the brand new, state-of-the-art store. Advertisement "Lidl is rooted in communities throughout Ireland, and we pride ourselves on operating in a way that is sustainable with the least impact possible on the environment. "As part of this commitment, Lidl Claregalway marks a milestone in our sustainable journey as it is our 100 th store to feature solar panels which generate more than 20 per cent of the store's energy and reduces our impact on the local environment." At the opening, Local Claregalway Ladies Gaelic Football player Kate Slevin said: "Through its longstanding partnership with LGFA, Lidl has been hugely supportive of its communities and it's great to see them further investing in the Galway area by bringing a state-of-the-art store to Claregalway, creating employment for local people. "It was great to be a part of the store opening this morning and to see all the work that goes in to opening a store, as well as meeting the local community and enjoy the store opening." Advertisement 4 Edgars Juksinskis pictured with Geraldine Carr, Operations Manager at Anam Croí to give donation of €500 in Lidl vouchers and Neil McLoughlin, Lidl Area Manager Credit: Xposure THE HISTORY OF LIDL IN IRELAND LIDL first opened in Germany in 1973. Back then, it employed just three people, stocking 500 product lines. The first Irish store, located just off Molesworth Street in Dublin, was opened in 1999. This was Lidl's first entry into the Irish grocery market. Then, Lidl opened more stores in 2000, in Limerick, Letterkenny, Mullingar, Athlone, Cavan, Ballinasloe and Portlaoise. Now, the retailer has over 180 stores and three distribution centres, employing over 6,000 people. They work with a network of more than 260 Irish suppliers from the communities they operate in.
Cision Canada
16-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CRACKING DOWN ON CONTRABAND: IMPERIAL TOBACCO COMMENDS ONTARIO'S LEADERSHIP Français
MONTREAL, May 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Imperial Tobacco Canada (Imperial) congratulates Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy on taking decisive action against contraband tobacco products in the 2025 Budget. Reducing the prevalence and accessibility of contraband tobacco products in the province will not only have a positive impact on the safety of local communities but will also have considerable positive outcomes on the province's finances by recovering millions of dollars of lost tax revenue, which can be used to support key government initiatives. "It is encouraging to see that the Ford government is acknowledging that the fight against contraband tobacco is essential to the safety and wellbeing of communities across the province", says Eric Gagnon, Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Imperial. "We thank the province for their leadership on this important file and look forward to working together to combat contraband tobacco, undermine organized crime and keep people safe." Imperial is especially pleased to see the following key elements of the Budget reflecting this ambition: Expanded Penalties: Ontario is extending fines under the Tobacco Tax Act to cover the possession of illicit tobacco products other than cigarettes, including cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Also, the government will strengthen fines for other offences related to contraband tobacco. Stronger Enforcement: The province is boosting support for the Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET), enhancing coordination with the OPP to target links between illicit tobacco, drugs, and firearms. Online Sales & National Action: Ontario is tackling the rise of online contraband tobacco sales and urging federal cooperation to build a national enforcement framework—joining Alberta in pushing for cross-country action. The Ontario Budget highlights online sales and distribution as a major driver of the illicit tobacco trade and urges the federal government to take strong national action to address this threat. "The provinces need the support of the federal government when it comes to illicit trade, so we are encouraged that Ontario is calling for much-needed federal leadership on an issue that affects all provinces and communities across the country", noted Eric Gagnon. Imperial calls on other provincial governments and Ottawa to follow Ontario's lead and tackle Canada's contraband tobacco trade through collaboration and smart policy for the good of Canadians, and for the long-term benefit of government coffers. Imperial Tobacco Canada is the leading tobacco and nicotine company in Canada, part of the global BAT group. Our mission at BAT is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by promoting a Smokeless World. We envision a future where smokeless products replace cigarettes, encouraging smokers to make a Switch to Better.
