Movie top list: 726 to 750
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms
"The film feels delightfully maximalist, with sprawling sets and costumes, bigger-than-life performances, an epic storyline, and some eye-popping visuals."
The Egoists
"Keibetsu turns out to be another strong addition to Hiroki's oeuvre. It's not his best film to date, but it's nice to see him try out new stuff, even when it's not all that radical."
Vengeance
"A very solid film in all departments, allowing you to sink back into your couch and let the film drift over you like a warm, dark blanket."
The Message
"The Message is visually stunning, smart, atmospheric and even a little tense near the end."
The Insects Unlisted in the Encyclopedia
"Miki has a very peculiar sense of humor. The jokes can be pretty absurd and out there, but the delivery is always deadpan."
District B13
"There's plenty of variation in the action scenes, the action choreography is splendid, the styling is bold and the pacing is slick. It's everything a modern action film should be."
My Darling of the Mountains
"Well acted, beautifully shot and neatly scored, this film is for those who enjoy the more poetic side of Katsuhito Ishii, but can handle this style in a light and undemanding context."
Life Show
"A pleasantly executed film featuring a strong lead and some good solid drama, splendid scenery and just breaths the couleur locale."
Port of Call
"Port of Call is edgy, challenging and accomplished. The film looks great, the acting is exceptional and the soundtrack is on point."
Fire of Conscience
"Dante Lam finally delivers a film that mixes enjoyable, adrenaline-inducing action coupled with a more stylish and classy exterior."
Mongol
"Cinematography, score and acting all play their part in the portrayal of the rugged and uninviting setting that serves as a living and breathing backdrop for Temujin's rise to power."
But Always
"A self-written, self-directed romance that feels quite familiar and comfortable, but has one major selling point. From start to finish, the film looks drop-dead gorgeous."
2LDK
"With two spirited actresses, a fun and progressively more over-the-top script, nifty dark comedy and a very economic runtime, 2LDK is a film that made me grin from start to finish."
18×2 Beyond Youthful Days
"A loveable, stylish take on Pan-Asian romance cinema, sporting a great cast, a pleasant score, and cozy cinematography, all in support of some heartwarming moments."
Your Friends
"It's not a wildly original film but it introduces enough elements to differentiate itself from other Japanese dramas while keeping the usual traits firmly in place."
A Very Long Engagement
"A very stylish, lovingly crafted romance that carries Jeunet's signature, offers quality in every department and should appeal to a broad audience without feeling too generic or dumbed-down."
Hidden Man
"Hidden Man is an insanely entertaining, clever, tongue in cheek revenge flick that features a stellar cast, stylish visuals and some very solid action sequences."
Jam Films S
"Japan's animation anthologies tend to bring together the best in the genre while their live-action counterparts are more concerned with finding new talent."
Birds Without Names
"A powerhouse performance by Yu Aoi, some rather stylish visuals and a highly atmospheric soundtrack make this a standout entry that highlights Shiraishi's talents."
Samaritan Girl
"Samaritan Girl is the perfect combination of sweet and sour. A beautiful drama with some raw edges that thrives on a sublime score and killer central performances."
Reign of Assassins
"If you're looking for a quality martial arts epic, look no further because this film has everything to quench your thirst."
Incredible But True
"Dupieux's absurdist comedy is on full display here, the performances are on point and while I didn't fully vibe with the styling I can't but admit that the film has its own, unique style."
Citadel
"It's a vile, gritty and hellish descent (or rise if you will) into a fear-inducing concrete structure, providing plenty of chills and uneasy moments that belong up there with the best"
Layer Cake
"It looks stylish, boasts a fun soundtrack and delivers a quirky range of gangsters, ticking all the boxes that makes this niche great. A fine blend of crime and comedy, nothing more, nothing less."
The Living and the Dead
"Leo Bill's outstanding performance, the feverish middle part with its manic editing and sped-up soundtrack, and the barren, grim atmosphere all add up to the unique and dark experience"