Maborosi

0526
Maborosi review

"The stylish cinematography, the moody score, and the devastating central performance all help to flesh out and strengthen a captivating drama about processing loss."

Pan's Labyrinth

0527
Pan's Labyrinth review

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

Happiness

0528
Happiness review

"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."

Crosscurrent

0529
Crosscurrent review

"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."

Godzilla: Final Wars

0530
Godzilla: Final Wars review

"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."

Godzilla: The Planet Eater

0531
Godzilla: The Planet Eater review

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

A Chinese Fairy Tale

0532
A Chinese Fairy Tale review

"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."

Re-cycle

0533
Re-cycle review

"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."

Kung Fu Hustle

0534
Kung Fu Hustle review

"The perfect showcase for Chow's trademark mix of silly, over-the-top comedy and deadpan execution. Genuine laughs and crazy martial arts scenes make this one of the most entertaining films around."

Dumbeast

0535
Dumbeast review

"Donju brings a special breed of humor, mixing dry deliveries, nonsensical dialogue and random interludes to a strange puddle of laughs."

A Tree of Palme

0536
A Tree of Palme review

"The art style is lovely, the fantasy elements feel otherworldly and Palme's journey is grand, without ever feeling cheesy or expected, making this one of the better fantasy epics I've seen."

Dragon Tiger Gate

0537
Dragon Tiger Gate review

"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."

Beauty and the Beast

0538
Beauty and the Beast review

"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."

Ninja Scroll

0539
Ninja Scroll review

"It's delightfully and excessively violent, sporting superb creature designs, a bold and expressive art style and brisk pacing. Everything you'd ever want and need in a gory, macho action film."

Possessor

0540
Possessor review

"The story may be familiar territory for most, but the exquisite designs, the stylish cinematography, great score and excellent performances make this a film like no other."

Paprika

0541
Paprika review

"That said, Paprika is still an amazing film with plenty of memorable moments and a superb finale. If I sound a little negative that's only because his first two films are hard to surpass."

Fate

0542
Fate review

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

My Name Is Yours

0543
My Name Is Yours review

"Even without the little narrative twist, this would've been a worthwhile film. The performances are strong, the cinematography is stylish and the pacing is perfect."

Miss Hokusai

0544
Miss Hokusai review

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

Hotel Iris

0545
Hotel Iris review

"The cinematography and score are polished and stylish, the performances are top-notch and the themes are dark and challenging, resulting in a very fine drama that underlines Okuhara's talent."

Love in the Buff

0546
Love in the Buff review

"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."

The Bastard and the Beautiful World

0547
The Bastard and the Beautiful World review

"The Bastard and the Beautiful World has everything I expect from a good anthology film. It is eclectic, creative, no weak links and each short comes with its own fun surprises."

Dirty Mind

0548
Dirty Mind review

"Van Hees really proved his worth with his second film. Dirty Mind is funny, bears a good and original story and is well directed on all fronts to help create a solid feel for the film."

Cashback

0549
Cashback review

"Cashback is a charming, inventive and dreamy coming-of-age romance with several stand-out moments and memorable ideas."

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko

0550
Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko review

"The art style is wonderful, the animation is lovely, the characters are pleasantly different, and Watanabe's bold dramatic choices pay off nicely in the end."