XYZ Films has released the first official clip from The Furious, a martial-arts action film set to premiere in the Midnight Madness section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025. Directed by Kenji Tanigaki, the film stars Mo Tse and Joe Taslim in a brutal story of survival and vengeance. The footage teases gritty, close-quarters combat in Bangkok, offering audiences a sharp taste of what’s to come when the film debuts at TIFF.
Why The Furious Matters
For fans of martial-arts cinema, The Furious marks a bold return to a style of filmmaking that blends precise choreography with unrelenting physicality. The presence of Kenji Tanigaki in the director’s chair elevates anticipation—his past work has set benchmarks for how modern fight scenes are shot and staged. Pairing him with producer Bill Kong, whose credits include Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, positions the film as more than just a festival showcase; it’s a meeting of two legends shaping a new wave of action cinema.
The cast itself underscores the film’s global reach, with Indonesian star Joe Taslim (The Raid, Warrior), Thai martial-arts icon Jeeja Yanin, and cult favorites like Yayan Ruhian delivering performances that speak to international fans. TIFF’s Midnight Madness slot has a history of launching genre hits, from The Blair Witch Project to The Raid, making The Furious a title with the potential to connect beyond niche audiences.
Who’s starring in this movie?
Mo Tse leads as Konggu, a humble tradesman forced into battle after his daughter is kidnapped. He joins forces with journalist Navin, played by Joe Taslim, to dismantle a criminal empire. They are joined by Jeeja Yanin, Brian Le, Joey Iwanaga, Yayan Ruhian, Yang Enyu, and Xie Miao, forming a roster that blends veteran martial-arts talent with emerging names.
When and where can you watch it?
The Furious will premiere on September 6, 2025, as part of TIFF’s Midnight Madness lineup. No general release date has been announced yet, though XYZ Films is handling international sales and Edko Films is on board for production and distribution in Greater China.
For U.S. audiences, a release has not yet been confirmed. Since XYZ Films specializes in bringing international genre titles stateside, the TIFF premiere is expected to set the stage for an American distributor to acquire the film, but no deal has been officially announced.
What is the story about?
At its core, the film tells the story of Konggu, an ordinary worker whose life is shattered when his daughter is abducted. In teaming up with a journalist, Konggu is pulled into a world of corruption, violence, and high-stakes combat. The narrative blends emotional stakes with genre thrills, offering a human anchor amid the bone-crunching action.
Behind the scenes
Filming took place in Bangkok between April and July 2024, with key sequences shot in practical locations such as a refurbished police station. The project benefits from Kenji Tanigaki’s background in designing stunt-heavy sequences that balance clarity with intensity. Composer Flying Lotus provides the score, adding a modern sonic edge to the traditional martial-arts foundation.
Watch the Clip
The first official clip from The Furious has been released by XYZ Films. Watch it below for a look at the film’s intense fight choreography.
Flix FAQs
Q: Who directed The Furious?
A: The film is directed by Kenji Tanigaki, a legendary fight choreographer making his mark as a feature director.
Q: When does The Furious premiere?
A: It will premiere on September 6, 2025, in the Midnight Madness section at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Q: Will The Furious be released in the United States?
A: A U.S. release has not yet been announced. XYZ Films is handling international sales, and TIFF’s Midnight Madness premiere is expected to pave the way for a distributor to acquire American rights.
Q: Is The Furious connected to any franchise?
A: No, it is an original film, though its director and cast bring experience from globally recognized martial-arts projects.
The Bigger Picture
The Furious represents the latest evolution of pan-Asian martial-arts cinema, bringing together talents from across Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Japan under the eye of Kenji Tanigaki. Its Midnight Madness premiere at TIFF highlights not just the film’s genre appeal but its potential to cross into the mainstream spotlight. Martial-arts cinema is thriving again, and The Furious is positioned to lead the charge with style, speed, and a global ensemble.
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