An enjoyable but deeply flawed narrative.
Category: Mystery
Lesson In Murder (2022) review
In Shiraishi’s talented hands the narrative transforms into a visual elegant and compelling examination of the desire that drives us all.
Short movie time: Laundromat on the Corner (2020)
“A very pleasant horror-romance short narrative.”
The Vampire Doll (1970) review
“Sounds, music, performances, and darkish visuals all blend beautifully together to deliver an unsettling but enchanting account of vampirism in Japan.”
Convenience Story (2022) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2022]
Miki delivers a great psychological mystery narrative, yet it might not be for everyone.
What To Do With Dead Kaiju (2022) review [Fantasia Film Festival 2022]
“An extremely well-structured genre-blend that does not only provides the laughs and giggles with its pleasant political satire, but also allows the spectator to immerge himself into the tension that mark the attempts of dealing with the carcass.”
Masquerade Hotel (2019) review
A pleasant narrative that provides an interesting mystery, a nice exploration of hotel-philosophy, and offers an engaging dynamic between the two leads.
Dark Blue Forest (2021) review [JFFH 2022]
A great experimental thriller-mystery narrative about borders and the destructive nature of prejudice.
Kingdom of The Apes (2022) review [JFFH 2022]
Shugo Fujii proves that he is the master of indie-thrillers.
Stigmatized Properties (2020) review
“A horror without well-developed horror and a romance story without satisfying romantic moments.”
Journey To The Shore (2015) review
“An elegant and touching exploration of arrested mourning, unresolved subjective regrets, and the impact of unfinished business on the deceived or the living subject.”
Short critiques: Homestay (2022) review
Seta’s narrative is, despite its flaws, a pleasant narrative that offers an important message.
Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001) review
“GMK’s main success lies in its ability to truly speak to the imagination of the spectator – something the recent Hollywood efforts have struggled to accomplish.”
Suicide Forest Village (2021) review
“A mystery-horror experience that is, in all aspects, better than ‘Howling Village’.”
Mari and Mari (2021) review [Japan Cuts 2021]
“A beautiful narrative that seems to bear no relation to our romantic life at first, but ultimately hits close to home.”