Rating: 4.5

While sometimes over indulgent and not quite as good as the first instalment, ‘The Raid 2’ is still an incredible achievement, a staggering action film and, well, just plain essential cinema.

Bravo to everyone behind ‘The Red Turtle’ for reminding this reviewer just how powerful simple, intelligent film-making can be without the bells and whistles.

An overlooked gem from the 1970s, ‘The Yakuza’ is both a cracking thriller and a genuinely touching character piece.

Really, whether ‘Tokyo Story’ is the greatest film of all time is irrelevant; it is undoubtedly a wonderful work of art that is fresh and poignant over half a century later.

Xing Wenxiong’s delightful remake of ‘The Magic Hour’ retains the charm and wit of the original, but makes some key changes to improve it.

Tense, exciting, thoughtful and often very funny, ‘Tunnel’ has so many facets to be congratulated on that a few paragraphs barely seem appropriate to sing its praises.

Witty, moving and, most important of all considering its intentions, scathing without jaundiced polemic, this is a remarkable film.

‘Whisper Of The Heart’ is a heartfelt and moving piece of cinema that expertly manages to cover everything from first love and friendship to family and ambition.