Completed
Taguan, A Quickie Musical
0 people found this review helpful
by selbee
2 hours ago
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

A perfect lockdown confession

One thing is certain, Philippines have nailed it in the department of lockdown BL romance, nobody does it better! This short film must have been one of the first ones and it is practically perfect! So please, can someone tell me why is this so badly rated? It is a wonderful, well written, produced and acted short film. So why you don't like it, people?

When you finally realize that you are actually in love with your best friend, you want to tell him, in person, immediately, right? But with the lockdown, it is difficult so Tristan cries not knowing how to tell Chris about his feelings. To comfort him, Chris takes out a box of shared memories (tickets, toys etc.) giving Tristan courage to confess when he realizes that that box means more than just best friends!

The lockdown seems like a distant memory these days, we have all moved on and seeing this short movie brings back the memories of uncertainty, fear, doubt. The characters here feel all that which makes Tristam, in particular, take stock of his life and dating experiences and finally accept that the most important person in his life, the person he loves the most , is his best friend.

The three short songs are just the right means to convey sincere feelings. The actors are cute with those dimples (sorry, I fall for those every time!). The production values are high, the editing is excellent considering this is basically a static film where they both barely move. It is cute and butterflies inducing, so go watch it! Only 15min long but they managed to tell a story of a lifetime in it! Talent does not lie so I will start digging now and try to find their other works. If there are any. Fingers crossed!

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Completed
Ms. Temper & Nam Jung Gi
0 people found this review helpful
3 hours ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

"Boule de Suif Much?"

A "Boule de Suif" type of story, except the fact that all the bad characters are considered normal people with difficult conditions who should be understood no matter how badly they treat the FL. It was out in 2016, so I expected a dose of sexism, but not to the point of normalizion the sexual harrasment from ML, and him being portrayed as someone too submissive for his own good
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Completed
Doctor Slump
1 people found this review helpful
3 hours ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

doctor slump is good but not bad

the both leads are sooo cute πŸ₯Ί their acting is so good 😊 and story tipical ost s very good πŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œI don't know how to say but I very enjoy the kdrama .male lead is so good in comic timeing and full family of female lead is soo funny 🀣 .and last but not the least the second male and female leads their also so good .

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Completed
A Journey to Love
0 people found this review helpful
by Lynn
3 hours ago
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

Mature, Secure Man & Feisty Woman

The beginning of this 40-episode drama was really cool and great. I was taken from the get-go. The premise seemed funny and engaging. The leads are an actor and an actress whom I admire :) The rating would have been a notch higher if not for the ending...

What I Liked Very Much:
- Hands down, the ML and FL. Ever since I watched the ML as Hao Du, I have fallen much in love. He is suave and manly and tall and charming... I only watched the FL once in Bu Bu Jing Xin but she left a very positive impression on me. I was happy to watch this pretty actress who has the acting chops to match.
- I liked that the ML was a secure man who did not see the need or have to lord over his woman. I liked seeing a healthy man-woman relationship in which two mature people wanted to be together and chose to overcome their challenges to be together. Seeing them together was beautiful and heart-warming.
- I liked the growth of the characters like the growth of Princess Yang Ying from timid and weak to valiant and resourceful. I liked seeing the growth of the different main characters and how the characters matured/ developed as the plot unfolded.
- I liked the strong and fearless FL who unabashedly reminded others that she was the best assassin. She would kill and she could kill and that she was not to be messed with. The empress of Wu State turned out to be a strong woman too who was smart and resourceful.
- The plot, especially the first 20 episodes were fast-paced and riveting. Many things were happening and things were moving quite happily along IMO. There were several twists in the plot which were highly interesting and suspenseful.

What I Did Not Like Very Much:
- There were, of course, villains. I do not like villains even though I am fully aware of the need for both good and bad in a plot. The emperor of An State was insufferable. I was glad to see him gotten rid of.
- The ending was not a happy one and while I understand that both in reel life and in real life, happy endings are not guaranteed, I was desperately hoping for a more pleasant/ happier ending without that many deaths and suffering and bloodshed.
- The ending, to me, was also kind of ambiguous. Speaking for myself, I much prefer a more direct happy ending.

Nonetheless, this drama is an excellent one. The actresses and actors did a fantastic job. I recommend this drama! :)

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Completed
Cherry Magic
1 people found this review helpful
3 hours ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Let's compare the Thai version...

Finally watch this after I can't keep my curiosity anymore for this re-make. Quite happy to watch this...

If I draw 1 conclusion between Thai & Japan version, for me the Thai is more like down to earth or more connected with me. I don't know is it because my country is closer to Thai than Japan, so I can relate more with this version. Or maybe because it just have more episodes, so they have more duration to explain some stuff. I'll try to explain it as much as possible...

The more 'down to earth' or what i more like:
+ The growth relationship between Achi & Karan better than Adachi Kiyoshi & Kurosawa Yuichi. I can't really explain how, maybe i just more like it....
+ The way Karan look into Achi is more obvious than Kurosawa to Adachi. The Thai version is kinda have broke 4th wall rule, we can see several times when Karan smile behind Achi, the smile that have obvious meaning....
+ The viewfinder of Karan toward Achi. We see how much care Karan of Achi. This proven by the speech Karan give about Achi in company gathering or the little gesture that Karan did for Achi everyday. I don’t remember such things from Japan version, maybe I'm wrong, or it just not too deep imprint in my mind...
+ The cuter Jinta than Tsuge Masato. And that's make the relationship between Jinta & Min is cuter too.... But at the same time Jinta is really one stereotypes characteristics of Gay man.
+ The strong Pai. I really like the strong & quirky Pai. The way she burst out to her ex is really fun to watch....
+ The 'dumb' Rock. Although Rokkaku Yuta is also a little 'dumb'. But I feel Rock is more innocent vibe than Rokkaku & that's make him cuter too...
+ The relationship between Pai & Rock. I really like & happy Thai version make the relationship between Pai & Rock happen.
+ A little Japanese touch. Yeah this one specifically for this version. I like they still make the boss be an expatriate that comes from japan, we can hear from his accent.
+ The growth in Achi. In here we can see Achi want to grow in his career. He consider quiting cause he feel his career is go nowhere, so instead allowing Achi to quit,his boss offer him new position. In japan we see no such, Adachi quite comfortable with his position in the firm. Yeah I know, this much have connection with Japan office culture.

The minus from this version is maybe that Karan put too much effort for Achi, so it seem imbalance for their relationship. I mean when Achi want to move city & they decided to separated beforehand.

Overall both series is good in their own way... I quite happy to watch both version.

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Taguan, A Quickie Musical
1 people found this review helpful
3 hours ago
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

Declaration of love in times of pandemic

Cinema has always managed to create wonderful worlds, fantastic scenes and perfect dialogues where feelings and words combine in an ideal way to express the very essence of love.
Each couple in their personal history has a movie, a scene or a soundtrack that is part of their memory, moves them or makes them exchange knowing glances because it evokes special and unique memories.
There is nothing more powerful than a good love story brought to film or television, and a script full of witty and emotional phrases that support it. Whether they are spontaneous gestures, proposals for a hand, or cathartic moments that change everything, declarations of love are the best way to consolidate a romance on the big or small screen, and to bring the audience to the brink of tears.
Written and directed by Jose Jeffrey CamaΓ±ag, the Filipino short film 'Taguan, A Quickie Musical' presents us with a declaration of love between two boys in the midst of the pandemic caused by Covid-19.
Also known as 'Taguan, Secrets Kept' and released on May 30, 2020, the audiovisual, of the Romance, Yaoi, Comedy and Musical genre, shows us the telephone communication between the two best friends Tristan (Jayson Santos) and Chris ( Vince Conrad) who, forced into social isolation or home quarantine, are locked in the confines of their homes.
Between drinks of alcohol and tears, Tristan calls his best friend by video call to confess a secret that he has kept deep in his being for years. This is how the musical narrates that very special online video chat of two teenagers who, during quarantine, realized that they wanted to end their friendship... to be more than just friends.
The protagonists perform three songs in the almost 15 minutes of their magical transition from friendship to something deeper. The songs are "Ganito Pala", "Munting Ala-ala" and the title song of the short film: "Taguan".
With spoken lines and Filipino music in the voices of the two protagonists, 'Taguan, A Quickie Musical' was created through a novel program from the Artist Playground company, called Artist Playground Theatrix, a new form of visual and auditory performance art that uses the latest in technology that combines musical theater and film in its final production.
The team behind the audiovisual is made up of award-winning creatives and entertainment industry experts. The narrative, script and lyrics of the songs were created by JosΓ© Jeffrey CamaΓ±ag, filmmaker who won the Live Entertainment Awards and festivals as Best Director.
The music is by multi-award-winning maestro Jesse Lucas, while the editing is by Carl Santos, the artistic direction is by Roeder CamaΓ±ag and the project director is Paul Jake Paule.
In the midst of such a long pause that led to the cancellation of premieres and filming and the confinement of actors and film production experts to preserve their lives, short films like this came to experience new concepts and executions never before made.
Challenging themselves to do something new, they managed to create and produce virtually so that the cast and crew could stay healthy and safe amid the pandemic. The writer and director never physically met the rest of the creators and artists during the filming process. CamaΓ±ag managed the talent remotely. The two protagonists not only act, but are also filmed at home.
In this way, the project is one of the highest-profile cases of a filmmaker seeking to adapt production to the demands of the global health crisis. While hundreds, perhaps thousands of films and television shows in the Philippines and around the world saw production halted to protect actors and crew during the pandemic, CamaΓ±ag produced and gave us 'Taguan, A Quickie Musical', a play simple, but with an intelligent and timely dialogue, marked by the circumstances that humanity was experiencing at that time.
Jayson Santos and Vince Conrad are a revelation, two incredible actors and singers that I hope to see again on other shows.

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Completed
Love Upon a Time Pilot
0 people found this review helpful
by Zilola
4 hours ago
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I love that 6

love you you love you😘❀ and the rest of your😎 own place and a half years old today and tomorrow at my house🏠 and I'm so excited α••(Υžα—œΥž)α•— to the same time as the new season of American historyπŸ“– of my favourite song of all of you love me to the same thing I have to be a result of a new video to a new song and video games in my heart❀ and I'm not going anywhere else to do it all in the world and the rest is just a little more time with you and the other day of you and I have to go to a great tim
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Completed
Kemutai Ane to Zurui Imoto
0 people found this review helpful
4 hours ago
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Family Secrets and being sisters...for life

"Family is pain, you can't choose them and they mess-up your life. They make you celebrate for them even though you hate them. And you can't seem to get rid of them..." Ep.8

This is a family drama with a twist, at the heart of it is two siblings making peace with their past and their mother's secrets while rediscovering their relationship as sisters. Anyone with siblings will relate to the sibling rivalry that extends to stealing things from each other including things that shouldn't be stolen. Everyone seems to hate the concept of the sleazy, weak husband but the real story is the sisters' relationship and how they eventually find each other again. The poetry of bones, grieving, family secrets, and wanting to be seen and heard by the people we love especially our mothers. Discovering that your mother is a fallible human being.
The irony is how each sister thought the other one stole what they wanted or deserved in their own life. The spoiled one was starved of love and attention but the big sister was always there and she never noticed it. I'm glad they sorted it out at the end, and were able to be sisters again.

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Completed
I Feel You Linger in the Air: Uncut Version
1 people found this review helpful
by qsaint
4 hours ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Cortisol, the Series

I like this drama. Theres a lot to love and a lot of things were done well. That said, there are some things I have to get out of the way before I start praising it:

THEY'RE SO DAMN STUPID OMFG
It doesnt seem like the story is going to punish the main couple's stupidity or at least if it does, it won't be punished too harshly, but their absolute refusal to be secretive in any single way had me more anxious than interested. Doors are ALWAYS left open. But, even if the doors were closed, don't worry, they're going to have their private conversations in the downstairs lobby. But, if they don't talk there, no worries, they'll kiss at the lake with 360 degree viewing angles from a mile away. But, don't worry, if that's too subtle, they'll chase each other out of a party in full view of all the guests because one of them got jealous that the other was within a meter of a woman. It never fucking ends omfgggg. I was on the edge of my seat FROM STRESS AND STRESS ALONE. Had me pausing every two business seconds to bemoan the dumbassery. Especially for Jom because he should know better, but also for Yai because HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. He hears about a gay couple getting killed in the morning and minutes later he's backhugging Jom in public. Every single part of my body was clenched up like "this has got to be a tragedy because they really dont value life." It blows my mind that they don't get murked six ways from sunday because they're basically waving pride flags in 19-fucking-20 like bro please I'm trying to root for you. I've spent an entire episode just begging them to go inside. Is rain so nice to kiss in?? Just go inside, please. You dont even have to go into a room or close the door-- im reasonable, I can compromise, just, please, PLEASE go inside.

Around episode 9, my stress hit a critical point and I just sort of...stopped caring about the main characters because if they don't care anout themselves, why should I? I put down the series for nearly two months because I just couldnt take more anxiety disguised as cuteness. Like every time they had a heart to heart or romantic moment, I couldnt really get into it because all I was thinking was, "the door is open, isn't it?" (AND IT ALWAYS WAS. Which would prompt the thought, "these guys really wanna die, huh?" Because they MUST. Theres no other explanation.)

Much smaller gripe, but Jom losing his shit every time he sees himself or an image of the future really started grinding my gears. I can understand once or twice, but we're like 4 - 6 incidents deep and he still goes running and yelling after the image like he isnt aware every time it happens others can hear and see him running about like a chicken without a head. Like be chill, you already know you cant interact and you've literally experienced this all before??????? stfuuuu.

Ugh.
God.
Okay.

Lastly, the lack of consequence to any action (every action, really) took a lot of the tension out of this story. There's the romance between Jom and Yai for starters (I really relaxed after the father came to Jom to tell him to leave Yai alone because this is obviously set in 2028, not 1928), but it also goes for the lesbian CP, for Ming's decisions, for Fong Kaew's decisions, it's for servants speaking to masters like they're equals, it's for literally every single character. They'll do something that should have dire consequences and then they MAYBE get slapped for it. Maybe. Stern words and angry eyebrows do not build or deliver tension. The only consequences delivered are to a couple that's on screen once, for like three minutes. Very frustrating.


Now onto the good stuff:
The cinematography is beautiful, which I say as someone who does not care about cinematography or notice it unless it is insane. They did a good job making each scene very pleasing to the eye, this show is pleasant to watch. Even if you mute it, it will still grab your attention.

The music is great. It never felt unnecessary, overly loud or quiet, and more importantly, it never stole my attention from the show. A lot of times, unnecessarily sad music for shows can either irritate me or make me crack up, but each piece played fit the scene it was in.

The story is okay. I wasn't blown away by it like other reviewers, but I did enjoy the story once I released my hold on my disbelief and expectations. Without the expectation of too much realism, the story isdefinitely fun though it's not as nuanced as I'd thought it would be. I assume the book was better as shows usually have a hard time fitting a good story into 12 episodes while maintaining its quality.

Ignoring the depth of their stupidity, Yai and Jom's relationship was cute. They have great chemistry and really play off of each other well. I assume I'll enjoy the special episode more because my biggest problem with them was the time period. To the point that I did actual research on LGBT history in thailand, going as far as to find Thai resources, just to ensure I wasn't losing my mind and 1920 did indeed feel exactly what you'd expect for 1920 on LGBT issues. To put it more bluntly, neither couple would be alive, most likely, or at least out of jail, but ignoring that-- very cute couple.

I enjoyed the last couple episodes more than the first ten, the chemistry really is phenomenal and, when there's nothing else to worry about, it's positively showstopping. The music is occasionally overdramatic/mismatched but more often than not it's bangers after bangers (but in a classical sort of way.) I vivdly remember replaying a scene a few times (it was more of a transition, honestly) just for the music, so make of that what you will.

I'd definitely rewatch parts of this, but finally having finished it, it did not rock my world by a decent margin. Also, whatever accent it is that Yai has shows me the pearly gates every time he rolls an 'r' and that comprises of most of the parts I'd rewatch.



Today I learned that i cannot watch the special episode.

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Completed
Live Your Own Life
0 people found this review helpful
5 hours ago
51 of 51 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 4.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Disappointed....

This has to be my biggest disappointment of this year. At how much i waited for this drama to come out i would not expected to be this bad. Don't get me wrong. The FL and ML and SML were really good and the story between them was good its just i felt like until the 30 ep the most of the ''others'' were like ''clowns'' in this drama. I was really angry at that mother and the 2 ''little'' brothers how they expect everything from their sister alone. After the 30 ep it started to be a little bit better. I'm sorry to say this but the best part of this hole 51 ep drama for me was like the last 15 min. And sorry to say this but unfortunately i had to skip almost 80% of this drama so i can finish it. I watched it all just because i liked the main actors.
Ps. That 7 score rating i solemnly gave it just for the 3 main leads.

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Ongoing 16/40
Burning Flames
0 people found this review helpful
5 hours ago
16 of 40 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

The Best Chinese Science Fiction Better than the Ice Fantasy

This is the best every of all Chinese drama. The producer put lots of money into customer, make up of aliens / monsters, as you would see in the US Star Trek / Star Wars. Well done!

Story could be stronger. The first 4 (2-6) episodes wasting time in the prison camps that can be cut short.
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Completed
Clean with Passion for Now
0 people found this review helpful
5 hours ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Really cute for the most part!

Besides a few moments that really bring the show down, most of the time, the moments between the lead couple are so cute and funny! Especially Sun-gyeol. His expressions and interactions were a real delight to watch. My favorite moments were actually between him and Ha-In, and I love how their friendship developed. Also agree with others that the kissing scenes are incredible and cute!

Speaking of Ha-In, while I loved his character as a person, there were several times I had a question in my head of just how ethical he was being as a physician. There was one scene where he told O-sol some of Sun-gyeol's family history and roots of his trauma, and I'm not sure that's something he should mention. In any case, I'm happy he didn't turn into a bitter person after he was rejected, and was really looking out for O-sol as an actual friend.

Also, I'm no expert on misophobia, so I don't know how easy it is to cure, but I feel like his condition looked plausible throughout the series. I'm not even sure if "cure" is the right word here, but he looked believably better in the end. Again, kudos to the actor, but he somehow made it look to the naked eye, like normal actions, but since we know his history, there was this uneasiness at times during moments that used to be impossible for him. The fact that he can do all of that now is impressive.

There were some times that felt unnecessarily dramatic (I know, in a drama? Shocking!), but I felt incredibly bad for Sun-gyeol toward the end. Especially the lead up to his accident. I don't care if no one agrees, but O-sol was absolutely partly responsible for that. Not of the accident itself, but the way he was feeling at the time. The one thing he definitely told her was that he felt she was the first person to really empathize with his condition and she didn't make him feel weird about it. Then, in some convoluted dramatic must-break-up scene, she tells him that it was "too much for her" and she was "tired" of him. Like WHY would you say that?! I love slow burns, but I hate terrible break ups just for them to get back together anyway. It was a nice ending, though, but still.

The other characters are great. I love the clean crew so much! Her brother is also fun, and anyone that thought he was mean has probably never had a sibling before. I could tell how much he loves and cares for her.

The soundtrack is also really good! "Cosmos" by Huh Gak is my favorite.

I absolutely recommend watching it at least once. Yeah, there are some moments you might have to get through, but I enjoyed it overall.

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Completed
My Boss
0 people found this review helpful
by Ninsss
6 hours ago
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

So so

it’s an okay series for me, but I’ve been skipping a bit on some scenes, Chemisty is okay too. But plot’s nothing new. if you just want something to enjoy this is an okay series. it’s not the kind that would pull you in and make you feel different emotions & would make you want to finish the whole thing without skipping. overall it’s bearable and sometimes enjoyable, The ML looks good and very manly not your typical skinny tall ML. The FL is cute but I think a straight or wavy hair would look better on her, her curly long hair felt so heavy whenever I see her hehehe

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Pyramid Game
0 people found this review helpful
by Ninsss
6 hours ago
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Mindblown

For this series it will depend if it’ll suit your style, I am enjoying this series tbh and I can’t wait for the final two episodes 9-10. I’m not full on romance fluffy kind, I enjoy a wide array of genres from fantasy, crime, thriller, romance etc. What pulled me in the most is how well most of the Actors portrayed their character, and how intriguing it is wanting to read their thoughts but couldn’t.. how utterly creepy and scary the antagonist is. But also having thoughts of how ridiculous the whole thing was wherein Adults had very little to no say at all with all the crazy happenings. But again it’s a series some scenes are so realistic because it does happen in real life especially how bad bullying is in general.

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The 47 Ronin: Last Part
1 people found this review helpful
6 hours ago
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 2.0
The 47 Ronin Last Part took up the talking and sitting from the first film, for two more hours of talking and sitting. Mizoguchi Kenji made a beautiful looking movie for 1942 and the acting by Kawarasaki Chojuro was as exceptional as the first part. Finally, after 3 hours it was time for the catharsis of revenge after the mountain of dialogue, right? Not really. Just more talking.

Oishi discovered that his request for the Asano family to be restored failed which caused him and the other retainers to dance with joy. They could now avenge their lord and restore everyone’s honor. Oishi promptly set out to find more people to talk to, not the other Ronin, they were the invisible Ronin. The day after his visit to Lady Asano she received a letter detailing the Asano Ronin’s attack on Kira’s castle.

Four hours of talking, 47 Ronin, and the most important action shown was the hotheaded lord at the beginning of the movie who caused the downfall of his family. I used the analogy of Star Wars in my review of the first part. To continue that analogy, this film would be like the Rebel Alliance General Dodonna (minor character) receiving an email that the Death Star had successfully been blown up. Anything exciting in these films happened off screen. Show, don’t tell, is a much better payoff for the audience. I want to see Luke flying his X-Wing with Darth Vader right behind and those 47 Ronin attacking the castle and lopping off Kira’s head.

After Kira’s defeat there was almost an hour left. While confined, the Ronin had time for a talent show, flower arranging, and lovers saying good-bye, lovers we never met. At the beginning of the movie, we were treated to a Noh performance. But all was well because we were told over and over and over and over how taking vengeance on Lord Kira was the honorable thing to do and restored the honor of the family and the Ronin and showed how honorable Ronin behave. Even Lord Asano’s wife said her husband pulling a sword in the Shogun’s palace was a boneheaded move but he must be avenged or he would forever be a laughingstock. Asano’s impulsive action affected thousands of lives and caused at least 50 deaths, not counting the Kira contingent, all because someone called him boorish. If this movie was supposed to inspire the audience, I wonder how well it succeeded.

The one area where the movie didn’t let me down was Mizoguchi’s filming style. Every frame was exquisite. The sets and exterior shots were refined and well lit. The only drawback was often the characters were filmed so far away it was difficult to make out their facial expressions. The technique was quite distancing emotionally from what should have been an emotional movie. Then there were those invisible Ronin. Seventeen men stood in for the 47 and we learned almost nothing about any of them, no connection, no empathy for their plight. When they did talk it was all about being ready to die. Or being happy they were about to die. Or that everyone died with honor. Even for a propaganda film, the call for self-sacrifice was laid on thick. The kids were told in the first film, β€œSamurai children must behave as if nothing is wrong during a crisis.” I suppose when you’re about to awaken a sleeping giant you want everyone onboard with the party line.

For a movie with the title The 47 Ronin, this felt more like homework than entertainment. Four hours of dialogue with much of it repetitive was more than I could take. I want to see outtakes of the exciting elements that happened off screen-forbidden love and castle assaults. Since Mizoguchi refused to show us those things, he could have easily condensed this movie to two hours. It’s not like he was devoting those four hours to character development beyond their loyalty, stoicism, and desire for revenge and death. In the first film, it appeared he might have been leaning toward the characters resisting the rules of a corrupt Shogunate and rebelling (honorably of course), instead their actions were seen as heroic as they adhered to the bushido code and surrendered to the authority of the Shogun. An interesting film time capsule from the war era but it would help to be a fan of Mizoguchi or chatty samurai films with zero action.

18 March 2024

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