Reviews

simple revenge story , cool action with badass female lead

action scenes were pretty cool , the movie overall looked stylish but raw , crazy camera work in some scenes , great cinematography , lighting and colors
but shaky cam and fast cuts could be reduced . some slow motion shots or fast shots without shaky cam could be included here and there in jjs and kjh first fight scene . i don't completely dislike it though .
the action sequence at the end was great coz they included some slow mo shots along with the fast , long takes with cuts which i personally liked more + the choreography was amazing
story was simple , predictable
not as emotionally impactful or satisfying as i thought it would be
really liked the music
acting was good
good one time watch but i expected more action and gore even if the story was simple
7.5/10

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Meaningful Overall

This is a very slow moving movie. One thing I will say, is the acting is the best I’ve seen, especially the child. The story, although slow, had a deep meaning that involves acceptance of yourself, and how much it means to you. It left me with mixed feelings. I didn’t particularly like the ending, although I read it as the characters moving on in their life. Like of a re- birth, so to speak. It is worth watching it for the superb acting. But as I mentioned at the outset, it is VERY slow moving, with many conversations and scenes that should have been shorter. I would call it a BL, but more implications of a BL. But if it was more physical, it wouldn’t have fit the story.

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Deligthful waste - objectively bad but enjoyable

This movie is about the story of cellphone novelist Yukina Himuro who decides to blackmail the most popular boy from her high school to gain romantic experience through various "love missions". It is a condensed version of old school shojo manga tropes, so despite the overal toxicity, woman manhandling and non-consensual elements, I quite enjoyed the movie because (or thanks to) the nostalgia throwback.

The acting is overall okay but far from stellar. The main actor and actress are charismatic enough especially when playing the more "odd" and "dark" parts of their characters but the script does not give them a lot of room to show growth or realistic emotions. The antagonist role would have really benefited of more nuance in the acting as well but it was clealry not the vibe the director was going for. The overall production value is pretty low, you feel the low budget in the background and decor. It is suitable for the genre but also quite uninspired.

I would not recommend this because it is objectivily not good. It enters the category of delightful waste, you might hate it, watch ironically (or even maybe unironically enjoy it for what it is) but there are for sure better highschool romance out there.

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First of all, I want to commend the music used in this movie, what an adrenaline rush! The songs choices has similar with songs used in Fast and the Furious or somewhat like songs from Prodigy. It is really cool.

I like the movie, it is not just entertaining, it also shows how brave the men could be in saving their people, friends, village and also, showcasing Japanese old Ninja technique from the old period.

The kicking, the fighting scene, the blade chasing and shooting were so awesome. Even if maybe you are not into action movie, you will appreciate it. They show the details of each move but not as detailed as Rorouni Kenshin but it is almost the same.

It's very entertaining especially with the scene when the ninjas possessed by the alien's baby speaking English!!! it's actually a funny scene, so guys, better watch this out. Gaijin invade Japan???? haha I think it's a joke, of all the language, why English? haha...

Also guys watch the last fighting scene, it's so funny and incredible, it's not only about blades, it's also fighting like wrestling, boxing,grappling, eating ears!!! name it!! so hilarious!!! will rewatch it again!!

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I finally watched this movie after my girlfriend purchased it for me on DVD. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would,

The story is dark, very "gothic lolita". Basic plot- Rich girls family get murdered, she sells her soul in order to get revenge on her parents death to Sebastian, and he becomes her butler. A bunch of strange murders keep happening and they are trying to find out who is behind them. I found the plot and dialogue a tad corny but that didn't stop me from loving this movie.

The acting was good in my opinion, but its no secret I love Hiro- he needs to stay out of retirement to play attractive butlers. Some moments where very cheesey due to the acting, what is it with evil peoples manic laughs in dramas? So cringy. My favorite character had to be Lin the maid. She was totally bad-ass.

The costumes, sets, cinematography are all beautifully done and Its very easy to immerse yourself in the world. I thought the action and fighting scenes were very, very well choreographed. So many Japanese action films have been ruined for me because of the fake 90s sound effects, this film had none of that. I have actually never seen the anime, so maybe that's why I enjoyed the film so much. Most negative views are in comparison to said anime.

I will be re-watching this soon!

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Yes! I was waiting so long for a movie like this from the Korean ground!
This movie sucked me in after one solid minute and liked it to the last. It made me think of movies from Donny Yen and Iko Uwais. There are too few of them and Bruce Khan delivered it for Korea.

The story: Allright, this was the only thing that was kind off lacking. We all know this setting too well (for me it works) but something else would have been nice. Also I had trouble liking the child-actress, her acting was good but the character dislikeable. One moment she appeared younger, than older, she was messy and than clean etc.
I do think that this movie could be +1 hour longer with a good story from their flashbacks, it would made this movie a whole bunch better.
But, I loved the way they directed this movie. I can see the efford they put in, trying to make one scene cuts and filming from different perspectives it gave me 100% flashbacks from the movie form Uko Uwais: Raid 1 & 2.

The acting/cast: Well I'm going to fill this part in only about Bruce Khan. He did an splendid job, having only 5 lines throughout the movie, he still managed to be understandable. Do not forget, this Bruce is 50 years old and managed to nail every form of differend forms martial arts, judo, boxing, sword fighting etc. I think that is honorable and amazing! I 100% believe that we are going to see him much more on screen, he deserves it.

The music was fitting and I would 100% rewatch this movie, solely because I love these kinds of movies.

Watch this: If you like mixed martial arts movies and if you are okay with not such an indepth storyline.
Skip this: if you can't handle blood, there is alot.

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mini rant (a positive one) !!

as someone who studied media, this is actually such a beautifully made film, although understandably others, only looking at the surface, may see the lack of dialogue and colour in most of the film as boring.

SPOILERS (I just can't help but specify some scenes) !!

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The scene at the end that faded into colour emphasised the emotion so well and was so impactful, the heartbeat in the background...WOW she finally truly felt alive and willingly had that feeling taken away from her so he could be with his mother happily, she was only thinking of what would be best for him. Looking back at the scene where she starts humming broke my heart when I watched the end, that little boy being by her side really helped gain her humanity back.
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On another note, I think it very decently represented how some parts of society react to beings (human or otherwise) considered 'less' or 'weaker' than them, beings who may not be able to speak up for themselves and go through so much yet are still selfless and attempt to help innocents around them as best as they can with their abilities. Society tries to display complete dominance over them and make profit from making beings, obviously capable of feeling emotion (in the film they even admit she's still practically human BEFORE they start anything), their 'pets' or 'slaves'.

TLDR; great film as long as you don't judge it on a surface level !! very thought provoking imo, would recommend.

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HEARTBREAKING. I kept mumbling after watching this

Nomu appa !! I watched this solely relying on the title and the actors. And just as it slowly started, I already know how it can possibly end, and even though with that fact that at other dramas/movies it bothered me a lot, it had a different effect here. It bothered me in a way that you would wish what you predicted won't actually happen, I patiently waited for the scenes. And still got so much affected by the outcomes.

Again, it really hurts, for So Yool. I deeply understand why she did what she did. It would literally feel like a stab in the heart after seeing what she saw and hearing what she heard. There's like multiple stabs in her heart already, and for me, the movie added salt in it, because of the emptiness in the scenes where there were really no confrontation , no meetups, no questions were asked after what happened, it just continuously flowed, and they put it when it's about to end. It added more sorrow for my sympathy to So Yool. And I hated Yeon Woo so much. For the men like him, who really, lied a love. For the men who could really swoon you with their deep felt words and their precious promises but then end up a popped bubble, like it didn't even occur. I mean how is it just that easy to break, after Yo Sool fell for the words, long for the promise that he gave, but then pop ! And yes with the cliche fact that the other girl is her best friend ! I mean, seriously, all of these is just heartbreaking. Now I just realized how cliched it was but then how different it still felt while watching it, didn't realized it that much while watching.

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I'd like to start off by saying that I don't usually like movies similar to this one... I loathed 'Sucker Punch' and I wasn't a fan of 'Tron' either... B-grade sci-fi just doesn't call to me. Despite these previous experiences, I did like this movie. It wasn't brilliant per se, but it was watchable.

Story: The story in itself was something I have partially seen before but it was unique in its own way. It reminded me slightly of 'Total Recall'. The story was good, confusing at times but enough so to keep you hooked until the end. Naturally, as it is B-grade sci-fi, aspects of the storyline and fight scenes (which are good by the way) were highly unrealistic but that is to be expected in this kind of film. Also, if you're offended by 'low key shots of scantily clad women', steer clear of this movie... It is very much 'a man's movie' in regard to this though, I must admit, I'd love to have a figure like theirs! Moving on...

The acting, was fair. I would firstly like to mention the stunt doubles who were involved in this film, I have great respect for each and every one - those fight scenes would have hurt. Onto the cast... I found that I respected the acting of the lead female Nagasawa Nao (Ai) and also Kinoshita Ayumi (Yui) and Takayama Yuko (Haruka). I've read reviews saying that their acting was 'over the top' but I think it was just right for the concept of this movie. Kenji Ebisawa (Yui's brother) was great in this film. I can't really tell you the downfall of the acting without giving away the storyline... so I'll leave it there.

As for the music, I really don't have much to say. It was fair. The only music I truly noticed was when the credits were rolling. I found that the music neither enhanced or negatively impacted the movie, rather than just went by unnoticed.

I'd rate the rewatch value at a 6. I'd probably watch this again, just to see if there was anything I missed the first time around.

Overall, as in alignment with the rest of the scores, a solid 6. Don't get me wrong, the movie was interesting and is worth watching, it simply wasn't brilliant.

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The mystery and investigation isn't the main ingredient of the story. They're just a part of it. It's more on psychological or mental. The story obviously doesn't cover the entire suicidal people, but it offers you a look at the process. It gives you opportunity to have a look into their hearts and minds.

This movie will tell you how suicide is not simply about a person taking his/her own life. It is not a hardcore psycho you might be expecting but it's a different type and it's beautiful.

I love how the story happens in just one room which makes you curious about what it has to offer considering the limitation of the setting.

Each character is unique giving different flavors to the story.

Watching this with an open mind will make you even appreciate this more.

ps. the casts are all eye-candies like WOW what a bonus! ><

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The movie starts off with the explanation about the male lead – namely Woo Jin and his circumstances in life, then along with it are the visuals. What I like about this movie is how the cinematography works perfectly even in small enclosed areas and the scene would focus on things, which is significant to the main character. As explained in the synopsis above the guy changes his body every freaking day. Imagine changing bodies every time you wake up in the morning. This makes me wonder how long he got used to this before finally deciding to live a life… anyway, that’s just me and my own thoughts. Setting that aside, another fact that got me into this film are the actors. MULTIPLE of them, those who acted as Woo Jin. These actors are not the small time ones whom the director or producer could have randomly selected, but these are BIG names in the industry like: Kim Dae Myung, Park Shin Hye, Park Seo Joon, Ueno Juri, Kim Sang Ho, Lee Jin Wook, Seo Kang Joon, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo Yeon Seok, Kim Shin, Kim Ju Hyuk... if none of those names ring a bell to your memory I’d say you haven’t seen enough KMovie or KDrama. Now is the time to start and get educated. Heh.

The story line for me was okay, since it wasn't original and was most likely inspired by the book Every Day by David Levithan, but that's just my theory. The movie was a bit tad slow but I realized that it was how the movie was paced and so I accepted that. There was also some plot holes in which I couldn’t exactly say since it’s going to be a spoiler, so if you are curious about it, you may send me a message so we may discuss on it freely. Music was great, it brought out the emotions of each scene, though it may not be as memorable it worked fine all throughout its run. What made this show amazing was the actors, a whole lot of them. Which I still couldn’t get over with. Han Joo Yoo as the lover was sensational in this film and definitely suited her role, while Lee Dong Hwi who acted as the best friend was such a delight. I wish to see him in more films in the future.

I’m recommending this film for those who are into a peculiar story line which would leave a feel good fuzzy feeling after.

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Being brave does not mean not being afraid...

It means doing what's right despite your fears. Great message for a movie that obviously has kids as their target audience. And for kids I would for sure recommend it.

It was painfully cheesy, especially the ending. The messages were literally slapped into my face, no ambiguity, no need to dwell on them more. The power of love, care, friendship, bravery, apology, reconciliation - everything kids should be learning about, you have it here.

Watanabe Kei is honestly a great character - usure and scared, but willing to learn and improve if it means helping others and saving his younger brother. He is not a perfect hero, he is a normal kid that other children can relate to. What helps is also an amazing performance from Terada Kokoro - this child knows how to scream and has actually great comedic and dramatic skills.

Production was nice, typical for fantasy movies for younger audiences, focused on the practical makeup and costumes with CGI just as an addition slapped on top.

Overall, while I obviously was not in mind of the creators when they made it, I still had a great time and even cried by the end. As cheesy as it was, it’s a nice and simple story that can teach kids some life lessons.

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Writer/Director Vivian Qu delivers a caustic commentary of the treatment of women and young girls in China. Shown primarily from a female perspective she lays bare the inequality of the sexes by a society still focused on a girl's virginity as a primary virtue. And also casts a dark lens on the men who exploit that limited virtue for themselves.

Two twelve-year-old girls are lured to a hotel by a powerful middle-aged man and raped. Mia, a young runaway working at the motel sees him break into the girls' room. Director Qu takes a risk in not having one protagonist, but two. One of the twelve-year-olds, Wen, was already suffering at school as a child of divorced parents. Qu largely focused on her experience as well as Mia's quandary of not wanting to help for fear of losing her job. Mia comes across as self-serving and hyper focused on her own survival, always one step away from homelessness. Wen must not only deal with her own experience but also her mother's response and the adults who should be protecting her but don't. The only two people seeking justice are Wen's father and her lawyer.

Warning! What follows may have spoilers...

The performances are spare but powerful. There are no histrionics, no sobbing uncontrollably and screaming. The girls and the lawyer know they are fighting a battle that will likely not be won, but keep moving forward, keep enduring, keep fighting.

Set against the backdrop of an ocean vacation town, with a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe, the seedy happenings were not done in the dark corners but in plain sight making it even more disturbing. It feels like Qu was able to shine a light without the censors cracking down because she might have been alluding to the Western influences of the objectification of women in the statue and possibly in all of the brides dressed in Western wedding gowns having their pictures taken on the beach as a source of the problems. But Western influences did not cause a powerful middle-aged man to rape two children. Or cause the corrupted police force and medical community to cover it up. Or cause a mother to blame her daughter for what happened. Or cause other parents to profit off of their daughter. Or leave a runaway without a safety net. Or cause an older girl to risk her health, fertility, and life to have a fake hymen implanted. Or cause a teacher to treat Wen as less than because her parents were divorced. These are societal failures for women and girls and Qu did not shy away from showing the toll they take.

Angels Wear White is a difficult movie to watch with no easy answers. It may cause despair and anger on the part of the viewer. But perhaps in giving an unflinching and unsentimental view it knocks down one more brick in the wall separating women and children (regardless of gender) from justice, justice lacking not just in China, but worldwide.

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Long review, just like the movie

I avoided this movie for SO LONG, to be honest, one of the reasons was – the movie is almost 3 hours long. I found it on youtube, uploaded ages ago, so the fact that it will be available at any time was one of the reasons I was not in a hurry. I watched Thai BL movies and series – so many of them, so the expectation from something made in 2007...they were very low. And some more new, and fresher were straight-up rubbish, let us be honest. So I avoided it a bit.
BUT... Once I started, I had that „Dew the movie“ vibe, even though they have absolutely nothing in common... I was shortly hooked and almost 3 hours passed like 45 minutes, and not a minute more. The weirdest thing is that I caught myself praying for a happy ending like a teenage girl that I am (definitely) NOT. And the ending was... well I tried to find the right words, and BITTERSWEET was something that fitted it perfectly.

What I loved:
• Acting, boys were great
• Music was fun. It is not my cup of tea, but it nicely followed the youth, the emotions, and the overall storyline

What I didn’t like:
• Some deep issues were merely touched so I would skip some details from the story if I do not have enough time to tell them with the depth that these details require
• Ending. I love the complexity of a tragedy or unfulfilled love. The whole concept of the one that got away, secret crushes, and all the forbidden loves type of stories are my jam. I like a bit of sadness at the end. But this time was different, either I was becoming super soft and emotional, or … the ending sucked.

I understand the symbolism of the Christmas ornaments etc…I just do not understand if this ending was intentionally made to be easier for the straight and homophobic audience, or what…
I love you, I told my mom I prefer boys, you love me back, I kissed you first…but I cannot be your boyfriend. Well, it might be a teen thing, again, it has been a while since I was in their skin experiencing my first gay crush…I might felt differently back then. I do not know!

CONCLUSION: I liked the movie, I am thinking about it. I think if the movies and the series that came after 2007 analyzed this story close enough there would not be bad series today. I felt like Love of Siam has a stronger story, stronger emotion, and the stronger impact than the tones of BLs that came after. Thankfully, that is changing now.

Overall, I can say that I would be proud that in 2007, in my country I had an opportunity to watch something that resembles Love of Siam. But that was not the case!

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Have you ever had a moment to as yourself "What if?"
What if I get to live an entirely different life from what I have today?
What if I only have a month to make a difference in my life?
What if I loose all the money, fame prestige and power that I have?
What if I get to have Song Seung Hun as my husband (a lot already had done this one I suppose).

Now here is a movie that tackles a few of the most common what ifs in human existence. And it delivers the answers to those questions in a manner that is light, funny, and will give you all the right feels.
It may have had a weak start that is borderline to cringe worthy for being unoriginal and may at times reminiscent of another movie or drama of the same plot and background, but as the story flows you'll forgive its flaws and misses to be alright and forgivable. It is super predictable, to that point that you can almost call yourself a fortune teller but even then, the movie ends in the best way possible that you'll find yourself (swooning to Song Seung Hun) happily contented with the package as a whole.

You will not laugh your ass off, but you will definitely have that genuine smile, you will not be bawling over a box of tissue paper but you'll definitely have a tear here and there, you won't have that heart wrenching experience but it will give you a satisfying feeling that will make your two hour slouch in front of your screen worth it.

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