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Tears on Fire (2021) (DVD) (Ep. 1-10) (End) (Tote Bag Limited Edition) (Taiwan Version)
Liu Kuan Ting (Actor)
| Chang-Ying Hsieh (Actor)
| Austin Lin (Actor)
| Hu Shi An (Actor)
On days of disaster and tragedy, we laud the heroics and sacrifices of firefighters and first responders. But are we providing the needed resources and understanding to support their work and livelihood every day of the year? The ten-episode PTS series Tears on Fire depicts the experiences and challenges of firefighters and EMTs in Taiwan. The drama follows a typical brigade in the Tongan Branch of Dayuan City Fire Department. The team, which includes James Wen, Annie Chen, Liu Kuan Ting and Austin Lin, works around the clock to respond to emergency calls. In Taiwan, EMS (emergency medical service) is provided by the fire department, so firefighters are also trained as EMTs (emergency... [read more]
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Red Velvet Mini Album Vol. 6 - Queendom (Girls Version)
Red Velvet
Just when we thought we'll have to wait for Red Velvet's comeback till kingdom come, the girls surprise us with a new mini-album after almost two years of wait. Irene, Seul Gi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri radiate queen energy through their sixth mini-album Queendom! "'Cause we are Queens and Kings / Put your hands up higher / Even if it rains / Strong and beautiful / A rainbow completed with different colors" – Red Velvet comes back stronger with their self-empowering title track Queendom (Track 1)! Making their first group comeback in 20 months, the girls go for a safer choice with a catchy but not particularly stunning title song. Queendom forthrightly spreads the message of "we are the queens... [read more]
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Hangout With Yoo - MSG Wannabe Album Package
Yoo Jae Suk
| Ji Suk Jin
| Kim Jung Min
| KCM
Following last year's SSAK3 and Refund Sisters, MBC variety program Hangout With Yoo surprises with another music project – MSG Wannabe, a parody of well-known vocal group SG Wannabe! This time, Yoo Jae Suk acts as producer Yoo Ya Ho to bring quality K-ballads with aspiring singers Byeollu Ji (Ji Suk Jin), Kim Jung Su (Kim Jung Min), Kang Chang Mo (KCM), Jung Ki Suck (Simon D), Lee Dong Hwi, Lee Sang Yi, Wonstein and Parc Jae Jung. MSG Wannabe officially debuts with their first album that features songs from a strong lineup of songwriters, ranging from Park Geun Tae (composer of SG Wannabe's Timeless) to Brown Eyed Soul's Naul and Young Jun. Subunit M.O.M (Byeollu Ji, Kang Chang Mo,... [read more]
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Detective Chinatown 3 (2021) (Blu-ray) (English Subtitled) (Hong Kong Version)
Liu Hao Ran (Actor)
| Tsumabuki Satoshi (Actor)
| Wang Bao Qiang (Actor)
| Nagasawa Masami (Actor)
Out of all the films that were originally set for theatrical release in China for Chinese New Year in 2020 and then pushed back due to COVID, only two films delayed their release dates all the way to 2021 Chinese New Year – the cartoon feature Boonie Bears: The Wild Life and Detective Chinatown 3. Most of the other big-name titles, like Leap, Vanguard and Jiang Ziya, opened later in 2020 or, in the case of Lost in Russia, premiered on digital platforms instead. Detective Chinatown 3, however, was held an entire year for the Spring Festival opening, because it's very much a Lunar New Year film. Despite the detective buddy comedy being a surefire blockbuster anytime of the year based on its... [read more]
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SF9 Mini Album Vol. 9 - Turn Over (Special Version) (Random Version)
SF9
Mnet's Kingdom: Legendary War successfully wound down in early June. During Kingdom, SF9 displayed their "classy sexy" charisma to the finest with grand and deep performances. They continue to illustrate this glorious chapter of their music journey with the ninth mini-album Turn Over. Instead of dropping summer jams like many other groups, SF9 goes moody and sentimental in title track Tear Drop (Track 1). At first listen, it gives off a pretty strong Good Guy vibe with its catchy topline, UK garage beats and song arrangement – both songs are from the same writers and producer. The group once asked their loves not to miss out on them in Good Guy. They are now left with broken hearts in Tear... [read more]
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The Con-Heartist (2020) (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Hong Kong Version)
Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul (Actor)
| Nadech Kugimiya (Actor)
| Mam Kathaleeya McIntosh (Actor)
| Ter Chantavit Dhanasevi (Actor)
When it comes to glossy commercial films that hit you in the feels and the funny bone, it's hard to go wrong with GDH. The 2020 comedy The Con-Heartist deploys the blockbuster studio's tried-and-true formula of pretty people engaging in cute romance and wacky comedy, but this crowd-pleaser leads with crime caper elements. Romcom favorite Baifern Pimchanok gives one of her most lovable performances as Ina, a humble banker who wears her heart on her sleeve. That's how she ended up getting scammed by ex-boyfriend Petch (a wily, smiley Thiti Mahayotaruk) and saddled with debt. When she encounters suave con artist Tower, played by Channel 3 heartthrob Nadech Kugimiya, she ropes him into helping... [read more]
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Twice Mini Album Vol. 10 - Taste of Love (Random Version)
Twice (Korea)
Let's catch the summer fever with more summer jams! Following last week's Summer Queen by Brave Girls, another girl group arrived with more bangers – it's Twice with the new EP Taste of Love. This time, Twice gives us another taste of summer with their mature, sultry charms in the mini-album. Rather than going for an energetic and passionate night like in Dance The Night Away, Twice takes their time to chill and get tipsy in the title track Alcohol-Free (Track 1). With hip-hop elements blended in a bossa nova-based melody, Alcohol Free enacts a dreamy, magical summer romance in a tiddly atmosphere: "You are my champagne, my wine that I drink with my eyes. My tequila, margarita, Mojito with... [read more]
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Future Cops (1993) (Blu-ray) (Hong Kong Version)
Aaron Kwok (Actor)
| Chingmy Yau (Actor)
| Jacky Cheung (Actor)
| Andy Lau (Actor)
Some people may say that Future Cops is a terrible motion picture. And those people would not be wrong, but that doesn't stop me from wholeheartedly loving this wacky 90s Hong Kong classic. The sci-fi action comedy is directed by – who else? – Hong Kong cinema's king of low-brow comedies Wong Jing, and it aims to entertain by throwing everything but the kitchen sink into its nonsensical fun. One of the biggest draws of Future Cops is that it's packed with stars, and they all dress up in ridiculous cosplay-quality costumes, as the film giddily rips off characters from Street Fighter II. Future Cops enjoys the distinction of having three Heavenly Kings – Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung and Aaron Kwok... [read more]
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Brave Girls Mini Album Vol. 5 - Summer Queen (Random Version)
Brave Girls
Considering the numerous scandals that broke out earlier this year, the rise of Brave Girls with viral hit Rollin' was perhaps the most positive and hopeful thing to happen in the K-pop industry. Now, the girls are back, and they're gonna be summer queens with their fifth mini-album! Brave Girls continue to go strong with the title track Chi Mat Ba Ram (Track 1)! Again produced by their boss and producer Brave Brothers, the tropical house dance number Chi Mat Ba Ram conveys a summer love that freshly arrives like the breeze blowing through their dresses. Despite coming with an entirely different melody, the song feels very much like Rollin' – from Yu Jeong's sweet opening to the addictive... [read more]
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Red Velvet : Joy Special Album - Hello (Photo Book Version)
Joy (Red Velvet)
Last year, Red Velvet's Joy surprised us with her hit song "Introduce Me a Good Person" from the Hospital Playlist OST. This year, she accompanies our summer days with the special remake album Hello for her official solo debut! Joy says goodbye to lonely days and welcomes sunny days in life with the modern rock title track "Hello" (Track 1). Carrying the dual meanings of "hello" and "goodbye," Annyeong (the Korean title of "Hello") is a remake of Park Hye Kyoung's "Good Bye," and encourages listeners to start their days with positivity. Kenzie's arrangement, along with Joy's bright tone, adds a more dynamic energy to the heartening anthem. When listening to Joy's rendition, you can totally... [read more]
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![Magic Touch / Beating Hearts [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)](https://d3tvwjfge35btc.cloudfront.net/Assets/22/706/S_p0148970622.jpg)
Magic Touch / Beating Hearts [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
King & Prince
Since their debut in 2018, King & Prince has personified the characteristic Johnny's look and sound for a newer generation. Their image is youthful, fresh-faced and princely, and their singles are mostly very bright and very pop in that warm, familiar and dated Johnny's way. Last year's Mazy Night, however, showed that King & Prince would very much suit an edgier look and more updated sound. And that edgier look and sound comes this year in the single Magic Touch. Magic Touch is co-composed by Adrian McKinnon, who is known for his work on SM artist songs like EXO's Obsession and NCT 127's Superhuman. This song is a total bop from the moment its beats slide in, and Hirano Sho sets the tone... [read more]
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It's OK To Be Sad
Janice Vidal (Singer)
There are a lot of great Cantopop singers in Hong Kong, but Janice Vidal's songs always hit differently. Janice comforts our wounded soul with nine healing pieces in It's OK To Be Sad. The song title says it all – It's OK To Be Sad (Track 1). Janice encourages us to not neglect our emotions, and to embrace the negativity in ourselves: "It's ok to be sad, it's ok to lose your mind. Life is not a childhood fantasy, sometimes it appears to have no mercy." With Janice's gentle timbre on top of a lighthearted melody, the empowering It's OK To Be Sad heals hearts with a calming ambience that makes you want to take it easy on everything. Apart from It's OK To Be Sad, Wyman Wong also wrote lyrics... [read more]
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Sung Si Kyung Vol. 8 - Siot
Sung Si Kyung
It's hard to believe that Siot is only Sung Si Kyung's eighth full-length Korean album, given that he's entering the 21st year of his career this year. You may know him as a host, entertainer, OST singer, or Instagram foodie, but he is officially back to claim the title of "ballad prince" in the music scene. A full decade since the release of his seventh album, Sung Si Kyung fondly sings about love, life and stories that deeply touch our hearts. Opening with the English single And we go (Track 1) sets a delightful ambience for the album. Produced by singer-songwriter Cho Kyu Chan, the tranquil and beautifully written "Wanderer" (Track 2) captures the feelings of solitude and longing during... [read more]
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Start-Up (2019) (Blu-ray) (Korea Version)
Jung Hae In (Actor)
| Yeom Jung Ah (Actor)
| Choi Jeong Yeol (Director)
| Ma Dong Seok (Actor)
Not to be confused with the 2020 Korean TV series Start-Up about a group of ambitious youths trying to launch a start-up business, the 2019 Korean film Start-Up is about a group of unambitious youths just trying to start up their lives. Based on a popular webtoon, Start-Up stars Park Jung Min and Jung Hae In as academically uninclined buddies Taek Il and Sang Pil, who are on the cusp of adulthood but have nothing much going for them. Taek Il runs away from home after getting into a fight with his mother (Yeom Jung Ah). He ends up doing deliveries for a Chinese restaurant, along the way meeting a troubled girl with a mean punch (newcomer Choi Sung Eun). Hoping to make money to support his... [read more]
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Highlight Mini Album Vol. 3 - The Blowing (Random Version)
Highlight
In their two-year group hiatus, Highlight fulfilled their military service, and unfortunately went through yet another lineup change. Du Jun, Yo Seop, Gi Kwang and Dong Woon embark on a new journey, hand in hand, unfolding Highlight's new chapter with their third mini-album The Blowing. Highlight asks fans to count on them with the heartfelt and assuring line "I'm still here, it's not the end" in the title track. Co-penned by Gi Kwang, Not The End (Track 1) is a synthpop plug that delivers hope with the message of "winter has passed, spring has arrived, and I'm still here as always." Now without a main rapper, the group is focusing more on vocal parts, and they still show improvements every... [read more]
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A Little Reunion (2019) (DVD) (Ep. 1-49) (End) (China Version)
Huang Lei (Actor)
| Hai Qing (Actor)
| Tao Hong (Actor)
| Sha Yi (Actor)
With the family drama A Love for Dilemma currently trending in China, now seems like a good time to revisit the acclaimed 2019 series that came before it, A Little Reunion. A Love for Dilemma, A Little Reunion and 2016's A Love for Separation are all family stories based on novels by Lu Yingong. All three are worthwhile watches, but A Little Reunion is the highest-rated on Douban for good reason. A Little Reunion is centered around three families during a crucial period: the final year of high school when students prepare for the gaokao, China's all-important national college entrance exam. A Love for Separation's Huang Lei and Hai Qing return as parental figures of free-spirited,... [read more]
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Red Velvet: Wendy Mini Album Vol. 1 - Like Water (Case Version)
Wendy (Red Velvet)
After seven years of wait, Red Velvet's Wendy finally gifts us her long-awaited first solo mini-album Like Water! Having gone through hardships in her yearlong hiatus, Wendy comes back in a stronger self, and with a stronger voice, to welcome a new chapter of her life. Wendy shows off her vocal color and skills all at once in the mellow but powerful main title track Like Water (Track 2). Produced by Coach & Sendo, the acoustic pop ballad describes a love that is soft, healing and important Like Water: "My love is like water, filling up your painful spots, wrapping around your wounds, and hugging you tightly, making you stand up again." We're used to hearing Wendy sing high notes in Red... [read more]
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![DOWN TOWN / Ganbarenaiyo [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)](https://d3tvwjfge35btc.cloudfront.net/Assets/18/061/S_p0148106118.jpg)
DOWN TOWN / Ganbarenaiyo [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version)
Juice=Juice
Juice=Juice has often sounded like a girl group from a different era, because their music digs very squarely into the standard idol J-pop sound, even in comparison to other Hello! Project groups. Last year, they went deliberately old school with the single Pop Music, which playfully referenced kayo pop music of yesteryear. Now they bring a cover of Sugar Babe's 1975 city pop classic DOWN TOWN for their first single of the year. City pop has seen a revival of late. Whether it's old songs going viral or younger artists reinterpreting the genre, the nostalgic sound has found a new audience, and not just in Japan. As the OG of all city pop, Sugar Babe's DOWN TOWN has been covered many times... [read more]
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Pentagon Mini Album Vol. 11 - LOVE or TAKE (Mild Version)
Pentagon
After going wild and crazy for love with Dr. BeBe and Daisy last year, Pentagon brings back their signature gleeful and bouncy music in their latest release! Eight manhwa boys pop up and melt your heart with romantic songs in LOVE or TAKE. The physical album is well designed in a manhwa concept complete with comic book sleeves, making it especially worth collecting. Making their first refreshing-style comeback in almost two years, Pentagon goes all bright, sweet and lovey-dovey in their 11th mini-album. Opening track 10s and (Track 1) sets a dreamy and fantasy ambience for the album, leading you into the world of a melodrama or romance comic. "Say you like me, just stick with me or not / Do... [read more]
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Pentagon Mini Album Vol. 11 - LOVE or TAKE (Romantic Version)
Pentagon
After going wild and crazy for love with Dr. BeBe and Daisy last year, Pentagon brings back their signature gleeful and bouncy music in their latest release! Eight manhwa boys pop up and melt your heart with romantic songs in LOVE or TAKE. The physical album is well designed in a manhwa concept complete with comic book sleeves, making it especially worth collecting. Making their first refreshing-style comeback in almost two years, Pentagon goes all bright, sweet and lovey-dovey in their 11th mini-album. Opening track 10s and (Track 1) sets a dreamy and fantasy ambience for the album, leading you into the world of a melodrama or romance comic. "Say you like me, just stick with me or not / Do... [read more]
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