2010 favorites

"Everything is a mash-up, a mix, a collage of ideas and perceptions, some personal, some found elsewhere. Watching this executed by a talented director is a truly unique experience"

"The entire film is an oddly compelling and insanely stylized fever dream that left me completely dazed and fully perplexed, a rare and significant accomplishment."

"The presentation is gobsmackingly beautiful, with soundtrack and cinematography constantly feeding off of each other. The acting is superb, the story intriguing and the pacing pretty damn perfect."

"Playfully poetic, magically serene and pleasantly dreamy, watching this film is a calming experience that puts you right in there with the characters while providing a superb aesthetic frame."

"It's original, quirky, stylish and otherworldly, which is quite a feat considering Sono's track record. A tough cookie on the outside, but incredibly rich in taste and texture on the inside."

"The kind of film I love to love, with a strong belief in its themes and structure. An exciting trip into a world that isn't quite our own, blending different genres and styles into one chaotic whole."

"hyper-stylized, extremely daring and surprisingly well-balanced. There's a peculiar mix of easiness and awkwardness that is quite unique, on top of that the film works on multiple levels."

"There's no weak link here, no bad parts or boring bits. It's a celebration of animation as an art form and it stands in stark contrast to other contemporary feature-length animation films."

"If you're looking for one of the most immersive cinematic rides in ages, there isn't a single film that can top Hardcore Henry. One of my finest theater experiences in years."

"A blast. Energetic, mysterious, fun and wild, it's one big, entertaining mess. The film looks amazing, sounds great and the actors are all on top of their game. Up there with Ishii's best"

"Yakuza Apocalypse is the kind of Miike I adore. The film looks good, sounds good, is stacked with crazy ideas and even weirder characters and dares to cross the line of common sense more than once."

"If you like cultural melting pots, non-narrative cinema, punk cinema or just something off-kilter and youthful, then give this a try. It's one of the best cinematic experiences I've had so far"

"A killer ride from beginning to end. It's brutal, outrageous, funny, weird and it has a terrific drive. If you dismiss films that are pure escapist fun, you shouldn't even venture near it."

"Powerful, poetic, lush, atmospheric and ultimately gripping. It's not unique or wildly different, but a perfect execution of a popular genre, lifting the film far above the competition."

"You may think 64 minutes is rather short, but it's perfect for a film like this."

"I found Godkiller to be a refreshing experience. I loved the art style, dug the soundtrack and simply swooned at the cyberpunk storytelling."

"There is plenty of wonder, tension and intrigue that kept me occupied whenever I found time to pry my eyes and ears away from the drop dead gorgeous presentation."

"Gravity is a film that needs to be experienced in theaters, preferably in 3D, though I am quite certain it will survive the living room experience just as well."

"There comes a point in a film fan's life when few films still manage to surprise, let alone bewilder. At that exact moment, films like The Land of Cards become something you thoroughly treasure."

"Once it picks up steam it never falls back, propelling itself to an inevitable climax that left me perplexed and impressed. "

"If the film had stopped 20 minutes earlier I would've given it a full score, now I feel Beyond The Black Rainbow fails to fulfill its true potential."

"They left Nihei's appeal and style intact, the action sequences are brutal and the megastructure looks as cool as it does in the manga."

"Antiporno is a great example of why Japan's pinku films enjoy such a peculiar status among film fans and why it's been such a fertile breeding ground for young, talented directors."

"If you're wondering how Paris Is Us came to be, what hurdles had to be conquered and how Laurent Garnier got involved, do read on."

"To say III is a divisive film is an understatement, but if you love fantasy, mystery and horror it's a film that begs to be seen. With a budget of only 15."

"Mong-Hong Chung clearly outgrew his image of upcoming talent. His direction is so purposeful and to the point that it almost feels as if he's a veteran already."

"Whatever the case though, Tag is a unique film. It kept me guessing the entire way through, there are some very memorable scenes and the acting is spot on."

"Lost River's reception was pretty poor, but that was only to be expected."

"Kwam and Scheinert deliver a film that is witty, smart, well-made, pure and most of all unique."

"That said, Confessions is definitely one of the best 2010 films I've seen so far. It's an audiovisual masterpiece, bearing an interesting plot, powerful emotions and some poignant social commentary."

"Big Fish and Begonia is an absolute stunner, an audiovisual experience that dragged me into its world and didn't let go until the final frame faded and the last note died."

"It's hard to recommend this film to people who don't really know what they're getting into."

"I just hope the poor reception won't hinder Mortier in his next project. The man deserves to keep on filming and to grow as a film maker."

"The rest of the film is pure genius though. It's stylish, classy, funny and revolting. The acting is top notch, the film looks incredible and the soundtrack adds a lot of atmosphere."

"Tom Lin paints one of the dearest, warmest and most charming films of the year."

"With a superb soundtrack, two killer leads and some visual punch he delivers a film that has the power to linger. That is, if you can stomach what Kumakiri has to show."

"Watching Why Don't You Play In Hell? will tell you a few things about Sono's dreams and aspirations as a young director."

"See You Tomorrow is a pleasure to behold. It works both as a super stylish genre flick and as more accessible entertainment. There's plenty of talent involved and nobody disappoints."

"There is a clear possibility of oversaturation though. The World of Kanako isn't subtle and doesn't offer much in the way of breathers."

"I'm excited to see where Wong will go from here. Guilty proves she is more than capable to stand on her own two feet, delivering a film that is powerful, gripping and skilfully made."

"Get past the cultural oddities though and you'll find an absolutely gorgeous looking genre film, by far one of the best horror films to come out of Hong Kong in a long, long time."

"Seshita is quickly making a name for himself. Making an entrance like this into the Gojira franchise is pretty daring, but it's a bet that paid off."

"Debie's cinematography is first class, the soundtrack is spot on, the dance routines are impressive and the final hour is Noé at his finest."

"It seems Tanaka is back where he belongs, after going through some rougher patches in the late 00's. Chasuke's Journey is visually stunning, well acted, original and most of all unique."

"I experienced Moebius as a pretty intense drama, a downwards spiral invoked by a family acting purely on their urges and instincts."

"A film like Mother! is impossible to recommend, but it's also a film that needs to be experienced regardless of appreciation."

"The Kizumonogatari experience is impossible to recommend, rather it has to be experienced. Reiketsu-hen provides perfect closure to this film series and conjures up the genius of the first film"

"That said, I loved every minute of High & Low: The Movie. The action superb, the styling is just insane and the pacing is pleasantly fast."

"It's lush looking, well acted, aptly scored and surprising at every turn. It's quirky and giddish, but at the same time it's also dark, brooding and lingering."

"Flashy, funny, weird and in-your-face. I'm an instant Wuershan fan and hope he'll keep doing stuff like this"

"It's a technical marvel, an unearthly combination of pulp and arthouse and equally moving and entertaining without ever becoming cheap."

"A remarkable blend of arthouse and commercial cinema that strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and cinematic wonder."

"The film is a visual wonder that offers plenty of entertainment. While the story is adequate and the acting on point, it's really just a trip through the magnificent universe that Chen conjures up."

"Revenge: A Love Story plays like a modern Hong Kong version of Se7en, only better, more tense and not as restrained as Fincher's film."

"The confusing ambiguity, the constant mystery and the flawless presentation make The Book of Birdie into an intriguing film that stands well on its own."

"Alléluia is definitely a film that grew on me. The crescendo is skilfully executed and even continued after the film had finished."

"Basset shows tremendous potential and doesn't waste any time cashing in on it. Horsehead is an audiovisual marvel, featuring an amazing soundtrack and stellar cinematography."

"Sunao Katabuchi crafted a gentle, warm and endearing film, but not without its share of sharp critique and gut-wrenching drama."

"If it's narritve and plot you're after Isle of Dogs may feel a little flimsy, but when you're longing for craft, wit and passion than Anderson's latest has you covered. "

"Suffering of Ninko is the kind of film that made me fall in love with Japanese cinema all these years ago. It's different, fun, it looks great and its overall very creative."

"Hoshi creates a wonderfully magical drama, serving just the right amount of drama, geekiness, magical realism and love for his characters."

"If you still haven't seen enough bodily mutations, strange nose guns or creative ways to slice people in half (or more parts), this is a film that cannot be missed."

"Cannibal is definitely my kind of film. Incredibly atmospheric, uncompromising and unique."

"The Wind Rises is more than worthy closing act. It's one of Miyazaki's best films, a stunning ode to passion and perseverance in the face of a looming war."

"There's enough madness here to fill 3 or 4 separate films."

"Ishii truly reinvents himself here and comes with a film that's just as unique as his previous work, only very different in tone."

"It's beautifully shot, wonderfully scored and aptly acted. It scores well in just about every department, showcasing the progress Tran has made as a director."

"The real-world setting mixed with slight fantasy elements makes the film a bit more accessible compared to Shinkai's earlier films."

"The actors carry a disarming charm, the humor is actually funny and the film as a whole is a worthwhile audiovisual experience."

"There are many priceless moments, many memorable scenes and plenty of amazing details that make the film that much better. The Grand Budapest Hotel is Anderson at his very best."

"Iwai found the right balance between Japanese live action drama and the magic of animation. The film looks great, the story is moving, the characters quirky but lovable."

"Sono's latest is another wild experience, full of energetic performances, manic camera work and excessive events. A fever trip that holds you prisoner and dazzles all the way through."

"Carruth is one of America's biggest talents. His involvement in his films goes deep and it shows."

"Bunny Drop is a lovely film with lots to smile about. Wonderfully acted, creatively visualized and aptly scored, you can't really go wrong with this one."

"A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to catch Christoffer Boe's new film Beast, right before its big iTunes release."

"Monsters Club is my favorite Toyoda so far. The film is a beauty, the atmosphere is tangible and the imagery unique."

"The first hour or so provides a solid setup, introducing all characters and factions related to the Yakuza gang, while the final 30 minutes are the icing on the cake."

"Mandy is a visually overpowering, gritty and gory revenge slaughterfest, fronted by one of cinema's boldest mad man actors."

"Smuggler is an extremely entertaining slice of dark entertainment. Littered with weird and freaky characters, the four chapters play out well and make for an interesting finale."

"Garden of Words is everything you'd expect from a Shinkai film."

"It's good to see this kind of fast-paced martial arts cinema being revived."

"Cold Fish is a film that will sit well with those who appreciate awkward, cruel and excessive Japanese cinema."

"Killing is very much in line with Tsukamoto's more recent work. A little more subdued and in control, slightly more accessible, but in its own way still very punk, very pure and completely unique."

"Ninja Kids!!! is the perfect example of demented Japanese kids entertainment that's weird enough to appeal to adults, at least those with some memories of their lost childhood."

"Nishimura adepts can rejoice, Helldriver is up there with the best, sporting roughly two hours of madness, hilariously out-of-place social criticism and tons and tons of liters of blood."

"Kotoko is another work of love."

"It's cute, charming, funny and perfect for a warm summer evening. Don't expect anything deep or challenging, just let the film's charm sweep you away."

"First Time is a superb example of how to do romance right, without necessarily ending up in arthouse territory."

"Pieta is a pretty complete package. The film looks great, has a superb soundtrack, two extremely impressive leads and a boatload of symbolism for those who enjoy that kind of thing."

"In between the shorts are some nicely animated intermissions, properly introducing each film."

"A small, delicate and subtle little film that feels fresher than its peers and excels in just about every way possible."

"This is not a very happy film, nor is it very subtle."

"The first fifteen minutes where a little though, but once Sumida starts his descent into madness the film never back down."

"It's a shame it takes a little too long before the film gets really going, because Chen is obviously a very talented director."

"Gantz:O is brutal, action-packed and a bit mad in the head."

"Instead the film leans heavily on the learning process, which goes well beyond the simple A/B testing you'd expect from a concept like this."

"If you like 120 minutes of stylish showdowns, explosive action scenes and over-the-top characters, Eiichiro Hasumi delivers one of the best films in ages."

"Shadow's eye-popping visuals amaze from start to finish and with all the other elements adequately covered there are plenty of stand-out scenes that may become pillars of the genre."

"That said, The Book Of Eli is definitely one of the best things I've seen coming from Hollywood this year. It's all style and atmosphere, wonderfully executed and well acted."

"It's a welcoming, soothing and comforting drama that's just all too rare in cinema. Hopefully Koreeda continues this upward trend, I'm already looking forward to his next film."

"Comet is quite the calling card for Esmail. It may be his first feature film, but it feels very polished and firmly directed."

"You could read a million reviews and still not know what to expect. There's also no telling whether you'll end up liking it, but I'm pretty confident that this will be a unique experience"

"Seasoned genre fans are sure to appreciate the industrial atmosphere, the in-depth exploration of futuristic themes and the mix of strong genre elements with a layer of social commentary."

"The economic running time, the use of superb athletes, the visual imagination and the overall first-grade production values make Tai Chi Zero one of the more entertaining films of 2012."

"Zoe is extremely stylish, sports superb performances and combines smarts with relevance. It's a well thought-out mix of genres that dazzles from start to finish."

"After Welcome to the Space Show, The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl is somewhat of a return to form for Yuasa."

"With this film he returns to his core style, picking things up right where he left off back in 2004. Strong acting, an intriguing plot and a warm, dreamy atmosphere make this an easy recommend."

"One Day is above all a stylish romance, with some supernatural touches thrown in for good measure. It's a beautiful film, wonderfully executed and growing more engrossing with each passing minute."

"There's a whole lot of U Turn in here, a bit of Coens maybe, a dash of Western flavour and topped off with plenty of Chinese touches."

"The Tale of Princess Kaguya is still a marvel to behold and definitely worth your time, but it's also a film that feels like a natural end to Takahata's career."

"Lu over the Wall is the perfect blend of Yuasa and Miyazaki. A film that feels creative and original, but is also sweet, warm and comfortable at the same time."

"While the film drags a little in the middle the rest of it is pretty much perfect. It's fast-paced, funny, weird, extravagant and doesn't seem worried by any boundaries or possible audiences."

"Black Swan sees Aronofsky back in good shape. Opinions differ, but I'm glad he left the gritty dramas alone and went back to more familiar territory."

"The Chrysalis is pure genre cinema. It operates on textbook mechanics and follows an all too familiar path, but the execution is flawless while Chu-ji Qiu demonstrates his skills as a director."

"Even so, Daemonium: Underground Soldier is probably a little too bonkers to appeal to mainstream fans."

"The result is a strong, remarkable drama with no weak points and a few stand-out scenes that linger long after the end credits have faded from the screen."

"The film looks gorgeous, the story is smart and creative and even though there isn't that much actual action, it never gets dull."

"130 minutes is quite long for an anime feature, but Yamada need every minute of that to tell this story."

"If you don't mind a little bit of coupling and you can look past the conventions you'll find a sweet, cute and endearing little film that charms its way past any remaining doubts."

"R100 is a crazy film, full of deadpan comedy, weird references and an internal logic that convinces without making any actual sense."

"As the Gods Will is a typical Miike flick in the sense that it's pretty much pointless to compare it to other films out there."

"Monk Comes Down the Mountain is above all a very amusing film. Chen made a light-hearted, fun and playful little romp, which rises above itself thanks to its tremendous production value."

"Even though Philip Yung is currently conquering Asia with Port of Call, he still managed to free up a little time to talk about his previous film: Mei Gaau Siu Nui [May We Chat]."

"It's more of the same of course, just 130 minutes of that same fun, entertaining and surprising comedy that makes Miike films such unique experiences."

"A smart, funny and original film that charms all the way through. The direction is steadfast, the film looks gorgeous, sports a neat soundtrack and has a billion little touches that inspire joy."

"Once the film has you in its grip, the pay-off is grand. Lush visuals, captivating soundscapes and solid acting make for a brooding, dense and enveloping experience."

"There's a lot to like here, the film never bores or gets stale, it's extremely stylized from start to finish, but two key sequences show a glimpse of what could have been."

"The way he brings everything together though is quite unique, not in the least for a Chinese film maker. The result is a thorougly entertaining film that amuses, dazzles and delights."

"the film looks great, sports a superb soundtrack and is well-cast. It's a pretty perfect debut that will hopefully establish Fargeat as a director to look out for in the coming years."

"One Night Only is raw and undiluted cinematic fun, boasting superb visuals, a great soundtrack and a more than solid cast."

"Call Boy is a very direct, somewhat impenetrable yet beautiful and ultimately touching film that relies on sublime styling and great performances to craft a dark and alluring universe."

"Ultimately I still prefer Lin's more frivolous side, but that doesn't change the fact that Zinnia Flower is quite the impressive drama."

"Plaza knows how to deliver a fun, action-filled zombie flick that harbors some kick-ass gore and a few very funny moments."

"There's quite a lot of quirkiness to get through, but on the other side of that lies a beautifully made, emotionally touching and deeply humane drama."

"As is the case with most (if not all) genre films, in the end it's the execution that matters and that's where this film shines bright."

"Foung-Hon Chiang produced a sweet, sunny and pleasant film."

"Port of Call is edgy, challenging and accomplished. The film looks great, the acting is exceptional and the soundtrack is on point."

"The film is up to par with the earlier films while still being different and distinctive enough to avoid turning into a cheap, cash-obsessed sequel."

"It's an exhilarating experience, a visual rollercoaster in the best sense of the word, but also a painful reminder of the unrealized potential that has bogged down US animation for the past 25 years."

"A damn slick, sexy and entertaining film, sporting great visuals, a strong soundtrack and a solid cast while being edgy and challenging enough to stand out from the crowd"

"Anomalisa is an interesting film. On the one hand there's the superb work that went into animating the entire film."

"Baby Bump is a fun, creative and modern coming of age drama, fueled by a strong drive to do things differently."

"The final thirty minutes are a true delight, even when Raaphorst doesn't cash in on the tension and the gore, the creature effects and designs alone are enough to keep the film going."

"Han created a sprawling and aesthetically pleasing futuristic world with enough visual prowess to catapult you seamlessly through its 100 minute running time."

"I do think Night's Tightrope is a film that could please a broader audience, but it's pretty obvious that it's not going to get that chance."

"The Tale of Iya is a film that comes with a built-in audience."

"Spectral isn't the blow-out hit Netflix needs to convert the masses, nor is it the classy arthouse hit that it needs to attract a more hardcore film fan audience."

"Electricity is a welcome change of pace for British drama. Higgins made a beautiful, unique and touching film that lives in its own little niche."

"Eubank is clearly a talented director with a vision. He might not transcend the genre film segment to become a big blockbuster director, but that's probably just for the better."

"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is commercial cinema done right. It's big, bold and visibly backed by a sizeable budget, but at the same time it also feels original and creative"

"If you're looking for something fun, dashing and creative, Animal World won't disappoint. It's a little mad, a little showy and often a bit incoherent, but in the end it's a hell of a ride."

"This is clearly not a film for everyone. Its style makes it quite light-hearted and frolicy , while the drama and romance are heavily accentuated."

"Mirai is lushly animated, features a competent score and above average voice acting , but most of all it has a strong and beautiful heart that keeps the drama both relevant and touching."

"Don't go in expecting a true slasher flick, expect a genre flick adapted by the mind of Ho-Cheung Pang."

"Zebraman 2 is not all that easy to recommend. Depending on what you expect or demand from a sequel, it's either a missed opportunity or a definite improvement over the first film."

"The production values are high, the acting is the right kind of tongue-in-cheek and the action scenes sparkle. Fung created a perfect sequel that leaves you begging for the final act."

"The Continent isn't very original or earth-shattering. It's funnier than I would've guessed, but that's mainly because Chinese films rarely combine drama and comedy in a very balanced way."

"The film's excruciating pacing combined with the wacky fantasy elements make it a thoroughly enjoyable rollercoaster ride."

"If you don't like the setting and you aren't charmed by the film's stylish exterior, the harsh action and crude characters probably won't cut it for you."

"Toyoda made an impeccable sequel to Miike's first two films."

"Witching and Bitching is a true visual orgasm, a film that looks amazing from the very first to the very last frame."

"The Flowers Of War borders on sentimentality and poses as a very epic endeavor. It's Zhang's magnificent direction that erases any major critiques, turning the film into a proper epic spectacle."

"Livid is a superb horror flick that easily surpasses most of its peers. Watch it with an open mind and you'll see there is plenty to love and enjoy here."

"Rogen deserves a lot of praise for this film. It may drag a little in the middle, but whenever the film seems to be hitting a dead end another neat thing happens that propels the film forward."

"Terumae Romae is a film that survives on the comic whims of Hiroshi Abe and the excellent premise cooked up by Yamazaki."

"A film that aptly blends the more serious elements of Japanese drama with some fantastical touches and a slightly more accessible front, without going full commercial tearjerker."

"That said, there is still plenty to enjoy here. It seems that with each new film Miike raises the bar on production level. For Love's Sake looks absolutely stunning, from start to finish."

"Michael Arias made a name for himself when he joined Studio 4°C to direct Tekkonkinkreet, one of the landmark animtion features of the 00s."

"Luk shows she has talent as a director and delivers a powerful, confrontational yet endearing drama. Hopefully her talent is recognized and she isn't shot down for the unconventional choices she made"

"Stoker was a very pleasant discovery. I didn't expect too much from it, but from the very first moments the film pulled me in and never let go after that."

"Shady is a film that takes a bunch of familiar elements, rearranges them slightly but deliberately and adds a dash of its own uniqueness."

"Secret Fruit is a stylistic highlight that feels cosy and warm and charms its way from start to finish."

"Lou's execution is flawless, building on a solid cast and featuring an impressive synergy between cinematography and score to give the film a distinguished signature."

"Oscar or no Oscar, The Shape of Water is a pretty magnificent film."

"It's Burton's style that thrives the film to greater heights. One of the best Burton films I've seen so far, I hope he continues on this path"

"A powerhouse performance by Yu Aoi, some rather stylish visuals and a highly atmospheric soundtrack make this a standout entry that highlights Shiraishi's talents."

"The animation is abundant and on point, the voice acting is superb and the plot balances small human drama and wild fantasy perfectly."

"Partners in Crime is quite the calling card for a director like Jung-chi Chang."

"It's a stylish, relentless and moving drama, sporting excellent performances, a superb score and some high quality cinematography."

"Mr. Long is visually pleasing, it features a fine soundtrack and has a stellar lead actor that carries the film with ease."

"Hopefully Rise of the Legend is only the first in a series of new Wong Fei-hung films, as the end left me begging for more."

"If you're looking for a quality martial arts epic, look no further because this film has everything to quench your thirst."

"Pink and Gray is a pretty great film, but some familiarity with the director will definitely help you to appreciate it to its fullest."

"Batman Ninja features sprawling animation, an amazing art style and some wacky action, making it a blast from start to finish."

"Overall reception of Beauty and the Beast has been mixed. I went in expecting nothing and came out amazed at the beauty and wonder that hides underneath its fairytale covers."

"With The Divide, Gens created another stylish genre flick."

"His newfound independence is a true blessing, one he exploits to the fullest. I thoroughly enjoyed Smith's new film and I surely hope he can keep this up for a while longer."

"The superb cast and impeccable styling ease you into the film while Lee's bold and contrasting touches keep you engaged throughout."

"Hidden Man is an insanely entertaining, clever, tongue in cheek revenge flick that features a stellar cast, stylish visuals and some very solid action sequences."

"Sarusuberi: Miss Hokusai is a much needed entry in the anime feature film segment. It isn't based off of a big, popular franchise."

"The less you know about this film, the more fun it will be experiencing the absurdities it throws at you."

"The film looks beautiful, the acting is superb and while thematically a little easy the execution and blend of genres makes sure it never becomes too dull or feels too familiar."

"In many ways, Strobe Edge is a typical manga adaptation as much as it is a typical romance. But Hiroki builds upon that to make a sweet, cute and genuine little love story."

"The Monster is one of the best straight-up horror films I've seen in the past couple of years. It's creepy, it's dark and tense from start to finish."

"It's a crazy film, full of oddball characters, strange conversations and overstated emotions, executed in such a way that it becomes madly funny."

"While Yoshida has quite a few stories to tell and quite a few angles to explore, the film still feels like a very tight package, sporting little to no cruft."

"Everything about Frankenweenie shows that this a film made with lots of passion and dedication."

"Hadzihalilovic delivered what I consider to be an almost perfect second feature."

"De Patrick has a very interesting look, sports a great soundtrack, isn't childish about its subject matter and is mysterious, darkly funny and somewhat baffling throughout."

"Sound & Fury is a fine anthology, with some truly stand-out entries that are executed with the highest level of craft and creativity, but as a visual album there are still a few gaps to bridge."

"Guilty of Romance may not be Sono's brightest, most ambitious or most accomplished work, but it's a more than solid addition to Sono's already strong oeuvre."

"Uchida delivered this amazing genre bender that may leave the uninitiated a little stunned, but should be required viewing for everyone with a soft spot for Japanese genre cinema."

"The characters are given ample room to thrive, the underlying drama is solid and the film features a stellar concept that intrigues even beyond the scope of its running time."

"Love In The Buff is a very worthy sequel. It's hard to say which film is the better one of the two, for that I should probably watch them once more, back to back."

"Raw is a great film for a director just starting out in the business."

"Wheatley is a blessing for UK cinema."

"Dante Lam finally delivers a film that mixes enjoyable, adrenaline-inducing action coupled with a more stylish and classy exterior."

"With Wrong Dupieux delivers a refreshing slice of absurd comedy that few other directors out there are able to match."

"I'm a big fan of the first SPL, the second one was a tiny letdown. Luckily Yip returned to elevate the series back to its original level."

"The ending could've been better and lacks impact though. While not bad or disappointing, it somehow lacks the strength to bring the separate parts of the film to an appropriate conclusion."

"Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a template for what I look for in a good documentary. It's factual, it's fair and it has strong filmic qualities."

"A horror film pur sang, lacking forced attempts to mix in other genres. It's raw, brutal and disturbing, but always with a twist and executed to perfection."

"While the Women Are Sleeping is a fine mystery/thriller. The film looks great, sports a good soundtrack, has a perfect cast and handles both its mystery and its audience with the proper respect."

"What Shinjuku Swan may lack in originality, it makes up for in rock-solid execution."

"No doubt Dupieux's film is going to reach a substantial audience based on its trailer and some good hype alone."

"If you feel like watching a smooth, agreeable and warm-hearted drama on a leisurely summer day, The Furthest End Awaits is a perfect match."

"Destruction Babies is a great film. It walks a fine line between accomplished cinema and maverick nihilism and succeeds with deceptive ease."

"Nekketsu-hen is a jolly bundle of weirdness and a breath of fresh air compared to most other contemporary anime productions out there."

"If you like quirky and absurd comedies that draw the most from a simple premise, backed by some incredibly talented comedy actors, you really can't go wrong with this film."

"Even if you don't like superheroes, even if you don't like the nerdy overtones, hell, even if you don't give a damn about the whole setup, Kick-Ass is still a pretty cool film."

"It all adds up to something quite weird and quite unique, but also quite specific and niche. Going in with a good understanding of how and what the film makes fun of is probably a prerequisite."

"I'm Flash isn't going to become one of Toyoda's best loved films, but it surely is a great experience that is unique to the skills of the director."

"If only the soundtrack would've been a bit better, this film could have turned out to be a small masterpiece."

"Li delivers a fun, gritty and stylish crime flick with some very impressive action scenes and a stand-out performance by Shawn Yue."

"Visually a little better than the first film, awesome fight sequences where Yen is allowed to shine and a fully satisfying finale where the final blow caused a big fat inner "Yeah!"."

"The question remains if Baird could manage on his own, without the help of Welsh's source material, but at least for now that doesn't really matter."

"It's another great addition to Pang's oeuvre and proof that he's a truly unique force in the Hong Kong movie industry. One for the connoisseurs."

"Keibetsu turns out to be another strong addition to Hiroki's oeuvre. It's not his best film to date, but it's nice to see him try out new stuff, even when it's not all that radical."

"The amazing camera work, the strong performances and the moody use of soundscapes make for a dreamy film, even when the subject matter isn't all that rosy."

"Stylishly visualized, strongly acted and pleasantly diverse, Eternal Moment is another great film in Yibai Zhang's oeuvre"

"A little over two weeks ago I wrote my review for Jamin Winans' The Frame, soon after I got the opportunity to ask him a couple of questions about his latest film."

"Two Pigeons is a small delight. It's not a big, swooping movie, but it offers plenty of nasty smiles, some genuine wonder and a very balanced ending."

"I found La Meute to be a very pleasant surprise, but I encountered plenty of disappointed reactions elsewhere."

"His latest is a strange but gratifying mix of drama, horror and comedy, with enough shock value to force some to leave while also showing enough wit to draw laughs from the ones that persist."

"With his first feature, Govaerts delivers a rock solid genre film. It's tense and moody, never too gory, beautifully shot, aptly scored and generally well-directed."

"Sheng delivers a visually superb film, provides a good score and a set of strong actors. The drama element is impressive for this type of film, the thriller elements are more than sufficient."

"It's hard to say which of Tominaga's films is better. Rinco's Restaurant is definitely more accomplished, illustrating Tominaga's growth as a director."

"Visually Lover's Discourse is a stunning film, the soundtrack is solid but not too spectacular and the acting is all-round impressive."

"Ready or Not is a dark and atmospheric horror/comedy with some solid kills, a superb setting, sumptuous visuals, a very likable main character and plenty of sly and sneaky grins."

"The combination of strange plot twists and original turn of events with a warm but deadpan sense of humor is the true winner here."

"I thoroughly enjoyed Zang's trip, not in the least because of Huo's skilful presentation."

"Quality across the board with touches of originality sprinkled left and right, in order to keep things interesting. It's a pleasant, easy and slightly challenging watch that leaves you wanting more."

"This may just be Iseya's second film, but it feels a lot like the work of a confident, accomplished director."

"If you're familiar with Chinese dramas then you'll feel right at home watching Love in the 1980s."

"A self-written, self-directed romance that feels quite familiar and comfortable, but has one major selling point. From start to finish, the film looks drop-dead gorgeous."

"Depending on where you're coming from, Godspeed is either a superb crime flick or an ever so slightly disappointing Mong-Hong Chung film."

"Matsumoto's new film is a little gem, a film that does not impress in spades but focuses on smaller details."

"With Outcast he delivers a dark, hellish and barren fantasy grounded in obscure myths and set in a depressively dirty neighborhood."

"The World's End if by far my favorite entry in the trilogy (don't worry if you haven't seen the other two first by the way, they are only related by crew and a few running gags)."

"The 3-way story split might be a bit of a gamble, but looking back I actually enjoyed the extra depth it brought to the film."

"I'm not sure just how much it differs from the original and as is the case with all remakes, I assume it's best to leave some time between watching this and La Casa Muda."

"Ace Attorney is a Miike blockbuster. The weirdness is kept to a minimum, but the entertainment value is high and the film definitely has its moments of brilliance."

"Outrage: Beyond falls just a little short of its predecessor. Because of the fact that it feels like the middle section of a full-blown trilogy the ending isn't as convincing as it could've been."

"While it's probably best Takeuchi stops the series here, this second film was anything but redundant."

"If you like the HK police flicks Drug War is one of the best offerings around. It's a stylish, tense and strong crime flick, helmed by one of the most seasoned crime cinema veterans. "

"If you're familiar with the genre, don't expect any surprises."

"It houses a pretty chill, good-natured and dry kind of comedy that felt refreshing and to the point."

"Like I said before, Sleepwalker is a pretty simple film. Everything is neatly revealed and tied up at the end, the plot doesn't contain any real big twists and runs smoothly from start to finish."

"If you want to explore Hong Kong's upcoming talent and you don't mind shifting gears from time to time, then this one comes well recommended."