Takahisa Zeze Despite a rather intimidating four hours plus running time of the film, this epic story fully engages us with portrayals of human strength and failures, intricately interlinked between various main characters and time frames.
Arvin Chen For Chen's assured direction, capturing the energy of the city that never sleeps, and bringing together a group of misfits to successfully create a charming story with style and panache.
Suk-Gyung Lee For showing a complex human condition through a small fragment of a woman's life and for the film maker's belief in the strength and beauty of the cinematic mise-en-scene.
Kaori Momoi The film shows peculiar customs in Japanese society set in the unique yet quaint family. Through Momoi's brilliant acting, directing and script writing the films gives the subtle aspects of Japanese culture in which emotions and desires are hidden in the surficial daily interactions. Unsurprisingly, the film has a rich narrative layers and moods coloured with experimental passions. Tied with Tuli (2005).
Winner
TuliTuli
Auraeus Solito Auraeus Solito has yet again impressed with his sensitive portrayal of sole and pertinent aspect of indigenous Filipino culture. The film has faced problems of funding and censorship. But with comes through clearly is Solito's ability in handling bold subjects. Tuli is a lyrical weave of a story well told, beautiful and very good acting. The choice of locations and the music too, deserve a special mention. Tied with Ichijiku no kao (2006).
Yong-hi Yang It is an extremely well-interwoven documentary between tragic personal history and national history. It shows how far people can keep their faith no matter whatwith unflinching honesty and compassion.
Yoon-ki Lee For its subtle and precise cinematic portrayal of a young woman caught up in the midst of personal traumas and the present realities of her existence.
Hao Lui For its masterly achievement in using simple means to portray a profoundly moving relationship and evoking emotional warmth in the depressing environment of the two protagonists.