Reviews

Intense monster scenes elevate a damn good looking package.

With stunning cinematography, hearty music and intense action scenes, the latest film in the Godzilla series delivers delights for almost all the senses.

Godzilla Minus One is film number 37 in the franchise, and the 5th film since the reboot. Does that mean you have to have seen a bunch of Godzilla movies to keep up with this? I don't think so. My own experience with the series is limited and I stuck with it. Necessary information still emerges, either in dialogue or by simply witnessing Godzilla's progress on the white screen.

It is a period film that takes place during and after the Second World War, and works in harmony with the very first Godzilla from 1954. Which certainly makes it easier.

It also helps that the monster itself isn't the focus of the film. He's there, absolutely, and of course it's Godzilla's rampage that drives the story. But the focus is very much on the people. Above all on the kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima.

Or the supposed kamikaze pilot. For Shikishima (Kōichi Shikishima) has second thoughts and fakes technical problems with his plane. Not long after he lands on an island, and the giant, God-like, monster attacks and the pilot is one of the few survivors. When he returns to Tokyo, it is with real feelings of guilt over what happened.

It is feelings of guilt that haunt Shikishima for a long time. They set it up in the relationship with Noriko Ōishi (Minami Hamabe), a young woman he meets and wants to help. They make themselves known in the relationship with the colleagues and later friends he meets in his new job. They guide his actions when Godzilla reappears and attacks Tokyo.

Kōichi Shikishima and his relationships are of course the heart and soul of the film. It elevates Godzilla Minus One to something more than just a monster movie, it gives the movie value beyond just seeing a cool monster destroy cities and boats. It also becomes a bit too much.

I struggled with the rating for this movie. Because at times the people's stories are drawn out for too long. The story is losing momentum and I'm starting to lose interest. Godzilla Minus One has the characteristics of melodrama, a genre that I personally have a hard time with. It was in these moments that I considered a low rating.

But then the monster makes an entrance again. The action scenes, Godzilla's attacks and the humans' fight against him, are genuinely exciting and at times gripping. The energy is back.

Also (and almost more importantly) this is a damn good looking movie. The photography is beautiful, the scenography places itself believably and perceptibly in the current period, and the special effects work. Godzilla himself is computer-animated, and looks good, but at the same time in a way that I couldn't help but wonder if there could still be a dude in a very well-made suit in there.

Not to mention the music. Composer Naoki Satō may well be the film's strongest card. Conveyor of emotions, underpinning of action sequences. It is an experience.

And thus I still end up in a reasonably strong 4 Star. Despite its flaws (and certainly not everyone will agree that melodramatics are a bad thing), Godzilla Minus One is an incredibly well-made film, an impressive piece of craftsmanship that doesn't always, but at least often enough, offer cinematic thrills.

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Flavors of Bangkok

My headline sounds a bit weird but I don't know how can I describe this super long "movie", it's more a compilation, an anthology with different stories and it was an interesting watch. I'm trying to give short impressions for each stories.

Maha Nakhon; « Coming to the city to the city »
It reflects a social issue with rural people who are coming to the city, they are lovely people, they only have some hope and dream but the reality hit them hard. It’s a bittersweet feeling after finishing this.

Tussana; "Visually"
It was somehow weirdly good giving some kind of hope but at the end I still feel bitter. It’s quite sad but at the same time it has a dark humor in it. It’s funny yet, it left us with some reflexion.

Krungthep Mahasane; "Charming Bangkok"
It shows the different social aspect in the city, giving a documentary vibes with some humor in it and it also feel like a comemrcial. Sometimes it can be unserious, kind of a satire of the society. I liked it.

Long Tae Mai Luam; "Lost but not forgotten"
It’s a beautiful short story, at first I was a bit lost but then it’s a heartwarming and nostalgic story after all. It’s simple yet it gives a chilling vibes with memories. I’ve never traveled to Thailand but it still kind of relatable. When you are outside and you’ve decided to hang out around without planning anything or just, you ended up lost, you can’t help but some memories are back again or you suddenly feel nostalgic.

Silence
That was really touching and it left some strong impression ! It was short but the message was clear and well conveyed. However I must say, she was really lucky to meet such a good guy at night. I really liked the twist because we could think at first, she could be in danger or something.. Moral of the story : don’t judge people for their appearance or don’t quickly jump to the conclusion ! But for sure, you have to be careful sometimes.

Bangkok Blues
A really nice short story, simple but kind of relatable and heartwarming. I really liked it, especially the touch of the English speaking moment and the switch in thai. For bilingual, it’s kind of relatable. The meeting and the small talk between Ananda and the woman was also nice to see. It could be a bit longer to change it into maybe a love story but at the same time, it’s perfect as it is.

Krungthep teeruk ; « Bangkok my love »
Probably one of my favorite out there ! It was really interesting to get to know different people with their opinion and some of their personal experiences of Krungthep. I feel like it was such heartfelt interview, heartwarming, so real and even touching. It makes me smile and one more reason of why I should go to Thailand for once. It’s a huge pity they didn’t add english subtitles because I really wish more people see this lovely short film (it’s more a documentary / interview than an actual movie / fiction).

Phi - Nong ; "Sisters"
Despite being the slightly longest movie out of these 9, I feel like I didn’t get enough closure or maybe I’m nitpicky ? However, it was a nice and good story between sisters. Simple, cute, heartwarming but I’m still confused if the guy really like her sister or not lol
It would be quite alarming if he’s into the younger one but I hope I’m wrong. Anyway, I liked the relationship between the sisters and with her friend.

Phi Makam ; "Tamarind ghost"
I was confused and didn’t know about the meaning behind the title and how it was linked to the story. I don’t want to give some spoilers but, I was just taken aback from the turn of the event. Maybe one of the best short movie but not sure if it’s my favorite, I don’t know why. I just know it was very well done.

Conclusion:
This anthology was interesting and I got to know a different inside of Bangkok through different directors with their style. Of course, I have some stories that I've loved more or touched me more. However, every stories has its own charm.

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Minimum dialogue maximum feeling

Song joong ki and park bo young two extremely amazing artists ..but we have to keep in mind this movie released in 2012 when they were not the prominent names in the korean industry. I am not very impressed with the over all story telling but the performance delivered by the artists was so refined that for a moment I forgot about its lame plot. Werewolf turning human and vice-versa, nothing ne about it right?? But song joong ki's character of werewolf had no dialogues either .. now imagine a psychological love story with ML as werewolf with no dialogues, yeah you got my point. He has to deliver human emotions through wolf body language while making no sound ( no dialogue). His expression his movements were so impactful. the movie has no kissing scenes still it was so damn romantic. There were few twists which added more depth and substance to the story ..like the researcher explaining the werewolf/wolfs have single mating partner for the lifetime emphasising at what extend he is attached to FL ..secondly his turning to a beast to protect the FL ... Lastly the scene when FL returns after 40-45 years and finds him waiting for her in the same room just because she asked him to wait .. honestly I cried like a river worth of tears while watching that scene. YOU KNOW IT'S EASY TO HANDLE BETRAYALS WITH SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS RAGE AND ANGER BUT WHEN WE RECIEVE OVERWHELMING LOVE AND LOYALTY WE OFTEN LEFT WITH A QUESTION " WHAT DID I EVER DO SO GOOD TO DESERVE SOMEONE LIKE HIM/HER"?
Park bo young's character is timid to 'i can speak ever now and then. Both have a very good chemistry.

The cinematography has horrible .. I don't know if they hired a light man in the crew .. everything looked so dull. Background music was just so so ..


Take my advice watch it for the actors and their performance.

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Utterly charming even with all the overacting and pathetic print

This was a 2004 release, and watching this movie felt like taking a glimpse into South Korean society in the past—when it was less about plastic surgeries and designer brands, and more about their reserved culture. The makeup was abysmal, with all that chalky, single-tone foundation and dusty bubblegum-pink blushes. I’m certain there were no such things as acting classes back then, judging by their overacting. Yet, still... still, there's something about the love stories from that era that makes our hearts skip a beat every now and then. The leads don’t kiss readily, they don’t smooch, but viewers will get goosebumps just at the sight of them holding hands—if you know what I mean.

Moving on, the plot wasn’t something you haven’t already seen; it’s quite overused by today’s standards. The story was cute, revolving around a high school girl and a handsome college guy. The love story began with fights, frustration, irritation, and those classic "wait till I kill you" vibes, which soon blossomed into a sweet friendship and eventually into love.

Background music was BOMB

The plot was silly, the acting was atrocious, but for some reason, I enjoyed it immensely. I found myself laughing at their absurd chases and feeling butterflies whenever they came close. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
Recommended ❤️

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As entertaining as they come

You know your film is off to a strong start when you aren't even 5 minutes in and it's already staging its own lightsaber fights, albeit with fluorescent bulbs. Marking the end of Sammo Hung's greatest period as both star and director with a mighty bang, Pedicab Driver exemplifies the type of cinema that Hong Kong loved during the 80s. What that means is it's a mismatched series of bizarre comedy, heightened emotions, sudden tragedy and yes, incredible fight scenes. The extended fight between Sammo and Lau Kar-Leung in the gambling den stands as one of the film's most memorable moments, despite its complete irrelevance to the plot. Although it seems a little overambitious at times in its storytelling, with several seemingly unrelated threads running parallel, the film does manage to hold it all together in a way that only Hong Kong cinema can. While the story threads are certainly only diversions from the main spectacle, they do enhance the film somewhat, thanks largely to the cast's terrific performances and great music. It all starts happy-go-lucky but by the end, revenge is the name of the game and it is one Sammo delivers tenfold with some fantastic direction. For its uneven mishmash of genres and tones, Pedicab Driver succeeds wholeheartedly thanks to its easily empathetic and loveable characters and their plights, it's as entertaining as they come and features something for everyone. While not quite a masterpiece it is well worth seeing.

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I cried even when I already knew he would die ...

I already received a spoiler-packed review of this movie from my brother before watching it, so I knew Byeon Woo-seok’s character would die in the end. Still, somehow, I couldn't control my tears when the truth about his death unfolded in the film. Honestly, I don't know what was better—knowing about his death and getting a clear conclusion after 15 years, or just believing he was alive somewhere, living a selfish life after abandoning her. If I were in her place, I would have chosen the latter. I don’t need closure; I would have preferred to live in a bubble, thinking he was selfish, that he was a jerk... but at least he was still breathing. That would be enough for me.

After all, school romances rarely turn into something serious. So, this ending wasn’t my favorite. But we know that not all stories end in a “happily ever after,” right?

The cast was amazing—Woo-seok looked so charming, as always. The female lead (from My Demon) was beautiful; her character was cheerful and funny, totally endearing.

I felt the background music was a bit different from the usual—really not my taste. But since the cinematography and soundtrack were crafted to reflect the 1999 era, I suppose we can overlook that.

Overall, it’s a good movie for a one-time watch; you can definitely give it a try.

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"There are beings that exist that you can't even imagine."

Much more of a theater play than a film to me, the movie makes a fascinating mixture between esotericism and psychology.
Aragami sometimes reminds me of Coppola's film Dracula and sometimes Zeffireli's Hamelet but still, with an unique style od its own, a precise and well thought mise-en-scène and enigmatic acting performances that keep you in suspense !


In a silent and isolated room, a room that resembles a deep and secret thought full of imagination, strangeness, and the unknown, the destinies of a man, a demon and a witch (?) are colliding.
In this same room, the mystery and magic of their world is revealed.

Lurking in the shadows, one of the secrets of the mystery finds the light :
"There are a lot of people who look human but are not ... They are human, yet they are not human."

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"Those who survive, keep thinking about the dead"

Drive My Car was a slow, agonizing, peeling away of emotions and denial, much of the revelations taking place in a red 2-door Saab. “Uncle Vanya” by Anton Chekhov served as therapist, burrowing into the actors and revealing buried questions and regrets.

“What should I do about my life and love?”
Yusuke and Oto have been married for 20 years. After the death of their daughter a decade before the light went out of their lives. Oto is a screenwriter who uses sex as a muse and to fill the emptiness inside her. Yusuke left television acting and now works in the theater. All is not as blissful as it seems between the two when tragedy hits. Two years after Oto’s death, Yusuke travels to Hiroshima to direct his version of “Uncle Vanya” that is a multi-lingual production. He is famous for his interpretation of Uncle Vanya but after Oto’s death he’s been unable to process the emotional anguish of the challenging part. The Festival director insists that he have a driver and assigns a young woman to transport him while working on the play. His driver, twenty-three-year-old Misaki, quietly carries her own burden of guilt.

“However, the world had changed to something sinister.”
Drive My Car took a rather in-depth look at play auditions, readings, and the revelations to actors and audience. This play was unique in that each character spoke a different language-Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Korean sign language, and Tagalog. A screen displayed all four languages for audience members, but it got me to thinking. How well do we truly understand people, even people we love, when speaking the same language? The film asked if it’s possible to truly understand another’s secret heart. How often do we shy away from asking the important questions for fear of the answers? And how much pain does it cause to not be asked those pertinent questions?

“If you really want to look at someone then your only option is to look at yourself squarely and deeply.”
Nishijima Hidetoshi brilliantly showed how Yusuke wore his serene demeanor like impenetrable armor. Subtle cracks revealed his pain, guilt, anger, and sorrow. The cassettes Oto had recorded for Yusuke to practice his lines felt like accusations and pronouncements of their marital relationship. If Yusuke wore a suit of protective armor, Miura Toko’s Misaki had built a fortress of stone around her heart. The two strangers went from traveling in silence to coming to understand that they had more in common. Okada Masaki played an actor who had ties to Oto and deeply disturbed Yusuke’s calm bubble, but in shaking Yusuke up, he also revealed a stunning secret.

“I let something genuine slip by.”
Drive My Car’s story unfolded deliberately, with tiny revelations chipping away at Yusuke and Misaki’s walls. The catharsis of Uncle Vanya unrelentingly bored into their hearts uncovering deep wounds, bringing them into the light for healing. Guilt and regret are the sharpest of blades that can only be dulled with understanding and forgiveness. And a little time of self-discovery in a 1987 red 900 Turbo Saab.

13 November 2024

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Homage to Jimmy Wang Yu's One-Armed Swordsman

Wu Xia aka Dragon was a nice homage to The One-Armed Swordsman, even casting Jimmy Wang Yu as the Big Bad. My review is based on the shorter international version which was thankfully subbed and not dubbed but was still almost 20 minutes shorter than the original version.

Liu Ji Xi makes a living making paper and lives with his wife, stepson, and young son. Their lives are quiet and idyllic until one day two notorious criminals who have escaped custody break into a shop and brutalize the older couple who own it. Ji Xi clumsily stumbles in and intervenes. Afterward when the village is celebrating Ji Xi’s heroic acts, Detective Xu Bai Ju arrives. He believes that there may have been more than luck involved when the simple papermaker defeated too skilled killers. His suspicions are confirmed when the 72 Demons Gang attacks the town in search of Ji Xi.

Donnie Yen played the papermaker with a mysterious past giving the kind of performance you’d expect from him. He also choreographed the fights which meant they were entertaining to watch. Tang Wei played his wife, Ah Yu. Sadly, she didn’t have much to do in this film. Ji Xi’s bespectacled antagonist was the investigator played by Kaneshiro Takeshi who had his own murky past. I suspect some of the edits came at the cost of Kaneshiro’s character as there was more to him hinted at than what I saw. I would like to think Tang Wei’s time was also cut because in the 97-minute version she was criminally underused. Jimmy Wang Yu played the nefarious Master of the 72 Demons gang who was a formidable martial artist. I was never a fan of Jimmy’s old kung fu flicks, even blasphemously the original One-Armed Swordsman. To my relief, he gave a more nuanced, if menacing, performance here. Kara Hui (My Young Auntie!!) bounded in as one of the Demons and at 51 years of age held her own with Donnie in their choreographed fights.

Dragon had superb fights, two male leads with painful pasts trying to make the best of their lives, and a thriller element when the 72 Demons came to town with swords drawn. The film called into question whether there was room for empathy in enforcing the law. Dragon might not have broken any new ground, but it was stylishly filmed and well-acted. Not a bad way to spend an hour and a half.

7 November 2024
Trigger warnings: Body parts went flying in three different scenes as well as a tooth

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All the Liquors (and Food)

Let me start by saying first and foremost, I think Won Do Hyun did an excellent job for his first main role. I had watched Kim Jun Hyung previously (definitely has talent) and hope to watch more of both of them in the future.

Now, about this movie version of the series.
(TL;DR AT BOTTOM)

I love the premise as of course food and alcohol are a timeless pairing. It makes sense to have these type of situations come up in marketing. But it is a little bit far fetched in this. The Chef Ki Hoon is an unknown with zero social media presence and no culinary background to speak of other than Grandmama had a tteokbokki shop that he grew up in that has been since renovated into a small restaurant with an exposed kitchenette that he cooks in.

Before I go further let me focus on our cute main lead Ji Yu. How is he not gaining weight? All this character does is eat, drink, eat again, sleep, repeat. We see him at work a couple of times talking about food and soju. We see him at a variety of places eating and drinking. Bestie Ji Ha (Jeong Ho Gyun - he needs a main he’s hilarious and so expressive) meets up to: you guessed it! Eat and Drink. Kind of hard to give any depth when the character is stuffing his face constantly. But we love him anyway and his personality is like a confused chipmunk.

Back to Chef, he is strict and stern. Kind of. For a minute. No Alcohol! Okay, let’s have some alcohol because cutie Ji Yu wants it. Huh? That quickly? I think there were a few steps missing. All of a sudden, Chef is taking Chipmunk on a trip and agreeing to this contract and how did we get here? It’s disjointed and in a way that left me rewatching scenes to make sure I didn’t miss something. So my complaint is the editing or the storyline itself. No idea who is to blame but it is a tough few cuts and jumps while watching.

Then we have the kisses. The actors looked so uncomfortable and there was zero passion or feeling in those couple of kisses. I don’t need tongue so don’t take it like that - I do need something other than camera angles trying to make it look like they are doing more than barely touching lips. They sold their relationship as though it was building up to something but that wasn’t anything. The director should have done better. Workshops or coaching to help and different camera angle may have helped. It just was nothing. I felt it did a disservice to the characters (no matter how disjointed and underdeveloped they were). And the final blow was the fact that their relationship wasn't even established until the last scene even though they already had (implied) slept together and at least a couple weeks had passed if not months. Weird choice.

TL;DR:

So much eating and drinking by cute chipmunk male lead.
Chef storyline made no sense (no social media or culinary accolades but hired for big corporate event?).
More eating and drinking.
Corporate Job for Chipmunk? Huh? Where?
No character depth anywhere to be found.
Why is there so much food & soju and so little actual story?
Flirty with no chemistry.
Kisses that were completely bland.
Needed more of Bestie here or elsewhere.
Wait - they weren’t even a couple? Was this a bromance disguised as a BL?
Ooooh more food and soju and wine this time too!

Eh. It’s forgettable but still I like the actors and they did the best with what they had. I don’t fault them. I blame the scriptwriter(s) and Director.

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