10. NOBODY KNOWS

A tragic piece of Japanese social realism based on a true story of child abandonment. The inexperienced young performers are exceptional and acclaimed director Hirokazu Koreeda knows how to craft emotionally raw drama without allowing sentimentality to encroach on the facts that are used. Not comfortable viewing, but certainly essential.

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9. THE WAY WE ARE

Ann Hui returns to award-winning form with her own piece of social realism based around a few lonely residents of Tin Shui Wai. A simple story can be so resonant in the hands of great directors like Hui - see 'Summer Snow' for another example - and she is aided by two excellent performances by the lead actresses.

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8. BA:BO

Korean cinema has the knack of squeezing out every last drop of emotion from familiar storylines and situations. When it's done with the aplomb shown in 'Ba:Bo' it can also be something rather special. Starts awkwardly, but when it gains momentum it is impossible not to be swept along in its emotional riptide.

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7. TOKYO SONATA

An unintentional theme of social drama seems to have invaded my top ten this year. 'Tokyo Sonata' is another slow burner that gradually turns into a savage critique of Japanese (an indeed Western) obsession over what constitutes success and what label society puts on us. At times heart-breaking in its subtle scenes of turmoil and melancholy, 'Tokyo Sonata' is worth two hours of anyone's time.

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6. A MAN ONCE A SUPERMAN

The world and his wife seem to have been bowled over by this superb Korean drama and who am I to put up any resistance. It starts out quirky and then explores mental illness in a way that cinema rarely attempts. Jun Ji-Hyun reminds us why she is an icon of Korean entertainment, but it is Hwang Jeong-Min as the eponymous character who really lifts this to another level.

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5. THE BEAST STALKER

Dante Lam exorcises the memory of years of mediocrity to return to form with this excellent thriller. Intelligent and with a vice-like grip on the viewer that never relents, this is as good as Hong Kong cinema has been in the past few years. Nick Cheung rightfully walked off with numerous acting honours for his performance here.

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4. MEMORIES OF MURDER

I finally caught up with this Korean masterpiece and was not disappointed.  Bong Joon Ho mixes numerous themes and moods masterfully in this utterly compelling thriller.

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3. RED CLIFF 1/2

One of the greatest historical epics ever committed to film, this seminal re-telling of the legendary Chinese story is a feast for the eyes. John Woo assembles a great cast, spends four and a half luxurious hours presenting his version while also fully redeeming himself for past decade or so of Western mishaps. It really needs to be seen in its entirety though.

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2. SHALL WE DANCE?

The U.S. remake wasn't bad at all, but the Masayuki Suo original is in a different class. Tinged with sadness, yet a life-affirming two hours, this flawless comedy blends excellent characters with genuine wit and a touch of Japanese class.

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1. ALONE ACROSS THE PACIFIC

Kon Ichikawa's masterpiece can rightfully be considered among Japan's greatest works of cinema. A fascinating story that deals with courage, fear and isolation in a memorable way, this is a classic that has finally been released in the UK during this past year and demands your attention.

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