Reviews

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JFF Theater: SUMO DO, SUMO DON´T Review: An Irresistible, Underdog Comedy Classic

With the sole intention of earning enough credits to graduate and secure a lazy job at his uncle’s company, Shuhei Yamamoto reluctantly joins his university’s failing sumo club. What he doesn’t expect is that alongside a highly peculiar, misfit group of outsiders, he will actually find the motivation needed to save the club from total disbandment. To the average gaijin, sumo wrestling might look like nothing more than two oversized men in traditional loincloths trying to shove each other out of a sand ring. For the Japanese people, however, it is a deeply rooted, thousands-of-years-old cultural tradition packed with spiritual symbolism that transcends the boundaries of mere sports. This modern classic of Japanese cinema—and say what you want, but 1992 feels like it was just yesterday—stands as perhaps the most iconic representation of the sport ever put to film. It is an inspiring sports comedy that went on to sweep […]

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JFF Theater: THE 100th LOVE WITH YOU: A Bittersweet, Time-Bending Symphony of Love

The 100th Love with You follows Riku, a young man who possesses the extraordinary ability to travel through time using a magical vinyl record. When his girlfriend Aoi dies in a tragic traffic accident, Riku does not hesitate to rewind time repeatedly to save her life. Yet, despite his relentless efforts, the young woman’s tragic fate appears to be written in stone, forcing him into an endless cycle of desperate attempts to alter the inevitable.   Under the careful direction of Sho Tsukikawa, the screenplay of this story reveals itself to be far more complex and intricate than it initially appears. Tsukikawa masterfully balances a sweet exterior of a teenage romance packed with some excellent songs—bolstered by the fact that the female lead, Miwa, is a popular real-life Japanese singer—with a much deeper layer. Beneath the vibrant pop aesthetics, the film opens up an emotional, profound reflection on love and […]

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RESURRECTION Review: An Exquisite, Floating Dream For True Cinephiles

In a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has given up on dreaming, a woman uses old cinematic techniques to help a dying monster live different lives across a century. Through distinct dream chapters, the film explores the six senses recognized in Buddhist thought: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind.  Following the hypnotic Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Bi Gan returns with an even more ambitious project. As if turning on an old cinema projector, the director invites the audience into a visually inventive journey through different eras of cinema with Shu Qi as master of ceremonies and Jackson Yee wandering through the screen as a spiritual guide for the audience. The film flows like a disjointed dream—an exquisite display of crafty skills that pays homage to German Expressionism, Akira Kurosawa, and Orson Welles. It culminates in a final, masterful long take delivered with the precision of a true artisan. This […]

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GIANT Review: A Striking Balance of Ego, Legacy, and Betrayal

Prince Naseem Hamed was a once-in-a-decade, completely unique phenomenon in the boxing world. He was a natural-born showman and an artist in the squared circle. However, his arrogance and distinct lack of respect for his opponents prevented him from ever truly capturing the public’s affection. His early retirement at just 28 years old—fueled by an inability to overcome his sole career defeat against the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera—combined with the bitter betrayal of his longtime trainer and mentor Brendan Ingle, caused his incredible athletic legacy to fade over time. Giant chooses to frame this gripping story primarily through the eyes of Ingle. The film serves as a faithful, meticulously detailed period piece that zeroes in on the delicate relationship between the fighter and his mentor. It explores how sudden fame, massive wealth, and an unmeasurable ego fractured their bond, leaving a division that would never truly heal.   Amir El-Masry […]

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BEAST – Punching Its Way To The UK

POSTER COURTESY OF VERTIGO RELEASING Check out the official trailer –  On the 1st June new MMA feature film “Beast” makes it way to the UK on all major platforms courtesy of Vertigo Releasing. Starring academy award winner Russell Crowe and the oldest brother of the Hemsworths, Luke. Since the masterpiece which was “Warrior” nothing has come close to a really gritty heartfelt Mixed Martial Arts movie. I was excited to watch “Beast” especially when it is based around a real fighting promotion the “One Championship”, did they get it right or did they miss their shot?FILM STILL COURTESY OF VERTIGO RELEASINGThe film opens with a gripping and intense scene, where a fighter and his coach share a motivational moment before they walk into the spotlight for the biggest fight of their lives. Then bang, the film jumps years ahead, where we find the said fighter Patton James (Daniel MacPherson) […]

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TACFEST 2026: LUGER Review: A Gritty Spanish Road Movie Charging into the Toledo Action Film Festival”

Bruno Martín’s directorial debut is, quite simply, a revelation. If talent were measured by commercial success, this film would be dominating the domestic box office. However, we live in a world as imperfect as the one reflected in this frantic road movie.   The story puts us in the passenger seat with two peculiar friends who make a living “fixing” problems on the wrong side of the law. What starts as a simple search for a stolen car quickly spirals, complicating their lives in the worst ways imaginable.   Luger is a showcase of raw talent that completely overshadows its modest budget. Featuring a screenplay that never stops surprising and relentless direction that gives the audience no room to breathe, the film is anchored by a perfectly synchronized cast that brings total credibility to the chaos. The film is gritty, hilarious, violent, and above all, hypnotic—it hooks you from the […]

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