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Man On High Heels follows a very tried and tested Korean gangster/cop formula but with a rather unusual quirk. Korean mega star and tuna salesman, Cha Seung Won plays against type as Yoon Ji Wook, a tough detective with a surprising secret. Cha's no mercy, gung-ho, bone breaking cop is about to go through with gender reassignment surgery.

Homosexuality and gender reassignment are topics rarely touched upon in mainstream Korean movies and all credit must be given for a serious attempt at broaching an oft ignored issue. Cha does put in a very good performance lurching from a deadly fighting force to an emotionally drained and confused individual struggling with his own identity. However the film is rather uneven; the emotional impact of the scenes illustrating Cha's treatment jar against the stereotypical ultra violence. Though the fight scenes are well staged they distract from the drama which should be the focus of the film. The story loses its pace and way in the last quarter and the ending is horribly predictable. An admirable attempt and a good performance by Cha but overall the film is a disappointment.

Clash Of The Families or Meet The In Laws as it is also known, is a broad comedy that was a big hit at the box office in Korea that has managed to spawn a spin off film that was released earlier this year.

The film is set in the immediate aftermath of the Seoul 1988 Olympics and concerns itself with the blossoming relationship which starts during Hyun Jun's tenure in the army when he receives pen pal letters from Da Jong. The major obstacle in their relationship is that they are from two different regions in Korea; Hyun Jun is from the liberal, laid back Jeollanamdo area and Da Jong is a resident of Busan in Gyeongsangnamdo, renowned for its political conservatism, frankness, fiery tempers and bad driving. The parents of Da Jong and Hyun Jun are staunchly against their union due to their prejudices about their provinces. This is where all of the films humour comes from and as a non-Korean speaker, a lot of the gags surrounding accent and stereotypes may be lost.

The knockabout comedy is flimsy with regards to plot and though the leads are initially very endearing the script does little to keep interest. One of the best things about the film is Song Sae Byeok's portrayal of Hyun Jun, the quiet, romantic writer which is subtle and effective.

There is enough to enjoy in the first hour, the tone is light and playful and there are enough laughs but the second half drags, the plot, or what there is of a plot is overdrawn, the same jokes are rehashed over and over and the conclusion is visible a mile off. Some editing and a few more gags could have elevated the film into something more but as it stands, the film falls rather flat.

Lost River is neither the cinematic disaster nor the fantastical triumph that has divided many reviews of Gosling's first foray into the director's chair. It is a relatively entertaining left of centre film with many good ideas and a few misguided misfires. Gosling's has learned a lot of his craft under two of most distinct young directors working in America at the moment; Winding Refn and Cianfrance. The style of Gosling's debut borrows from both and also has shades of Mallick and a dash of Jodorowsky thrown into the bubbling mix. Gosling has bravely tried to create an impressionistic version of a dystopia highlighting the crumbling of post-industrial, post-global financial crisis, ravaged small town America.

Gosling has the advantage of being able to call upon a fanatically talented cast. Christina Hendricks is well cast as the mother struggling to keep up payments and prepared to do anything to keep the family home. Ben Mendelson is his usual sinister self as the bank manager cum club owner who uses and abuses his power and position. Iain De Caestecker puts in a good showing as Billy's son Bones. Saoirse Ronan again highlights that she is one of the great young actresses in the world at the moment.

Eva Mendes is as usual extremely charismatic and believable even though she (sadly) does not get much screen time. The only misfire on the acting front is Brit former time traveler, Matt Smith who never really convinces as Bully.

Special note should be made of the excellent soundtrack provided by Johnny Jewel, providing a delectable electro touch to the proceedings.

Gosling has shown he has the chops as a director and that he has plenty of promise and I look forward to seeing more from him.