Hold Up Down

0701
Hold Up Down review

"The comedy is spot on, the cinematography is solid, the film works up to a strong crescendo and there are some very memorable scenes scattered throughout."

Bodyguards and Assassins

0702
Bodyguards and Assassins review

"Very much recommended if you've been enjoying the epic productions of the previous decade."

JCVD

0703
JCVD review

"Falling somewhere between the world of commercial and arthouse cinema, the film may have some trouble finding an appreciative audience, luckily there's been plenty of positive buzz."

Alice in Wonderland

0704
Alice in Wonderland review

"It's Burton's style that thrives the film to greater heights. One of the best Burton films I've seen so far, I hope he continues on this path"

Schizopolis

0705
Schizopolis review

"If you're looking for something totally different, strangely off-beat and pleasantly absurd, dressed in up utter stylistic wackiness, then Schizopolis definitely has you covered."

A Chinese Ghost Story III

0706
A Chinese Ghost Story III review

"Built on quirky fantasy elements, lots of visual flair, a fun vibe and a light narrative. And if something doesn't work, the insane pacing makes sure you won't remember it for long."

Cub

0707
Cub review

"With his first feature, Govaerts delivers a rock solid genre film. It's tense and moody, never too gory, beautifully shot, aptly scored and generally well-directed."

The Acid House

0708
The Acid House review

"The acting is good, the stories are smart and the sense of humor is typically Welsh: dark and tragic. The Acid House won't disappoint Welsh fans, but a Danny Boyle film it is not."

Last Night in Soho

0709
Last Night in Soho review

"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

0710
Shadow of Fire review

"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."

And Your Bird Can Sing

0711
And Your Bird Can Sing review

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

Kids Return

0712
Kids Return review

"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."

The Furthest End Awaits

0713
The Furthest End Awaits review

"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."

In the Pool

0714
In the Pool review

"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."

Rinco's Restaurant

0715
Rinco's Restaurant review

"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."

L'Amant

0716
L'Amant review

"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."

The Dog of Flanders

0717
The Dog of Flanders review

"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

0718
Bad Lands review

"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."

Rage

0719
Rage review

"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

0720
Adrift in Tokyo review

"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."

Love in a Puff

0721
Love in a Puff review

"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

0722
Hard Boiled review

"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

0723
Dancing Mary review

"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

0724
Two Pigeons review

"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."

Left Bank

0725
Left Bank review

"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."