Pierre Taki

Two male characters face off on a city street, while a woman and another man observe the scene. The setting features urban storefronts in the background.

The “Crime City” series shifts to Japan with head-bashing action thriller “TOKYO BURST.” [Fantasia]

By Douglas Davidson on August 1, 2026 • ( 2 )

In 2017, director Kang Yun-sung’s based-on-a-true-story The Outlaws introduced audiences to Detective Ma (Don Lee), colloquially known as “Beast Cop” for the way he resolves conflicts within his district with his power-packed fists. Watching Ma tackle Chinese gangsters trying to… Read More ›

A large group of students form a human pyramid outdoors, with two observers standing in the foreground.

Yûta Shimotsu’s sophomore film, cosmic horror “New Group,” challenges the meaning of “one of us.” [The Overlook Film Festival]

By Douglas Davidson on April 14, 2026 • ( 2 )

Muno (Yo, right), he’s tall and friendly Foofa (Oh, hehehehehe), she’s pink and happy Brobee (Woah), the little green one Toodee (Yeah, woo), she likes to have fun Plex (Woah), a magic robot Let’s all come and play with DJ… Read More ›

Elements of Madness

Cinematic Reviews, Recommendations, and More

Pierre Taki

The “Crime City” series shifts to Japan with head-bashing action thriller “TOKYO BURST.” [Fantasia]

Yûta Shimotsu’s sophomore film, cosmic horror “New Group,” challenges the meaning of “one of us.” [The Overlook Film Festival]