Exorcism for me and you

I came to this movie after watching the "Exuma" and I can say that between these two movies there are many similarities in both the atmosphere and the structure of the movie. Although this is a short movie, it is divided into chapters whose names are are written over the screen in English, Korean and Chinese language. The difference is that here it is about demonic possession, and in "Exhuma" it is about the dead who have not found their peace. Also, similarly, the center of the action is on the characters, so here the deacon who participates in the exorcism is even more important then the act of exorcism itself.

I really liked the movie. It is quite intense and scary, but also comforting in a way. I personally participated in two exorcisms, and I never wanted to do them again because, to be honest, I am afraid of darkness and evil. That's why this movie has a good message. We all have bad experiences and dark areas of our life, but if we want to live in the light, we cannot run away from the darkness, we must face it and overcome it. Therefore, we all need some kind of exorcism, some sort of cleansing and liberation.

PS. If you want to know the whole story of this short movie watch "The Priests" (2015).

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Respect the Dead

The atmosphere of the film is haunting. The only film I could compare this to is "The Wailing". Exuma has elements of belief in Feng shui, Buddhism, Shamanism and even Christianity. And if the viewer believes, they are guaranteed to be terrified watching this. Personally, I was completely engaged with the film, and although I was aware that it was about paranormal stuff, I was convinced that it was real, which made the viewing experience very intense for me.

I was confused by how our main characters, in the first part of the film, routinely and even disrespectfully carry out their work, but when they are faced with the special task of digging up a problematic mysterious dead body in a coffin, they become completely dedicated to their work. As a priest, I also perform funerals daily and sometimes I am not completely concentrated, so this film encourages me to try, as much as possible, to give sincere respect and a dignified tribute to each deceased person and assist their eternal rest.

All in all, the actors did a great job. The sequence of the story changed its course throughout the film, but at the end we still see a meaningful unity that leads us to appreciate the cooperation and connection between the four main protagonists.

After the news of the film's success in Korean cinemas, I had high expectations for this and indeed, Exuma didn't disappoint.

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Multiverse of emotions

Another Korean movie with two titles, one in English (Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors) which makes no sense to me and the other Korean (Oh! Soo Jung) which describes much better what kind of movie this is. Despite everything, I think it's hard to have the right expectations for this movie. It is an art film with a serious mature theme, made in black and white, centered around conversations between the main protagonists and long, awkward kisses. I found the film interesting to watch due to it being arranged like a mosaic so that every 5 minutes we have a temporal or dimensional jump in the story, so in the end we get the same story told in two versions and with different conflicting emotions so that in the end we don't know what is true and what is subjective, what is true and what a lie. Are men really in love with "poor" Soo Jung, is she even honest with them a bout her virginity? What actually happened? Which version of the film, if any, reveals the truth, or is it just different subjective perceptions.

Although the film has some entertainment value, I found it uncomfortable and difficult to watch, especially because of the static and overly long kissing scenes. It was as if I had become a voyeur. It is still positive that the characters seem like real people and we can empathize with their emotions and concerns.

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Way of Life

This is one of my favorite Korean movies, and the English name "Nostalgia" fits it perfectly. The movie touched me on many levels. From a cinematic point of view, it is filled with many shots that show the beauty of ordinary life. The characters are real people, not great looking stars, and it feels like I'm watching my neighbors. The acting is deliberately a bit comical to bring us closer to the different personalities of the characters. At the center of the plot is music, which gives meaning and magic to life's experiences. Several songs can be heard in the film, each with its own message and beauty, from traditional songs to folk ballads. Because of the music and the personalities of the characters, I can watch this movie again and again and enjoy it.

More than anything, the film shows an authentic life that many people run away from today, and therefore evokes nostalgia for the lost simplicity of life and community. We all want to be modern, successful, independent, everything should be perfect. But it doesn't have to be perfect, three chords on the guitar are enough for life to have meaning again.

And finally, my favorite verse from the movie: 인생은 함께 가는 사랑길, 혼자서 가기엔 외로워...

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Money isn't Everything

Real Movies show real Life, they give us a new perspective on our own experience or show us "what if" reality. This movie is called "Black Republic" to signalize the bad reality and perspective of the society, but i like the Korean title more "그들도 우리처럼" - They Are Also Like Us. This original title gives us more connections with the theme and the characters in the movie. I was wondering about many characters whose story wasn't developed in the movie but in all of them we see the dark shadow of their existence and struggle for dignity, justice, love, peace, but ultimately hope and better future. It happens so often, as we see in the movie, how people struggle to get money, but money is never the real purpose. People want something else, something meaningful.

This is a movie from the past period of history and cinema, and therefore braver and more honest then new movies, pure in its depiction of the story, without unnecessary twists and turns, not trying to put comedy relief to make it more enjoyable or fun, not trying to put "the message" or worrying about offending the viewer with modern correctness, - just a simple but very impactful story. We mostly follow one man and try to understand him just by observing him and his interactions, so for me this movie was very intriguing and even meditative.

Don't despair in the darkness of today but look for a better tomorrow with hope.

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Victory in Life

I miss movies like this. The martial arts genre is the genre of my youth that I enjoyed the most. Movies of this type have moved into the genre of thrillers, bloody gore or superheroes, but they have never been as good, and that's why I was both surprised and delighted by how much I liked this movie. It reminds me of the golden age of Korean cinema, which for me was from 2005 to 2010 when I was watching Korean movies every day, and in a way this film also belongs to that time.

Actually, I started watching the now movie because it wasn't on my "already seen list", but as soon as the movie switches to the youth of the main characters, I remembered that I had already seen it. I would even say that now, 10 years later, this movie is even better for me than when I watched it for the first time.

The film shows three friends who meet again in the ring after 25 years. The film briefly shows the days of their youth, but the main part of the film is the present time and these actors did the best job. I'm especially glad to see Hwang Jung-min, who is one of my favorite actors, and here he shows how skilled he is in fighting, and also in singing, since we hear his voice in the closing song of the film. The fight choreographies are very good, the story has enough plot and drama to justify the long duration. I have no complaints. A 10 for me.

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Dancing and praying

The pilgrimage to Santiago is famous all over the world, and I have heard many touching stories from those pilgrimages, which entail a n exhausting walk of hundreds of kilometers without much luggage. Many go on this pilgrimage for religious reasons, but each person carries his own intentions, which, although they may not be directly aimed at God, are deeply connected with what a person believes.

It was very touching and beautiful to follow the pilgrimage of these two people, Jea Han and Da Hee, their journey and the support they gave each other. In the center is Jea Han, a fifty-year-old woman who is almost blind, but has a big desire to dance flamenco at the cathedral in Santiago. We see much more of her than her companion, we see her prayer, injuries on the way, personal thoughts and worries, as well as great strength of faith and will to overcome all obstacles. Her young companion is in the background, but for her too this is a path of deep life experience.

The film was shot excellently, with many beautiful landscapes, always close to our travelers and pilgrims, and the shots show both natural beauty and religious symbols. This film is an additional encouragement for me on my personal pilgrimage of life, and I believe it will be for every one who watches this beautiful movie.

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Who are you mister?

Fist of all, this movie was right for my taste. It doesn't have the suspenseful plots and twists or the multi-layered story like other great Korean thrillers, but that's not necessary. Sometimes it's best to be simple and straightforward, and this movie is like that. Clear, short, atmospheric, with great characters and an enigmatic protagonist who doesn't communicate much with words but with his attitude and actions. In another film, we would have learned more about the context of the story and about the motivations of the characters, but here it is not necessary. That is exactly what heightens the interest of the viewer, who can conclude for himself who and what kind of people the characters he is watching are.

Probably not all viewers will be able to immerse themselves in the film, but it kept me riveted and interested from beginning to end. The production and cinematography was great. From the characters, I liked the girl Inbi the most (young actress 류지안), she played her role very well, without much words.

And I'm very pleased with how it all ended, a bit absurd, but satisfying.

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Smuggling is not for everybody

Another one of those Korean films that is impossible to place in a specific genre. The atmosphere is a comedy, and the plot is a thriller, with elements of action, drama, and adventure. The film is at times casual and relaxed, and at times bloody brutal, as if I am watching two movies at the same time. In my opinion, the comedic elements are misused and prevent the viewer from enjoying the seriousness, tension and twists in the plot. The plot has a lot of twists and turns and thus constantly makes the movie more and more interesting.

The actors are very good and special praise and respect should be given to the female actors and stuntmen who spent a large part of the film diving underwater.

I also really like the choice of music. At times, the musical numbers seem forced as if they were selected on a jukebox, but I'll forgive that because I like the style of the music and even wish there was more of it. Actually, now after the movie I'm going to listen to some Korean trot and evergreens from the golden seventies.
And yes, one spoiler, at the end I even noticed some dolphins 😊

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Be yourself

This historical cooking drama is very good to watch but loses its balance from scene to scene trying to add so many things. While it is a enjoyable to watch, it has many details that bothered me so it is hard for me to recommend it. I really liked the meals (i always love seeing Korean cousin on screen), and then the dramatic tension in the family and also the question about balancing between expectations and requirements from a society that put a person into a box. So the message (Be yourself) is quite good - one should find his own path and fight for his freedom. I didn't like that the two male leads behave as children or maybe even like they are in love, also i was bothered by themes that weren't properly resolved and by the many scenes presented in a pathetic way trying to artificially stir emotion.

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Oh boy!

From the first scene you can guess correctly where this will go. I started watching it not knowing anything about it and after realizing that at the center is the relationship between two male friends I wanted this to be a show about just friendship, but it turned out to be LGTBQ+ story/propaganda with nice visuals but bad script and acting wasn't convincing. Everyone looked suspicious about the person questioning his identity but no one dared to say anything and the drama never became explicit about it's theme. The Epilogue was a surprise. It worked well from the story perspective but for me it further promoted the - I will say it again - propaganda.

For example there is a performer who they present as a man with female face but he obviously is a woman. So gay story was okay for the most part but wanting to present a man as a beautiful woman, oh boy, that turned me off. It took me four days to finish this drama and i finished it because it is a part of a Drama Special Series that i enjoy a lot and want to complete, and after watching all 225 episodes of the all 14 seasons this is the first one that I felt uncomfortable with.

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When nothing works

If you want to enjoy this drama don't read anything about the story because the excitement comes from the unexpected events and twists. The actors are not bad but, somehow, I didn’t have enough time to care for them and the flow of the movie is static and not that suspenseful as the story suggests. The main interest of the viewer is what happens next and how will the story connect the protagonists.

The atmosphere is melancholic, depressing and heavy so it is not for everybody, but if you want a good mystery give it a try. But maybe it would be better to just read the book.

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What is the GOAT life

There is a saying: Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. Well here in this short one hour comedy-romance-drama we have a student who wants to trick another student into love only to experience how love works in mysterious ways.

We indeed live in a society that promotes success more than love and it is hard to just take your time with life. Underneath the silly premise of this drama there is an important message about life. Maybe we don’t need to submit ourselves to the system, maybe we should change the system with a better life.

I enjoyed this drama a lot, the actors were cute, the scenes were funny and emotional, the production on a high level and the message is great. Maybe a little cheesy at the moments but still so adorable, even for me as a 40 year old guy.

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Marital Duty

There is a saying that a Devil does anything he can to lead a couple into bed before marriage and outside of bed after marriage. That is because sex is a supreme part of marital duty that brings joy, connection, passion, blessing and possibly even children. If a married couple avoid intimacy their marriage will surely suffer in some ways. So I am very happy that this drama comedy speaks about that issue. Therefore i am gladly giving it a high score. The drama was comical and also educational about the roles and duties of public officials in Old Korea. I believe that watching this short drama might help many couples solve their issues and misunderstandings and spark a little bit of romance.

Some may say that this is just a traditional story or marriage propaganda but the message is relevant and authentic. Marriage is a real deal. A lasting marriage is where you find true love.

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Basketball VS Football

I might be biased because basketball is my sport, but this drama was just right on every level. The desire of the main protagonist to play basketball when everyone is interested in football is a good allegory of the unique talents that every child brings and the difficulty to adjust to the group. Young actors were great. The story is simple yet very authentic and therefore emotional. It helps us grownups to understand children and their emotions which can be very complicated.

This drama manages to touch on many themes in only one hour of duration (sport, school, children, friendship, romance, family, …) and that makes it a great choice to watch. I still didn’t watch the entire “KBS Drama Special 2023” but for now this is my favorite of the season.

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