Filmrecensies van Niels Matthijs

Take a bunch of wonky hitmen, add the necessary explosive firepower, pepper it with an over-the-top approach, and you have a film that still stand proud today. Recensie

The build-up is meticulous and the mystery slow to reveal itself, which pays off when the finale finally starts to take form. The stylish cinematography and superb sound design create a unique and tangible atmosphere, the performances and strong characterization add extra flair to the whole. Recensie

Thanks to the wonderful art style, the atmospheric soundtrack and the proper amount of mystery and intrigue, this film is poised to become a future fantasy classic, though one that holds clear niche appeal over broader appreciation. Recensie

The art style is wonderful, the animation is lovely, the characters are pleasantly different, and Watanabe's bold dramatic choices pay off nicely in the end. Recensie

Solondz' unique talent is making extreme tragedy fun, pushing things into uncomfortable territory, and there is no better film than Happiness to illustrate this very particular skill. It's the reason why this film still feel poignant, even though the boundaries of comedy have shifted a lot more since its original release, a little over two decades ago. Recensie

The lovely cinematography, the superb production design, the solid integration of the score and the pleasant performances all add up to a very charming and disarming film. Recensie

Both the writing and the direction stand out, combined with the superb performances, the perfectly paced build-up and the fitting finale, it makes for an excellent black comedy. Recensie

The lush visuals, great score and superb cast all add to this epic journey, which truly shines whenever people dig out their swords and start to hack, slash and twirl. Recensie

Takahata delivers a rather tricky and thorny topic with the proper nuance and depth, sugarcoats it with excellent animation and a proper score, and makes sure it remains entertaining from start to finish. Recensie

Giddens Ko finally banks on his talent and serves a wildly creative and unique film, with the necessary visual flair, a notable soundtrack and strong performances to back it up. Recensie

The sheer enthusiasm, the brutally graphic nature of the horror and the solid pacing make this by far the best infected flick I've seen in years, if not decades. It's a lovely showcase of Jabbaz' talent, who I suspect will have little trouble securing funding for his next project. Recensie

Poupelle of Chimney Town is one of the most visually impressive films I've ever watched, a joyful and creative fantastical adventure that should be able to capture the imagination of all who put in the effort. Recensie

From the stylish cinematography and the accomplished score to the strong performances and intriguing plot, Chung delivers quality across the board. Recensie

Ulloa and his team crafted a beautiful, dark and haunting modern fairy tale that plows its way through the narrative without a single word spoken. The stylish cinematography, emotive soundtrack and strong performances kept me involved throughout and solidified the already peculiar experience. Recensie

The audiovisual qualities are nothing less than impressive, the structure is meticulously executed, and the finale is one of the most memorable ever. Oshii will test your patience, but rest assured that it's worth it. Recensie

The subject is taboo and Hiroki's approach is unflinching, yet the result is a subtle, nuanced and touching drama that well exceeded any expectations I had up front. Recensie

The lush cinematography and outstanding soundtrack set the stage for a bristling, touching relationship drama, the superb performances seal the deal. Recensie

The animation is splendid, the characters are extremely lovable, Kiki's growth feels earned and realistic and there isn't a single moment where the quality even dips just a smidgen. Recensie

The splendid animation and detailed art style, the wondrous score and quality dubbing and the imaginative fantasy elements support a wealth of well-grounded themes, giving life to this epic undertaking. Recensie

The styling is on point, the actors know what they're doing, and the film gets progressively crazier and dafter. This is everything I want from a good black comedy, and Wirkola's execution is spotless. Recensie

The atmospheric cinematography, the strong performances and the intriguing lore make this a fun yet challenging manga adaptation that captivates from start to finish. Recensie

It's not the most stylistic or polished film, but Hamaguchi's focus lies elsewhere. A superb cast, intriguing characters and electrifying conversations paint a picture of likeable, 3-dimensional people who find themselves in somewhat awkward situations. Recensie

A Very Long Engagement is a more than worthy successor to Amélie. The film isn't quite as good, but the way Jeunet avoids most common pitfalls is laudable. Recensie

The hellish setting, Tippet's fantastical creations, the intricate and lush stop-motion animation and the inspired camera work add up to a trip that knows no equal. Recensie