Jiu Jitsu

Quote:

---

MARCH 19, 2019 5:00PM PT
Nicolas Cage to Star in Martial Arts Actioner ‘Jiu Jitsu’
By DAVE MCNARY
Film Reporter
@Variety_DMcNary

https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.c...0&h=563&crop=1
CREDIT: MICHELLE QUANCE/VARIETY/REX/SHUT

Nicolas Cage will star in the martial arts actioner “Jiu Jitsu,” based on the comic book of the same name.

The cast will also include Alain Moussi, who stars in the “Kickboxer” franchise. Dimitri Logothetis is producing with Martin Barab and directing from a script he wrote with Jim McGrath. Highland Film Group is handling worldwide sales, which are currently underway at Hong Kong Filmart.

“Jiu Jitsu” centers on an ancient order of expert Jiu Jitsu fighters facing fearsome alien invaders in a battle for Earth every six years. Cage’s character and his team of Jiu Jitsu fighters band together with Moussi’s character to defeat the Brax.

Logothetis wrote and directed “Kickboxer: Vengeance” and “Kickboxer: Retaliation,” both starring Moussi. “‘Jiu Jitsu’ is guaranteed to satisfy the millions of martial arts and science fiction lovers across the globe with world class martial artists, stunt men go-to expert Alain Moussi joining superstar Nicolas Cage for some formidable, no holds barred fight sequences set in exotic Burma,” Logothetis said.

Cage won an Academy Award for “Leaving Las Vegas” and was nominated for “Adaptation.” His recent credits include the horror film “Mom and Dad,” “211,” and “Mandy,” along with voice work on “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” He can next be seen in Jason Cabell’s “Running With the Devil” alongside Laurence Fishburne and Leslie Bibb, “Primal” opposite Famke Janssen, and “Grand Isle” with Luke Benward and Kelsey Grammer.

Cage is represented by WME and Stride Management. Moussi is represented by the Characters Talent Agency and Peter Meyer Management. Logothetis is also represented by Peter Meyer Management.

---

With Alain Moussi...innerestin...

None of these actors are really Jiu Jitsu players, but we won't quibble that. I'm sure they can sort it.

Quote:

---

'Jiu Jitsu’: Frank Grillo, Rick Yune, Tony Jaa & Others Joins Nicolas Cage Martial Arts Pic
By Erik Pedersen
Co-Managing Editor
June 6, 2019 3:44pm

https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress...1&h=383&crop=1
From lefT: Jaa, Grillo and Yune
DDA PR

The Jiu Jitsu battle just got bigger. Tony Jaa, Frank Grillo, Rick Yune, Marie Avgeropoulos and JuJu Chan have joined the martial arts actioner starring Nicolas Cage and Alain Moussi from writer-director-producer Dimitri Logothetis.

Here’s how it plays out: Every six years, an ancient order of expert Jiu Jitsu fighters faces a vicious alien in a battle to protect Earth. For thousands of years, the fighters that protect Earth have played by the rules…until now. When celebrated war hero Jake Barnes (Moussi) is defeated by Brax, the Alien invader, the future of humanity hangs in the balance. Injured and suffering from amnesia, Jake is rescued by Wylie (Cage), Keung (Jaa), Harrigan (Grillo) and his team of fellow Jiu Jitsu fighters. They must help Jake to regain his strength in order to band together and defeat Brax in an epic battle that will once again determine the fate of mankind.

Logothetis and Jim McGrath wrote the pic based on the comic book, Martin Barab is producing alongside Logothetis. other character and role details weren’t available.

Jaa starred in the Ong-Bak films, and his credits also include Furious 7 and xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Grillo has appeared as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones in multiple Marvel pics including Avengers: Endgame and in last year’s Toronto opener Donnybrook. Yune’s recent credits include Alita: Battle Angel, Olympus Has Fallen, and TV’s Prison Break and Marco Polo. Avgeropoulos is a regular on CW drama The 100, and starred in films including Tracers and A Remarkable Life. Chan appeared in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, has a key role in the upcoming Netflix series Wu Assassins and next appears in Chinese action pic The Invincible Dragon.

Jaa is repped by the Gersh Agency, Zero Gravity and attorney Dave Feldman. Grillo is with CAA, Management 360 and attorneys Erik Hyman at Paul Hastings. Yune is repped by Paradigm, Avgeropoulos by UTA and Chan by Gersh Agency and Goodman Schenkman & Brecheen.

Highland Film Group kicked off worldwide sales for Jiu Jitsu at Hong Kong Filmart in March. Production begin on June 24.

---

Quote:

---

NEWS JUNE 18, 2019 5:25PM PT
Film News Roundup: Nicolas Cage’s ‘Jiu Jitsu’ Obtains Cyprus Support
By DAVE MCNARY
Film Reporter
@Variety_DMcNary

https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.c...0&h=563&crop=1
CREDIT: MICHELLE QUANCE/VARIETY/REX/SHUT

In today’s film news roundup, Cyprus is backing Nicolas Cage’s “Jiu Jitsu”

CYPRUS REBATE

Nicolas Cage’s “Jiu Jitsu” has become the first international film to use Cyprus’ new tax credit-rebate program by filming entirely in the country, Variety has learned exclusively.

Cage came on board in March to star in the martial arts actioner, based on the comic book of the same name. Martin Barab is producing with Dimitri Logothetis who is also directing from a script he wrote with Jim McGrath about an ancient order of expert Jiu Jitsu fighters facing fearsome alien invaders in a battle for Earth every six years.

The Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Cyprus) said production companies that opt to film in Cyprus can choose between a tax credit and a cash rebate of 25-35% on eligible expenditures incurred in Cyprus. “Jiu Jitsu” carries a price tag of about $27 million. Invest Cyprus said the production obtained an approval certificate in two days.

---

$27M? Wonder how much of that Cyprus gets...

Quote:

---

Why Bruce Lee fan and Wu Assassins star JuJu Chan is Hollywood’s next high-kicking martial arts action hero
Hong Kong-born actress JuJu Chan, who stars in Netflix series Wu Assassins and just wrapped shooting Jiu Jitsu with Nicolas Cage, talks to STYLE about her favourite fight scene and getting in fighting shape
Bridgette Hall
Published: 6:05pm, 21 Nov, 2019

https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default...u&v=1574659104
Action movie star JuJu Chan has been described as the ‘female Bruce Lee’.

“It’s an honour to be called anything Bruce Lee,” the Hong Kong-born, American actress says with a shy smile.
It’s not the first time JuJu Chan has been asked what it’s like being called the “female Bruce Lee”. The comparison however is difficult to overlook in the up-and-coming actress, who can perform multiple martial arts styles.
“Bruce Lee is so iconic, he is the one and only. So for me, being called the female Bruce Lee, I guess it's a motivation for me to do better,” says the 30-year-old.

https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default...72x_131808.JPG
JuJu Chan plays a female bodyguard in the Netflix series Wu Assassins.

Chan got her passion for martial arts from watching old action films with her dad that she would then try to replicate the moves she saw on screen around the house. After breaking one too many things and her parents wanting her to not get hurt they sent her for her first judo lesson. So that she would have the proper foundation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Etpoi40s9E

After that, mastering one martial arts style turned into several including karate, Chinese kung fu, hung gar, wing chun – and she even taught herself to use the nunchaku. She also picked up taekwondo and Thai boxing and would soon represent Hong Kong on the world stage.

https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default...72x_131808.jpg
JuJu Chan in a still from the Netflix series Wu Assassins

“I love challenges,” says Chan. And although she initially had dreams of being an Olympic athlete, she went on to study an undergraduate degree in computer science and mathematics and, after realising office work wasn’t for her, she completed a master's degree from the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
With both the acting chops and the ability to perform her own stunts, Chan is poised to be a formidable female action star of the future. In Netflix’s first martial arts drama, Wu Assassins , Chan plays Zan, the triad's lieutenant and main character Uncle Six's right-hand woman. Premiered in August, the show’s first two episodes were directed by Hong Kong director Stephen Fung and the first season has received positive reviews.

https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default...72x_131808.jpg
JuJu Chan with Nicolas Cage on the set of Jiu Jitsu

“I love making a character my own,” says Chan. For Zan she cut her hair short and dyed it blonde, giving her a fresh take on being a female assassin.
Apart from Wu Assassins, this year Chan has taken roles in Dutch-produced indie film Hollow Point and Hong Kong crime thriller The Invincible Dragon, directed by Fruit Chan. The newlywed also just wrapped shooting martial arts comic book adaptation Jiu Jitsu with Nicolas Cage in Cypress.
Watch our full interview with the star, when Chan discusses her favourite fight scene, her dream ensemble to work with and how she gets in fighting shape for a role.
Produced by Louise Lau

---

THREADS
Jiu Jitsu
Wu Assassins

...there was no motion on it anyway...

Quote:

---

Russian jiu-jitsu tournament ends in mass brawl as fighters & guests attack each other in sports hall (VIDEO)
21 Jan, 2020 14:05

Police have launched an investigation after participants were filmed being slammed to the floor and kicked in the head in a violent conclusion to a jiu-jitsu tournament at a venue in the suburban Moscow town of Krasnogorsk.
The furious fracas broke out following a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament – called Moscow Winter BJJ Cup – for children and adults last Saturday, with participants and guests embroiled in the scrap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dV3pDeI2ac

In the footage, an initial angry stand-off explodes when two younger men start exchanging punches. Right after that a man who supposedly was trying to stop the fight, can be seen hoisted into the air and smashed to the floor before others weigh in to the row.

More assailants join in with kicks and punches to both sides of his body as the scene descends into chaos.

https://cdni.rt.com/files/2020.01/or...55a4771652.JPG

The video of the brawl went viral over the weekend and gained hundreds of thousands of views across different social media platforms in Russia.

Unsurprisingly, it also caught the attention of Russian law enforcement. Talking to local media, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed its plans to investigate the situation.

---

Quote:

---

JIU-JITSU: Alain Moussi Action Sci-Fi Bows In November Launching The Avenue Distrib Banner
Lee B. Golden III by Lee B. Golden III September 9, 2020 in Acquisitions and Release

https://i0.wp.com/filmcombatsyndicat...68%2C576&ssl=1
Alain Moussi, Tony Jaa, JuJu Chan, Frank Grillo and Marrese Crump on the set of Jiu-Jitsu

Dimitri Logothetis is currently plotting a return to Cyprus for the production of Man Of War, details pending. In the meantime, his new sci-fi martial arts adventure, Jiu-Jitsu, will bow on November 20 courtesy of The Avenue Entertainment, Highland Film Group’s U.S. theatrical release venture announced on Wednesday.

Jiu-Jitsu hails the reunion of Logothetis and actor, martial arts star Alain Moussi, since reviving the Kickboxer franchise for two films with superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme in a supporting capacity. Moussi plays Jake Barnes, a war hero championing Earth’s liberation in an epic BJJ match that happens every six years against waves of alien invaders. Actor Nicolas Cage stars as Wylie, the leader of a team of jiu-jitsu fighters who take in Jake must and help him recover his memory and strength following his foreboding defeat at the hands of Brax, the indomitable alien leader.

Rounding out the cast are Frank Grillo, JuJu Chan and Tony Jaa, with Rick Yune, Marie Avgeropoulos and Marrese Crump. Logothetis co-wrote the script with Jim McGrath, his writing partner on Kickboxer: Retaliation, the sequel to Kickboxer: Vengeance.

Jiu-Jitsu is branded as an LBE Jiu Jitsu AVC production. Logothetis is producing with Martin J. Barab and Chris Economides, and with Highland CEO Arianne Fraser, Highland COO Delphine Perrier, and Gary Wood exec producing.

Highland is handling international sales.

https://i1.wp.com/filmcombatsyndicat...68%2C512&ssl=1
From L to R: JJ Caruth, Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier

JJ Caruth is appointed President of Domestic Marketing & Distribution of The Avenue, which will handle theatrical distribution of six to eight titles per year, with titles comprised of selections from Highland and other third party acquisitions. The company has signed an agreement with Paramount Home Entertainment to handle Blu-ray, DVD, VOD, and Digital distribution.

Funding for The Avenue is provided by Cygnus Film Group, LLC which has entered into a financing agreement with R.U. Robot Ltd, managed by Barab and by Petr Jákl.

“For 10 years, Highland Film Group has gained a strong reputation as an independent worldwide sales, production, and film financing company. Our passion and commitment for this industry are key in guiding our strategic efforts to make Highland Film Group a global entertainment group providing services at every stage of the content’s life cycle. This is the perfect moment for the group to expand its horizons into US distribution. We are thrilled to take this next step in the company’s growth,” said Fraser.

“I am thrilled to be joining the The Avenue at a time of great change, evolution and exciting opportunity in our industry. Arianne and Delphine have impeccable relationships with filmmakers which creates the perfect springboard for this new distribution venture,” said Caruth.

---

Been wondering about this project. Been wondering about a lot of projects during the pandemic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhIxOqv5Cs0&feature=emb_logo

Oh man, this is worse that expected. It's basically Predator, only it's set in Myanmar and instead of the alien being a trophy hunter, it just likes to fight humans. And there's this inexplicable band of humans who are chosen to duel against the alien, one on one.

Nic Cage's goofball performance is a welcome relief. There needed to be a whole lot more of him. I confess I like Nic. He's the only redeemable character here. That says a lot.

There are some decent fights. The opening fight sequence when Tony Jaa breaks Alain out of a paramilitary camp is 2 remarkable 2 minute one-ers back to back featuring Jaa & Moussi, but it's spoiled by pretentious camerawork where the viewer darts in and out of the Alain POV, and there's too much Bollywood-fight-scene-esque gratuitous slo-mo to show impact. It's got some astonishingly complex choreo, but the cinematography is too eccentric in that wannabe-artsy way that it's easy to loose track of the action. That scene is early on, so you could fast forward to that.

The rest of the movie moves from random fight to random fight, and the rest aren't nearly as good. There needed to be more Frank Grillo.

The budget was $25M. They barely cleared $90K.

Sword fights. Yup. This alien can shoot alien shuriken and has bloody-mary-style blades that spring from its wound-healing armor but it prefers swords. That's to its credit, I suppose.

The movie is on Netflix right now. I attempted to watch it and didn't get too far into it before turning it off.