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10.
My Sassy Girl
Admittedly
I'm a couple of years later than most when it comes to
complimenting this film but I have to agree with the majority of
critics and say this is one movie that everyone simply has to
experience. South Korea has emerged as a true master in the
rom-com genre and I would go so far as to say that 'My Sassy Girl'
is the benchmark by which all future entries will be measured.
It's a well structured, amusing and heart-warming tale that really
showcases the immense talent of Jun Ji-Hyun.
[Read
The Full Review]
9.
Fallen Angels
Even
though it falls short of the sublime 'Chungking Express', there
was something about Wong Kar Wai's 'Fallen Angels' that I found
strangely alluring. Perhaps it's Kar Wai's amazing eye for
camera angles or just the way he instantly sets a mood but I
really did find myself getting sucked into this film. Credit
must also go to Leon Lai and Michelle Reis who I thought put in
very strong leading performances.
[Read
The Full Review]
8.
Fighter In The Wind
My
third entry is another South Korean effort that tells the
true-to-life tale of the martial arts master Mas Oyama.
Sure the story isn't 100% accurate but this is the kind of
positive and uplifting slice of entertainment that has you jumping
out of your seat and cheering for the hero. The action is
also expertly choreographed and includes an air of realism that I
think most films overlook.
7.
Sympathy For Lady Vengeance
For
some reason the critics seem to be divided on 'Sympathy For Lady
Vengeance' but personally I thought it was a very fitting finale
to director Park Chan Wook's outstanding "Vengeance
Trilogy". Chan Wook once again manages to construct a
film that is both hard to swallow yet utterly absorbing, whilst
leading lady Lee
Young-Ae puts in a sublime performance that is the icing on the
cake.
[Read
The Full Review]
6.
The Gambling Ghost
Although
this isn't exactly Sammo's finest hour, it was one of his films
that I was yet to see so watching it after a prolonged wait seemed
to amplify my enjoyment. For me, there are very few Hong
Kong actors/directors that come close to Sammo and this film
highlights just how expertly he is able to create a film that is
pure entertainment. Plus you get three Sammos for your money
(as he plays three parts) so you really can't go wrong with this
one!
[Read
The Full Review]
5.
Tom Yum Goong
Although
severely lacking in the story department, 'Tom Yum Goong' is my
film of the year that earns it's place on action merits alone.
Tony Jaa is without a doubt the most exciting martial artist
currently working in movies today and even in a mediocre film he
is able to shine. Some of the action in this film
(choreographed by Panna Rittikrai) really rediscovers the element
of originality and excitement that has been so sorely lacking from
action films since the heydays of Hong Kong cinema.
[Read
The Full Review]
4.
A Chinese Tall Story
Jeff
Lau's latest retelling of the 'Journey To The West' novel is
another enjoyable adaptation that is filled with mind blowing
visuals, exciting battles and fantastical creatures. More
importantly though, it's the romantic subplot that makes the film
so enticing and draws excellent performances from Nicholas Tse,
Fan Bing Bing and (dare I say it) Charlene Choi. This really is a
great film for all the family.
[Read
The Full Review]
3.
DragonBlade
Although
it was clearly following a Hollywood trend that had CG animated
films popping out of every orifice, 'DragonBlade' is a film that I
believe deserves a lot more recognition. What makes it stand
out is that fact that it manages to create a genuinely
entertaining story by drawing it's influences from numerous old
school kung fu movies. Throw into the mix a little wuxia
inspired action and you have a very refreshing hour and a half's
entertainment.
[Read
The Full Review]
2.
Zatoichi
This
DVD sat on my shelf for quite a while as the idea of a new
Zatoichi film didn't exactly thrill me, but when I finally got
around to watching it I just wished I hadn't waited so long.
This can definitely be classified as a modern masterpiece in the
samurai genre with tons of atmosphere and another captivating and
adaptive performance from Kitano.
[Read
The Full Review]
1.
Cowboy
Bebop: The Movie
Despite
the fact that it seemed to take me an eternity to write a full
review for it, 'Cowboy Bebop: The Movie' takes the top spot in my
top ten this year. Throughout 2006, anime has been an
integral part of my DVD diet and the likes of 'Cowboy Bebop', 'Naruto',
'Paranoia Agent' and 'Bleach' have dominated a huge part of my
watching time. Therefore it seems only fitting that my
favourite movie this year is the big screen adaptation of one of
my favourite anime shows. For me, what really makes it stand
out is the blend of believable characters with top notch action
that constantly entertains and keep you utterly engrossed.
If you want to see what the anime fuss is all about, you can't go
far wrong with this film.
[Read
The Full Review]
Written
by Phil
Mills
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