Reviews

More Artistic Than Emotional

Overall, I found this film to be more artistic than emotional. You can definitely see why the two main actors went on to become pretty well-known names, so I wouldn't say it was linked to performance. But rather the style.

The frequent switch between silence and noise kept jarring me out of immersion. I really wish they had stuck with one or the other, or used it more sparingly. We also get the ML's thoughts in the form of a black out screen with korean written across it. I feel like what was being thought was important, but the blackout screen didn't help me connect to the character. So perhaps an interlude scene of the ML signing his thoughts would have been more effective. Or even seeing him writing it down in a diary. It's just so important in a short film to keep us connected to the characters, and this film just didn't accomplish that in my opinion.

Visually, it was quite effective and striking though. We got a really comprehensive look at how our characters were feeling, both through their acting and through the way they were visually shot amongst other characters. Or even lighting (such as the green lighting that seemed to suggest our MC's jealousy). It was used with such efficiency to instantly tell us the story and the state of our characters.

I am not particularly qualified to speak to the accuracy of the deaf portrayal, so if what I say next is incorrect - please feel free to correct me. I would love to hear qualified thoughts on this and will gladly adjust my review accordingly.

Based on my interactions with deaf content creators on social media and with other deaf-themed and/or deaf-produced productions, something seemed off with how the MC's vocalizations were portrayed. They didn't seem to have the same sound aspects that I am familiar with. I also initially thought the presence of the sounds were supposed to be indicative of him being comfortable with his friend, as he tended to be quiet in crowds. But then we get a scene towards the end that shows that's not necessarily the case - so then it felt like this aspect was being used to make a story statement, rather than reflecting the character. So I don't know if I can say that the representation is well-done, nor could I find anything/anyone elsewhere speaking to it either.

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Ancient Swords Meet Time Travel In This Fun Epic

Writer-director Choi Dong-hoon (Assassination) reaches into every corner of the film landscape to concoct Alienoid. Like many films of its ilk, Alienoid is action-packed, full of laughs, and capable of a major twist, but what sets it apart from other films is the right dose of time travel. Juggling several storylines at once, Alienoid is not perfect, but it is always working toward its goal. Except for some out-of-place robots, the CGI in Alienoid is more than serviceable. The story is very high concept and the tone is completely aware of itself, leading to a truly enjoyable experience.

Alienoid is, in many ways, the best parts of the greatest genre films. Combining the wire work of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with the action and CGI of a Marvel movie is certainly a recipe for success. The performances and directing all seem to be on the same page tone-wise, seamlessly shifting from epic to absurd on a whim. There is also the combination of present and future technology, like guns being used in 4th century Korea, that feels more natural than it should. The ambitious swings taken by Choi often hit, and the misses come in different parts of the film. There is something oh so sweet about a historical warrior going toe-to-toe with a man in a Tom Ford suit.

The CGI in Alienoid is mostly great, making the lesser scenes stand out. The Guard is an alien in human form, but he is the fighting model of his kind. This prompts an all-black metal suit when he is in battle, which has a great design and looks even better in action. The alien bad guys also have inventive designs. Though they resemble the average interpretation of an alien, two things set them apart from the norm. They are several feet taller and more muscular than the average human and when they are in alien form their human hosts float above them like creepy balloons. However, these aspects all fit neatly into the aesthetic of the film. Other choices, however, do not fare as well. There is a massive outbreak of poisonous red bubbles that look very cool and super stylized, but seem out of place. Even worse, when the Guard fights his counterpart, a red robot with plans to release the prisoners, the contrast could not be greater. If this was a level in Portal, the red robot would look perfect, but set against a world of fully fleshed-out motion graphics, the execution comes off as unfinished.

Alienoid bends genre, tone, and story to create a fascinating new world. Though some of the CGI is choppy, most of the sci-fi elements of the story look quite good. The dialogue never really needs to sing because the plot is the engine of the film and Choi is having a great time in front of and behind the camera. Alienoid has grand ambitions and meets almost all of them....
Alienoid is action-packed, full of laughs, and capable of a major twist, but what sets it apart from other films is the right dose of time travel.

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One of the best comedy movies

The plot is simple, a lottery ticket scramble between South Korea and North Korea. But the story was successfully developed and presented with a very fresh comedy from the beginning to the end of the film! Let it be a comedy film, but it really feels and looks that this film is not a cheap film!

The comedic duo Go Kyung-pyo and Lee Yi-kyung as the main characters have no cure. Seeing them silent, I couldn't help but laugh. Moreover, all the character designs and supporting characters are really strong and the chemistry is really felt. Laugh until you cry.

The storytelling is also neat! This film takes 3 perspectives: South Korea, North Korea, and the perspective of the prize money taker. EVERYTHING is FUNNY until the details of the story are made hilarious.

Comedy is the main point of this film. Every moment of comedy that is shown is really strong and never fails to make the audience laugh.

In conclusion, 6/45 is a MUST watch movie with friends and family who enjoy comedy films. Those who are tired and need to laugh also have to watch this, alone it's also not a problem because it is guaranteed that you will be entertained.

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Sensitive, optimistic and even cheerful. No spectacle, and yet the 2 hours somehow fly by.

"Innocent Witness" does not really want to serve any genre. (I assume, in Germany it would have at best as been shown in Television only. Significantly, the movie never made it to European cinemas. Yet, it was shown on the big screen in South Korea and was also shown throughout Asia and Australia. It actually won a whole series of respectable awards. On the list are 55th Baeksang Arts Awards, 39th Golden Cinema Film Festival, 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards, 6th Korean Film Producers Association Awards, 27th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards and 39th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards ... Those various awards were given for the characteristically sensitive, emotional storytelling and presentation.

"Innocent Witness" isn't kitschy, it's calm. The story does neither live from driving tension nor offer any dazzling action, just a calm, unobtrusively touching story. The viewers spend a lot of time in the courtroom. However, Law & Order might very well form the framework, but this does not determine what the story is actually about: Communication and reciprocal understanding can only really succeed if you unconditionally focus on the personal world of others, not only your own. This is often forgotten because we think we can easily understand each other when your world and mine seem so similar. (As if we could simply take sameness of a life context for granted.) However, even life perspectives would be similar, this can still not be considered ´mutual understanding´ either. This is mere prejudice. That could work, often does, but doesn't necessarily have to. Most of the time it might fit, so there's rarely a reason to question my personal approach to the world.

"Innocent Witness" is provocative here, because the other person is a young girl with an autism spectrum disorder. In order to reach an understanding, the lawyer and everyone else have to get involved in the world of the protagonist and (arduously?) learn to understand the events and happenings from her perspective. The confrontation with the autistic worldview (in the service of the story quite strikingly, but effectively implemented) may seem crass for most people at first glance, but basically it only demands what we should actually get do in EVERY encounter with every person, with whom we exchange ideas. That is: get involved. Eventually, we are reluctant ... as long as it works otherwise even half-way and the misunderstandings don't catch up with us all too painfully at some point...

"Innocent Witness" pushes the audience to this realization with persistent, warm, quiet tones in a determined and consistent manner. At the beginning there is the girl's question: "Are you a good person?". In the end, the lawyer comes to the realization: "I want to be(come) a good person!" The movie portrays this process purposefully, but quite unspectacularly and without any particular cinematic originality. The gait is characterized by a loving grunt, like a basso continuo, which bathes the punchlines in a warm light and holds the story together on an emotional level. This, however, without wanting to be difficult or too serious. The lacrimal gland is not necessarily strained either. On the contrary, there is also room for a smile, for joy and a good mood.

In short, the essence of the KMovie is the wonderful dynamic between lawyer and witness. Up-and-coming talent Kim Hyang-gi shines in her role as an innocent, often for her autism bullied, young school-girl. Veteran Jung Woo-sung, on the other hand, as a once ambitious human rights lawyer, neither fish nor meat, still single at almost 40, who has gotten a bit off track and becomes seductive because he needs money for his father's Parkinson's treatment. They stumble a little awkwardly into their interpersonal encounter, each in their own way. Dealing with their own feelings and those of others is not their strength. Nevertheless, out of the given need to get involved, a peculiar friendly relationship develops slowly, quietly, subtly, sensitively and sustainably. Initially however, it is quite an ambivalent dynamic. The attorney's original intention is anything but pure at first, when he wants to vet the only witness who claims to have seen his client's murder. In his approach to the witness, he is only concerned with his case and the question of how seriously he must take the witness for the course of his case. The unexpectedly blossoming friendship has an unfair origin that gradually overshadows the encounters. Nevertheless... The two mimes of the protagonists as well as one or the other supporting role have well-earned all their awards, as they embody this dynamic magnificently.

Apparently, the mission of the movie is that people with disabilities are also people with dignity, who we should/must take seriously. Ultimately, however, the mission even goes beyond and demands respectful, serious encounters with EVERYONE - regardless of their origin or clothing, health restrictions or age. We usually avoid those who 'tick' differently, because it seems exhausting and inconvenient to really get involved with someone, e. g. to actually listen, to genuinely want to understand... because this sometimes requires having to question myself and my self-evident attitudes, assumptions and perspectives. It's easier to just take my own worldview for granted on the basis of prejudices as well as superficial encounter and project it onto those around me. Conversely, such an attitude can actually lead to my life becoming superficial... comfortable, pretty, nice and shiny maybe, but superficial...

So, this is a KMovie that plays a lot in the courtroom, but whose verdict on right and wrong is less about the actual legal case - it becomes a mere side issue. It is rather about demanding an honest verdict on our individual ways we interact with our fellow humans: Am I a good person? Am I really listening? Am I truly open to encounters? Are my priorities in life sincere?

"Innocent Witness" doesn't really serve any genre, and yet the story, told in all simplicity, is touching, optimistic and even cheerful. No spectacle, and yet the 2 hours somehow fly by.

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Thought Provoking Horror

Story: I have watched this film many times and just like many others I’ve noticed in the comments and other reviews was that it was confusing at times. The more you watch this however, you start to understand the meaning behind each scene or start to question what they mean, such as the conversation of Mitsuko and her friends by the water, the wedding, the race, and the meaning behind the entire film. This film of course had some silly and gory (not a fan of gore) but it adds to the entertainment of the film and I feel those scenes have a meaning behind each one as well. I plan on rewatching this again to try and fully understand each scene and character change (you will see when you watch it) and see what I missed.

Acting/Cast: I thought the acting was done well and interested in seeing these actors and actresses in more of their projects!

Music: I thought the music fit well with each scene, making me emotional at times! I like how the main music is from The Walking Dead as well.

Rewatch Value: Definitely a rewatch considering I have watched it multiple times and never get sick of it, haha. It’s something I can put on it whenever I’m bored or have nothing else to watch.

Overall: 10/10 I love this film and love how it expresses many issues that are still seen within society such as how girls and women are seen in society and gender inequality. I have always loved horror films and Japanese filmmakers do it best! I recommend this to anyone interested in a new horror film and those interested in a film that represents feminism.

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OH HOW BEAUTIFULLY SAD!!

THIS MOVIE WAS BEYOND AMAZING GUYS!!! There were many lessons from this movie, times when I laughed so loud my sister asked if I'm crazy. Swoon-worthy moments that had me screaming and slapping my thigh which made my sister also second guess if I'm actually sane (I promise I am lol), and moments where I absolutely forgot that this is a movie. I loved the acting!!!! The OST, the actors, the different themes displayed, and I could go on. I had hoped for a happy ending for both characters, but we can't always get what we want. However, I LOVEDDDD THE ENDING NONETHELESS. I highly recommend watching this movie. Forget about the happy ending for a while, and just watch how beautiful they portrayed this movie!! I'll end with this.

"Wait just a bit longer. I'll go see you. I want to see you, Bo-ra of the 21st century."


xo,
nicki

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First love ❤️

This movie really take’s me back to think about my first love ?. And make me think about my school experiences. It me reminiscing about the things I’ve been through in my time at school, and also my friends
I really enjoy this movie and I watched so many times again and again. I love Kim yoo jung so much her acting draws your attention to watch the movie ?❤️?
Keep up the good work Kim yoo Jung.. and God bless you❤️?? I also think all the casting crew were so amazing and they done an excellent job with the movie.
I hope that Kim yoo jung and Byeon Woo-seok will be casting again with another drama with happy ending.
They both really good together

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This movie is nice and sweet! Although the ending made me cry buckets of tears, it was worth every tear! A must watch for everyone who loves the light romance genre!

I liked how the storyline was clean, simple and straight to the point! Not much conflict, nor unnecessary drama just the way a summer high school movie vibes should feel.

The plot was great from start to middle but towards the end, it felt lacking and a bit rushed. Some of the details weren't given to us, i'm guessing the writer intended that for us to conclude on our own?

The casting was great too! The story out worked well even just by revolving the story around the four characters.
Kim Yoo Jung was perfect for the role, and looking at the two boys, i'm just squealing!

Overall, 20th Century Girl was able to deliver with the setting and made us feel exactly what a high school crush and first love feels like (wanting to know more about the person, stalking, sneaking looks, etc.). 2 hours for a good movie like this is so short I was hoping we get to see them live and enjoy their high school days more! T_T

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Nan Da Reum, Lee Sung Min, and Kim Yoo Jung shined with their eye contact acting without words

People are looking this the wrong way.

this is a good horror movie because it doesn't count on jump scares and it's not even scary.

For me, it's more of a religious action movie with slice of life and comedy.

Nan Dareum made me laugh too many times, perfect chemistry with Lee Sung Min and Kim Yoo Jung.

3 of them mastered silent acting.

Nan Dareum and Kim Yoo Jung are probably the only actors who can pull the innocent role.

Perfect ending shot with Kim Yoo Jung.

As a Buddhist, that's the main goal, to be free of suffering and reach Nirvana, and the movie portrayed it perfectly in the finale, on the 3 characters.

Plot twist is a genius. This feels like western action movie, unlike standard Korean movies with fillers.

The only boring parts? as usual, the murder mysteries the detective parts. Because we have seen too many of that in Korean Dramas. POLICE ARE BORING, we don't care.

Venom, Infinity War, Suicide Squad? Many of the scenes reminded me of that.

I am definitely more satisfied with this movie than 20th Century Girl, because the plot is engaging and the ending is perfect.

This is a meaningful horror / religious movie. Will always rewatch, perfect to watch with family.

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Another fun journey of The White Cat and The Samurai

I was expecting this to be the continuation of season 2, since the last episode was abruptly ended. But turns out it wasn't.

Like the title says, it's their journey in southern island. Some of the characters from the drama did appear. But there's more new characters introduced.
Their journey was really funny. There's some good fighting scenes, Madarame's shows more expression, and Tamanojo got a new 'companion'.

Personally i like this movie more because it has more comedy. There are some illogical things happening and the story was really predictable, but i don't have problem with it. Also the ending song was so GOOD!
NYANGG (=^･ω･^=)

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i really enjoyed watching the movie i mostly watch dramas not movies but this one was really nice loved the characters the only thing i didn't was the ending the rest was amazing i loved the male characters more they were so cute and handsome the girl is cute but i don't like her acting sometimes. you can find all kind of scenes in the movie : comedy , action and....
if they ask me for movie recommendations i will surely recommend 20th century girl to them cause i truly liked it and im sure other people will like it toooo it was a movie good for all ages to watch and enjoy

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i watched this a weeks ago and wow like.. wow

it’s been a week i watched 20th century girl and just a few minutes ago i watched some edits of it and i'm not lying i’m in tears again. legit tears... why does my heart feel so heavy? why do i feel so empty at the same time? i can't stop crying, i thought it would be a romantic comedy, so it felt like a bucket of cold water.

imagine not knowing he passed away, only 15 years later she found out the truth, it gave serious emotional heartaches ㅠ.ㅠ what hurts more is that there really was no closure, how they ended it like that... he literally disappeared from the screen after they parted ways and she never had the chance to really say goodbye i have no words anymore just tears... rest in love, poong woon ho ♡

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A first true love never end's in our heart till the end!...?❣️?

It's really a good movie to watch who loves a school love story?because it's really a good story line to watch with a happy feel in starting but in last it will be very opposite ??in first I thought it will be make a cute love story but it will keep this movie in my heart to not forget??‍♀️but literally it's very good to watch for all??and it's good to watch in little bit different story line with lot of emotions and value of friendship !....✌?and most of the person wants this type of friend in every situation till the end and unforgettable first love will be want for a lot of person in the world ❣️

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