When The Promised Flower Blooms Review 2018 Japan さよならの朝に約束の花をかざろう

When The Promised Flower Blooms aka Let's Decorate the Promised Flowers in the Farewell Morning さよならの朝に約束の花をかざろう
Year: 2018
Director: Mari Okada
Writer: Mari Okada
Cast: Manaka Iwami, Miyu Irino, Ai Kayano, Yuuki Kaji
Music: Kenji Kawai
Running Time: 115 minutes
Country: Japan

Acclaimed screenwriter Mari Okada makes her directorial debut with a breathtaking animated fantasy feature.

The people of Iolph have a lifespan of hundreds of years and maintain their teenage appearances for life. When an army invades their peaceful town, seeking Iolph blood and the secret of their longevity, a young girl named Maquia is forced to escape. Wandering the land alone, she encounters an orphaned baby in the forest. Maquia chooses to raise him, but as the boy grows older, her looks remain the same, throwing the difference in their lifespans into ever-sharper focus. (Glasgow Film Festival)

Although this is Mari Okada's directorial debut, she is no stranger to the Japanese animation world. She has worked as a screenwriter for hits such as Basilisk and Fate/Stay Night and worked on many other successful shows such as CANAAN, Black Butler and Vampire Knight. I believe working on a variety of different genres has helped her first attempt as a director because When The Promised Flower is something of a genre-bender itself. Combining elements of fantasy, action, drama and coming-of-age, Mari managed to create something truly epic.

The film features some beautiful animation with the backdrops being the main stand out! They have created a beautiful fictional world which takes place on locations such as an island that looks similar to Themyscira from Wonder Woman to a city that is reminiscent of a location from Game of Thrones. These are simply breathtaking to just sit back and admire as the characters explore them. While the main characters themselves might not be as aesthetically pleasing and are more minimalist than what you would see in a Ghibli film, they still seem to work very well with this style and genre.

The meat of the story focuses on the main character Maquia and her relationship with her adopted son Erial. Their relationship starts off cute and cuddly with Erial being a baby right through to boyhood, featuring some hilarious and often touching moments between them. However, things get more complicated as he gets older, grows taller and goes through his teenage years on his way to manhood, yet his mum still appears to look like a teenage girl. This is when the story gets deep and ventures into some heart-wrenching scenes. While not everyone can relate to being immortal, everyone can relate to the changing relationships between parents and children as they grow up.

There are also a couple of wonderfully crafted action scenes spread throughout the film which keeps the flow of the film going at a steady pace while also keeping you interested and alert. They could have benefited from another big action scene, but the film already has a near 2-hour run-time and I don't think they wanted to go overboard.

Because the Iolph people are immortal, the story will often leap forward years ahead which can sometimes be a little jarring. Some of the characters don't stand-out as well as others which can leave you confused trying to figure out who is who. However, because of this plot aspect, they manage to create some compelling, powerful and intriguing storytelling which wouldn't be feasible otherwise.

Kenji Kawai took control as the musical composer and really lifted the film to give it the feel of a huge blockbuster film. Kenji Kawai has lent his hand to many massive anime films including Ghost In The Shell and The Sky Crawlers. However, he has also ventured into live-action, composing for films such as Ringu and the massive Ip Man series starring Donnie Yen. Kenji has created a score that fits the film's emotion perfectly while also suiting the medieval setting, and although there are only a few big action scenes, the music really brings them to life. The main title song Viator by Rionos is enchanting and when it plays at the end I overheard more than a few people bubbling away in the theatre.

The film has a few issues for the climax with many false-endings and some over-clarification. I believe the viewers will have already figured it out without them rehashing points and explaining it again. The film manages to redeem itself with their real ending though, which is what viewers will have been waiting patiently for.

When The Promised Flower Blooms is truly magnificent! It's an incredible story of a relationship between mother and son which just so happens to be set in a stunning Game of Thrones-esque fantasy world! Highly ambitious, extremely moving, at times hilarious and completely beautiful from start to finish.

8/10

All The Anime are releasing When The Promised Flower Blooms in select UK and Ireland cinemas on 27th June.

Screened and reviewed as part of the Glasgow Film Festival 2018.

Mary and the Witch's Flower Review 2017 Japan メアリと魔女の花

Mary and the Witch's Flower メアリと魔女の花
Year: 2017
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Writer: Riko Sakaguchi and Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Based On: The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart
Running Time: 103 mins
Country: Japan

The debut film from Japanese animation company Studio Ponoc screened at the Glasgow Film Festival 2018 in both original Japanese language with English subtitles and the newly produced English dub.

The director of When Marnie Was There returns with a thrilling animated adventure based on the Mary Stewart classic The Little Broomstick. Mary is sent to live with her great aunt in the countryside. Venturing into the woods, she discovers a mysterious blue flower that only appears once every seven years, and an old broomstick. Soon she is soaring beyond the clouds to a city in the sky where Madam Mumblechook presides over the Endor College of Magic. An absolute charmer that young and old alike will love. (Glasgow Film Festival)

Back in 2014 Studio Ghibli announced that it would stop making films after Hayao Miyazaki decided to retire and the company came under financial hardship. There was a missing void in high-quality hand-drawn animation that many feared wouldn't be replaced. But several of the most talented alumni behind Studio Ghibli decided to join forces, start their own production company Studio Ponoc and create animated films in the same traditional fashion. The name Ponoc comes from the Serbo-Croation word for 'midnight' which is meant to signal the beginning of a new day.

Hiromasa Yonebayashi has the all-important job of directing their first feature film. After his successful and highly acclaimed 'Arrietty' and 'When Marnie Was There', Yonebayashi once again returns to the tried-and-tested formula of adapting a British novel to Japanese animation.

On the surface, the film appears to combine elements from classics Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle In The Sky mixed with the wizardry of Harry Potter. Die-hard Ghibli fans will be keen to notice moments or visuals which are lifted from films like Spirited Away, The Cat Returns and Princess Mononoke, almost like they are paying homage. There is also a scene featuring a kid with glasses trying to fly a broom who shares a striking resemblance with Harry Potter, this has to be completely intentional!

As you would expect, Mary and the Witch's Flower is full of vibrant, bright and stunning animation. The backdrops and scenery are beautiful and lifelike. The style and technique looks very Ghibli-esque but it still has some of its own unique flavour. The soundtrack is handled by composer Muramatsu Takatsugu, who also scored Yonebayashi's last film When Marnie Was There, and it is a real highlight of the film. The soundtrack fits the world wonderfully, bringing the drama and action to life with its magical sound. The music also really helps build up the suspense and action towards the climax.

The humour and jokes are handled extremely well with some genuinely great laughs throughout. The cat duo of Tib and Gib are excellent comic relief. Their mannerisms and movements are used to add some real comical humour and the animators managed to capture exactly how cats act and move in real life. Like a Disney film, there are plenty of jokes for adults and children, there were many children in attendance during this screening and they were laughing loudly at many of the gags.

One of the main issues with the film is that the world they have created and its lore is just too large to develop over one movie. It would have ideally worked better over two or three films or maybe even an anime series. The introduction to Endor College for Witches is fascinating and there is some time spent there, but you end up craving more before it's quickly abandoned to further the story. Mary's dilemma and intentions are also never really fully explored or realised, she doesn't have enough drama or consequences in her life, it almost just seems like another day to the protagonist as she never really learns or develops as a character.

The screening I attended was the original Japanese language, which was handled extremely well. But I believe Mary and the Witch's Flower could be seen in either the original Japanese language or the English dub. The film is based on an English book, it's set in England and the characters have English names. I haven't watched the English dub but judging from the trailer the new English voice cast seems to suit the film very well. It could be one of those rare animes which can be enjoyed fully either way.

An excellent stepping point for Studio Ponoc which will draw in the fans of Studio Ghibli while hopefully creating some new fans of their very own. The film isn't ambitious as it could have been but maybe playing it safe was the best option for the beginning of this new company. If their future films are as good as or can improve on Mary and the Witch's Flower then their new work could be truly spellbinding.

7/10

Screened and reviewed at The Glasgow Film Festival 2018

Children Who Chase Lost Voices Review 2011 Japan 星を追う子ども

Children Who Chase Lost Voices aka Journey To Agartha 星を追う子ども
Year: 2011
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Running Time: 116 minutes
Country: Japan

2011 saw the release of Makoto Shinkai's 3rd film and the follow-up to his highly acclaimed 5 Centimeters per Second. For Children Who Chase Lost Voices his themes and directions completely changed, this time focusing on the realm of fantasy. It's his most ambitious film to date and one that would draw many comparisons to Studio Ghibli.

Asuna Watase lives a lonely and somewhat sheltered life. After her father passed away she spends most of her time herself listening to a radio which was left to her as a memento. The radio uses a strange crystal in place of a diode which picks up music that sounds unfamiliar to her. Asuna randomly encounters a mysterious boy in her hideaway and they begin to have a connection which tragically gets cut short. After a discussion with her substitute teacher Mr. Morisaki, Asuna believes she might have a chance to see the boy again. She goes on a journey to a mysterious world where mythical beasts roam and brave warriors fight for their lives as she is destined to learn about life and death. 

It's impossible to discuss a Makoto Shinkai film without talking about the artwork and animation. In terms of animation, Makoto is one of the very few who can compete with Ghibli for how beautiful his films are to look at; Children Who Chase Lost Voices is no exception. The director transports you to the fictional world of Agartha through backgrounds full of rich stunning colors and exceptional fantasy artwork. With this film being more fast paced than his earlier 5 Centimeters per Second the viewer might not be able to take in all the art as well as you would like as some of the action scenes zoom past before your eyes can process it. The English dub is actually handled extremely well and is a bonus if you want to really get immersed in the film without being distracted by subtitles.

For fans of Makoto, there will be a few familiar elements that are discussed such as separation of loved ones and loneliness. However, there is a whole new genre tackled with the fantasy setting which completely separates it from his other work. The story is somewhat complex and occasionally there is actually too much going on. With the introduction to the new world and its lore, it can get overwhelming trying to keep up with all the new information along with plot twists and various characters and beasts.

There is surprisingly some dark ideas throughout the story as it tackles many adult themes and subject matters. This is actually a breath of fresh air to see some of these topics discussed while watching a bright animated fantasy film. Some of the scenes actually left me a little shocked while contemplating the characters motives for some of their choices. There is also some on-screen violence during the action scenes which caught me off guard; this will be why the film was released in the UK with a 12 rating.

There are many elements and even some characters throughout the film which is reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. Films that look to have been an inspiration of sorts include Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Castle In The Sky. This isn't necessarily a bad trait, however, it does take you out of the film sometimes when you keep seeing images that remind you of Ghibli films.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices is a fine film in Makoto Shinkai's filmography. While it is fun and stunning to look at, it's not without its flaws. It's still easily one of his most ambitious films and it's a nice stepping stone on the way to his masterpiece Your Name.

7/10

See this if you liked:
Your Name
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Princess Mononoke

A Silent Voice Review 2016 Japan 聲の形

A Silent Voice 聲の形

Year: 2016

Director: Naoko Yamada

Writer: Reiko Yoshida

Cast: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yūki, Kenshō Ono, Yūki Kaneko, Yui Ishikawa, Megumi Han, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Mayu Matsuoka

Running Time: 129 minutes

One of the most emotionally charged anime films ever made.

A Silent Voice revolves around elementary school student delinquent Shoya Ishida. When a hearing impaired girl Shoko Nishimya transfers to the school, she starts to get bullied, especially from Ishida. Several years later he meets her again and sets himself on a path to redemption by trying to make it up to Nishimya and to help reconnect her with her old classmates that she never had the chance to befriend.

A Silent Voice is an anime adaptation of the manga of the same name, sometimes translated to The Shape of Voice. The film is produced by Kyoto Animation and directed by Naoko Yamada who brought us K-On! and Tamako Market. On release in Japan the film opened at #2, directly behind mega hit 'Your Name'.

Tackling many different subject matters such as bullying, suicide, redemption, friendship and love. A Silent Voice is one of the most ambitious anime films ever made, without using giant robots or time travel or any type of fantasy, it achieves it's praise by focusing just on raw human emotions. Bullying is the main subject of the first act. Often shown lightly and during montages, some of these scenes are actually surprisingly amusing. But you soon realise that this poor girl is being bullied, and it's really not funny at all. Any feeling of amusement you had quickly changes to anger as Nishimya is tormented by her classmates. It's hard to think of an anime film that brings out so much feelings of outrage while you watch on helplessly. And that is ASV's main achievement, it captures and plays on your emotions to the fullest.

Yamada directs her film is a polarizing way with many subtle story telling elements which really need your full attention. There are many characters whose stories aren't fully spelled out or explained. There are choices such as the characters communicating in sign language which don't have any subtitles or voice overs. This leaves the viewer trying to piece together what the characters are expressing and how they feel. A Silent Voice also looks like it's going to be a romance. The posters and trailers make it look like a romance drama, but that's not the case at all. It's there if you look. But it's not the theme of the film. These are all elements which have divided critics and fans with many giving it paradoxical reviews.

The films main shortcoming for me is the amount of underdeveloped characters. Without reading the manga, I can't compare the differences. But there are a few supporting characters who don't receive enough screen time or character development to the point you don't really understand their purpose. Apparently in the manga these characters are more developed, so one can assume these were trimmed for time constraints. But I couldn't help feel some of these characters could have been cut out completely. That being said, a real highlight is Tomohiro Nagatsuka, the loveable loser that Ishida befriends when his classmates isolate him. Nagatsuka offers some real comic relief to the sombre tone of the film. He seems hilariously overprotective of his friend which delivers some laugh out loud moments. And one scene with him smoking a french fry left my cinema audience roaring with laughter.

The animation style of the characters and backgrounds are completely stunning. Although there are animes out there with higher production values which might look technically better, A Silent Voice is bright and sparkling and beautiful to look at. The film's soundtrack is subtly perfect. It might open with a bang as My Generation by The Who kicks off the opening. The audio then transitions in to a lighter soundtrack with piano and soft musical scores which suits the underlying themes.

A Silent Voice is a must see for anime fans. It's not as rewarding a watch as recent emotional anime film hits like When Marnie Was There and Your Name, it's also not as accessible. But it does deliver something much deeper. It's one of the most powerful animations dealing with a subject that is more important than any film, life.

8/10

See this if you liked:
Your Name
Only Yesterday
Tamako Love Story

Coming to the UK from 15th March. Look for screening locations and dates on their official website here or check Anime Limited on Facebook.

I attended the screening of A Silent Voice at the Glasgow Film Festival on the 23rd February.

Best Asian Films of 2016

2016 has been a brilliant year for Asian Cinema with big hits coming from everywhere! Records have been shattered and some of films have went on to become international hits! South Korea had an extremely strong year and have actually dominated this top 10 list.

As always, there are many films from 2016 I haven't had a chance to check out, because of release schedules many wont be out till later this year in the UK... if at all!

10. The Mermaid (China/Hong Kong)(IMDb 6.3 - Rotten Tomatoes 93% - 7)

China kicked off a great year of Asian Cinema with the wildly original and at times completely bonkers fantasy romantic comedy The Mermaid.

Shan, a mermaid, is sent to assassinate Xuan, a developer who threatens the ecosystem of her race, but ends up falling in love with him instead.

Directed by Stephen Chow, The Mermaid was always going to guarantee laughs but I don't think anyone expected it to turn out as hilarious as it was.
Laughing it's way to bank, The Mermaid went on to become the highest grossing Chinese film of all time!
Read my full review here.





9. The Tunnel (Korea)(IMDb 6.9 - Rotten Tomatoes 100% - 7.7)

Surprise hit from Korea is disaster movie The Tunnel. Directed by Kim Seong-hun(A Hard Day - 2014) and starring Ha Jung-woo(Berlin File/Yellow Sea) and Bae Doo-na(The Host/Sympathy For Mr Vengeance)

Lee Jung-soo (Ha Jung-woo) drives home for his daughter's birthday. While driving through a tunnel that goes through a mountain, the unthinkable happens. The tunnel collapses. When Lee Jung-Soo regains consciousness, he finds himself trapped inside his car. The car itself is buried under tons of concrete and debris. All he has inside the car are his cellphone, two bottles of water and his daughter's birthday cake. He forms a kind of special bond with the head of the rescue team, Dae-kyung, who teaches him how to survive in the tunnel.

What makes The Tunnel so gripping is rather than using the tried and tested formula of character development and story until about midway when the disaster hits, directed Kim Seong-hun has the disaster happen very early on, then we get to know and understand the character as he tries to survive. The film falls heavily on Ha Jung-woo as the films 2 hour running time is mainly focused on him being trapped underground in a car, luckily his strong performance anchors it. Throw in some social commentary undertones about politicians trying to make themselves look good and large companies and media running the country and you have a very interesting disaster film.

8. Lowlife Love (Japan)(IMDb 6.5 - Rotten Tomatoes NA)

Lowlife Love in an independent Japanese film which also happens to be the debut production for UK Asian cinema distributor Third Window Films and directed by Eiji Uchida (Greatful Dead)

Tetsuo is a lowlife. As a film director, he had an indie hit many years back, but refuses to go against his artistic integrity. One day, two new students come to his school: Minami, a naive girl from the countryside who wants to be an actress, and Ken, a scriptwriter. Tetsuo thinks Minami could be a real star, and Ken has a brilliant script that could relaunch his career as a director. With the help of an unsavory film producer, they strive to turn this project into something tangible, but Minami's ability starts to impress others, and Tetsuo's world soon falls apart.

A brilliant tale exploring the dark seedy side of low budget film making in Japan and the 'lowlifes' involved. A great cast with many familair faces popping up that Third Window Films fans will recognise. Kiyohiko Shibukawa shines as Tetsuo, playing a mixture of admirable and a complete sleezeball. Although unfamiliar with her previous work Maya Okano is breathtaking as the innocent Minami and gives off a great sense of vulnerability. An incredibly fun yet also disturbing picture.

7. Trivisa (Hong Kong)(IMDb 6.9 - Rotten Tomatoes - NA)

Trivisa is an excellent example of the classic Hong Kong cinema of yesteryear and gives you hope that the future of Hong Kong cinema could return to what it once was.

In early 1997, mobsters Kwai Ching-hung, Yip Kwok-foon and Cheuk Tze-keung, whom have never met one another, known in the underworld as the "Three Kings of Thieves", are plotting together to score a final hit before the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong. However, none are initially aware of the rumour. Yip is living as a fugitive after a gunfight with the Royal Hong Kong Police. He now makes his fortunes by smuggling counterfeit electronics. Kwai is very cautious and uses several pseudonyms to hide his identity. Although the scale of his crimes is nowhere as large as Yip's and Cheuk's, but he has managed to commit repeated robberies that are totally unknown to the police. Cheuk has recently abducted the son of a rich tycoon and successfully extorted a ransom, all while under police surveillance. Wanting to raise the bar for himself, he hears about the rumour and becomes obsessed with the idea, going to extreme lengths to seek out Yip and Kwai.


Produced by legendary HK director Johnnie To and directed by 3 up and coming directors from Milkyway Image, Trivisa is full of energy and has a lot to say. Full of metaphors for current Hong Kong life from dealing with the effect of the Hong Kong and Mainland divide. Each one of the Three Kings of Thieve's stories gets their own director and although the stories intertwine they are all very different. Jordan Chan really shines as the flamboyant Cheuk Tze-keung and although all of the stories are great, his isn't as devolped, but that's balanced out by his outstanding performance.





6. Himeanole - Japan(IMDb 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes - NA)

The one film on the list that I urge everyone to go in blind with. No trailers. No reviews. Nothing. See this film without any of it being ruined, the experience will be worth it.

Himeanôru depicts the story of co-workers where one of them is gunning to make a cafe's waitress his. When the co-worker visits said cafe to see the waitress his friend is yearning for, he also meets an old class-mate he has not seen in some time. In a twist and transition the waitress tells the visiting co-worker that she is being stalked by a man. That man is none other than the old class-mate.

That's as much as one can say without ruining any of the surprises. Gaku Hamada(Fish Story/Sake Bomb) delivers another great performance in his typical awkward but lovable role, I have become a big fan of his work over the past few years even if he does tend to play similar characters. Again, I really don't want to kill the effect this film can have on you, it really caught me off guard and I'm glad I went in blind. You should too!

5. Inside Men (Korea)(IMDb 7.1 - Rotten Tomatoes - NA)

Inside Men has 2 different versions on release. The theatrical version is 130 minutes, while the directors cut is 180 minutes. It was the longer version I viewed, so I can't comment on the theatrical version, but I personally believe the 3 hour length is justified.

Lee Kang-hee, an editor at an influential conservative newspaper, raises congressman Jang Pil-woo to the position of leading Presidential candidate using the power of the press; behind this is his secret deal with the paper's biggest sponsor.Ahn Sang-goo, a political henchman who supported Lee and Jang, gets caught pocketing the record of the sponsor's slush fund, resulting in a dismembered hand. Woo Jang-hoon, an ambitious prosecutor, starts to investigate the relationship between Jang and the sponsor, believing that it's his only chance to make it to the top. While getting down to the brass tacks of the case, Woo meets Ahn, who has been methodically planning his revenge. Now the war between the one blinded with power, the one hell-bent on vengeance, and the one eager for success begins.

This is easily one of the best political thrillers to be made in years. Lee Byung-hun is back in Korea and doing what he does best, act. One of the greatest actors working today and he delivers another stellar performance as gangster Ahn Sang-goo. The film has an extremely tight woven intricate plot which keeps you on your toes as the story unravels and the 3 hours flies by.
Inside Men went on to sweep the Grand Bell Awards(South Korea's Oscars) by winning Best Screenplay, Best Planning, Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun, Best Director and Best film. Incredible!






4. The Handmaiden (Korea)(IMDb 8.1 - Rotten Tomatoes 94% - 8.2)

Park Chan-wook is back on top form with a very unique and peculiar film.

Helmed by acclaimed director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy), this period drama set in 1930s Korea explores the relationship between a Korean handmaiden and a Japanese heiress. The handmaiden (Kim Tae-ri) is secretly a pickpocket who is working as part of a scheme to swindle the heiress (Kim Min-hee) out of her fortune, but that plan takes a backseat when the two women begin to fall in love. The Handmaiden was adapted from the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, although the setting was changed from Victorian England to Japanese-occupied Korea.

Fantastic performance all round from the entire cast. The cinematography is stunning. The story is mesmerizing, although a little baggy and confusing in places. It's essentially told in 3 parts, from different points of view with many twists and turns. Just when you think the story is going one way, it goes the complete opposite.
If you don't like your movies to have sexual content then probably best avoiding this one as some of the sex scenes can be a little startling. But if you don't mind... then fire away!

3. Train To Busan (Korea)(IMDb 7.5 - Rotten Tomatoes 96% - 7.6)

One of the very best zombie films ever made. It's just that damn good!

Seok-Woo (Gong Yoo) is a fund manager in Seoul. He is separated from his wife and lives with his daughter Soo-An (Kim Soo-Ahn). Seok-Woo doesn't spend much time with his daughter or show affection to her. On the night before Soo-An's birthday, Soo-An insists on seeing her mother for her birthday. Seok-Woo has no other choice, but to take her to Busan. Early the next morning, they board the KTX train for Busan at Seoul Station.Before the KTX train leaves Seoul Station, a zombie like girl jumps onto the train. The girl is infected with a horrific virus that is spreading like wildfire. Seok-Woo, Soo-An and the other passengers on the KTX train must now fight for their lives.

This is a brilliant edge of your seat thrill ride. That may be an over used metaphor but it is extremely appropriate for Train To Busan. When all hell kicks off, the film is incredibly exciting and tense. I just about chewed all my nails off as I prayed for my favourite characters survival.
The setting of the train adds to the dramatics as they are stuck fighting for survival against the odds with no weapons. Trying to navigate between each carriage is nerve wracking viewing as their luck gets worse and worse.
The strong point of the film is the cast. Every character is important and fleshed out. The father is a bit of an asshole, but he goes on a great character journey throughout. One of the passengers on the train is almost the real villain of the story and is probably actually the most hated character I have seen since that old crazy Christian women in The Mist. You really do care about the well-being of all the characters on this wild train ride which is commemorable.
You have probably heard all of the hype surrounding this film. Believe it all.

2. Your Name (Japan)(IMDb 8.7 - Rotten Tomatoes 97% - 8.3)

The only animated film on the list, and it is simply a beautiful work of art.

Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl, yearns to live the life of a boy in the bustling city of Tokyo—a dream that stands in stark contrast to her present life in the countryside. Meanwhile in the city, Taki Tachibana lives a busy life as a high school student while juggling his part-time job and hopes for a future in architecture.

One day, Mitsuha awakens in a room that is not her own and suddenly finds herself living the dream life in Tokyo—but in Taki's body! Elsewhere, Taki finds himself living Mitsuha's life in the humble countryside. In pursuit of an answer to this strange phenomenon, they begin to search for one another.

Kimi no Na wa. revolves around Mitsuha and Taki's actions, which begin to have a dramatic impact on each other's lives, weaving them into a fabric held together by fate and circumstance.

Your Name has owned 2016. It came around at the right time and everything just fell in place and felt perfect. It has went on to become the highest grossing anime film of all time. And it has got so popular the director has asked people to stop seeing it because he is worried it has became too big and he doesn't think it is healthy. Ha!

Your Name is more than just a body swap drama. It's a moving sci-fi fantasy melodrama with a compelling story that also examines current Japanese youth culture.
It is one of the most stunning animated movies ever made, the backgrounds and scenery are incredibly accurate and the animated time lapses might trick you in to thinking you are actually watching a 4K recording of a genuine time lapse.
The musical soundtrack is upbeat bouncy rock composed by J-Rockers 'Radwimps' which suits the theme and image of the film perfectly. Their songs accompany some great montages which are real highlights of the film and their hit song Zen Zen Zense is unbelievably catchy.
Your Name will tug at your heart strings and in the end will leave you feeling like you have just witnessed something truly special.






1. The Wailing (Korea)(IMDb 7.5 - Rotten Tomatoes 99% - 8)

The Chaser. The Yellow Sea. The Wailing.
Na Hong-jin is now 3 for 3 with films. Each one is a masterpiece!

Within a seemingly peaceful village, a plague of mysterious & violent deaths suddenly take place. The police conclude poisonous wild mushrooms are the cause of the deaths. Police Officer Jong-Goo (Kwak Do-Won) hears a rumor from a coworker about a mysterious Japanese man (Jun Kunimura) living nearby. The rumor points to the Japanese man as the man causing these mysterious & violent deaths. Jong-Goo, while on duty, meets Moo-Myeong (Chun Woo-Hee). She tells Jong-Goo that she saw the Japanese man where the last deaths took place. Jong-Goo's doubts about the man begin to waver.

What an incredible piece of cinema!

The Wailing has everything going for it. It's a genre blend starting off as a mystery thriller with some comedy elements mainly delivered by the incompetent bumbling police force. But when the film shifts, it turns in to an incredibly haunting and compelling horror.

There is an unbelievable 3 way inter-cut scene with the Shaman performing a ritual, the girl contorting in pain and the Japanese man performing his own rituals that will leave you feeling uneasy and stressed.

The small Korean town is a perfect backdrop for The Wailing with a slew of stunning locations to suit the story and mood. The cinematography is wonderful with every frame delivering it's purpose.

The Wailing has one of the most suspenseful endings of any horror film, it literally leaves you on edge as you try to put the pieces together and figure out what is about to happen. It is truly extraordinary.

The Wailing is easily film of the year for me. It stays with you. It haunts you. You will think about it nonstop afterwards. You might even go on the internet to read peoples interpretations and opinions of the film afterwards... That's what I done anyway.

The Wailing has the power to go on to become the new Oldboy, the next cult film that's so good it crosses over and introduces the mainstream audience to great Korean cinema. That is, if it doesn't get overshadowed by the popularity of Train To Busan.

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So there we go. My top 10 films of 2016.

People may have complained about 2016 but I personally had a really good year. And as for Asian Cinema, it was pretty awesome!

Hope you enjoyed the list and check out some of these films if you haven't already.

And roll on all the great Asian cinema 2017 has in store for us.

Best Asian Films of 2013

Happy New Year readers!

As it's the beginning of the new year, it's time to reflect on last year. And time for the all important best of list.
2013 gave us some brilliant films from Asia! From the Blockbusters to Martial Arts to Comedy to Anime to Gangster to Thriller. There was a wide variety of stunning films and something for all fans to enjoy.
It was hard to narrow this list down to 10. So sorry for some really great films I had to cut out. And keep in mind there is still a lot from 2013 I am waiting to see.

Some of these films on my list might not have been released in their native country in 2013, but it was 2013 before the Worldwide or UK release.

10. Blind Detective (Hong Kong) - IMDB = 6.3 - RT = 44%

At number 10 we have the first Johnnie To film to make the list. Staring Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng this is a Hong Kong romantic comedy/crime thriller.

Forced to leave the service after turning blind, former detective Johnston Chong See Tun (Andy Lau) ekes out his living by solving cold cases for police rewards. During a bank robbery case, he meets an attractive hit team inspector Goldie Ho Ka Tung. (Sammi Cheng). When Ho notices Chong's strong sense of hearing and smell, she enlists his help in a personal case and he decides to take a stab.

Johnnie To tackles some unfamilar ground with this film, part wacky comedy with slapstick humour, this is really not what we have come to expect from To. The other half of the film is a dark and gritty crime thriller.

That is where the problem lies. This film is still enjoyable but it had the potential to be so much better. It does have one of the finest Hong Kong directors, teaming up with arguably the best lead male and female working in Hong Kong. But some of the film is hard to swallow when it's dealing with dark tones of murder and cannibalism but including some slapstick comedy.

My favourite parts of Blind Detective were definitely with Johnston and Ho re-enacting the crime scenes and taking turns playing the murder and victims. This is where the film really shone for me and Lau and Cheng have brilliant on screen chemistry.





9. The Tower (South Korea) - IMDB = 6.4 - RT = None

Number 9 is a big disaster flick from South Korea. Set on Christmas Eve, and released on Christmas Day on South Korea, The Tower could be added to your list of films to watch next Christmas. That being said, it's probably as Christmassy as Diehard.

Lee Dae-ho (Kim Sang-kyung) is a single father and manager of the 120 story luxurious landmark building complex, Tower Sky in Yeouido, Seoul. He is secretly in love with Seo Yoon-hee (Son Ye-jin), a restaurant manager. The owner of the complex, Mr. Jo decides to hold a "White Christmas" party for tenants and VIPs on Christmas Eve, with helicopters circling above, sprinkling snow onto the party. While the party is in full swing one of the helicopters crashes into the building and the building catches fire. Dae-ho moves quickly to save his daughter Ha-na, Yoon-hee and his colleagues. At the same time, firefighter Kang Young-ki (Sol Kyung-gu) fights to bring the blaze under control, helping Dae-ho in the process. Together they fight to save the lives of everyone.

The first aspect to really surprise me about The Tower was the special effects. Bar a few scenes with the helicopters, the effects were fantastic! The fire, real and CGI, were both done very well! And used in a way that actually added to the terror of the film.

The first half hour introduces you to the characters and makes you care for them. The next hour and a half is an adrenaline rush and those characters you now care about trying to survive. If you are looking for a 2 hour no nonsense gripping thrill ride then this is for you.





8. The Grandmaster (Hong Kong) - IMDB = 6.6 - RT = 74%

Wong Kar-wai is back after 6 years with a martial arts drama based on the Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man.

Ip Man's peaceful life in Foshan changes after Gong Yutian seeks an heir for his family in Southern China. Ip Man then meets Gong Er who challenges him for the sake of regaining her family's honor. After the Second Sino-Japanese War, Ip Man moves to Hong Kong and struggles to provide for his family. In the mean time, Gong Er chooses the path of vengeance after her father was killed by Ma San.

Unfortunately there has been 5 films about Ip Man and a TV series. If there wasn't then this film might have made a much bigger impact. Especially with all the all star director and the outstanding cast of Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi.

Wong Kar-wai delivers some stunning kung fu fights in The Grandmaster, especially the scenes in the snow and rain which are reminiscent of The Matrix. The martial arts is more in the style of Crouching Tiger than the Donnie Yen Ip Man film, which is fine as long as you suspend your disbelief and take this film as fantasy.




 

7. The Berlin File (South Korea) - IMDB = 6.7 - RT = None

The Berlin File is a brilliant South Korean spy thriller with elements of The Bourne Identity.

Exposed during an illegal arms trade gone wrong in Berlin, a North Korean "ghost" agent finds himself in the crosshairs of an international manhunt. Was he betrayed by his wife or his country? He must prepare to make the ultimate sacrifice.

First thing I should say about The Berlin File is that it is pretty complex so make sure you pay attention.

The director Ryoo Seung-wan also made the excellent Crying Fist and City of Violence. The Berlin File also has an all star cast. Starring one of Korea's leading actors Han Suk-kyu(Christmas In August/Shiri), Ha Jung-Woo(The Chaser/Nameless Gangster) and my favourite Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun(My Sassy Girl/Daisy).

The Berlin File is a great non stop thriller, with brilliant action scenes and stunning locations and sets. Definitely one for the action fans.


 

6. Shield of Straw (Japan) - IMDB = 6.3 - RT = 44%

Takashi Miike makes my top 10 list pretty much every year. And he does it again for 2013 with his latest thriller.

After killing a 7-year-old girl, psychopath Kunihide Kyomaru turns himself in to the police. Since his victim was the daughter of one of the country's richest men, terminally ill billionaire Ninagawa, who buys ads in all the major papers offering a hefty reward for anyone who kills Kunihide. There are a few caveats, including a clause that the execution must be authorized by the government, but the consequences are clear: It's open season on Kunihide, who has nothing but five dedicated cops to protect him, led by security police lieutenant Kazuki Mekari.

Shield of Straw was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival which was a bit of a shock for me. This is definitely one of Miike's more mainstream films, it could have argueably been a Hollywood thriller, which doesn't seem like the type of flick that Cannes would usually favour.

Out of all the films on my top 10 list, Shield of Straw is one of the most tense. The time really does fly by as the story sucks you in and you eagerly wait to see in the police can complete their seemingly impossible mission.

As a director, Miike keeps growing and growing. Some of his films might seem more commercial or mainstream than before, but he still pushes boundries and tells the story is his unique way. With Shield of Straw, the story will stick with you long after it finishes and it will be one you will be thinking about and questioning for hours.




5. Drug War (Hong Kong/China) - IMDB = 7.1 - RT = 93%

Johnnie To's second entry in to my list, is the brilliant edge of your seat Drug War.

After losing control of his car and crashing into a local restaurant, a man loses consciousness on the street. Later, while working on a case, the police's anti-drug division captain, Zhang Lei (Honglei Sun), realizes that the man in the crash is drug lord Tian Ming (Louis Koo). In order to avoid the death penalty, Tian Ming helps the police put a stop to the entire drug trafficking circuit, but just as soon as the police are ready to make a large bust, Tian Ming makes a decision that shocks everyone involved.

Johnnie To is one of the greatest directors going today and the best to come out of Hong Kong in recent years. He filled in the gap that people missed in the John Woo glory days.

Saying that, Drug War is lighter on action than previous Johnnie To films, but it is so well shot and the story is so compelling that the film is still very exciting and fast paced. And when the action does come, it is the insane brilliant Johnnie To action that you have come to expect. There is a fantastic shoot out in a drugs factory. And another near the end in an open space which is fantastically shot and down right crazy.

This film should be higher on my list, but the top 5 is so tight it was hard to choose. After another watch it could move up a place or 2...

   

4. Wolf Children (Japan) - IMDB = 8.1 - RT = 92%

An animated film has made my top 10 list, and it ISN'T a Studio Ghibli film!

Hana is a 19-year-old student who falls in a "fairy-tale like" love with a "wolf man". Over the course of the 13-year story Hana gives birth to two children - older sister Yuki, and younger brother Ame, or "Snow and Rain". At first the family quietly lives in the city trying to hide their wolf heritage, but when the "wolf man" suddenly dies Hana makes the decision to move to a rural town, far from their previous city life.

This film making my top 10 will be no suprise to people familair with Mamoru Hosoda's work. He has an impressive list of animated films under his belt with the brilliant 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' and his equally impressive follow up 'Summer Wars'. But, I think this time Mamoru Hododa has topped his previous works.

Wolf Children is another one of those anime films that proves that hand drawn animation and 2D is still relevant. A wonderful story, told brilliantly, with great likeable characters and some of the best animation is a formula for success. Mamoru Hododa is building a strong reputation which in future could see him as a rival to Studio Ghibli.

3. Silent Witness (China) - IMDB = 7.6 - RT = None

A Chinese courtroom thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Tycoon Lin Tai's daughter Lin Mengmeng becomes the murder suspect of his father's fiance Yang Dan. Her defense lawyer Zhou Li and prosecutor Tong Tao gains in-depth understanding through cross examinations in court before Tai admits that he murdered Yang Dan in court. Did Lin Tai really murder Yang Dan? Who is actually the murderer of Yang Dan?

Wow, what a complex sounding synopsis!

Silent Witness really caught me off guard because I hadn't heard or read anything about it. All I knew was Aaron Kwok was in it and that was enough to get my attention.

Credit is due to the director Xing Fei for making such a compelling film. Silent Witness moves at 100mph and starts with a bang. After roughly 25 minutes of tense court room drama, it seems like the film could be ready to finish. But no, that would be too simple. Xing Fei tells his story in a nonlinear fashion which makes the story more fascinating as it's told from different characters perspectives and it really does keep you guessing.

Full of just enough twist and turns to keep you interested but not too many to leave you feeling frustrated. Very enjoyable film.

2. Rurouni Kenshin (Japan) - IMDB = 7.5 - RT = None

This film is a bit of a dream for not only Samurai fans but also fans of the original Anime and Manga!

Former legendary assassin Kenshin Himura ('Takeru Sato') has now become a wandering samurai. Offerring aid and protecting those in need as atonement for his past deeds. During this time Kenshin Himura comes across and aides Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei). Her father opened the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu, a kendo school located in Tokyo and Kaoru is now an instructor there. Kaoru then invites Kenshin to stay at her dojo. Their relationship develops further, but Kenshin is still haunted by his violent past.

More rare proof that anime adaptions can be done correctly! For fans of the original anime Rurouni Kenshin/Samurai X, you need not worry! This film really does it justice.

The lead actor Takeru Sato looks and acts extremely like Kenshin which was a big positive for this film, there is even that moment when he dons the signature outfit he wore in the anime.

The running time is over 2 hours, but it feels nothing like that as you are thrown into a story full of wonderful sets, stunning costumes and some very well choreographed fight scenes. My main worry for this film was how the fight scenes would be tackled, live action version of anime sometimes tend to go over the top, but what works with anime, doesn't always work with film. Fortunately for Rurouni Kenshin this isn't the case, the fight scenes are very well done, exciting and realistic but with just enough fantasy chucked in.

This is a very fun film that most people will enjoy. It's not incredibly deep, and it won't move you to change your life. But it's just a great film that you can sit back and relax and be lost in the world that is created on your screen.

And a little bit of good news. This was such a success in Japan that 2 sequels have been announced.



How bad ass is the song in this trailer?!


1. New World (South Korea) - IMDB = 7.6 - RT = 71%

Infernal Affairs meets The Godfather in the best gangster film since Election.

As Korea's biggest crime organization 'Goldmoon' expands its powers, Kang, the head of police investigation planning department, orders the undercover cop Ja-Seoung to participate in project "New World", that will take down 'Goldmoon'. Ja-seong must choose either to follow Kang's orders as a cop or to keep his loyalty with Jeong Cheong, the under-boss of the 'Goldmoon' crime organization.

This film almost went over my head, which is quite a surprise when you look at the cast. Directed by Park Hoon-Jung and starring Choi Min-sik(Oldboy, I Saw The Devil), Lee Jung-jae(Il Mare, Typhoon) and Hwang Jung-min(A Man Who Was Superman, Bloody Tie). That's an all star cast to rival The Departed.

There is so much that makes New World brilliant. But I can't quite place it. The characters, the screenplay, the cinematography, the story, the action, the musical score. It's one of those films were eveything just clicks and you end up with a top notch film.

New World is super stylish, reministant of the glory days of the Hollywood Gangster films. And each actor is on their A game. Choi Min-sik is excellent as always, a character who without saying or doing much can have your attention. But it was Hwang Jung-min who stole the show for me, with his over the top arrogant fame hungry gangster asshole role, every scene he is in is gold and he will leave a lasting impression! One of my favourite scenes involves Hwang Jung-min's in an elevator which sprung to mind and rivals a very famous scene in Oldboy. And New World also has one of the most memorable film endings I have seen in years.

This is really a must watch! It this was a Hollywood production I would have no doubt it would run rampant during this years award season.

Get it watched now! ... And you have no excuse because as I type this it is currently on US Netflix.



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So there we have it. 2013 has finished, and this is what I believe to be the best films of the year. My ordering might change with more viewings of each films. But what can you do?

Also, I am sure there are a lot of films I have missed out because I haven't had a chance to view them all. So if you think I have missed anything out, or you disagree with my list or order. Then leave a comment, or hit me up on Facebook or whatever.

Until next time, happy viewing!

Teaser Trailer for Kiki's Delivery Service Live Action

I came across the Japanese teaser trailer for the live action adaption of Kiki's Delivery Service. From what I have read, this is an adaption of the the children's novel by Eiko Kadono. I have never read the book, I have only seen the Studio Ghibli film, and I loved it. We will see how this turns out.

Synopsis
A young girl named Kiki (Fuka Koshiba) must leave her home for a year to begin training in witchcraft. She leaves on her broom, but first says goodbye to her friends and family. Kiki then begins her new life with her trusted cat Jiji.

Kiki's Delivery Service is due for release in Japan on March the 1st 2014.

Japan Holiday Video

I travelled to Japan last year with 2 of my good friends. We went from Tokyo to Osaka to Hiroshima to Kyoto. It might not be about Asian films or Anime, but it's Japan, and we seen a lot relating to them both!

We seen many sights and sounds from the neon lights of Tokyo, to the Studio Ghibli museum, to Hello Kitty Land, to the temples and castles of Kyoto and Osaka, to the Atomic Bomb Memorial in Hiroshima.


I edited together all of our video footage into a highlight video. So check it out!


I will also add some photos of our journey which I think they readers will enjoy!

Enjoy, let me know what you think! And if you liked it, give it the thumbs up on facebook.

Arigato!

Eden of the East Music Video

This is my second anime music video. I used the brilliant anime Eden of the East.

Let me know what you think or give it a thumbs up on the youtube page! Thanks.

Eden of the East is available at Manga UK

Film4 showing every Studio Ghibli film over easter!

Film4 is one of those rare TV Channels that I still check every single night to see what they are showing. They still show some rare Asian cinema and Anime films which is a real treat on a non-subscription channel.

Taken from the Film4 website:

Tuesday 26th March - Saturday 13th April 2013
Witness the sorcery, discover the magic, embrace the adventure. Prepare to be spellbound by Film4's most complete Studio Ghibli Season yet, starting with the Oscar-winning Spirited Away...
Tune in throughout the Easter holidays for daily screenings of films ranging from Ponyo to Princess Mononoke, from My Neighbour Totoro to Howl's Moving Castle.

Here is a list and time slots

• Tuesday March 26: 'Spirited Away', 6.35pm
• Wednesday March 27: 'Princess Mononoke', 6.05pm
• Thursday March 28: 'The Cat Returns', 11am
• Thursday March 28: 'Porco Rosso', 4.35pm
• Friday March 29: 'Kiki's Delivery Service', 4.45pm
• Saturday March 30: 'My Neighbour Totoro', 5pm
• Sunday March 31: 'Arrietty', 4.45pm
• Monday April 1: 'Grave of the Fireflies', 1.35am
• Monday April 1: 'Howl's Moving Castle', 4.35pm
• Tuesday April 2: 'Pom Poko', 3pm
• Wednesday April 3: 'Castle of Cagliostro', 2.45pm
• Thursday April 4: 'Ocean Waves', 11am
• Thursday April 4: 'Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind', 2.35pm
• Friday April 5: 'Whisper of the Heart', 3.05pm
• Saturday April 6: 'Spirited Away' (repeat), 4.35pm
• Sunday April 7: 'The Cat Returns' (repeat), 5.15pm
• Monday April 8: 'Only Yesterday', 2.20pm
• Tuesday April 9: 'Tales from Earthsea', 2.40pm
• Wednesday April 10: 'Princess Mononoke' (repeat), 2.55pm
• Thursday April 11: 'The Little Norse Prince', 11am
• Thursday April 11: 'Ponyo', 2.55pm
• Friday April 12: 'Howl's Moving Castle' (repeat), 2.40pm
• Saturday April 13: 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky', 2.20pm

No love for My Neighbours The Yamadas? Definitely worth checking out all of these, and it might even have some films that some Ghibli fans haven't seen such as Ocean Waves and Only Yesterday.

Akira Music Video

I still like to do a bit of video editing every now and again. And this is my first attempt at an Anime Music Video.

The Anime used is Akira which is one of the first Anime films I ever watched, and to this day, is still one of the best. The song is Stronger by Kanye West. I used this because of the similarities in his music video which is a homage to Akira.

Anyway, check out the Music Video. And if you like it, check out my Youtube page and subscribe.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Jackjeckel

From Up On Poppy Hill - New Studio Ghibli film coming soon!

The latest Studio Ghibli film 'From Up on Poppy Hill' was released across Japan on July 16th 2011. It is the second film from Hayao Miyazaki's son Gorō Miyazaki, who also directed Tales From Earthsea. While Earthsea opened to pretty mixed reviews, Poppy Hill is getting much more favourable ones. It also won the Animation of the Year at the 35th Japan Academy Awards.

Synopsis
It's Yokohama, 1963. Each morning a girl on a high hilltop hoists signal flags to greet the ships in the bay below. She is Umi Matsuzaka, a sensible, responsible girl, who disapproves of the antics of the boys in her school. She especially disapproves of their bold ringleader, Shun, when he inadvertently embarrasses her. Nonetheless, Umi is drawn into the boys' campaign to preserve a dilapidated club house and finds herself warming to Shun, sensing a strength of character like her own. But their friendship and save-the-clubhouse campaign will be severely tested, in ways to make Umi and Shun question who they are…

From Up On Poppy Hill will be released on DVD/Blu-Ray across Japan on 20th June 2012, it will be available on most DVD sites including our favourite Yes Asia. Ghibli films usually open in the UK a year after Japan, so hopefully From Up On Poppy Hill will be out here in the summer. If you can't wait, the Japanese DVD will come with English subtitles. Good times!

Trailer below:

Another - Live Action Remake - Trailer and Stills

Looks like Another is the latest anime to get the live action treatment. For those not familiar with the anime, I reviewed it while it was airing, link.

Synopsis

 In 1972, a very popular honor student named Misaki died partway through the school year in Yomiyama Middle School’s class 3-3. His peers, devastated by the unexpected loss, decided to carry on as if the student were still alive, going so far as to keep the desk in place and bringing it to the graduation ceremony. Yet no one could explain why the dead classmate was present on the graduation photo.
In spring 1998, 15-year-old student Kōichi Sakakibara arrives from Tokyo in Yomiyama, to stay with his grandparents while his father works in India. He transfers into class 3-3 but misses the first few weeks as a pneumothorax keeps him hospitalised. While in the hospital, he receives a visit from his classmates and meets a mysterious girl wearing his school’s uniform called Mei Misaki, who seems to be visiting the morgue.
Once recovered, Kōichi goes to school and tries to adapt. His aunt, a teacher at Yomiyama North, gives him a few pointers but, like his peers, remains evasive when it comes to their behaviour towards Mei, who is treated by all as if she did not exist. Kōichi is further confounded by the air of mystery around class 3-3 and the fact that it is isolated from other classes, even practising P.E. separately.
Things go from bad to worse when a classmate, Yukari Sakuragi, slips while running down the stairs and dies, impaled on the sharp end of her umbrella. This is one of many deaths related to Class 3-3 which have Kōichi and his friends Mei, Naoya Teshigawara, Tomohiko Kazami, and Yūya Mochizuki, trying to unravel the mystery of 1972’s Misaki and the “calamity” that has struck Class 3-3 ever since.

Cosplay Island?

I'm looking forward to this going by what I have seen from the trailer. Also, knowing Japan is brilliant with horror and suspense, this could work out very well! On the other hand, Live Action adaptions of anime are usually hit or miss, with the majority being miss!

Another gets a theatrical release across Japan on August 4th 2012. No news of an international release yet, so watch the trailer below over and over to keep you going! Or watch the anime!