Raging Grace (2023) by Paris Zarcilla
There’s quite a lot to like with “Raging Grace.” Among its brighter aspects is a solid central setup by writer/director Zarcilla that makes for a wholly engaging scenario. The first half explores quite heavily and naturally the desperation Joy feels at keeping her life in order, despite it all crumbling down around her. This ranges from the struggles of finding housing for her and Grace, facing racism and misogynistic abuse for the work she does, and the natural indignation of being a single mother. This gives the new job opportunity with Katharine such a sense of importance for Joy which she can use as a means of escaping this lifestyle only to end up stumbling upon a far more dangerous threat inside Katharine’s house which gets uncovered slowly during her employment. This is handled incredibly well for a great start to things. (Don Anelli)
Interviews: Kim Jae-hoon
As Long As We Both Shall Live (2023) by Ayuko Tsukahara
For starters, the protagonist duo are both quite good in their roles, while their chemistry permeates the narrative every time they appear on it. Mio Imada as Miyo, apart from looking as cute as possible, also highlights her nature of perseverance, with her being willing to endure essentially anything, having adapted to her life of misery, in a way though, that makes the moments when she actually reacts, as impactful as possible. Ren Meguro (from the J-pop band Snow Man) embodies the shojo, somewhat feminine beauty that seems to be so popular in Japan to the highest degree, while his laconic, intolerant demeanor is excellently presented, likewise making the moments when he acts in sensitive fashion quite impactful. The antithetical chemistry of the two works excellent in that regard, in an element that actually carries the movie from beginning to end. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
Mad Cats (2023) by Reiki Tsuno
Reiki Tsuno directs a film that can be described by a number of factors (tags if you prefer): low budget, b-movie, sexy girls with guns, anthropomorphism, fanservice, action, comedy and silliness. The amalgam is rather amusing and entertaining on occasion, but you definitely need to have a knack for the aforementioned elements in order to appreciate it. However, there are also a number of smart elements here, particularly the way a number of characters react as if they were actual cats on occasion, equally in their reactions, behavior and movement, in an aspect that is used both for laughs and in order to present some sense of sensualism. At the same time, the concept of cat world domination and the question of whether humans can impose their will on cats is also smartly implemented in the narrative, resulting in both comedy and action. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
Mother Land (2022) by Park Jae-beom
The quality of the stop motion by Lee Yun-ji is exquisite in every single aspect. The doll-like characters in particular are a wonder to watch, both in terms of movement and drawing, with the animators and character designers doing an excellent job, additionally retaining a sense of realism even in the most imaginative moments. Furthermore, the presentation of the various and particularly of the guardian is truly memorable, while the depiction of the snowed settings (glaciers, snowfields, the aurora) and the somewhat milder in the forests being awe-inspiring. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
Insomniacs After School (2023) by Chihiro Ikeda
Chihiro Ikeda comes up with a teen romance with a twist, with the twist (a number of them actually) providing the drama in the whole thing. The main concept of two insomniacs getting together is quite intriguing and entertaining on its own, additionally allowing the director to explore the whole concept and its repercussions, but also to include a slight road-trip aspect in the narrative, through the walks the two undergo during the night, and a fateful trip they eventually take. At the same time, it is soon revealed that insomnia is not the only thing the two have in common, as their shared introvertedness is also quite evident, with the way they finally manage to open up to each other being one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Lastly, the heart condition Isaki suffers from adds another level of drama to the whole thing, as much as to the whole romance that permeates the narrative. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
