The best films at the cinema this week

A selection of the best movies currently screening in Beijing

Isle of Dogs

On general release until May 25

If Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr Fox was a joyful slice of whimsy, his latest foray into stop-motion creature features is a more complex beast. Set in a near-future Japan, it's a dystopian, fitfully funny tale in which crusading young people take on a corrupt establishment. But it's mostly about the dogs: banished from Megasaki city after outbreaks of snout fever and dog flu, cute canines are dumped on Trash Island and left to fend for themselves amid piles of garbage.

Annihilation

On general release until May 18

After the sudden reappearance of her husband, cellular biologist Lena (Natalie Portman), alongside an all-female squad of scientists, goes on a secret expedition into a disaster zone that defies the laws of nature.

Rampage

On general release until May 18

Dwayne Johnson and director Brad Peyton, improving on their 2015 lemon San Andreas, have taken the title and basic thrust of '80s arcade classic Rampage (smash things!) and delivered a colourful-if-corny disaster spectacle. Rampage isn't cause for wild celebration, but with its bright, coherent FX – rare in this genre – and one deliriously fun supporting performance, it's better than it has any business being.

Mary and the Witch's Flower

On general release until May 4

Fans of Studio Ghibli animated features will enjoy Mary and the Witch's Flower, directed by former Studio Ghibli animator Hirosama Yonebayashi, who worked on Spirited Away and other projects under director Hayao Miyazaki. Mary, based on the novel The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, is a fun and imaginative adventure filled with breathtaking animation.

Hindi Medium

On general release until Apr 27

An unexpected sleeper hit in India and China, Hindi Medium is now one of India's highest-grossing films of all time. An exploration of themes related to social mobility, class, education and parenting, the critically acclaimed comedy-drama follows a couple's increasingly elaborate attempts to have their daughter admitted to one of Delhi's top schools.

Lyod

On general release until Apr 27

Hugely popular in its home country Russia, romantic musical Lyod (Ice) follows the story of Nadya, a competitive figure skater who's on the brink of giving up her dreams after suffering a serious injury. However when she meets Sasha, a former hockey player, he teaches her to believe in herself, and her dreams, again. Romance ensues.

To see what else is currently screening in Beijing cinemas, hit 'Read more'.

More from Time Out Beijing