A trio of new movies release in South Africa this Friday, ranging from an ultra-stylish action sequel to an unlikely true story. There’s even something for anime fans. Find out about them all below.
John Wick: Chapter 4
Definitely the standout of this week’s new releases – if you didn’t make it to Ster Kinekor’s special screenings on the Tuesday public holiday – is John Wick: Chapter 4. With the price on his head sky-high, legendary hitman John Wick (Keanu Reeves) takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld. John Wick: Chapter 4 offers fans almost 3 hours of neo-noir action thrills, and an international cast that includes the likes of Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick.
Read our full review of John Wick: Chapter 4 here.
The Lost King
Maybe don’t watch the trailer below as it summarises the entire movie, but comedy drama The Lost King is based on the true story of Edinburgh-based amateur historian Philippa Langley (Sally Hawkins) who, in 2012, would successfully orchestrate the search for King Richard III’s long-lost remains. Philippa’s incredible achievement was despite an initial lack of support from her family and friends, and flat-out dismissal by experts and academics. Also with Steve Coogan (who co-wrote and produced the film), Harry Lloyd, and Mark Addy. Acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Frears directs.
Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village
Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village is a direct sequel to the second season of the anime television series as well as its second film adaptation, following 2020’s Demon Slayer – The Movie: Mugen Train. In this dark fantasy actioner, all the Upper Rank Demons assemble at the Infinity Castle after Upper Six Demons’ defeat. South Africa is receiving this 4K theatrical experience as part of the Demon Slayer 2023 World Tour. It looks like the film will be screening in Japanese with English subtitles as opposed to being a dub.