When a film makes it to the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival it does so because it is distinct, unconventional and original. This is true for Tatsumi, but its innovative façade is built on the foundation of a good old-fashioned tribute, one which mesmerizes regardless of your familiarity with its subject.

With remakes and adaptations inundating the American film scene, it’s good to see that Japan is … doing the exact same thing? If you’ve ever complained about overused material, get this; the 1967 novel Toki o Kakeru Shõjo (The Girl Who Dashes Through Time) has spawned two live action films, a TV movie, an animated film, two drama series and a manga.

The “you choose one week, I choose one week” movie date policy is a recipe for disaster in most relationships. The rotation between senseless (but entertaining) bloodbaths and diabetes-inducing romantic comedies is enough to turn any rosy-red love an unhealthy shade of charcoal. While it is unlikely that any gentleman will go out of his way to watch Flowers, it offers some welcome respite when the lady’s turn to pick the flick comes around.Flowers is the story of six women spread over three generations.

A plot that doesn’t make sense doesn’t deter Gozu from being thoroughly entertaining, though it’s still nonsensical and rather disturbing.