by Gene Huh, SDAFF Programmer

Before and during the San Diego Asian Film Festival, people are always asking me for film recommendations. However, the SDAFF contains so much variety and quality (over 140 films), that it is very difficult to give a film recommendation without knowing anything about a persons particular film tastes. Some people love the art house films and others are looking more for martial arts or romantic comedy. Hence, recommendations must be tailored to a persons preferences to be of any use. With that in mind, Ive come up with a list of 2008 SDAFF recommendations by connecting this year's festival films to popular films and television shows that you may have already seen.

We recommend "Hellcats," a smart, sassy and sexy comedy from Korea.

We recommend "Dororo," a Japanese blockbuster that combines high-flying martial arts action with fantasy. Based on the classic manga by Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy, "Dororo" features spectacular effects and an attractive and appealing cast.

You may really enjoy "Big Man Japan," a mockumentary about Japan's largest superhero or "L: Change the World," a thriller that takes place in the Death Note universe. I'd also recommend the From Comics to Film panel, which will feature legendary comic book artist Jim Lee (X-Men, Batman) and filmmaker-turned-comic-book writer Greg Pak (Incredible Hulk).

You will probably love "Chocolate," a Thai film that features Yanin "Jeeja" Vismitananda, a young lady who can pull off stunts that would make even Jackie Chan and Tony Jaa proud.

You may like "Half-Life," the acclaimed 2008 Sundance Film Festival selection that takes a look at what lies beneath the pleasantly plastic exterior of American suburbia. This is definitely a film that boldly pushes the boundaries of Asian American cinema, by brilliantly mixing animation and live action with a lot of edginess.

You have to check out "Shadows in the Palace," a Korean film that mixes murder mystery, historical drama and Asian horror in a way that must be seen to be believed.