Reviews

Definitely worth the watch.

I just want to say this is one of the saddest movies I’ve ever watched. I would say I am the biggest cry babies when I watch sad things but this really takes the cake. I’ve literally been crying for 2 days it’s so sad but so good. The plot is amazing and who ever wrote the story line did an amazing job at making the storyline flow. I think the way the portrayed the flower throughout the whole movie from beginning to end was so heart warming and actually made me cry even more just think about it. I also think this movie can be kind of like a message for the real world in some way or another.

Read More

A masterpiece

One of the best films I’ve ever seen. It has some similarities to Saving Private Ryan except it is set in the Vietnam War and the main “searcher” is a Korean wife. A lot of reviewers didn’t like the story because they didn’t see the point in Sunny searching for a husband who didn’t love her, but I think that is viewing the storyline through a Western lens. Sunny’s sense of duty, and honor, to prove to her mother-in-law that she’s a worthy wife for her son simply have no translation in Western culture and values, which is precisely what made the story so fascinating to me. I felt that the ultimate scene where her husband breaks down crying in front of her was his recognition of her worthiness to be loved, to which he’d previously been blind. Soo Ae was incredible, as were all the other actors. Loved it. But it’s so intense it would be hard to watch again !

Read More

that sub plot is most definitely gay

I know that there is a lot of controversy when it comes to North Korean stories being told by South Koreans, but as someone who isn't Korean at all I can't comment on it. With every twist and turn I was able to stay surprised (as long as I was able to hold up my suspension of belief). Like any movie that involves guns there are scenes where people don't shoot when they could've brought someone down, but once you get to the end you sort of understand why. I didn't look at the casting beyond the two leads so I was very surprised with how many well know actors there were. With such a great cast of course the acting was good and I have no complaints. I really enjoyed the soundtrack especially the inclusion of zionT's song. I had not heard it before watching but it was a very impactful addition. I can see myself watching this again once it goes to streaming, but I highly recommend seeing it in theaters if you have the chance. I would recommend seeing this.

When it comes to the *potentially* queer subplot, I don't care what the director says. "The Bastard I Loved" says it all. My thoughts were summed up really well by an article on the IndieWire by David Opie and I recommend giving that a read if you are interested.

Read More

"It ends fast if you stay still"

What will an Ordinary Person do in the face of poverty and corruption? Will an Ordinary Person fight for the children’s future at the cost of his own? What would an Ordinary Person do for his child’s health and future? Set in Seoul during the turbulent 1980’s, two ordinary men would have to decide how much of themselves they could give away and whether they could do something extraordinary.

Kang Sung Jin is a police detective barely making ends meet with a mute wife and a son who needs an operation on his leg. Providence seems to reach out and touch him when Choi Kyoo Nam of the Intelligence Agency gifts him an envelope containing evidence of a serial killer. The killer just happens to be in Sung Jin’s jail cell. It’s up to Sung and his partner to gather the witnesses and coerce a confession from Kim Tae Sung. It’s not long before his friend and reporter Chu Jae Jin, points out conflicting evidence putting Sung Jin in not only an ethical dilemma but both men in a life and death one.

The events in the movie lead up to the 1987 Defense of the Constitution and demonstrations. Torture and forced confessions were business as usual. Jang Hyuk’s Choi Kyoo Nam was ruthless and saw those beneath him as mere dogs which he could order to do his bidding. If they faltered, he would just make dog stew out of them. The Intelligence Agency had its tendrils everywhere.

Ordinary Man forced its characters to dig deep and make diligent and dangerous decisions. Like in an old Kaiju movie, the monster didn’t truly reveal himself until the forty-minute mark. The film could have used some trimming to narrow down the story and focus. It started out with a comedic chase, but anyone who has watched Korean movies knows better than to take that bait, it’s never long before the pain sets in.

Sung Jin found that once you did the devil’s bidding, there was no turning back. A new car, money to spend, an operation for his son all seemed like a dream come true until it became a nightmare of agonizing ethical choices. Choices had consequences, terrible irrevocable consequences. This was not an action movie, and only the framework had to do with the pervasive corruption in society. At its heart, the film asked what would an ordinary man do when faced with dire moral challenges never knowing if his choices would change anything for the better or if he’d be able to live with them.

"If I don't fall, no one can knock me down."

5 July 2024

Read More

Strikingly beautiful romance

Introduction:
This film is a true gem, one that’s challenging to discuss without revealing its most profound moments. It’s layered with intriguing paradoxes, much like the complexity of an old folk tale. Rather than attempting to untangle its narrative, it’s more fulfilling to marvel at its execution, which is nothing short of exceptional.

Presentation and Storytelling:
What makes this film shine is its extraordinary presentation, weaving together impeccable writing, direction, acting, and a touch of imagination. Every aspect is handled with such finesse that it evokes a wide range of emotions—from laughter to warmth and even tears. To capture this emotional spectrum within a single story is an incredible achievement that deserves applause.

Acting and Character Depth:
The cast delivers breathtaking performances, immersing themselves in their characters’ journeys. Their authenticity and emotional depth are mesmerizing, making the relationships portrayed on screen feel both tangible and heartfelt. The simplicity of the production, free from flashy effects or CGI, highlights the sheer strength of the performances and the narrative. This is a film that relies entirely on its actors, and they rise to the challenge, creating a deeply moving experience.

A Unique Narrative Twist:
One of the film’s standout features is its simultaneous climax and anticlimax—a rare storytelling device executed flawlessly here. This adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue to the narrative, leaving a lasting impression. It’s not often seen in cinema, but when done as effectively as it is here, it elevates the story to another level.

Conclusion:
In the end, this film stands out as a modern masterpiece of romantic storytelling. Its unconventional nature might not appeal to those who prefer dissecting every plot detail, but for anyone who cherishes heartfelt stories and beautifully crafted cinema, this is a must-watch. Its depth and emotional resonance make it a film worth revisiting—a true mark of excellence in storytelling.

Read More

Tender, romantic, and sad

Japanese filmmakers have an extraordinary ability to craft delicate and heartfelt romance stories, and this film is no exception. It takes you on an emotional journey, lifting your spirits with happiness and grounding you with deep, sorrowful moments. It’s a cinematic experience that lingers in your heart.

A Love That Evolves Beautifully
The narrative unfolds at a gentle, unhurried pace, but as Toru and Maori’s bond deepens, the story becomes increasingly poignant and captivating. True love is revealed through selfless acts, and the romance depicted here feels genuine, even though it doesn’t start that way. Beyond the love story, the film also highlights an unwavering friendship between Maori and Isumi, which is equally touching.

The chemistry between the leads is nothing short of perfect, drawing you into their connection. Watching such pure and kind-hearted characters is a refreshing change from the darker, grittier stories that dominate modern cinema. It reminds us that goodness, real love, and lifelong friendships still exist.

A Balance Between Hope and Reality
While the film celebrates love and friendship, it doesn’t shy away from reality. It’s not an overly sugary or unrealistic portrayal of life. Instead, it subtly reminds us that even the most beautiful moments come with their share of pain and that perfection is fleeting in our imperfect world.

If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a partner who loves and accepts you completely—flaws and all—this movie captures that ideal beautifully. But it also gently grounds you, showing that life on Earth comes with challenges, and happiness isn’t eternal. It’s a poignant message: cherish the moments you have, even if they’re tinged with sorrow.

A Lasting Impact
The film explores how memories shape us, not just in our minds but in our very being. Even when memories fade, the feelings they’ve etched into our souls remain. This profound theme is handled with great care, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

Overall, this is a beautifully crafted film that strikes the perfect balance between hope and heartbreak. It’s a reminder of the beauty in selfless love, enduring friendship, and the bittersweet nature of life. Truly a masterpiece that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Read More

A great concept for a romance.

Protagonists:
The main characters in Insomnia bring a familiar yet engaging dynamic to the story. Ganta, the introverted and overly self-critical protagonist, struggles with a deep sense of inadequacy and learned helplessness. In contrast, Isaki, his partner, is a lively, energetic, and carefree spirit who thrives on optimism and activity. Despite their stark differences, they share a common battle with insomnia, which leads them to join the astronomy club. Their relationship flourishes through an unusual connection—they make each other feel relaxed enough to doze off, a paradoxical and endearing trait that strengthens their bond. Ganta finds solace in Isaki’s vibrant personality, while she admires his dependable nature.

Secondary Characters:
The supporting cast offers a refreshing departure from stereotypes. Tao, with his level-headed maturity, and Yui, the quirky, tech-savvy geek, bring balance and variety to the narrative. These well-rounded characters add dimension to the story and make it more enjoyable by breaking away from predictable tropes.

Storyline:
The plot of Insomnia is somewhat uneven at first. It feels as though the writer struggles to decide on the tone and direction, leading to a blend of different styles. The story oscillates between calm, reflective Seinen moments, overly dramatic shojo-like declarations, and highly detailed geeky explorations of astronomy and photography. This inconsistency may make it challenging for some viewers to connect fully. At times, the narrative is rich with introspection and meaningful exchanges, while at others, it meanders, feeling repetitive and hollow.

Conclusion:
In the latter half, the story settles into a steady rhythm as a thoughtful Seinen slice-of-life romance. The narrative focuses on Ganta’s personal growth, his evolving relationship with Isaki, and their shared passion for stargazing. The ending is particularly satisfying, as Ganta takes a decisive stand for the first time, prioritizing Isaki over his usual adherence to rules and expectations. This rebellion marks a significant turning point for his character and adds emotional weight to the story’s conclusion.

Despite its shaky start, Insomnia evolves into a heartfelt and contemplative tale of love, self-discovery, and the simple joys of life. Its charming characters, meaningful growth arcs, and touching moments make it a worthwhile experience.

Read More

Facilitating reunions with lost loved ones.

"Wonderland" boasts a fascinating premise: a virtual world facilitating reunions with lost loved ones.

It's the first film I've seen by director Kim Tae-Yong, whose filmography leans towards lower-rated projects.

While the concept is undeniably intriguing, the execution falters. The screenplay feels messy, and the direction lacks polish. This is especially disappointing considering the talented cast, including Bae Suzy and Park Bo-gum. Their performances elevate the material, but they can't quite salvage the film's shortcomings.

Here's the verdict:
"Wonderland" is a mixed bag. The strong central idea is overshadowed by messy pacing and direction. However, the stellar cast delivers, making it a watchable experience for those curious about the sci-fi romance angle. 

Recommendation:
Yes I recommend it with 7/10 rating.

Read More

I WISH IT WAS A SERIES

I really loved it. sometimes I can't watch long series but it depends if I like the serie/movie or not. But I wish this short movie was longer or even a series. I fell in love with cinematography! cinematography is one of the first things I notice in a movie/serie. I really loved the music it fit that vibe perfectly. the cast was good too. I don't know the actors but their acting was good ! I wouldn't rewatch it really because it's just a small love story without anything really happening but it's cuter ! I loved it ! also never watched a Chinese drama so I actually feel happy about it!!

Read More

Heartfelt, heartbreaking movie that felt like it lacked something

Truth be told I have been anticipating the release of this movie for months as I'm a huge fan of nagase ren. I already read the synopsis so I also knew the movie was going to be heartbreaking so I prepared myself going in since it was evident I was in for a tearjerker.

This movie was initially marketed as a romance so I was expecting a tragic romance movie similar in nature to "your lie in April" or "I want to eat your pancreas" and it was but I felt like it left something to be desired. I wasn't fully satisfied with the portrayal of the romantic relationship of the two leads of this movie.

Even though they had spectacular chemistry and they are both amazing actors in their own right that both fulfilled the roles they were given in this movie to the best of their ability I felt like the movie was holding back on progressing them romantically by quite a bit. there was little to no romantic progression and a very vague confession towards the end that got the message across but I wanted something more direct.

The leads barely got involved romantically and even while the FL, Haruna, was alive she described their relationship as being "best friends" which kinda irked me because they were clearly romantically interested in each other yet they never confessed.

I feel like the "sad" part of the movie would have been further exemplified if they portrayed them more as a couple instead of best friends when this is very clearly a romance movie and the ending furthers this claim that their relationship can't really be described as platonic despite it being portrayed as such.

And so the entire movie I was waiting for that one special moment that would signify that yes..they are in love but it never came except the vague confession at the end when she had already passed away and that led to the movie feeling rather bland.

On the contrary, my main gripe with the movie aside everything else was pretty cool. I liked the sound design. The main OST is spectacular and a certified banger. The character development is superb and you really get to see the ML, Akito, really grow as a person in a realistic manner and the story itself progressed nicely and didn't feel rushed or slow, the pacing was just perfect for a movie of this nature.

Also like I mentioned before the acting was really good. I can't say I have ever seen a drama from the FL before but I am aware she's in "ao Haru ride" and after watching this movie and witnessing her performance I feel more inclined in watching more dramas/movies from her. As for nagase ren I was already a fan and I'm even m ore so now. I like how he can create such a great chemistry with his female costars and really make you root for him.

All in all, this was a pretty decent movie and I recommend you check it out for yourself as well to form your own opinion you might even like it more than me.

Read More

3 Gaberas???

The only j-movie which made me bawl my eyes for nearly 1 hr.
Just finished watching this movie, well before didn't had much hope that it'll gonna impress me, thought maybe this gonna be a simple as usual movie where leads die, which actually happened but the way they portrayed it, that was??.
For people who likes romance it would not excite you much but the love shown here the slow and silent romance they had was ethereal.
I would definitely recommend everyone to watch it,you might cry pr be in pain remembering the pain and trauma it'll give but the essence of life and the positivity Haruna showed us towards life is what everyone should seek in their life.

Read More