Reviews

Completely stunned

I liked the lead actor since he was a kid, from boyhood to this movie. Really, it made me cry and I rarely cry and the only other 3 dramas were the untamed, love and redemption and love between fairy and devil. The acting and visuals were superb and is 100% worth watching.I have never seen such stunning and touching acting in movies and Ding cheng xi grew up so much. I absolutely love him. The other actor also put in tremendous effort to convey his emotions and he certainly succeeded in making me a fan of his. Over all the movie was well and I gave it 9.0 rating, the second highest one I had given, with the first one given to the untamed

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Confusing motivations…

I did not really understand any of the characters - the ghost included.
It does have a semi interesting start, that sets the tone for the rest of the movie - desperation and cheap jump scares. Sometimes this is all you need in a horror movie. Why was the female lead so invested in that uni movie was stupid though.

I get that she needed a horror story for her own movie, but with all the effort she put into the “investigation”, I’m sure she would be able to write something herself. Not to mention, was she both screenwriter and the director?

Then there is the ghost lady- why did she do all the shenanigans? They did not really explain if it was curse, vengeance… Sure, I can explain it myself with my little theories, but the movie did not, and that’s my point.

What I enjoyed - build up tension. Honestly believe cutting out all the jump scares would actually make the movie scarier. They ruined the atmosphere with how comedic they were… The pure investigation moments had me invested, but then a typical black hair lady jumped on the screen and I could not stop myself from laughing.

Performances were great. Loved how Seo Yae Ji’s character was so unaware how abnormal her behavior was, calling others crazy, when she herself acted in the most irrational way.

Overall, it was a decent watch. Would be better as an investigation horror game.

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Cheesy and Easy Watch, Even W/O the Drama

Based on many of the top reviews and several comments, from viewers who watched the drama first, I was really expecting this to be confusing as someone who hadn't watched the drama first. Boy was that a wrong assumption. This was extremely easy to understand. Do I wish some things were fleshed out more? Absolutely. But it didn't detract from the experience at all. This was incredibly straightforward. A little cheesy and kinda fast-paced, but enjoyable. The characters were consistent all the way through. And like most esports dramas, the team dynamics are incredibly fun to watch.

My major problem though, like most Chinese titles, is that I really wish that the antagonists got more consequences for their actions. It wasn't like the leads weren't capable of doing it.

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Artistic or just a hot (naked) body?

4 women and 4 "trash" men.
I went in thinking this would be a typical easy watching romcom, but was pleasantly surprised by some of the intricacies, particularly in the cinematography.

It's hard to talk about why this film was great without spoiling any of the twists and surprises, but I'll do my best!
I feel like the twist made me want to think a lot about what else was possible in the story.
Kinda like my experience when I watched "Initiation Love"

There's a really nice use of imagery focusing on rice throughout the film, and the way that helps to interweave not just the stories but also connect the spaces. That was really nice.

I think some of the acting and storytelling was a bit cheesy (on purpose) but it took a way a little from the otherwise solid performance.

I went and saw it in the cinema and was surprised actually that more people didn't laugh!
There were so many small moments of joy and comedy here and there that I just couldn't help myself

As something that's been adapted from theatre, I'm really curious about how the original production was staged.

I think if you're after something that surface level seems light but can also be layered and thought provoking, this is a really good film.

Or just watch for Fuma's six pack and butt shot, that's a valid reason too hahaha

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Got away with the crime and, begins again with his career like nothing ever happen.

I can't with this movie here is a quick summary Nero Park stole her family's art, got rich, then rumors started that he plagiarized the art. He buys all the art burns it and, then tries to cut his timeline short by walking into the ocean. The main characters starts to look for him. He chickens out and, does not do it. The main female character forgives him and, he gives back the main painting that was seen in the beginning of the movie when she starts to work at her family's inn. He gets a second chance at his career and, starts all over again with his life like nothing happen. I said to myself Wow he got away with that.

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the viewpoint movie

The short film is a representation of all of us who are attempting to initiate a conversation with someone we have seen repeatedly but never spoken to. We tried to start a conversation with the hope that the other person would want to talk to us as well, but in the end we hated the idea of being polite and began to be friends.

On the other hand, the guy should not pass judgment on everyone's intentions, especially the girl's; she's just being nice but is being accused of being the type of person with whom he doesn't want to be friends.

Quiet people may not really want to engage to any one don't feel bad about trying to be friend and being rejected.

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WAAAAAAA

So basicaly i don't know how and why but i loved this movie. I got into it faster than i though and i was excited whule watching this movie. The romance here was amazing, when it comes to the comedy it was awesome. I loved how it ended and how they explained everything in the end (all those mysteries). And since i like hot or spicy scenes it made me even happier. But why i gave the rewatch value only 9.5, that is because i don't think that it had to be 2 hours long to feel completed. But aside from that i watched this movie because of the gender and synopsis and like days after deciting what to watch i found out about the ML actor who i knew from Class of Lies. If you read this have a good day :)

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This movie is made for people who are already familiar with the life of Dogen Zenji - it skips from event to event throughout his life with little exposition. As someone who watched this because I am interested in learning more about Buddhism and who had not heard of Dogen Zenji before, I was left disconnected from the story and did not take much away from it. I wasn't sure WHY anything was happening; it just did, and then we skipped ahead a few more years.

The positives were that the acting was solid, the music was nice, and the production had a pleasant slice-of-life approach (except for a few CGI missteps, as The Butterfly mentions in their review). The film covered some Buddhist teachings, but it didn't go as deep into them as I expected from a biopic about someone who introduced a new form of Buddhism to Japan.

Where this movie most offends me, however, and the reason that I rated it so low, is that the writer looked at the real life story of Dogen Zenji and thought, "You know what this story about a Buddhist master needs? Sex appeal!" And then they introduced one (1) female character, with no basis in history (I checked), only to show her having dubiously consensual sex and then later getting actually sexually assaulted. Obviously these scenes do not include or involve Dogen Zenji, so they're just there because the writer thought they spiced up the story. Thankfully, this female character does get her own arc and character development, but there was absolutely no reason to show those particular scenes, neither of which is addressed with the seriousness that breaches of sexual consent deserve. I'd rather have no added fictional female characters than have this kind of crass and traumatic representation. I came to this movie expecting to learn more about enlightenment and left with a sour taste in my mouth.

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I want to shake some sense in all of them!!!

Completed: 10/16/2022

This is not how I typically write a review but I find it quite difficult to put a rating and write about my likes and dislikes. Instead, I am just going to put down my rants and feelings.

This drama depicts the very complicated and unhealthy relationship between two VERY flawed characters. They are pretty unlikeable and don't have too many redeeming values. I fail to see why everyone is so in love with Otomo Kyoichi. He's selfish and self-centered, and plays with others emotions. I really don't know why Imagase Wataru is so obsessively in love with him for 8 years, when Otomo has never done anything nice to him. I want to stick my arms into the screen and shake some sense into Imagase. I also want to bitch slap Otomo so bad.

Throughout the movie, I keep on saying to myself, "Imagase, get the F out of there! He doesn't deserve you! Why do you keep doing this to yourself? Why do you want to be in this toxic relationship? He doesn't give a damn about you!! GET OUT!!" Unfortunately, the leads are in this never-ending cycle of a torturous relationship. I am so angry!!

In the end, there's growth in the characters but it's a long roller coaster ride before we get there.

Is this a good movie? I don't know and it really depends if you like this type of movie. But if this movie can evoke such emotions out of me, it deserves at least an 8.0.

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A very inspiring movie!

This way one of the most amazing movies I've seen. The casting was amazing and overall the story itself was unique. As someone who has also been suffering from glossophobia (stage fright) this movie really helped me try my best to give my everything to cure it. Glossophobia is a phobia that many don't take seriously but this movie really shows us the real struggle of the ones suffering from it. The movie inspired me and probably others to try and get over the fear that is stopping is from shining with our brightest talents. Thank you to everyone for realising this movie. And most of all thank you Park Chan-Yeol for, yet again, giving me strength to defeat my fear!

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Just me being out of my comfort zone

This movie felt short but like in not a bad way ofc. I gave this review headline like this because it's true. When i look at my watchlist i can find there different genders but my least watched is "time traveling"(in this movie it was the connection between the present and past). The reason for it is that i will most likely get bored what didn't happened that much while watching this movie. I started watching this movie without knowing who will act in it and then i found out that i know at least one actor. The reason why i gave it 9.5 star rating and not 10 is because of the ending. I felt like that was something i did not expected to happen but it did. And right now i am going to sleep :)

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A mixture that resulted in a masterpiece

was another Korean movie to release this summer that I was highly, highly looking forward to. One of the biggest reasons why I was so hyped for this film was because it was directed by the legendary Korean director, Park Chan Wook. Director Park is one of the most well-renowned directors of Korean cinema; up there alongside Bong Joon Ho. Some of his other masterpieces include , , and of course, , all of which are MUST watches. Also, a film with a mixed genre of thriller and romance? Sign me up! Had me intrigued from just the genre.
Moreover, it’s been over 6 years since Director Park’s last work, and with the mind-blowingly good film that Director Bong put out a few years back, it’d be an understatement for me to say I was excited to see what Park Chan Wook had under his sleeve.

The film starred the duo of Park Hae Il and Tang Wei, and these two were absolutely amazing. I’ll get more into this later on in the review.

>The Good<
The movie definitely had a uniqueness that only Park Chan Wook can deliver. Amazing cinematography with incredible camerawork and angles had me mesmerizing each scene. You can tell that each shot, each angle was thought out, and shows how much of a detailed person Director Park is.

Moreover, there were symbolisms and metaphors throughout the film, one of which we can find across Park Chan Wook’s movies: ants. And like many of Director Park’s other works, the film had strange vibes to it that gave it its own, unique mysterious elements. Mystery, thriller, romance; an odd blend, but it works, and it’s because of Park Chan Wook that this is possible.
Furthermore, the film had great musical score that really enhanced the tone and the mood. It’s with its auditory elements that the film was able to be elevated on another level.

I also loved how keeps you guessing. It keeps you wondering what’s going on, and as it starts revealing, it gets a little confusing, but in a good way. You keep trying to fit the pieces of the Park Chan Wook puzzle together, and I absolutely love it when films are able to accomplish this successful. The movie then takes a turn and gets you even more invested; love it.

Another great part about was the acting. Tang Wei’s acting was amazing; her expressions, like when she slightly smiles, was subtle but gave off an impression that can’t be put into words. All I can say is that it was “Scary good.” And Park Hae Il also showed his best in this. His and Tang Wei’s chemistry was out of this world, and definitely one of the biggest reasons why the movie was so good.
And it wasn’t only with the two main leads, but it was fun seeing all the cameo appearances as well. Park Jung Min made a special appearance and had a pretty impactful role, but the one that really stood out to me was Kim Shin Young. I was really caught off guard when she came on screen. Kim Shin Young is a famous comedian in Korea, and she was the last person I was expecting to see, especially in a Park Chan Wook film in this type of genre. But man was she good! She pulled off the role VERY well, and you would think she’s a seasoned actress.

>The Bad<
I’ll be honest, the movie is on the longer side. There were parts with pretty slow progression, and you’re gonna need some patience. As I said before, the movie takes a turn, and it’s going to take a while for that to come. And even after, there still is a lot left in the film. Not saying the movie was bad because it was slow; not at all. But am saying that it’s definitely gonna be a little too slow for some people. For me, I’m gonna have to watch it again to fully understand and grasp the full picture.

>>Verdict<<

was definitely different, in a good way. It had that unique characteristic that comes with Park Chan Wook films, and I found it to be closer to and than . The film was beautifully shot, and had perfect casting and chemistry with Park Hae Il and Tang Wei. Absolute incredible performances by both actors. The movie did feel pretty long, but it wasn’t so dragged that you don’t want to watch. In fact, I actually want to watch again.

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There's not really much to say on this film. I get that we are supposed to be watching a depressed male lead realize that he can be loved again - but the delivery just wasn't there. Shima's face didn't really change much throughout the drama nor was there any sort of chemistry between the two leads (and I'm not just saying that because of the fake kisses). Shima stands around like a log, even in the rare occasions where he masters his facial expressions for the scenes. The music was so quiet that I couldn't hear it, even during quiet moments in the film. And the story overall didn't sell me anything memorable.

The only thing that might add rewatch value, if you didn't notice it the first time, is the way they used lights and colors. Shima is consistently in and surrounded by monotonous colors and darkness. Meanwhile, whenever Togawa is in the scene, there's color and light coming through. Sometimes his color/light will affect Shima on the screen. Sometimes they look like theyre almost embodying two different spaces, even while being right beside each other. It's beautiful visual symbolism. And something the film did spectacularly well.

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Touching film

If I'd had to rate this movie halfway through, I would have probably given it a MUCH lower score, purely based on my dissatisfaction with the character of Li Peiru. She was drunk (a lot), selfish, a user, AND she thought she was "all that and a bag of chips". I struggle to watch things when the main characters have no redeeming value.

That said, by the end, my opinion had changed drastically.

ACTING: The acting was top-notch by everyone, especially Liu Ye as Fang Zhengdong. He was such a lovely character - upstanding, caring (for friends, family, co-workers and public that he encountered in his job), yet terribly lonely. His micro-expressions were spot-on. His love for Li Peiru was so strong, so pure, yet you could see that he didn't quite understand it. As his health deteriorated, the way he displayed the anger, the paranoia and the fear really made me cry. Shu Qi as Li Peiru sometimes felt to me that she was overacting, but once her character finally arched to a reasonable human being, watching her awaken to actual caring emotions for others was wonderful to watch.

STORY: This was a story that addressed so many different emotions, most of which we, as the audience, can identify with. I loved watching the inevitable transfer of power, going from someone that takes care of everyone else, to knowing that you will need to be taken care of. It was a romance deeply felt between the main characters and their efforts to determine what was important and what they were willing to do for love.

This movie really got me in the feels.

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