Asian cinema is love


  1. onomatopee
  2. Mireille

I really love what is made on the oriental continent and these are a few of my favorites (in alphabetical order). I also included movies that I haven't seen yet but would like to.

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  onomatopee's Rating My Rating
1
...ing (2003,  Unrated)
2
Ichi ritoru no namida (1 Litre of Tears) (2007,  Unrated)
3
13 game sayawng (13: Game of Death) (13 Beloved) (2006,  Unrated)
4
2046 (2005,  R)
5
2LDK (2002,  Unrated)
2LDK
the actresses were incredible and i think it was nicely written. i had a fun time watching it!
6
20-seiki shônen (Twentieth Century Boys) (2008,  Unrated)
7
3-Iron (Bin-jip) (Empty Houses) (2004,  R)
8
4bia (Phobia) (2008,  Unrated)
9
Naesarang ssagaji (100 Days with Mr. Arrogant)(Slave Love) (2004,  Unrated)
10
A Better Tomorrow (1986,  R)
11
Sei mong se jun (Ab-normal Beauty) (2004,  R)
12
Acacia (2004,  R)
13
Suchwiin bulmyeong (Address Unknown) (2001,  Unrated)
14
Alive (2004,  R)
15
All About Lily Chou-Chou (Riri Shushu no subete) (2002,  Unrated)
16
Alone (2007,  Unrated)
17
Andromedia (1998,  Unrated)
18
Janghwa, Hongryeon (A Tale of Two Sisters) (2003,  R)
19
Audition (Ôdishon) (1999,  R)
20
Azumi (2003,  Unrated)
21
Battle of Okinawa (1971,  Unrated)
22
Battle Royale (Batoru Rowaiaru) (2001,  Unrated)
23
Beautiful Sunday (2007,  Unrated)
24
Beijing Bicycle (2001,  PG-13)
25
Big Bang Love, Juvenile A (2006,  Unrated)
26
A Bittersweet Life (Dalkomhan insaeng) (2005,  Unrated)
27
Kaidan nobori ryu (The Blind Woman's Curse) (1971,  Unrated)
28
The Blue Kite (Lan feng zheng) (1993,  Unrated)
29
Buffalo Boy (2004,  Unrated)
30
Cafe Lumiere (2004,  Unrated)
Cafe Lumiere
The film is very slow and puts all its attention to the story of a young pregnant woman living in Tokyo. That's almost all you will get from it. There is not many emotions or information but it still keeps you hooked. I suppose it's not an easy movie but if you are in a zen mood, you will probably enjoy it.
31
Ika resuraa (The Calamari Wrestler) (2004,  Unrated)
32
Casshern (2004,  Unrated)
33
Cello (Chello hongmijoo ilga salinsagan) (2005,  Unrated)
Cello (Chello hongmijoo ilga salinsagan)
Cello goes in too many directions to be called a nice film, unfortunately. Otherwise, the cinematography is great. But don't expect to be scared.
34
Kaosu (Chaos) (Hideo Nakata's Chaos) (1999,  Unrated)
35
Ching din dai sing (A Chinese Tall Story) (2005,  Unrated)
36
Chungking Express (1996,  PG-13)
37
Mah nakorn (Citizen Dog) (2004,  Unrated)
38
The City of Lost Souls (Hyôryû-gai) (2001,  R)
39
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wo hu cang long) (2000,  PG-13)
40
Cure (1998,  Unrated)
41
Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia (Curse of the Golden Flower) (2006,  R)
42
Cyclo (1996,  Unrated)
43
Dark Water (2002,  PG-13)
Dark Water
The editing was very effective since I had goosebumps quite a few times. There are not many scary scenes but the whole atmosphere is dark and creepy. The Japaneses does know how to handle horror movies and Hideo Nakata proves it once again. It's also a touching story if you pay more attention to the storyline instead of the ghost.
44
Dead or Alive: Hanzaisha (1999,  R)
Dead or Alive: Hanzaisha
Takashi Miike is really something and once again, he proves it with this film. Some funny, weird and gory parts make this a fun watch and let's not forget about the weird ending, which will leave you with this comment "What the fuck?".
45
Death Note (Desu nôto) (2006,  Unrated)
46
Dolls (2002,  Unrated)
47
Drunken Angel (1948,  Unrated)
48
Eat Drink Man Woman (Yin shi nan nu) (1994,  Unrated)
49
Sigaw (The Echo) (The Scream) (2004,  Unrated)
50
Ecstasy of the Angels (Tenshi no kôkotsu) (1972,  Unrated)
51
The Eel (Unagi) (1998,  Unrated)
52
Electric Dragon 80.000 V (2000,  Unrated)
53
Epitaph (Gidam) (2007,  Unrated)
Epitaph (Gidam)
The script went all over the place. I just can't give proper credits to the film since I didn't get much of it. It was greatly directed but it didn't make sense. You get mixed up by all the jumps in the past and/or in the future. Also, the music was irritating. A scary movie is not a movie in which you level the sound to its maximum capacity just so people will make a jump when you want it to. It's regrettable since the trailer looked good.
54
Evil Dead Trap (1988,  Unrated)
55
Fong juk (Exiled) (2006,  R)
Fong juk (Exiled)
Johnnie To mixes a bit of western with a bit of drama and a lot of action which ends up being Exiled. It pays a nice homage to different directors (such as Sergio Leone for instance) and it's really enjoying to watch too. The cast is excellent and the work done on the cinematography as well.
56
The Eye (Gin gwai) (2002,  R)
The Eye (Gin gwai)
I liked the way they respect the dead in this film. I mean, they don't treat them as mean people. They are shown as souls who are torn apart and just don't know that they died. So, it's creepy, yes, but at the same time it's quite sad! I liked the visuals and the way the Pang brothers directed the film. It was very pleasant for the eyes. The cast is also very good. It's original, if you're bored of long-haired Asian ghosts' story.
57
Face (2004,  R)
58
Fallen Angels (1995,  Unrated)
59
Ba wang bie ji (Farewell My Concubine) (1993,  R)
60
Feng shui (2004,  Unrated)
61
Fireworks (Hana-bi) (1997,  Unrated)
62
Fudoh: The New Generation (1996,  Unrated)
63
Full Metal Gokudô (Full Metal Yakuza) (1997,  NC-17)
64
Funeral Parade of Roses (1970,  Unrated)
65
The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai (2003,  Unrated)
The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai
i got to see this at last year's fantasia movie festival here in montreal and i must admit, i was truly disappointed! i was hoping for a movie with substance and real debates on politics (on a softcore porn background), as i read in the critics... but i just found a piece of garbage fulfilled with shitty pornographic sequences. it wasn't even funny and most of the story didn't make any sense. i think most of the people thought the same thing about it since many people left during the presentation and the others who stayed (like me) were wondering what the hell did they just saw. i'd rather watch bleu nuit, at least they doesn't have the nerve to call themselves an art movie.
66
Bareuge salja (Going by the Book) (2007,  Unrated)
67
Gozu (Gokudô kyôfu dai-gekijô: Gozu) (2003,  R)
Gozu (Gokudô kyôfu dai-gekijô: Gozu)
film très étrange, il semble qu'on le compare même aux oeuvres de lynch et je crois comprendre pourquoi. bref, j'aime beaucoup takashi miike et ce film ne fait pas exception.
68
Hotaru no haka (Grave of the Fireflies) (1988,  Unrated)
Hotaru no haka (Grave of the Fireflies)
it's very different from the other ghibli studio's films i have seen before as it is way more realistic and doesn't look like an anime. the story is very tragic and you know it can't have a happy ending. the relationship between seita and setsuko is so powerful and moving, you can't not weep after seeing this.
69
Hansel & Gretel (2007,  Unrated)
Hansel & Gretel
This film was like candy to the eye. A real feast of colors and beautiful objects and images. But it's not as childish as the story I used to know. It's a little bit more chilly and frightening then the original story. Although, if you look closely and from another angle, it could have happen this way. If you like Korean flicks with a little twisted side, this film is made for you!
70
The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001,  R)
71
Happy Together (1997,  Unrated)
72
Zhaibian (The Heirloom) (2004,  R)
73
Hero (2004,  PG-13)
74
The Host (Gwoemul) (2007,  R)
The Host (Gwoemul)
this movie is so much more than a movie about an evil monster coming from the depth of the han river. i was disgusted by the government's corruption and in that sense, it reminded me of the film 28 days later by danny boyle. it's also a movie about the importance of having a nice family relationship. all in all, the plot line is interesting and you should give it a chance if you haven't seen it yet!
75
House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) (2004,  PG-13)
76
Koroshiya 1 (Ichi the Killer) (2001,  R)
77
I Just Didn't Do It (Soredemo boku wa yattenai) (2006,  Unrated)
78
Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs) (2002,  R)
Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs)
i'm not really into action movies usually but this one is worth it. it's intelligent and it's played by a great cast of actors.
79
Ikiru (Doomed) (Living) (To Live) (1956,  PG)
Ikiru (Doomed) (Living) (To Live)
a great piece of cinematography! the editing is very nicely done, the themes are deep and touching and the performance of takashi shimura is unforgettable. kurosawa tells great poetic films and i recommend it to you.
80
Saibogujiman kwenchana (I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK) (2006,  Unrated)
Saibogujiman kwenchana (I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK)
This comedy is really touching. I fell in love with the characters who are portrayed by great actors and actresses, which make them look so real. I'm a fan of Chan Wook-Park and i'm happy to see that he can makes comedies as well as dramas. If you love bizarre and dark humor, this picture is for you.
81
Fa Yeung Nin Wa (In the Mood for Love) (2001,  PG)
82
Daenseo-ui sunjeong (Innocent Steps) (2005,  Unrated)
83
In the Realm of the Senses (1976,  NC-17)
In the Realm of the Senses
The story was quite original and interesting. The actors were also very good and passionate. But I felt like I was a voyeur entering their little bubble, and had nothing to do there. Even though it's an erotic film, I thought the sex was cold and full of hate (maybe it's just me). It's still a must see but I don't think I would watch it again.
84
Invisible Waves (2007,  Unrated)
85
Izo (2004,  Unrated)
86
Japanese Hell (Jigoku) (1999,  Unrated)
87
Jigoku kôshien (Battlefield Baseball) (2003,  Unrated)
88
JSA: Joint Security Area (Gongdong gyeongbi guyeok JSA) (2000,  Unrated)
89
Journey From the Fall (2007,  R)
90
Ju-on: The Grudge (Ju-on 3) (2003,  R)
91
Pulse (Kairo) (2005,  Unrated)
92
Kagemusha (Shadow Warrior) (The Double) (1980,  PG)
93
Kamikaze Girls (2004,  Unrated)
94
Yun shui yao (The Knot) (1999,  Unrated)
95
Kung Fu Hustle (2005,  R)
Kung Fu Hustle
it was hilarious, yes, but way over the top. it has some sad moments too. but in the end, i'm not sure i would watch it again. i liked ong bak better.
96
Kaidan (Kwaidan) (Ghost Stories) (1964,  Unrated)
97
L: Change the World (2008,  Unrated)
98
Chinjeolhan geumjassi (Lady Vengeance) (Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) (2005,  R)
99
Last Life in the Universe (2004,  R)
100
Kataude mashin gâru (The Machine Girl) (2008,  Unrated)
101
Man Eater (2005,  Unrated)
102
Marebito (2005,  R)
103
Meatball Machine (2005,  Unrated)
104
Memento Mori (,  Unrated)
105
Kiraware Matsuko no isshô (Memories of Matsuko) (2006,  Unrated)
106
B-hyeong namja chingu (My Boyfriend Is Type-B) (2005,  Unrated)
107
Eorin shinbu (My Little Bride) (2004,  Unrated)
108
Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro) (1988,  Unrated)
Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)
i'm starting to discover the magnificent world of anime movies (this is only the second one i see) and i must say, i totally love the experience and i'm lurking for more. i giggled, laughed, felt sad for mei when she disappeared... the storyline is very simple, yet very effective. and totoro is so cute, i wish i could cuddle him! it's adorable.
109
Yeopgijeogin geunyeo (My Sassy Girl) (2001,  Unrated)
Yeopgijeogin geunyeo (My Sassy Girl)
At first, the "sassy girl" got on my nerves because she was acting like such a stupid obnoxious person, but as the story develops, I got to appreciate her more. It was amusing, daring and different from what Hollywood provides us in terms of romantic comedies.
110
Jopog Manura, (My Wife is a Gangster) (2001,  Unrated)
111
Naisu no mori: The First Contact (Funky Forest: The First Contact) (2005,  Unrated)
112
Nang nak (1999,  Unrated)
113
Rinjin 13-gô (Neighbour No. 13) (2005,  Unrated)
114
Nobody Knows (Dare mo shiranai) (2004,  PG-13)
115
Yeui-eomneun geotdeul (No Mercy for the Rude) (2006,  Unrated)
Yeui-eomneun geotdeul (No Mercy for the Rude)
At first, when I saw the trailer, I wasn't very convinced by what I saw. I thought it would look like any Korean gangster movie that came out lately. Well, I was gladly surprised. It was different, edgy, daring, funny, action-packed and well directed! A great cast is completing this great depiction of how good No Mercy For The Rude was.
116
Noriko no shokutaku (Noriko's Dinner Table) (2005,  Unrated)
117
Oldboy (2005,  R)
118
Chakushin Ari (One Missed Call) (2003,  R)
Chakushin Ari (One Missed Call)
It's not Takashi Miike as its best, but still, it wasn't that bad either. It's actually a great piece of horror, I made a few jumps and I think it was also a bit sad, if you think of the little girl's life.
119
One More Chance (2007,  Unrated)
120
Onibaba (1965,  Unrated)
121
Ong-Bak (Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior) (2005,  R)
122
Orora gongju (Princess Aurora) (2005,  Unrated)
123
Koi no mon (Otakus in Love) (2004,  Unrated)
124
Hom rong (The Overture) (2005,  Unrated)
125
Phone (Pon) (2002,  R)
126
Yeongeo wanjeonjeongbok, (Please Teach Me English ) (2003,  Unrated)
127
Princess Mononoke (Mononoke-hime) (1999,  PG-13)
128
Quill (2004,  Unrated)
Quill
As an animal lover, I was profoundly in love with this film. It's very sweet and taught me a great lesson of life. It's very touching and I must admit I cried once or twice! There were a few shots that stayed in my mind... the cinematography is really great.
129
Da hong deng long gao gao gua (Raise the Red Lantern) (1991,  PG)
130
Rampo Noir (Rampo jigoku) (2005,  Unrated)
131
Rashômon (Rashomon) (In the Woods) (1951,  Unrated)
132
The Rebel (2006,  R)
133
Gwai wik (Re-cycle) (2008,  R)
Gwai wik (Re-cycle)
The cinematography is really stunning and it will haunt you for quite some time. But for the storyline, I'm not too sure I'm liking it. The anti-abortion part at the end left me wondering.
134
The Red Shoes (Bunhong Shin) (2005,  Unrated)
The Red Shoes (Bunhong Shin)
The premise sounded quite interesting, I mean why not, but it didn't deliver. The story went into too many ways and wanted to be complex, but the director couldn't handle it. I guess it could have been better in other hands but in this case, I was a bit disappointed. But visually, it was magnificent and the cast was great too. Unfortunately, the most important thing is the story and it didn't work for me. But if you really like asian horror, I bet you could find what you look for in this movie.
135
Ringu ( Ring) (1998,  Unrated)
Ringu ( Ring)
I enjoyed it a lot. It's different than the American remake but I must admit I like them both for what they are. This one might be a little bit less creepy but it was still very atmospheric and I liked the authentic Japanese vibe the film floats on.
136
Rinne (Reincarnation) (2005,  R)
137
Am zin (Running Out of Time) (Hidden War) (1999,  Unrated)
Am zin (Running Out of Time) (Hidden War)
it was interesting. you didn't really know what was coming, but i'm not sure i understood everything. it was a bit messy. nice actors though.
138
Samaria (Samaritan Girl) (2004,  R)
139
Sanjuro (1962,  PG-13)
140
A Love (Sarang) (2006,  Unrated)
141
Sars Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis (Khun krabii hiiroh) (2004,  Unrated)
142
Save The Green Planet (2005,  Unrated)
143
The Scent of Green Papaya (Mùi du du xanh - L'odeur de la papaye verte) (1993,  Unrated)
144
Milyang (Secret Sunshine) (2007,  Unrated)
145
Miseuteo robin ggosigi (Seducing Mr. Perfect) (2006,  Unrated)
146
Seom (The Isle) (2000,  Unrated)
Seom (The Isle)
this film was hard to follow as you don't know much of the characters... but you can still feel their misery and pain, which is a recurrent theme in ki-duk's movies. i prefer spring, summer... to this one, but i guess i should give it another try.
147
Seven Days (2007,  Unrated)
148
Chat gim (The Seven Swords) (2005,  R)
149
Shall We Dance? (Shall We Dansu?) (1997,  PG)
150
Shamo (2007,  Unrated)
151
Shaolin Soccer (2002,  PG-13)
152
Shinobi (Shinobi: Heart Under Blade) (2006,  R)
153
Shower (2000,  PG-13)
154
Shutter (They Are Around Us) (2004,  R)
Shutter (They Are Around Us)
After watching it, I must admit I didn't sleep too well. I think that the scene that creeped me out the most was when the ghost was near the bed and she was pulling the sheet while the couple was sleeping. It stayed fresh in my mind and when I was in bed myself, I was shaking thinking about it. Otherwise, it was a nice directed Thai ghost story and I liked it a lot.
155
Pee chong air (The Sisters) (2004,  Unrated)
156
Du saram-yida (Someone Behind You) (Voices) (2007,  Unrated)
Du saram-yida (Someone Behind You) (Voices)
A weird but interesting horror flick. A few jumps and a few gore moments complete it. It's nothing that will leave you breathless but it's not bad either.
157
Sonatine (Sonachine) (1993,  R)
158
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi) (2001,  PG)
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi)
oh my, was it good! hayao miyazaki has truly achieved a masterpiece with this film. it's so cute, and sad, and dark at the same time. one of my new favorite film!
159
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003,  R)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring
film très poétique et empreint de sensibilité. ça donne envie d'aller vivre à la campagne.
160
Steamboy (2005,  PG-13)
161
Kimyô na sâkasu (Strange Circus) (2005,  Unrated)
162
Suicide Club (2002,  Unrated)
163
Sukiyaki Western Django (2008,  R)
Sukiyaki Western Django
I just always loved Takashi Miike because he has his own unique style and he's also able to deliver a great film in almost any genre. This spaghetti western is awesome. There's enough of action sequences as well as comedy and drama. I also had a fun time trying to understand the characters' english. I must admit some of them were quite good actually. There's also a few appearances from Quentin Tarantino, which makes it even funnier. Watch it!
164
Survive Style 5+ (2004,  Unrated)
Survive Style 5+
very absurd, very colorful, well acted.
165
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (Boksuneun naui geot) (2002,  R)
166
Gimmy Heaven (Synesthesia) (2005,  Unrated)
167
Tampopo (1985,  Unrated)
Tampopo
Seriously, this film is very different from what i'm used to concerning japanese movies. I thought it was a very good comedy and also a very good "food" movie. After watching it, I couldn't help it, I wanted to eat ramen so bad. I will definetely rewatch it soon with my boyfriend since it was also very erotic (as well as hilarious).
168
Cha no aji, (The Taste of Tea) (2004,  Unrated)
Cha no aji, (The Taste of Tea)
A lovely portrait of an unusual Japanese family living in the country. It will make you love the smaller things of life and enjoy the moment. The cast is awesome from the small Maya Banno to the lovely Tadanobu Asano, who never seems to deceive me. Be prepared to some weird moments that will make you either smile or cry.
169
Tetsuo: The Ironman (1989,  Unrated)
170
Three...Extremes (Saam gaang yi) (2005,  R)
171
Three Seasons (1999,  PG-13)
172
Zui hao de shi guang (Three Times) (2005,  Unrated)
Zui hao de shi guang (Three Times)
Some ups and downs constitute this 3-part film, the first segment being the better in my opinion. It's poetic and all but I felt a bit bored by the end of it. I hope to like Café Lumière better.
173
Kumonosu Jô (Throne of Blood) (Macbeth) (1957,  Unrated)
174
Shi gan (Time) (2007,  Unrated)
175
Tôkyô zonbi (Tokyo Zombie) (2005,  Unrated)
176
Huozhe (To Live) (Lifetimes) (Living) (1994,  R)
177
Udon (2006,  Unrated)
178
Warai no daigaku (University of Laughs) (2004,  Unrated)
179
Unknown Pleasures (2003,  Unrated)
180
Daiteiden no yoru ni (Until the Lights Come Back) (2005,  Unrated)
181
Uzumaki (2002,  G)
Uzumaki
I know it's supposed to be based on a manga but the direction wasn't too good in my own opinion. I guess the movie could have been way better if it was made differently but in this case, I was a bit disappointed. I give credit to the story though which is very interesting and bizarre.
182
Vampire Cop Ricky (Heubhyeol hyeongsa na do-yeol) (2006,  Unrated)
183
Vengeance Is Mine (1979,  Unrated)
184
Ssaum (Venus and Mars) (2007,  Unrated)
185
Versus (2001,  Unrated)
186
The Vertical Ray of the Sun (At the Height of Summer) (Mua he chieu thang dung) (2000,  PG-13)
187
Vibrator (2003,  Unrated)
188
Violent Cop (Sono otoko, kyôbô ni tsuki) (1989,  Unrated)
189
Visitor Q (Bijitâ Q) (2002,  R)
190
The Voice of a Murderer (Geu nom moksori) (2007,  Unrated)
191
Welcome to Destination Shanghai (2003,  Unrated)
192
Ao lua ha dong (The White Silk Dress) (2006,  Unrated)
193
Gabal (The Wig) (Scary Hair) (2005,  Unrated)
194
Nae yeojachingureul sogae habnida (Windstruck) (2004,  Unrated)
195
Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl (1999,  R)
196
Yellow Flower (2002,  Unrated)
197
Yesterday Once More (2004,  Unrated)
198
Yôkai daisensô (The Great Yokai War) (2005,  PG-13)
199
Neoneun nae unmyeong (You Are My Sunshine) (2005,  Unrated)
200
You are the One (2006,  Unrated)
201
Yumeji (1991,  Unrated)
202
The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003,  R)
203
Zebraman (2005,  PG-13)
204
Zonbi jieitai (Zombie Self-Defense Force) (2006,  Unrated)

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  1. wellmeetagain
    wellmeetagain posted 443 days ago

    Hi Mireille. Thanks for compiling this great list. I am saving it as a favorite. I know it will come in handy when I am in the mood for a good Asian film. :) Mark.

  2. blugoose14
    blugoose14 posted 134 days ago

    Ditto. Thanks for making this, it will be a great reference for what else I all need to see.