Country: Japan

An easy recommendation as it’s still a fun-filled family adventure that is suitably heart-warming and easy on the eye.

Even though Oshii has an impressive eye for visuals, he really needs to invest more time into the overall package as this is sadly lacking in depth.

Some may dismiss this merely as ‘The Matrix’ with opera. Others will agree it is an example of science fiction using its brain as well as its trigger finger.

It may be a different genre but Kitamura proves he is not just a one trick pony and still knows how to successfully shoot the action and keep the characters interesting throughout.

A worthy follow up to Kitamura’s stylish original and certainly packs a punch in the Samurai action department.

‘Baby Assassins’ may not be what you’re expecting (or for everyone) but it’s a fun, low key ride with charm, laughs and great fight action.

‘Battle Royale’ is a fast-paced, intense and emotionally charged film that goes where most filmmakers would never dare and produces a highly recommended movie for fans of all genres.

The core concept remains relatively fresh and the switch in style to more of a war-like epic works in the film’s favour.

Aside from the odd comedic highlight, ‘Battlefield Baseball’ feels more like a swing and a miss than a home run.

What prevents Battles Without Honour and Humanity from being a true masterpiece is its confused, muddled plot.

As an introduction to the lunacy of Wangan precinct and Japanese protocol in general, ‘Bayside Shakedown’ more than holds the attention with its zesty pace and attempts to do things a little differently.

‘Be With You’ is a Japanese drama that is easy to appreciate on the surface as it is a well-made, well-acted work that skilfully tells a story without ever getting side-tracked in needless sub-plots.