Indonesian multimedia artist and filmmaker Riar Rizaldi, known for his blend of documentary fiction and essay films, has recently completed his latest work, Monisme (2024). The film delves into themes of duality—human and non-human, nature and technology—while questioning their interconnectedness. Born from years of extensive research on Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most significant volcanoes,…
Tag: Asian Cinema
Takeuchi Hideki Returns to the Far East Film Festival
Historically, cinema has predominantly engaged with the human body through the lens of science fiction, often depicting miniature characters – reduced to the size of ants – who embark on fantastical journeys within our physical form, confronting its mysteries and the limited special effects technology of bygone eras. Iconic films like Richard Fleischer’s Fantastic Voyage,…
The World of Shaina Magdayao: Acting, Advocacy, and International Acclaim – Exclusive Interview
Before cinema’s advent in the Philippines, theatrical traditions thrived through indigenous rituals and Spanish-imported zarzuelas and vaudeville. These laid the cultural groundwork for the cinematic evolution to follow. The country’s first public film screening occurred in 1897 under Spanish auspices, marking a watershed moment for Philippine entertainment. By the turn of the century, cinema rapidly…
“By the Stream” Review
There is no easy entry point to the work of Hong Sang-soo. Even though his style remains consistent, his Eric Rohmer-inspired narratives frequently built around off-the-cuff drunken conversations and meandering walks around Seoul, there’s a density to the storytelling not always immediately apparent. His earlier work could often be in conversation with itself, with metatextual…
Wang Bing’s “Youth” Trilogy: Voices from China’s Hidden Factories – Film Review
The history of cinema, in many ways, began in the factory – its first frames capturing the daily lives of male and female workers as they filed out of the Lumière factory in Lyon in 1895. This simple, silent image marked the inception of the filmic medium, recording not just the physical movement of workers,…
Winter 2025 Anime Lineup: New Adventures, New Challenges, and Thrilling Returns
As the winter season sets in, anime fans are in for a treat with a wave of exciting new titles and thrilling returning series. From daring quests to supernatural investigations, the anime world is brimming with stories to captivate viewers of all tastes. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming to screens this season: New…
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment Will Bring the First Film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” to Cinemas in 2025
Crunchyroll, the ultimate destination for anime fans worldwide, has revealed a captivating new illustration created by the acclaimed animation studio ufotable. This artwork provides an exciting preview of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the opening chapter of a thrilling trilogy slated for an international theatrical release in 2025. During the Thunder Stage event…
Eight Stories, Endless Nightmares: Inside Thai’s “Terror Tuesday: The Extreme” – TV Show Review Part Two
And here is our part two… Dear Granny Unlike the others, this episode’s opening feels particularly refreshing. It begins with Montha (Bee Namthip Jongrachatawiboon) taking a tranquil walk by a lake with her mother. The scene is relaxing, almost lulling viewers into a false sense of security, as they stroll under a crisp blue sky…
Eight Stories, Endless Nightmares: Inside Thai’s “Terror Tuesday: The Extreme” – TV Show Review Part One
What could possibly be better than one Thai horror movie? How about eight? Terror Tuesday: The Extreme is an anthology series created by Chayan Laodtrakool, inspired by the popular radio program Angkhan Khlumpong (Terror Tuesday). Each episode focuses supposedly on true-life horror stories, all set across Thailand. While our binge-watching culture might tempt you to…
CRUNCHYROLL Bringing “Attact on Titan: The Last Attack” to UK Cinemas Early Next Year
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin), the monumental anime series adapted from Hajime Isayama’s manga, has been one of the most exciting animes. Over its ten-year run, from April 7, 2013, to November 5, 2023, the series impressed many with its powerful storytelling, complex characters, and groundbreaking animation. Airing initially on MBS TV and later…
A Bollywood Screenlife Drama Hit: “CTRL” Review
It was a rocky start. While The Collingswood Story (2002) is considered the very first of the genre, “screenlife” only became a spottable term in the mid-2010s, with Unfriended (2014) being one of the first “big” productions to popularise the genre. Though such a title didn’t receive much acclaim, it testified to the genre’s great…
JAPAN U-20 TEAM ROSTER OFFICIALLY REVEALED FOR “BLUE LOCK” 2ND SEASON
On November 9th, BLUE LOCK fans were thrilled as Kodansha revealed the lineup for the Japan U-20 National Team, which will challenge the BLUE LOCK XI in the BLUE LOCK anime’s second season. The Japan U-20 team, which debuted in Episode 29, includes formidable players like Oliver Aiku, Ryusei Shidou, and Sae Itoshi—the latter being…
New Classic and Modern Anime Titles Arrive on Crunchyroll
Anime streaming giant Crunchyroll continues to enrich its library by adding a variety of iconic and beloved titles, both recent and classic, for fans to enjoy. From emotional, music-fueled journeys to absurd and laugh-out-loud battles, the latest releases include a mix of movies and series that promise something for every anime lover. Here’s a look…
19th London Korean Film Festival: “The Guest” Review
The slasher genre has long been a cornerstone of horror cinema, terrifying audiences with its iconic villains, suspenseful storytelling, and gruesome kills. From the masked killers of Halloween to the supernatural terrors of A Nightmare on Elm Street, slashers continue to draw viewers into their blood-soaked worlds. At the heart of the slasher genre lies…
