Toplist: 250 - 226

"Kotoko is another work of love."

"It's a pretty crazy ride that revels in the violence on display, while at the same time lashing out at the media's sensationalism and the audience's lack of critical standards."

"Those who really want to see the film will be required to be a little adventurous, but fans of Ishii and/or Asano would do good to go through the trouble."

"Haze is a landmark in Tsukamoto's oeuvre. The possibilities of DV allowed him to go back to his roots."

"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."

"Even though its appeal might be limited to a rather small group of film fans, I still feel 19 is undervalued (and incredibly underwatched)."

"Glory to the Filmmaker is one big happy mess of filmmaking, referencing many other directors, resembling many more, but defying them all by making something totally unique and totally Kitano."

"For a 10-year old animation film The Place Promised in Our Early Days still looks and feels remarkably fresh."

"Antichrist is atmospheric, moody, technically impressive and pretty mysterious."

"3-Iron is a silent journey, following two characters who don't talk to each other directly, but understand each other's feelings all too well. To be a witness to that feels like something special."

"A New Life is not a film that is fun to watch. But it is an impressive film that succeeds as no other in putting down a vile, bleak and uneasy atmosphere."

"Tokyo Fist is somewhat of a forgotten Tsukamoto film, which is weird considering its many qualities."

"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."

"With Isabella Ho-Cheung Pang combines strong drama with a superb sense of aesthetics. It's easily his most accomplished film to date where everything feels just right."

"My favorite Nakashima film so far. His next project looks more like a regular Japanese drama, but after such a sugar rush that doesn't really come as a surprise."

"The found footage mould is perfect for a film like Cloverfield. It puts the audience right in the middle of the disaster with the same knowledge as its protagonists."

"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."

"Compared to RRNNM just about everything is more polished. The visuals look tastier, the soundtrack is even more profoundly present and the acting is just about perfect."

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

"Don't expect a typical horror film going into Dead Daughters. But expect to be impressed by the atmospheric skills of Ruminov. It's nice to see films like these coming out of Russia."

"If you're a fan of Delicatessen and you haven't seen The City of Lost Children it's really a no-brainer."

"I liked District 9. A lot. It's a blockbuster, but as blockbusters should be. Near perfect use of CG, superb mech designs and great action scenes."

"I clearly prefer this film over Amélie, if only for the darker and freakier setting."

"One thing is certain though. Cheng has style and he has a clear vision he wishes to share through his films. His addition to Taiwanese cinema (and cinema in general) is a very welcome one."

"Doyle and Umebayashi do a great job, Leung and Cheung are stellar, but they cannot hide the fact that Kar Wai grew even more skilled after completing this film."