21. Film Review: BIG (2023) by Wei Te-sheng
But it is too cluttered and needs to be toned down. Less would have been more here, perhaps focusing more on a single character, favouring quieter moments of emotion over louder explosions. There are some genuinely good moments within this, lost a little along the way. But if you want a rollercoaster, and like a cry, this “BIG” may be worth your time. (Andrew Thayne)
22. Short Film Review: Right Jabs (2023) by Zi-En Wu
Overall, at 20 minutes, “Right Jabs” is engaging and gets its message across with clarity and style despite the confines of its small space and budget. (Adam Symchuk)
23. Film Review: Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry (2023) by Elena Naveriani
DP Agnesh Pakozdi keeps the camera focused on the protagonist, while her overall approach is definitely characterized by realism and a no-punches-pulled ‘attitude' that becomes particularly evident during the nude scenes. Aurora Franco Vögeli's editing retains a relatively slow pace, on par with arthouse films. “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” is both a good and an important movie, with the latter aspect, particularly considering the protagonist and her story, being what makes the film truly special. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
24. Film Review: It Must Be Love (2024) by Junko Emoto
“It Must Be Love” is more conceptually interesting than watchable. Even with a distinct style, the story quickly becomes repetitive, as does its art direction. While plenty of Japanese films have proven that combining theater elements with filmmaking is possible, what's depicted here is not an appealing pairing. (Sean Barry)
25. Short Film Review: On a Boat (2024) by Heso
As a film with a singular focus over a brief period of time, Heso manages to muster up an abundance of charm, creating a sincere portrait of a couple taking the next big step together in their lives. More importantly, while the duo may lack the romantic flair one would like, there is a pragmatism to the relationship that is oddly relatable under the context of building amicable long-term relationships (give and take). The emphasis on those bonds carrying equal value to more boisterous display of emotions works well, offering a wide range of concepts. How relationships work and evolve captured in such a short cinematic experience is both endearing and impressive. (Adam Symchuk)
26. Short Film Review: Before Anyone Else (2023) by Tetsuya Mariko
Akiyo Komatsu as Jimmy and Chloe Skoczen as Lex play their characters with an excessiveness that does not work at all for the film, with the delivery of the lines, particularly when they are angry, being utterly unconvincing, in probably the movie's biggest issue. As a first attempt at something different, “Before Anyone Else” is not bad, but considering what we have seen before from Mariko, this short definitely appear subpar, even if the story and particularly the ending, compensate to a large degree. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
27. Short Film Review: The Fourth Man (2023) by Tay Bee Pin
Despite some crucial issues, mostly having to do with the many cliches and some excessiveness in the script, “The Fourth Man” is rather well-shot, entertaining, and manages to make its comments through an approach that remains intriguing for the majority of the 25 minutes of its duration. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
28. Short Film Review: The Horse (2023) by Yi-tzu Lan
“The Horse” is a very restraint and sober film, void of big emotions, except for the confrontation between the insecure Jing and the big, impressive horse. This contrast between them on the one hand and their common sense of out-of-placeness on the other make that this strange concept works for the viewer. (Nancy Fornoville)
29. Short Film Review: Sojourn to Shangri-La (2023) by Yihan Lin
Shot in 4:3, in sharp monochrome, and implementing a ‘shaky camera', many close ups and panoramic shots, Yikai Lue Wu's cinematography emerges as the most impressive aspect of the movie, with the plethora of different techniques being the main source of a number of the different aesthetics here. Furthermore, in combination with the excellent job in the sound, it is what gives the movie its ritualistic essence, which finds its apogee in the scene with the local. Yihan Lin's own editing induces the movie with a very appealing sense of speed, with the cuts being well placed. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
30. Short Film Review: Flavor of Sisterhood (2023) by Hwang In-won
“Flavor of Sisterhood” is a fun film that manages to highlight the concept of sisterhood thoroughly and realistically, while retaining a sense of entertaining hilarity from beginning to end. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
