Cinematheque: Dada dusts off a blaxploitation classic (and other film news)
The Mack, a classic blaxploitation flick from 1973 is up for a free Tuesday screening at Dada.
The Mack from 1973 was directed by Michael Campus and is said to feature "a killer soundtrack" filled with songs recorded by Motown artist Willie Hutch.
Goldie returns from five years at the state pen with good intentions for a fresh start, but quickly finds himself getting into the pimping game. As he climbs the ladder of his "profession", corrupt cops and rival players want to slow him down and bring him back down to the small time.
The movie has had a big influence in both later film and music industry, especially within the hip hop scene. The most famous scene in the movie shows the "Annual Players Ball", which has become an often-referenced cultural icon. It was the name of Outkast's first single, it became the theme of Jay-Z's 1997 single "Who You Wit" and it was parodied by Chappelle's Show, where it was renamed the "Player-Haters' Ball."
The movie stars Max Julien, a young Richard Pryor, and a real life pimp playing himself, Frank Ward. Told to be "tough, gritty and raw, with an undeniable truth in its story and characters" this Tuesday movie night at Dada sounds like a real treat. And not just because of the free popcorn!
The movie is shown in English with English subtitles.
Where: Dada Bar, 115 Xing Fu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu
Starts: Tuesday 26th January, Doors: 8pm, Showing: 9pm
Cover: Free entrance and popcorn
Check out what other movies are showing in Shanghai this coming week. Links lead to info about times and venues.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE MOVIES
- Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel: Three sensational and oh-so-cute chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore are returning to the silver screen. They end up living with owner Dave’s nephew Toby and meet their equally talented female counterparts, the Chipettes. In English or Chinese depending on the cinema.
- Avatar: (阿凡达): James Cameron is back with this super expensive sci-fi thriller in 3D. Follow ex-marine Jack (Sam Worthington) as he explores planet Pandora as an avatar; a human mind in an alien body. On this paradise-like planet, he faces hostilities from exotic life forms and falls in love with a female alien. This movie used ground-breaking techniques and is being shown in 3-D. In English or Chinese depending on the cinema.
- The Spy Next Door (邻家特工): Seasoned secret agent Bob Ho has lived through a number of impossible missions, but he soon realizes that watching his girlfriend´s three kids will be his toughest task yet. Featuring Jackie Chan as the undercover babysitter, the film shows you how complicated babysitting can be, even for a skillful spy. Language TBA.
- District 9: (第九区) This sci-fi flick delivers an amazing story about extraterrestrials who come to live on Earth. Instead of being hostile attackers, these aliens are actually refugees from space who seek asylum. They get set up in the temporary home: District 9 in South Africa. The film´s special effects are jaw-dropping and the alien guns are simply ridiculous. In English with Chinese subtitles.
CHINESE LANGUAGE MOVIES
- Confucius (孔子): Learn more about the respected Chinese thinker in this film. Directed by Hu Mei, China’s fifth-generation director, the film features Chow Yun-fat as Confucius. The plot depicts the latter half of Confucius’ life, from when he takes up the chancellor position of his home Kingdom until his death. Zhou Xun stars as the beauty Nan Zi in this high-budget production. Mandarin only or in Mandarin with English subtitles depending on the cinema
- Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (名侦探柯南：漆黑的追踪者): The 13th episode in the Japanese movie franchise starring Japanese detective Conan finally comes to Shanghai. This 2009 anime film follows the prodigious young detective as he solves a serial murder case in Japan. Six people are killed and Mahjong tiles are left next to each victim as a strange clue. Dubbed in Mandarin or in Japanese with Chinese subtitles, depending on the cinema.
- Bodyguards and Assassins (十月圍城): This historical drama features an all-star cast, including action star Donnie Yen and Fan Bingbing. It also happens to mark the screen debut of Super Girl Li Yuchun. Set in the early 20th century in Hong Kong, the plot follows a group of revolutionaries fighting against the British and Qing government to protect Republic of China founder, Sun Yet-san. Director Teddy Chan is reported to have spent almost 10 years masterminding this flick. In Cantonese or Mandarin depending on cinema. Amazing Tales: Three Guns (三枪拍案惊奇): This comedy thriller, also known as "A Simple Noodle Story" is Zhang Yimou's remake of the Coen brothers´ "Blood Simple". The story begins as a noodle restaurant-owner in the northwest part of ancient China hires a soldier to kill his cheating wife and her new man, a waiter, but the soldier has a plan of his own. Expect heaps of nonsensical humor and a line of A-listers in the cast, including comedian Xiao Shenyang, Zhao Benshan and actor Sun Honglei. Mandarin only.
OTHER LANGUAGE MOVIES
- Todo Sobre Mi Madre (All About My Mother): On Thursday 28 January Vienna Café is showing Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar's 1999 film Todo sobre mi madre. A single mother in Madrid sees her only son die on his 17th birthday as he runs to seek an actress's autograph. She goes to Barcelona to find the lad's father, a transvestite named Lola who does not know he has a child. The screenplay touches the subjects of transvestitism, faith, existentialism and HIV.
- Ne Te Retourne Pas (Don't Look Back): On Friday Alliance Francaise de Shanghai shows this psychological drama, screened in last year’s Cannes Film Festival, featuring Monica Bellucci and Sophie Marceau. The plot tells the story of Jeanne, a writer whose life is going through dramatic changes. Worse yet, a trip to Italy uncovers the secret of her true identity. Join the post-screening discussion to share your thoughts on the film. In French with Chinese subtitles.
