Shady (Japan, 2012)

Because of her last name "Kumada" (bear + rice paddy) and her appearance, Misa's high school classmates call her "Pooh" disparagingly. She obviously has no friends and can only let down her guard around her pet parrot and the goldfish in the science room at school. But then she finds herself quickly becoming best friends with Izumi, a cute and popular classmate. Although somewhat puzzled by Izumi's interest in her, Misa is excited about having a friend for the first time ever. But Izumi's initial angelic demeanor gradually transforms into a demonic one.

For some reason I did not expect this film to be this good. Shady is an outstanding drama that deals with bullying between young girls, and has some slight horror aspects to it. As it goes on, the innocent appearance of a blooming friendship becomes deliciously twisted and wrong. The music is also surprisingly calm and beautiful considering the dark and sinister plot. Do yourself a huge favor and watch this film right now.

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Doomsday Book (South Korea, 2012)

A Brave New World, a mysterious virus brings the city to ruins and zombies flood the streets of Seoul. The Heavenly Creature, a robot reaches enlightenment on its own while working at a temple. Its creators regard this phenomenon as a threat to mankind and decide to terminate the robot. Happy Birthday, a little girl logs into a strange website and puts in an order for a new pool ball for her billiards-obsessed father. Soon an unidentified meteor heads toward Earth and all human beings flee to underground bomb shelters.

Doomsday Book is an anthology film consisting of three different stories, but all taking place in the future. it ranges from being about a zombie apocalypse to a robot that practices Buddhism and believes he's Buddha. The second segment was written and directed by Kim Jee-woon, whom you've should be very familiar with by now due to his filmography (A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil). Despite all these facts, Doomsday Book got lukewarm reviews and it failed to live up to expectations. I think it's worth a chance due to it's interesting themes, and the biggest complaint I have is that it would have been much better if it had been an half hour shorter (it's two hours long). Otherwise it's a good film and a welcomed entry here due to the lack of sci-fi on this blog.

Genre: Comedy/Drama/Sci-Fi

The Concubine (South Korea, 2012)

To escape a life of poverty, Hwa-yeon is forced to offer herself as one of the king's concubines. Once inside the royal palace, two men are immediately captivated by her. The Grand Prince Seong-won, a powerful, lust filled megalomaniac and Kwon-yoo, who has everything to lose if his desire for Hwa-yeon is exposed.

Here's another historical costume drama for you, and a great one. The lust for revenge runs thick, no one know's who to trust and eventually, an intense power struggle is at hand. The Concubine is worth seeing a couple of times due to the somewhat intricate web of subplots and many scheming characters. Though it's done with such style and great photography that it won't be hard to give it another go. 

Genre: Drama/History

Helpless (South Korea, 2012)

A woman suddenly disappears. Her fiance then sets out to find her and, in the process, uncovers layers of dark hidden secrets. One month prior to Moon-Ho and Sun-Young's wedding, they take a road trip to Andong. Moon-Ho plans to formally introduce his fiance to his parents. Along the way to Andong, they pull over at a highway rest stop. Moon-Ho goes inside, while Sun-Young waits in the car. When Moon-Ho arrives back at his car, he discovers that his fiance has now completely disappeared. Frantic, Moon-Ho looks all over the rest stop, but Sun-Young is nowhere to be found.

I love being surprised in films, especially when I think I know what's going on and imagines how it's going to end. Helpless threw a curveball at me and sent me back to square one. The suspense and thrills had me in a tight grip, and I couldn't wait to find out how this search for a lost woman would end.  Great performances, also. A kidnapping mystery may sound somewhat done to death, but I really liked this one. 

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Pieta (South Korea, 2012)

A loan shark is forced to reconsider his violent lifestyle after the arrival of a mysterious woman claiming to be his long-lost mother.

Upon its release, Kim Ki-duk's (3-Iron) Pieta got very mixed reviews. The somewhat disturbing and questionable themes of the film sparked negative reviews, and others said the sexual violence and animal cruelty wasn't necessary. Now I may be a blind Kim Ki-duk fanboy and my opinions about his films are rarely even remotely negative, but for what it's worth, I was completely drawn into this film despite its suggestive nature. There's some really f-cked up things going on when a son molests his mother and asking her "I came out of here? Can I go back in?" when grabbing her between the legs. On that subject, the two main characters are very well-casted, and they feel very natural. I think the one and only aspect of a Kim Ki-duk film I don't like is the animal cruelty, because I'm never in the mood of seeing small animals being hurt. 

But nonetheless, Kim Ki-duk knows the art of film making, and he's one of Asia's most interesting directors, delivering a sense of ultra-realism in his pictures. And that's something I always can get behind.

Genre: Drama

The Kirishima Thing (Japan, 2012)

The Kirishima Thing tells the story of two high school students who crosses social boundaries between the elite and lower class at their school. Ryoya Maeda, from the lower class, is a member of the film club, while Hiroki Kikuchi, from the elite class, is a non-participating member of the high school baseball team.

The Kirishima Thing is without a doubt in my mind one of the best drama movies in recent years. I can't find any flaws with it. Basically, it's a slice of life kind of story revolving around a group of students. It uses the 'Rashomon effect' to tell the story from different characters, and it works great. Terrific acting all the way and a fantastic cast, The Kirishima Thing will be a film you'll come back too many times.

Genre: Drama

Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack (Japan, 2012)

The friends Kaori, Erika and Aki are on a vacation to celebrate their upcoming graduation, when suddenly an infestation of mysterious walking fish forces them to reevaluate everything they care about in order to stay alive.

Yes. You read that correct. It's fish, that walks on land, and not just small fishes, giant sharks and squids all rampage through the streets of Tokyo. Some scenes are so nasty that you can almost smell the rotting fish as armies of sea creatures crawl up on land. It goes from nasty to just bloody disgusting, actually. Based on a manga by Junji Ito (Uzumaki), Gyo is another one of his twisted creations that will gross you out and make you wonder how he sleeps at night. Some will probably watch it and deem it too weird, but that's just because it is.

Genre: Action/Animation/Horror

For Love's Sake (Japan, 2012)

Troubled high school student Makoto arrives in Tokyo to exact revenge from a past incident. He then falls in love at first sight with Ai, a daughter raised in a wholesome family. Around Makoto and Ai are Iwashimizu , who has feelings for Ai, and Gamuko , a gang member who eyes Makoto. Also Gamuko's leader, Yuki have eyes for Makoto too. Who will get him in the end?

Director Takashi Miike (Audition) is back with another wacky project that's like his very own Crows Zero, if everyone would start singing before every fight. It somehow feels so natural that it's made by him, it features some beautiful and very theatrical set pieces, and Miike plays around a lot with the presentation.

Genre: Musical/Romance

Dreams for Sale (Japan, 2012)

A married couple finds themselves in a dire financial situation after they lose their restaurant in a fire. The couple determined to run a restaurant again turn to crime. The wife scopes out potential targets and her husband commits marriage fraud.

"Movies about crooks and scammers after the big score, from Stanley Kubrick’s “The Killing” (1956) on, nearly all have a certain story arc, and Nishikawa’s is no exception. What sets her film apart is its sharpness about its characters’ psychologies, particularly its women. I don’t mean that Nishikawa has some special insight by virtue of being a woman herself, but she does see them — and care about them — as real individuals, not representative types." Japantimes 'Dreams for Sale' review 

Genre: Drama/Crime

As One (South Korea, 2012)

Table tennis player Hyun Jung-Hwa wins silver medals, but always comes up short in the gold medal matches against a rival Chinese table tennis player. One month prior to the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba, Hyun Jung-Hwa hears that a single Korean table tennis will be formed from South and North Korea. The South Korean players and its coach oppose the idea. Despite the opposition, the united Korean table tennis team is formed. Players from South and North Korea meet at a training camp in Chiba, Japan. They are forced to become one team, but from their practice routines, to how they talk and how they live all cause clashes. 

As One is a heartwarming true story about friendship, teamwork and the love for table tennis. A solid sports drama with  good actors and just the right amount of melodrama.

Genre: Drama/Sport

Dearest (Japan, 2012)

Recently widowed Eiji receives a letter from his late wife, Yoko, asking him to take her ashes back to her hometown. Wondering why she had never mentioned this to him in person, he embarks on a road trip in order to fulfill her wishes, meeting people along the way who shed light on her past. All the while Eiji is impelled by the promise of a second letter, which he can only claim once his task is completed.

Dearest, a compelling and melancholy drama, is targeting your tear canals.  Many times during the film viewers is treated to some really gorgeous cinematography and nice melodies, which only make this journey a bit harder. A couple of interesting characters helps making Eiji's trip a more exciting one, including a cameo by director and actor Takeshi Kitano. 

Genre: Drama

The Last Tycoon (Hong Kong, 2012)

Set in Shanghais Gangster era of the early 1900s, THE LAST TYCOON tells the tale of Cheng, a young man who is set up by the chief of police and must leave the life he knows and Qiu, the woman he loves, to start again. After escaping prison Cheng quickly and violently moves his way up the ladder of Shanghais criminal underworld to become on the most powerful mob bosses in Shanghais history. But fame and notoriety take their toll when Cheng finds himself stuck between the looming Japanese army and the scheming local secret service. Matters are only made worse when he bumps into the love of his life Qiu, along with her new husband.

The Last Tycoon has all the elements of a big-budget, massive production and it's wildly entertaining to boot. Plus it got a great cast, in the midst of all the clashing enemies is Chow Yun-fat (The Killer, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) in the lead role. Add a couple of well-directed action scenes, some seriously satisfying explosions and an overall interesting period drama-plot and you got yourself a winner.

Genre: Action/Crime/Drama

Masquerade (South Korea, 2012)

The confusing and conspiratorial 15th ruler of Korea's Joseon Dynasty King Gwang-hae orders his councilor, Heo Gyun, to find him a double in order to avoid the constant threat of assassination. Heo Gyun finds Ha-sun, a lowly acrobat and bawdy joker who looks remarkably like the king, and just as feared, Gwang-hae is poisoned. Heo Gyun proposes Ha-sun fill the role as the king until Gwang-hae recovers fully and grooms Ha-sun to look and act every bit the king. While assuming the role of the king at his first official appearance, Ha-sun begins to ponder the intricacies of the problems debated in his court.

Masquerade features an A-list cast with Lee Byung-hun (A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil)) in the front and here he does some of his best work to date. It's a brilliant film with a great balance of humor, political schemes and charm. 

Genre: Drama/History

Lesson of the Evil (Japan, 2012)

A teacher named Seiji Hasumi is loved by his students and respected by his peers. However, his outward charm masks his true nature. In reality, Hasumi is a psychopath who is unable to feel empathy for other human beings. Specifically, he has a severe antisocial personality disorder. Because of his mental condition, Hasumi chooses to deal with problems like bullying and overbearing "monster parents" the easy way, by systematically murdering his students.

My God,  I haven't seen this many students get killed since Battle Royale (2000). The man responsible for this bloodbath is none other than Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer), and he really goes nuts with this one. In the second half of the film the character development pretty much goes out the window and is replaced by a killing spree, but it's such a insane sequence that you'll likely to enjoy it (in a sick way, to be honest) to the fullest. 

Genre: Thriller

The Last Supper (China, 2012)

The story of two warring generals, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, fighting for control of China at the end of the Qin Dynasty.

That's the easiest way of summing up the complex and rich plot of The Last Supper. Lu Chuan, who also directed the fantastic City of Life and Death (2009), is back with this historical drama based on true events. The production value is sky high and the sets looks stunning, there's something about Lu Chuan and having beautiful settings. Because of the huge cast and all the flashbacks, visions and double-crossings, it really will gain a lot by watching it a second time. But that's fine, it's a great, chinese epic and deserves your time.

Genre: Action/History

Outrage Beyond (Japan, 2012)

As the police launch a full-scale crackdown on organized crime, it ignites a national yakuza struggle between the Sanno of the East and Hanabishi of the West. What started as an internal strife in Outrage has now become a nationwide war in Outrage Beyond.

The first Outrage was a brilliant Yakuza epic, it had the right attitude and the right amount of brutal violence (that dentist scene, wow). Outrage Beyond somehow manages to completely blow the first one out of the water. It's a film by Takeshi Kitano and is about what he does the best, the Yakuza.  It's a hard-boiled, well-told story about a huge power struggle between two Yakuza clans and everything that follows. Not to be missed by fans of Yakuza flicks, Kitano, or just a good crime fest. 

Genre: Action/Crime 

A Company Man (South Korea, 2012)

Hyeong-do wears a suit and tie like any other rank-and-file white collar worker, except his profession is murder. Seemingly a section chief in the sales division of a metal fabrication company that is actually a front for an organization of hit men, Hyeong-do is regarded as one of the best contract killers in the business. One day, he meets a married woman named Su-yeon and instantly falls in love. Feeling guilty about his bloody past, Hyeong-do tries to quit the "manufacturer", to the surprise of his colleagues and his enemies. Seen as the ultimate betrayal, he is immediately hunted down by his former employers

A Company Man won't win any prizes for originality, but it's a solid and wildly entertaining action flick with great shooting scenes. It flirts with stronger films in the action genre such as A Bittersweet Life (2005), and fans of Korean action should definitely check this one out.

Genre: Action/Drama/Thriller

Wolf Children (Japan, 2012)

Nineteen-year-old college student Hana meets a young man who sneaks into her classes for lessons and falls in love with him immediately. They soon start dating. One day, the man reveals his identity to Hana; he is a Wolfman and the only surviving descendant of the extinct Japanese wolf. Undeterred by this fact, Hana invites him to live with her. A year later, when Hana becomes pregnant, she decides not to visit a hospital out of fear that her child would be a wolf. Their daughter, Yuki, is thus born at home on a snowy day, along with her brother, Ame, who is born a year after her.

Wolf Children is one of the best anime films to be released in a long time. It's directed by the man who also made Summer Wars (2009) and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006), so your expectations runs high from the get-go. A rememberable and emotional journey full of heart. 

Genre: Animation/Drama/Fantasy

Rurouni Kenshin (Japan, 2012)

In 1868, after the end of the Bakumatsu war, the former assassin Kenshin Himura promises to defend those who need without killing and wanders through Japan with a sword with inverted blade during the transition of the samurai age to the New Age. When Kenshin helps the idealistic Kaoru Kamiya from the gangsters of the powerful opium drug lord Kanryuu Takeda that wants her school for his production of opium, Kaoru invites Kenshin to stay in the school. But the drug chemist Megumi escapes from Kanryuu and seeks shelter in the school. Meanwhile the killer Battosai is murdering police officers and leaving messages attached to their bodies. 

Rurouni Kenshin is based on the manga of the same name, so already there's a huge fanbase that's both hyped and worried about this film. However, there's no need to worry any longer, due to how excellent this film is. Thankfully it's made by a proper director who were actually aiming to make a great samurai action film, and not just a shallow adaption of its manga counterpart. 

Genre: Action/Drama/History

The Thieves (South Korea, 2012)

In order to let things cool down from their latest heist, Popeye and his group of thieves go to Macau on a job. But the mastermind behind this job is none other than Popeye's old partner Macau Park, who escaped with 68kg of gold several years ago on their last job together. Macau Park brought Chinese thieves as well but little did they know what Macau Park planned for each one of them. 

The Thieves proved to be one of South Korea's biggest smash hits ever, and despite being a summer blockbuster, it has a lot more to offer than mindless action. It features an all-star cast with actors from both South Korea and Hong Kong, and throws them together for their most important heist yet. The photography scores ten out of ten, and the shooting scene towards the end is one of the best in recent years. An adrenaline kick that will shower you with sheer entertainment.

Genre: Action/Crime