Fridae

Like Michel Gondry (see above), Takashi Miike is revered in the film industry as a genuine trailblazer. Churning out films more quickly than any other director in the world, Takashi has managed to turn B-grade genres like action, violence and horror into genuine works of art. In the hands of a lesser director, genre films like Audition, One Missed Call and Ichi the Killer would not have reached the level of artistry and the cult status that these films do.

His new film Crows Zero is already a massive hit among the young in Japan. Based on a popular manga series, it is a slickly-shot, action-packed and comedic film that centres on the gang rivalry at a school. The hot and twinky Shun Oguri plays a new student who quickly become the centre of the worst fights in the school's history when he challenges the gang leaders' supremacy.

Lest you think this would be another routine teen violence movie, we'd have to tell you otherwise. Takashi's directorial flair as well as ingenious manga storyline have managed to build in classic themes of friendship, male bonding, machismo and loyalty into the slick MTV mix. The result is a rollicking good movie that ultimately surprises you by how cool and profound it turns out to be.

Crows Zero is one heck of ride for the young and the young-at-heart.