Custom favorites (173 films)

"Studio 4°C establishes and confirms its title of best and most interesting animation house out there and dishes out a set of short films that challenge the medium in all sorts of ways."

"It's a strong, beautiful and extremely personal film that earned its place amongst the best work of Mamoru Oshii (and animation in general) and is the perfect example of mature animation."

"One of the most unique dramas I've ever seen, keeping me interested from start to finish without even a hint of boredom on the horizon. Make sure you don't miss out on this one."

"A perfect score and absolutely stunning visuals transport you to a different world, only to let go of you 60 minutes later, comforted and touched by the film's protagonist's struggle."

"Survive Style 5+ is an audiovisual blast, a film that gets better with each successive viewing and one that ranks as one of my favorite comedies ever. A true delight."

"A film with a very authentic (Japanese) anime feel, yet it benefits greatly from Arias' outside influences. It's superbly animated, sports a terrific score and tells a truly intriguing story."

"Myth of Man is his most ambitious and accomplished film to date, so I was delighted when he agreed to another interview."

"An amazing collection of shorts, brought to life by superb actors and featuring strong and diverse styles. A true sight to behold and without a doubt one of the best Japanese horror projects around."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Animation-wise this is one of the most impressive films I've seen so far. A creative, stylistic and technical marvel that honors its fantasy elements in the best way possible."

"A celebration of the comedy genre, flipping seamlessly between different niches, carried by its tremendous cast and relying on Ishii's directorial talent to make it a truly unique experience."

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

"If you don't mind the raging soundtrack, silly storyline, over-the-top performances and stark black and white visuals, this is a film you can watch over and over without ever getting bored with it."

"The mix of drama and mystery is brilliantly executed. The symbolism might lack subtlety, but Sugimori goes a long way in compensating that with strong imagery that will burn itself deep in your mind."

"A sweet, soft-hearted and imaginative film. The fantastical elements are pure perfection, the attention to detail is simply stunning. It's a film that every kid should have the chance to experience."

"This is a production in touch with the state of mind of young people today while keeping a surprising level of professionalism and finish not often found in their creations."

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

"This is quirky, over-the-top and outlandish genre cinema that offers plenty of thrills for those who crave the weird and unexpected, or those who relish in superbly executed stylistic prowess"

"An overwhelming sensory experience, sporting insane visuals, and a splendid score, bringing to life an elaborate and complex story that warrants multiple watches."

"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."

"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."

"The film's overwhelming visuals and its bright and bustling fantasy universe were quick to pull me in, the experimental touches and the onslaught of visual detail kept me glued to the screen."

"It is great to see Miyazaki return to his former self after 15 years, Ponyo is certainly up there with the best of his work and is a good step up from Mononoke, Chihiro and Howl."

"If you can stomach the classic tragedy, a world of unmatched cinematographic beauty opens itself and provides one of the most stunningly beautiful action films ever released."

"I've seen Izo three times now and the film keeps impressing me, it's a superb mix of genre film making and arthouse cinema, an unlikely mix that we might never see again in this form."

"Tom Lin delivers one of the dearest, warmest and most charming films of the year, a beautiful, stylish and imaginative trip that glaces at the world through the eyes of a 13-year-old girl."

"If you want to hear about the true inspiration behind the film, how hard it is to make a feature film as a young director, and what you can expect from Park Sye-young next, do read on."

"The cinematography is crazy, the performances are all-in and the score is fitting. Add to that a wildly entertaining and unique premise, and you have a film that lingers."

"This is truly next-gen stuff, a peek into the future of animated cinema that will reshape what we consider acceptable, not just on a technical but also on a creative level."

"Brace yourself for a sweet romance with a nasty sting and you'll be hard-pressed to think bad of this little gem that would turn out to be the start of a new Chinese cinematic movement."

"Fornacis is my kind of cinema. A perfect blend of the artsy and the fantastical, an experience rather than a narrative, a film that uses everything at its disposal to create something unique."

"As time continues to mask the film's technological shortcomings, its aesthetic prowess only grows bigger. Casshern looks great, it's lots of fun, and it's fast-paced from start to finish."

"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."

"A warm, lovingly crafted drama, with a spectacular central performance and fine cinematography, leaning quite heavily on its fantastical premise while using it to question more prominent issues."

"Thanks to the wonderful art style, the atmospheric soundtrack and the proper amount of mystery and intrigue, this film is poised to become a future fantasy classic."

"There is no excess here and Iwai's youthful enthusiasm creates a lovely blend of traditional drama and genre elements, resulting in a condensed bundle of joy."

"Giddens Ko finally banks on his talent and serves a wildly creative and unique film, with the necessary visual flair, a notable soundtrack and strong performances to back it up."

"The concept is cool and the pacing is mad, but it's the bonkers cinematography, the constant onslaught of new ideas, and the smart details sprinkled throughout that make this my kind of film."

"The hellish setting, Tippet's fantastical creations, the intricate and lush stop-motion animation and the inspired camera work add up to a trip that knows no equal."

"The Umbrella Fairy is the latest in a line of technically impressive, visually vibrant and culturally rich films that are working hard to put their own industry on the map."

"One of the most uniquely satisfying anime ever released. A film that can only be compared with a very concise selection of otherwise incomparable animation projects."

"A splendid experience. Add awesome visuals and some pretty weird but cool musical choices, and what you get is something that might leave you scratching your head, but in a good way."

"The mesmerizing cinematography, the superb score, and pitch-perfect performances create a dreamy reality that transforms a traumatic story into a darkly magical experience."

"100% vintage, uncut, madcap Sono. An insanely bloody, stylish and unique vampire flick that mixes classic folklore with original lore and delivers one of his most impressive rollercoaster rides yet."

"Nagahisa's visceral and inspired direction is the absolute highlight of the film. The intriguing plot and the strong performances are the icing on the cake."

"The splendid animation and detailed art style, the wondrous score and quality dubbing and the imaginative fantasy elements support a wealth of well-grounded themes, giving life to this epic undertaking."

"Some people fault anthology films for their inconsistency, but I love to praise them for their creativity, as there is more of that here than in 7 full-length features combined."

"With an all-star cast, a terrific cinematographer, a legendary director and some of the most spectacular fight scenes ever choreographed this film delivers."

"Jeunet delivers 120 minutes of fine-tuned awe and wonder, wrapped up in an extremely appealing package. Required viewing for everyone who is getting serious about cinema."

"The excellent cinematography combined with a lush score, a dedicated crew, and impeccable technical skills make this film a fantastical adventure like no other."

"It's a cute and interesting fantasy tale with a darker edge, sporting some lovely visuals and some solid performances, never outstaying its welcome and leaving a fresh impression."

"Quality film making, sporting a superb cast, a solid soundtrack and eye-popping cinematography. A slice of urban fantasy/retro sci-fi that mixes classic and contemporary cinema to great effect."

"It's a great little film that survived its first 20 years remarkably well, but it will forever be a film for a niche audience, always on the verge of slipping out of sight."

"It's overly childish, way too fluffy for its own good, and it's over-the-top maximalist while being completely unapologetic about it, but in the end, it still works like a charm."

"While technology has long since caught up with Pitof's first, its strange and no-hold-barred visual approach still sets it apart on an aesthetic level."

"She was smart to adapt xxxHolic, a franchise allowing her to go full out with sets and costumes. The astounding visuals are a given, the soundtrack is a welcome surprise, the rest is just pure bonus."

"A film that should get a fair chance from all Versus fans out there. You might be put off by its eagerness to show off, but at the same time that's probably the film's biggest strength."

"The puppetry skills are outstanding, the setting and lore are elaborate and due to its economic runtime, the ideas and creativity put into it never fail to amaze."

"Donnie Yen is perfect in his role, the choreography is splendid and creative. Add some neat visuals and the result is a perfect update of the martial arts genre"

"It's a dark, brooding, and weird film that still manages to out-gross some modern horror flicks, even when it feels weird describing Eraserhead as a straight-up horror film."

"Beautifully animated and scored, sporting a strong cast of characters, an intriguing plot and a fair selection of interesting themes, Sky Crawlers is Oshii's most complete film to date."

"A core fantasy film that betrays Production I.G's struggles with full-CG animation, but makes up for that with excellent art direction and bucketloads of creativity."

"Visually the film has hardly aged a bit, the convoluted plot still manages to intrigue, and while Shinkai combines some seemingly polar elements, the film never feels forced or disjointed."

"If you're looking for a stellar martial arts flick though, Fearless is a safe bet."

"As a martial arts fan, The Protector is the kind of movie I love watching. It puts every single baht in making its fight scenes bigger, crazier and more inventive."

"The Great Yokai War was Miike's first venture into big budget cinema aimed at a younger audience."

"Raging Phoenix is another very solid entry in the Thai martial arts selection."

"The raw and unrelenting bouts are really spectacular and make this one of the best action flicks I've seen in a long time."

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

"A mash-up of genres and creative ideas that bring life to an otherwise stale genre. Shipei Wen's direction is confident, the presentation is lavish and the central performances are strong."

"Gretel & Hansel is an extremely atmospheric film, with a strong cast, amazing cinematography and an exemplary use of its score. A film that has everything to put Perkins on the map"

"It's grand and epic, technically extremely proficient, it delivers fresh and exciting fantasy realms to explore and the pacing is excellent. A landmark for fantasy cinema"

"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."

"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."

"Ulloa and his team crafted a beautiful, dark and haunting modern fairy tale that plows its way through the narrative without a single word spoken."

"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."

"Tsui Hark at his best, the film is lush in its visuals and score, is entertaining to the core and wastes no time on unnecessary things. Very likeable and extremely well-made."

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

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

"A superb urban fantasy, sporting stylish cinematography, nice lore, and some solid performances, but it's more toned down compared to Kiriya's previous efforts."

"One of the most visually impressive animations I've ever watched, a joyful and creative fantastical adventure that should be able to capture the imagination of all."

"The impressive animation is the film's clearest selling point, but the intriguing fantasy premise and the smart reveal of the plot help ground the experience."

"Tadanobu Asano shows he has a knack for combining cinematography and music to create warm, wholesome, and mysterious films, though they're not the most accessible ones."

"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."

"Satoshi Miki made a great pastiche of the genre's weakest elements, resulting in a comedy that might be smarter and slyer than it is laugh-out-loud funny."

"A Chinese Odyssey is entertainment in its purest form. The comedy is hilarious, the pacing is excruciating, the film rolls from one memorable scene to the next and the level of variation is exemplary."

"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."

"Iron Monkey is a film that doesn't disappoint. There's enough creativity, silliness and genuine love for the genre to keep me coming back for more."

"A fun, brave, and creative film that manages to surprise on every level, mixing a unique universe with spectacular performances and stylistic prowess."

"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."

"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"

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

"Wool 100% is a film that you just have to see. You might not like it, but at the least it's an experience worth having."

"The imaginative designs, the cinematic presentation and the dedication to deliver original lore make this a fantastical adventure that kept me gasping for air until the very end."

"The detailed animation and moody score are a big plus, but it's the surreal adventure, swift pacing, and unbridled creativity that make this film such a memorable experience."

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"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."

"Mr. Schilling was nice enough to answer some questions about his involvement in the production of the film, so if you want to take a peek behind the curtains of Miki's latest, do read on."

"With a major quality jump in animation and art style detail, a tighter focus on atmosphere and setting and some memorable, stand-out demon fights, this is a must-see for action/horror anime fans."

"Patrick Ridremont serves a delightful mix of horror and dark fantasy, with stylish visuals, a fitting soundtrack, a solid cast and a great ending to boot. Perfect for the holidays."

"The sense of adventure, wonder and delight is what set this film apart, combined with a great eye for detail and perfect pacing it makes for a sprawling, joyous fantasy film."

"Save some out of place effects, House of Flying Daggers hasn't lost much of its original appeal."

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

"The Storm Warriors is definitely not a masterpiece, but taking it at face value, it's an almost perfect piece of entertainment featuring some stunning art direction."

"Ujicha's passion is beyond question. The unique animation style, the grotesque art style, the off the wall plot and the immense scale of Ujicha's undertaking make this an experience like no other."

"Ink shows enormous potential, executed well beyond what anyone could expect considering the limitations. A little gem that will one day find its audience and is destined to become a cult hit"

"Pan's Labyrinth is a confident, creative and overall impressive film that illustrates how you can blend drama and fantasy."

"It's a unique film that thrives on mood, appears polished all the way through, and offers familiar themes in a novel and often surprising genre package."

"It's decidedly cheesy, nonsensical and grotesque, but Kitamura's smart blend of vintage and modern makes it a grand spectacle that honors one of Japan's most iconic monsters in the best way possible."

"If you think you can handle an update of A Chinese Ghost Story bathing in CG visuals, this one is definitely recommended, otherwise you best stay clear."

"Superb cinematography, sharp editing, a very moody score and some truly creative world building all help to keep the film fresh, attractive and most importantly, original."

"Dragon Tiger Gate sports some sublime action sequences, superb cinematography and a central duo that has the show aspect of martial arts down to a tee, all in the name of juicy entertainment."

"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."

"Wai Man Yip succeeds in creating something that feels very fresh and unique, looks great and leaves something mysterious behind."

"Like most anime anthologies, Robot Carnival is a film that seeks out the boundaries of anime. The animation is exemplary, the art styles wildly original and the stories support the madness."

"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."

"In the end, L is another typical Shimoyama film."

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

"Hiroki made a pretty brave move here, incorporating new elements from other genres into his movies without changing anything of his trademark style."

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"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."

"The animation is sublime, the art style alluring, the fantasy elements are elaborate and well-executed and even though there's a lot of plot to cover, the pacing is slick."

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

"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."

"The animation is wondrous and detailed, the dub is powerful, the fantasy world feels exciting and adventurous and the finale is appropriately overwhelming."

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"The animation is absolutely stunning, the balance between fantasy and romance is perfect and the ending is quite challenging, which makes it, at least in my book, a better film than Your Name."

"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."

"Kai Doh Maru will not deliver a tight story or well-developed characters, but if you appreciate a unique art style, moody atmosphere and technical experimentation there's plenty to look forward to."

"A film that is stylistically exciting and sports a familiar mix of genre elements while adding a particular flavor that makes it easily distinguishable from similar work."

"The animation is splendid, the characters are extremely lovable, Kiki's growth feels earned and realistic and there isn't a single moment where the quality even dips just a smidgen."

"Very much recommended if you've been enjoying the epic productions of the previous decade."

"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"

"Built on quirky fantasy elements, lots of visual flair, a fun vibe and a light narrative. And if something doesn't work, the insane pacing makes sure you won't remember it for long."

"Dancing Mary is a beautifully crafted, constantly surprising and joyous little film that entertains and delights, while also offering something extra to chew on for those who care."

"Inugami offers a unique trip through Japanese folklore, serving rural mysticism and respect for tradition with fine cinematography, a beautiful score and solid performances."

"The animation is superb, the characters are charming, it's fun to explore the fantasy realm and the pacing is nigh perfect. Good, old-fashioned Ghibli quality in other words."

"The atmospheric cinematography, the strong performances and the intriguing lore make this a fun yet challenging manga adaptation that captivates from start to finish."

"The film feels delightfully maximalist, with sprawling sets and costumes, bigger-than-life performances, an epic storyline, and some eye-popping visuals."

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

"With the help of a perfect build-up, some solid performances, and polished cinematography, Kitamura delivers a fun and thrilling genre exercise that entertains from start to finish."

"The styling is lush, the action scenes are dynamic and well over-the-top, the CG doesn't distract and there's enough intrigue for those who want something besides the action."

"A stylish and well-executed fantasy film, sporting Ghibli's polished animation, a lovely soundtrack, and a morally ambiguous lead character."

"Between the stunning cinematography, the impressive fight scenes and the fast-paced plot it's hard not to like at least some part of Once Upon a Time in Shanghai."

"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 stand-out performances, the downplayed craziness, the chill atmosphere and more than a handful of memorable moments make this another lesson in dry and absurd comedy."

"The film is well acted, looks extremely lush and flies by in no time. And while many parts seem influenced by other films, the mix is completely unique and fresh."

"Jet Li is superb, the fight choreography raised the bar, the pacing is perfect and everything just feels extremely dynamic."

"The drama is flimsy, the music too melodramatic. Visually, it's a good watch, but the prime attraction are the battles, which don't disappoint at all."

"The cinematography isn't top notch and the score is forgettable, but the jokes are memorable and Chow's delivery is best in class, making this a 90-minute-long delight."

"That said, there is still plenty to be excited about. Shinkai serves you 116 minutes of visual wonder."

"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."

"Great production values, some slick action scenes and a nice cast turn this film into an enjoyable little blockbuster, which can be refreshing in itself from time to time."

"Home: Itoshi No Zashiki Warashi is a great film if you don't mind a serious dash of extravagant feel-good."

"Ip Man turned out to be an extremely solid entry in the ever growing list of Yip and Yen collaborations. If you liked Fearless, you will probably like this one too."

"The animation is splendid, the setting is original, the characters are golden and the adventure really comes into its own during the second half. At its best, it's pure Ghibli magic."

"Ghibli fans will know what to expect when they go and see this film."

"If you get the chance to see this in theaters, I advise you to do so. And if a DVD becomes available, it's probably good to pick the one with the most extensive making of feature available."

"Chan's attempt is definitely a good start, sporting high production values, a classy and stylish atmosphere and a strong mix of varied genre elements."

"Mak and Ng gave the film a unique style and flavor while royally quoting older films from the genre. Amusing, fun and quite lovely to look at. Great fun altogether."

"The styling is zany and explicit, while the story is little more than an excuse for some great action scenes. And that's exactly what a film like this should be about."

"On a technical level The Boxtrolls is an absolute masterpiece. The whole film looks lavish from start to finish."

"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."

"High concept, highly original, and impossible to reproduce, and Jonze has a proper handle on his film at all times, even when things get pretty hectic and confusing."

"Swordsman II is a very typical film and definitely won't win any fans to the genre. It's pretty chaotic, all style and no substance and not the least bit interested in telling a coherent story."

"The film is visually pleasing (though not technically perfect), packs an enjoyable sense of humor, great creature and world design and doesn't give you the chance to become bored."

"When Hosoda keeps it small and strays away from dramatic arcs the film is at its best, but Hosoda often overplays the drama and ends up with scenes that are far too mushy and melodramatic."

"The film looks beautiful, the core drama is intriguing, ambiguous and heightened by minor fantastical elements and the payoff is more than satisfying."

"Wilson Yip did well to wait a couple of years before making this third instalment. Yip Man 3 is a worthy successor, in every way possible."

"The fantasy-fueled drama offers a warm and endearing premise, but the lovely cinematography combined with some strong performances lift the film."

"Coweb is little more than an excuse to show some nicely choreographed fights and that's what it delivers. All the rest is filler and is handled accordingly."