Antoine Fuqua, the man who has gone from making music videos to directing the Michael Jackson biopic

Michael, the biopic based on the life of Michael Jackson, promises to be one of the great films of the year. It has plenty of reasons. Jackson is an iconic figure in pop, with great controversies and who, at one point in his career and for more than two decades, had a crucial importance for music. Declaring that his importance is equivalent to that of The Beatles may be exaggerated, but it wouldn’t be too far from the truth. With a budget of around 200 million dollars, Lionsgate Films has absolute faith that it can be a […]

Michael, the biopic based on the life of Michael Jackson, promises to be one of the great movies of the year. It has plenty of reasons. Jackson is an iconic figure in pop, surrounded by great controversies and who, at one point in his career and for more than two decades, was of paramount importance to music. Declaring that his importance is equivalent to that of The Beatles may be exaggerated, but it wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

With a budget of around 200 million dollars, Lionsgate Films has absolute faith that it could be one of the movies of the year. That’s why they have enlisted one of the most iconic directors in Hollywood today. A man who doesn’t direct the most renowned films, but knows how to generate money, create a stylish movie, and above all, has great experience in making music and visuals blend perfectly. Because if there’s one man who can do this job, it’s Antoine Fuqua.

The origins of the music video

Born in 1965 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Antoine Fuqua did not start out dreaming of directing movies. He first studied electrical engineering, hoping that it would open the doors to piloting jets in the military. What made him change his mind? Two things. On one hand, the films of Akira Kurosawa, and particularly, the scripts of his regular collaborator, Shinobu Hashimoto, which made him realize the value of justice, sacrifice, and honor. On the other hand, a childhood in a troubled neighborhood, surrounded by violence, and a teacher who guided him towards art to steer him away from it, revealing to him that another possible world existed for him.

His career as a director began at Propaganda Films. Founded in 1986, this was the most important production company of the 90s and 00s. Specialized in music videos and television commercials, it created a pathway for professionals to hone their skills and create the best possible productions. They started by making music videos, then moved on to making television commercials, and with a portfolio of completed productions, they took the leap to direct their own films. Having huge success stories like David Fincher, Michael Bay, Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, Zack Snyder, Gore Verbinski, or Antoine Fuqua himself.

He started directing music videos in the 90s and he didn’t direct videos for just anyone. Among his clients were Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Toni Braxton, but there was one music video in particular that put him in the eye of the storm. In 1995 he would direct the music video for Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio, which featured an extremely popular Michelle Pfeiffer, and which would be used to promote Jerry Bruckheimer’s next movie: Dangerous Minds. One of the highest-grossing and most popular films of the year.

After this, the path was clear. And he prepared to make the leap to cinema. Something he did successfully, although not without his share of stumbles.

A man to invest in

His first two films, Replacement Killers and Bait, were not exactly box office hits. The latter was an absolute failure. But they were also low-budget films that allowed him to sign on for a third, which would indeed explode in popularity. In 2001, he released Training Day, a perfect blend of police thriller and action movie, would showcase Antoine Fuqua’s best qualities: an incredible ability to shoot action, impeccable staging, and excellent direction of actors. Especially when that actor is Denzel Washington.

In the following twelve years, he released films that were box office and critical successes such as King Arthur, Shooter, and Southpaw. Without dominating either the box office or critical reception, they managed to establish a perfect balance: they were liked by both critics and the public enough to have more than decent budgets and not only recover them but also double them. Achieving substantial profits while giving prestige to their producers. Something that gave him the opportunity to make the film that would originate the trilogy that ultimately elevated him to stardom: The Equalizer.

Released in 2014 and based on an 80s series of the same name, the premise is simple. A former marine gets involved in tricky situations with the mafia and makes sure that the mobsters cease to exist in this world forever. With Denzel Washington as the lead, the movie is violent, frantic, and packed with emotion. This is why, with a modest budget of around 70 million, it managed to gross just over 190 million.

This has led to two other films in the franchise, released in 2018 and 2023. Always putting at the center its excellent eye for action, staging, and the tremendous presence of Denzel Washington, the films have never failed at the box office. Always with a budget between 60 and 70 million and making around 190 million, they have achieved something tremendously unusual in the film world: staying consistent over time and not losing traction with the passing of the installments. Something that only another highly regarded franchise in recent action cinema, like John Wick, can boast.

Now Fuqua releases Michael, the biopic about Michael Jackson. Although critics are divided over its approach, overlooking everything related to his accusations of pedophilia, one thing is clear: it is a film full of style and knows how to use music. Will that be enough to attract the audience and justify its budget of 200 million dollars? That remains to be seen. But Fuqua has shown that if anyone can do it, it’s him.

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Predator: Badlands could have had an ending inspired by Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa

The movie Predator: Badlands has gained prominence recently thanks to its release on streaming platforms and its physical format launch, which includes an audio commentary by director Dan Trachtenberg. In this commentary, Trachtenberg reveals that the original ending of the film featured a much more contemplative duel, inspired by the styles of Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa. However, after audience reactions during test screenings, it was decided to modify this ending to satisfy the public’s desire for more action between the central characters. Ultimately, they opted for something different The director mentions that the […]

The movie Predator: Badlands has recently gained prominence thanks to its release on streaming platforms and its physical format launch, which includes an audio commentary by director Dan Trachtenberg. In this commentary, Trachtenberg reveals that the original ending of the film featured a much more contemplative duel, inspired by the styles of Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa. However, after the audience reactions during test screenings, it was decided to modify this ending to satisfy the audience’s desire for more action between the central characters.

They finally decided on something different

The director mentions that the first decision was to add more Predators to the confrontations, culminating in a spectacular moment where Dek eliminates two of them in one blow. This quest for a more dynamic outcome reflects a need to do justice to the fans’ expectations, who wanted to see more confrontations after the intense tension of the film’s first acts.

Additionally, the visual confrontation between Dek and his father draws inspiration from scenes in Predator: Prey and from Shakespeare’s work Macbeth, which adds a rich background of cultural references. Trachtenberg also maintained the shocking sequence in which Bichito eats his father’s head, a moment designed to capture the audience’s attention, despite the absence of some characters in the previous scene.

Finally, regarding his doubts about how to close the film with the arrival of Dek’s mother, the director sought the advice of the iconic James Cameron, who provided his perspective on this ending. Predator: Badlands is now available for streaming on Disney+.

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Hideo Kojima is clear: he wouldn't be here if it weren't for Super Mario Bros

Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator behind iconic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has shared his reflections on his beginnings in the video game industry and his deep cinematic influences. In a recent interview, Kojima revealed that his passion for video game development was triggered by an unexpected classic: Super Mario Bros. The famous platform game, released over four decades ago, became a defining experience during his college years, where he played it obsessively, even skipping classes. If he is dedicated to video games, it is thanks to […]

Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator behind iconic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has shared his reflections on his beginnings in the video game industry and his deep cinematic influences. In a recent interview, Kojima revealed that his passion for video game development was triggered by an unexpected classic: Super Mario Bros. The famous platform game, released over four decades ago, became a defining experience during his college years, where he played it obsessively, even skipping classes.

If you are dedicated to video games, it is thanks to Nintendo

Despite the fact that the first Super Mario practically lacked a complex narrative, Kojima felt that the medium of video games had a narrative potential capable of surpassing cinema. “Without Super Mario, I probably wouldn’t be in this industry,” he stated, emphasizing how the game, despite its simplicity, made him feel like he was living an adventure. This initial conviction was fundamental to his decision to enter game development.

Kojima also spoke about the cinematic influences that have shaped his unique style as a creator. He named renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and Akira Kurosawa, but particularly highlighted John Carpenter, whom he considers a master at challenging film genres with works like Halloween and The Thing.

Regarding his most emblematic work, Metal Gear Solid 2, Kojima clarified a common misunderstanding: many interpret it as a story centered on artificial intelligence, when in reality it encompasses broader themes about “what human life could become in the digital age”. These statements remind us of the innovative and philosophical approach that Kojima has brought to the art of video games, establishing him as a key figure in the evolution of interactive narrative.

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MGM+ announces a miniseries remake of one of the greatest classics in cinema

MGM+ has decided to revive the epic story of The Magnificent Seven, producing a new version in the format of an eight-episode miniseries. This work, based on the classic film from 1960 and, in turn, on Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954), aims to offer a deeper and more nuanced narrative than previous adaptations. Leading the project will be Tim Kring, known for his work on the series Heroes, who will serve as showrunner. A western that has already been done many, many times The remake promises a different approach by focusing on the personal background of each […]

MGM+ has decided to revive the epic story of The Magnificent Seven, producing a new version in the format of an eight-episode miniseries. This work, based on the classic film from 1960 and, in turn, on Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954), aims to offer a deeper and more nuanced narrative than previous adaptations. Leading the project will be Tim Kring, known for his work on the series Heroes, who will serve as showrunner.

A western that has been made many, many times

The remake promises a different approach by focusing on the personal background of each of the seven mercenaries. The story will follow a group of experts hired by a village of Quakers, harassed by a ruthless landowner. As the mercenaries integrate into the community, they will have to face the complex morality of violence, questioning whether it is justifiable to use it to protect a pacifist faith community.

Although the basic argument will remain true to previous versions, the characteristic development proposed by this series could provide greater depth to the characters. MGM+ had already explored the realm of remakes before, with the recent adaptation of Robin Hood, which suggests that the company is willing to take risks in the reinterpretation of classics, even when previous versions are relatively recent, such as the film directed by Antoine Fuqua in 2016, which featured a renowned cast including Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt.

This series adds to the rich history of The Magnificent Seven, which has left its mark on cinema with several films and a television series that aired in the 1990s. The expectation is that this new approach will not only revitalize this well-known narrative but also bring a new layer of complexity, inviting viewers to reflect on the ethical decisions of its characters.

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Spike Lee's latest for Apple TV+ is the modernization of a masterpiece that didn't need a new version

I understand it, of course I understand it. Akira Kurosawa is one of the three best directors in the history of cinema, and, since we have been without enjoying his genius for more than 30 years, in the absence of a new Kurosawa, there are a few who have decided to copy him. Or, rather, to create on what has been created, taking his cinema and giving it a little twist so that it remains, in one way or another, original. Not long ago, Oliver Hermanus adapted the great masterpiece of the director, Ikiru (Living) to the United Kingdom with Living. The result was, more than poor, unnecessary, but the hunt […]

I understand, of course I understand. Akira Kurosawa is one of the three greatest directors in the history of cinema, and, since we have been without enjoying his genius for over 30 years, in the absence of a new Kurosawa, there are a few who have decided to copy him. Or rather, create upon what has been created, taking his cinema and giving it a little twist so that it remains, in one way or another, original. Not long ago, Oliver Hermanus adapted the great masterpiece of the director, Ikiru (Living) to the UK with Living. The result was, more than poor, unnecessary, but the floodgates were opened… And of course, Spike Lee has taken up the baton.

Yeah yeah, Kurosawa oh yeah

In 1963, Kurosawa created Hell of Hate, an absolute marvel that is part of his five best works alongside Seven Samurai, Ikiru, Dersu Uzala, and Rashomon. Over six decades, the film has been revered by critics and cinephiles around the world, and rightly so: the suspense builds gradually as only a master could do, culminating in an absolutely unrepeatable third act that has inspired films like Parasite, representing class struggle in modern Japan like no one else. It is a vibrant, necessary, unique, exemplary film. A masterpiece, indeed.

It’s not that the movie, which is also an adaptation of the novel The King’s Rescue by Evan Hunter, hasn’t been adapted before: there’s a Japanese television series, a Bollywood remake and there were even rumors of a version scripted by David Mamet and directed by Martin Scorsese. But of course, Spike Lee, as good as he is (and he is), is not Martin Scorsese, and From Heaven to Hell, his particular tribute to the Japanese master, is a small great nonsense only for those who want to understand it.

Lee, the author of fabulous films like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, or Summer of Sam, already had a terrible clash with Asian cinema with his particular remake of Old Boy, the masterpiece by Park Chan-Wook. However, after showing the world that he still had a storyteller inside him with things to say thanks to BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods: Brothers in Arms, he has decided to team up with Denzel Washington to tell his vision of Kurosawa’s story. A man, in his ivory tower, whose son is kidnapped on the same day he risks everything he has to close the most important deal of his life. Is it entertaining? Of course. Is it necessary? Certainly not.

This is Lee’s third remake, and he has finally learned something after the previous two: not to replicate the films he wants to pay homage to shot for shot and to make them his own. There is no doubt that From Heaven to Hell is a production that is entirely Lee’s, but it is also one that is far inferior to the original work, and one can only wonder why. To what extent does ego come into play and what was the need to take an immortal work, completely change the third act, and turn it into something more interesting than a remake per se, but still unnecessary. No matter how much A24 and the Cannes Film Festival are involved.

Spike Lee is a great director, but if he stands next to Akira Kurosawa, he will always be overshadowed in any position: it’s not that From Heaven to Hell is a bad movie; it’s that it pales in comparison to the greatness of The Hell of Hate. Lee shows that he is still capable of telling a story about the themes that matter to him, but for that, he should stand on his own. After all, there is only one thing worse than a bad movie: one that has no reason to exist. Fortunately, on Apple TV+ you can see for yourself if that’s the case.

This undercover remake of one of Akira Kurosawa's best films arrives today on AppleTV+ and you shouldn't miss it for anything in the world

Akira Kurosawa is one of the greatest Japanese directors in history. Not just Japanese. He is one of the greatest directors in history. Few directors have had not only his influence but also his recognition, popularity, and career. He is an absolute institution in every possible sense and a true rara avis. One of those indisputable directors whose even lesser-known films are worth discussing in depth. Or imitating with enthusiasm. That is what Spike Lee must have thought when approaching his new film, as he has decided to make a remake and reinterpretation of a […]

Akira Kurosawa is one of the greatest Japanese directors in history. Not just Japanese. He is one of the greatest directors in history. Few directors have had not only his influence but also his recognition, popularity, and career. He is an absolute institution in every possible sense and a true rare bird. One of those indisputable directors whose even lesser-known films are worth discussing in depth. Or imitating with delight.

That is probably what Spike Lee thought when approaching his new film, as he has decided to make a remake and reinterpretation of one of Kurosawa’s most prestigious films: High and Low, or The Hell of Hate. A film perhaps not as famous as his samurai movies, but considered one of his greatest masterpieces.

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A classic by Kurosawa that you must know

Based on the novel King’s Ransom by Evan Hunter, Kurosawa presents us in The Hell of Hate with a very interesting premise: a businessman struggling to control the shoe company of which he is part of the board decides to make a purchase financed by third parties with all the savings of his life. But this coincides with a great personal tragedy. In a way. A person in serious financial trouble mistakes his chauffeur’s son for his own son, demanding a ransom of 30 million yen, which is a large part of his savings, putting him in a terrible personal situation. Does he value his career more or the life of an innocent child, even if he is not from his family?

The movie is a masterpiece, which you can also watch on Filmin, both technically and narratively. By holding up a mirror to Japanese society of the time, it seeks to show the existing conflict between human and economic values and the differences between social classes. All of this with great success.

Being a box office and critical success, it was also an absolute success outside of Japan. Considered one of Kurosawa’s great films, it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes and was part of the Official Selection at the Venice Film Festival in 1964. Two notable achievements for a Japanese film of the time, even considering it was Kurosawa.

His Reinvention of Spike Lee: A Strong Contender for the Oscars

The remake and reinterpretation by Spike Lee closely follows the film, while giving it a contemporary twist. Replacing Toshiro Mifune with Denzel Washington, the movie follows a music producer who seeks to buy the majority shares of his record label, only to discover that his son has been kidnapped. Although like in the original, he will soon find out that the one who has been kidnapped is his son’s best friend, the son of his driver and best friend. This will lead him to the same situation we experienced in the original film: are personal and professional ambitions worth more than the life of a child?

Released on August 22 in theaters in the US, the film has been critically acclaimed. With a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is one of the highest-rated films of the year. Something that should already spark our interest.

Now premiering on AppleTV+, there is no reason not to give a chance to one of the films with the greatest potential to become one of the movies of the year. Especially when it is a strong contender for the Oscars, both due to its release dates and because it has been backed by critics. And if you don’t want to have to rush to catch up on everything you’ve missed when it gets nominated in a few months, now is the perfect time to watch this From Heaven to Hell.

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Spike Lee confirms that he will not work again with one of his favorite actors

Spike Lee has stated that he will probably not collaborate with Denzel Washington again after their fifth joint film, titled Highest 2 Lowest. During a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, Lee expressed that their creative partnership has been a blessing, but this could be the end of the road. “I don’t know if we’re going to make more [films]; I think this is it: five,” the director said. A reinterpretation of an absolute classic of Japanese cinema, Highest 2 Lowest, which premieres in theaters on August 22 and will be available on Apple TV+ on September 5, […]

A reinterpretation of an absolute classic of Japanese cinema

Highest 2 Lowest, which premieres in theaters on August 22 and will be available on Apple TV+ on September 5, is a reinterpretation of the classic film High and Low by Akira Kurosawa. Since their first collaboration in 1990 with Mo’ Better Blues, the pair has worked on iconic works such as Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man. However, Lee has noted that Washington’s recent comments about a possible retirement have influenced his decision to end this fruitful collaboration.

Denzel Washington has given hints about his future in the film industry, mentioning that he plans to retire after completing certain projects. Among them are a historical drama about the Carthaginian general Hannibal and an adaptation of his Broadway production, Othello. Additionally, he has expressed interest in participating in Black Panther 3, although there are no guarantees of his inclusion in the project. Nate Moore, the film’s producer, has also expressed his desire to have Washington in the Marvel Universe, although it is still unknown how the plans will develop.

Despite his possible retirement, Washington has clarified that he will not completely leave cinema, but will reduce his workload and focus on projects that interest him. “I am not retiring. It’s not like everything will end on June 5,” the actor clarified, leaving the door open for future selective collaborations.

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The anime adaptation of this classic Capcom video game is coming to Netflix very soon

Netflix is slowly becoming the home of quality anime, this time making room for an adaptation of Onimusha with a great director

Netflix continues to invest in anime, and it seems to be paying off for them. Not only was the live-action adaptation of One Piece a huge success, but they also keep bringing their own anime productions to the forefront. Especially, they are adapting famous video game franchises. This time, they have chosen a cult Capcom franchise, which may not be the first to come to mind when we think of Japanese anime, but it has great potential for an amazing series. After all, there’s nothing quite like feudal Japan to tell a compelling story.

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That’s why Netflix has announced that it will premiere an anime adaptation of Onimusha on November 2nd. This Capcom video game released its first installment in 2001 for PlayStation and is a hack and slash game where players control a samurai who must confront the forces of Oda Nobunaga. With eight installments and a remaster released in 2018 under the name Onimusha: Warlords, it’s a fairly successful franchise in Japan and reasonably successful in the West, although it doesn’t have the massive popularity of Resident Evil.

In the anime, we will follow Miyamoto Musashi, who has been modeled after the famous actor Toshiro Mifune, the favored actor of Akira Kurosawa. Although the synopsis doesn’t provide many details about the story, we do know that it will take place during the Sengoku period, and Musashi will have to carve his path while facing the evil that has engulfed a poverty-stricken Japan. It’s expected that we will see the formidable Nobunaga orchestrating all sorts of mischief in the series.

While the number of episodes for the anime and the studio responsible for it haven’t been specified, it has been highlighted that the series is directed by Takashi Miike. He is a prolific Japanese director who has previously worked on masterpieces such as Ichi The Killer, Lesson of the Evil, and the remake of Hara-Kiri. Therefore, Onimusha is one of those series that we absolutely can’t miss this autumn.

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