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10.
My Name Is Fame
A
pleasant return to form for Lau Ching Wan after years in the
wilderness of low-brow Hong Kong comedy and by far his
best film since 'Himalaya Singh'. Almost a biopic of Lau's recent
highs and lows, this was an encouraging dramedy that didn't seek
to satirise Hong Kong cinema (a shame to some extent), but was a
well told story with enough truth in its concept to resonate.
[Read
The Full Review]
9.
Painted Faces
Alex
Law's thoughtful study of the Peking Opera Troupe that famously
included Jackie and Sammo among its ranks was touching and
educational at the same time. A real sense of a different era in
Hong Kong helped make this far more than just a biopic and allow
Sammo Hung to give one of his greatest performances.
8.
Quill
Easy
to dismiss this as a mere exercise in the 'ahh factor', this was a
sweet and effective story shot with real heart. There's a few
tears along the way, but it's a film that leaves the viewer with a
smile on their face.
[Read
The Full Review]
7.
Mcdull, The Alumni
Strangely
underrated and a million miles away from the style of the first
two films, this was the biggest surprise of the year. A satirical
swipe at Hong Kong and peppered with enough wonderfully surreal
moments to be memorable, 'McDull...' was one of the braver big
productions of recent years. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I
lapped up every minute of its Python-esque lunacy and typical
McDull moments of introspection.
[Read
The Full Review]
6.
Waterboys
After
putting 'Swing Girls' in my top ten last year, this year sees the
inclusion of its excellent forerunner 'Waterboys'. Sinobu Yaguchi
tries out the template later used for 'Swing Girls' and musters up
a laugh-out-loud feel-good film that is impossible to resist. A
brilliant comedy.
[Read
The Full Review]
5.
Train Man
An
ode to the Otoko and an insight into Japanese nerd culture. A fine
example of how vastly superior most Asian rom-coms tend to be
to their Hollywood cousins, this is oddly heart-warming and has
you rooting for the central romance. Highly recommended.
[Read
The Full Review]
4.
Tora San - Our Lovable Tramp
My
first encounter with a Japanese icon who has bewitched local
viewers for decades. This first hit is a lovely introduction to
the buffoon who bulldozes into every situation, yet has a heart of
gold. Certain not to be my last encounter with the lovable tramp,
this Japanese classic makes it the fourth film from that country
to feature in my top ten.
3.
Last
Present
Cruelly
brushed aside as a manipulative drama, 'Last Present' was a Korean
tear-jerker that had a hold on my early on. The theme may not be
original, but there's an undeniable power in its presentation of
two people who both know of an impending tragedy, but are too
scared to talk about it. I'm only partially ashamed that this
brought a tear to my eye.
[Read
The Full Review]
2.
Always
On My Mind
Very
difficult to decide between this and the eventual number one.
'Always On My Mind' is a satire, an excellent comedy and still
houses some of the most powerful moments I saw all year. Michael
Hui is exceptional and I'm not just saying that because I'm such a
fan; he dominates the film and gives a career best performance.
Inspired by the sublime 'Network' but allowed to develop in a very
different direction, this was a joy to behold.
[Read
The Full Review]
1.
Marathon
Just
edges into the top spot. A Korean drama about an autistic man
encouraged to pursue his love of long-distance running by his
devoted mum. Then throw in a disgraced Olympic veteran as his
trainer. Doesn't sound great and many may wonder if this premise
belongs to the same film that has garnered such rave reviews (on
this site among others). Nevertheless this is a quite wonderful
experience that boasts a few exceptional performances and a
significant emotional punch. If you've yet to see it, I urge you
to track it down immediately.
[Read
The Full Review]
Written
by Andrew Saroch
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