Village

0776
Village review

"The intricate styling, the mix of classic folklore with contemporary culture, and the slick thriller elements make this a pretty accessible film while keeping that Japanese feel intact."

Black Kiss

0777
Black Kiss review

"Tezuka's attention to wacky details makes all the difference, turning a moody and creepy thriller into a sprawling, surprising mystery that culminates into a memorable finale."

The Legend of Chen Zhen

0778
The Legend of Chen Zhen review

"Great production values, some slick action scenes and a nice cast turn this film into an enjoyable little blockbuster, which can be refreshing in itself from time to time."

La Boîte Noire

0779
La Boîte Noire review

"The Black Box is a film for loving genre fans."

Spirited Away

0780
Spirited Away review

"The animation is splendid, the setting is original, the characters are golden and the adventure really comes into its own during the second half. At its best, it's pure Ghibli magic."

Exte: Hair Extensions

0781
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."

Good Take!

0782
Good Take! review

"If you want to explore Hong Kong's upcoming talent and you don't mind shifting gears from time to time, then this one comes well recommended."

Fire of Conscience

0783
Fire of Conscience review

"Dante Lam finally delivers a film that mixes enjoyable, adrenaline-inducing action coupled with a more stylish and classy exterior."

Drug War

0784
Drug War review

"If you like the HK police flicks Drug War is one of the best offerings around. It's a stylish, tense and strong crime flick, helmed by one of the most seasoned crime cinema veterans. "

Layer Cake

0785
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."

30 Days of Night

0786
30 Days of Night review

"A film that thrives on its setting and the atmosphere Slade manages to draw from it. The creepy vampires, the polished cinematography and moody soundtrack only enhance the icy dread."

The Possession of David O'Reilly

0787
The Possession of David O'Reilly review

"That said, The Torment is one of the most tense and gripping horrors I've seen in quite a while. A true genre film that gets all the details right and creates a perfect sense of distress."

The Boy and the Heron

0788
The Boy and the Heron review

"The animation is wondrous and detailed, the dub is powerful, the fantasy world feels exciting and adventurous and the finale is appropriately overwhelming."

Love on Sunday: Last Words

0789
Love on Sunday: Last Words review

"For Western audiences the themes of Last Words may be quite sad and depressing, but Nagisa's acceptance of her nearing death paints a very different picture."

The Insects Unlisted in the Encyclopedia

0790
The Insects Unlisted in the Encyclopedia review

"Miki has a very peculiar sense of humor. The jokes can be pretty absurd and out there, but the delivery is always deadpan."

Trap

0791
Trap review

"It's hard to recommend this film without prior knowledge of the previous films."

Twin Warriors

0792
Twin Warriors review

"Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh are a delight to watch, the action choreography is spectacular and the mix of daft comedy and sprawling martial arts makes for amazing entertainment."

Bus Stop

0793
Bus Stop review

"The stylish presentation, the refined pacing, and layered performances support a smart and well-balanced drama that isn't afraid to confront the audience with some challenging questions."

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia

0794
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."

Home: The House Imp

0795
Home: The House Imp review

"Home: Itoshi No Zashiki Warashi is a great film if you don't mind a serious dash of extravagant feel-good."

White Vengeance

0796
White Vengeance review

"A slice of tactical warfare that, at least to me, is a lot more challenging and interesting to follow. The climax is both exciting and emotional, the ending is smart and a small punch in the gut."

The Acid House

0797
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."

Silence and Sunset

0798
Silence and Sunset review

"The beautiful cinematography, the stylish score and the raw performances make for a powerful and entrancing experience, establishing Umemura as a potential future stronghold of Japanese arthouse."

Goodbye, Dragon Inn

0799
Goodbye, Dragon Inn review

"Tsai allows you to slow down along with it, transporting you to a wet and distant place where you can enjoy the final day of a local cinema."

Songs from the Second Floor

0800
Songs from the Second Floor review

"If you care for absurdist tableaus, bleak, dry, and dark comedy, unpleasant characters, and a relentless unwillingness to push forward a clear narrative, this film will be right up your alley."