Country: Japan

Beneath the simple premise is a dissection of friendship and finding one’s place in society that is about as good as cinema has ever shown.

‘Returner’ is a bizarre blend of sci-fi and action that rarely really seems to succeed in either genre.

Much is left out that would have made this a much more well-rounded work – a missed opportunity perhaps, but certainly not an unimpressive two hour drama despite this.

The film showcases psychological horror at its absolute finest and it manages to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

‘Ring 2’ feels like more of a carbon copy than a worthwhile sequel and even Nakata’s knack for haunting imagery can do little to make it stand out.

‘River’ might not reach ‘Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes’ heights of loopy brilliance, but it’s another mixture of Japanese invention and wit that is sure to please those looking for an antidote to bloated Hollywood excess.

Utilising a premise that is tailor-made for technology-mad Japanese audiences, Yaguchi achieves a partial return to the superlative form of yesteryear.

‘RoboGeisha’ is likely to be the best film about a robot Geisha ever made, has midnight movie cult status written all over it and if you are in the mood for it, is an absolute hoot.

The first of Toho’s monster movies to be released in colour, ‘Rodan’ ranks as one of the best Kaiju movies out there.

If you are looking for straight up, no frills, ninja-on-ninja action then you could do a lot worse than Seiji Chiba’s ‘Rogue Ninja’.

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ is resolutely pulp entertainment though and while it is unlikely to be mentioned in the same breath as ‘Yojimbo’ in years to come, it hits enough of its targets to satisfy.

Only recommended for hardcore gore fans, those who have to see every film from this unique genre and if you are sitting around with a bunch of less critical film fans getting very drunk.