Skykid's Top Asian Movie List

[MX7]

^ MX7 is all-round special

That's a diplomatic way of putting it! Though you could swap 'special' with 'pretentious' for largely the same effect

Watched I Don't Want To Sleep Alone, which I have an appreciative rant about in the 'films you've just watched' thread. For some reason I compare the director to Michael Haneke, but a far more apt comparison would be Uncle Boonme director Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Both Boonme and Sleep Alone are some of the most compellingly sedate, 'scenic route' films I have ever seen.

Going to get worked up and start talking about Pink films and how they do their part in salvaging the name of post 70s Japanese cinema soon. Please look forward to it.

[Skykid]

^ MX7 is all-round special

That's a diplomatic way of putting it! Though you could swap 'special' with 'pretentious' for largely the same effect

Sorry did I say 'special'? I meant special needs.

I think being irresolute when it comes to judging art is healthy. Personally, whenever I feel a film has become more work than pleasure - regardless of its artistic integrity - I'm ready to draw the line.

But I know you've spend so much time broadening your horizons (lay off the mushrooms) and delving into the finer details of film that you're imbued with a different kind of enlightenment and therefore privy to a different kind of fulfilment.

Of course there's always the argument that you're into it so deep you can't see the woods for the trees, which is probably the simplest argument against films like Pistol Opera. But I think all the layered degrees of perception when assessing film is what makes the medium so interesting as an art form: we're just perceiving from different sides of the coin.

[xbl0x180]

Nah, man, Pistol Opera was literally a pain... at least it was a pain to listen to with that awful theme music

[replayme]

I assume this has been mentioned before, but The Raid truly is an awesome movie. Saw it twice on its opening night.

[Skykid]

~ Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles/Zhang Yimou 2005 ~

The film follows a Japanese man who, in a bid to make peace with his estranged and dying son, travels from Tokyo to China on a pilgrimage to a mountain village to video record a performance of the folk song in the film's title.

It's most interesting for its subtexts. Ultimately, being a foreigner in a strange land, he learns about his son's character and begins to understand his fascination not just with Chinese folk opera, but his connection to the culture itself. He also rediscovers his position as a father.

Now it all sounds a little be sentimental, and it is - but Yimou isn't exactly a director of little grace. Most interesting is Takata's (Ken Takakura) narrative, and how he as a Japanese man learns how much he struggles to express himself compared to other cultures - but eventually finds a way.

The culture differences are perfectly exemplified and then beautifully harmonised. It's very clever how much is actually shoehorned into the movie's subtexts.

Takakura's performance is outstanding, as are the supporting cast, and it's not bogged down by the heavy artistry of some of Yimou's films (Raise the Red Lantern) but more specifically focussed on its storytelling and messages.

Recommended.

[xbl0x180]

I think if you enjoyed watching Shall We Dansu? you may also like Love Letter, directed by none other than Iwai Shunji. The story components are far-fetched and very melodramatic at times, but I think it still manages to maintain its low-key story composure for the rest of it. It also features his usual beautiful photography and a fitting, melancholy music score



Honestly, seeing the last scene made me feel really sad... and laugh at the same time; the story device is so silly and nonsensical.

[lilmanjs]

I think if you enjoyed watching Shall We Dansu? you may also like Love Letter, directed by none other than Iwai Shunji. The story components are far-fetched and very melodramatic at times, but I think it still manages to maintain its low-key story composure for the rest of it. It also features his usual beautiful photography and a fitting, melancholy music score



Honestly, seeing the last scene made me feel really sad... and laugh at the same time; the story device is so silly and nonsensical.

Seeing this popping up in this thread is making me realize I need to watch this movie. I've got it, but not yet watched it. And Rebels of The Neon God is in this? really? I rented that from the library and didn't really think it was all that special.

[rapoon]

The Bird People in China
Rainy Dog
Unagi
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter....and Spring
Hana-Bi
Lust, Caution
Young and Dangerous
The Scent of Green Papaya
Tokyo Fist
Pickpocket

[xbl0x180]

Seeing this popping up in this thread is making me realize I need to watch this movie. I've got it, but not yet watched it. And Rebels of The Neon God is in this? really? I rented that from the library and didn't really think it was all that special.

They're both two totally different styles and themes, but, yes, they definitely belong in this thread. If you already went ahead and got the video, then you should watch it. I don't think you'll regret it. It was - dare I say it? - kinda bittersweet and heartwarming

[Skykid]

And Rebels of The Neon God is in this? really? I rented that from the library and didn't really think it was all that special.

With all due respect, you do seem to think commercial Hong Kong and Korean production line action and thriller movies have some sort of quantifiable merit beyond completely disposable entertainment.

Tsai Ming‑liang is deservedly respected as one of Asia's finest imo, and Rebels OTNG is a fantastic film that shows why. It's also got an arcade game sub-plot that makes the deal that much sweeter.

[lilmanjs]

And Rebels of The Neon God is in this? really? I rented that from the library and didn't really think it was all that special.

With all due respect, you do seem to think commercial Hong Kong and Korean production line action and thriller movies have some sort of quantifiable merit beyond completely disposable entertainment.

Tsai Ming‑liang is deservedly respected as one of Asia's finest imo, and Rebels OTNG is a fantastic film that shows why. It's also got an arcade game sub-plot that makes the deal that much sweeter.

Well I probably should find a better release of the movie anyway. The subs on the dvd at times were completely off-screen. So I probably missed stuff that would have made me like the movie. As for what else I like, what does it matter? Korea does make some good thrillers from time to time. Just very hard to find them. As for Hong Kong commercial stuff, I can't help it if that's mostly what they bring over here on dvd.
Edit here: I almost forgot about one I watched a couple weeks ago called woman sesame oil maker. Something about it seemed interesting on the dvd cover so I rented it and was delighted with a good drama movie. Everyone seems to fill their roles naturally and rare of the less known chinese movies, is that nobody seems to be trying really hard to force themselves to act. The husband though, if I were the wife I would have left his drunk ass ages ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_Sesame_Oil_Maker

[Skykid]

^ Just give the HK movies a rest and try something alternative. You don't need a DVD, just a net connection. HK industry is limited. There's only one Wong Kar Wai and far too many of the same Triad/cop film. Good to switch the brain off to Johnny To, but too much and you might struggle to switch it back on. Rebels requires a certain mindset: it's not action adventure, just street life, anguish and delinquency. It's the directorial composition that's most impressive.

I'm really disappointed with what happened to Korean cinema, mainly because its golden period turned out to be so short lived. For a time they were rocking Asia with some really impressive stuff, but it's tailed off prematurely and become quite derivative of itself.