Much like Godzilla’s messy and complicated birth as a concept and popular culture figure, I too feel as though I’ve come out of this experience a strange creature. It’s something I won’t soon forget.

Monster confronts viewers with an ambiguous ending, leaving us to decipher the truth of who really is the eponymous monster, but perhaps the objective truth is there are monsters in each and every one of us.

Making sure to cater to both returning fans and new fans alike Code: White is by no means a perfect movie, but for what it is, it remains exemplary of good old fashion family fun.

Poignant and beautiful, The Boy and the Heron is both an interesting shift in theme and an excellent addition to Miyazaki’s extensive canon.

For fans and newcomers alike, I can see Godzilla Minus One being a decent watch, thanks to its impressive visuals and action, but for me, it's not particularly memorable.

Can truth reveal itself in Perfect Days? Or is it a beautiful simulacrum, contemporary Japan through the gaze of the international film market?

With gut-wrenching violence and disruptive themes, and its critique of gender roles and cultural norms in Japan, cinephiles and fans of the more gruesome side of life ought to catch this slow-burning, thought-provoking thriller.

Story comes second and spectacle takes centre stage in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While there is much to talk about for this film’s context, Nakahira keeps the narrative in focus with contemporary editing and exciting cinematography so that Crazed Fruit can shine.

Japanese animator Yanakaya has made his feature debut with Battlecry, animated entirely on his own laptop. In embracing the rough limitations of solo 3D animation, the film looks like a videogame from the 90s.

Subtly satisfying and serenely unsettling.

Looking at the poster for Bullet Train is a testament to the sheer amount of content and attention to detail that you’re going to find when you sit down for this one, which you should do at your earliest convenience.

Nowhere to Go... asks us to dive in and look closer.

Complete with a Marlon Brando surrogate and nods to B-movie exploitation, it's clear that for the most part, Pompo The Cinéphile has its heart in the right place. Viewed purely as blissful escapism, it's a sugar-coated ode to the idea that with enough passion, anyone can make it.

Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s second feature release of the last year is a beguiling three-in-one Lego set of lean, focused short-form storytelling.