Movie top list: 101 to 125
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
"It is great to see Miyazaki return to his former self after 15 years, Ponyo is certainly up there with the best of his work and is a good step up from Mononoke, Chihiro and Howl."
Swiss Army Man
"Not everyone is going to appreciate the peculiar sense of humor on display here, but Kwan and Scheinert deliver a film that is witty, smart, well-made, pure and most of all unique."
Big Fish and Begonia
"Big Fish and Begonia is an absolute stunner, an audiovisual experience that dragged me into its world and didn't let go until the final frame faded and the last note died."
Dead End Run
"A fun, varied and classy anthology film where Sogo Ishii allows himself to showcase his more experimental side while leaving room for some softer touches."
Paris Is Us
"Paris Is Us is beautifully shot, intimate and abstract at the same time, it features a terrific score, a superb lead and it resonates way beyond its own narrative."
Climax
"Debie's cinematography is first class, the soundtrack is spot on, the dance routines are pretty impressive, performances are great, and the final hour is Noé at his finest/darkest."
Deep Sea
"The film's overwhelming visuals and its bright and bustling fantasy universe were quick to pull me in, the experimental touches and the onslaught of visual detail kept me glued to the screen."
Bitter Honey
"It's lush looking, very well acted, aptly scored and surprising at every turn. It's quirky and giddy, but at the same time it's also dark, brooding and lingering."
My Man
"With a superb soundtrack, two killer leads and some visual panache, Kumakiri delivers a film that has the power to linger. That is, if you can stomach the punches My Man dishes out."
Memories
"Anthology projects offer the world a glimpse of the diversity of Japanese animation. Memories is one of the best of its kind and probably one of Studio 4°C's most prestigious undertakings so far."
G Affairs
"With stunning cinematography, superb performances, an intriguing plot and challenging themes G Affairs becomes a testament to the cinematic talent Hong Kong can produce."
Memories of Matsuko
"The blend of an explicit and vibrant stylistic signature and upbeat musical numbers with a deeply tragic narrative is impossible to explain, it just has to be experienced first-hand."
Blowfish
"A slow yet beautiful, gracious and delightfully subtle film that plays one single card, but plays it so damn well that it easily lasts the 90 minute running time."
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
"This is truly next-gen stuff, a peek into the future of animated cinema that will reshape what we consider acceptable, not just on a technical but also on a creative level."
Lost River
"An audiovisual trip through an intriguing world, it's a feverish nightmare presented as a soothing dream, but above all it's a film from a director who has a voice of his own."
Inside
"A film that will please horror and gore fans alike. It starts of slow, but it doesn't take long before everything turns bad and it doesn't back down until the last drop of blood has been spilled."
New Religion
"It's a film that is all vibe and mood, strengthened by meticulous stylistic choices, a mysterious and befuddling plot, and strong, captivating performances."
Akira
"Doesn't feel like it aged a lot. The animation is top-notch, the soundtrack is memorable, its universe feels alive and lived in, and the film goes out with a bang. Literally."
The Grandmaster
"There is plenty of wonder, tension and intrigue that kept me occupied whenever I found time to pry my eyes and ears away from the drop dead gorgeous presentation."
Martyrs
"It's a bleak, depressing but all the more impressive look into the darker depths of the human condition, it will leave you cringing in your seat, and it will make you want to look away."
Big Man Japan
"A must-see this one, if only to marvel at the insane creations and wacky surreal scenes that come from an utterly silly premise given a fully straight-faced treatment."
Gamer
"If you're looking for a short, fun and action-filled film than Gamer is a prime choice. It's extremely visual, fast and without compromise. And above all, it's executed remarkably well."
Mononoke Movie: Paper Umbrella
"An overwhelming sensory experience, sporting insane visuals, and a splendid score, bringing to life an elaborate and complex story that warrants multiple watches."
Perfect Blue
"A film that combines strong social commentary with a terrific sense of paranoia, leading you on with each successive twist but scoring purely on execution rather than surprise effect."
The Midnight Maiden War
"The stylish cinematography and superb sound design create a unique and tangible atmosphere, the performances and strong characterization add extra flair to the whole."