Reviews

Exciting yet strangely empty.

I do understand how amazing the movie is and how it’s probably worth a 9+ rating. I cannot move on from the fact everyone sucked in it. On a personal level I just did not enjoy watching it that much, because I did not like any of the characters and honestly wanted them all to fail.

It's an interesting story about a complex scheme, but it also lacks any lesson for me. It was just an exciting watch and that’s it. High on tension and well paced to keep the interest (though I would prefer it being a bit shorter). Great cinematography - it looked expensive. Not to mention, they were able to visually present taking exams and cheating in a really dramatic way - that’s a big plus for me. Good directing and editing can make paint drying on the wall exciting.

Sadly, this is a movie I forget in a week. It won’t leave any lasting effect on me. At the end I will most likely associate it with a strong feeling of frustration and annoyance towards the characters. Lynn for going on a high horse - just because she learned the lesson, does not mean she can force that onto others, who were in fact more screwed over than her. Bank for learning wrong lessons and acting surprisingly dumb for a genius. Grace and Pat for just being assholes with no care for others whatsoever.

Overall, it’s a movie that the majority of people will love. One that is for sure worth recommendation. And yet, for someone like me who values the attachment I create with characters, this failed my expectations.

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Intensely heartbreaking

The most impressive portrayal to date of the independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun in Korean cinema, and also the most heartbreaking approach ever as it is an absolutely traumatizing process of what led to this real historical event that lit up the Korean independence movement. The movie has really deep sensitivity into the historical figures, the plot is extremely well designed which keeps the historical accuracy intact while serving cinematic needs with a solid structure of suspense. The technical aspects are even more brilliant, cinematography is extremely classy with some of the most insane shots and that silent suspense is freaking mindblowing, audio mixing is powerfully done and acting performances are just so captivating, it'll be hard to top this level of perfection anytime soon.

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Green Bones: A Tale of Justice, Redemption, and the Grey in Between

"Green Bones: A Tale of Justice, Redemption, and the Grey in Between"

Green Bones is a cinematic gem that should be on everyone’s must-watch list this year. Directed by Zig Dulay and written by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, based on a concept by JC Rubio, this 2024 Philippine prison drama challenges audiences to rethink their notions of morality, justice, and redemption. Featuring standout performances by Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, the film premiered on December 25, 2024, as part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, and has already left audiences buzzing.

The story hinges on a powerful concept: green bones, found in a person’s cremated remains, symbolize a life of goodness—something remorseless criminals could never possess. Against this intriguing backdrop, the narrative unfolds with Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), a grief-stricken corrections officer determined to prevent the release of Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), a man convicted of the gruesome murder of his sister and niece. As Xavier wrestles with his bias, the film peels back the layers of Zamora’s story, challenging assumptions and delving into the grey areas of human nature.

A Philosophical and Emotional Journey
From the first scene, Green Bones grabs your attention with its philosophical depth and unflinching exploration of morality. Dulay’s direction turns what could have been a typical prison drama into a dark, fairy-tale-like meditation on justice. The screenplay is taut, with precise pacing that keeps the runtime feeling concise yet impactful. Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza's writing deftly balances drama and introspection, offering a narrative that’s both deeply human and profoundly thought-provoking.

The film’s philosophical approach is where it truly shines. It dismantles binary notions of good and evil, reminding us that human beings are capable of both. The narrative underscores that our choices—and how we take responsibility for them—define our morality. Moreover, it critiques systemic injustices that often label individuals as entirely good or bad, urging viewers to look deeper.

A Visual and Performative Triumph
Neil Daza’s cinematography deserves special mention, with sweeping aerial shots juxtaposed against intimate close-ups that reveal the characters’ inner turmoil. The prison, reminiscent of the real-life Iwahig Penal Colony in Palawan, serves as a visual metaphor for the film’s themes: a place of confinement that also offers the possibility of growth and redemption.

Dennis Trillo delivers a career-defining performance as Zamora, transitioning seamlessly between menace and vulnerability. His portrayal is a masterclass in nuanced acting, anchoring the film with emotional depth. Ruru Madrid complements him perfectly, bringing raw intensity to Gonzaga’s internal struggle. Together, they create a dynamic that is both heartbreaking and cathartic. The supporting cast, including Alessandra de Rossi, Iza Calzado, and Ronnie Lazaro, enrich the film’s tapestry, each bringing their A-game to their respective roles.

Themes That Resonate
Green Bones is not just about individual redemption; it’s a commentary on societal systems. Through its characters and their stories, the film highlights how systemic injustices affect everyone involved—victims, perpetrators, and enforcers alike. It challenges the audience to question their own prejudices and to recognize the humanity in those society often deems irredeemable.

The film also touches on themes of hope and transformation. The symbolic tree where characters tie their wishes mirrors Buddhist prayer flags, reinforcing the idea that goodness can prevail even in the darkest of places.

A Final Word
Green Bones is a cinematic triumph that transcends its genre. It’s a deeply moving exploration of justice and redemption, brought to life by stellar performances and masterful storytelling. Dulay’s direction, combined with Lee and Atienza’s writing, ensures that the film not only entertains but also provokes meaningful reflection.

By the time the credits roll, you’ll find yourself grappling with questions about morality, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change. And perhaps, like many others, you might leave the theater with a few tears shed and a heart full of empathy.

Green Bones is more than just a movie—it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and, ultimately, a call to look beyond the surface and into the soul of what makes us human.

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To leave a record, or to leave a memory? This is up to your decision.

Underdog story will never disappoint a sentimental folk like me. Surprisingly touching, taking into consideration we never get that deep into the backstory of any of the characters. Still managed to make me cry.

What Dream did best was presenting unique and fun characters and milking everything they could from all of the different dynamics they presented with each other. Hong Dae and So Min's fake positive attitude and sarcastic comments behind the scenes were amazing. Bum Su having the delulu rivalry against Hong Dae made me laugh more than once. Hyo Bong and Eun Hye were adorable with their sweet and caring family bond. The production had good bricks and they built a solid home out of it.

The thing that I was the most afraid of was the potential negative portrayal of the homelessness - it’s easy to fall into stereotypes while making a movie that centers around it. With the variety of different stories, they did a fairly good job showing that it is not a simple issue, and sometimes your economic situation is not the result of your wrong actions. Sometimes a tragedy happens when you are young and you have no means to support yourself. Sometimes bad people use your kindness. And sometimes you do something bad and have to face the negative consequences.

The performances were amazing - not surprising looking at the cast. There is something about Park Seo Joon’s image, that even when he plays what seems like an asshole, you still like him. I was honestly quite surprised with Lee Hyun Woo and how much he was able to transform his whole demeanor to fit Kim In Sun. The same year he played Bo Gyum in A Good Day to Be a Dog - these two characters could not be less similar to each other, yet he molded himself to fit them both perfectly.

At the end of the day, it’s just a fun and entertaining watch. The comedy fits my taste perfectly, the moving scenes were placed in just the right moments to touch me, the ending was heartwarming. It’s a feel-good movie about the underdog with exaggerated characters and positive impact.

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Horror meets Butterfly Effect

I can't say this won't contain spoilers, so I'll just make that a fair warning now.

Now we all know Butterfly Effect with Ashton Kutcher, so I shouldn't have to explain that part. Let me say that first I thought maybe this movie was going to be about the two main leads trying to work together to stop a serial killer. Nope. As the movie progressed I was really struck by how the FL in the future asked the FL in the past to save her dad. All is well until the Seo Yeon (future FL) finds out that Yeong Sook (past FL) killed her mother. It all went down hill from there when the Seo Yeon tried to ignore the Yeong Sook. Desperately trying to break the past, the Seo Yeon knows she can't just ignore the phone calls because it will somehow effect her present. Every little thing that is done has to be the way Yeong Sook wants it, if not then Seo Yeon loses everything she holds dear. So instead of Seo Yeon allowing the past be the past and she saved Yeong Sook, she sacrificed her own freedom and future.

Overall:
It was a great movie. I'd never watched anything like it before and I was very impressed by the acting. Towards the end really kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happened next.

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This movie presents as light entertainment, but I challenge you to see it otherwise.

Suffocating Love, to me is a deliberate oxymoron.

Taiwan delivers again, with a thought provoking and challenging movie, dressed up as light-hearted entertainment.

You can choose to watch this movie in a light and uninvested way, and enjoy the pretty interactions. Or you can choose to invest, and challenge yourself.

This is a movie about Intimate Partner Abuse, and challenges your biases about victimhood and perpetrators.
Check your biases as you watch. Can you identify the victim? Can you identify the abuse and the perpetrators of it? Which characters do you naturally empathise the most with and why?

Yes movies, books, TV, can teach us. Yes they are cultural items that have meaning, and can definitely create social change. Sometimes those changes can occur with small steps, such as this movie offers.

(I have opened a spoiler filled discussion on the drama page, if anyone wants to comment)

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Entertaining gangster movie in the context of nightlife / clubbing, featuring numerous twists

I quite enjoyed this movie. There were some interesting twists and a good pace to the story that I found quite exciting to follow. The set up of the characters and their motivation was very quickly established in an efficient way. I don't think the story aims to be taken very seriously despite all the politics hijinks and usual corruption trope.

I liked the energy of the main character as well as how developed the relationship around him. I found the romantic aspect the writer tried to insert there useless. It did not work for me because of the lack of development.

I would recommend this to people looking for a gangster action movie. It is not that memorable and quite standard for the genre in terms of storylines. But it is an energizing watch thanks to the main character drive and the context of the nightlife and clubbing is always an interesting setting for that kind of story.

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Just fun and entertaining - quite bunker at time

I liked a lot this zombie movie. It is not subtle at all in the message it tries to convey but I found it quite relevant in the current society. A job that transforms you in a zombie and that traps you despite of you wanting anything but that. I like the bucket list of the main character and the way he faced head on the situation.

The cast did a good job carrying this rather unserious story. Maybe it could have been better for some of the emotional scenes. But well, difficult to do much more with all the craziness that was happening at the same time. It was clearly aiming at comedy rather than horror. I was never scared at any point. And I will always remember a particularly dumb action plot in the aquarium.

I would recommend this to people looking for a fun action movie. Was it absurd at a lot of time ? Yes. Did I raise my eyebrow more and more as the plot progressed ? Yes. Was it entertaining? Yes. It is much more a comedy than anything else, it has a cartoonish feel to it, so if you are looking for something scary and serious, this is definitely not the movie to watch.

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Lee Joon Gi in this era of his career will always make my heart flutters ~~~~

A nice romantic movie, mixing both Korean and Japanese language as the main lead is a South Korean student moving in Kyoto with his father and the female lead is a Japanese student. I really liked the way the movie makes the two culture meet, the way the two characters are reaching to each other despite not speaking the same language.

To be honest, I am not sure that I would have enjoyed as much the movie if Lee Joon Gi was not playing the main protagonist. His looks in his era brought so much sweet nostalgia to me that I could not help to be totally swooning at every romantic gesture he made. That man can emote for sure !!!! Miyazaki Aoi was a good counterpart to him, maybe not on the same level in terms of emoting but at the same time she was playing a rather quiet and shy character.

The production was really lovely as the movie takes you on a journey of discovering Tokyo. The viewer see the city through the main lead's eyes and it is really good.

I would recommend this movie to people that are looking for a romance mixing culture and that will take you into a discovery of Tokyo. If you are a fan of Lee Joon Gi, I think it is a must watch for sure. I feel that the overall arc of the romance could have been better but it was still satisfying.

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Took a bit too long to get to the heart of the story, once there, very interesting

I truly liked the idea behind this movie. The fantasy twist was very interesting however, it took way too long to get up to it. I totally understand why it had to be done this way but half of the movie felt relatively sluggish to me. Past the 45 minutes mark, I was invested in the storytelling and deep into the sorrowfulness of the romance. I really liked the bittersweetness of the plot but I would have liked to see an epilogue of what the characters become and the impact their relationship had on their life.

Regarding the acting, it was satisfying but given the scenario, I was expecting to be more gut-wrenched by the performances of the main cast. I think they played it relatively safe and pretty but it could have been better. I'm curious to see both main actor and actress in something else to see what they else they can do.

The filmmaking was good at explaining the tricky concept and providing enough explanation to the viewer to immediately grasp the stakes of the relationship and the consequences for the characters. The music was fitting but not something I will likely remember.

I would recommend this to people that are looking for a romance with an interesting twist. Pacing is probably my biggest issue with the film as well as wanting a bit more of the acting as well as for the script that could have dived deeper into the impact of the fantastical element on the characters.

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Underdeveloped but Watchable.

Definitely drags out uncessary parts of the plot. It could’ve gone more in depth about the main lead’s feelings and apprehension instead going from complete reluctancy to being head-over-heels, and had more detail about Jihoon & the evil ex’s backstory. The ending could’ve been better; Jihoon and Eden could’ve returned to the beach and Eden could’ve actually fully walked down the ‘brighter’ side with Jihoon, instead of the awkward interrupted kiss. This would’ve gone back to the scene Eden realized he was in love with Jihoon.

As an avid LyOn, I think Mill and Nine and the background members did an amazing job! Especially KB. More or longer episodes would’ve made the show more cohesive. Overall, I reccommend if you’re looking to pass the time (and are a fan of the boys).

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Breathtaking masterpiece

The Paradise of Thorns" is a breathtaking masterpiece that masterfully intertwines beauty and sorrow, leaving the audience captivated from start to finish. The film's visual splendor is matched only by its deeply resonant storytelling, delivering a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
What truly sets The Paradise of Thorns apart is its ability to balance moments of heart-wrenching intensity with scenes of quiet, poetic reflection. The cinematography is a work of art, with every frame meticulously composed, and the hauntingly beautiful score elevates the emotional weight of the story.
This film is a rare gem that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. The Paradise of Thorns is not just a movie; it’s an experience—one that challenges, inspires, and ultimately reaffirms the power of cinema to touch our souls.

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