Layer Cake

0751
Layer Cake review

"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

0752
The Living and the Dead review

"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"

Filth

0753
Filth review

"The question remains if Baird could manage on his own, without the help of Welsh's source material, but at least for now that doesn't really matter."

Aragami

0754
Aragami review

"With the help of a perfect build-up, some solid performances, and polished cinematography, Kitamura delivers a fun and thrilling genre exercise that entertains from start to finish."

Song of the Assassins

0755
Song of the Assassins review

"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."

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia

0756
Nasu: Summer in Andalusia review

"Nasu is a great seasonal film. Its summer vibe is tangible, it coincides with the Vuelta and it gives one of the best depictions of cycling ever caught on (fictional) film, let alone animation."

Lamb Game

0757
Lamb Game review

"The lush cinematography, the moody setting, and the hyper-focus on what makes a good action thriller tick make this a condensed bundle of genre fun."

Exte: Hair Extensions

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Exte: Hair Extensions review

"Exte: Hair Extensions might feel like his most commercial film to date, but that is mostly a disguise. It's a fun, crazy and surprisingly eerie film."

Thermae Romae II

0759
Thermae Romae II review

"While it's probably best Takeuchi stops the series here, this second film was anything but redundant."

Guilty of Romance

0760
Guilty of Romance review

"Guilty of Romance may not be Sono's brightest, most ambitious or most accomplished work, but it's a more than solid addition to Sono's already strong oeuvre."

The Pavillion Salamandre

0761
The Pavillion Salamandre review

"It's definitely a difficult film to recommend."

The Loafers

0762
The Loafers review

"Miki has a unique, dead pan sense of humor that pushes the film forward. I can only hope he continues to make films in the same vein as his work doesn't really compare to anything else out there."

Dead or Alive: Final

0763
Dead or Alive: Final review

"A fun and entertaining film with some solid action scenes, a funky soundtrack, fine cinematography and a bunch of vintage Miike moments you won't be able to find anywhere else."

Eternal Summer

0764
Eternal Summer review

"After only two films Chen is well on his way to become a personal favorite. He has a keen eye and is quite versatile."

Paradox

0765
Paradox review

"I'm a big fan of the first SPL, the second one was a tiny letdown. Luckily Yip returned to elevate the series back to its original level."

Eternal Moment

0766
Eternal Moment review

"Stylishly visualized, strongly acted and pleasantly diverse, Eternal Moment is another great film in Yibai Zhang's oeuvre"

Little Fish, Strange Pond

0767
Little Fish, Strange Pond review

"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."

A Scene at the Sea

0768
A Scene at the Sea review

"Kitano's strict visuals and dry sense of humor, combined with Hisaishi's wooly soundtrack and the stoical but affectionate performances make this a wonderful experience."

The Mole Song: Final

0769
The Mole Song: Final review

"A vibrant blockbuster that conforms to genre standards, while leaving Miike enough room to insert his signature elements. The definition of pure and unfiltered entertainment."

Nightfall

0770
Nightfall review

"If you're familiar with the genre, don't expect any surprises."

Mutants

0771
Mutants review

"Those expecting lots of action, bucket loads of gore and continuous high tension will feel a little underwhelmed."

Crows Zero II

0772
Crows Zero II review

"Crows Zero II will probably appeal to the people who liked the first film and can bear a second, almost identical, serving."

Kingfisher

0773
Kingfisher review

"Sheng delivers a visually superb film, provides a good score and a set of strong actors. The drama element is impressive for this type of film, the thriller elements are more than sufficient."

Attack the Block

0774
Attack the Block review

"As it stands though, Attack The Block is a highly enjoyable film that blasts by in no time. It's a quality production that will hopefully secure a follow-up project for Joe Cornish."

Umbrella Flower

0775
Umbrella Flower review

"The stellar lead performance by Tadanobu Asano, the crisp styling, and the balance of delicate drama with some rougher edges turn this into a quality film.~"