In the blink of an eye, September has arrived, and this month will see the release of several blockbuster movies, including “Beetlejuice,” “A Simple Favor” starring Blake Lively from “Gossip Girl,” as well as “We Are Champions” featuring Golden Horse Award winner Wu Kang-ren in a breakthrough performance, and the simultaneous release of “Bad Boys for Life 2” in Hong Kong and South Korea. Which one are you interested in watching?
“Beetlejuice” will be released on September 5th.
Warner Bros. Pictures returns after 36 years with the release of the darkest and most absurd classic IP in film history, “The Addams Family.” Directed by the genius Tim Burton, “Beetlejuice 2” is already a hot topic even before its release. In addition to the return of Michael Keaton in his iconic role from the previous film, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara also make a strong comeback. Of course, new faces join the cast including Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Jenna Ortega, William Defoe, and more, making the lineup exceptionally stellar!
The story tells of an unexpected family tragedy that led to the Diaz family’s three generations finally returning to their hometown. Nidia is still haunted by the ghostly family. Her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, unexpectedly discovers a gateway to the underworld in the attic of their home, leading to life-changing events. With both spaces filled with troubles, it’s only a matter of time before someone utters the name “Aziz” three times, and this mischievous demon will come back to create chaos once again.
“Break Through the Waves” | Premieres on September 8th.
With the momentum of being hailed as “the most sexually explicit love film in the history of Taiwanese cinema,” “The Garden of Evening Mists” is about to debut in Hong Kong. Golden Horse Award winner Joseph Chang makes his first full-frontal nude appearance since entering the film industry, co-starring with lead actress Sylvia Chang in bathing scenes and romantic bed scenes, breaking through in the aspect of “sex” performances to become the center of attention; Ke Yilin makes his first trip to Taiwan to play the role of a call boy dressed in latex bodysuits, engaging in BDSM love with Leung Cheong-wa, creating quite a buzz!
Yang Yazhe’s self-written and self-directed film “Riding Waves”, aims at the hookup culture of urban men and women in Taiwan, presenting explicit sexual scenes, yet explores modern views on love and sex in a poetic manner. The most raw topics are all depicted in this erotic film, including the representation of non-binary individuals, homosexuality, threesomes, BDSM, bondage, and discipline! The protagonists indeed offer the most natural and challenging performances in the film, especially actresses Liu Zhuping and Liang Xianghua, who interpret sex scenes in a bold and unpretentious way, a rarity in Mandarin-language cinema.
“Words Fail” | Premieres on September 12th
Presented by Universal Pictures, “Speak No Evil” is adapted from the sensational Danish horror masterpiece “Gaesterne” from 2022. It is a suspenseful thriller meticulously crafted by horror master Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions, following the enigmatic success of “The Invisible Guest.” Popular leading man James McAvoy, known for “Split” and “X-Men,” wholeheartedly portrays Paddy, hosting a chilling cat-and-mouse game that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats, terrifying them at every turn!
An American couple took their daughter on a vacation and met a family from Britain who also had a “family of three.” The husband, Paddy, was strong, handsome, and charming, with a great sense of humor. The two families quickly became acquainted, and the daughter spent the days playing with their son. Paddy invited the family to vacation in their countryside estate. Once everything was settled, their true colors were finally revealed, and the son carried a huge secret, turning the dream holiday into a nightmare of emotional turmoil…
“Pain of Love Completion” | Released on September 18th.
Sony Pictures presents “It Ends With Us,” adapted from the New York Times best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, starring the gorgeous Blake Lively and the charismatic Justin Baldoni who also directs and stars in the film.
Lily (played by Becky Li) bravely overcame childhood trauma and decided to move to Boston alone to open a flower shop and start a new life. By a chance encounter, she met the handsome and wealthy neurosurgeon Leo (played by Justin Baldoni), and they quickly fell in love. However, Leo’s character flaws gradually emerge, stirring up Lily’s painful memories of her original family. At this time, Lily’s childhood friend and first love, Atlas (played by Benton Charles), suddenly appears. How will this affect the already fragile relationship between Lily and Leo? In this heart-wrenching love triangle, how will Lily make her choice?
Further Reading:
- CHANEL 2024 Autumn/Winter Makeup Collection Preview! Focus on “Tarot Blush” to unveil the mysterious purple makeup look and reveal the unknown charm!
- 【Interview with Japanese Illustrator Matsui 松井】Cute Puppy Visits Macau! First Overseas Art Exhibition, Letting You Attend the Exhibition with Your Pet!
- Follow in the footsteps of the popular series “Emily in Paris” and experience the French romance depicted in the show!
JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL | Premieres on September 18th
Documenting the eight-month musical journey of Taehyung, a member of the Korean boy band BTS, preparing for his first solo album “Golden”. It includes exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and highlights from Seoul concerts and surprise performances in Times Square, New York. Join ARMYs from around the world on the big screen, follow Taehyung’s footsteps, and revisit his unwavering efforts and growth, cherishing the genuine and emotional moments along the way.
“The Prowler 2: Executioner” | Premiering on September 26
With the prestigious Hong Kong-based distribution company Mega-Vision Project Workshop backing it, the highly anticipated Korean crime-action film “I, the Executioner” is a sequel to the 2015 movie “I, the Hunt” directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. Starring Hwang Jung-min and Jung Woo-sung, Hwang Jung-min plays the hot-tempered detective Soo Do-chul, who tirelessly continues his pursuit of criminals day and night. With the appearance of a serial killer, this time he collaborates with the rookie Park Sun-woo (played by Jung Woo-sung), leading to a series of unimaginable events.
“《BIG 816》｜Released on September 26”
Director Wei Te-sheng, the Golden Horse Award winner, brings his latest heartwarming film “BIG,” delivering a light-hearted and touching lesson on life. Six child stars deliver sincere and natural performances as they portray children in the BIG 816 ward facing cancer with bravery, refusing to give in to life and death. Fighting against the enemy of cancer, the film touches the audience’s hearts and injects positive energy. Art director Masaru Danji, known for “Your Name” and “Journey of Elaina,” serves as the animation director, leading a multinational team from Japan, Italy, and Taiwan to create animation for the movie. It took over a year to complete nearly 300 scenes and 8000 drawings, designing character styles and battle actions for the 7 child characters!
Tell the story of six children from different backgrounds who move into Ward 816 of the children’s cancer ward. The children in Ward 816 all bear the mark of a warrior, a badge of bravery in their battle against the illness. The bustling ward is filled with: Yuan Yuan, who grew up in a zoo (played by Zheng Youfei, Best New Actor at the Taipei Film Festival); Yan, who always hides inside a homemade robot; Luo Heng, who rides his bike through the hospital corridors on adventures; Nura, who has a tumor on her buttocks and can only wear skirts; the jaded music-loving girl Jia Nong (played by Yu Huiqiao) and the adolescent boy Da Shan experiencing first love; as well as the parents who quarrel incessantly but come together to support each other when it matters most (played by Zeng Peici, Tian Zhongqian, Fan Yichen, and others). These six families support each other with love, sharing laughter and tears in the hospital ward.
“Decryption” | Premieres on September 26th
Directed and written by Chen Sicheng, adapted from the novel “The Secret” by renowned Chinese author Mai Jia, winner of the prestigious Mao Dun Literature Prize. The film is set to premiere in Hong Kong cinemas on September 26th. Starring mainland Chinese star Liu Haoran, Hollywood actor Andy Garcia, award-winning actor Chen Daoming, Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu, and a cast of talented actors, the movie was entirely shot in IMAX format! The film’s unique visual style includes scenes like red sand beaches washed by blue waves, numbers bubbling underwater, and a golden lighthouse standing tall amidst dense reed beds, creating visually stunning and impactful imagery!
