"Shaolin" released 2011

Awesome and spectacular Shaolin, released January 27, 2011 in Hong Kong, is a martial arts movie set in China in the early 20th century.  A ruthless warlord (played by the multi-talented Andy Lau) is betrayed by his second-in-command and flees to the refuge of a shaolin, seeking redemption.

The movie also stars Jackie Chan in a minor but entertaining role.  

Shaolin was released on January 19 in China, and September 9 in the US.  It was a major box office hit in Hong Kong and China.  Being released in Mandarin and Cantonese helped boost its popularity.

It was nominated for four Hong Kong movie awards, including a nomination for Best Song, co-written and performed by Andy Lau, who is also a successful singer in Asia.

Happy birthday, Andy Lau!

My favorite Chinese actor, the handsome, multi-talented Andy Lau was born September 27, 1961 in Hong Kong.  He has starred in House of Flying Daggers, Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame, Shaolin, and Saving Mr. Wu.  

He is also a successful singer-songwriter, having won numerous awards for his music, as well as his acting.

House Of Flying Daggers released in USA 2005

One of my favorite foreign movies, House of Flying Daggers, was released in the U.S. January 14, 2005.  It had been released in Hong Kong and China in July 2014. 

During the Tang Dynasty (9th century China), an organization known as "The House of the Flying Daggers" opposes the government.  A police officer Leo (played by a favorite of mine, Andy Lau) sends an officer to investigate Mei, a young dancer, claiming she has ties to the House of Flying Dancers.

It was China's official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for 2004.  It wasn't even nominated for that category but did get a nomination for Best Cinematography. 

I think the movie got screwed.