Reviews

Beautiful and meeh

This is a movie that has beautiful people, beautiful people and a hint of nostalgia but not much more. As the story is a bit slow paced and sweet yet lacks that little extra something (other than the leads) to make it stick out from the many movies and dramas that tell a similar story. While it does have a little something that I personally appreciate seeing mentioned on screen, I find myself conflicted about how that special something is showen or more like ignored and only mentioned very briefly. Is it too briefly or is the little bit it is mentioned just enough to make it part of the plot that does not outshine the human behind it...
Sorry for not writing what that something is, but I fear it could be a spoiler for some, if you watch this then keep an eye out for how little screen time a major part of the plot actually gets and everything I just wrote will make sence (if not feel free to ask).

I am not really sure what the message here is, and even if I did I am pretty sure it could be my nemesis healing and stuff... But all in all a beautiful watch worth it if not for anything else than for Greg Hsu and all the beautiful, talented screen time with him this movie offers.

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Monologue elevator

Two people meet regularly going to the office in the building elevator. They end up noticing each other but do not dare speak. He cannot speak chinese and she expects him to make the first move this being a conservative society and so forth. When they realize they'd noticed each other he is afraid to be labelled a stalker and does not dare look at her while she keeps dressing up more and more in order to attract his attention.

This short film touches upon so many things while riding the elevator and listening to the pair's inner thoughts: the crush they both feel, the society pressure to be extremely respective of the woman to the point of being afraid to talk to her or even look at her, the language barrier and their own shyness. While she tries to catch his attention with little gestures, he is panicked at the idea of being considered stalker and worse. And that is what this short film is about: how do you approach a woman in today's society where the majority of men are decent human beings but all are considered a menace? You withdraw inside your own bubble and wait! And that's what the ML here did.

The format is original. We see them waiting for and riding the elevator and only that: he's always dressed in the same suit while she changes her outfits, her hair, her make up trying to encourage him. But that has the opposite effect: the prettier she gets, the less courage he has. He fell for her when she looked like a cliché secretary with serious glasses and strict hairstyle: he noticed a mole on her neck and that was enough to seduce him!

This is a film about introverts, apparently. I guess you can say that in as much as he is bound by current society rules and she by cultural traditions and therefore they both expect the other one to act first. Which eventually happens and she makes the first step when he is just about to give up. If this does not say so much about the society today, I do not know what does!

But, THIS IS ONLY WHAT I SAW. Maybe you view it differently: then kudos to the director for telling a story on multiple levels! First and foremost, this is a cute beginning of a love story between two shy individuals.

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Great cast, interesting timeline, intense battle scenes and good dynamics but it lacked a bit more character presence


I had to pause a few times, the tragedy lvls were high, the fight scenes intense, the strategies and counter attacks were impressive tho I have two comments later
And eventho they had good dynamics, frenemies, lovers, families, girl power, mentors, but it did lack a bit in laying out characters and deeper backgrounds, everything was superficial, understandably cuz the fight scenes were the focus, but it was a fine line between just a battle vs the emotional attachment


My NJK, idk if this was before his acting improved or if his stoic silent presence lurking in the background but I wouldn’t mind calling it a characteristic cuz he was “young” and not miraculously the hero
solhyun improved since my country, paso was as soft and cute as my sweet monster, my Stephanie ;( not enough scenes
I also didn’t notice at first that they were “protected” by the mountains from the back so eventho their castle size wasn’t big they had many resources

their counterattacks were impressive, every time it looked like there's no hope, they outsmarted their emenies
baekha should've poisoned her arrows, to get that close with so many ppl around was even less possible than what paso did
same with manchun. if your arrow has less than 1% chance, you should atleast hope a scratch can kill

then about the tunnel, eventho they didn't realize it sooner cuz they knew their sands the best, like the hill wasn't discreet, it took 3 months, so they should've thought of counter attacks faster, but couldn't they tie ropes and pull the pillars? like everyone even non army's could've pulled 😭

so that sear(?) betraying them made zero sense, like yeah kill more of your ppl and say "that's the only way we can not die.."

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movie back up us to simple wishes ,wake up our humanity

In my opinion, the film is very good. As always, the actors perfectly conveyed emotions and feelings to the audience so much so that at the end Seo Bok was really a pity... As they say, if an actor makes u worry and feel, then his acting is real!
And also heartbreaking emotions, especially when the film shows that "not a person \ object" in their opinion suddenly begins to experience emotions and understand this world as a person, to experience love, fear, injustice, hatred, to realize that he is already not a real person, the feeling of injustice on the creators is especially high at the same time shown considering how they used him and treated him cruelly, inhumanely, and here you begin to pity "this object" of a non-person, who in the end turns out to be more human than his creators.
Such feelings often appear in films where they create robots or clones or people with superpowers for research and then decide to destroy them because they are no longer needed. Sometimes u start thinking that everyone has a soul, even objects at first glance)
I felt sorry for Seo Bok, it hurt that he understood everything but couldn't do anything about it because he was dependent on injections and he understood it too

He wanted to be useful to someone, to really save his life, so that his suffering in the experiments was not in vain, but not in the way his creators wanted, who were absolutely not bothered by the fact that he might be in pain or that he was eating bad food and whether he was eating at all, they didn't care what he was thinking, he was just a living experiment for them.
In this film there is something to think about and discuss in light of today's events in the world and in everyday life.
For example, that through a film they can also manipulate consciousness, as well as another thing, that more often in a film u will meet humanity and help more than in real life under serious circumstances..
I think this film is more for those who have empathy and can feel others very well, this film shows how cruel people can be in their momentary impulses, as well as the ordinary simple desires of people who are dependent on others not of their own free will, which sometimes can be inaccessible due to the fault of others..
To some extent, this film brings us back to simple human values: to eat noodles, to try something for the first time, to meet the sunset and sunrise at sea, which is eternity in this context, to feel the water, the sea, the sand, which is life.

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Masterpiece....

Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman is an absolute cinematic gem that effortlessly blends supernatural elements with laugh-out-loud comedy. This Korean film is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while simultaneously tickling their funny bone.

From the moment the film starts, it grabs your attention with its intriguing premise and vibrant characters. The portrayal of Dr. Cheon, a charismatic fake exorcist, is nothing short of brilliant. His on-screen presence is magnetic, and his witty banter with his sidekick, In-bae, is pure gold.

The film’s masterful blend of horror and humor is a testament to the director's skill. The suspenseful moments are genuinely chilling, while the comedic relief comes at just the right time, preventing the film from becoming overly dark. The special effects are top-notch, immersing the audience in a world of supernatural wonder.

Every aspect of this film is executed to perfection. The pacing is impeccable, the storyline is engaging, and the characters are relatable. It's rare to find a film that delivers on all fronts, but "Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman" undoubtedly achieves this.

If you're looking for a thrilling, entertaining, and unforgettable cinematic experience, I wholeheartedly recommend "Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman." It's a 10/10 in my book.

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"This is my prisoner"

If Sergio Leone had been a woman, Indonesian, and used motorcycles instead of horses, he might have made something like Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts. Thankfully, Mouly Surya is a woman and she created this beautifully shot, unflinching look at a woman alone who faced a gang of bandits in a desolate landscape with only her wits and courage. Contrary to the title, Marlina wasn’t a murderer except perhaps in the eyes of the men in the film.

Widow Marlina lives in a remote area tending her livestock. Unwanted guests come in the form of 7 bandits intent on stealing her animals and raping her. Two of the bandits leave with the animals---they were the lucky ones. The next day Marlina sets out walking carrying the leader’s head in a bag with the intention of reporting the incident to the police. Nothing goes easily on the long journey into town and the return trip home, especially with the remaining two bandits searching for her.

When I researched this film in order to submit it to the MDL DB, the words revenge, redemption, and murderer were thrown around by reviewers and in the film’s description. After watching the film, I wanted to ask these people, “did we watch the same thing?” If a man knew he was about to be gang raped and murdered and defended himself would anyone be saying he was vengeful or a murderer? Would he need redemption and forgiveness? Not. A. Chance. I was so proud of Marlina when her friend asked if she wanted to go to church and confess her sins, Marlina replied, “I have no sins to confess.” No, girl. You did not. And her friend, Novi, would understand Marlina’s “sins” before the credits rolled. Marlina may have seen Markus’ headless body following her playing his musical instrument as she traveled to the police department, but it certainly wasn’t out of guilt and the tactic wasn’t used for very long. It actually came across humorously.

Despite a sexual assault, this was not a sexploitation film. And despite defending herself, Marlina was not a kung fu badass. She was a woman who used her wits to protect herself and also tried to do the right thing. When she attempted to report the crimes committed against her, she ran into officials who couldn’t have cared less and would have gone after her if they knew all that happened.

Director Mouly Surya and her cinematographer Yunus Pasolang provided incredible cinematography. The bare, endless rolling hills showed just how isolated Marlina was. This was not an action-packed, fast moving film. The story unfolded at a deliberate pace slow enough that the viewer traveled the long trails and experienced the excruciatingly suspenseful perils with Marlina. I also enjoyed the headings for each act. Setting the mood was a lovely blend of Ennio Morricone* inspired western score and Indonesian music.

Marsha Timothy gave Marlina a gravitas and vulnerability with few spoken words. Dea Panendra as the very pregnant Novi at first came across as a thoughtless airhead, but when thrown into the thick of things Dea displayed a greater acting range as her character faced dire circumstances. Which brings up another thing that women have no control over. With her baby long overdue, Novi’s husband and mother-in-law were convinced it was a sign she’d been unfaithful as the baby might be breech.

Marlina the Murder in Four Acts was a western with a decidedly feminine slant. It was also gorgeous to look at and listen to. Marlina might not have been a gun toting or sword-wielding superwoman, but how many people do you know who could not only protect themselves but wander through the countryside with their “prisoner” in a burlap sack?

6 August 2024




*Composer for such Sergio Leone movies as “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” and “For a Few Dollars More”

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Sweet, heartwrenching story

Went in knowing it was a sad movie but wow I did not expect it to be such a tearjerker.

The story is unbelievably portrayed phenomenally, and whilst it isn’t complex, it really plays with your emotions. The cinematography and ost added a lot to the movie and made it even emotional.

Ren Nagase and Natsuki Deguchi played their roles so well that I can heavily feel the emotions they portrayed.

While there is a lot to be wanted from their story, I think the movie did a fantastic job as is. They were each other’s hero’s.

There is more focus on their emotions rather than the typical visual romance and I really love that.

I definitely have more appreciation for flowers as sentimental gifts - especially for gerberas after watching this movie.

The ending is one of my favorite aspects and favorite side character.

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Entertaining and not that scary

When it comes to horror genre, I love to watch the taiwanese ones and this movie got my attention.

Althought it was not that scary as I thought (and I was watching it during nightime), it was still engaging/interesting, entertaining and somehow heartwarming. Oh and of course, some sad /small emotional moments.

I really like everything, from the begining to the end, I was not bored although some things got on my nerves a little bit (or rather some behaviors from certains characters) and that, some parts were a bit predictable...In addition, I just felt that the second part was a bit weaker than I expected but still, I enjoyed it.

I do think, sometimes I just feel it's a funny horror movie but at the same time, it was getting serious, a weird feeling but I liked it.

So this movie was an easy-watch that keep you entertaining but you might feel bored if you have high expectations and that you want more on the horror part (such as jumpscares but I have to admit, I had a few jumpscares but I laughed it off because that was silly of me).

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Dreams Rekindled: A Story of Loss and New Beginnings

I watched a beautiful movie on Netflix, a co-production between Taiwan and Japan, starring Greg Hsu and Kaya Kiyohara. I would give the movie a solid 9/10.

Let's start with the cinematography and camerawork. The film features stunning shots of Taiwan and Japan's scenery, with elegant camera angles that provide a breathtaking experience. It takes you through the bustling streets of Tainan and the snowy mountains of Japan. One of the most unforgettable scenes is when Jimmy meets a kindred spirit on a subway. They exit a long tunnel and find themselves in a snow-filled wonderland, leaving Jimmy in awe and imprinting the moment deeply in his mind. It’s the kind of experience that transcends simply taking a photo with a camera.

The characters are exceptional as well. We see Jimmy’s growth from a tardy but energetic youth with a bright future to a jaded game developer at a crossroads. Kiyohara's enigmatic charm shines as she dances around a karaoke bar, injecting life into the people around her.

The story is exceptionally well-paced and told, juxtaposing a vibrant and cute slice-of-life adventure in Taiwan with the tragic, melodramatic ending typical of J-dramas. When the reveal happens, you can’t help but feel a strong sense of loss and contemplation about what could have been. As the memories start unraveling from Kiyohara's perspective, I personally couldn’t help but bawl my eyes out.

In conclusion, I feel this movie is a masterpiece—a truly excellent love story that marries the best of both Taiwanese and Japanese cinema.

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I think this was a fun movie to watch. The beginning was unclear to me at first because I watched the movie in auto-generated English subtitles, but I understood a gist of the movie. The cinematography is really different than the American comedy movies I've watched so seeing it very beautifully visualize the "comedy" and punchlines is very unique. Usually American comedy movies are jarring and very quick paced including whippans and constant zoom ins and out. However, with this film, it's slow paced and uses the cinematography well to emphasize a point. It's like you're a part of the office group. There is some plot holes here and there within its narrative, but this movie is definitely for people who want a lighthearted movie. The acting was really good as well seeing how each characters react to certain situations, so that's what makes the movie funny.

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Suprisingly Liked It Alot ...

i really loved this j - movie alot, i haven't had much luck in the past finding a j - movie that i enjoyed especially on netlfix but i'm happy to have come across this one. there was nothing wrong about this movie and i hope to come across more movies like this in the future, so if yall have anuy recommendations on any movies like this (with a bit more romance) than i would love to hear what yall have. anyways, here's my rating's for all the categories.

Story: i really liked the story, u could say it's basic but i loved how they executed it. it wasn't scary at all but the doll and the girl combining into that THING was a bit creepy but even so i watched it for the time looping and the days resetting. i LOVE concepts like that where they have to start the day over like the movie " happy death day ". i just always find it interesting the concept ... no matter what genre goes with it.

Acting/Casting: the acting was solid noting special but nothing bad either. i liked it and i loved the casting. everyone was good looking, it's important that a cast is good looking ... idk i can't get into a movie if the main casting isn't good looking but i'm happy to see that it was, especially Maeda Gordon (he's cute!!). anyways if you are looking for a movie with a good-looking cast and an interesting plot line than this is it.

Rewatch Value: I think in the future i'll watch it again, that is if i remember but i think it would be nice to watch it with someone. i think that would be fun, but i'll eventually watch it about one more time though idk when that will be haha.

THIS IS THE GO TO DRAMA FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN TIME LOOPING AND WANTS A DRAMA WITH A GOOD VISUAL CAST !!

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