Movie top list: 701 to 725

"A beautiful fever dream that transports you to the seedy underbelly of a different place and time, built on dazzling cinematography, a well-tailored score and excellent performances."

"Shadow of Fire has the marks of an aging director, but Tsukamoto is aging in style. What the film lacks in vigor and energy, it makes up for with piercing emotion and a stylish finish."

"Minor details, like some very smart soundtrack choices, noticeably elevated cinematography, superb performances and more tempered dramatic influences make the real difference here."

"The solid cinematography coupled with the nice soundtrack, the fine performances and the pleasantly subdued drama all help to highlight Kitano's talent as a bona fide director."

"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."

"There's plenty of variation comedy-wise, Miki keeps it visually interesting and Suzuki Matsuo is a true sight to behold. The result is a very pleasant film with plenty of rewatch value."

"It's hard to say which of Tominaga's films is better. Rinco's Restaurant is definitely more accomplished, illustrating Tominaga's growth as a director."

"The subject is taboo and Hiroki's approach is unflinching, yet the result is a subtle, nuanced and touching drama that well exceeded any expectations I had up front."

"A very touching, very dear yet very sad story about a boy that got a lot less out of life than he deserved."

"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."

"The superb cast and impeccable styling ease you into the film while Lee's bold and contrasting touches keep you engaged throughout."

"Adrift In Tokyo is a rather lovely film. It knows how to blend comedy and drama into a perfect mix of blanket-like warmth, covering the viewer with a world he'd somehow like to inhabit."

"On the surface a simple romantic comedy, the film itself is grounded in a more realistic setting and allows a good look into the lives of contemporary HK citizens."

"Hard Boiled is one of the best action flicks out there, touting majestic gun fights and epic body counts, with a prime cast and a talented director keeping everything in check."

"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."

"Two Pigeons is a small delight. It's not a big, swooping movie, but it offers plenty of nasty smiles, some genuine wonder and a very balanced ending."

"The atmosphere is pleasantly bleak, dark and loaded, there's a little audiovisual bravoure, the actors are on point and the plot keeps you guessing."

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

"If you love absurd comedy, executed with a deadpan disposition and styled conform the overall tone of the film, with some additional horror elements to boot, then Deerskin is bound to delight."

"one of the many Japanese dramas dealing with adolescents, but it manages to stand out thanks to its original setting, its unpredictable plot, and its youthful presentation."

"Toyoda made an impeccable sequel to Miike's first two films."

"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."

"If you want another character drama, M might prove to be a too big a challenge and there are plenty of other Hiroki films you could and should be watching instead."

"It's a stylish, smart and balanced Triad film, sporting a great cast, a characteristic soundtrack, a couple of witty setups and a fulfilling finale."

"It's another great addition to Pang's oeuvre and proof that he's a truly unique force in the Hong Kong movie industry. One for the connoisseurs."