My Review: I really liked Sono’s Guilty of Romance, have been waiting for it to be released since I first heard about it. Like with most of his work this film depicts the depravity of mankind, explores the dark and twisted corners of our minds. I feel as if his films are more of poetry in motion, his work is both personal and controversal. With that said, if you don’t get Sion Sono, or just don’t appreciate raw depictions of reality this might not be for you. I for one found myself very intrigued just for the mere … Continue reading →

My Review: So I guess I wasn’t the only one really excited about Shinkai’s new release, Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below, or original title “Hoshi o ou Kodomo”. With his previous works like “Kumo no mukô, Yakusoku no Basho”, “Byôsoku 5 Senchimêtoru” and “Hoshi No Koe”, Shinkai Makato has never ceased to impress me with the visual detail and animated scenery. A wonderful blend of color and light that breathes life into the dreamlike landscapes. If you’re familiar with his previous films you know what to expect visually, but now to the actual content. … Continue reading →

My Review: I was instantly swept away into the life of Vicky (Shu Qi) from the very start. The opening scene with her slow-motion walk in the tunnel and Lim Giong’s tune “A Pure Person” filling up the beautiful scenery was enchanting. While Shu Qi played the heroine in the film, Jack Kao (Jack) and Tuan Chun-hao (Hao-hao) really did their parts well. In the film, Vicky looks back 10 years to 2000, and is occasionally narrating the events that took place. Those early years in the story are filled with frustration, drugs, tristesse and depression. She … Continue reading →

My Review: It’s the year 1945 and the end of the war. Japan has surrendered and suffered tremendous damage. Captain Inouye’s (Rentarô Mikuni) Imperial Japanese Army regiment are moving towards the borders of Thailand, far away from their homeland, unaware of the outcome. Inouye have been educated in music and together with Mizushima (Shôji Yasui), who has a natural talent for the Burmese harp, they inspire the group to sing, motivating them all through their suffering. Music (and even parrots) is used as a brilliant substitute for communication in many scenes in the film, provoking strong feelings. They are located … Continue reading →