Reviews

Whatever cautionary tale it tries to present, you cannot focus on that aspect - you keep getting distracted with how dumb the characters are. Not to mention, the lack of realism completely ruined the poor attempt of “social commentary”.

Female lead was dumb, the police were dumb, the friend was dumb, even the villain was dumb - don’t let people fool you into thinking it’s some tight cat and mouse chase with a brilliant killer who outsmarts everyone. It’s not hard to outsmart idiots. It does not make him a genius.

What’s good? Acting and editing, some directing choices. I liked the shots presenting the world from the eyes of the phone user, and then from the angle of the camera. We never really think about how much our phones see, as we assume the camera is off. So it’s creepy to see how much one could spy on us, if they had the access to the camera itself. Overall, there were many pretty shots, they knew how to make it visually interesting.

As a side note about the “social commentary” - I am so tired of this “phones are dangerous, be careful how you use them” topics. How about showing what the true issue is: lack of laws and procedures when the cyber crime happens, lack of police involvement when the crime is being reported, worst case - ignoring the reported crime because “nothing can be done”. Criticizing the government and police for the lack of protection of the citizens should be the focus, not “people use phones in irresponsible ways and depend on them too much”.

Overall, what a waste of time, even for Im Si Wan fans.

Read More

Good but could be better.

6/10

Negative

1. The implementation wasn´t very good.
2. That Rio has reinstated his old role. (accident)
3. That he could not express his feelings to Haruhiko.
4. Too few kisses
5. The Music during the lovescenes were not fitting.


Positive

1. The Maincouple
2. Acting (especially the Kissing and Lovescene). It was excellent. i don't even want to know how hard that was.
3. That the two became a couple towards the end.
4. Finally few Lovescenes. I have been desperately waiting for this (already in the series). The Lovescenes was excellent from the Quality and the duration. Iam Very satisfied.
5. The duration of the kisses. I loved it. They killed me right away. Lol

Read More

This film is a boon

The film is light and entertaining. It helps you explore the various themes with consideration.
All things that I am sure others have also written in their reviews and which I will not repeat here. However, I would like to dwell on Hye Mi and her date gone wrong.
A lot of men on dating apps portray themselves as a dominant, when they don't understand what that means. What it usually means is that they want to do you like they don't care about you and they probably want to hurt you, because they are working out some repressed rage. But being a Dom is mostly about leadership, guidance and LEARNING... helping someone to get to where they want to go whether it's physical or mental.
And so the type of people that you see out on the dating apps or an FL that claim to be a Dom but are inexperienced at it, it's generally easy to identify them very early on. Are some better than others at hiding? Sure but this is why we vet.

Read More

A movie about treasuring each day no matter what.

I hope I'm not too biased in writing this review just because I'm a fan of Micchi (Michieda Shunsuke) but I just think that this movie is really good. Even just from watching the trailer, it has greatly piqued my interest. At first, the plot reminded me of the series One Week Friends, where the girl also had amnesia, except her memories reset each week instead.

**SPOILERS**
The start of the movie greatly hints on what eventually happens later in the movie, which is something that I didn't really like but I guess that's what made me want to continue watching it even more. And with how Toru and Maori's relationship started, you'd think it's a typical "fake dating" trope, but in my opinion, it wasn't, their chemistry didn't feel forced and it really looked like they enjoyed each other's company. It was painful still, because for Maori, she was meeting this stranger for the first time everyday and she always had to put up a front. The part that I really liked was from the point when Toru found out about her illness, because at this point, Toru had actually fallen in love with Maori and despite knowing that she forgets him everyday, he was determined to make her everyday fun. One of my favorite lines in this movie was when Toru was talking to his sister about Maori, when he said "When there are fun things written in her diary, it would be nice if when she reads it, she'd be able to look forward to everyday, even if just for a bit.", my heart hurt a bit when I heard him say that but at the same time, I felt so much respect for this character.

I think all the characters in this movie was well-written, I also liked Maori's friend, Izumi, who is always there to help her no matter what, and she also eventually supported Toru and Maori's relationship so much. She was truly one of the important characters in the movie as she also played an important role towards the end of the film. Although one thing that I didn't quite understand was the relationship between Toru and his family, but I do think that showing this was necessary especially for the ending of the movie.

Overall, I recommend this movie if you just wanna cry and feel all kinds of emotions. I will not forget the dread I felt when I finished watching this, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It made me think "Ah, this is why this movie was so popular". At first, everything would seem slow but it will just hit you like a truck towards the end so I think it's a movie worth watching lol it will make you think about a lot of things in life.

Read More

It was Good but too short.

4/10

WHAT THE ....heck was this kiss O_O ??????? I have never seen in any series that they kissed so passionately, wildly...... and for so long.......why didn't the two already kiss in the series? I think it's a shame that they didn't sleep together. Unfortunately, this is far too short for a Movie - why only 12 minutes? I would have liked to see more. :-OOOOOO
They killed me with that kiss. OMG Lol.


Negative

1. Movie was too short
2. No Lovescene. Very disappointed


Positive

1. The Kiss was the best of this Movie. I could watch this every day. It never gets boring. Very believable.
2. The Maincouple
3. Acting

Read More

Interesting fact-ion sageuk

"The Night Owl" is one of the best fact-ion (facts+fiction) sageuk I have seen so far. Using In Jo's infamous reign and Crown Prince So Hyeon's death as part of the plot, it develops an original story around an atypical character.
I like historical movies that stick to the facts as much as possible very much, but I also like a well made fiction based on historical events when it is cleverly made, just like this movie. I don't think it's a thriller though, only a good sageuk with some thrills. I'm not usually keen for humour in sageuk, but the few little scenes in this movie were actually good and well made.
The cast is very good and all the actors are really good in their respective roles. Actors like Yoo Hae Jin, Jo Sung Ha and Choi Moo Sung, as usual, never disappoint, and Ryu Joon Yeol is excellent as Kyung Soo, and special mention for Kim Sung Cheol too that is really good in this role too.
The music isn't very special or grandiose, but it's good, and the aesthetic of the movie quite beautiful with an overall production very well made so I give it a pretty high ratings.

Read More

You know what? This is a complete tearjerker in the end but I'm here for it. This story is a cute 2h movie about nostalgia in the 90s, young high school love and friendships. It's a recipe for a good movie night, especially when you're caught up with work daily and you just want to watch something light, cute and aesthetic. Light, however, it very much was for like half of the movie. I felt that the characters had really good development and had a lot of chemistry altogether. The director chose a difficult route of giving us this ending, but I guess it still leaves the watchers satisfied. No doubt did this movie leave a big trace in me, and will most likely keep me dwelling. Would definitely watch this again because it was absolutely beautiful!

Read More

Not an average "sickness plot" movie!

This movie is outstanding. I didn't expect it to be this good. I thought it will be just those average Japanese movie where the female lead sick and stuff.. maybe this will be like Ishuukan Friends, as their main plot are Amnesia.

BUT IT IS NOT

Before I talk about the plot, let's talk about other things.
Don't worry I won't spoil anything especially the plot because it's more enjoyable when you know nothing. You're welcome.


This movie is aesthetically pleasing. Every scene is beautiful. The soft colours and how the sun shine through, it's really fit the concept and story.
The music is really good, but nothing special in my opinion.
The cast is perfect, especially the trio. They reprised the role perfectly. I don't think I should talk about both main leads, they did perfectly, a really cute couple. But I don't expect much from Izumi-chan yet she "stole" the show. Finally someone do justice to the couple's friend lol
I cried twice and one of them was because Izumi-chan's scene.

Now the plot, this is what makes this movie is not an average Japanese movie with sick lead.
The plot dynamic is perfect. Not boring at all despite it's slow pace. I love how it's actually a flashback, and being told simultaneously between Maori, Izumi, and Tooru. I also love how this movie bring up Tooru's family problem in a very neat way. This movie catch me off guards with the plot twist, it has been a long time since I cried because a movie! I just cried twice lol
Comparing with the trailer, I really love that it doesn't give any spoiler and no one would know what's coming. The 3 rules of Tooru and Maori relationship mentioned but finally explained at the end of the movie.
The explanation about memories and the system is really make sense too, I'm not an expert but it's not cliché and not romanticized the problem here. This is really matter when a movie, drama, or whatever it is took a plot about any kind of sickness.
As expected from a novel adaptated movie.

Now I'm not surprised with the fact about how successfull this movie even in South Korea.
So proud of my baby Micchie! (Yes, I actually watch it because of him)

Lastly, I hope Netflix could pick this movie for their platform! This movie fit Netflix style... and of course I would like to let everyone in this world enjoy this movie and know that Japanese movie is really good lol

Read More

The Post-Truth Review

FOR anyone who is a FAN OF SUSPENSE and has an eye for incredible cinematography, this movie is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Not a usual ending. "The Post-Truth World" is one of the best suspense movies I have watched in terms of production and screenwriting. I was hooked by the incredible shots that were taken and I wish I knew more about the production crew - I´d love to see more works of the same cinematographer - and it felt a bit like they were partly inspired by suspense Korean productions. The choice of music was more than pleasing and had me hooked even more on this tragic and unpredictable unfolding of events.

STORY / PLOT 7.5 >> 8.0
Honestly, there is nothing about this story that is boring to me. It was indeed quite unpredictable. During this review, I have actually come to terms to rate it higher because of this aspect of unpredictability. However, even though implemented well, some parts were a bit confusing. All in all, I think it contains great plot twists and the movie has a unique ending. Quite unconventional and it leaves you dumbfounded. Lovely.

ACTING / CAST 9.0
I have almost nothing to criticize here, rather I want to undermine the fact that Edward Chen and Joseph Chang deserve more popularity here on MDL as well as in the film industry. Their chemistry was dynamic and full of tension. They played the biggest part in delivering a nail-biting plot. Edward Chen´s performance was quite superb actually, he delivered all the pain and agony and left an impression on me. I also hope to see more of Caitlin Fang in the future, she´s got some skills and talent in acting.

OVERALL 7.5 >> 8.0
Again, there is no reason not to watch it. It is definitely anything but a waste of time if you´re fond of the suspense genre. Just rewatching something of which I already know the outcome is rarely on my To-Do List so I had to be a little realistic here. However, the chance I might rewatch "The Post-Truth World" in the future is not 0.

Read More

About Kaleb and David

I didn't find this "Secret" as great as the one rave review here on MDL and the many comments on YT. Wide-faced Kaleb and David were trying, but everything felt stilted, fast. It's as if the creators said ... well, now we'll make a short that will impress everyone. It did not move me precisely because of its speed, simplicity and purposefulness. I was only surprised by a slightly above-average Pinoy movie with quite pleasant music.
I didn't find this "Secret" as great as the one rave review here on MDL and the many comments on YT. Wide-faced Kaleb and David were trying, but everything felt stilted, fast. It's as if the creators said ... well, now we'll make a short that will impress everyone. It did not move me precisely because of its speed, simplicity and purposefulness. I was only surprised by a slightly above-average Pinoy movie with quite pleasant music.

Read More

Such a fun and thrilling ride with an amazing cast!

This action movie is set in 1988, a period providing an undoubtedly interesting background story-wise with its dark political situation and at the same time its bright context with the start of the Seoul Olympics. The plot is quite simple and not that original but it is for sure really fun to follow. It starts fairly light with some humour and as the story progress, the tension and the stakes increase, providing a lot of captivating and thrilling moments.

The casting is amazing with a lot of known faces. The alchemy between the leads is totally believable: the friendship and family spirit within this group of hot-heads is immediately obvious to the viewer. Despite the film not digging very far in the characters' past and links, the performance of the actors made it very easy for me to grow attached to this band of misfits and to root for them.

The film making and production value are really great. The fashion and style of this era, the details on the sets, everything is superb and totally immersive. The cars are fabulous and the movie has some truly beautifully made car chase sequences. The OST with its hip-pop vibes and old school South Korean songs is absolutely on point and such a nice throwback, completing the immersion.

I would recommend this to people that are looking for a good action movie and/or that are searching for a story set in this crucial period of time for South Korea. If you enjoyed the context of Reply 1988 and if you like car chase scenes, this one is for you!

Read More

Amazing movie

Amazing movie👏👍
It's about Shanghai during trouble times Japanese Chinese war background nameless workers who worked hidden gems who fought hard for there country freedom
First thing that you notice is the cinematography wow every frame is so picturesque so awesome although dark but it's captivating
Then comes the plot story there is alot hidden here like layers peeled slowly but surely and it all ties together in the end a very satisfying end I must say
The dialogues are very amazing like each word is important here you can't skip a single line a single word
Kudos to all the actors bec they all were amazing uttering those soulful dialogue with great expressions
Tony Leung is as marvellous as ever his every move every expressions is worth watching Huang lei Da peng are also great in there roles
Zhou xun role is short but impactful and she is great as well Zhang jingyi character is imp and she does justice
But it's is young actors WangYibo that surprises you the most he is so talented his expressions are amazing very subtle but very powerful
He spoke multiple dialects in the movie and made them all sound believable
He was also great in his fighting scenes with others and Tony and yibo have a long fighting scene which is woww beyond amazing
A great watch highly recommended it's a movie which you will want to watch again and again bec every time you will find a new clue to solve the whole puzzle

Read More

What a fulfilling movie this was - gorgeous cinematography, top notch cast and crew, brilliant storytelling and amazingly filmed.

Leung Chiu Wai never compromises on his acting quality. He is unrelenting as the indomitable Mr. He. He exudes total professionalism. When you see his name in the cast, you can be assured of stellar performances.

Wang Yibo, where do I even begin? Acting opposite a veteran, gold standard actor like Leung Chiu Wai can intimidate some young actors but not Wang Yibo. He more than held his own, he is the king of micro expressions but I never had a doubt about him since I first discovered him in The Untamed. His Mr. Ye is a force to be reckoned with, he is steel yet shows his completely vulnerable side. Every single expression is not wasted, translating his thoughts and channeling his intentions, present or future. Wang Yibo’s future is now, he never stops improving even when he’s already so good. He shone so brightly in this movie and I am so looking forward to his other upcoming movies this year. May I also say his multi-lingualism is so satisfying.

The fight scene between the two leads was breathtaking and just A+! Brilliantly sequenced, nicely done.

The ladies are just phenomenal, Zhou Xun as Ms. Chen is queen, she’s grace and beauty. Zhang Jingyi as Ms. Fang had small but impactful scenes, already loved her acting since Lighter and Princess. Jiang Shuying is gorgeousness herself.

I feel like director, Cheng Er didn’t waste any scene, everything has meaning or impact. The food scenes gave a lot of insight into the overall plot. The non-linear narrative was not confusing at all. The end tied everything up nicely. Lastly, if you haven’t heard the theme song sung by Wang Yibo, please do check it out, it totally suits the movie’s noir vibes.

Am already planning to watch it again, truly time well-spent the first time around!

Read More