Ex Drummer

0101
Ex Drummer review

"Ex Drummer is a raunchy, mean-spirited and devilish son of bitch, at the same time it's also a very smart, funny and unique little film that deserves a loving cult following."

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

0102
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea review

"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

0103
Swiss Army Man review

"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

0104
Big Fish and Begonia review

"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

0105
Dead End Run review

"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

0106
Paris Is Us review

"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

0107
Climax review

"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

0108
Deep Sea review

"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

0109
Bitter Honey review

"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

0110
My Man review

"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

0111
Memories review

"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

0112
G Affairs review

"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

0113
Memories of Matsuko review

"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

0114
Blowfish review

"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

0115
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse review

"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

0116
Lost River review

"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

0117
Inside review

"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

0118
New Religion review

"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

0119
Akira review

"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

0120
The Grandmaster review

"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

0121
Martyrs review

"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

0122
Big Man Japan review

"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

0123
Gamer review

"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

0124
Mononoke Movie: Paper Umbrella review

"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

0125
Perfect Blue review

"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."