Seven Swords

0826
Seven Swords review

"The lush visuals, great score and superb cast all add to this epic journey, which truly shines whenever people dig out their swords and start to hack, slash and twirl."

Coraline

0827
Coraline review

"If you get the chance to see this in theaters, I advise you to do so. And if a DVD becomes available, it's probably good to pick the one with the most extensive making of feature available."

Swordsman II

0828
Swordsman II review

"Swordsman II is a very typical film and definitely won't win any fans to the genre. It's pretty chaotic, all style and no substance and not the least bit interested in telling a coherent story."

The Beckoning

0829
The Beckoning review

"That said, there is still plenty to enjoy. The film is blessed with a creepy atmosphere, luscious visuals and some pretty interesting twists."

Begotten

0830
Begotten review

"A dark mood piece, experimental cinema infused with a strong dash of genre, not quite devoid of a plot, but a downright struggle for anyone who wants to have things spelled out."

Snakes and Earrings

0831
Snakes and Earrings review

"It's a beautiful film, sometimes alienating, sometimes weird and impenetrable, but always humane and warm, embracing its characters rather than discarding them as outcasts."

A Lake

0832
A Lake review

"Grandrieux is an acquired taste."

Smokin' Aces

0833
Smokin' Aces review

"Take a bunch of wonky hitmen, add the necessary explosive firepower, pepper it with an over-the-top approach, and you have a film that still stand proud today."

Yellow Elephant

0834
Yellow Elephant review

"Thanks to its slightly magical touches and its strong shifts between feel-good and drama, Yellow Elephant rises above the majority of other Japanese dramas out there."

True Legend

0835
True Legend review

"The 3-way story split might be a bit of a gamble, but looking back I actually enjoyed the extra depth it brought to the film."

Ex

0836
Ex review

"Ex is a film that shows the good and the bad. The main characters are not all that lovable, nor are they horrible people."

Happiness

0837
Happiness review

"Solondz' unique talent is making extreme tragedy fun, pushing things into uncomfortable territory, and there is no better film than Happiness to illustrate this very particular skill."

The Great Ecstasy of Robert Carmichael

0838
The Great Ecstasy of Robert Carmichael review

"Slightly elevated cinematography, a more contemporary soundtrack, an unflinching camera and very strong performances from the central cast turn this social drama into a rare success for me."

Intruders

0839
Intruders review

"Intruders is a very stylish affair. The film takes its time to explore its setting, slowly working up to an impressive finale."

The Lovers of the Arctic Circle

0840
The Lovers of the Arctic Circle review

"The elaborate plot, the quirky characters, the explicit cinematography and atmospheric soundtrack all build up to a beautiful finale that anchors the film as a future classic."

Kiki's Delivery Service

0841
Kiki's Delivery Service review

"The animation is splendid, the characters are extremely lovable, Kiki's growth feels earned and realistic and there isn't a single moment where the quality even dips just a smidgen."

Permanent Nobara

0842
Permanent Nobara review

"I'm actively seeking out Yoshida's final film, if it proves to be as good as Funuke and Permanent Nobara he's making my select list of directors to watch."

Ace Attorney

0843
Ace Attorney review

"Ace Attorney is a Miike blockbuster. The weirdness is kept to a minimum, but the entertainment value is high and the film definitely has its moments of brilliance."

House of Voices

0844
House of Voices review

"It's extremely atmospheric, the build-up is impeccable, performances are great and the finale is exactly what I wanted from this film. A horror film that has the full package."

The Living and the Dead

0845
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"

Scrap Heaven

0846
Scrap Heaven review

"With a splendid cast, stylish cinematography, a cool score, and some interesting thematic strands he delivers a memorable and accomplished film."

Welcome to the Quiet Room

0847
Welcome to the Quiet Room review

"Matsuo is growing as a director. Welcome To The Quiet Room is in improvement on his previous films in every respect."

Mutants

0848
Mutants review

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

American Beauty

0849
American Beauty review

"Dark, dry wit, a can of excellent performances, deliberate styling choices and a series of iconic scenes make this a film that is armed to withstand the test of time."

Grotesque

0850
Grotesque review

"Grotesque is for all those people who need a lesson in what torture porn flicks really are."