A great narrative, yet one that stumbles over its own thematical fixation
Category: thriller
House of Sayuri (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]
The thoughtful manipulation of this atmospheric field is integral to create an effective and engaging genre-blend.
Baby Assassins: Good Days (2024) review [Fantasia Film Festival]
Yugo Sakamoto successfully mixes up the formula that structured his previous two action narratives. Highly Recommended.
Black Tight Killers (1966)
A stylish and visually dazzling romp with lots of action and sensuality
Bad Lands (2023) review
The incredibly well-crafted narrative structure, fuelled by Sakura Ando’s extremely satisfying performance, ensures that the spectator remains engaged from start and finish
Guard from Underground (1992)
Kurosawa’s early slasher is a successful stylistic experiment that anyone who calls himself a fan of Japanese horror should see.
Character (2021) review
It might not be a film that challenges or subverts the tropes and dynamic of the mystery and thriller genre, but it sure does deliver a satisfying and thrilling ride.
#Manhole (2023) review
A highly engaging and twist-rich narrative that beautifully illustrates the continued importance of the image for the subject as well as the disastrous effects of the frustration of the desire to be recognized.
Village (2023) review
An incredibly powerful drama narrative that illustrates how toxic and destructive a societal environment can be for the subject – the persecutory dimension of the Other – and how reparative ‘inter-subjective’ signifiers can be.
The Cinderella Addiction (2021) review
“A highly enjoyable narrative that explores the opposition between indulging into fantasies and the developing of inter-subjective bonds.”
The Executioner II: Karate Inferno (1974) review
Toei delivered a cheap imitation of a western espionage-narrative with a severe lack of martial arts.
Usogui (2022) review
‘Usogui’ got 99 problems, but the manga-like appearances of the characters ain’t one.
Our recommendations: Fantasia 2023
Any cinephile should watch these 5 Japanese movies at the Fantasia Film Festival.
The Bullet Train (1975) review
A highly engaging and satisfying thriller classic.
Missing (2022) review
Shinzo Katayama delivers one of the most satisfying drama-thrillers this year.