Reviews

Slow and Boring

This is one of the most pointless movies I have ever watched.

While the plot is interesting, the story is all over the place. The movie opens with the police chief having nightmares but we don't get an explanation for this until essentially the end of the movie. The whole time I thought she was having a mental breakdown and honestly she was but not for the reasons I thought. I also thought she was living in an alternate reality. The Chief 's daughter is a nuisance.

The main plot about prostitution is terrible and frankly, sad. The best part of the movie is actress, Lee Yeon who plays Yae Un, the girl who is allegedy being prostituted against her will. There could have been a better story here but there is not.

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Her meaning of love was slow motion but he saw her in fast forward

This two concept of slow motion and fast forward was an important element of this movie. It's really not about that how you saw it. If you are in love then it's just love.

This movie concept and story wasn't anything new but the self loving thing made this one a memorable. You don't need to make yourself beautiful for others you need to make yourself better for you.

Their love was simple. If you love someone you will accept their own self. You won't wanna change anything. In this concept I would say the love triangle was done right. They were made for each other and also ended up together.

At some point I did feel like I have watched this storyline before many times but it wasn't completely same. It had a different vibe.

It's perfect for a gloomy day to brighten up your mood.


~ 30/12/2022

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Delightful 1st Half, But Plot Falls Apart in 2nd Half

The 1st half of "You Are the Apple of My Eye" was a sheer delight! The male lead's voiceover depicted his teen years with an authenticity that makes one feel an actual teenage wrote the dialogue. It has a fresh, goofy quality that is the very essence of youth. I was either smiling or laughing for every frame of the entire first half of the film. It had such innocence that even the masturbation jokes were bereft of the kind of vulgarity we get in Hollywood teen movies such as "American Pie." The Asians can hit this tone in a way that Hollywood cannot, because Hollywood only knows how to depict teen sexuality with vulgarity. The teens in this film did not even kiss on their dates. Hell, these teen characters felt that even holding hands on a date was a big deal.

Observing these teens undergo the trials and tribulations of first love, overbearing teachers, college applications, and the pressures of making career choices, was handled with charm, humor, and a tender kind of nostalgia for those years. The script and director handled all of this deftly. Alas, the plot fell apart in the 2nd half.

To begin, in what universe does a beautiful girl (whom every boy chased throughout high school), choose to date a fat, dorky, unattractive, boring guy with glasses (whom she ignored all through high school), while rejecting a super sexy, well built, fun guy with tons of charisma (whom she'd paid tons of attention to all through high school)? ANSWER: none.

Oh, and then she ends up marrying an old, dull looking man instead of the young, super sexy dude who's her own age; who's been chasing her for years; and whom the entire movie had portrayed as The One. Why bother portraying a sexy male lead as The One if you're going to have the female lead first date a fat guy, and then marry an old guy? But what really killed the movie was the montage at the very end (during the wedding scene), that revealed how the female lead had loved the male lead just as much as he loved her the whole time. She even told her BFF on high school graduation day that she wanted him to confess his love to her. Umm, he did. Dozens of times! So why did she continually reject him when he did?

I think the screenwriter must have somehow forgotten that he'd written this bit about girl telling her BFF she wanted the boy to confess to her. Because when he did confess, she had plenty of opportunities to reciprocate his love. I mean, daily opportunities. Christ, he was telephoning her daily from his college dorm and declaring his love constantly. Yet she responded to his constant declarations by refusing to date him. Hell, the movie even made it clear that she never so much as held his hand. And then, on the rebound after a fight, she proceeded to date the fat kid with glasses for a couple of years and held HIS hand. Then, years later, she marries the older man.

These two plot points made no sense and ruined what had started out as such a fun, charming movie. Really, I'd give the first half a 10 because it was so delightful, and then it totally fell apart in the second half, to which I'd give a 3. And that was only because the male lead was so damned likeable. He was so watchable that I stared at every frame in which he appeared despite the second half's plot making no sense. In total, my rating of a10 for the first half and a 3 for the second half, gives my rating an average of 6.5.

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If a Country Won't Save The Children, Then Who Will?

What is the price of a child? As depicted in this film, it’s either a job promotion or money. I would never have believed that anyone—a parent, grandparent, teacher, prosecutor, or judge--could put a price on a child's well-being. And perhaps that is the most disturbing aspect of this story.

Anyone who abuses a child is not fit to even call themselves “human.” These are the vilest and most depraved cowards of any human society.

It has always been extremely difficult to watch any film regarding child abuse. I’m a TEFL teacher, and to even fathom anyone hurting or abusing any of my students literally makes my stomach ache and my anger rise.

I’ve since watched three films that are difficult to watch, and this one was no different. In fact, I had to watch this movie over two-nights because I had to stop it halfway through because I was becoming so outraged. “Sophie’s Choice” is an extraordinary film, and it’s also one that I can never watch again. I can still hear the little girl’s screams as she’s being taken away. “Hope” is another one about a Korean girl who was raped in the most horrifying way imaginable. It’s also another film I can never watch again. “Silenced” is now the third. And as good as it was, I already know that I can never watch this movie again.

Based on a true story, “Silenced” is about the teaching staff at a prestigious school in the town of Mujin. A school for the deaf. A new teacher shows up, and he’s excited about embarking upon his new career until he uncovers a terrible truth: the children are being sexually and physically abused. An especially disturbing scene shows a staff member mercilessly beating a young boy, and yet the new teacher—Kang In Ho—simply stands there and does nothing.

The headmaster and his twin brother are well-known throughout the town for their philanthropy. And in a world where money talks, they are more than capable of buying the silence and lies of the staff, prosecutor, defending attorney, judge, and anyone else who dares to stand in their way.

Despite the evidence and unequivocal records of abuse, family members settle on behalf of their children for money. Such people can never be called “parents” or anything of the sort. They simply see their children as a means to acquire money and nothing more. And as a result, the judge gives out sentences that are so laughable, that if it weren’t so tragic, one just might utter a chuckle in response.

The film is as dark as the fog-bound town of Mujin itself, with few likable characters. Kang In Ho’s own cowardly mother tells him to just let it go because there is no point in doing what’s right. It’s easy to say that until you meet the children face-to-face and gain some empathy and perspective about what THEY have had to endure.

This movie brought a real problem to light in Korea. It forced people to ask what the price of a child is, and what happens when corruption and greed are more powerful than justice itself.

Children are not property! They are not there for you to use at your whim! They are not there for you to live vicariously through, nor are they there to be responsible for your own problems. Anyone who uses children in any such manner are child abusers. You do not own your children. And Korea—as well as much of the world—needs to understand just how far and extensive their child abuse runs. This movie brought to light an extreme case, and still, Korea has failed to listen. Why? Because of the indifference of its people. They simply do not care enough.

I was a bit disappointed by Gong Yoo’s performance. I’m not sure how anyone can simply stand there without any expression of outrage or even concern. Yes, he finally bashes the teacher over the head with a plant, but for the most part, Gong Yoo looks lost with almost placid and indifferent expressions. His own mother berates him for standing firm, and all he can say to her is, “I’m sorry.” Amazing that there is no effort to explain the situation and why it’s of the utmost importance.

This isn’t an easy movie to watch, but it’s a necessary one as it puts a spotlight on a horrendous and truly terrifying problem. People often wonder if there are monsters in this world. Just look at the members of the school staff, their families, the prosecutor, and defending attorney, and the judge to realize the truth—yes, there are, indeed, monsters in this world. And they all need to be fought and defeated. If not, then who will save the children?

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Full of drama and comedy, yet some tragic sequences might lead to tears.

If you are looking for a heavy-dramatic comedy film, then it might be one of the good choices you would make. But as mentioned, the film contains some tragic and abrupt scenes that might not meet up to your first impression of this film. But I can assure you that one would not regret watching this film.
Many things I could point out but the facial expressions of each actor during some scenes and the ratio of frames are what I found most appraising. The thing about a film achieving its measurement of being called a "cinema", is the sequence of every consequential advancement to be very neat and steady. I saw that clearly in this movie. To be more precise, the story grows as time goes on. Not a single scene that does not connect to the story. But yes, it had some plotholes in the last quarter of the film, which is not very concerning as it is a drama and the audience thrives for it to be like that. In the end, you would love it if you are a true dramaholic.
A classic, but yet one of the best I have seen so far. Give it a try and you will like it.

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Deserved more views

I wasn't interested in watching this because the way they promoted this movie didn't make it look interesting, but after seeing a clip on Tiktok, I decided to watch - and boy was I surprised!

At first, I wasn't convinced with Julia's portrayal of a low class prostitute - because she look so d*mn expensive! I thought "why is she not working on those expensive bars? Why is she not working as a high class prostitute?"
I am glad that she too, thought the same. Still... I wonder who got her first and for what amount? Because it would be such a waste of her beauty if he got her for less than a thousand (which is her price at the start of the story. )

Anyway I like the idea that they made Candy a bit more relatable and understandable. Candy became ambitious because she understood how hard it is to live in poverty. She became materialistic- and yes, like she said - what is wrong with that?
We have seen that if given a chance, she would leave that kind of life. She doesn't really want to do that work but had no other choice but to do so - because that is the only way she could make money to get what she wants.
She is the complete opposite of Toto who is content and happy with what he have.

However, I think I agree more with Candy on this one.
You cannot live with love alone, you cannot live with dreams alone, you cannot live with promises alone - which is what Toto seems to think about.

They love each other, Candy loves him too - but Toto... he was just content with what he have while Candy obviously doesn't want to stay poor -- AND let us be honest, Candy told him about her past so he should know she will not like the way things are going.

And to be honest I think what Toto have for Candy isn't really love... it's more on lust, infatuation and an "ego boost" - because she seem out of reach and that made him want her more. It seems to me that Toto doesn't really care about Candy - as a person. He didn't really tried to get to know her well - as long as he can have her that is all that matters to him.
Candy told him about her story but he didn't seem to think much about it. He was fine not seeing her for months to save up some money so he can bed her.

I also disliked how he kept whining about things and made it look like the problem was Candy just because she wanted more - even though Candy made it clear she do not want to end up like her parents. I do not really think he have that much EQ to be honest...

I think Candy did love Toto, he was the only man she thought she can depend on but obviously her ambition is more important.

It is a story of two people, completely different from each other - who fell in love - may it be out of lust or whatever reason - they did fell in love and for a short time they tried to build a dream together, tried to "adjust" their lifestyle and mindset but just like the bulb in their house which Toto said still needing adjustment to work properly- it failed to adjust - it failed to work.

Their love may be short live but it changed them. In the end, both of them realized something, both of them realized what they really wanted, both of them realized what kind of life they really want, they both realized (especially Toto) that sometimes love is really not enough.

I love that Julia was willing to try different characters. She was walking in those sexy clothes without a care.

I thought this movie will have many bed scenes - but it didn't have. The focus isn't really about s*x but just about the main characters short love story.

Probably the only thing I do not like about it, is the unnecessary cussing, which most Filipino movies has. For Candy, it may be right for her to keep cursing - but for Toto? It seem out of character. Cursing isn't going to make the scene more intese and not everyone cusses when they get angry.

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Form your own opinion

The reviews for this movie seem to be all over the place. The description for the movie tells you that it's about two married people having an affair, so that's what you should be expecting. I tried my best to avoid spoilers.

I felt the romance between the two the moment they met, and explicit scenes aside, there was short snippets where you could see the characters love for each other, which showed how much their relationship was improving and the love was growing. The film is more than just the sexual content, and I'm struggling as how the people in these reviews can't see that. There's a double bogey plot twist, which I was 100% not expecting, but I'm not mad it happened. -- I also feel like people seem to be forgetting about the cultural/historical aspects of the movie, as it was set during the late 1960's.

The acting of the characters is very well done, especially the main lead. He does very well to emote and express how his character has totally become obsessed with this woman, like the film says. People are saying the main leads acting is poor, but that's just the character she was playing, is it not? Right off the bat, her character is introduced as shy, which I was able to see throughout the movie. And why would her character be smiling, when the man she loves is besides his wife?


Overall, I enjoyed this movie and the direction of it. The music choice was SUPER fitting, and it matched especially well during those steamy scenes. I never write reviews but I feel like I have to as nobody is giving this movie justice. If you are old enough, and willing to give this movie a shot, I say go for it. I see why there's mixed reactions to this movie, so just try it yourself and see if you like it.

TDLR: Ignore the reviews and form your own opinion. It's a beautiful story about forbidden love and obsession.

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Confusing

I had started watching it due to edits on my fyp but it was super confusing I was only watching it because of the hot prisoner but he wasnt the main character which kinda made me lose interest, I didnt like his role as a rapist either. To be honest I don't even know who the main character was. Everything just started happening without a back story and it made it super confusing.. All I know was that these prisoners were moved onto a ship to go somewhere and out of nowhere they start killing the guards, I think they were a gang. But I had dropped the movie once the hot prisoner was killed. And then there was a prisoner changed up that looked like they were experimented on..? It made no sense at all. BUTTT it was still sort of good I guess..? wasn't really worth watching though.

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Happy times but on thursdays

"Why would they both want to end their lives?" A question I asked during the first few scenes. Yoo-jong (the female lead) has already attempted suicide three times, while Yoon-soo (the male lead) has no desire to live anymore after he has been convicted with a death penalty sentence. Both have common qualities: cold, lonely, and disinterested with life. Then, you would be curious on what would happen if both of them after being introduced with each other. Afterall, both just wanted to end their lives.

I liked how the pacing of this movie was in terms of answering that question in a way that it presented a linear, yet still coherent reason of their urge to end their respective lives. It took a slow approach, yet not boring in developing both characters separately, and later on, together. The insertion of flashback scenes were not only sad, but also I felt pity to Yoo-jong with her trauma, and to Yoon-soo with his crimes and circumstances. Yet, what I found unique here is that although it was justifiable for Yoon-soo to be guilty with his crimes, his innonence and circumstances would make you feel that he could've done more to lessen his sentence, yet here we are.

Also, I liked that their romance was formed not typically. It was really more on building romance from their profound pain and mutual understanding with one another, which really took off on the scene when Yoo-jong now started to confide to Yoon-soo regarding the reason why she attempted suicide several times. After few scenes, I felt sympathy towards both of them, as they were having their happy time, but limited. With Yoon-soo now having to look forward every thursday, there was now a newfound sense of life, yet wishing it not to end. Also, with Yoo-jong now able to ease her burdens to Yoon-soo, she was now able to move away from that trauma and towards forgiveness and appreciation to life itself.

Forgiveness is an integral plot point in this movie. However, my gripes regarding this were the following:

1. The lady's sudden shift of forgiveness to what Yoon-soo did. I forgot her relationship to the victims of Yoon-soo's crimes, yet I still found it unexpected that she forgave him just when he was about to die. There could've been more context inserted regarding this.
2. Yoo-jong's forgiveness to her mom when she was hospitalized. The topic in itself is sensitive and I won't be dwelling anymore on that, but as a rape victim, I find it hard to totally forgive someone who did not do anything after knowing she was raped, nonetheless, to a mother who was expected to protect her yet chose to shrug it off. Personally, I would have wanted Yoo-jong to say to her mom that she would not hate her anymore, but will still take time to totally forgive her.

The ending was so emotional, yet I honestly did not found it to be tearjerking, since it was already expected. Maybe, I was more invested on their journey as to finding a new meaning on their lives together, rather than the end itself. Still, the last scene made me feel light, assured that they were able to create happy times, however just on thursdays.

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Great action, acting, and story. Deserves more love and more viewers

Decibel is a fast-paced and gripping bombing flick that has a bit more depth than other action movies I've watched. The casting is great and everyone's acting was on point. Lee Jong Suk delivered well the emotions needed and Cha Eun Woo improved by leaps (since I last saw him on True Beauty). There are several cameos too. I'm being vague on purpose to avoid spoilers or overblown expectations.

This is ultimately Kim Rae Won's movie and he's in his element here. As an important side note, he looked nice in his white navy uniform and apparently all the stunts in the movie were done by him. Fantastic as always!

I hope this gets streamed on Netflix or some other global platform. It deserves to reach a wider audience.

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Slow, quiet movie

The pace of this movie was very slow and quiet. We get a look into the lives of two people that are living thousands of miles apart, and how destiny brings them together. I guess you could call this a 'hate to love' story. Having someone disturb your sleep, talk to you inside your head, and try to sabotage your life can't be easy or fun. There were some cute scenes of them messing with the other's lives. But then a bond is forged, a rhythm is established, and they learn and grow from one another.

What happens if that bond gets broken somehow? This movie addresses this, though I didn't think it was in the most clear-cut way.

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A Movie That Makes One Care Deeply About a Loser

A serious, moving and brutally realistic movie about a 20-something loser who is continually attending peep shows and has a proclivity for offending people. Nevertheless, the screenplay and director did that miraculous thing of making the audience deeply feel for this character.

The lead is, indeed, a loser, and not a "likeable loser" either, as many movies would portray, because the film does not gloss anything over or shade it in pink. This poor sap has never been taught social skills because he had no family, nor schooling. He had to drop out in 8th grade and go to work as a young teen (I guess high school is not mandatory in Japan as it is in the USA). My heart broke for him as it went on, even as I was constantly cringing and thinking, "Noooo, don't do that!" because I was so afraid he'd commit yet another anti-social act while being utterly clueless as to the fact that he was doing so.

But as heartbreaking as it was, it did end well with the lead sitting down to write, and thus having the promise of a career as a writer. This is not a spoiler because, you see, the movie is based on an autobiographical novel. Meaning, the lead was based on the novel writer who had written about truly having had this kind of life.

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What's Your Three Words To Forever?

I started watching this much randomly on Netflix. When I first started I was confused if it's a documentary or something like that because the starting was an interview of different couples who have been married for a long time.

It's a story of three different couples. As the story progresses we can see how their relationship is. Woman are the glue that sticks her family but is it really easy for her. This movie also shows how important is to communicate with each other. Not just between the couples but also between parents and children. Also marriage is a really important thing. This thing definitely shouldn't be rushed.

This was like a warm hug for a bad day. A decent watch.

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