A new wave of martial arts cinema: Tanigaki Kenji’s ‘The Furious’
A fresh take on action
Tanigaki Kenji, a renowned Japanese director, has wrapped up production in Bangkok, Thailand, for his highly anticipated film, “The Furious”. This movie promises to be a top-tier Asian martial arts action thriller, showcasing the director’s expertise in crafting intense and realistic fight scenes.
A gripping storyline
Penned by Mak Tin Shu, the narrative centers around a humble tradesman, played by the talented Xie Miao from mainland China. The protagonist embarks on a relentless quest to rescue his kidnapped daughter, navigating through a labyrinth of criminals and malevolent agents. The stakes are high, and the action is relentless, making for a gripping cinematic experience.
A stellar pan-Asian cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring some of the most prominent names in Asian cinema. Joe Taslim from Indonesia, known for his roles in “The Raid” and “Mortal Kombat”, joins the cast alongside Thai star Jeeja Yanin of “Chocolate” fame. Other notable actors include Yang Enyu, Brian Le, Joey Iwanaga, and Yayan Ruhian. This diverse cast promises to bring a unique blend of styles and performances to the screen.
Behind the scenes
The production is helmed by Bill Kong, a leading producer in the region with credits like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero”. He is joined by Frank Hui and Shan Tam. Michael J. Werner, formerly of Fortissimo Films, serves as an executive producer alongside Todd Brown and Aram Tertzakian of XYZ Films.
Distribution and sales
Edko Films, under the leadership of Bill Kong, is financing the movie and will handle distribution in Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China. XYZ Films is responsible for sales in other territories and will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Tanigaki’s legacy
With a career spanning over two decades, Tanigaki Kenji has established himself as a gold standard for fight choreography in Asia. He has frequently collaborated with Donnie Yen and Soi Cheang, contributing to the success of films like “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, which became the highest-grossing local film at the Hong Kong box office. Tanigaki also served as the action director for the popular “Rurouni Kenshin” film adaptations.
Pushing the boundaries
In a recent interview, Tanigaki emphasized the film’s focus on realism, stating, “The action is very different from ‘Walled In’. We are very focused on realism, and I’m satisfied that we are pushing the boundaries of martial arts movies.” This commitment to authenticity is sure to resonate with fans of the genre.
XYZ Films’ impressive slate
XYZ Films has a rich history in the martial arts and action genres, having worked on the “The Raid” franchise and other notable titles like “The Night Comes for Us” and “Headshot”. Their current slate for TIFF includes several exciting projects:
- “Daniela Forever”, directed by Nacho Vigalondo and starring Henry Golding and Beatrice Grannó.
- “Full Throttle Mindset”, featuring Josh Duhamel and Lukas Gage.
- “Flesh of the Gods”, directed by Panos Cosmatos and starring Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac.
- “He Bled Neon”, with Joe Cole and Rita Ora.
- “Kill Me”, starring Allison Williams and Charlie Day.
- “Free Fall”, directed by Zoë Bell and starring Zachary Levi.
Additionally, XYZ Films recently acquired the global rights to “The Ritual”, featuring Al Pacino and Dan Stevens.
Edko Films’ track record
Edko Films is a powerhouse in the Asian film industry, with a portfolio that includes Ang Lee’s “Lust, Caution”, Zhang Yimou’s “House of Flying Daggers”, and the 2023 hit “Full River Red”. Their recent successes include the “Table for Six” series, the record-breaking “A Guilty Conscience”, and “Anita”. As a distributor, Edko has handled acclaimed films like “Monster”, “Drive My Car”, “Parasite”, “The Lives of Others”, and “3 Idiots”.
Final thoughts
“The Furious” is shaping up to be a landmark film in the martial arts genre, combining a compelling story, a stellar cast, and the expertise of some of the industry’s top talents. With its focus on realism and high-octane action, it is poised to captivate audiences worldwide. For those eager to get a glimpse of the action, check out the trailer and stay tuned for its release.