Reviews

OPENS JULY 30, NO CERT, 114 MINS Coming-of-age sports movies tend to adhere to a formula and, in essence, this debut feature from computer-effects whiz Fumihiko Sori is no exception. Familiar setbacks and triumphs are all present and correct, but this adaptation of a five-volume manga delivers enough character quirks, visual flair and unique detail to make it the Japanese equivalent of a Wes Anderson film. Friends since childhood, the wild, outgoing Peco (Yôsuke Kubozuka) and the quiet Smile (Arata) are ping-pong heroes of their school.

One of the best US TV shows around, a relentlessly kinetic, breathlessly filmed and edited conspiracy and counter-espionage drama starring Jennifer Garner as CIA agent Sydney Bristow, clandestinely placed within the sinister SD6, an organisation plotting global domination. The serial plot twists, constantly shifting allegiances, reckless narrative pace and relentless action make these 22 episodes essential viewing. Brilliant.

Bertolucci's epic tracing the life of Pu Yi, who became China's last Godlike emperor aged three and then, deposed by revolution, had to learn to live as a gardener. Contrasting the splendour of the Forbidden City with the greyness of Communism, it almost gets lost in surfaces, but Peter O'Toole excels as Pu Yi's tutor

When papa found the brand new bag called The One—the funk beat wherein the first accent hits at the start of the bar—he revolutionised African-American dance music. The next 10 years ('65-'75) were spent honing the most propulsive grooves ever laid down on tape: "Cold Sweat", "Mother Popcorn", "Sex Machine" and their kind. Prior to his golden decade, Brown and the crack unit that was the Famous Flames were an impassioned rhythm'n'gospel line-up.

Key works of the first New Pop star of the '80s remastered. Must be learnt by heart

Choral pop evangelists return. Lightning doesn't strike twice

Celebratory indie-folk spirituals from the Canadian Belle & Sebastian

Bizarre post-Darkness machine rock from Yorkshire

Latest reissue from original riot grrrls

Black drinking comedy starring Hywel Bennett