Azumi the Movie

Hi, I'm a fan of asian cinema so I might be able to suggest a few worthwhile titles, although it's a little subjective...

Azumi was excellent, very manga-esque in it's style and characterisation. Versus is pretty cool if you like the slick/low-budget type of action films and I've heard that The Returner was successful but I've still not seen it.

For Horror you may want to try KAIRO which is very apt about deaths and people's spirits surviving via home computers etc. LONG DREAM and UZUMAKI are recent others.
For swordplay films I'd go for the Korean BISHUNMOO and GOJOE. I found the swordplay/ninja films LEGEND OF GINGKO and RED SHADOW overhyped because the stories weren't up to much.
Don't miss PRINCESS BLADE- that was excellent and is based around a female warrior like AZUMI.
Overall I suggest you see some/all of the ZATOICHI and LONE WOLF & CUB films. LW&C was adapted from the manga so the style is familiar to us and our anime/comic book habits ^^

For a stunning anime-feel movie you must see VOLCANO HIGH which is like a live-action RIVAL SCHOOLS (the Capcom game).

Sorry this is a little abrupt/compressed but there's so much to talk about I'd never get finished :p
If you're into a specific genre let me know and I could suggest more suitable movies.

C'later!

Sweet, my shopping list has been filled out!! Thanks for the recomendations. I've found a great place in town that carrys a wide selection of Asian films and the owner said he would order whatever I was interested in. Thanks again!

I think a lot of recommendations for Asian movies comes with what kind of movie you want to watch. Personally, I'm into the Asian horror, Bullet Ballet, and Wushu movies...

So far in this thread, I surprised that nobody brought up "Battle Royale". If you haven't seen this movie, I would highly recommend it. I think the did an awesome job at going through the majority of the emotions that I think students would display if they were put in that situation.

I would also highly recommend staying far, far, away from "Battle Royale II". Man, did that movie suck...

Another Japanese movie that I think is worth checking out is "Avalon". It is very Matrix-esque and has some rather cool special effects. The only bad part is Mamoru Oshii's typical problem with having parts of his movies drag on at parts...

I think this is enough suggestions for now. I could give you a ton more if you want, just let me know...