Author: Hannah Lin

If you are willing to substitute blood for brains and real heart for cheap scares, this movie will be one you will remember long after you see it.

If you want to see simple but effective story telling, characters you could easily bump into in the street and three of Korea’s best young actresses then just ‘Take Care Of My Cat’ for a few hours.

If you just remember to bring a sense of humour, and wonder, you’ll be rewarded with what is easily one of the best Japanese films of the year.

I can’t say enough about how fresh, fun and vibrant this film feels. It takes the staples of the time travel genre and spins them in unexpected, humorous and at times even sad directions.

It will lose most of it’s audience by the 20 minute mark and even those that do manage to stay engaged past that point will likely be sleeping by the time our heroes ‘Fly away into the sunset’.

The destination will probably be inevitable to you 5 minutes into the movie, but that is unlikely to stop the tears rolling down your cheeks come closing credits and the journey, not the destination is the thing of greatest importance.

Powered by Wu’s lean direction and vision and Li’s brilliant star turn, ‘Iron Road’ should win new fans for both.

The linear narrative and lack of real danger in the story may limit what would otherwise be a sure-fire hit.

Chances are, if you’re a fan of Japanese war history or the Goemon legend, you’ll be pleased as punch with this update. Even if you’re not, Ninja action has never been so beautiful.

This is a sharply original love story set to incredible moving pictures. It has beautiful actors, heartfelt emotion and a genuine sense of originality.

Those jonesing for action may feel the pace sag, but ‘Bruce Lee, My Brother’ is a brilliant period family drama.

Hannah Lin provides her list of top ten movies watched throughout 2009.