The fifth annual Subway Cinema New York Asian Film Festival continues. Here’s a rundown of some of the films that played during the second week of the festival (some of which still have additional showings, check the schedule here.) There’s still lots of good stuff in the last week, including a final showing of Linda Linda Linda, so get out there!

---

Oh! My Zombie Mermaid [aka Ah! Ikkenya puroresu]
Directed by: Naoki Kudo
Japan (2005)

Forget the zombie, forget the mermaid, what this movie has is a full-blown, knock-down drag out battle to the finish that’ll knock your socks off. See the full review here. Recommended.

---

Funky Forest: The First Contact [aka Naisu no mori: The First Contact]
Directed by: Katsuhito Ishii, Hajime Ishimine, Shinichiro Miki
Japan (2005)

Last year, Katsuhito Ishii directed A Taste of Tea, which was a sweet and funny look at an eccentric family. This year, he decided to let it all hang out, and the result was Funky Forest, a completely bizarre mélange of sketch comedy, non-sequitur humor, and cheerfully obscene special effects. And dancing, lots of dancing. I absolutely loved it, and so did the crowd at the Festival. Many of you will too, and you probably know who you are. With Tadanobu Asano as “Guitar Brother.” Highly recommended.

(a full review will be forthcoming, but don’t expect any more enlightenment)

(Click Here To Read More…)