criterionforum.org

Johnnie To's new film should come out in May in France. It features Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Simon Yam as well as To regulars, and looks as great as any film by this favorite director of mine.

Here's a teaser. Can't wait for it, could even get a wider release as it will be in English and is co-produced by a French company.

Should be great.

Watching the teaser I was struck by the shot of the sea of black umbrellas at night. It's strange to see To orchestrating something so similar to the climax of Sparrow so soon.

"sea of umbrellas"

Ichikawa did it first (or at least much earlier) in his (and Miyagawa's) Ototo (Little Brother).

I've not seen Ototo, but if we're talking sea of umbrellas, perhaps Hitchcock takes the lead.

kinjitsu wrote:I've not seen Ototo, but if we're talking sea of umbrellas, perhaps Hitchcock takes the lead.

Remind me. (Please).

;~}

MEK

There were already many shots like that in regen from 1929 and of course it's very possible that it has been done even earlier.

There you go. I did say perhaps. Anyhow, Michael, here are two grabs of the umbrella scene that I was referring to.

kinjitsu wrote:Anyhow, Michael, here[are two grabs of the umbrella scene that I was referring to.

Blocked. ;~{

The final setpiece of The Sparrow involves a sea of umbrellas as well. I guess it's To's new "thing".

Michael Kerpan wrote:

kinjitsu wrote:Anyhow, Michael, here[are two grabs of the umbrella scene that I was referring to.

Blocked. ;~{

Sorry. Try again.

On the other hand the scene where the boat arrives reminded me of Election (if I'm correct) and the last scene reminded me of Exiled. Is he starting to repeat himself visually? Or maybe the people who made the trailer consciously put in the scenes (umbrellas, boat, etc.) to create a sense of familiarity.

Skritek wrote:On the other hand the scene where the boat arrives reminded me of Election (if I'm correct) and the last scene reminded me of Exiled. Is he starting to repeat himself visually? Or maybe the people who made the trailer consciously put in the scenes (umbrellas, boat, etc.) to create a sense of familiarity.

I hope that's the reason for all the reused shots.

New trailer.

So glad he's doing this instead of that Le Cercle Rouge remake.

The Red Circle remake is still going to happen. According to wiki shooting starts in summer. And then there's "Death of a Hostage" with Lau Ching Wan of course. Can't wait for all three of these...

Cde. wrote:So glad he's doing this instead of that Le Cercle Rouge remake.

Melville has been a huge, if not defining influence on To's work. Personally, I can't think of a better filmmaker for an update.

Johnnie To, for me, has, over time, become a great filmmaker.