分类： entertainment

Netflix’s latest series, ‘Last Samurai Standing,’ premiering this Thursday, transports viewers to a Japan on the brink of the end of the samurai era. The show, directed by Michihito Fujii, known for his works like ‘The Journalist’ and ‘A Family,’ blends the intensity of survival games with the rich legacy of Japanese samurai culture. The protagonist, Saga Kokushu, portrayed by Junichi Okada, is thrust into a high-stakes battle where samurai fight to the death to protect their families, communities, and honor. Each participant wears wooden tags, collecting more by eliminating rivals, with the last survivor claiming a staggering 100 billion yen ($650 million).

The series draws inspiration from modern video games and pays homage to iconic Japanese filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa, while also reimagining the samurai drama genre, known as jidaigeki. Okada, who also served as choreographer and producer, emphasized the team’s desire to create something both authentic and visually striking. ‘We wanted to update the jidaigeki, keeping the essence but making it cool and contemporary,’ he told The Associated Press.

‘Last Samurai Standing’ features a mix of intense action and emotional depth, with meticulously choreographed fight scenes and a focus on character development. The series avoids reliance on CGI, ensuring every battle feels visceral and real. In one harrowing scene, actors wore fireproof gear to perform a sequence where swordsmen’s bodies ignite, risking burns for authenticity.

The cast includes notable actors like Shota Sometani, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Takayuki Yamada, alongside newcomer Yumia Fujisaki, whose character adds a modern twist to traditional samurai narratives. The show explores universal themes of survival and morality in a world undergoing dramatic change, offering a fresh take on a timeless genre.

Renowned Bollywood actor Govinda, aged 61, was urgently admitted to CritiCare hospital in suburban Juhu, Mumbai, late Tuesday night after losing consciousness at his residence. The incident occurred around midnight, prompting his legal advisor and close friend, Lalit Bindal, to rush him to the medical facility. Bindal confirmed that Govinda is currently under observation and undergoing a series of tests to determine the cause of his sudden collapse. In a statement to PTI news agency, Bindal revealed, “He fainted in the evening and called me. I brought him to CritiCare hospital. He is under observation and undergoing tests.” Bindal also shared an update on Govinda’s condition via Instagram, expressing his concern and prayers for the actor’s swift recovery. This health scare follows a previous incident in October of last year, when Govinda sustained a bullet wound in his leg after accidentally discharging his licensed revolver. The actor was hospitalized and underwent surgery to remove the bullet. Govinda, a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with a string of successful films, earning acclaim for his versatile acting, comedic prowess, and dynamic dance performances. His contributions to Bollywood have cemented his status as one of the industry’s most beloved stars.

In a significant development within the K-pop industry, Ador, the record label representing the popular group NewJeans, has announced that members Hyein and Haerin will return to the agency. This decision follows a protracted legal battle that began last year when the five-member group accused Ador of mistreatment and manipulation, leading them to declare their departure. Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe—South Korea’s largest music label—denied these allegations and initiated a lawsuit to enforce the validity of their contract, which runs until 2029. Last month, a South Korean court ruled in favor of Ador, upholding the contract’s validity. NewJeans has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, though legal experts suggest the chances of success are slim. In a statement on X, Ador emphasized that Hyein and Haerin’s decision to return was made after careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with the agency. The label urged fans to avoid unfounded speculation regarding the members’ future. Meanwhile, the plans for the remaining members—Hanni, Danielle, and Minji—remain unclear. The dispute has cast a shadow over NewJeans’ meteoric rise since their debut in 2022, with hits like ‘Attention’ and ‘SuperShy’ dominating charts. The group’s legal troubles have forced them into a hiatus, and their rebranding attempt as NJZ was halted by a court injunction. Fans have expressed concerns that the return of only two members could signal the end of NewJeans in its current form. The deadline for filing an appeal is midnight on Wednesday, but it is uncertain whether NewJeans has taken this step. The case highlights the challenges faced by artists in the K-pop industry, where record labels often maintain strict control over their talent.

In a spectacular display of musical fusion, hundreds of bagpipers gathered in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday to set a new world record by performing AC/DC’s iconic rock anthem, “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” The event, dubbed “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash,” took place at Federation Square on Swanston Street, a location immortalized in the band’s 1976 music video where they performed the same song on a flatbed truck. This historic site is just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where AC/DC is set to play their first Australian concert in a decade. Guitarist Angus Young, the sole surviving member from the 1976 lineup, is part of the current tour. The record-breaking performance featured 374 bagpipers, surpassing the previous record of 333 set in Bulgaria in 2012. Among the participants were Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, two members of the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums, who had played with AC/DC on the truck 49 years ago. Kenfield described the event as “probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” The massed pipers also treated the crowd to renditions of “Happy Birthday” and “Amazing Grace,” eliciting cheers and phone recordings from the audience. The Australian Book of Records certified the achievement, though Guinness World Records has yet to assess it. The event drew thousands of enthusiastic spectators, many clad in AC/DC merchandise, with numerous attendees heading to the band’s concert afterward. Among the fans was Keegan Kohler, a 23-year-old electrician from Ohio, who had waited since dawn to secure a prime spot at the concert. Kohler, who has followed the band’s U.S. tour, expressed his excitement for the Australian shows, anticipating a more vibrant crowd. Another dedicated fan, Stephen Scott, traveled from North Carolina to fulfill his dream of seeing AC/DC perform in their homeland, calling it a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Katseye, the internationally acclaimed girl group, has been navigating a tumultuous journey since their debut in 2023. Despite their meteoric rise in the music industry, the six-member ensemble has been subjected to a barrage of online death threats and racist comments. The group, recently nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, revealed the emotional toll these threats have taken on them and their families. Lara Raj, a member with Tamil Indian heritage, shared her decision to delete Twitter (now X) to escape the negativity, stating, ‘I realised I am not the audience for other people’s opinions.’ The group, trained in the K-pop system but adopting a Western musical approach, has also faced sexist remarks, with Raj highlighting the dystopian nature of being ranked based on appearance and talent. Despite these challenges, Katseye has achieved remarkable success. Their second EP, ‘Beautiful Chaos,’ peaked at number two on the US album charts, and their Gap advert garnered 400 million plays and 8 billion social media impressions. The band, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, continues to inspire with their message of pride in one’s heritage and culture. Raj encourages aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, emphasizing, ‘Our skin colour, our culture is our power. Use it and own it.’

Renowned Bollywood actor Prem Chopra, aged 90, is currently recuperating at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital following a viral infection and age-related health complications. The veteran star, celebrated for his iconic villainous roles in over 380 films, was admitted two days ago under the care of cardiologist Dr. Nitin Gokhale. Dr. Jalil Parkar, who is overseeing his treatment, confirmed that Chopra is not in the ICU but is being monitored in the hospital ward. ‘He is a known case of cardiac ailment and also had a viral infection, which is why I’m treating him for the lungs,’ Dr. Parkar stated. While recovery is slower due to his advanced age, Chopra is expected to be discharged within three to four days. ‘He should be fine and go home soon,’ the doctor added. Chopra’s son-in-law, actor Sharman Joshi, reassured fans that there is no cause for concern, stating, ‘All good, thank you, just some tests, back tomorrow.’ Chopra’s illustrious career spans over six decades, making him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.