Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (Japan, 2001)

Strange incidents occur when an American submarine has been destroyed by a mysterious force at sea off the shores of Guam. Only Admiral Tachibana was certain that behind the disaster was none other than the destructive King of the Monsters, Godzilla! 50 years after his attack on Tokyo in 1954, Godzilla has mysteriously returned to life to destroy Japan, and General Tachibana, whose parents died in the monster's destructive wake, was prepared for his return.

In these days of never-ending, disappointing remakes it's always nice to fall back on the originals. GMK does what a billion dollars worth of computer graphics can't: create timeless, wildly entertaining destruction. Watching this film today is just as fun as it was back in the day, and will be in many years from now due to the fact that everything is made of real props and every exploding building is an amazing spectacle. Here, the monsters have gotten an updated look, King Ghidorah is a nice guy (!) and Godzilla is back to being the main baddie. 

The plot is of course nothing to write home about, and basically follows a B-movie storyline pattern but that's forgiven the second Godzilla shows up. Cue an amazing amount of destruction, cool monster fighting scenes and a bit of hilarious monster choreography and you know you're in for a good time. GMK is a great example of what's being lost when everything is made inside of a computer, you're no longer watching hollow action but carefully planned scenes and detailed set designs.

Genre: Action/Adventure/Drama

Warm Water Under a Red Bridge (Japan, 2001)

Taro, an old man who dies homeless in Tokyo has told Yosuke, a weak-willed out-of-work salaryman about a golden statue that he left years ago in a house by the sea in Noto. Yosuke goes and he's captivated by Saeko, a young women who lives in the house where Taro left the statue. She has a strange affliction: water builds up in her and she can only vent it by wicked acts, such as shoplifting, or, more powerfully, through orgasm. Yosuke obliges, the water gives him life, as well as the plants and fish it reaches.

I know I'm kinda late to the party with this one, but my first viewing actually predates this blog. So, yeah. Warm Water... has a sort of unusual plot. It's nasty erotic but also comical. Famous actor Koji Yakusho (Shall We Dance?, Pulse) plays the lead role with ease and  usual charisma. You may know the director, Shohei Imamura, as the man behind great films such as Black Rain (1989) and The Eel (1997). Great film. Deliciously weird, but great. 

Genre: Drama

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (Japan, 2001)

In the year 2065, the next great assault against an invading race of phantom-like aliens is about to be launched. Dr. Aki Ross, a brilliant young scientist, races to find the invaders' secrets, not only to save the planet, but herself as well after her body is infected by alien particles. She teams up with the prestigious Deep Eyes military squadron, led by her old friend Grey Edwards. But as Aki, her mentor Dr. Sid, and Grey work toward a peaceful end, the scheming General Hein devises a plot to eradicate the aliens in one swift, destructive blow...even if it destroys the Earth right along with them.

At the release back in 2001, The Spirits Within failed miserably at the box office. It made game developer Squaresoft (who made the film) to give up on making any more films and cost them tons and tons of money. So why did it fail to impress the viewers? One reason is that Squaresoft is famous for making amazing games with great stories and people had high expectations on the movie. The story in The Spirits Within isn't amazing in any way, but it's entertaining and gives good excuses for showing us some lovely sci-fi imagery and alien action. The animation is also very good for its time, and never did I wish that it looked better. 

Genre: Animation/Action/Adventure

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (Japan, 2001)

The year is 2071. Following a terrorist bombing, a deadly virus is released on the populace of Mars and the government has issued a 300 million woo-long reward, the largest bounty in history, for the capture of whoever is behind it. The bounty hunter crew of the spaceship Bebop; Spike, Faye, Jet and Ed, take the case with hopes of cashing in the bounty. However, the mystery surrounding the man responsible, Vincent, goes deeper than they ever imagined, and they aren't the only ones hunting him.

The anime series Cowboy Bebop is one of the coolest shows out there. It's a space western fanatic's wet dream, with 26 episodes of superb action and funky sci-fi. The movie based on the show is no different when it comes to delivering an exciting story and amazing animation. You can easily watch the movie without having seen the series, as it is a pretty much standalone project. Even those who are new to animation should check this one out, as it is a crazy good and awesome welcome to the genre.

Genre: Animation/Action/Crime

What Time is it There? (Taiwan, 2001)

When a young street vendor with a grim home life meets a woman on her way to Paris, they forge an instant connection. He changes all the clocks in Taipei to French time; as he watches François Truffaut's "The 400 Blows", she has a strange encounter with its now aging star, Jean-Pierre Leaud.

Tsai Ming-liang has done some really memorable and beautiful films, two of my favorites are Vive l'Amour (1994) and Goodbye, Dragon Inn (2003). What Time is it There? continues with the same unique film style, It has that certain something like it's adapted from a really good book, almost. The female actress in the lead makes a genuinely amazing performance and I found myself unconsciously holding my breath in the scene where she's in the bed and looks into the eyes of another woman. The tension and presence was so thick you could cut it with a knife. That's how movies should be.  

A stunning and mesmerizing story about two individuals who seem a little lost in life, and their way of finding a way back. Even if it means changing the time on every clock in the city.

Genre: Drama/Romance

Metropolis (Japan, 2001)

Metropolis follows a young boy and his uncle (a private investigator). The story is set in the far future where humans and robots live together, unfortunately not in harmony. Many robots are forced underground and are terminated for entering unauthorized areas. They are more or less servants to humankind. The plot starts to unfold when the boy meets a robot named Tima and they get in all kinds of trouble.

Madhouse is the animation studio that made this incredibly good-looking and sweet robot story. They always deliver when it comes to quality, just look at Redline (2009) or Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000). Metropolis also had a legendary script writer, Katsuhiro Otomo, who's responsible for works such as Akira (1988) and Steamboy (2004). So, already we have amazing talents working on this film, and they all helped creating this fantastic film. Metropolis is based on an old manga from 1949, which itself was inspired by the 1927 German silent film of the same name. 

The robot design are often funny and peculiar, and as the art style is very cartonish it somehow feels like an R-rated kids movie when the poor, helpless robots are getting shot to bits. With a jazzy soundtrack and such a lovable look to it, Metropolis should not be missed by fans of both animation and science fiction.  

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Beijing Bicycle (China, 2001)

Newly-arrived in Beijing, country boy Guei gets a job as a bicycle courier. But when his bike is stolen, he only manages to persuade his boss to let him keep the job by promising to track the bike down. After some searching, he finds it in the possession of schoolboy Jian and resolves to take it back. Over the following days, as the bicycle passes back and forth between them, the two boys find their fates being bound closer and closer together.

Beijing Bicycle tells a story about youth that's bleak as the bleakest of things. The plot might be a bit thin, but it's still an effective tale of adolescence that pulls no punches and isn't afraid of leaving its main characters in the dirt. It might be somewhat of a downer for viewers who need retribution and happy endings, but for others it certainly is a ride worth taking. A tragic ride on a bike. 

Genre: Drama

Waterboys (Japan, 2001)

In a Japanese high school, a class of adolescent geeks joins the new synchronized swimming teacher and takes up the challenge to take part in the competition, in spite of the mockeries of the "real sportsmen".

Over the years, Waterboys has gained a huge fanbase, and I don't blame the in the slightest. It's a funny story that's quirky in a very Japanese sort of way. One thing that has been said about it numerous times is that it's humor resembles that of an anime almost, and uses many tropes that  is often seen in anime series. Check it out it you want something easy to watch and nothing too serious. 

Genre: Comedy/Sport

Millennium Mambo (Taiwan, 2001)

The youthful Vicky is torn between two men, Hao-hao and Jack. At night she works as a PR person at a nightclub to support both of them. Hao-hao keeps vigilance over her all the time, no matter if she is on or off the job. He checks her charge accounts, telephone bills, mobile phone records, and even her body odor in an attempt to trace Vicky's activities. She cannot stand him any longer; she runs away. Hao-hao finds her, begging her to go home. She sets herself a deadline to end the relationship - when the $500,000 in her bank account is used up.

Another great film from the almighty director Hou Hsiao-Hsien (Raise the Red Lantern). Millennium Mambo portrays a flawed relationship to say the least, with the help of a really good actress in the lead. Youth and love can often be a terrible combination, and here's a love triangle that shows you exactly why. 

Genre: Drama/Romance

Go (Japan, 2001)

Third-generation Korean, Sugihara, is a student at a Japanese high school after graduating from a North Korean junior high school in Japan. Sugihara’s school days are filled with fights that always result in his victory; he and his delinquent peers fill the rest of their time with all kinds of mischief. One day, Sugihara attends the birthday party of one of his friends and meets a mysterious Japanese girl. He takes her out on a couple of dates and they gradually become intimate

Tension rise high between the Koreans and the Japanese, and this film puts a high school student right in the middle of it. On one hand it's a love story with a turbulent high school setting, on the other hand, it's a tale about how a young man's heritage makes him the outcast of his school. Worth your while.

Genre: Drama

The Happiness of the Katakuris (Japan, 2001)

The Happiness of the Katakuris is a morbid musical comedy about a family of oddballs who open an inn in the mountains. Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, none of their guests leave their rooms alive. In order to protect their business, the family resorts to burying the corpses in the backyard, but this only leads to a zombie problem.

If you're looking for something different, something that's just so out of control you almost can't believe it, you can stop now. The Happiness of the Katakuris features zombies, clay animation, musical numbers and more, all on top of a hilarious black comedy. Director Takashi Miike (Audition) loosely based the plot on the exceptional South Korean film The Quiet Family (1998). You could watch that one first, then see this version which has taken the plot and run it through a wacky Japanese filter.

Genre: Comedy/Horror/Musical

One Fine Spring Day (South Korea, 2001)

Sound engineer Sang-woo meets local DJ Eun-soo on a recording trip in the quest for nature's voice. They succeed in capturing various sensual sounds as well as each other's tenderness. Their love flourishes as spring comes along, but Sang-woo's ever intensifying passion often reminds Eun-soo of her tragic past. She knows only too well how passion can vanish like a sound: how love always surrenders to its expiry...

A delicate romance with superb actors. Director Hur Jin-ho is famous for his movies which almost all share a common theme: love. He can perfectly portray the subtle changes in a relationship and visualize the beginning and the end of two peoples love. 

Genre: Drama/Romance 

My Sassy Girl (South Korea, 2001)

Based on a series of true stories posted by Ho-sik Kim on the Internet describing his relationship with his girlfriend. These were later transformed into a best-selling book and the movie follows the book closely. It describes the meeting of Kyun-woo and an unnamed girl. Kyun-woo is shamed into assisting the girl because the other passengers mistakenly think she is his girlfriend. Once he helps her, Kyun-woo develops a deep sense of responsibility for her which enables him to tolerate (somehow) the girls abuses.

One of the highest grossing films of all time in South Korea, and also a blockbuster in all of Asia, My Sassy Girl won millions of people over with its mix of comedy, drama and romance. Recommended to everyone who wants a movie full of heart and joy, but also one that takes itself seriously and shows every step and every up and down of a relationship.

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Blue Spring (Japan, 2001)

It tells the story of seven students in an underperforming high school filled with delinquents as they join different gangs and tries to become the leaders of the pack.

From start to finish, Blue Spring takes place in an all-boys school full of troublemakers. It portrays friendship that turns into rivalry and the mental breakdown of students. Based on a manga by Taiyo Matsumoto, who also created Tekkonkinkreet, and the rough style is present all over the film. For being a relatively short film (83 min), Blue Spring packs quite a punch and is a solid portrayal of Japanese school culture taken to the extreme. Keep an eye out for the brilliant fast motion scene on the rooftop, it's cool as hell.

Genre: Drama

Millennium Actress (Japan, 2001)

A movie studio is being torn down. TV interviewer Genya has tracked down its most famous star, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who has been a recluse since she left acting some 30 years ago. Genya delivers a key to her, and it causes her to reflect on her career; as she's telling the story, Genya and his long-suffering cameraman are drawn in. The key was given to her as a teenager by a painter and revolutionary that she helped to escape the police. She becomes an actress because it will make it possible to track him down, and she spends the next several decades acting out that search in various genres and eras. 

A film that uses memories as its set; from geishas to astronauts, feudal Japan to the burning plains of the second world war. Millennium Actress is a mind-blowing, thought-provoking chase scene through life itself and possibly my favorite film by genius film maker Satoshi Kon (Paprika, Perfect Blue). 

Susumu Hirasawa is once again in charge of the soundtrack and the melodies are some the most memorable pieces of music, and together with the emotional and intense scenes you can't help getting goosebumps. It contains nods to Japan's cinema history such as Setsuko Hara and Kurosawa's films. Satoshi Kon has mastered the incredible art of bringing out nostalgia, so even if we the viewers weren't actually present during the film's events Kon makes us look back at the journey behind us just as if we'd been through it all. If you don't see this film you are missing something truly incredible.

Genre: Animation/Drama/Romance

Friend (South Korea, 2001)

Despite their different family backgrounds, four friends grew up together in the harsh years of the 70's. But as time goes by, each of them takes a different life path. After enrolling in college, Sang-taek and Joong-ho return to visit Dong-su and Joon-suk, only to find one of them in jail and the other on drugs. Slowly life takes difficult turns where friends become rivals in the crime world.

Portrays friendship over a long passage of time. You want nothing else for the four boys but to make peace, sadly, reality isn't always that kind. 

Genre: Crime/Drama

All About Lily Chou-Chou (Japan, 2001)

Life isn't easy for a group of high school kids growing up in Japan's pop/cyber culture. As they experience teen badlands of school bullies, annoying parents and snapshots of sex and death- these everyday rebels without a cause seek sanctuary, even salvation, through pop star savior Lily Chou-Chou, embracing her sad, dreamy songs and sharing their fears and secrets in chat rooms.

A drama about the ugly side of Japan's school culture. Few times have there been such a powerful film about bullying, youth and unsure friendship. Excellent visual work, too.

Genre: Drama/Crime

Visitor Q (Japan, 2001)

A father, who is a failed former television reporter tries to mount a documentary about violence and sex among youths. He proceeds to have sex with his daughter who is now a prostitute and films his son being humiliated and hit by classmates. "Q", a perfect stranger somehow gets involved and enter the bizzare family who's son beats his mom, who in turn is also a prostitute and a heroin addict...

I really don't know where to begin with this one. I can definitely say that it's the only movie that have made me nauseated, and psychically sick to my stomach while watching it, and that in itself is one heck of an achievement. It's such a sick story that it begs to be seen, dealing with stuff such as rape, abuse and necrophilia. Directed by one of my favorites, Takashi Miike, a man who's known for making movies in all kinds of genres, but here he makes a film that's like nothing that have ever existed and (probably) will never exist. It's original to say the least.

By now it has a cult following and is considered one of Miike's best films, but know this: when the 'breast milk scene' comes up, you'll either curse the day you heard of Takashi Miike, or you'll thank God that there's such a crazy country as Japan.

Genre: Drama

Pulse (Japan, 2001)

After one of their friends commits suicide, strange things begin happening to a group of young Tokyo residents. One of them sees visions of his dead friend in the shadows on the wall, while another's computer keeps showing strange, ghostly images. Is their friend trying to contact them from beyond the grave, or is it something much more sinister going on? 

Pulse (a.k.a. Kairo) is a hundred times scarier than it sounds on paper: ghosts that originates from the internet. It's actually overwhelming how wretched the situation grows to the sound of gloomy violins, and people are being replaced by shadowy figures. It's one of the best films I've ever seen that deals with the paranormal, because it doesn't go for shock value or cheap scares. It's a well-crafted, thought-out scenario of what happens when the dead starts to seep into the world of the living, while also making a commentary on how and online habits have connections with loneliness years before the big social media boom.

Experience it with the lights off, and you'll start seeing ghosts in every corner. Complete with a lot of 90's tech. 

Genre: Horror/Mystery

Failan (South Korea, 2001)

After losing both her parents, Failan emmigrates to Korea to seek her only remaining relatives. Once she reaches Korea, she finds out that her relatives have moved to Canada well over a year ago. Desperate to stay and make a living in Korea, Failan is forced to have an arranged marriage through a match-making
agency. Kang Jae is an old and outdated gangster, and short on money, Kang Jae decides to take on the arranged marriage. Having nothing more than a picture of Kang Jae, Failan spends her days dreaming and wishing that Kang Jae would come to visit her.

A sad and alternative take on a love story, and I use the term love story very loosely because there's not so much love to be found here, so don't think it's another sappy and unoriginal melodrama. Choi Min-sik (Oldboy, I Saw the Devil) delivers a great performance as a man who looses his wife whom he'd never even met. Very bittersweet and heart-wrenching. 

Genre: Drama/Romance