The Best Asian Films of 2016

71. Under the Shadow (Babak Anvari, India)

Apart from the performances of this cast, one of the most noteworthy aspects of the film is its use of space. The apartment building, along with its growing state of disarray, mirrors the chaos outside, along with the fragmented perception of the adult female character played by Narges Rashidi. Many reviewers have consequently pointed out the similarities between Anvari’s images and the works of filmmaker Roman Polanski, most notably “The Tenant” and “Repulsion”. While a symbol for their home, the concept is constantly under attack by an outside force, the djinn or the new leaders of the state, forcing their way inside and little by little, infesting every square inch. After all, there is a reason the first items to go missing are the ones the characters need to give them comfort and at least an illusion of some sort of control. (Rouven Linnarz)

72. Wet Woman in the Wind (Akihiko Shiota, Japan)

“Wet Woman in the Wind” is a beguiling feature about temptation, seduction and the idea of pretentiousness, especially in the artistic field. Apart from titillating sex scenes, Akihiko Shiota‘s work is a great blend of comedy and even romance, another great entry into the Roman Porno Reboot Project. (Rouven Lin)

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73. Will You Be There? (Hong Ji-young, S. Korea)

In essence, the concept of altering the past for an ultimately better future is not something unique at all, yet Hong moulds a feature which is almost entirely gripping, and seldom dull. It may occasionally hit the reefs of self-indulgent melodrama, such as when the young paediatrics resident is faced with his abusive father and his untimely death, but it never quite drains on the audience. Instead, there is plenty of room left for reflection, whether on the characters and their choices, or perhaps even our own choices in life, and there is an apt showing that even in a mundane, downtrodden life full of regret, there are still things, or indeed people, one should cling to. (Nathan Sartain)

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74. Your Name (Makoto Shinkai, Japan)

Like in a Kumihimo – a braided cord – Mitsuha and Taki’s destinies twist, tangle, unravel, break, and then connect again. The whole movie is actually like a braid made of conflicting and complementary forces; male and female, old and new, tradition and modernity, man and nature, memory and amnesia. With its playful premise and its inspired conclusion, “Your Name” is a rich and adventurous journey that takes you exactly where it promises. (Adriana Rosati)

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