Movie reviews of Niels Matthijs

I don't think it's the grandest or most remarkable film ever made, but there's a baseline quality that hasn't faded in the slightest. Dark, dry wit, a can of excellent performances, deliberate styling choices and a series of iconic scenes make this a film that is armed to withstand the test of time. Review

With Junk Head, Hori delivers a sprawling sci-fi adventure, meticulously styled, set in a dark and perilous universe that harbors neat surprises around every corner. Review

Drunken Master II isn't quite as consistent, but it does deliver the goods. The pairing of Liu and Chan results in some of the coolest and frantic martial arts moments ever put on film, making it that much easier to forget about all the film's shortcomings. Review

Mortier delivers a mysterious, entrancing film that draws a lot of strength from its audiovisual qualities, but ultimately works because of the complex and captivating relationship between the two leads. Review

They are built on quirky fantasy elements, lots of visual flair, a fun vibe and a light narrative. And if something doesn't work, the insane pacing makes sure you won't remember it for long. There's nothing serious or overworked about these films, except maybe their eagerness to please and amuse. A Chinese Ghost Story III dazzles from the opening scene all the way through. Review

A perfect blend of the artsy and the fantastical, an experience rather than a narrative, a film that uses everything at its disposal to create something unique. Review

Regardless of what you think when the credits start to roll, this is a film that screams dedication and conviction, pushing the limits of what is deemed acceptable and respectable. And for that, it deserves praise. Review

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter... and Spring isn't particularly groundbreaking or innovating, it's a comfortable arthouse film that relies on execution to win its audience over. The pleasant cinematography and extraordinary setting, the lovely score and the relatable themes make this one of Kim's most accessible films, perfect if you need an entry into his oeuvre. Review

There's a tiny amount of cultural kitsch present, but that's a given for blockbusters. Other than that, this film checks all the boxes. It's grand and epic, technically extremely proficient, it delivers fresh and exciting fantasy realms to explore and the pacing is excellent. Review

Focusing solely on technical qualities, Fudoh is ripping apart at the seams, but that would mean ignoring all the creativity, joy and sheer disregard for proper taste on display here, so often lacking in more accomplished films and effectively rendering them dull and powerless. Review

Odagiri combined Doyle and Hamasyan's work to create a superb atmosphere, assembled a supremely talented cast and blended everything into a smart, empathic and respectful film. Review

With two spirited actresses, a fun and progressively more over-the-top script, nifty dark comedy and a very economic runtime, 2LDK is a film that made me grin from start to finish. Review

Ishii's latest isn't just a classic samurai flick, instead, it's a celebration of the comedy genre, flipping seamlessly between different niches, carried by its tremendous cast and relying on Ishii's directorial talent to make it a truly unique experience. Review

While this is not a film that primarily relies on its actor, it's really nice having a cast that can pull off bad-ass like no other. Review

Compared to the absolute best in the genre, Twin Warriors feels just a little bare-bones, but Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh are a delight to watch, the action choreography is spectacular and the mix of daft comedy and sprawling martial arts makes for amazing entertainment. Review

An insanely bloody, stylish and unique vampire flick that mixes classic folklore with original lore and delivers one of his most impressive rollercoaster rides yet. Review

Shiota proves himself a gifted drama director and balances cinematography, score and performances to draw the most out of the conflict between the two leads. Review

The stand-out performances, the downplayed craziness, the chill atmosphere and more than a handful of memorable moments make this another lesson in dry and absurd comedy. Review

The cinematography is moody, the soundtrack is killer, the performances are on point and even though the film has some minor pacing issues, it presents a universe that would be intriguing enough to revisit at some point. Review

Superb performances, beautiful cinematography and complex characters turn a ballsy thriller into a gripping character drama, sporting one of the neatest endings I've seen in a while. Review

The solid cinematography coupled with the nice soundtrack, the fine performances and the pleasantly subdued drama all help to highlight Kitano's talent as a bona fide director. Review

If you crave ardor and energy, unbridled creativity and uncompromising originality, then The Burning Buddha Man is a film you simply cannot miss out on. Review

Shell and Joint is somewhat experimental, pretty damn funny and extremely Japanese. A stylistic and comedic masterpiece that hides its wit really well, but for those who reach the end it's impossible to miss. Review

In the end Yurigokoro is more about the plot and presentation than it is about characterization and realism, personally I don't really mind when the presentation is this polished. Review