Peppermint candy - Lee Chang-dong - 2000 (S. Korea)
The second feature film from one of the best Korean directors, it starts with the scene of a broken, psychotic man jumping in front of a train screaming that he wants to go back. We are then taken through his life story, in revers chronological order, and slowly find out what has led him to such a tragic ending. It starts off rather slow but if you're willing to stick with it, it will undoubtedly be one of the most powerful viewing experiences that comes to mind. The lead actor pulls one of the most memorable acting performances I've ever seen.
Hero - Zhang Yimou - 2002 (China)
Visually probably one of the most spectacular films ever made. This one is about a group of assassins that plan on killing the emperor and their subsequent road to ruin. It stars some of the biggest names of Asian cinema (Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, the omnipresent Zhang Ziyi) and was one of the biggest grossing films in Chinese history, plus it has Quentin Tarantino's ceal of approval so you know, quali'ty...
Raise the Red Lantern - Zhang Yimou - 1991 (Hong Kong, China, Taiwan)
Another fantastic film from Yimou, it's set in the 1920's and tells the story of a young woman that marries into a rich family and her power struggles with the other two wives. Visually sumptuous and masterfully directed, it's one of the best Asian films of all time.
Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles - Zhang Yimou - 2005 (China, Japan)
Another Yimou film, although a much more low-key affair than the two previously mentioned, it stars Japanese acting legend Ken Takakura as an elderly, introverted gentleman, who in an attempt to get close to his alienated and ill son, travels to China to record the opera Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles in a remote village. It's an intimate and cathartic journey and a heartwarming drama.
More to follow soon...