Reviews

All KILLER with no filler

PROS:
+ Even the cheesy camera shots and music are tastefully and artistically executed
+ The cool, and stylish aesthetic is incredibly strong and almost self-aware
+ Each and every gunshot and explosion is incredibly satisfying and fascinating to witness due to the unrivaled film choreo/direction
+ There is a sense of tragic humor, irony, and justice present in the overall tone that few films have attempted
+ Purely awesome characters that are as memorable as they are cool

CONS:
- Lots and lots of violence and over-the-top scenarios will turn some away
- Many action moments aren't quite believable (this could also be a positive aspect)

I'm glad to say that I'm a big fan of John Woo's style!

This has many parts from Woo's other older films and executes an action drama that may be his strongest classic film.

9/10

Read More

It's like Taken, but without guns... with the exception of Don Lee's cannons

PROS
+ Well-paced story that has everything you'd expect plus a little bit of emotion
+ Clear character motives and a very likeable protagonist
+ While there aren't a ton of fight scenes, the ones shown are very satisfying
+ Nice balance of comedic relief and serious moments keep the plot interesting

CONS
- Although the runtime is 2 hours, it seems short
- The movie feels very comfortable, but lacks anything completely new or unique

- - - - -
This is a good intro to Korean movies, since it feels pretty familiar to some American action thrillers.

Don Lee is too cool to be missed.

8/10

Read More

A forgotten revenge thriller from the standard-def era

PROS
+ Cool and stylish neo film noire structure and atmosphere
+ Incredibly interesting plot (with some issues in execution)
+ Some nice acting performances that remind me of the silent era with the exaggerated motions and expressions

CONS
- The first half is well done, however the second act unravels a bit with its pacing
- All of the action is presented in an uninteresting way with slow movements, knife fights, floor grabbing/stabbings, etc. (not much kinetic action to be seen)
- A lot of scenes are slow, silent, and have sub context to be pondered which makes the direction feel like a straight up drama rather than a satisfying thriller

- - - - -
Honestly, this wasn't really what I wanted or expected, but I'm glad I watch it! Soo makes up for its short-comings with a lot of interesting ideas in its plot, tone, and strangely haunting final fight.

If you watch Soo, pay attention and soak in the aesthetics and you'll surely enjoy something about it like I did!

6.5/10

Read More

The Tower > Skyscraper

PROS
+ Outstanding cast and performances, especially from lead Kim Sang-Kyung (a personal favorite for good reason)
+ Nice variety of moods/emotions to balance to tense action and the heavy peril
+ Surprisingly engaging and fitting score

CONS
- Some visual effects early on look strange; however, they look nicer later on
- Many films have executed similar disaster plots, but few have this emotional impact
- Some of the goofy moments work as comic relief, while others are very off-putting
- There are a lot of characters who feel underdeveloped

- - - - -
I'm very pleased with The Tower! It captured my attention and kept me interested until the credits. A fine disaster action thriller hides behind the generic poster and plot synopsis. Turn up your subwoofer and give it a shot!

8.5/10

Read More

Remember Bruce Willis' character's powers from M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable? This is like that, but with that sexy actress from K-drama

PROS
+ The concept is really interesting
+ Most of the later half is unpredictable and surprising
+ Seo Yea-ji is a babe

CONS
- Some of the shock elements are humorous, rather than intense
- There is very little logic to the writing in some of the supplemental plot elements
- The mystery starts to lose its intrigue early on due to the pacing and "safe" tone
- The metaphorical/phycological additions to the plot are extremely hard to take seriously at times
- There is a lack of emotions conveyed in tender moments

- - - - -
I don't know if I'd wholeheartedly recommend this one. Check it out if you think it sounds cool and don't mind just being entertained without thinking too logically... or if you just want to see Seo Yea-ji look good the whole time!

7/10

Read More

This action film is on another level!

PROS
+ Unique and stylish high-tech aesthetic creates an interesting setting
+ Healthy balance of storytelling and intense action
+ Cool and likeable cast of main characters
+ Awesome car chase sequences
+ Nicely fitting electronic score

CONS
- Early on, expectations are low from the rushed feel of the plot pacing
- Not many details are given on some of the cool side cast
- One of the "surprise" villains is easy to spot and a little cheesy-looking

- - - - -
Wow! I had a good feeling about Fabricated City and I was right. It is one of the most exciting and engaging modern action films I've experienced.

Find a way to watch this!

9/10

Read More

I'm not crying. The wind just made my eyes water.

PROS
+ This has some of the same magic that was captured in My Sassy Girl
+ It's also cool how they retroactively made a prequel in a way
+ The amazingly loveable main cast is the best part

CONS
- Some of the movie feels unstructured and a bit random, even though it's still entertaining
- If the dense, serious tone of the opening and the contrasting goofy scene that plays right after bothers you, find a different movie (it can be off-putting at best and upsetting at worst)

I think I would prefer My Sassy Girl 9/10 times, but there is still something a little special about Windstruck. I almost wished that I watched this one first to avoid this illogical "lesser than" comparison.

Windstruck is not for everyone, but it is a fun, yet emotionally mature adventure that I'm thankful I got to experience.

8.5/10

Read More

Look at the poster and make any assumption about this film. You are wrong.

PROS:
+ The story is told in an interesting method where you discover more about the characters throughout with a non-linear method
+ These are some nicely developed characters with a good amount of depth
+ I never expected the emotional pull the story would leave on me; it is so sad, yet so meaningful
+ The character portrayals by the cast were outstanding

CONS:
- It's a shame this was left in the "standard definition" era (at least the fuzzy picture doesn't take away from the story)
- Some of the content/subject matter is extremely upsetting and serious; thankfully, it was handled in a tasteful way

I love movies like this. Nobody ever talks about some of these gems that seem forgotten. This story should be experienced, if you're able to handle and process emotionally challenging and thematically heavy content.

In a few years, I will want to see this again. I'm sure at that time, I'll be able to learn something new again upon a second watch.

8.5/10

Read More

The first half is a light-hearted, whimsical comedy. The second half is not.

PROS:
+ Once the movie becomes serious, it really shines
+ Here is yet another commendable performance by Jun Ji Hyun
+ The drama elements are fresh and impressive because they're less predictable
+ You wouldn't guess by the comical first half, but this movie will leave you with some intense ponderings and might even inspire you!
+ I was also shocked by how cool some of the cinematography was captured
+ Prepare to feel something

CONS:
- Admittedly, I could have dropped this movie judging it by the opening half; it's just so silly (I'm glad I didn't!)
- There is a bit too much reliance on the "Superman" persona that takes away from the more interesting man, Lee Hyun suk
- The music is FAR from appealing in some of the comical scenes and it conflicts with the tone to the point of sounding satirically bad

So, I was really lucky to have found this movie. I was researching Jun Ji hyun's filmography after seeing My Sassy Girl and Windstruck. I thought the idea of the plot sounded interesting, but I had no idea what I was in for.

The film has a heavily contrasting tonal shift that surprised me. I'm thankful I didn't pass on this, due to the wacky comedy at the beginning. By the ending credits, I cried from this beautiful movie.

8/10

Read More

bulldozer girl

The title “The Girl on a Bulldozer” is one that generates a fair bit of curiosity regarding the feature’s content. Who is this girl and what is she doing on a bulldozer? The poster, which depicts a petite girl driving a massive bulldozer as loose soil clouds around it, hints at a possibly gritty, slightly action-y content. In his Busan Film Festival welcome message, director Park Ri-woong mentions that this is a revenge story, heightening expectations even further. Having seen the finished product now, I can safely say that this is one of the most wrongly marketed films this year. This is in no way a negative remark on the actual quality of the production, and to be completely fair, it does eventually deliver what it promises, but Park Ri-woong’s debut is more than a standard gritty thriller.

Go into “The Girl on a Bulldozer” expecting a gritty crime thriller and one is most likely to be disappointed. Yes, there are bulldozers, but the girl gets on one for a grand total of two times in the 113 minutes of its runtime. The grit as seen in the promotional poster is practically non-existent. Sure, the revenge as mentioned by the director in his welcome message is exacted, but it doesn’t happen until the final few minutes. Despite all of that, this narrative works first and foremost as an excellent character study. It of course helps that the events around her are fairly engaging to keep the story progressing, but Hae-young is such a well-written character that it is fascinating to see her go on her own internal journey as much as it is to see her try and solve this mystery. There is a lot of angst with her, towards authority, family, society and life in general.

Slowly, as the layers of her story are peeled, this anger converts into pain, a pain that is coming from taking on so much and going against so many at such a young age with so much stacked against her. The feature’s title too works in more than one ways. Besides the obvious, Hae-young is figuratively also going through life on a bulldozer, razing much in her wake. Her anger gets the better of her in most situations, affecting relationships. Her bullish ways and thoughtless actions often land her in irrevocable problems. Even her ultimate action, her revenge if you will, is a cry of desperation, born out of a helplessness to think up much else.

Such a complex character would’ve failed in less competent hands but in Kim Hye-yoon’s, it becomes highly compelling. She may be only four films old and this is her first leading role and thus the meatiest, but Kim brings much maturity to her performance. Despite Hae-young’s vulgarity spitting, tough exterior and fist fighting ways, Hye-yoon manages to play her very delicately, bringing this briefly evident naivety that flashes across her face now and then. This is further enchanting to watch when her anger changes, when she knows she may be way in over her head and when she finally lets it briefly break her. That particular moment is a tender one, shared with her young co-star. The adults around her are effectively cast, but it is ultimately Kim Hye-yoon’s performance that looms large over the feature and the one that lingers back in minds.

The cinematography stays true to the production’s indie roots and the sparsely used music has a few moments of impressiveness, but “The Girl on a Bulldozer” proves an effective debut from Park Ri-woong, thanks to a very well-written character and a compelling and constantly progressing story, all of which is anchored by a superb lead performance from Kim Hye-yoon. Both she and director Park are names to be on the lookout for..

Read More

Why Is Minori So Angry?

Minori is pretty and popular, lives in a beautiful wealthy country, earns enough money with a relaxed job, has good friends, gets supported by her family, and so forth but she is so angry, having ugly fights with assholes, even with family & friends. Why?

Ok, she was abused by her father, but it was a long time ago, so why doesn't she makes her own family and find peace, like Sachi in 'Our Little Sisters' (2015), like many other characters in J-doramas and movies?

The thing is this: She has a social awareness, so it's not only about her father's abuse, it's about everyday abuse and discrimination. She's well aware of the dark side of her beautiful country:

https://www.indiewire.com/2022/04/sion-sono-accused-sexual-assaults-1234714367/
https://www.indiewire.com/2022/06/naomi-kawase-accused-violence-on-set-1234731431/
https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/rest-of-the-world/japanese-filmmaker-actor-caught-in-number-metoo-allegations-film-release-put-on-hold-articleshow.html

I just hope instead of ugly useless personal fights, she'll find angry women and men like herself, so collectively fight for social change.

Read More

A hefty dose of fatphobia on a platter

First up I did not watch nor read the source material, this is solely based as a first time watcher of this movie on its own.

I watched this because i love Miu's acting and wanted to see her as a co-lead. Unfortunately with her being cast you can always somehow expect stereotypes and hatefulness to be the theme, even if underlying. I really thought I was prepared based on the synopsis but the fatphobia was even worse than anticipated.

Lines were dropped that truly had my mouth agape in shock, which is rare. They did try once or twice to get two of the guys to point out how superficial those statements were but not once did anyone mention how fucked up it really was nor did the other guys get taught any lesson. Instead it was pushed aside and they went straight back to the main issue pretending like suddenly it wasnt an issue anymore at all.

"I will make her lose weight. Her personality is great and we know she can be beautiful when she's thin" I wont forget that line for a long time, in the most negative sense.

As someone with an eating disorder, I felt shit watching this movie and i feel shit after, despite having enjoyed the comedy and music aspects. I used to be a Fujoshi as a teen so I did have some genuine laughs about the otaku behavior but unfortunately the joy wasnt allowed to stick. Everything else made me wanna throw up and actually made me respect Miu as an actress even more.

Japan has a lot to work on when it comes to beauty standards and fatphobia I know that but it is never an excuse. To watch this movie made in 2020 display fatphobia like its 2001 is honestly disgusting. I do not recommend watching this movie as i believe it to be extremely harmful for any young girls (as well as women with body image issues of all ages) who comes across this, and any other media with this premise.

Overall just a comedy movie pushing the superficial narrative that Japanese media loves: that being liked for your looks is a goal and that you will only be truly loved and persuaded when you're thin. They had the chance to teach a valuable lesson about everyone being beuatiful how they are as long as they are happy and that everyone deserves love, but they blew it. Garbage.

Anyway, this isnt related to the movie but always remember weight has nothing to do with beauty.

Read More

WTF!!

Like I said in the headline, WTF did I just watch?? I will say this is different than any other movie I’ve seen, but that’s not a good thing. No dialogue, yep you read that right, nothing. The acting was good. I guess rather than dialogue, you are supposed to just watch the emotions in their faces? There is gang rape, incest, castration, murder, suicide, sex, nudity, love, hate…. Just all very weird right up to the ending. Watch it if you are curious and don’t mind everything I’ve mentioned. But, I just can’t figure out why it was even written, directed and filmed. At least they didn’t need to hire a script writer.

Read More