Shaolin Soccer (Siu Lam Juk Kau) (2001)

This film is unclassifiable. Sure, it's a "kung fu" movie, but it's a hundred other things too. I must have said "What the f%#@" to myself dozens of times while watching. It loosely follows a plot line, but suddenly things take a turn for the insane with no warning. It's destined to be a true cult classic because it's so off the wall.

Make sure and watch the Chinese version on the DVD, as the US version is only 87 minutes, while the original in all it's psychotic glory runs 113 minutes. Check reality at the door and rent this movie.

Rating: B-

Red Cliff (Chi Bi) (2008)

I waited to see this until the two-part international version was finally released on Blu-Ray. Glad I waited. It looks and sounds amazing. According to reviews I read earlier, the theatrical version cut out all the back story and characterization, in essence making it a shallow Hollywood movie. Even with a running time of 5 hours, you still have to pay attention to figure out who's who and their role in the film.

John Woo has created a remarkable epic. The battle sequences are on par with the best of them. Sets, costumes, locations—it all looks amazing. My favorite parts were the war strategies used. I'm not sure how much is based on factual historic events, but it was unbelievable to see on film. Really enjoyed it.

Rating: B