Stewart's Top 12 of 2006
January - Save The Green Planet (Korea, 2003)
Comment: After hearing about this movie, i couldn't understand how they couldn't class this movie under one Genre. But then I watched, now I understand what they're saying, you just CANT class this as a comedy or a drama, it's SOOO much more. Shin He-Kyun is brilliant in the movie, his flash back scenes are heartbreaking and this movie is possibly one of the best Korean films I've ever scene.
February - 3 Iron (Korea, 2004)
Comment: I think this one quote sums the movie up perfectly: 'Kim Ki-Duk makes silence sing'. 3-Iron is pretty much a silent movie, there very a minimal amount of dialog through the entire movie. But with the lack of dialog it leaves you listening to the music more and the music is just captivating almost entrancing. The film also has some funny moment, where it's giving people a fright when playing golf or when it's hiding from prison guards. I just think the movie is a wonderful piece of Korean 'Art-House' Dramas.
March - Spirited Away (Japan, 2001)
Comment: Brilliant movie, its heart warming, breath taking, engrossing and magical all rolled into one. The films soundtrack and amazing backdrop reminds me of the poplar fantasy/role playing game ‘Final Fantasy VII’ for the playstation. So I took to the film quite well.
April - SPL: Sha Po Lang (Hong Kong, 2005)
Comment: Probably one of the most notable pieces of film from director Wilson Yip. I'm familiar with Yips past work; Bullets over Summer, Bio Zombie etc. This piece is commerical, with the flashy camera shots, big name Hong Kong Actors and intense fight scenes. I couldn't help, but love it!
May - Beyond Our Ken (Hong Kong, 2004)
Comment: This film is like a sweet romantic comedy mixed with a dirty lust for sin. I loved the story, the twists and there is no loose ends and no flaws. Gillian Chung has changed vastly from her Twin Effect days, shes alot thinner and more innocent looking, I think just makes her character more shocking! Brilliant movie I loved every minute, not once did I feel bored!
June - Princess Mononoke (Japan, 1997)
Comment: After seeing Spirited Away I knew I had to see what else Studio Ghibli had to offer, many of the online recommendations pointed towards Princess Mononoke. So I rented and the film really opened my eyes, being a Ghibli film, the film has some heavy fantasy in it. There were loads of great characters, Ashitaka, his elk, Princess Mononoke, the forest spirit, heck even Jigo (dubbed by the Bad Santa Billy Bob Thornton)!
July - City on Fire (Hong Kong, 1987)
Comment: What a night, finding out I have to look after a house for an evening I found myself with no option but to sit in front of the TV. Whilst channel hopping I discovered Ringo Lam’s City on Fire was just starting, how better could the evening get? Big ice cold glass of Coke, piping hot cheese pizza and a gritty Hong Kong Crime thiller. Ace!
August - Election 2 (Hong Kong, 2006)
Comment: Initially being a little disappointed with the first Election, I chose to buy the sequel at the risk that it might sink or swim. Hell it was good, dark, gritty and it’ll make you think twice about crossing Louis Koo and a mincer!
September - Memories of Murder (Korea, 2003)
Comment: Amazing film, Song Kang-Ho has yet to screw up a movie. Everything thing I’ve seen Song in has been nothing but great. Although the other cast members shine too; the slick city cop, the high flying, hard kicking cop and the suspected killer. They were all picture perfect in this movie.
October - Dog Bite Dog (Hong Kong, 2006)
Comment: Who could have thought that someone as squeaky clean as Edison Chen can transformed into this ‘Danny The Dog’, Tony Jaa like Cambodian Hitman. Sam Lee too although his older image does show that he is experienced but with the amount of tragic events he has to overcome in the movie his character ends up as demented as Chen’s! Then bring on the final fight!
November - Pedicab Driver (Hong Kong, 1989)
Comment: Probably one of Sammo Hungs all time greatest movies. Sammo being directed by Shaw Brother legend Lau Kar-Leung, with this combo your getting your money’s worth no matter the price! Your also treated to several tasty cameos including Eric Tsang, Corey Yuen, Lam Ching-Ying and Dick Wei! Plus it’s probably one of the only occasions where you see a surprisingly evil John Shum.
December - Rob-B-Hood (Hong Kong, 2006)
Comment: A great 'Feel Good' movie. Everyone is likable in this movie, Jackie, Louis & Michael! Yuen Biao was a nice piece of the cast along with Ken Lo and the amusing cameos from Nic Tse and Daniel Wu. The scene where Koo and Chan are handing the baby back and it cries is heart breaking!
