Movie reviews of Niels Matthijs

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

For people unfamiliar with Miike's vast oeuvre, Audition is a perfect gateway. It offers something for almost every type of film fan, giving you some glimpses of Miike's trademark crazy, but also showcasing his ability to control himself and deliver quality cinema. Review

The film is a celebration of the weird, the absurd and the surreal, constantly adding new layers of wonder, forcing its audience to sit back in submission and let the film wash over them. This is mood cinema pur sang, hilariously original and executed to perfection. Review

The thrill of the adventure is tangible, the grim settings are exceptional and the imaginative and excessively gross creature designs are spot on, this film delivers everything and more. Review

Both leads offer great performances, the cinematography is strong, the soundtrack on point and the cat and mouse game between the two protagonists is simply riveting. Review

Two excellent leads, a stylish and poignant presentation and a solid central mystery that stretches well into the second half of the film make Ánimas a very successful mindfuck. Review

Triangle looks stylish, sports a great soundtrack, leans on a superb central trio and highlights the talents of its lauded directors. A true flagship project if there ever was one. Review

Disagreeable characters, dark drama, fitting cinematography and a completely mental soundtrack create an uncomfortable, unpredictable atmosphere that eats away at the audience. Whether you think that's worth your time is up to you, personally I was well impressed with And Then There Was Light. Review

The animation is splendid, the setting is original, the characters are golden and the adventure really comes into its own during the second half. At its best, it's pure Ghibli magic. But it isn't as consistent as Miyazaki's best work, and it bares his weaknesses when he's trying to be big and bold. Review