Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010, Thailand)

Suffering from acute kidney failure, Uncle Boonmee, who lives in a house on a farm with his sister-in-law Jen and his nephew Tong has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly Huay, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, he treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave - the birthplace of his first life.

Uncle Boonmee can be a very difficult film to get into, and if you're not invested from the start it's going to be a tough watch. The reason I say that is because the pace is really slow and scenes come and go very much like a slow, meditative walk through a thick forest. I'm not even sure I grasped it all on a first viewing so it's definitely one of those films you need to watch again to get the whole picture. It's a story about life and death, it's about rebirth and facing one's mortality. 

At the Cannes film festival people reportedly walked out after only six minutes, but it still won the most prestigious award of them all, the Palme d'Or.  

Genre: Drama/Fantasy

Sawako Decides (Japan, 2010)

After 5 years in Tokyo, 5 part-time jobs, 5 boyfriends, Sawako's life is going nowhere. When her father gets seriously ill she have to take over his struggling factory. Gradually she becomes the decider of her own life.

Sawako Decides is a typical drama with a good balance of funny scenes and also sadness, with quirky Japanese humor thrown in. The good story makes it a treat to watch and sometimes I don't need anything more complex than a woman who is trying to get her life together.

Genre: Drama

The Housemaid (South Korea, 2010/1960)

Eun-yi is a playful young woman, a good match for a job as nanny to a precocious child, Nami, the daughter of a wealthy couple, Hae-ra and Hoon. Hae-ra will soon have twins as well. The majordomo, Mrs. Cho, is the household's cold stone center. Before long, Hoon seduces Eun-yi, and when Mrs. Cho tells Hae-ra's mother about the affair, Eun-yi is up against women with wealth, power, and no conscience. Can Eun-yi maintain her dignity and perhaps even put the family in their place?

Here's two films for the price of one. I don't know what I mean by that, but I know that you should avert your attention to this duo of films. It goes without saying, but The Housemaid (2010) is a remake of a film released in the 60's, also titled The Housemaid. The older version is a bit more melodramatic, while the remake is erotic and full of sexual tension. The cast in the new one features a couple of recognizable faces and great actors from the last years and you're most likely familiar with some of them. Oh, and the ending. The ending will come at you from nowhere, and it's downright wonderful.

Genre: Drama/Thriller

No Mercy (South Korea, 2010)

Sol Kyung-Gu plays a staff member of the National Institute of Scientific Investigation (NISI) in South Korea. He attempts to uncover the identity of a mysterious serial killer who decapitates his victims.

Korean thrillers are some of the best on this planet, that's a fact. They can be so brutal, gritty and dark that it's just beautiful. No Mercy is a stone cold tale of vengeance, that familiar theme that South Korea just seem to love. Of course I don't want to give away the ending, but wow it takes the cake and pretty much shoves it down your throat. Great actors, also. The main character is played by a fellow named Sol Kyung-Gu, whom you've undoubtedly seen before, perhaps in great films such as Peppermint Candy (2000) or Cruel Winter Blues (2006). 

A superb and suspenseful film.

Genre: Crime/Thriller

Space Battleship Yamato (Japan, 2010)

In 2199, five years after the start of the Gamilas attack on Earth, the planet has been ravaged by the aliens' radiation bombs and the remnants of humanity have fled underground. One day, former pilot Susumu Kodai discovers a capsule sent from the planet Iskandar that tells of a device that can remove the radiation from the Earth's surface. The United Nations of Space Administration rebuilds the battleship Yamato and begins the long trip to Iskandar and back in hopes of saving the Earth.

During World War II, Yamato was a battleship that served with the Imperial Japanese Navy and were one of the most powerful battleships that had ever been constructed. Many years later, Yamato was rebuilt as a starship and used to save the Earth in the animated series Space Battleship Yamato. Fast forward even more years and we reach the point where we got a feature film that's based on the anime TV series. 

It got some really good special effects by Japanese standards, and it's too bad that there isn't more space battles and enemy warships that threatens mankind because those scenes are awesome. Still, it's a cool and exciting space adventure and it makes you wish there'll be a sequel that goes all-out and increases the amount of action and great-looking spaceships. 

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Moss (South Korea, 2010)

Ryu Hae-Kuk enters a reclusive country village to attend his father's funeral. During his stay he investigates the death of his father and uncovers what appears to be a conspiracy. Why do the villagers act so strange? Why do they keep asking him when he will return to Seoul? The man then confronts the village leader Cheon Yong-Deok. The secrets of the village then start to unravel...

I hope you are sitting comfortably, because Moss is an almost three hour long mystery that demands your full attention. I saw this film a couple of years ago and didn't think too much of it, but after re-watching it, I've come to the conclusion that it's a terrific and suspenseful story with a great setting. Many may be afraid of its running time, and yes it's long, but also well worth the trip to a remote village where a dark secret has been brewing for many years.

Genre: Crime/Mystery

Gantz (Japan, 2010)

After trying to rescue a man on the subway tracks, two teens wake up in a room dominated by a mysterious black sphere that sends them to hunt down and kill aliens hiding on Earth.

Gantz is based on a manga series, but it's nothing you already need to have read before watching the movie adaption. Terrific special effects and lots of cool weapon design is the name of the game here, and that's a relief because I've always felt that Japan is a few years behind when it comes to slick effects and computer graphics. Gantz is sure to please anyone whose in for a entertaining action adventure. A sequel was made in 2011, called Gantz: Perfect Answer, and it improves on pretty much everything. 

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi

Dream Home (Hong Kong, 2010)

A woman will go to whatever lengths necessary to obtain her dream home with a view of the sea. This includes driving down the property value and decreasing the occupancy rate by killing her potential neighbors.

Dream Home is a dark slasher flick with a good plot to back it up. It goes back and forth between the past and present to show how desperate our main character becomes, and tells a story that spans almost her whole life; from the dreams of a young and innocent girl, to the psychotic killings of her older self. One of the death scenes is quite horrifying. The road to the perfect apartment is covered with blood. 

Genre: Horror/Thriller

The Last Ronin (Japan, 2010)

16 years after the fateful "revenge of the 47 Ronin," involving samurais from the Ako domain who avenged their leader and then commited seppuku (ritual suicide), the sole survivor of that incident, Kichiemon Terasaka traverses the country on a mission. His purpose is to find the families of the fallen samurais and spread the truth of the ronin uprising. On his way to attend the 17th Buddhist ceremony for the 47 Ronins in Kyoto at Choho Shindo's mansion, Kichiemon unexpectedly comes across his close & long time friend Magozaemon Senoo - who ran away the day before the ronin uprising. 

Slow-paced and somewhat eventless, The Last Ronin still manages to be one of the better samurai dramas in years. Koji Yakusho (13 Assassins) is one of my favorite actors, and he fits the role as an aging samurai perfectly. It's full of iconic imagery such as bamboo forests in fog and old temples. Nothing short of a samurai masterpiece.

Genre: Drama 

Caterpillar (Japan, 2010)

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, in 1940, Lieutenant Kurokawa returns home as a honored and decorated soldier... but deprived of his arms and legs lost in battle in mainland China. All hopes, from the village men and women to close family members, turn to Shigeko, the Lieutenant's wife: she must honor the Emperor and the country in setting an example for all by fulfilling her duty and taking care of the 'God soldier'.

A solid drama dealing with difficult themes such as war crimes and handicapped veterans. Recommended for those who's interested in gaining insight in how Japanese women were treated with unfair demands during wartimes. 

A tough film about the damages of war.

Genre: Drama

Man of Vendetta (South Korea, 2010)

One day, Hye Lin, the five-year old daughter of a devoted pastor, Joo Young Soo, is kidnapped. Pastor Joo, who has a rock solid faith in God at this time, prays wholeheartedly for her safe comeback, but she does not return. Eight years later, Joo Young Soo, who now does not believe in God and leads a completely secular life, receives a call. Hye Lin is still alive and is with the kidnapper. Joo Young Soo’s resolute attempt to rescue his daughter begins...

Man of Vendetta is yet another contribution to the world of stylish, hair-raising South Korean-thrillers. While it's a bit unoriginal with a kidnapping scenario and a vengeful father, the movie will most likely keep you on your toes and has the tension to capture your interest in a tight grip. So, if you have a soft spot for solid, exciting thrillers, give this one a chance.

Genre: Thriller

Redline (Japan, 2010)

“Sweet” JP – so named for his endearing personality and his reluctance to weaponize his tricked-out Trans Am – is mixed up with the mafia, purposefully losing in a series of illegal intergalactic races that lead up to Redline, the most dangerous, rules-free championship in the universe. A freak occurrence slots JP in for Redline after he throws the qualifier, meaning he's got to contend with the other hardcore racers on a planet overflowing with menacing alien military technology. 

Produced by animation studio Madhouse, Redline took seven long years to complete. Yes. Seven years. In terms of animation quality, it doesn't take long until you see why. Everything imaginable explodes, implodes, crashes and gets smashed into a burning rain of scrap metal with unparalleled animation. So if you're going to see it, you better make sure it's in high quality, or else it doesn't live up to its full potential. 

Buckle up and get ready for a ride through space!

Genre: Animation/Action/Sci-Fi

Bedevilled (South Korea, 2010)

Hae-won is a single woman in her thirties who works at a bank in the Seoul city. She leads a busy life until she becomes a witness to an attempted murder case, and at the same time, things get complicated at work. When things get out of hand she is forced to take a vacation so she heads for 'Moodo', a small undeveloped island, where she had once visited to see her grandparents. And where she had befriended a girl named Bok-nam who stills writes to Hae-won asking her to visit despite the fact that Hae-won never bothered to reply. 

A relentless, brutal thriller that builds up more and more, and with the brilliant actress Seo Young-hee (The Chaser) in the lead. A very dark journey that turns into a much deserved hunt for revenge, in a highly satisfying manner. 

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller

The Unjust (South Korea, 2010)

A serial killer targeting elementary school students is on the loose—and 5 victims means even the president gets involved in the investigation. When the most probable suspect dies in custody and the case looks like it’s reached a dead end, high ranking police brass decide to create a killer—and anyone will do.

A complex and political thriller, The Unjust is filled to the brim with corruption and shady cops. The violence, though used sparsed, is handled very slick and stylistic. Might grow on you when watched a second time, due to its web of intrigues and intense plot. 

Genre: Crime/Thriller

Poetry (South Korea, 2010)

Loosely based on a true story, Poetry tells the story of a suburban woman in her 60s who begins to grow an interest for poetry while struggling with Alzheimer's disease and her irresponsible grandson.

Poetry has been called a "masterpiece of humanistic character development", which is pretty much spot on. It tackles themes such as grief and hopelessness, and how to deal with a heinous crime. The subtle progression of memory loss is also done very well, all thanks to the main character who's constantly the center of the plot, similar to Bong Joon Ho's Mother (2009). 

Fantastic drama.

Reign of Assassins (Hong Kong, 2010)

Set in ancient China, Zeng Jing is a skilled assassin who finds herself in possession of a mystical Buddhist monk's remains. She begins a quest to return the remains to its rightful resting place, and thus places herself in mortal danger because a team of assassins is in a deadly pursuit to possess the remains which holds an ancient power-wielding secret.

At first, to be honest, I thought the movie was going to be a bit silly (a magician? Really?), but it won me over against all odds. The story is enjoyable and the fight choreography is not bad at all. Notable for being directed by the acclaimed film maker John Woo (A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard Boiled). Great fun. Oh, and the magician is awesome.

Genre: Action

Villain (Japan, 2010)

A young woman’s body is found by a roadside in the Japanese countryside. Police immediately look for the last person to have seen her, an obnoxious and spoilt young socialite who took her for drive despite his distaste for her. When he is apprehended and an alibi proves his innocence, the focus turns to an admirer of hers who has long tried to befriend her on the internet. The said man is Yuichi, a lonely, troubled worker who looks after his grandmother in distant solitude.

Villain (a.k.a. Akunin) is one of 2010's most brilliant dramas. The pace of the plot is perfect, and the aforementioned crime is pieced together more and more as the story progresses. Great actors and suitable music composed by Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli).

Genre: Drama

The Stool Pigeon (Hong Kong, 2010)

Policeman Don Lee often works with informants but numerous too-close calls and failed missions cause him to see the world as one betrayal after another - then he meets Guy, and is given a new chance to change his views.

Great driving scenes and surprisingly deep character development, with The Stool Pigeon, Dante Lam (Fire of Conscience, Beast Stalker) made one of the most rock solid action fests of its year.

Genre: Action/Drama/Thriller

The Detective 2 (Hong Kong, 2011)

Private investigator Tam still longs for the day he can join the Bangkok police force and work alongside his old pal, Inspector Chak. When Chak is reassigned under a pig-headed new chief inspector, Tam is hired to help investigate several mysterious deaths, believed to be the work of a mentally unstable orphan. As his investigation brings him deeper and deeper into the child’s psyche, memories of Tam’s own childhood as an orphan resurfaces.

The standalone sequel to 2007's The Detective, is just as thrilling. The plot may not be as good, but it's still worth checking out if you're a fan of intense murder mysteries.

Genre: Crime/Thriller

The Borrower Arrietty (Japan, 2010)

The film tells the story of Arrietty, a young Borrower who lives under the floorboards of a typical household. She eventually befriends Sho, a human boy with a heart condition since birth who is living with his great aunt Sadako. When Sadako's maid Haru becomes suspicious of the floorboard's disturbance, Arrietty and her family must escape detection, even if it means leaving their beloved home.

When it comes to making anime that speaks straight to the heart, Studio Ghibli remains as the undefeated masters. Arrietty is a beautiful tale that explores the world going on beneath our floorboards. Essential for any fan of anime, young and old. 

Genre: Adventure/Drama