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7
|
P. P. Rider
(1983)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“P.P. Rider” is another excellent movie by Shinji Somai, particularly for its production values and overall cinematic approach, and a film that definitely highlights the prowess of one of the most important contemporary Japanese filmmakers.
Posted Aug 13, 2024
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7
|
Daredevil Musthafa
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although some more restraint would definitely benefit it, “Daredevil Musthafa” emerges as a competent film that offers entertainment and food for thought aplenty, with its acting, direction and production values definitely raising it above its issues.
Posted Aug 13, 2024
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7
|
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training-
(2024)
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Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Even though this is definitely the worst season in the series so far, the ending definitely compensates making it worthwhile, while “Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc” achieves its ulterior purpose of raising eagerness for the three upcoming movies
Posted Aug 13, 2024
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6
|
My American Grandson
(1991)
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Panos Kotzathanasis
|
In the end, “My American Grandson” emerges as a mixed bag, as its realism is countered by the forced propagandistic comments, in a film that could have been great if it stuck to the former approach.
Posted Aug 13, 2024
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7.5
|
Lucia
(2013)
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Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Lucia” is truly great film, one could even say a masterful one, and one that will definitely stay in the mind of any viewer, particularly those who will manage to follow its many layers through is rather fast pace.
Posted Aug 13, 2024
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7
|
Thithi
(2015)
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Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Apart from this, however, “Thithi” emerges as an excellent film, a rare case where the ‘festival favorite' approach actually works in terms of quality.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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6.5
|
Goddess of Mercy
(2003)
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Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Goddess of Mercy” is a worthy movie, but Hui's unwillingness to choose between genre and arthouse social drama faults the film significantly, since neither works as well as it should, in a title which I feel would work better as a series than a movie
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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6.5
|
Starry is the Night
(1988)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Starry is the Night” is definitely not among Ann Hui's best, but it still deserves a watch for the casting/acting and the comments presented throughout the movie.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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7.5
|
Kantara: A Legend
(2022)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although definitely over the top, “Kantara” emerges as a film well-written, directed, acted and visually impressive, in a truly entertaining package that even justifies its 148 minutes.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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5
|
U Turn
(2016)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
In the end “U Turn” emerges as a mixed bag, particularly due to the supernatural element, which definitely brings the whole thing down.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
|
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5.5
|
Dead Dead Full Dead
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Dead Dead Full Dead” is a mixed bag, particularly since its low budget is also evident in terms of production. However, I feel that the sum of its pros and cons leans towards the positive side, especially due to the acting, and the style of humor.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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5
|
Mash Ville
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Mash Ville” can be funny and entertaining on occasion, as its mashup works sometimes, but as a whole, it definitely does not make much sense, resulting in a movie that is ‘too much' on so many levels.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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6
|
The Crippled Masters
(1979)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
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“The Crippled Master” is definitely a cult production, one of those films that fans of Shaw Brothers movies will definitely cherish and a unique film that is bound to become a prize for any collector.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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7.5
|
Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although some may perceive “Kizumonogatari” as too much to follow for 140 minutes, the film remains a truly masterful embodiment of all the excellence of the Monogatari series, and a truly great anime overall.
Posted Aug 04, 2024
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7
|
Operation Undead
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Despite the fact that it definitely goes a bit too strong on the melodrama, “Operation Undead” is an excellent zombie movie, both for the action and horror, but also for its anti-war and historic comments
Posted Jul 28, 2024
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7.5
|
Brief History of a Family
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Brief History of a Family” is a masterful film, both cinematically and contextually, and a truly impressive debut from a filmmaker who seems to have the abilities of a seasoned veteran.
Posted Jul 28, 2024
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7.5
|
Gold Boy
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Gold Boy” is an excellent film, particularly due to its story and acting, and one that will appeal to all fans of crime films.
Posted Jul 28, 2024
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6
|
Supposed
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Supposed” may be more impression than substance, but considering the level of impression here, it actually works well as a whole, in flick fashion.
Posted Jul 28, 2024
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4.5
|
This Man
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Tomojiro Amano definitely had some good ideas, but in the end “This Man” emerges as overly ambitious, a film that would definitely benefit from some constraint in all levels, apart from the budget.
Posted Jul 28, 2024
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7.5
|
Pierce
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Constantly moving between the thriller and the family drama, while including a number of rather pointed comments about the modern, upper class Singaporean family, "Pierce" strikes an impressive balance that carries the movie from beginning to end.
Posted Jul 21, 2024
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7
|
Kingdom: Return of the Great General
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Kingdom: Return of the General” continues in the same, rather high quality of the previous movies, while has enough elements, particularly regarding the permeating drama, to make it stand out.
Posted Jul 21, 2024
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6.5
|
Wolf Hiding
(undefined)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Viewers will probably come to “Wolf Hiding” for the story and particularly its inspiration, but will stay for the action, in a film that will not disappoint any fan of crime action.
Posted Jul 21, 2024
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5.5
|
Dark Feathers: Dance of the Geisha
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Whether someone enjoys “Dark Feathers: Dance of the Geisha” exclusively depends on the knack for enjoying this type of films, essentially low budget Tarantino-style ones. Those, however, will definitely have a lot of fun with this.
Posted Jul 16, 2024
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6
|
Not Friends
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
In the end, “Not Friends” emerges as a mixed bag, as its prolonged last part borders on cheesiness on occasion and in general, harms the quality of the movie. On the other hand, the comments are well presented and the meta aspect quite good
Posted Jul 14, 2024
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7
|
Blue Period
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
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Although it rushes in moments here and there, in an effort to include as much of the original as possible, “Blue Period” manages to be something more than a great adaptation, an actual great movie.
Posted Jul 14, 2024
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6.5
|
Between the White Key and the Black Key
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
One will have to appreciate jazz at least a bit to enjoy the movie, while the style of the narrative does become a bit annoying on occasion. However, the uniqueness of the approach, the interesting story, the acting and casting, deem it a worthy film
Posted Jul 14, 2024
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7.5
|
Moro
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Moro” is an excellent movie, definitely among the best in Mendoza's filmography. A must watch.
Posted Jul 14, 2024
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7
|
Godzilla Minus One
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
The presentation of the family drama and life in Japan after WW2 are as good as the depiction of the monster. However, the melodrama went a bit overboard and the usual lagging we see in Japanese films are still here. Good, but not as good as Shin Godzilla
Posted Jul 14, 2024
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7
|
Bayside Shakedown
(1999)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
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“Bayside Shakedown” is both entertaining and filled with interesting commentary, and a truly unique film that all those who manage to follow its intense rhythm will enjoy to the fullest.
Posted Jul 07, 2024
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|
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The Tambour of Retribution
(2020)
|
Joshua Polanski
|
The movie relies heavily on the performance of the two leads, Adwa Aldkhil and Faisal Al Dokhy. They use their eyes more than words or bodily postures to communicate their emotions.
Posted Jul 04, 2024
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6
|
Line Walker
(2016)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Line Walker” may not be a masterpiece of the category, particularly due to the permeating illogicality of the script, but is definitely a fun film that will satisfy all fans of HK style action thrillers.
Posted Jun 30, 2024
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7
|
Kill
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
If you want to see a genuine ultra violent actioner without any kind of straying away for contextual pretense, “Kill” is definitely the film for you.
Posted Jun 30, 2024
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5
|
Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Has its merits, and the relationship in its center is appealing. However, it frequently feels as a film that was supposed to be shot in the US, just found itself in Sri Lanka without being able to realize the difference or what to do with the fact.
Posted Jun 30, 2024
|
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6.5
|
All We Imagine as Light
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although at least as European as Indian, All We Imagine as Light is an excellently shot film, well directed and well acted. The script, on the other hand, could have been better
Posted Jun 30, 2024
|
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6.5
|
Meeting You, Meeting Me
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Despite some issues with the writing here and there “Meeting You, Meeting Me” emerges as an accomplished film, both entertaining and intriguing and definitely a hopeful debut for Lina Suh.
Posted Jun 27, 2024
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7
|
Saga of Tanya the Evil: The Movie
(2019)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Saga of Tanya the Evil: The Movie” is an excellent entry to the franchise and an overall great movie.
Posted Jun 23, 2024
|
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7.5
|
(Ab)normal Desire
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
(Ab)normal Desire” is an excellent film, a unique case for Japanese cinema, particularly because it manages to shed much light to a series of concepts that are considered taboo, without fetishizing them in any way
Posted Jun 23, 2024
|
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6
|
King of Prison
(2020)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“King of Prison” is an unusual prison film, which combines drama, action and comedy in a realistic package definitely deserving a watch.
Posted Jun 23, 2024
|
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6
|
King of Prison 2: The Prison War
(2021)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“King of Prison 2: The Prison War” although not staying as far away from usual prison films as its predecessor, it is actually a better film, much more well-shot and entertaining.
Posted Jun 23, 2024
|
|
5.5
|
Revolver Lily
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
As such, “Revolver Lily” emerges as a mixed bag, a film that definitely deserves a watch for its set pieces, visuals and action scenes, but will disappoint anyone who looks beyond that
Posted Jun 16, 2024
|
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6
|
Matching
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Matched” is not high art, and the story will probably alienate the fans of ‘true crime'. However, as a fairy tale whose main purpose is to shock and entertain it definitely succeeds
Posted Jun 16, 2024
|
|
7
|
Love's Whirlpool
(2014)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Love's Whirlpool”, apart from deserving a watch for the cast only, is equally sensual, contextually intriguing, and well shot, in an overall excellent movie altogether.
Posted Jun 16, 2024
|
|
7
|
Brothers From The Walled City
(1982)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although definitely over-the-top equally in terms of violence, story and melodrama, “Brothers of the Walled City” is definitely a very entertaining movie, which manages to combine all its elements in a way that keeps it intriguing from beginning to end
Posted Jun 16, 2024
|
|
6.5
|
Face Off 7: One Wish
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although some issues do exist, mostly deriving from the intensely mainstream approach implemented here, “Face Off 7: One Wish” is a very entertaining, very rewarding, very well shot and acted movie, that will appeal to all fans of family dramas.
Posted Jun 16, 2024
|
|
7
|
One Last Bloom
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although some issues can be found throughout “Last Bloom” the sum of pros and cons definitely leans towards the latter, with the regular recipe offering a rewarding, in terms of entertainment, experience, yet once more.
Posted Jun 09, 2024
|
|
6
|
Speedracer: The Movie
(1993)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Speed Racer The Movie” does show its age, but fans of retro anime will definitely have a blast with this, particularly if they focus on the entertainment it offers.
Posted Jun 09, 2024
|
|
6.5
|
Lumberjack the Monster
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
Although quite well done, there is nothing truly original here, resulting in too much of ‘seen this done that' throughout the movie
Posted Jun 09, 2024
|
|
6
|
Kyrie
(2023)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
A mixed bag, which, depends largely on how much one likes Aina the End's songs. At the same time, as a story that celebrates youth and its dreams, as a presentation of show business in Japan, and as an eye-candy, it definitely works
Posted Jun 09, 2024
|
|
7
|
Viet and Nam
(2024)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
In the end Minh Qyu Truong handles all the different elements of the movie rather well, resulting in an intriguing spectacle, that may be chiefly addressed to arthouse fans and festival goers, but has enough elements to be appreciated by everyone
Posted Jun 09, 2024
|
|
8
|
Bona
(1981)
|
Panos Kotzathanasis
|
“Bona” is a great film that has truly stood the passing of time, highlighting the fact that Filipino cinema of the era was truly Golden.
Posted May 26, 2024
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