Reviews

Lighthearted romantic comedy

So many silent films from this era were tragic and melodramatic. Ozu's The Lady and the Beard was a breath of fresh air with its lighthearted comedy and sweet romance. No deaths, no one forced into prostitution, no devastating understandings. This easy, delightful comedy may leave you a little like me, weak in the knees from relief.

Okajima is a college student and kendo master, but what makes him stand out is his large bushy beard. His friend, wealthy Teruo, invites him to his sister's birthday party after a match. On the way there, Okajima rescues a kimono clad Hiroko from Satoko, a girl gangster. Later at the party, Teruo's sister and her friends disdain the bearded and coarsely mannered Okajima and try every way they can to embarrass him which proves fruitless.

After graduation, Okajima struggles to find a job. Hiroko, who had been a secretary at one of the places where he interviewed finds him and tells him he lost out on the job because of his beard. Like wise men everywhere, he listened to her and shaved his beard and was instantly hired at a hotel. Not only did it help with his employment but now Ikuko and Satoko were also interested in his clean-shaven face and ability to defend himself and by extension-them.

This film which fell into the post college time of life for Ozu's characters was made in eight days. Unlike Ozu's later films with rigid shots of people and settings, the people and scenes flowed more easily. This was before he had people staring into the camera to recite their lines, which always felt forced to me. I liked the fluidity of this one though I did miss his traditional geometric shots and ubiquitous teapot.

Ozu touched on his oft used theme of traditionalism vs modernism. Okajima with his old-fashioned beard used to scare away women (which he learned from Abraham Lincoln) personified traditionalism. Hiroko, though soft voiced and wearing a traditional kimono also understood the more modern and western ideas. Ikuko was more modern but also from a noble family and was entrenched in her wealthy elitist lifestyle. Finally, modern girl Satoko had gone so far astray that she had fallen into a life of crime. Satoko drove a really nice Lincoln car with a huge greyhound hood ornament though. Okajima and Hiroko did a gentle push-pull dance each moving toward and from strictly traditional ways and strictly modern ways. Ozu found a nice middle of the road for them to travel.

The Lady and the Beard was a pleasant romantic comedy where everyone learned a few life lessons and more about themselves. The comedy could veer into silly slapstick but it never lost its heart when it did. It was a simple story and a simple film that was simply entertaining.

6/20/23

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A story of infatuation, a need to please and possess. This isn't a love story. However, it IS a story -about- love.

Colonel Kim Jin Pyeong has settled into a quiet life after Vietnam. Despite PTSD and nightmares, he finds himself doing what he has to, to simply get through day-by-day. He carries an air of cold indifference wherever he goes, and whatever he does. Whether it's conversations with his wife, eating, sleeping, or shagging -- he's basically just existing. Until Jong Ga Heun moves in across the street, the wife of his subordinate. He realizes instantly that she is different from the other women that surround him on the base and in the residences. Calm, collected, cool; and oddly candid. It's a story about two people who are unhappy with the lives they are living, and how they try to find a way to manage the apathy.

I will admit, the lack of emotion between the two lead characters was stifling. I honestly never thought I'd see cardboard act with cardboard. However, after finishing, there was a moment when I teared up. I wasn't expecting it. If there was a way to put the acting in most of this film, it would be the words 'deadpan delivery'. Constantly. There is so little emotion from the two lead characters, and still even, a lack of chemistry, but perhaps that was intended. Since the characters seem to just be looking to escape their lives and themselves for a while. I wasn't drawn into the 'love story', but I suppose that's because it isn't a love story. The sets are nice, the lighting was well done, and the music is nothing to write home about. I suppose if I were, to sum up how I feel about this movie, the singular word would be: meh.

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A Powerful Movie About Isolation

Before watching this movie, I insist greatly that you check the tags, understand the trigger warnings laid within them, and be prepared for a dark and twisted tale.

This is a very powerful movie about isolation and what people go through to survive it. Both the female and male leads are lonely and isolated. Chihiro due to being drawn into a violent cycle of abuse that repeats over and over. Isolated from those she knows and loves and with a child to protect she often keeps her head down. Naoto due to his practically invisible existence from as early as he can remember. All he wants in life is to, for once, not be forgotten.

I will give you a sincere tip. This movie is not for the light-hearted. However, if you're doing a binge day of jdrama shows/movies -- I would suggest watching the drama "Fishbowl Wives" (2022), and THEN watching this movie. I walked in blind to "Fishbowl Wives" and then randomly found this movie. The combination was dynamite. I don't know how to explain it, but it was like watching the same lead protagonists story -- only from a COMPLETELY different view points.

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MASTERPIECE

I rarely watch/enjoy romance movies, but this one has actually touched my heart.
The plot is simple but extremely well executed. The development between the 2 main characters is incredible. The visuals are really diverse and beautiful, going from urban cities like Tokyo, to Ocean and Snowy mountains. The acting is also very realistic, you feel all emotions, especially sadness. In addition, the sound track is wonderful since it was done by Radwimps (Your name-Suzume-Weathering With You etc.)
Highly recommend it. If you liked the anime movie : I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, you will truly ~enjoy this one as well.

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This Movie is Filmed Like How You Feel Emotions

I will immediately start this off by saying that you're either going to love this movie or hate it. I have a genuine feeling that there is no middle ground. I truly loved it, but again, it's going to be a total trainwreck for some, and a piece of art for others.

"'First love' never turns into past tense." - Hot Gimmick

This is a powerful film about self-recognition, and learning about one's self. To steal moments for yourself and to share yourself with others and to make decisions for today while hoping that tomorrow, the sun will rise, and you will continue on.

The cinematography is flickering, fleeting glimpses at points just as these emotions change throughout the movie. This entire movie is filmed in the way one would feel emotions during the introduction of your first love. Everything is fast, confusing, and flickering. Did you feel sure of everything you did? Were your steps hesitant? Did you feel despair at point only to feel the thrill of elation shortly after?

The color changes the way emotions feel and each emotion and experience with a different person, or a different moment. The classical music that twists through the strife, the sexual tension, and the elated moments when Hatsumi accepts herself were (surprisingly) perfect. It's been a while since I've known every single classical piece on a soundtrack. It didn't feel tacked on either. It actually suited the film's artsy side, all while keeping it instrumental and not distracting you with lyrics.

I would definitely rewatch this movie.

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Don't miss out on this delightful movie that will leave you smiling and longing for more!

The drama itself is all about friendship, love, and dealing with loss. It's really sweet and heartwarming, and the acting and direction are top-notch. Oh, and the music is pretty emotional too.

The show is just so enjoyable. It's got its ups and downs, but overall, it's a feel-good watch that'll put a smile on your face.

The performances by Zhao Jinmai and Lin Yi are seriously impressive. Zhao Jinmai brings so much depth and emotion to her character. And Lin Yi, well, he's fantastic too! He brings this warm and funny vibe to the role of Xu Youshou. Also, other cast are superb!

Shoutout to the director, Gavin Lin, who did a great job balancing the serious and light-hearted moments. The visuals are also stunning, and the music sets the right mood throughout the movie.

All in all, if you're into sweet and heartwarming dramas, I definitely recommend giving One Week Friends a watch. The story is touching, the acting is great, and it's just a really uplifting experience.

One Week Friends is a well-made movie that'll warm your heart and make you feel all fuzzy inside. Give it a shot, you won't regret it!

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"Everyday is Sunday for me"

I Graduated But... is a film fragment and all that is left of Ozu's 100-minute original film. Sadly, the majority of Japanese films from this era were lost or destroyed. Interestingly enough the basic framework of the story survived and was shown here in just eleven minutes.

Noboko has graduated and the only job he is offered is as a receptionist. Feeling the job is beneath him he turns it down but lies to his mother and fiancée saying that he is now employed. His mother visits with his fiancée in tow and evidently he and Machiko married soon thereafter. He finally has to admit to his wife that he is unemployed and spends his time playing with kids in an empty lot. Not long after he asks his wife where she has been all day and she admits she took a job at a bar so that they could make ends meet. Seeing her work and how men react to her, he strikes out again to find employment. He returns to accept the job as receptionist, willing to take any job offered. "Evidently, you have discovered the realities of life."

This film showed the nascent style Ozu would become famous for including shooting from the mat. Despite its short length the story encapsulated a complete tale. Whether the theme was difficulty finding a job as in other Ozu films from this time or difficulties between a mother and son or the lies about employment the spouses told each other, the film promised an engaging peek into one couple's marriage. The story had a nice symmetry to it with the beginning and the ending occurring at a job interview for the same company. The film tantalized me and also saddened me because the other 89 minutes are lost. I quite enjoyed the positive vibe to the film and would have liked to have seen the story fleshed out. I Graduated But... might whet your appetite for a full meal leaving you frustrated, but I'm grateful we had this delicious amuse bouche to savor.

6/19/23

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Excellent chemistry and pacing - A lovely romance that stirs up many emotions within me.

I seem to have seen quite a few dramas lately with sign language - Chinese, Japanese, Thai and now Filipino. Most of the stories have a very similar plot. We will see the romance of two individuals, one is usually deaf and the other hearing. We follow the story of how they meet, fall in love, face life's cruel challenges, and how they can or cannot overcome these challenges. "Isa Pa with Feelings" pretty much follows this storyline as well.

The reason for my high rating is not necessary the plot per se, but the sum of many good parts. The two leads are lovely and easy on the eyes. The acting is good and they have excellent chemistry together. ML looks so smitten from the first scene he was introduced. I also like that they both have a cheery personality, thus their falling in love story is adorable with many heart-fluttering moments. That's why it becomes so heartbreaking when they are faced with life's challenges. The contrast between the beginning & middle of the movie and the end brings up so many emotions within me. The pacing of this movie is excellent as well. The movie is able to tell the story of the two leads (background and falling in love) in many great montages and flashbacks. I never felt like it's rushing or trying to jam pack many things into a movie. It has a start, a middle and an end, and closing out with a beautiful dance.

If you are in the mood for something cute and heart-fluttering with great music and dancing, I strongly recommend this movie. This is what I need at the moment when I am somewhat in a drama slump. The 9.0 rating is very subjective as it reflects how I feel during and after completing this movie.


Completed: 6/19/2023 - Review # 320

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You killed my father, prepare to die!

Revenge of the Shaolin Kid aka Master of Death was your standard kung fu revenge film except that the hero completed his training before the movie started so that we missed out on the Shaolin training montages. The story didn't try to throw in any curveballs for the viewer, but kept to the straight and simple revenge path. No secret books, no secret lists, just "My name is Li Tian Zhou. You killed my parents. Prepare to die."

Chi Kuan Chun's Li spent eighteen years training at a Shaolin temple until he was ready to avenge his parents' murders. He had to fight his way through numerous baddies before ultimately taking on Lo Lieh's Big Bad Kim. Near the end of the movie he stupidly believed Chiang Tao when he told him that Lo was not the bad guy, that Chen Sing was. Dude, you never believe Chiang Tao, he's always a henchman for the Big Bad. Chen Sing playing against type was the good-hearted doctor who laid his sword down years ago. Somehow Chen ended up fighting and kept his shirt on.

The fights were slightly above average for Taiwanese kung fu films from the time, not super-fast, but not kung fu posing either. Lo Lieh had a spinning dagger which didn't do much although it made a funny noise and was distracting. Chi Kuan Chun had one facial expression but he was easy on the eyes and moved fluidly. Chia Ling and Wu Ma livened up the movie during their cameos in a casino brawl scene. Lo and Chen were always fun to watch regardless of what else was going on in the movie. Chi's cocky stoicism began to wear thin by the end especially due to an idiotic decision his character Li made regarding Chen's character. I almost started rooting for Lo's despicable character or at least a deadly draw in the final fight.

Due to its linear nature, Revenge of the Shaolin Kid avoided the convoluted storyline holes so many kung fu films fell into which worked to its favor. The need for revenge against several people provided ample opportunities for fights, the sole purpose of old kung fu flicks. There were enough charismatic cameos to help gloss over Chi's one note performance. Not a great film, but not a bad one either, just slightly below average for the genre. As always, I rate these old niche movies on a curve.

6/19/23

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Good Enough

Korean Movie " Kill Bok Soon " is an action drama about an assassin who wants to protect her daughter.

The movie has nice premises, with the story taking some dark alleys when it came to Bo Soon's story and her whole personality. However, her dark, sinister world came at odds with her relationship with her daughter, which was, more or less, a normal mother-teenage-daughter relationship, with its ups and downs, frictions, rebellions, and secrets.

However, the overall result is just okay. The action scenes were nicely handled, the political drama was interesting but predictable more or less, and the pace was messy. The story in general was half baked.

The performances, at least, were all great, especially by the leading lady that nailed her fighting scenes.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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Waiting for Rain does not deliver

Despite the amount of talent gathered, Waiting for Rain does not deliver. A story about loneliness and nostalgia, it leaves much to be desired when the flashbacks to the past, in which the entire premise of the film is based on, don't really grip at your heart in order to break once you understand the present. I have seen this done before and much better in recent years (e.g.: 20th Century Girl).

The script and directing of this film is weak and mild, it manages to deliver what I can only describe as Kang Ha Neul's most mediocre performances to date. He's still good because he's Kang Ha Nuel, but his best efforts could not save this story. Same goes for Kang Sora, Chun Woo-hee and the rest.

The editing is a mess, trying to play it cool and smart but only manages to mix the timelines and confuse the viewers. I can't...

Don't waste your time.

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