What's New in China: June 28

What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland

Film: Bounty Hunters

This new age of Asian cinematic cooperation has never looked more thrilling in this star-studded Mainland-Hong Kong-South Korea co-production. South Korean heartthrob Lee Min-ho makes his first appearance in a Chinese film, alongside Wallace Chung (The Continent) and Tang Yan (Farewell for Love). South Korean director Shin Tae-ra brings the manic touch that made his 2009 film My Girlfriend Is an Agent a big hit in this story about five young danger-loving strangers who team up to capture criminals for rewards. Filmed in China, Thailand and South Korea, Bounty Hunters used a top Hollywood team for special effects with promises of gunfights, car races and parachuting escapades. Opens nationwide on July 1.

Film: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Out of the Shadows

The 1980s hit cartoon series has charmed a new generation with its 2014 reboot, which became a surprise hit. In the follow-up, Donatello, Michaelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo must tap into their collective turtle power as they face off against their sworn enemy, The Shredder, who is aided by two newly converted mutants, Bebop and Rocksteady. It’s not just a CGI fest, as Transformers’ Megan Fox and Arrow’s Stephen Amell reprise their roles as intrepid reporter April O’Neil and corrections officer Casey Jones. The film has already grossed over USD100 million, topping the American box office last month on its opening weekend. Cowabunga! Opens nationwide on July 2.

Music: The White Tulips - Shonen Spa

The young Xiamen indie group has founds fans across the world (including a San Diego based indie label that sold out its limited cassette rerelease of the group’s debut). For their follow-up to their excellent debut Fondle, they team with Guangzhou lo-fi label Qiii Snacks for this summery EP. On Shonen Spa, The White Tulips move past their shoegaze indebted sound, teaming with saxophonist Huang Zhihao and casiotone synthesizer player Luo QuanQuan to add new sonic flavors to their palette. Available at Qiii Snacks’ Bandcamp.

Music: Ran Groove Vol. 1

   

Rising Beijing indie electronic label, Ran,  may have celebrated this compilation release with a packed party last weekend but listeners can enjoy Ran’s budding roster that’s helping shape the capital city’s electronic underground. Label mainstays like Animal Pop and J.R.G. are joined by city institutions (Diva Li) and newcomers (Hilektromen, Kopha) for a diverse mix full of smart grooves and beautiful melodies. The plan is for these label compilations to be released every month. Available on Ran Music’s Bandcamp.

TV: The X-Files

Le Eco has been on an exclusive streaming binge and they’ve scored the rights to the revival of the groundbreaking 90s sci-fi series. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprise their iconic roles as FBI special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Taking place 14 years after the show went off the air and seven years after the last film, the six-episode revival picks up with the re-opening of the X-Files department devoted to investigating the paranormal. Episodes start streaming weekly on Le Eco on June 29. 

For past What's New columns, click here.

Have a tip about a new release? Get in touch at arts@urbanatomy.com with the subject 'What's New.'