Somersault (2004)

A teenager runs away from home into the Australian mountains and lives through experiences that teach her the nuances of feelings.

"Somersault" is a diaphanous drama, which very subtly shows us different phases and layers of female growing up. With imperfect, even unwanted experiences, mixed with subtle understandings and experiences, Abbie Cornish impresses incredibly in the main part.

Director:  Cate Shortland     

With: Abbie Cornish, Sam Worthington, Lynette Curran, Damian de Montemas

Rating: 8/10

Taking Lives (2004)

An FBI peofiler is assisting the Canadian police following some serial killings in which the perpetrator steals the victims' identities.

"Taking Lives" is a forensic investigation thriller with some melodramatic moments. It involves a dream cast, and yet the film cannot refrain from a few weak spots when it comes to logic and natural reactions. The idea is interesting though.

Director:  D.J. Caruso   

With: Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, Kiefer Sutherland, Olivier Martinez, Tchéky Karyo, Paul Dano, Gena Rowlands

Rating: 7/10

Ryeong / The Ghost (2004)

A young amnesiac starts recovering memories of her group of friends who are now killed off one by one in strange circumstances.

Ryeong is a Korean horror that keeps the viewer's curiosity and the suspense constant and well thought out. The cinematography suffers a little due to the passing of the years, but it does not really diminish the pleasure of watching. What hurts it a bit instead is the slightly too melodramatic tone of the unexpected ending.

Director:  Tae-kyeong Kim   

With: Ha-neul Kim, Sang-mi Nam, Hye-bin Jeon, Yi Shin

Rating: 7/10