Reviews

Porta il tuo nome con orgoglio

Song joong ki qui si é veramente messo alla prova e ha dimostrato di essere un attore versatile e bravo; la sua recitazione é ció che piú fa amare questo film.
Altro punto a favore é il tema centrale della storia: la ricerca di un'identitá, indispensabile per poter essere liberi.
Loh kiwan é un disertore della corea del nord, e per non essere deportato deve nascondere la sua identitá quando arriva in Cina.
Quando fugge in Belgio e richiede asilo si trova ad affrontare indifferenza ma anche odio, razzismo ed emarginazione.
Trova aiuto lá dove non ce lo aspetteremmo, da altri uomini e donne che come lui sono in difficoltá e si adattano ad una vita di soppressione e sfruttamento pur di scappare alla repressione e alla paura.
Ad ostacolarlo maggiormente alla fine é la burocrazia dei nostri paesi che non danno garanzia di inclusione , nonostante si pongano come baluardo dei diritti civili.
Alla fine ció che vuole Loh Kiwan non é la cittadinanza belga, ma che questi diritti gli siano riconosciuti, nonostante sia un immigrato clandestino, nonostante sia un apolide, é prima di tutto un essere umano.
Richiede solamente il privilegio di poter vivere portando con orgoglio il proprio nome, simbolo della propria identitá e del legame con la propria famiglia.
Il tutto racchiuso nel titolo del film: "My name is Loh Kiwan".

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Creepy or cute ?

I came upon this short series on YouTube.
I was very intrigued by the short clips they posted which seemed like a very cute and adorable storyline .The series is a blossoming love story between a Japanese worker who is transferred to china and a Chinese girl who works in the same building.Its a cliched love at first sight story. The thing that excited me the most was that leads are introverts who are too shy to approach each other .Their feelings are conveyed to the audience through their thoughts .This seemed like a very interesting plot to me .It's always sweet to see new love blossoming and that what I thought I was in for .
After watching the entire series I've changed my mind .The ML was low key creepy than sweet.To be fair the female isnt far better. They both try various methods to catch each other's attention instead of a standard "hello".
The acting by both the leads are good .But their characters were more shady than sweet in my opinion.But I guess people in Iove do act a bit crazy at times.I'm sure many people won't agree with my take on this .It depends on how people perceive things .Some people might find this type of behavior as cute .I don't know if this is because I'm from a different cultural background,that I feel this way abt it.
Overall the series is okay ,not the best in the opinion.It had great potential which they failed to achieve.
But for the small budget I feel like they did their best .Could have improved the script in my opinion.

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Go to sleep and it will go away

I didn't know, before watching the movie, that I am watching a monodrama. That would change my expectations from the movie, but the ways I saw it, it was too long and exhausting. Just a minor spoiler: the movie starts with a 5-minute sequence of a man walking through dark rooms and nothing happens. That might set the tone of suspense for some viewers, but one minute would be just fine.

I couldn't really relate with the emotions of the main characters but i knew that his inner struggles would all go away if he just went to sleep. He would feel better in the morning. Finally, when the movie starts giving us another perspective, it all becomes more "entertaining" and somehow confusing. So at the end, I compliment the main actor for holding the entire movie on himself and offering us an interesting psychological study of the protagonist, but I can not recommend the movie to the general audience.

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the reason why I won’t watch it again is cause it is too beautiful and sad for me to bear

okay okay I’ll stop crying and write a proper review let’s start with the plot. The plot as you might have guess sad and beautiful. A love story between a girl who has 6months to live and a boy who has 1yr to live. A girl who looks forward to dying and a boy who is scared of dying. A girl who has no attachment to this world and a boy who gave her a reason. Their are movies similar to it but in those the boy is always in good health. so it was a unique take and I liked this more cause in this case I believe he will understand her better and feel her pain better.

The acting? absolutely fantastic. No I am not saying this cause I couldn’t stop crying… maybe I am but anyways the acting vibarated through the screen for me and as I don’t know anything about the actors I have no bias… perhaps their is one now but that’s a separate matter. It was deep and soulful the way they acted. When they were sick I could feel they were sick the way they spoke, the way their eyes showed deep love and sorrow… the actors have a bright future ahead. Not just the ML and FL but the supporting cast as well.

The songs? Beautiful of course. The painting? heart reanching and beautiful. My heart? Broken and dead.



*SPOILER AHEAD*




P.S. After this if I ever see a Gemera I will freaking cry my eyes out. How am I supposed to live violen breaks my heart, now Gemera these directors must always put something particular… Okay Okay I am not crying anymore

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The main leads is cute they made me laugh so hard

I could say that this is a must-watch. (Baifern's acting never disappoints me tbh.

The Con-Heartist, starring the ever-talented Baifern Pimchanok, is a cinematic delight that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The movie delivers everything you could ask for: humor, tears, anger, and shock, all wrapped up in a compelling narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Baifern Pimchanok, once again, proves why she is a beloved star in the film industry. Her portrayal of the lead character is nothing short of brilliant. Baifern’s performance never disappoints, and in The Con-Heartist, she truly outdoes herself. Her ability to switch seamlessly between comedic moments and heartfelt drama showcases her exceptional range and talent. Baifern brings a depth and authenticity to her character that makes you laugh with her, cry with her, and root for her throughout the entire film.

The chemistry between the leads is electric, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the movie. The supporting cast also deserves applause for their outstanding performances, which complement Baifern's acting beautifully. The interactions between the characters are genuine and engaging, making the story even more relatable and impactful.

What sets The Con-Heartist apart is its ability to evoke a wide array of emotions. One moment, you're laughing out loud at the clever humor and witty dialogues; the next, you're wiping away tears during the poignant scenes. The film also does a fantastic job of building tension and surprise, leaving you shocked and on the edge of your seat as the plot unfolds. The twists and turns are well-executed, keeping you guessing and engaged until the very end.

The production quality is top-notch, with stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. The direction is superb, ensuring that each scene flows seamlessly into the next, maintaining a perfect balance between lightheartedness and intensity.

In conclusion, The Con-Heartist is a must-watch for anyone who loves a movie that can make you feel a wide spectrum of emotions. Baifern Pimchanok’s stellar performance is a highlight, reminding us once again why she is such a cherished actress. This film is a testament to her talent and the brilliant storytelling that makes Thai cinema so special. Prepare to laugh, cry, get angry, and be shocked – The Con-Heartist is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

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Pretty much a standard thriller, no more, no less.

When I first heard about this film, I was eager to watch it, thinking that it would be a bit of an expose of the mental mess that is (anti)social media. Unfortunately, it barely addresses this or the misery the illusions of online "reality" cause, instead opting to present a tale we've all seen many times before... or, at least, it certainly feels like it!

The performers all do their roles well, the camera-work, sound, music is all fine... the problem is: nothing is even close to being exceptional.; from the bog standard script to the male lead's almost dopey face throughout, there's nothing about this film that makes it really stand out or say, "Watch me."

Ultimately, this was a very average film but I gave it a 6/10 just because it did touch upon how psychologically damaging (anti)social media is, and the female lead looking so gorgeous throughout is always nice from a straight man's point of view, regardless as to how superficial and/or sexist that may seem.
At least I'm honest.

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Truly entertaining : a combo of a bit crazy plot, outlandish humor and feelings that worked for me.

This movie features a totally bonkers story: the encounter of a yakuza and a middle school choir boy through karaoke lessons. Does it seem a bit crazy ? For sure, but it was so right. I went through a lot of feelings following their journey: laugh and emotions. It is very simple tale with some very outlandish humor that worked very well for me. Maybe the background of the characters could have been more developed to reach a higher level of emotional investment from my side, but I was for sure truly entertained.

Ayano Go who plays the yakuza was top notch. Saito Jun was a suitable younger acting counterpart, maybe a bit green on some points but he succeeded at the most touching scenes. The relationship between them felt right : mentor-mentee vibe (in both way). While I think it could have looked strange or creepy, it never did and I think it is a testimony of their good performances that they were able to avoid what could be a serious pitfall to the scenario.

The OST was good, full of karaoke songs sang with more or less talent which was really the fun aspect of it. The filmmaking was colorful presenting the yakuza life in a vibrant way. It felt disconnected from the reality but that was the point of that crazy but touching story.

I would recommend this to people that enjoy music and/or coming-of-age movie. If you are an aficionado of karaoke, it will for sure bring you up some memories. In overall, it is a good comedy around an atypical mentor-mentee relationship.

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Not as great as expected

I was sooooo looking forward to this movie (because Shin Hae Sun stars in it). I only knew it was a thriller movie partially about social medias, nothing else more.

The story is well written but it is predictable. Even is there is twists, you see them coming and guess what ?! What you’re expecting/guessing is exactly what happens. Same with the end… Even if storyline is consistent there is no surprise.
So this is not a bad movie but not a good one either actually.

The casting is good, ML and inspector are great.
Shin Hae Sun is amazing, no matter what kind of characters she portrays, she is ALWAYS great and her acting skills are ALWAYS impressive (the way she plays the scene when she gets arrested is soooo good !!!) She’s definitely one of my 3 favorite actresses <3

To summary I’m a bit disappointed because I expected this movie to be better than it actually is but I enjoyed it (especially Shin Hae Sun acting skills !)

No rewatch value for me (I’d rather rewatch shows of main actors) and didn’t pay attention to OST

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I feel they could have done so much more with a clearer focus. Despite the hype, not impressed.

I wish Minato and Yori appeared more, and would prefer a better ending.

--- Vague Spoilers --

Story: Director tries to put in a few themes, bullying, being different, societal conformity, japanese apologising/taking responsibility culture (even if not at fault), gay treatment therapy, felt a bit too many... Kind of drew the focus away from what (imo) should be the main theme, aka loving the same gender.

There is additional screen time given to the teacher and his lover to characterize him as a good teacher and set his character, but we don't see much of him in the Minato and Yori plot. Why do they have to combine the parent-teacher power dynamic and the Minato-Yori-classroom bullying plots into a single story? It feels like both deal with very significant issues that take a lot of emotions and shouldn't be so easily combined. I can see "What happens if they try to make their relationship official in their class, how do they cope and how do they overcome bulyling?" as one story, and "How does the teacher overcome this scapegoating done unto him, and how to deal with what is alleged vs what is actually true?" as another story with the teacher at the focus.

Ending: Giving an ambiguous ending is fine and all, but it left me feeling unfinished, would prefer an epilogue of Minato moving on or the aftermath, aka any change in classmates behaviour? teacher behaviour? Feels like they shown a spotlight on all the dark issues in the Japanese classroom and society and said "Ok, go think about it" and then left us with it.

Actors: Hinata acted so well as Yori the bumbling silly kid, a lighthearted facade with some dark thoughts, but I wished the characters could have been written with more emotional support -- like they're struggling but how do they come to terms with it. Minato's avoidance is only one part of the "gay panic", what about denial/ trying to like girls, what about acceptance, what about coming out?

--- Spoilers end --

I just feel they could have done so much more with it, and despite all the hype, not impressed. I think they could have done better with a clearer focus rather than so many themes, that only get brought up briefly but are never addressed (characters don't tackle or try to solve).

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Always treasure family over money

I watched in Malaysian cinema on 9 June 2024. This movie reminds me of my own grandma. When I was on summer break from uni in Australia, my dad asked me to return home. I visited my grandma 1 week before I returned to Australia then few days after, my grandma passed. I was grateful that I made the trip to visit her.

What I like:
1) How to make millions before grandma dies is beautifully written & directed film. Cinematography was well done. Well done, Pat Boonnitipat and his team!
2) It is set in Thailand but the core themes relatable to Malaysian audiences. Some cultural practices are same here.
3) Wonderful acting by Putthipong Assaratanakul & Usha Seamkhum - their dynamics translated well on screen. Supporting cast did well too.

What I dislike
1) I think the title is misleading because I thought M worked multiple or sketch jobs to gain that much of money

Favourite scene
When M bathed his grandma. I understand perspectives from both sides.

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Caricatural action movie very predictable despite intriguing start

I found super interesting at first the premise of the story, with the legend being the starting point of the film . Unfortunately, the scenario quickly lost me because of the uneasy mix of genres, as well as its overall predictability.

I am not sure if it is related to cast or scenario but I had some real trouble getting attached to the characters... Despite solid acting, actually most of the roles were pretty caricatural.

Production and music were ok but nothing memorable. There were some bad visual effects for some of the animals...Those were not the main focus of the film but were distracting enough.

I would not recommend this to people unless you are ready to leave your brain on off for the duration of the film as well as to use of lot of suspension of disbelief, then you might enjoy yourself. However, I feel there are better no brain required action movie out there...Even if the premise of the story was interesting, it missed the mark for me in terms of what it was trying to convey as well as in mixing tones. Indeed, it oscillated between comedy and noir movie, which really did not mash up well together.

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