One Missed Call (dir. Takashi Miike): over-the-top approach smothers observations about families and chaos in the world
Takashi Miike, “One Missed Call” (2004) Coming from Takashi Miike (of “Ichi the Killer” fame),
Australian and New Zealand Films
Mary and Max: claymation film labouring under plot aimed at both adults and children but failing both
Adam Elliot, “Mary and Max” (2008) Source: www.artabase.net This is a poignant film about how
Catfish: a film with a surprising and humbling twist
Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost, “Catfish” (2010) Call it a fake documentary, call it a
Dororo: a fun escapist samurai-fusion film let down by cheap effects
Akihiko Shiota, “Dororo” (2006) Based on the original manga by Astroboy creator, Osamu Tezuka, “Dororo”
Noi the Albino: film about a teenager needing a purpose and anchor in life … like a proper film
Dagur Kari, “Noi the Albino” (2003) This is a curious film where little happens and
13 Beloved: clever comedy horror movie with surprisingly deep ideas
Chukiat Sakveerakul, “13 Beloved” aka “13: Game of Death” (2006) Your name is Phuchit and
Pusher: highly recommended viewing about small-time heroin dealer
Nicolas Winding Refn, “Pusher” (1996) Just managed to catch this film last night after seeing
Chinese and Chinese-language Films
Ye Yan aka Legend of the Black Scorpion aka The Banquet: Chinese adaptation of “Hamlet” is Much Ado About Nothing
Feng Xiaogang, “Ye Yan” aka “Legend of the Black Scorpion” aka “The Banquet” (2006) Source:
Love and Other Crimes: romantic comedy deals with love and change in a society caught between Communism and corporatism
Stefan Arsenijevic, “Love and other Crimes” (2008) For a romantic comedy, this film sure looks
German and German-language Films
Metropolis (directed by Fritz Lang): trite plot and mawkish ending let down an impressive and stylish film
Fritz Lang, “Metropolis” (1927) Picture source: www.tobatheinfilmicwaters.com The version of “Metropolis” I saw recently is