Feng Zhu Design

Here’s someone who’s artwork is quite inspiring. His work is what you would see from an art department of a production film. You can see character designs, set/location designs, vehicle concepts, etc.

Sometimes artists are given a vague concept, with which they can “run with” and come up with inspiring pieces that further develops the storyline.

On the other hand, sometimes a movie script is very fleshed-out, with lots of details, and the artist is asked to visualize what is written.

All in all, it seems to be a very rewarding occupation.

www.FengZhuDesign.com

Tango – The Spirit of Argentina

I’m watching on PBS a showing of Tango – The Spirit of Argentina. It looks to be an interesting documentary/showcase of Argentine Tango.

There’s a narration of the history of this dance, and includes “re-enactments” of sorts — basically dance numbers set in different locales to fit the narration.

Looks pretty good.

God of Gamblers (1989)

With the seemingly tremendous popularity of poker, especially when tournaments of “Texas Hold’em” can be found at all times of the day on various cable channels, I am reminded of a film I saw quite a while back.

God of Gamblers.

Starring Chow Yun Fat and Andy Lau, this Wong Jin-directed film sports a strong plotline. Well, strong for an action movie, that is.

It’s about a gamber (Chow) who’s so good he’s called Du Shen, “gamble god” or translated, “God of Gamblers”. However, he has an accident and loses his memory, and winds up with some small-time gamblers (led by Lau).

Hilarity ensues. Well, not quite.

In any case, the film offers an enjoyable, tight storyline, and features a good amount of fight choreography and cool takes on some games of chance.

This film inspired a number of sequels, starring comedic actor Stephen Chow (of Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle fame).

Check it out.

Serenity

Now there’s a sci-fi film worth talking about.

In a time when more money and time is being poured into visual effects than say…STORY or sympathetic, well-rounded CHARACTERS (played by actors who can ACT), Serenity comes as great relief.

Based on Joss Whedon’s short-lived TV series, Firefly, Serenity recaps the origins of the show, but at the same time is a smart, complete storyline in itself.

Filled with great dialogue, unexpected twists in characters you think you might know, and a strong overall message and tone, Serenity is a film that can be enjoyed by audiences of many different tastes: from the diehard sci-fi fan, to the romantic, to the action/adventurer.

Check it out.