"The Sun" (Sokurov, 2005)

Japanese - Subtitled

The story of the downfall of Emperor Hirohito and the Japanese nation at the end of WWII and the ensuing aftermath.

The first notable flaw with this film is the camera pixel rate (Or what I assume is) seems to lack depth and detail. It doesn't particularly bother me, but I know it would to many. The Acting seems pretty shambolic all throughout, and doesn't help create an atmosphere the film intends (This is the downfall of an empire we're talking about here...). The film fails miserably in addressing the emotions behind the Emperor, and that of the nation as well as the sheer tension and awkwardness created after the surrender.

The film also just feels like one massive monologue, rather than a descriptive re-telling of the end of the second world war. At this, the film moves at too slow a pace which again negates itself the atmosphere it desires. I don't really have much else to say about this, but its one film I shan't watch again.

Final Rating: 1.5/5

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8cpBPT2TB4

"The Beast Stalker" (Lam, 2008)

Japanese - Subtitled.

Now when one thinks of Asian action films, your first thought is "Rush Hour". This movie is a highlight of asian cinema, and is definitely worth watching. It isn't a special film, but it's solidly entertaining, possessing of action, suspense, appropriate emotions and some well-drawn characters. Nicholas Tse leads the cast as Sergeant Tong, a super-serious cop whose stern demeanor edges dangerously close to overacting. What happens in the opening sequence ties together the characters on a fate they fight to change.

The film has a very interesting "1st person" filming technique, which I liked, based around Sergeant Tong, as the main protagonist, and main antagonist Hung (played by Nick Cheung) which puts the viewer right into the action and suspense. The audience can sympathise with Tong, seeking redemption and a means to an end after a series of unfortunate events. I was impressed with Nick Cheung's acting too, and as an audience member, at times you can't decide whether he really is the bad guy or not. That I'll leave up to you.

The film is tense and emotional, and sometimes dips precariously into melodrama, but in the end it's not trying to be a great film. It's merely a well-made, solid and satisfying movie, and that's precisely what Hong Kong Cinema needs right now.

Final Rating: 4/5

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olHDT_R9PPY

"Cargo" (Engler, 2009)

German - Subtitled

As breathtaking as it is substantial, German film Cargo is what good science fiction should be: compelling, artistic and effective. One of the film's many strengths is its hypnotic quality. From the opening scenes of an alluring foliage-laden planet that characters hope to settle in lieu of an uninhabitable Earth, viewers are pulled into a world of meticulously-crafted sights and sounds.

The story of Dr. Laura Portmann (Anna-Katharina Schwabroh) soon unfolds, and her journey as a medic on cargo ship "Kassandra" quickly turns mysterious when it becomes clear she's not the only one awake during her lonely shift. The plot increases in complexity as details are revealed, but its not what happens that gives the film its power. It's the way the discoveries are revealed.

The film makes use of great visual effects, especially when compared to the low budget the movie was made on. Although at points, the effects appear a little unfinished, this only marginal, and only spotted if you're actually looking for them. The film clearly takes influence from the "Alien" series through the visuals, and it works very well, and contrasts well with theme of "Natural and Machine" which is seen through the movie when comparing the planet Rhea to the Kassandra.

There is great character creation in this film. As a viewer, you are never sure who can be trusted, and if you think you've made your mind up, 10 minutes later your entire perspective will have changed. Actor of the movie for me has to go to Martin Rapold, who plays the TSA agent Samuel Decker.

Overall, a very compelling and involving movie, that keeps you on the edge of your seat for its entire length. Definitely recommended.

Final Rating: 3.5/5

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4u_ekLrWsA