Movie top list: 251 to 275
Outrage
"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."
Annular Eclipse
"Annular Eclipse is a dashing genre effort, blending different genres, a conceptual story, and polished cinematography to create something that dazzles from start to finish."
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
"While Ritchie would go on to make some nice variations on this blueprint, he would never again reach the level of tongue-in-cheek wittiness that makes this film so adorable."
Tokyo Fist
"An exceptional audiovisual experience, a worthwhile drama, and a lesson in how to properly film a boxing match. It's a pretty short film that packs quite a punch."
Suffering of Ninko
"Suffering of Ninko is the kind of film that made me fall in love with Japanese cinema all these years ago. It's different, it's fun, it looks great, and it's overall very creative."
Spring Subway
"Zhang does a magnificent job at both romantic and dramatic angles and delivers a beautifully shot and scored film, revolving around a lovable but ill-fated couple."
Vidocq
"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."
xxxHolic
"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."
Valhalla Rising
"This film is a solid, well-made, and impressive trip that reaches back to our more primitive emotions, focusing a lot more on atmosphere and experience, rather than plot and characters."
District 9
"It's a blockbuster, as a blockbuster should be. Near perfect use of CG, superb mech designs, great action scenes, some funny moments, and a premise interesting enough to kick-start the whole thing."
Norwegian Wood
"It's beautifully shot, wonderfully scored, and sporting some great performances. It ranks well in just about every department, aptly showcasing the progress Tran has made as a director."
Funuke, Show Some Love You Losers
"A visually attractive film, with strong performances and some goofy humor. But underneath lies a mean-spirited dramatic layer that leaves a pretty strong impression."
Labyrinth of Dreams
"Even though it's not a typical Ishii film, there are enough stylistic remnants to please the fans while at the same time making sure it's not just a rehash of his earlier films."
The Most Beautiful Night in the World
"Tengan's Sekia is a little gem."
It Comes
"Delivers on its genre premise, is different enough to keep you on your toes and is impeccably executed, with beautiful cinematography, strong use of its score and boasting stellar performances."
Mad Detective
"His genre work is strong, comes with a very personal signature, it's seamlessly executed, and seems to lack any obvious weak points. Mad Detective is a definite recommendation."
Chandmani Sum
"Hartsuiker succeeds in his mission, as he delivers a visually accomplished document with a superb soundtrack, transporting you to a world not quite like ours."
Mandy
"Mandy is a must-see film, especially for people who have a soft spot for horror and experimental cinema, just be prepared for a little unevenness."
Shamo
"Visually beautiful, with excellent use of sound, a charismatic and memorable lead, and an unconventionally ruthless story. Cheang is a real talent and proves himself again."
3-Iron
"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."
Glory to the Filmmaker
"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."
Taipei Exchanges
"It's a small, delicate, and subtle little film, a wholesome, warm blanket that feels fresher than most of its peers and excels in just about every way possible."
Death Trance
"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."
Strings
"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."
A New Life
"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."