Movie reviews of Niels Matthijs

Maeda turned out a slick and entertaining crime film, one that combines style, action, and a healthy dose of self-relativization with the usual Yakuza antics. Review

The execution is flawless, the narrative and thematic twists are fun, and the balance between genre and drama is meticulous. Review

The presentation is stylish, the performances are strong, and the film offers thematic substance for those who need to keep their brains occupied. Review

The presentation is a tad unpolished, but deliberate, the comedy is ruthless but surprising and funny, and the overall experience is like nothing else out there. Review

The presentation and styling are impeccable and easily make up for narrative simplicity and any casting issues, making this one of the best sci-fi horrors in years. Review

The dry comedy is fun, the horror is gooey, the technical aspects are well above par, and all of this is packaged in a tight 60 minutes, so as not to overstay its welcome. Review

Nagahisa's visceral and inspired direction is the absolute highlight of the film. The intriguing plot and the strong performances are the icing on the cake. Review

The madcap plotlines, the silly characters, and a charming DIY approach result in a fun and surprising little comedy that amuses from start to finish. Review

Yen and AI-Lee is Lin's most arthouse-leaning film, drawing its power from impressive performances and impeccable styling choices that support a strong dramatic core. Review

The sumptuous visuals and gentle score are just vehicles that ease the audience into meeting three lovable characters who are slowly learning the ropes of life. Review

From the technical aspects to the aesthetic, from the narrative setup to the emotional depth, Myth of Man is a film that hits all the right notes in ways no other films have. Review

It's not an easy watch though, some scenes that are tough to sit through, fueled by a feeling of increasing dread and escalating drama, while presented with an appropriate level of polish. Review

Pandemonium is the kind of genre film I treasure. A film that is stylistically exciting and sports a familiar mix of genre elements while adding a particular flavor that makes it easily distinguishable from similar work. Quarxx is a talented director and I can't wait to check out his other films. Review

It's a confident film, expertly stylized, smartly plotted, and sporting a fine cast. Review

Uta Monogatari is a wonderful collection of shorts, boasting consistent quality while still offering a variety of styles and approaches, and at least one exceptional entry. Review

The superb cinematography and lovely sound design bring the unique setting to life and form the perfect foundation for a stylish drama with light genre elements embedded. Review

The Blue Danube's blend of bone-dry comedy and everyday absurdities is presented with the necessary flair and conviction to make this an exceptional experience. Review

The stylish presentation, the impressive score, and overall solid casting turn this medical fantasy thriller into a riveting experience, the kind only Gakuryu Ishii can deliver. Review

The mesmerizing cinematography, the superb score, and pitch-perfect performances create a dreamy reality that transforms a traumatic story into a darkly magical experience. Review

The Umbrella Fairy is the latest in a line of technically impressive, visually vibrant, and culturally rich films that are working hard to put their own industry on the map. Review

18×2 is a loveable, stylish take on Pan-Asian romance cinema, sporting a great cast, a pleasant score, and cozy cinematography, all in support of some heartwarming moments. Review

While there are moments when the film struggles with its budgetary limitations, Bewilogua's talent and creativity overcome these moments swiftly. The result is a bewildering, loud, and extroverted film that left me a little dazed. Review

The stylish cinematography, the tailored score, and the strong performances lend the plot the necessary credibility, the little genre touches are the icing on the cake. Review

Welcome to the Game is straight-up genre fare, a puzzling power struggle between two camps, dressed up nicely and executed with the proper amount of flair. Review