Recomendations for a novice
 

Though the Asian film scene greatly interests me, Ive seen a grand total of 3 Asian films: Ju-On, The Eye, and A Better Tomorrow. Do you fine Asian film-fans have any easy -to-fid suggestions for a novice such as myself?

I too am a novice to the Asian movie scene (I've seen about a rough 15 at most). Though, I highly reccommend Oldboy! It's my second favorite movie (if you haven't looked at my signature yet) and is the winner of the Asian Movie Tournament! It's well worth the watch, especially because it's beautifully crafted! There's your recommendation!

I second Old Boy as well as Sympathy for Mr. Vengence (is that out yet?) Not horror but amazing amounts of fun. If you find Ju-rei, avoid it like a plague-infected monkey-riding midget.

Also, Infection isn't overly scary but easy to find and fun to watch. Don't forget to check out Premonition as well.

Give 3 Extremes a go too, fun stuff. The list goes on and on but if you're into classic films (heh) check out Onibaba and of course you know about Akira Kurosawa's stuff right? Gozu, Zatoichi, hell if you want some kung fu action check out the Kung Fu Hustle and 5 Deadly Venoms. Netflix ALL of those... now. If you're looking for a good asian war film don't miss Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War, I LOVED that movie.
Don't miss Oldboy or Sympathy for Mr. Vengance either. Or Roshomon. Dammit I'm naming too many; this is my last edit.

Oh, I'm sure a lot of people will tell you to check out Audition which is fine because it's a good film but I thought Tale of Two Sisters was better, get that one as well.

More Asian films to check out (mainly in the horror genre as the list would be too long with all genres).

Aragami
2LDK
Versus*
Suicide Club
Izo (not so much horror as WTF)
Stacy
Wild Zero (both Stacy and Wild Zero are over-rated though)
Junk
Biozombie (also over-rated)

Lone Wolf and Cub series,

i think Kurosawa would suit The Returns tastes as he prefers older classics ..

7 samurai
hidden fortress
throne of blood
yojimbo

I love Wild Zero, come on it has a DVD drinking game!

hmmm You've seen A Better Tomorrow,

but not The Killer or Hard Boiled ?
2 must see John Woo films.

also ...

check out

- The Funeral
- A Taxing Woman
- A Taxing Woman 2
- The Wedding Banquet (early ang lee - brokeback mountain was not his 1st gay themed film)

A Bullet in the Head is also a great one.

never saw that one .. it's a war movie right ?

The war plays a big part in the movie but its much more than that.Granted, its been quite some time since i've seen this one but from my recollections its more about friendship,betrayal......kind of reminded me of Deer Hunter in its epic story.
Of course it has John Woo's usual flair and gunplay.:D


now i'm gonna have to hunt this one down on DVD.