Maborosi

Release datae: 21 March 1997 (USA)

Maborosi means 'phantasmic light' and, certainly, this is a phantasmic film. Directed by the marvellous Kore-eda Hirokazu, Maborosi is in every respect an art film. That said, has any film ever been so beautifully, so utterly simply made? This type of film is beyond the ability of Hollywood. Using natural light, spare dialogue, and the story of a young woman seeking answers after her husband commits suicide leaving her alone with a young son, Kore-eda films a tome on loss, the endurance of love and ultimately, what life is about. This film is staggeringly subtle and a testament to just how good film can get.

My rating 9 out of 10.

Grudge 2

Release date: 13 October 2006 (USA)

The medicore machine that is movie-making in Hollywood these days spewed out this latest attempt to cash in on the Asian supernatural horrors genre of Kairo, Ju-On, etc. Sadly, this film is a wreck from the outset as it tries to follow three storylines: three Tokyo school girls who return to the infamous haunted house; the adventures of the sister of the Karen Davis character of Grudge one (played by Sarah Michelle Geller); and a family in a flat in Chicago. While Takashi Shimizu (of the original film and the US remake) directs again giving the film its trademark creepy feel, the plot just doesn't hold up. I couldn't understand (let alone care) why our freaky little ghost boy and his mother end up in Chicago. Were they keen on ordering deep dish pizza? Time to put this series of films to bed me thinks.

My rating 4 out of 10.

Lan Yu

Release date: 22 November 2001 (Hong Kong)

Released in 2001 and directed by Stanley Kwan, it covers a decade long love story of two men, the architecture student, Lan Yu, and his real estate developer lover, Handong. "I know I'd have to leave you one day. I kept reminding myself to love you a little less everyday to make it easier on myself when the time came." - Lan Yu I thoroughly enjoyed this movie despite it's tragic opera-like ending, which had me crying ... wah wah wah ... me such a baby. Hmmm, no, maybe more of a romantic. Lan Yu is played by the oh-so-handsome, Liu Ye, who shall be my new obsession, and you get to see him buck neked! A couple other points on this fine film: * if you can lay your hands on the Hong Kong version of this movie (versus the international or Chinese release) there are an extra 20 minutes of film; * the movie was filmed in Beijng without government sanction; you'll know this as there is a blantant reference to the Tiananmen Square student uprising and subsequent tragedy in the film; * the movie is based on the internet novel, Beijing Story, published anonymously by "Beijing Comrade". In 2002, David Fung did translate the story which can be found here.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Mrs. Henderson Presents

Release date: 25 November 2005 (Denmark)

I thoroughly enjoyed it: fun, funny, entertaining, sentimental, great acting, a smattering of full frontal male nudity, and a little tragedy thrown in. I thought of my papa and the stories he often tells of growing up in the UK during World War II.

My rating 8 of 10.

The Art of Fighting (aka Ssaum-ui Gisul)

Release date: 2005 (South Korea)

The Art of Fighting is sort of like Karate Kid (but with umpteen times more violence). Poor Byungtae keeps getting pummeled by kids in his school until he comes across the mysterious Ponsu who teaches him the art of fighting (including the use of coins ... now only if his aim were better). This is Shin Han-sol's first kick at directing and - judging by this movie - we've got more good things coming. I felt it was beautiful shot (watch for the road scenes). Jae Han, playing Byungtae, is great at acting with simple facial gestures and looks, which is a real skill. Baek Yoon-shik, as the mysterious Ponsu, plays the fighting mentor with a sorted past hinted at but never revealed. There is a good deal of comedy sprinkled throughout, like when Byungtae reads to use whatever is at hand to your advantage when fighting and opts for a fluorescent blub (still in it's fixture) and one ragtag bully ends up cutting his partner in crime while fighting. The ending is initially sad but saved under Han-sol's hand. This film has been on the Korean Top Ten list of films since its release Jan 3rd. Not for kids, very violent.

My rating 7 out of 10.

Formula 17

Release date: 2 April 2004 (Taiwan)

Not an Oscar contender granted but worth a watch. Tien heads to Taipei to find the love of his life and ends up attracted to a Brianesque (from Queer As Folk) playboy, Bai, who never beds twice. Predictable love story follows but it is handled in a refreshing manner, the climax being when Tien appears awkwardly at Bai's door and says, "Let's stop pretending. It's tiring". First time director, Chen Yin-Jung (a women) had a firm hand on the freestyling look she was after and its succeeds quite well. The film will have you laughing out loud and employs Amie-like sequences where characters knowing acknowledge the camera. There are ellipses, cutesy flashbacks, and even a nod to Peking opera-style. Tien's Taipei sidekick, Yu, is hilariously, over-the-top gay. Actually, all characters in this movie are gay which I would think was somewhat of a first for Taiwanese films.

Note: sadly, this film continues to be banned in one of my least favourite police states, Singapore. Also please note: I love the people, but thoroughly dislike the oppressive, backwards government they continue to tolerate.

My rating 8 out of 10.

Eye on the Guy

Release date: 2006 (Canada

This doc recounts the story of Alan B. Stone who, in the 1950s and 60s, took pictures of lads like the one below and ran a thriving subscription service from the basement of his aunt's home in Montreal selling pictures to repressed gay guys everywhere. These 'beefcake' pictures (as they were called) were the porn of that time before Playgirl, et al came into being. Interestingly, it was only when Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau declared in 1967 that the government would no longer have a role in the bedrooms of Canadians that the full frontal porn we know of today took off. So, lads, you have the Liberals and Trudeau to thank for those pictures you look at on-line (well, the Canadian ones at least).

My rating 4 out of 10.

Mozartballs

Release date: 28 January 2006 (Germany)

Tells the story of a handful of very eccentric folks who have connections to Mozart in one way or other. There's a woman from Oklahoma who truly believes she's Mozart reincarnated; a sad old gentleman in Switzerland who treks to Mozart's grave to tidy it up and claims Mozart saved his life; there's the first Austrian astronaut who went to the Mir Space Station and brought Mozartballs (the candy) with him; and the odd Mr. Cope who creates computer programs which create music based on algorithms ... in this case Mozart's lost Concerto for Cello.

These folks are a truly strange bunch but demonstrate the 'power' Mozart and his music have in our lives. Well worth seeing if it passes through your town.

My rating 9 out of 10.

Raised to be Heroes

Release date: 2006 (Canada)

As a die-hard refusenik/peacenik myself, this doc served to reinforce my views on the military. It tells the story of Israeli soldiers who have decided to refuse military service (for new recruits) or assignments (for soldiers already in the army) in the Occupied Territories. While I think this story could have been told in about 20 minutes less (editor, get to work), there is a great story here which in two cases during the documentary is chilling as soldiers explaining why they have chosen their course of action compare the Israeli policy in the Occupied Territories to situations the Nazis faced in WW2. It is chilling in the comparison. Absolutely worth a see if only for these two comparison. As a hot doc should do, this piece will have you examine your thoughts on the Israeli/Palestinian situation again.

My rating 6 out of 10.

They Chose China

Release date: 2005 (China)

Fascinating story of 22 US POWs, who, at the end of the Korean War, opted not to return to the good old US of A but instead held fast in their beliefs about peace and ended up living in China. The Academy Award-nominated director of this movie, Shui-Bo Wang, met one of these peace soldiers when he was a little boy and finally managed (after a 10 year struggle) to bring their - in the West at least - forgotten story to life. One of those excellent documentaries that tells a seemingly unbelieveable story. I wonder how many Americans even knew of this chapter in their history?

My rating 10 out of 10.

Abducted: The Megumi Yokota Story

Release date: 25 November 2006 (Japan)

This film recounts the abduction of Japanese citizens by the North Korean government in 1977 in order for them to teach Korean spies Japanese and japanese culture. It is a dramatic, sad and moving story of parents love for their children. It is also a testament to hope. When, near the end of the movie, you watch 5 of the 13 abductees return to Japan and reunite with their families, oh gosh, the tears started flowing for most folks in the Al Green Theatre, let me tell you. Well worth 85 minutes of your time. Bring kleenex.

My rating 10 out of 10.

Kinky Boots

Release date: 20 January 2006 (Cannes Film Festival)

I watched this cute little movie before heading out to Hot Docs tonight. While in the vein of The Full Monty and Waking Ned Devine, this movie didn't really do much for me. The premise is cute: old shoe factory is dying and to revive business son gets the idea to create a line of transvestite footwear. Chiwetel Ejiofor is excellent as Lola/Simon and overall the cast is strong, however, I just couldn't get in to it. There are a few good laughs and the music is not bad but there is nothing 'kinky' about his movie. I believe this is out in very limited release here in Toronto. Personally, I'd hold off and rent it.

My rating 6 out of 10.

The Promise (aka Wu ji)

Release date: 15 December 2005 (China)

Now, I know if you google this film, you'll see a host of posts about how 'bad' Wu Ji is. I'm sorry all you paid reviewers, but I've now seen this film 3 times and loved it each time (even though the North American version has been cut considerably - about 20 minutes - from the original release). Sadly, I fear, North American attention spans are far shorter than those in Asia.

What is crucial to enjoying this movie is suspending your natural inner eye to see everything as realistic. If you are the type of person that finds fault with movies because - on the surface - they don't make sense, this is not the movie for you. If, however, you let go of your realistic side, there is a fantastic, romantic, moralistic fairy tale at work that prompts questions about fate and predestination.

And my gawd, it's ravishing on the big screen. Eprops to Peter Pau (he of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame) for his cinematography.

My rating 6 out of 10.

Mystic Ball

Release date: 2006 (Canada)

I actually saw this on Sunday night at the ROM. I loved this movie and it won an audience award at Hot Docs this year. It is about Canadian Greg Hamilton and his fascination with the Burmese game, chinoline (which is sort like playing with a hacky sac). He spent 20 years learning the game and was the first foreigner ever to play it. The documentary is great, and absolutely worth seeing should it pass through your city.

My rating 8 out of 10.

Taboo (aka Gohatto)

Release date: 15 May 2000 (Cannes Film Festival)

Released way back in 2000 and directed by Nagisa Oshima, widely regarded as Japan's 'greatest living director', Taboo recounts the story of the exotic, Kano, who enters a samurai militia only to become the object of desire for half the men within the troop. Kano quickly becomes the lover of another young recruit, Toshiri, but sets off a whole host of kendo-fighting as various members of the militia vie for his attention and affections. All the while, the militia's Commander and Captain try to harness the jealousies at play and maintain order. Like most movies of this oeuvre, it all ends badly.

I enjoyed this movie - and certainly appreciated the precise and stunning way it was directed and filmed. It certainly shows the tensions and repression existent within a highly militaristic environment. On the whole though, it leaves you thinking like you've missed something, but perhaps that was Oshima's purpose?? Music is by (be-still-my-heart) the wonderful Ryuichi Sakamoto. You probably know Oshima most famously here in the west for his brilliant film, Mr. Christmas Mr. Lawrence, starring David Bowie and [sigh] Ryuichi Sakamoto as Captain Yonoi.

My rating 7 out of 10.

X-Men: The Last Stand

Release date: 26 May 2006 (USA)

Throughout this entire movie I just kept thinking:'will they just hurry up and get on with it already'. They killed off a few folks; great. And what was with the trailer after the credits rolled? Is that Charles Xavier returning to life? ... and who's Moira? (sorry, I don't read the comics so I'm a little doh! when it comes to these things).

My rating 4 out of 10.

World Trade Center

Release date: 9 August 2006 (Canada)

This two hours of boredom will certainly make my worse movies of 2006 list. Oliver Stone directs with a steady hand as always but, I'm sorry, I had no connection to the characters and was not engaged whatsoever.

That said, Oliver handles the tragedy of September 11th, the planes hitting the World Trade Center and their eventual collapse expertly: it is understated, sombre, mindful of the horror that happened there 5 years ago. For his delicate touch here, the 1 out of five.

Sadly, once the buildings come down and our two characters begin their ordeal trapped inside, we cross the line into melodramatic Sunday Night at the Movies territory with all the that entails. The musical score, reminiscent of "Six Feet Under", is perfect for it represents where Paramount ought to send this movie. Oliver has found a cure for insomniacs everywhere and should retitle this effort "World Trade Snore".

My rating 2 out of 10.

Dog Soliders

Release date: 10 May 2002 (UK)

Okay, we watched this more as a joke but, damn, it was really good. Way better than any teen horror/slasher film out there and well worth a rent. Based on the werewolf genre, Dog Soldiers follows the adventure of one group of soldiers sent to rural Scotland (of all places) only to find themselves battling to the death with a family of werewolves (we presume whipped up by the bad, bad military as some form of new soldier). Stars no one you'd know. That said, it is well acted, bloody, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and freaking scary to boot!

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Perhaps Love

Release date: 1 December 2005 (China)

This film premiered in Shanghai at the end of December last year and is directed by Peter Ho-Sun Chan. It is Chan's first foray into the world of musicals and he succeeds very well, I thought. The film is directed in the style of Moulin Rouge, but with less comedy, far more artsy-ness, and is gorgeously filmed. Stars Ji Jin-hee (as Monty, the muse of the movie), Jack Cheung (playing the part handled by Jim Broadbent in Moulin), the very handsome Takeshi Kaneshiro (as Jin Jian Dong) and Zhou Xun (as Sun Na, everyone's love interest).

The film is essentially a love triangle centering on Sun Na who, due to amnesia, cannot remember the fact she was in love with Jin Jian. Both end up starring in a film being directed by Sun Na's current (present day) lover, Jack Cheung. Trapped between the present and the past, the characters play out their love story to great effect ... all singing and dancing aside. And it is there, in the flashbacks Chan provides, and particularly with the taped-recorded messages between Jin and Sun that this film hits the emotional button bang-on and ultimately succeeds.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Bon Cop/Bad Cop

Release date: 11 August 2006 (Canada)

I attended the English Canada premier of "Bon Cop/Bad Cop" in Toronto. On hand watching with us was stars, Rick Mercer and Patrick Huard (Colm Feore was on stage at Stratford tonight but sent a video greeting), Director Eric Caneul and Producer Kevin Tierney. This is a great film, built in the Lethal Weapon genre and with a decidedly Canadian angle (and murder mystery). Hilarious, perfectly acted, suspenseful (in a Silence of the Lambs sort of way) and with enough shooting and mayhem to make things interesting. Best of all ... it's truly Canadian!

My rating: 9 out of 10.

Pulse

Release date: 11 August 2006 (USA)

Well, well, well, where to start with this disaster of a movie? ... How about with my rating: 0.5 out of 5. The premise behind this movie is actually fairly interesting - 'ghosts' invading our world via computer technology - but sadly its execution by director Jim Sonzero fails. Pulse is based on the 2001 Japanese film "Kairo" by director Kiyoshi Kurosawa and has a 'Ringu' feel to it, which makes sense as Ringu was initially filmed way back in 1998.

I gave it a 0.5 just to honour the special effects in the film, some of which are truly eerie and amazing. Otherwise, skip this laughable flick which might be better titled "Repulse". It is simply awful. And if any movie asks you: 'Do you want to see a ghost?' projected on a dark computer screen, say no thanks and keep on moving.

My rating 0 out of 10.

Jasmine Women (aka Mo li hua kai)

Release date: 15 June 2004 (Shanghai International Film Festival)

This 2004 film, directed by Yong Hou, was just 'ok' for me. Stars that Chinese 'it' girl, Zhang Ziyi, doing her usual bland acting (this girl is lucky she is beautiful) and the amazing, Joan Chen, who like Michelle Yeoh in Geisha steals every scene she's in from Zhang. The thin storyline runs from the 1930s through to the mid-1980s following Chen and Zhang as they morph through 3 sets of daughters/mothers/grandmothers (an interesting concept yes).

Yong Hou directs well and there are a couple memorable scenes ... strongest in the 1958 vingette when Zhang wanders the streets while the students march. A second when, after Zhang's husband commits suicide by stepping in front of a train (which was all her fault I might add), Hou films her walking toward a train that veers last second to a sidetrack. I had problems with the end of the film. When Grandma Chen dies, Hou gives us three bad cliches in a row: the burning of the 1930s pin-up picture of Chen as an actress beside her corpse; Grandma's bed collapsing by itself; and the dead hand dropping the perfume bottle. OMG, com'on please! Worse is yet to come as Zhang, her water broken at 3am stumbles out into empty Beijing streets (in teeming rain, of course) and not being able to find either 1) a taxi?! ... com'on, there's 20 million people in Beijing and even at 3:00am, or 2) a living soul to assist her. And why didn't she just call before heading out?

My rating: 6 out of 10.

Oldboy

Release date: 15 May 2004 (Cannes Film Festival)

Our main character in this penultimate story of vegeance and revenge, directed by Parksun Choo, is Oh Dae-su who suddenly finds himself locked up in jail for no apparent reason. Fifteen years later he is just as mysteriously released and sets about trying to discover who imprisoned him, and why. At its heart this is a souped up (read: better version) of the vengeance tale alla "Kill Bill". Tarantino fought hard to get Oldboy the Palme d'Or at Cannes but was unsuccessful, having to settle for the Grand Jury Prize in 2005 instead. While the film is particularly hard to watch in spots (those with a weakness for pulled teeth, take heed), it is truly a masterpiece of revenge and an astounding thriller worth the ride. Again, I'll say what I've said before ... some of the finest directors out there today are being churned out in South Korea.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

The Host (aka

Release date: 21 May 2006 (Cannes Film Festival)

Both the director, Bong Joon-ho, and producer were on site to introduce The Host at the screening I attended. The crowd went quite wild when Bong Joon-ho mounted the stage and spoke. They had good reason to. This film works. Essentially, a good-old-fashioned monster movie with a genuine family drama tossed in. Gosh, (spoiler alert) even family members die in this romp. You wouldn't get that in any Hollywood-made film. The monster is great, there's a good dose of American-knocking (which always works for me!), good laughs that work despite the subtitles, and a one-on-one mano-e-mano confrontation at the end. Again, eprops to South Korea and its support of young film-makers. It is paying off.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

The King and the Clown

Release date: 29 December 2005 (South Korea)

South Korea's Lee Jun-ik directs this story of two clowns who's appearance at the kingly court ends up in plenty of laughs then plenty of murder as the courtesans start feeling threatened by jesting that hits a little too close to home. The King and the Clown starts off very funny then turns dark and deep in true Shakespearean fashion. It's been done before, me thinks, but is still worth a view.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Yokohama Mary

Release date: 15 April 2006 (Japan)

A documentary that traces the story of the (in)famous "Yokohama Mary". A postwar prostitute who ended up living on the streets of Yokohama and became quite the celebrity to boot. Our virgin director here is Japan's Takayuki Nakamura. You can tell this is his first film outing. Mary's story is told through several "talking heads", all of whom knew Mary at somepoint or other: her hairdresser, a chanson singer, a bordello owner, a photographer. And Mary's story is interesting, yes. I just wish - (spoiler, take note) since she is still alive, we filmed everything from her perspective. Nakamura, I know, is keen to build the suspense and the story and uses the chanson-singer-dying-of-cancer to ignite the search for Mary (so s/he can perform for Mary one last time). It's (yawn) all fine and well except we never really - despite the talking head testimonials - come to understand who Mary is and why she lived the life she did. A missed opportunity me thinks.

My rating 4 out of 10.

Big Bang Love: Juvenile A (aka 46-okunen no koi)

Release date: 11 February 2006 (Berlin Film Festival)

Taskashi Miike directed this strange film about a murder in a juvenile detention center. The story telling here is handled in a refreshing style and I did find myself caught up in the mystery. This film reminded me of Greyson's Lilies in terms of the style of storytelling that unfolds. Miike's casts a theatrical world of illusion, symbolism and metaphor. The key question being asked (and reinforced by the aztec temple and spaceship launch pad the youths view from the roof of the prison), when you die, where do you want to go, heaven or space? Interestingly, the youth who ends up murdered, Jun, says: "Space; because there's less people." This film would translate so well to the stage or even as an opera (me thinks). It is stark and beautiful and will leave you going 'hmmmmm'. I enjoyed it but suspect it would not be everyone's cup of tea.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Bliss (aka Fu sheng)

Release date: 13 September 2006 (Toronto International Film Festival)

Sheng Zhimin's second big film after Two Hearts follows the story of Lao Li as he tries to find the perfect spot for his wife's ashes and hold his family (older son, Jianjue; troublemaking step-son, Lei; and second wife Xiue) together. This is a beautifully shot and directed film with every image, bang-on. The characters are immediately real and you connect with them as they wander their way through the fog city, Chongqing. I loved this film and its story of loss, regret and loss. Up till the last 2 minutes. Did Sheng simply get tired of their stories I wonder? Did the money run out? The ending suddenly appears and is unfulfilling.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

I Don't Want to Sleep Alone (aka Hei yan quan)

Release date: 4 September 2006 (Venice Film Festival)

Tsai Ming-liang directed this ever-so-quiet, minimalist film. I don't know where to even start to explain it. Essentially, it is about a a migrant worker, Haiso-kang, who after being beaten up is rescued by a Bangladeshi worker, Rawang, and nurtured back to health. On the way, he consorts with Rawang, Chyi (a waitress he meets) and Chyi's female boss. This is a 'difficult' film to watch because it is so quiet. Haiso-kang, the main character, does not utter a single word the entire film (unless you count moans during sex). It is an existentialism tome played out on film. These characters are all reaching out to grasp someone and none want to sleep alone.

My rating 6 out of 10.

The Bubble

Release date: 29 June 2006 (Israel)

Another gay-themed film by Israeli, Eytan Fox (previously did Walk on Water and Yossi & Yagger). This outing pits the gay theme with a touch of taboo politicaliness (predictable I might be tempted to say) when gay Israeli Noam brings home a gay Palestinian, Asraf. More predictable woe and grief ensue as these two try to make their relationship work outside 'the bubble' that is city life in Tel Aviv. This movie is very good ... until the last 7 minutes or so when we're supposed to believe (spoiler alert) that 1) Asraf suddenly decides to leave his moderate views on the occupation behind and opts to become a suicide bomber to avenge his dead sister, and, 2) when he does blow himself up (while cornily hugging Noam outside the restaurant in Tel Aviv where they worked) enough of their bodies remain to be bagged center stage for the camera to focus on. Com'on! Such potential only to be ruined in the last few minutes.

My rating: 5 out of 10.

Renaissance

Release date: 15 March 2006 (France)

Christian Volckman, another virgin director, shot this fascinating film set in the Paris of 2054. Ironically, Paris is run by Avalon, a huge cosmetics conglomeration. Think Sephora but bigger and much more evil. Their key scientist, Ilona, has disappeared and the company hires cop extraordinarie, Barthelemy Karas, to find her before the secret she knows (the secret to immortality) is leaked out. Sounds like a comic book plot I know. Features the voices of Jonathan Pryce, Ian Holm and Catherine McCormack and music by Canadian, Nicholas Dodd. Volckman and Dodd were on hand to introduce what is surely one of the most unique film noir visions ever set to film. Renaissance is stunning!

My rating: 9 out of 10.

Breakfast on Pluto

Release date: 3 September 2005 (Telluride Film Festival)

Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, The Good Thief, among others) directs this strange film of a young Irish lad/transvestite, "Kitten" played by a pre-Red Eye, Cillian Murphy, in search of his awol mother and father. On route, he stumbles into cabaret singing, magician assisting and the IRA ... of all things ... before ending up finding his father who is a Roman Catholic priest (of course!) played by none other than Liam Neeson. Got all that?! Yeh, I know, there's a lot going on in Breakfast on Pluto.

My rating: 5 out of 10.

The Transporter

Release date: 2 October 2002 (USA)

The Transporter, made back in 2002, stars Jason Statham and was directed by Louis Leterrier (who is presently working on Incredible Hulk). Story revolves around ex-military good guy, Frank Martin, who now spends his time 'transporting' packages (no questions asked) for bad guys. Despite his rules never to open the package, curiosity gets the better of him and he, naturally, ends up in deep do-do as a result. Lame story concerning smuggled asians follows. Fun, action-packed, and best of all non-Hollywood. Transporter 2 is also out now and probably worth a look.

My rating: 6 out of 10.

The Story of Weeping Camel

Release date: 6 September 2003 (Toronto International Film Festival)

Directed by Mongolian, Byambasuren Davaa, this wonderful gem concerns the story of an albino camel born, then rejected, by it's mother. The story is simple, as one would hope with a film/documentary of this ilk. After trying several options, the family send sons, Dude and Ogna out through the Gobi desert to find a violinist in Tiamet Centre who can perform an ancient ritual to reunite mother and calf. Well worth a rent and full of beautiful, stark images of the desert.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Severence

Release date: 18 July 2006 (Munich Fantasy Film Festival)

Christopher Smith, who did "Creep" in 2004, did this gorefest of a movie with a decidedly funny angle. Severence mocks the international arms syndicate by slowly (and totally gruesomely) killing off members of Palisades Defense, who find themselves in Hungry for a staff retreat of a vicious kind. Fine performances throughout . It is NOT a movie for kids so be warned. This film proves, like Dog Soldiers before it, just how far behind Hollywood truly is when it comes to movies of this genre. It puts any lame entry into the genre by Hollywood to utter shame.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

The Banquet (aka Ye yan)

Release date: 14 September 2006 (Hong Kong)

"Chinelet" is the best way to describe this latest film by director, Feng Xiaogang. It is Hamlet, Chinese-style (minus the ghost). Stars the uber-pretty (if vacant) Ziyi Zhang as Lady MacBeth, Daniel Wu as Hamlet, Xun Zhou (ex-Perhaps Love) as Ophelia, the oh-so-handsome Xiaoming Huang as Laertes, and You Ge as Claudius, roughly speaking of course. This film is ravishing and sumptuous and gorgeous and beautiful and stunning, thanks to the expert eye of Zhang Li behind the cameras. Storywise, it is a poor telling of Hamlet to say the least. I had no connection, whatsoever, to any of the characters (Huang aside but that was solely sexual). This film is certainly worth seeing just for the sheer lavishness of the on screen images. And "GO BIG" as the folks at Cineplex Oden are so fond of telling us when you do go see it.

All style, no substance but oh-my, such style! My rating: 7 out of 10.