Millennium Mambo (Taiwan, 2001) – 4/5
It’s incredible what a long way Shu Qi has come in such a short time. In five years from a nude model to elegant director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s favourite leading lady. Her performance in Millennium Mambo terrific and perfectly in line with the director’s mix of hypnotic mood pieces and zero sentimentiality character drama. The cinematography is loaded with great images and long takes, and the scrip is not over-written. The ending is excellent, too.
- dvd / Accent
No One’s Ark (Japan, 2003) – 4,5/5
Before reaching for the mainstream success with Linda Linda Linda Nobuhiro Yamashita was one of Japan’s most interesting directors. His near-perfect second film No One’s Ark is even better than my previous Yamashita favourite, Realism no yado. The well written storyline of a young couple trying to set up their own business in the early 90’s Japan is simple but engaging. There are several scenes that in the hands of a less talented director could easily turn awkward but Yamashita handles them masterfully. The film is filled with silent humour, and director’s skill with music and visuals create several impressive scenes. The acting is perfect.
- dvd / R2J