Kungfu Hustle - The unexpected hit of the year.
Little did I imagine how good this is. After Stephen Chow's reputation as producing corny kungfu movies, my expectations weren't too high. In fact I think I watched this because it's the only movie at that time which could fit into my free time slot. But the comedy, homages and production values make this one of the most memorable HK movie of all time.
Million Dollar Baby - Set in depression.
Regardless of what people may say about this being a boxing movie, for me this film will always be remembered as one with a big heart yet does not hesitate to bring in the full one-two punch. Life is cruel.
Sideways - Roadtrip comedy of the year.
Roadtrip with lotsa wine and humour. What's there not to like?
Samaritan Girl - No heart to watch it again.
Yet another film which portrays the cruelty of life. I don't think I can bear to sit through this again. It is that heart-wrenching and left me morally torn.
Cafe Lumiere - Simple yet touching.
No other movie this year is as slow and silent as Hou's homage to Ozu. No other movie this year is as touching and survives multiple viewings. Another great supporting role by Asano Tadanobu. Watch out for his subtle facial expressions and gestures.
Perhaps Love - Unexpected love movie of the year.
Perhaps the saddest love film for me this year. Perhaps the only film which makes me weep this year. Mistaken by many to be an half-hearted attempt at producing a musical, in reality it uses the premise of a musical to hint that life is but a stage.
King Kong - Blockbuster hit of the year.
No one does big blockbuster hits like Peter Jackson. His legacy is cemented. The inclusion of Naomi Watts makes this a masterpiece. CGI might be a tad shoddy, but this film is all about love and how humans (and beasts) express it.
A History of Violence - Meditative action of the year.
There's no need to justify the inclusion of this. It appeared in numerous lists of the year. In mine too.
Closer - Sex without action.
This movie is solely about sex. Not the physical action of it but the intricate power play and psychology behind it. Although the plot is bleak, the ending left a grin on my face.
Memories of Murder - Crime saga.
This is actually quite an old movie. The delicate fusion between fiction and reality escalates it to the ranks of the best detective films around. The focus is on a deep understanding of how two opposite police minds work.
A Bittersweet Life - Korean mafia extravaganza.
If you love gangster films, this is the one for you. Many scenes stand out and provide a fresh breath for this genre. I must admit I've a soft spot for gangster films.
Blind Shaft - The mining depths of China revealed.
A probe into the mining industry in China. The gritty documentary style is engaging and truly believable.
