Movie toplist: 626 to 650
Cat Soup
"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."
A Tree of Palme
"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."
Thermae Romae II
"While it's probably best Takeuchi stops the series here, this second film was anything but redundant."
Little Fish, Strange Pond
"This American no-concessions comedy deserves a little more praise than it's been getting, so don't miss it when you get the chance."
Call Boy
"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."
For Love's Sake
"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."
Stoker
"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."
Mandibles
"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 Furthest End Awaits
"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."
And Your Bird Can Sing
"Minor details, like some very smart soundtrack choices, noticeably elevated cinematography, superb performances and more tempered dramatic influences make the real difference here."
Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko
"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."
Once upon a Time in China
"Jet Li is superb, the fight choreography raised the bar, the pacing is perfect and everything just feels extremely dynamic."
MFKZ
"A raw, energetic and wildly entertaining film that felt fresh and unique. The solid dub, booming soundtrack and exceptional animation are the icing on the cake."
Bad Lands
"Bad Lands is a ride, a film that takes a personal story and turns it into a sprawling crime film. The styling is pristine, Ando is exemplary and there isn't a boring moment in sight."
Café Lumière
"Café Lumière held up pretty well, which isn't even that surprising knowing its appeal lies in the mundane."
Asteroid City
"The film is Wes Anderson at his finest and most precise, the only reason why it fails to stand out is that he has been making variations of the same film for a decade already."
Song of the Assassins
"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."
All My Friends Hate Me
"Both the writing and the direction stand out, combined with the superb performances, the perfectly paced build-up and the fitting finale, it makes for an excellent black comedy."
The Sun Also Rises
"Strong on every level, juicy and playful, it's a neat little diamond in the rough. Recommended for adventurous film fans."
Pom Poko
"Delivers a rather tricky and thorny topic with the proper nuance and depth, sugarcoats it with excellent animation and a proper score, and makes sure it remains entertaining from start to finish."
Office Royale
"The premise is original, the visuals are bold and colorful and the performances are on point. Office Royale serves action and comedy in equal measures and does so with plenty of flair."
The Coffee Table
"At its heart it's basic genre fare, but Cayas' clever writing and pointed, confident direction add the needed flair and polish to turn it into a memorable film."
Audition
"Audition will lull you to sleep with its understated, consciously tepid build-up, only to shake you away and leave you stunned and surprised after unleashing its madcap finale."
Pretty Persuasion
"If you're looking for some snide high school comedy, with a memorable lead performance, some upscale visuals, and a challenging finale, give this little gem a shot."
Kung Fu Hustle
"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."