celluloid consommé

Jalmari Helander’s new action film pits an old man against a group of roving nazi soldiers in 1944. And some gold. We’re currently seeing a reappraisal in the action film world. Flicks that would normally get the straight-to-video treatment nowadays have a better shot at theatrical runs, thanks to projects like  John Wick  celebrating its diverse array of stunt workers and martial arts stars of the big and small screen. Perhaps it’s rekindled interest in reserving a little more space for the simple beat-em-ups that we’ve pushed off to the margins every so often. Press enter or click to view image in full size Jorma Tommila as Aatami Korpi in SISU. ©Freezing Point Oy, photographer Antti Rastivo Not all of these DTV titles have to have something to say, in fact it’s better that they don’t in some cases. But the driving force behind them is always different, whether it’s a vehicle to jumpstarting an up-and-comer’s career or creating a passion project.  Sisu  is one of t...

Ernesto Díaz Espinoza’s fourth feature film with Marko Zaror soars. Poster image courtesy of Well Go USA. Chile isn’t entirely known for its contributions to martial arts cinema but with  Fist of the Condor ’s recent release and acclaim, there really should be a lot more. In doing some (light) research on how many Chilean martial arts films there actually are, three were found. They have all been directed by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza:  Kiltro, Redeemer , and  Condor . All three of them star Marko Zaror. Espinoza and Zaror have a martial arts monopoly on their hands, and if  Condor  is anything to go by, they’re extremely capable ones. Across Espinoza’s films with Zaror, there’s a consistent reverence towards each diverse fighting style. As is the case for  Fist of the Condor  the titular form is steeped in the immediacy of self-defense against oppressors by the Incas. Hidden away is a secretive manual illustrating the legendary Fist of the Condor technique...