Movie toplist: 776 to 800
In the Pool
"There's plenty of variation comedy-wise, Miki keeps it visually interesting and Suzuki Matsuo is a true sight to behold. The result is a very pleasant film with plenty of rewatch value."
Hard Boiled
"Hard Boiled is one of the best action flicks out there, touting majestic gun fights and epic body counts, with a prime cast and a talented director keeping everything in check."
Drunken Master II
"The pairing of Liu and Chan results in some of the coolest and frantic martial arts moments ever put on film, making it that much easier to forget about all the film's shortcomings."
Merry-Go-Round
"If only the soundtrack would've been a bit better, this film could have turned out to be a small masterpiece."
Love, Life and Goldfish
"The lovely cinematography, the superb production design, the solid integration of the score and the pleasant performances all add up to a very charming and disarming film."
Scabbard Samurai
"Matsumoto's new film is a little gem, a film that does not impress in spades but focuses on smaller details."
Filth
"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."
Village
"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
"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
"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
"The Black Box is a film for loving genre fans."
Spirited Away
"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
"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!
"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
"Dante Lam finally delivers a film that mixes enjoyable, adrenaline-inducing action coupled with a more stylish and classy exterior."
Drug War
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Miki has a very peculiar sense of humor. The jokes can be pretty absurd and out there, but the delivery is always deadpan."
Trap
"It's hard to recommend this film without prior knowledge of the previous films."
Twin Warriors
"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
"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."