Soul Surfer (2011)

Based on true story, Soul Surfer tells a heart-warming inspirational story about Bethany Hamilton, an extraordinary and talented teenage surfer girl who lost an arm in a shark attack (damn you shark!). Others might've given up, but she's no ordinary girl. Along with endless support from her family and caring friends, she overcomes all obstacles and turns traumatic tragedy into triumph. The film has a genuine soul and heart, there is clear message. The only backward is I think the script is kind of drawned in Hollywood ocean. But overall, it's worth seeing, the performances are wonderful, well done surf scenes and cinematography, also some emotional moments. Note: stay for the credit, you can see a short documentary about Bethany Hamilton.

The Valet (2006)

 

 

 

The Valet or La doublure, a charm heart-warming French romcom about an average joe who has to live with a supermodel in order to salvage a CEO's marriage. It was fun to watch, had a few good laughs. If you want a popcorn movie, this one will satisfy you.

Cache (2005)

 

 

 

Cache or Hidden is a French psychological thriller about a married couple received packages that contain drawing and a series of surveillance videotapes. It’s not an easy film, requires full attention to understand and appreciate the slow building pace and almost bored scenes. But in the end, it pulls me in, both visual and sonic gripping.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

The grand finale of The Boy Who Lived vs. You-Know-Who. I have to admit, the final Harry Potter surprised me. It surpassed my expectation. A dark movie that was beautifully made, packed with humor, suspense, revelations and heroism. It was exciting and entertaining. David Yates and company deserve credit for delivering a perfect ending to the franchise. A little advice: no need to see in 3D, I'm sure 2D works perfectly fine.

Caterpillar (2010)

Directed by controversial director Koji Wakamatsu, the film takes place during the Second Sino-Japanese War, in 1940. Lieutenant Kurokawa returns home as a war hero, complete with three medals as proof of his achievement, sacrifice and dedication to the empire. But now he has lost his arms and legs, left with just a torso and a head, damage both physical and emotional. His wife, Shigeko, must take care of him and she is forced to meet expectation set by society of the dutiful wife who will stand by her husband no matter the costs, and live the vows of being there for better or for worse. The film explicitly questions about the war, what does it mean and its effect on people’s life. I think this is an anti war film. I must say Caterpillar or Kyatapirâ is definitely not for everyone. It was difficult to watch and made me uncomfortable, but the movie is directed, acted, written and photographed well, and it's worth seeing.

Confessions (2010)

Directed and wrote by none other than Tetsuya Nakashima, Confessions or Kokuhaku is a Japanese psychological thriller drama about a grieving woman who wants to avenge those responsible for her daughter's death. Based on a novel by Kanae Minato, the film’s strength lies in the story. Although it has slow pace., but it’s extremely hypnotic, it’s killing me with its random violence, psychological insight and raw emotional intensity. The classroom scene in the beginning of the movie is a moment you won’t forget easily. Using multiple point of view from various characters, sometimes repeating the same event from different perspectives, the film reaches its climax in unimaginable way. Combined with strong performances from all the casts, haunting and stunning visual imagery and mesmerizing background music gave this film an eerie, gloomy atmosphere that complimented the story. I must confess, Confessions is a difficult film, but it’s also perfect, it hooked me up from start to finish! Confessions won Award of the Japanese Academy 2011 category Best Film, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Screenplay and also chosen as Japan's entry to the Oscars.

Made in Dagenham (2010)

In 1968, there were 55,000 men employed at Ford’s Dagenham factory … and 187 women. And just because they were women, they were the lowest rate in whole factory despite the fact they’ve got considerable skill. They were no longer accept the situation, so they decided to strike in order to achieve one thing only : FAIRNESS and they won’t stop until they got the same rates of pay as men. First of all, I LOVE the movie. The setting, music and costumes set up the tone of the times perfectly. William Ivory wote excellent screenplay, all the dialogue was place in a realistic situation, making me laugh and sad thru the film. Director Nigel Cole has done a marvellous job, balancing the comedy and serious drama without losing a single pace. Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) was outstanding portraying Rita O'Grady, the unlikely leader of the strike, which grew into a national movement that forced passage of the UK Equal Pay Act of 1970. Other casts also have done a terrific job. Watching the film made me feel emotionally touched, educated and entertained. Made In Dagenham will strike you, HARD! So go see it. NOW!

Norwegian Wood (2010)

Norwegian Wood or Noruwei no mori is a nostalgic story of love, loss and sexuality. Based on popular novel by Haruki Murakami. The story centers on Toru Watanabe and his up-and-down relationship with Naoko & Midori. Slow-moving pace but it’s beautifully shot and the soundtracks are wonderful. There are depressive moments, emotional roller-coaster ride but overall I enjoyed watching it.

TrollHunter (2010)

TrollHunter or Trolljegeren a Norwegian movie about bear hunting turns out to be (well, just like the title) troll hunting. Using The Blair Witch Project style, the film will take you on a journey thru forest and icy mountain. It’s inconsistent directing style and unconvincing performances are the minus, but overall the film comes satisfactory.

Paul (2011)

Who's up for a close encounter? A brand new road trip adventure comedy from dynamic duo actors/writers Simon Pegg & Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz). An alien named Paul decided to escape the top-secret military base and wanted to return home with the help of two earthling nerds soon-to-be intergalactic heroes. A cliché story actually, I mean about alien and stuff, but in the hand of Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) plus brilliant casts, including A-list comedians Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Kristen Wiig, Jason Bateman and others, the ordinary script becomes extraordinary hilarious & extraterrestrial entertaining. Highly recommended!

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

 

 

 

There’s no such thing as free will, there’s only the appearance of free will. What if somehow there are unseen forces that control our destiny? The Adjustment Bureau will show you how far you willing to sacrifice in the name of love. This romance scifi directed by first-time director George Nolfi relies heavily on chemistry between Damon and Blunt and handsome location shooting. Although I don’t like the ending, but still the film comes recommended. The Adjustment Bureau is based on short story by Philip K. Dick, also the creator of Minority Report,Blade Runner, Paycheck, Next, Total Recall, A Scanner Darkly

Dylan Dog : Dead of Night (2011)

No pulse? No problem. Brandon Routh’s back, not as the Man of Steel, but as private investigator specializing in affairs of the undead. In Dylan Dog : Dead of Night, you’ll see werewolves, vamps & zombies. And you’ll get action, noir, horror, comedy, mystery, all in a wrong way.

Priest (2011)

To go against the church is to go against God. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, a tale of eternal battle between mortals and vamps. When the legendary super soldier Priest's niece is abducted by a pack of vamps, he breaks his vow and conducts search (his niece) & destroy (vamps) mission. Based on South Korean graphic novels, despite its slick style, Maggie Q and cool motorcycle, the film offers nothing new, just a bunch of fights bla bla bla … the end.

The Last Circus (2010)

The Last Circus or Balada triste de trompeta dark humour, romance and tragedy in a film. A man wishes to follow his father's career footsteps as a clown, but all he gets is a role as a sad clown. Being humiliated everyday by Happy Clown both in the stage and real life, later he stands up and fights with madness and gruesomeness. Directed by Álex de la Iglesia, the films looks promising at first, but along the way it turns into melodrama love triangle story packed with dazzling visual – a worthy film.

Space Battleship Yamato (2010)

Using almost identical formula as Michael Bay’s Armageddon, Space Battleship Yamato is a pure enjoyable entertainment ride. The story evolves around the journey of Yamato, in search of planet Iscandar to acquire a device that can heal the ravaged Earth and save human from extinction. Based on the Japanese anime series, the live action film combines action, romance, sci-fi in an attractive storyline, good SFX/CGI and decent acting.

Kamikaze Girls (2004)

Based on a light novel written by Novala Takemoto, Kamikaze Girls or Shimotsuma monogatari centers around two young girls, who are from completely different backgrounds and interests, but in the end they form a unique friendship. Packed with visual gags, amazing acts, quirky storytelling, hilarious comedy and Japanese Pop Culture, Kamikaze Girls is a living cartoon that reminds that a cliché tale can be enlivened considerably by the skill with which it’s told. Bravo Tetsuya Nakashima! Warning: Definitely NOT a Chick Lit film!

Memories of Matsuko (2006)

Forgive me for being born. Memories of Matsuko or Kiraware Matsuko no isshô tells the tragic epic life of Matsuko, from her childhood to her lonely deceased and her quest to find love & happiness. Although it’s a dark story, but the movie is being told beautifully thanks to Tetsuya Nakashima. He managed to capture with gorgeous vivid visual cinematography, lost innocence heartbreak musical background and touchingly poignant upbeat storytelling without losing its meaning and sense of tragic & sorrow. The leading actress (Miki Nakatani) is superb playing Matsuko. Memories of Matsuko is a great film, it’s fun, emotional, funny, depressing and sad full of moral lessons about life. For his brother, Matsuko’s life perhaps meaningless. But for me, it’s the opposite. Watching Memories of Matsuko is an unforgettable experience. It teachs us that the journey of finding happiness sometimes ends with bitterness. But it’s not the end that counts; it’s not about her life, but it’s about the way she lived, the way she reached out and effected other people’s life. Cause in the end, it’s not about what you receives, but it’s about what you gives. Memories of Matsuko is based on a Japanese novel by Muneki Yamada. According to IMDb, Memories of Matsuko won 11 awards and received 8 nominations in various competitions / festivals.

Paco and the Magical Book (2008)

Paco and the Magical Book or Pako to mahô no ehon the heart-warming tale of a young girl named Paco and her picture book that influences everyone around, even Onuki, a cantankerous old man. It seems weird and childish at first, but then the movie starts to show its true form. It’s a deep emotional, meaningful and touching experience. The storyline is something that Hollywood wouldn’t dare to produce. It’s simply brilliant! The performances from all the casts are unbelievable. The visual is amazing (although a little bit like Tim Burton’s), fills with bright colors, stylish art and high level SFX. Master Tetsuya Nakashima managed to combine those elements perfectly.