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10.
Wait 'Til You're Older
Scrapes
in above films like 'Heart To Hearts', 'This Charming Girl' and 'Whiplash'
thanks to its resolute Eastern spirit and tone. It may be a clear allusion
to 'Big', but this turns into a deeper, more philosophical film thanks to
some brave decisions and fine acting.
[Read
The Full Review]
9.
Kung Fu Hustle
An
obvious choice due to the sheer brilliance of this wildly inventive,
supremely choreographed action comedy classic. Chow raises the bar he set
with 'Shaolin Soccer' and shows how, despite a relatively small budget, a
good imagination can overcome all.
[Read
The Full Review]
8.
Return Of The Sentimental Swordsman
A
nihilistic swordplay film quite unlike anything else conceived by Chu
Yuan. Dark, brooding and thoughtful, this excellent production shows the
reality of the martial world and the shattered lives it leaves behind.
Fine acting from Ti Lung and Derek Yee, a superb script and tight direction
makes this something special.
[Read
The Full Review]
7.
Saving My Hubby
Quirky
though never shallow and thoroughly charming throughout, this Korean
comedy features a knockout performance by Bae Nu-Da and a cast of
eccentric characters. Never drops into melodrama as is the case with many
Korean comedies and never outstays its welcome, this was a infectious
film.
[Read
The Full Review]
6.
Il Mare
The
Hollywood remake fills me with dread as this tender romantic drama has a
uniquely Asian tone. Subtle direction and a few moments of outstanding
beauty, this was a heart-warming production.
[Read
The Full Review]
5.
Swing Girls
The
last film I watched in 2005 and one of the best. The old 'show must go on'
edict is put through another big screen outing with a band of Japanese
schoolgirls playing Jazz. The soundtrack is toe-tappingly good, the cast
are strong without exception and the characters become figures we really
care about. A sequel would be most welcome.
[Read
The Full Review]
4.
Eat Hot Tofu Slowly
Any
film that can distract you on a long haul flight from China must be worth
a mention and 'Eat Hot Tofu Slowly' is a gem. A classic Asian conceit of
an ordinary, good-hearted man put to the test by all around him is
expertly shot and acted.
[Read
The Full Review]
3.
Crazy N' The City
A
genuine surprise from director James Yuen. Having subjected us to some
very uninspiring rubbish of late, Yuen shocked me by creating a flawless
ensemble film. Eason Chan gives his best ever performance as the
disillusioned policeman protagonist while Francis Ng gives a sympathetic
portrayal of mental illness - a rare thing in world cinema, let alone Hong
Kong. Highly recommended.
[Read
The Full Review]
2.
Tokyo Story
A
great film, though maybe not 'the greatest' as some argue. Ozu's
masterpiece is a razor sharp dissection of the changes in Japanese culture
and the sad truths about parents and their children. Outstanding.
[Read
The Full Review]
1.
Summer
Snow
A
difficult choice, but probably the right one. Ann Hui's best, Roy Chiao's
best and a flawless study of illness and the sacrifices people make for
those they love. A must see film.
[Read
The Full Review]
Written
by Andrew Saroch
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