Reviews

Nothing you haven't seen before, done sooo much better

Sigh, where to start with this hot mess?

Some edgy chick is a wheelman - or, well, wheelwoman - who gets her package, whether person, animal or item, from A to B, guaranteed. She drinks beer, has an Indian or black side-kick (because Korea's going woke Hollywood, failing to realise that people stopped watching Hollywood because they hate the woke bollocks), and is naturally way smarter than her male boss, because that's GIRL POWER. RAW!

Filled with the kind of clichés we hate, along with the staple clichés of the genre, this film offers absolutely nothing new and failed to entertain me in any capacity - I mean: the female lead's more annoying than hot!

Tob e honest, I turned this off around the half way mark because there are just so many better things to do with my time, such as: watch better films, cook dinner, sit on the toilet with a magazine or watch the grass grow... and we were in the middle of winter when I was watching this, so the grass was under a foot of snow!

If you didn't get my point already, this is bad. Avoid.

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Hell to pay

I really enjoyed this one, but not in the same way I usually enjoy these kinds of films.

An ex-cop turns revenge killer and he's given an option: go undercover or... well, it was never clear if the handler would bump him off on the spot or just toss him into prison forever - and straight away, I knew that this film would keep me enthralled!

The lead then partners up with a bona fide psychopath, who seems like a skinny boy faking a hard -man image - he's just too sweet until he snaps! Both men are actually psycho's, but one is the emotionally confused child of a suicide cult and the other is an almost emotionless thinker, on a path to accomplish his real mission, which he's using the yakuza to accomplish.

Some viewers may say the action is too violent, others may say it's stylish, while others still may say it's realistically brutal but, to me, the action scenes served the plot - as well they should in any good film!

The dialogue in this was excellent - I really enjoyed the scenes that took a much slower pace, because this is when the characters all really came to life and, ultimately, showed us the depth the film was striving to attain. And with its multiple layers, characters all working towards their own agendas and us never really knowing who's the good guy in this very grey world, there's a lot to be lost in the minutia, hence my giving this such a high rewatch value, when I seldom watch anything twice!

Is this a film for everybody?
Absolutely not! But for those who like character-driven dramas disguised as action-thrillers, this is superb!

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All over the place!

The whole time I was asking myself: "What am I watching?" and then "Why am I still watching it"? But I don't like dropping stuff, I mean, it's only a movie. It will end up making sense at some point, right? Ehm, no. It didn't. The script, the direction, the editing, is all over the place. Scenes follow one another without rhyme or reason jumping randomly and abruptly like a monkey on drugs. The characters do things completely opposite to what their character has been so far without any reason given for their change of mind, important conversations start happening and then... nothing has changed, nothing gets explained, no real development of that storyline, everything left hanging. The two main leads are very sweet and can actually act a little, the other are stock caricatures (the fat friend, the gay friend, the cocky friend, the mean girl, the bullies, the insensitive teacher and so on...) The music and dances are all exactly the same style, you cannot distinguish them from one another. Big words are spoken, cheap wisdom is served on a platter. And the ending? What about the competition? What about the relationship of the outcast with her suddenly changed classmates? What about the love story? Who knows what happened? Not me, although I did watch it till the bitter end (I deeply regret wasting almost two hours on my life on it) What a noisy yawn fest!

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Good execution of a basic story.

While the movie has high production value, good writing and great cast, it brings exactly nothing to the table. We have seen this story in a similar setting quite a few times.

These are always the same questions: What does it mean to be human? How far can we go to survive? What can we do for power and control? What makes some movies tackling these ideas stand out more than the others are cast/performance and the unique setting. Medical trials on clones is not exactly an out of the box idea. And with that, the movie is interesting and enjoyable, but easily forgettable. Sure, a few scenes showcasing Seobok’s special abilities were fun and more unique takes on the typical clone scenario, but surely not enough to make this production outstanding in any manner.

Gong Yoo carried the whole film on his shoulders. The performance saved a rather stereotypical character. On the other hand, as much as I like Park Bo Gum, he made me feel exactly nothing as I was watching Seobok. What’s worth mentioning - the small beef between Chief Ahn and Kim Cheon Woo was probably the most entertaining aspect for me.

The production was great. A high budget movie delivering high quality effects and action scenes.

Overall, a good watch, one that most would enjoy. Will I remember it to later recommend to others? Probably not.

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Watch this after the series

Have to be honest, was hesitant to watch this after watching Love O2O series. Loved the series and its FL & ML so much that inner self rejected this to watch back in 2018. Which was a major regret. This movie is so good. The actors FL & ML both acted so well in this movie. Really want them to come together in any series!!!
The movie is basically realistic fast version of series. The acting, script, the setup was more towards realism. Not total fantasy like the series.
Would recommend to watch this after you watch the series.. Else you might think the series is more towards cringe side.
Enjoyed both of them so much.

Its a must watch if haven't yet.

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I can see the artistic intent, but it was too uncomfy for me

I went in relatively blind. All I knew was that it was a dance arthouse film with no dialogue, and relatively sapphic undertones at times.

My very first thought coming in was that the sound was very much ASMR-quality. Personally, the only sounds I liked was the pen scratching the paper and the sounds related to the water. Everything else was quite uncomfy. Even the background music that would show up from time to time put me on edge - and I didn't get the impression that it was supposed to. Visually it was rather off-putting too. I was prepared for it to go a body horror route at any minute, but it always stopped short of it.

Without reading the description, I was wondering if these 4 women in white that the house's resident can't see were actually an embodiment of her random impulsive thoughts as she went about her daily tedium and musician's block. They gave off a very "last brain cell" vibe. I did wind up reading the description a few minutes in and was able to shift my view on them pretty quickly. They're spirits. Spirits that are caught up in all the childlike wonder of their senses. Sounds. Smells. Sights. Textures. They got excited over each new discovery, getting swept away by their implications. Sometimes dangerously (and creepily) so.

I liked the overall story, but was left with questions (that the director's interview mostly cleared up). And I didn't like some of the choices made in the story's portrayal - even once i got past the sounds. Nonetheless, the spirits' smiles were semi-contagious and the contemporary dance sequences were pleasing to watch.

At least the musicians' house is temporarily cleaned of its build up of regular human detritus?

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Sweet simple college movie

I decided to watch this with hesitation but the plot made me do it as I feel like watching a movie with confession issue. 😅
I love how simple yet emotionally appealing to me. It was a good story, it’s giving me a 90s vibe with a slow-paced. Sometimes I just feel like watching something simple but with a good story plot. The plot was predictable to me, but that’s not really an issue for me as I’m more curious how their relationships build up.
I find their friendship really cute and sweet, and I wish I have those experiences in my life. Sad.
I love the cast too, they’re so compatible with each other. I love her innocent look, her letters and how detailed she is writing it.

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I love the ending. First time (I believe ) watching a movie without a kissing scene. But it’s still sweet❤️.

2:17am. Good morning to start my February 2023.

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Best Mulan LIVE action I have seen so far ??

Mulan 2009
I picked this one up after hearing by many this was the best and closes to the Legend of Mulan.

PROS:
◇The focus on the mental and emotional toll war can and does have on a person.
◇Mulan wasn't a perfect character she was flawed.
◇The character growth
◇The writing
◇Chemistry between the leads
◇Overall plot & deployment of the story
◇Didn't get as violent as it could have.

CONS:
◇Editing wasn't super great I think because of the budget.
◇We didn't get alot of time with the side characters to care when things happened. That being said it was sad but wish they had more screen time.
It was just a movie not a show so I also understand.

Rewatch? Yes

TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
◇Death
◇War
◇Talk of domestic abuse

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Beautiful, but not a good movie.

I put my hope too high for this movie. I never watch or read any of xxxHolic franchise so I don't know about the story, but the trailer seems promising. With Kamiki Ryunosuke, Shibasaki Kou, Matsumura Hokuto, and Tamashiro Tina... it'll be great! I thought.

But nope. There is something wrong about this high potential project.

The story is sooo unclear. For the first half of it, I keep wondering "what happened? wait what?". I felt so dumb, after I finished it I still can't wrap my head around what happening in the movie.
The chacaracters dynamic are strange too. I expected to see more meaningful Watanuki and Yuuko interaction, as well as Watanuki and his friends, Himawari and Doumeki. Himawari is barely there, it seems like Doumeki there only for fanservice lol eventhough I like it as Kamiki and Hokuto's fan... but for a movie it's not a wise choice.

The A-list actor and actress can't help this movie either. Kamiki and Shibasaki doing great, but sorry to say, Hokuto and Tina are sucks. Their character is so plain and blant. It's weird because both of them are really talented actually, they did excellent on another project. Especially Hokuto because I've been following him for years.

After some searching, I found out about the director, then it all make sense now.
No wonder why this movie is so beautiful. But still sucks tho, she can't become a director atleast for now.

I recommend anyone to watch is just because if you're a fan of one of the cast, or a fan of xxxHolic.

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It is a terrifying system that will never yield

Director Kurosawa takes aim at greed and malevolent corporate and bureaucratic power in The Bad Sleep Well. He sends one man tilting at that explosive windmill in an effort to enact revenge and seek justice. Inspired by Hamlet, dare we even hope Mifune Toshiro can topple the unseen forces driving the action in this film?

If the opening scene seems familiar, it’s because Francis Ford Coppola raved about it and the opening scene for the Godfather was inspired by it. A wedding reception for a young couple is overshadowed by the corporate cronies and executives preening for Iwabuchi, the Vice President of the company whose daughter Yoshiko married his male secretary, Nishi. A cake in the shape of the building where a man jumped (or was pushed) to his death five years before is wheeled in with a rose protruding from the deadly seventh floor window. As the reporters in the background share their cynical and fairly accurate take on the people involved, they give us the exposition we need to catch up with who we should be wary of- the "clean-up crew" of graft and why the cake is an omen.

It takes nearly 35 minutes for Mifune Toshiro to have his first lines and tell us what we are already suspect. He is the son of the murdered man and is orchestrating a complex revenge plan against the men responsible, even going to the lengths of marrying his enemy's daughter.

Like the mob looking for bribes, the Public Corporation for Land Development has been taking money and kick-backs from companies, most recently a deal with Dairyu. And like the mob, those at the top are untouchable, their subordinates completely loyal, and those who fail or question are expendable.

Nishi is willing to sacrifice everything, even his own sense of morality, to bring down the men who murdered his father. "It's not easy hating evil. You have to stoke your own fury until you become evil yourself." He's aware many of the things he's doing are illegal he’s and more than willing to go to prison if he can succeed with his plan. His fatal flaw is underestimating not only the murderous intent and moral bankruptcy of his adversary, but also the sheer size of the invisible evil that looms just out of sight. When everything looks like it's going Nishi's way, that justice will prevail, one crack threatens destruction.

Though Nishi has no issue ruining Public Corp's pawns-Wada, Shirai, and Moriyama, he does have lines he will not cross. The Vice President and the master he answers to, have no such compunctions. Nishi lacks the hate his enemies have. He doesn't realize that what he thinks is a monolith of power is connected to others and there is no way out without being crushed by their cruel intentions. Unlike Ikiru who broke through the bureaucratic wall, Nishi broke his body against it. It was not like he wasn't warned. "It is a terrifying system that will never yield," Wada warned him. This corporate ronin replied, "Everyone feels that way and gives up. That's how they get away with it."

Another flaw for the main character is that Nishi fell in love with his wife. Yoshiko is so innocent and useless that it is hard to feel sorry for her and easy to feel rage when she becomes the linchpin of doom.

I have no complaints with the hopeless tale of revenge. It takes more than a son's vengeful anger to bring down city hall or in this case government and corporate entities. My issue is that what could have been the most poignant event in the movie happened off camera, taking all the emotional punch out of it. This was one of those times when we should have been shown not told.

Kurosawa gave us a brutally unforgiving film about one man standing up to the corrupt machine. He was unflinching in showing how such power can crush those who oppose it and innocent bystanders along the way. Despite the flawed issue I mentioned, overall, I found the film tragic, well written, well-acted, and captivating. The film is even more meaningful because those bastions of power and avarice have only grown stronger and larger since Kurosawa's day. As he said, "I made this film too soon."

1/31/23

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THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF ONE'S ACTING CAREER.

You heard of all the fuzz with how Higashide Masahiro (HM) cheated on his wife for Karata Erika (KE). Prior to said news, I watched this because I am deeply in love with KE's beauty. Hence, I waited for it intently.

The story line was unique in itself, KE's past love and present love were both played by HM, hence they looked the same. Of course, the typical cliche were part of the story. However, it was provocative in the way that since both characters looked the same way and you love them both, who would you choose? I'll let you find out for yourselves.

When the news broke that HM cheated on his wife for KE, I wasn't really surprised. Rather it just confirmed my they had such amazing chemistry with each other. The lines they threw to each other were heart felt, it was as if they were truly in a relationship with each other. Surprise, Suprise.. They were.

Music was pretty decent, which is pretty standard for Jmovies.

Re-watch value? I've watched it 5 times. I dunno why. I just like watching Erika's face too much :D.

Overall, a solid 10 for someone who is a hopeless romantic and a corporate slave at the same time.

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Worth to watch for the action

This movie has some seriously good fighting scenes. It's so hard to find a good wuxia series or movie. A lot of has more CGI and natural action. This one doesn't disappoint in the fighting department. There's plenty of action from start to finish. Fighting scenes that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Donnie Yuen does it again. I always like his movies. However, if you're looking for the story in this movie, you will be disappointed. Well, this movie is adapted from an old Jin Yong novel, so if you already know the story and watch the TV series, you kinda know what the story is about. If you're not a c-drama fan and just watch this movie without any background, you will be disappointed and confused. The story seems rushed and you don't get to know much about the characters. In my opinion, period or costume drama is best watched in a series form (although it can be a long one) because you will see the character's background and their development and you get to know the character's story. Overall, this is a really good wuxia movie with good cinematography. I would still recommend watching this movie and I might re-watch if I have time.

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It's not what you eat, it's who you eat it with

From the moment the familiar theme song played I immediately relaxed and drifted off to the magical place where the Master will make whatever you want to eat. Open from midnight to seven a.m., the Master not only had his regulars show up, but also some new faces in Midnight Diner 2. Everyone, as always, is served their favorite comfort food, given a few gentle words of encouragement, and leave feeling better about themselves.

Midnight Diner 2 opened with the regulars dressed in black. All of the customers had been to different funerals. Only one woman in funeral attire had not. A lonely book editor when frustrated at work wore black and ordered the Master’s fried pork strips. The combination usually lifted her mood and helped her regain her fighting spirit. At a funeral she fell victim to a fetishist and Master helped her with the words she needed to find her way again and a little help from the dish she loved so much.

Story 2 was about a soba noodle restaurant owner unable to let go of her young, but adult son. He had fallen in love with a woman 15 years older than himself. It would take some special udon noodles to help heal this mother-son relationship.

Story 3 was another tale of a woman being scammed. This time an elderly woman fell for a scam involving her son. So desperate was she to help the son she hadn’t seen since he was a boy that she dropped everything and traveled to Tokyo to hand over her money. Master’s pork soup would have to work overtime to bring this woman the closure and redemption she was in desperate need of.

I have watched all of the seasons of this delightful drama and the first movie as well. In all the heartwarming stories, I have never been bored or disappointed. This movie provides a balm to a world-weary spirit. The people who frequent the Master’s establishment have learned to pass on the kindness and acceptance he has given them. Though it may stretch the bounds of believability at times, it’s nice to escape to a place with delicious food where someone will care about your problems and give you a helping hand or an encouraging word.

1/30/23

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“The marriage proposal has turned into something really weird."

The Girl in the Rumor is a short film that packs a powerful punch, with layers of meaning and consequences. Director Naruse wove together beautiful camera shots and close-ups of his subjects, keeping the viewer uncomfortably near his characters’ hidden raw emotions.

Kenkichi runs the Nayada, a sake shop his late wife’s family owns. Business has gone downhill, whether because of the economy, his lack of skill, or that the grandfather is drinking the profits. Oldest daughter Kunie is traditional and calm, helping him to run the shop. She smiles and laughs at Grandpa’s costly habits. Kimiko, the youngest is a firebrand who dresses in Western clothes, listens to jazz music loudly in the house, and stays out late with her friends and even boys.

Kunie’s uncle has played matchmaker for her with a wealthy family. She takes Kimiko with her to steady her nerves. Kimiko is loud, rude, and disruptive during the proceedings. Of course, Sato, Kunie’s intended falls for Kimiko. He and Kimiko end up spending time together afterward and he asks that they exchange her for Kunie. Meanwhile, Kenkichi, doesn’t want Kunie in an arranged marriage for he had been miserable in his. He also needs to figure out how to tell Kimiko that Oyu, who runs the bar next door, is not only his mistress but her mother. He also wants Oyu to come and live with them. Not only that, but Kenkichi has either been watering his sake down or changed the formula to save money. Of course, before it’s all over, everything is thrown into the air like tossed salad and scrambled eggs!

Naruse seemed to enjoy exploring the different aspects of women. Kunie was quiet, obedient, hard working and wore traditional clothes. Kimiko was one of the most annoying characters to have ever graced a movie screen. She was self-absorbed, rude, like her grandpa was a spendthrift, and could be casually cruel. The clash of western and traditional values were on full display, or at least Naruse’s version of them. In addition to the culture clash, the father had gone outside of marriage, creating a rift with his wife and child, something he does not want for Kunie. The man who had appeared calm and stable was actually a catalyst for the upcoming storm. The resolution to many of their problems lie within their reach, when out of the family drama, chaos dragged its members down. All that had seemed important turned to ash by the end. Naruse had no problem taking a flamethrower to an olive branch.

The film started with the barber and his customer across the street discussing how the Nayada wasn’t as good as it used to be. At the end of the film, they coldly and blithely take bets over what will be there next. No corner for a feel-good ending is left, only the darkness of the storm and the wreckage in its wake.

1/30/23

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