Suspenseful with Human Motives

Once in a blue moon, you nosedive into a mystery/thriller film with no prior warning. South Koreans are not afraid to tackle a tired well-established genre. A movie from the year 2013. The film does have similarities to the novel Rokuyon (64), written by Hideo Yokoyama (Mystery/Thriller Novelist) in 2012. Still, the Director changes a few characters and the setting to suit the mood in South Korea. I would not have noticed it if I did not read this novel a couple of years ago.

The movie thrusts you into an ingenious, suspenseful plot that will have you on the edge of your seat, depending on your attention span. Director Jung Geun Sub hits it out of the park with his directorial debut. All that matters does Montage deliver the ESCAPISM we crave, and the simple answer is YES.

Kim Sang Kyung's depiction of Detective Seo Tae Yoon in Memories of Murder (2003) mesmerized me, itching for him to portray a Detective again. Ten years later, my wish granted. It is unlike his role in 2003, with a little more sophistication and color added to this character in Montage (2013). Uhm Jung Hwa was surprisingly the highlight holding viewers' nerves and keeping the stress construction on a high level throughout the film minutes. I can see why she won numerous awards for this role. The layer of understanding human motives adds to the story from the character's perspectives.

The Director toned down the action, and the lack of violence shows in the stylish camera work. There are a few foot chases, not elaborate, not over the top, adds to the flavor. At the time, there were a few films where the plot encompasses the "Statute of Limitations" in South Korea back then. One film that comes to mind is Confession of Murder (2012), with some high octane action and utmost thrilling elements within the screenplay polar opposite of Montage (2013).

It is a Kidnapping story with a CLEVER Twist that is a mature, yet quiet conclusion that hits hard and true. If you do not mind viewing a slow-paced, but a fast-paced story that allows the audience to investigate the evidence scene to scene GO FOR IT. It might be a little predictable, but it is a gripping film for the small plotholes that are a little obvious to a critic's eye. Would you SCORCH the Eath to find the Kidnapper? I need another film by this Director soon.


Final Rating: 8.59

Acting: 9.21

Story: 8.24

Rewatch Value: It is my fourth time watching this film. I love the suspense, but you may have different thoughts.

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Stay True to What You Believe

Is Banking supposed to be this riveting? Masato Sakai character created in the viewer’s head a detailed portrait of an endearing idealistic person from the opening scene to the closing scene. Two colleagues befriend Hanzawa Naoki on their slow and steady rise through the ranks in a Male-Dominated field of the Japanese Corporate Banking Institution. Through Hanzawa Naoki’s eyes, we discern the stress bankers (salarymen) encounter daily to hit a specific quota.

The storyline is predictable, but it is not like another office drama handling of corruption or salary life within an organization. It is a realistic account of Japanese Men who battle the hierarchy or structure within the institution daily. The smart script adapted from a pair of novels by Jun Ikeido benefited Masato Sakai’s extraordinary versatility. His acting skills would suit the stage, but the over dramatics blended to the screenplay.

I was looking forward to this drama for the simple fact the screenwriter is brilliant and prolific. Yatsu Hiroyuki wrote Runaway - Aisuru Kimi no Tame ni (2011), Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit (2008), Roosevelt Game (2014), Shitamachi Rocket (2015), and many more that were engaging. It is a modern-day and period drama colliding without swordplay.

Masato Sakai was the star of the show, but every character had a strategic purpose. Yes, I did watch this partly because of Ueto Aya. Hanzawa Hana is a beautiful, intelligent, supportive wife that was not annoying and alike her other half. If you do not mind a little overacting, if you call it that then, you will love their home conversations.
The protagonist (Masato Sakai) and the antagonist (Kagawa Teruyuki ) was a delight to watch them battle it out. The antagonist Owada Akira was a person characterizing all the evils within the Japanese Banking Institution. Hanzawa Naoki is a salaryman struggling and fighting to bring down the cancers surrounding the Japanese Banking Institution. Oikawa Mitsuhiro and Takito Kenichi gave strong performances that aided more than hindered the script. Now, if you are like me, which you are not, you might enjoy the little Kendo matches/relieving stress exercises Takito Kenichi and Masato Sakai sport every once in a while.

The OST is not something I would listen to regularly, but I got to give the composer credit because the music flows perfectly from one scene to the next that was appropriate. It fits well at a refreshing moment.

Japanese dramas distinguish themselves from Korean and Chinese shows from their unique directing and acting styles that many will forgo because it might be hard to follow. I would say this watch the first few minutes and get acclimated to the witty script and acting that is nonstop exhilaration. If you cannot get into this show, many other superb Japanese dramas are waiting for you. I was skeptical, but I can watch almost anything.

One last note, I rarely give high grades, and this is one of the best Japanese dramas I had the privilege of viewing. I cannot wait for Season 2!!!! Like Hanzawa Naoki says, “I believe in People’s Good Will, but if they screw me, I will screw them back, It’s Double Payback .”

My Final Overall Rating: 9.11/10 stars
Story: 9.27/10 stars
Acting/Cast: 9.26/10 stars
Rewatch Value: 8.27/10 stars
My rewatch value varies every time I watch the show. I have watched this three times since 2013.

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Adrenaline Rush = Great Acting

I did not see the Japanese Version (Repeat), so I cannot comment on the similarities between the two. I did notice the show is not 100% original as it takes bits and pieces from past K-J-T-C Dramas. What it does, though, is sprinkled a distinctive taste that leaves us satisfied. I was pleasantly surprised by the screenwriting and acting. It might be a little predictable or maybe no WOW Factor when watching, but if it kept me intrigued, it might do the same for you.

Actor Lee Joon Hyuk who played Detective Ji Hyung Joo was, believable, but sometimes deductive reasoning was set aside for the plotline. As a whole, anyone watching would quickly become invested in his character and story. The collaboration of screenwriters Lee Seo Yoon and Lee Soo Kyung constructed a script full of mystery, suspense, and time travel phenomenon that was out of the blue. I knew I was getting a drama worth watching when I spotted Lee Seo Yoon's name attached to 365: Repeat the Year. He co-wrote Swallow the Sun (2009), which I appreciated.

Nam Ji Hyun had a refreshing role different from her previous projects, expanding her talents into other genres. Her character Shin Ga Hyun is not your typical FL. She is a competent-smart who thinks before she does something; given her background as a webtoon artist and novelist, she is detailed-oriented. I was taken back by her acting skills. Yes, there were some scenes she let me down, but in my opinion, NJH acting was solid, especially towards the middle and backend.

If anything, Lee Sung Wook's character convincingly surprised me. The Bromance between Lee Joon Hyuk and Lee Sung Wook's character down-to-earth genuine.

I have to shout out to the supporting actors' performances because, without an excellent supporting cast, this show would be less than stellar. It is either a hit or miss for me with this Director, but she delivered silver. The soundtrack was decent, but you would rarely see me critique OSTs as I like all OSTs that mesmerize me while viewing. On some occasions, I will feel a piece of music does not fit, but not in this drama, even if we did not hear a lot of the music. The last point, I thought the production sets were above par in my eyes, but no wow factor. I cannot blame the director for that as we did not need off the chart cinematography.

In the end, if you like a little mystery, great chemistry between the ML, FL, and supporting actors watch it. Just do not expect a WOW Factor. I say it a lot, but do not have high expectations, and be rewarded possibly. If you had the opportunity, would you go back, but at what cost?

Final Rating: 8.56/10

Rewatch value is 6.5, as some dramas take longer to recoup their others to rewatch for me.

Remember, when watching these types of dramas, put your imagination on high gear. Everything is not supposed to make sense, but that is just my take.

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Disjointed Family Life

Recently, I have been binge-watching Kim Sun-Young films since Crash Landing On You (2019). The second time I am writing a review of one of her movies (Miss Baek). Her flexible approach was on full spectacle surrounding the deplorable behavior within a disjointed family story. It is a sad story exploring disability, violence, and victimization. What is disturbing, yet shakes me the rocky relationships between the different characters.

It takes the Arthouse route as it is not a film you would spot in the mainstream movie industry. The film depicts the volatile tensions within the big family caused by the place they call home. The home video camera shots imparted the verismo caught in the movie. You are a spectator to the violence and questions surrounding victimization of a family joined together to celebrate a sibling's birthday. Do not be fooled by the synopsis as it is misleading.

All the actors' authentic acting skills lifts this original screenplay to new heights. We hear the screams from the upstairs room that haunts the film set. All the actors' natural and chaotic behaviors lift this film to above other films of such genre. People cope with reality in various ways. Will a person truly heal from the pains they suffered from years of experience? DISCLAIMER, there is some NUDITY at some point in this movie, hence the Rating Restricted.

Go to this film with an unbiased mind if you want to view this film someday. Watch Thirty Seconds at a time. You might end up enjoying this film. I was surprised I missed it in 2017.

Final Rating: 8.46/10
Story: 8.32/10
Acting: 9.15/10

Rewatch Value: 6/10. It is a heavy subject matter, so I might not come back to this film for a while.

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Breath of Fresh Air

Filmmaker Zhang Yi Mou is best known as the director of Hero (2002), House of Flying Daggers (2004), Curse of the Golden Flower (2006) three depictions of Feudal China combining jaw-dropping cinematography and surreal choreography. In simple terms, wushu grandeur films, but he has mastered the art of filmography beyond the Wushu genre.

His films such as Raise High the Red Lanterns (1991), Coming Home (1999), Happy Times (2000), and Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010) fly under the radar regarding social issues. His experience as a cinematographer contributed to Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles the visual imagery of Japan's coast and Yunnan's mountains and terrain, the picture is, as usual, a credit to Zhang Yimou's distinctive talent. Today's audience bombarded with an onslaught of genres like ACTION, WUSHU, ADVENTURE, SCI-FI, or COMIC Book Live Adaptations diluting their appetite for Waterdown gratification.

The film tackles the estranged relationship between a father and his dying son only to encounter numerous obstacles of language, time, and governmental bureaucracy. The focal point of the story surrounding Chinese folk opera singer Li Jiamin (Jiamin Li ) who Ken Takakura's character, hoping to repair relations with his son, decides to set on a trip to China and film the singer with the help of Jasmine (Jiang Wen) and Lingo (Lin Qiu), two translators.

Ken Takakura's performance is nothing short of spectacular. Zhang's camera delineates his face with great diligence and grace in style. The range of depth emotions he pours into his character who speaks through stoic facial expressions, sullen strides, and gentle motions of the hand is a difficult task, one which Takakura—a famed Yakuza actor—undertakes with apparent ease. It is his last film. The dialogue takes a back seat to the subtle changes in the scenery. The non-actors were themselves going about life.

It is a tired formula from a brilliant director. Some of the themes he utilities journey past bureaucracy and dispassion examined in his early film The Story of Qiu Ju (1992). The tragic element within the movie beautiful, but I tend to prefer the melodrama - tragedy in Happy Times (2000). The OST is alright, but it was not the piece that catapulted the film over the top.

Sally Wen Mao's poem popped into my head while viewing this awing film cinematography by Xiaoding Zhao, who lent his cinematic expertise in Zhang's House of Flying Daggers film. This film relies heavily on contrasts - the vibrant, untouched Chinese mountains and valley against Japan's grey tone. Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles creates a story built around Gou-Ichi Takata's (Ken Takakura) search for reconnection. I thought of the poem below while riding alone in uninhabited lands or our journey of self-discovery/redemption; we come to find solace that everything we do is essential to someone.

Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles Poem
by Sally Wen Mao

“In Lijiang, the sign outside your hostel
glares: Ride alone, ride alone, ride
alone — it taunts you for the mileage
of your solitude, must be past

thousands, for you rode this plane
alone, this train alone, you'll ride
this bus alone well into the summer night,
well into the next hamlet, town,

city, the next century, as the trees twitch
and the clouds wane and the tides
quiver and the galaxies tilt and the sun
spins us another lonely cycle, you'll

wonder if this compass will ever change.
The sun doesn't need more heat,
so why should you? The trees don't need
to be close, so why should you?”


Final Rating: 8.51/10
Story: 8.24/10
Acting: 9.52/10

Rewatch Value: 7/10
It sends a great message, but I will hold off a little while I view this Lost In Translation film.

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Take-Charge

My farfetched dream the day more nitty-gritty, dark subject matter, yet heartwarming pictures reach the mainstream. Dark Subject matter such as Domestic Violence should not be brushed under the rug but discussed out in the open. The Director shot angles, and limited dialogues supplied the character's emotions brilliantly.

If a person likes aesthetic films, then the viewer will not be so quick to surmise the movie but anatomize the subject matter before them. Han Ji Min depicts a woman with deep scars suffered as a child. We see it in her beaten facial expressions and how she interacts with individuals. A person frequently will never lose that alleged bond with a family member. Han Ji Min's acting is superb the reclusive life she lives until that one fateful encounter with Kim Shi Ah's character.

Kim Shi Ah's role as a child suffering at the hands of child abuse is abrasive and alarming. We all know Domestic Violence occurs globally, but you wish some of these people have a heart of kindness, not a heart of stone. No child should suffer at the likes of being born. South Koreans breed adept child actors because it is no easy feat to portray that character.

The supporting cast was convincing, but the child's dad and his gaming addiction. SERIOUSLY!!! Other than that, it was sublime, especially the dad's eccentric girlfriend. It was no masterpiece, just a terrific film. I have not seen Mother (2018), yet so I can not comment on the similarities the film and drama share.

The colorless shots in the apartments to the airy sensation shots by the ocean enlightened us to their problems. The soundtrack elevated the movie, but it had its flaws that took away from my enjoyment.

Go into this film with an open mind. It may not be something you wish to watch as some dark subject matter you might not want to see visually. My advice if you do not like the first six minutes of the beginning, then DROP IT.

Final Rating: 8.47/10
Story: 9.10/10
Acting: 9.42/10

Rewatch Value is a 7.45/10. I would rewatch it, but only under certain circumstances.

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Bristling Sea Breeze

Do you ever feel stressed? Do you need a fresh start? A small coastal village in South Korea may not sound exciting, but once you hear the thundering splashes of waves and silent whistles of the breezes, you may think differently. It is the first Surfing Film to come out of Korea, which is surprising.

I might be in the minority, but Lee Hyun Seung films The Blue in You (1992), IL Mare (2000), and Hindsight (2011) not meant for mass appeal, but a more severe tone rather than the dramatics we notice in films and shows. It is Lee Hyun Seung's first feature film in nine years, and I was overexcited when I heard about the production four years ago. Director Lee Hyun Seung's usual arthouse aesthetic style delivers vibrance about the daily activities yet simple lives on Jukdo Island, South Korea.

Many people around the world might not know, but Jukdo Beach is a surfing hotspot. There are spots around the world that go unnoticed and the small village in Gangwon-Do Province. South Korea is a famous spot for surfers to gather. It is a shame there are no considerable swells in the summertime, but there are excellent swells in the spring and fall.

The film gives a realistic portrait of surfers' worries about the destruction occurring in the small village, while they eat, sleep, and live for surfing. The film incorporates various humanistic stories. In my opinion, every character works in unison to vividly portray the waves and people. The movie might not suit your tastes, but it is a break from the usual films.

For instance, we can connect with Jeon Hye Bin's character Soo-Jeong escaping the stress from work in Seoul while she learns to express her freedom through surfing. Her character reminded me of the main person in Little Forest. Kim Viju depicts a 12-year old surfer high-spirited, and her positive actions put a smile on the audience's face. Veteran actors Oh Gwang Rok, Park Ho San, and Jung Tae Woo appear in this little gem invigorate the story. All these actors love surfing or are surfing enthusiasts in real-life that made the film flow freely. The OST is nothing special, but it works nonetheless.

The film manipulates cinematography skillfully, considering the low budget. The director skillfully uses Jukdo Beach as a backdrop to paint a colorful picture of the laidback and surfing life. I will admit some shots were blurry or meant to look like a documentary as there was no real plot. Again, it was a slice of life surfing film. The film might entice you, which I would say give it go. It is a beautiful movie to sit back and relax during a rainy day or night time watch.

Final Overal Rating 8.41
Story: 8.62
I will rewatch this sometime in the future. It was a great movie in my book coming from a great director.

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Test of Friendship

Spring Waltz dances around childhood memories, love, a sentiment with a ballad all their own. The storyline is cliche, but it is through the characters' struggles and development we find attachment. All around, it is a sweet story that might have benefited from 16 episodes instead of dragging out to 20 episodes. The bland and tiresome plot hampers the actors' skills significantly. A person into slow-paced dramas it is well worth your time to watch when you have nothing else to do and watch.

Koreans and Japanese do a marvelous job encompassing a scene through the sound of music. In regards to the soundtrack, it is one of the most memorable and captivating musical pieces I have listened to in K-Drama history. Every time I hear the humming of "La La La" and the music starts to play, I get all jittery with the feelings of lost friendship finding its way back. Every time I listen to the song "One Love" by Loveholic, happy and sad memories stir my emotions like a warm breezy spring day.

It is a melodrama with breathtaking cinematography and beautiful locations shot in Hallstatt and Salzburg, Austria, and Cheongsando island. It was the final installment to Director Yoon Seok Ho's Endless Love series, in my belief, the second-best season out of the four Endless Love series.

The relatively unknown actors Seo Do Young, Han Hyo Joo, and Daniel Henney were one the reasons why the show worked to its advantage. It was the first time I viewed Han Hyo Joo in anything. It was such a treat as I followed her ever since this drama aired. Daniel Henney's character is somebody I would want to be friends with if a scenario like that ever occurred in my life. Seo Do Young's character is difficult to execute because of the sentimental story of the frustration and pain welling up inside his closed heart. The lack of acting experience the lead actors possess shows, but it did not diminish the quality of the show.

On that note, I have seen this seven times since it aired as it is my go-to Romantic Drama in times of stress. The show's audience might be limited in scope, but people might take the opportunity to go on this unforgettable journey. Maybe watch it towards the backend of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Spring has a floral aroma that flaunts itself in familiar places.

My Final Rating: 8.41/10
My, rewatch value is eight because I have seen this too many times, except I can watch many times and not get bored.

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You have to be Mentally Tough?

Daemul flies under the radar for its political tropes. Asian lovers who do not mind a heavy dose of politics would appreciate this compelling drama of one women’s rise to power from humble beginnings to the Blue House. The director, Kim Cheol Kyu, did a remarkable job that one can get a glimpse into the brilliant director’s mindset through his later works. The camerawork is shoddy at times, but the cinematography is all around beautiful. Actress Go Hyun Jung was high off her success in the exhausting project of Queen Seon Duk. I was curious to hear about this show when it first aired as it was yet another political show I would see her with a gripping story. All of her characters and it might be redundant; she can pull off a substantially different role each time. At the time, this show was a rating success.

One thing I find repeats throughout K-Dramas are the Romantic relationships can sometimes tend to bog down the screenwriting. The romantic relationship kept in the background, not overpowering the main story. A person who takes the twenty-four episode journey will realize that hard work, building relationships, true to one's values are distinctive and reputable. I found out modern politics is not for everyone because it takes able-bodied and cunning schemes to get ahead.

Final Rating: 7.92
Rewatch value is low for me, as I do not think I can view this decent show again for a while. I first watched this back in 2010, but three days ago I, watched this again for the second time.

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Jewel in the Palace is an Underrated Statement

MyDramalist has been around since 2011, but a classic Sageuk drama has less than 10,000 watchers on the website. Something is wrong. Other K-C-J-dramas reach 30,000 watchers, but those dramas cannot compare to the quality Jewel in the Palace brings. Do not be scared to watch this ageless drama because it is 54 episodes. No review can put into words the central lead actress character perseverance.

When you behold the majestic cinematography, the mountains provided the perfect backdrop showing Korea in all its beauty. The director, Lee Byung Hoon, and screenwriter Kim Young Hyun did an incredible job of fashioning a realistic portrait of cuisines and medicines used for that particular time. The viewer struck by the heavy use of pathos, which some people might find off-putting yet handled pretty well, though.

The story unfolds like a novel-like narrative in a documentary format. It takes you on a journey of a woman's experiences that led her to be a successful woman—loosely based on a woman, Jang Geum, during the Chosun dynasty who became Royal Physician. It is a cultural treat as the acting is first-rate. Lee Young Ae's versatile acting skills won her numerous awards. An actress who is adept at taking on numerous characters in a different light. It was a different role from Lady Vengeance (2005), One Fine Spring (2001), Joint Security Area (2000), etc. I fell in love with the main Korean Traditional Song played throughout the drama emphasizing the period. I have said it before, but I was fascinated by the story, I am a guy, but women should see this beautiful work of art because of the strong female lead actress. What a True Heroine should be?

My Final Rating: 8.99
Rewatch value is low because I have seen this three times and every time I enjoy the beautiful images.

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Brutality

I went from watching a classic film like Sonatine to a movie of violent curiosity like Violent Cop. It was Takeshi Kitano directorial debut as long-time director Kinji Fukasaku walked off the project short notice in 1988. If you do not know already from Kitano's biography, he was a famed TV chat show host, author, actor, and comedian in Japan. Few thought the film would do well, considering it was his first time directing, and you cannot predict what type of creative control these first time directors take.

Violent Cop is arguably one of the rawest and "unorthodox cop" premises. Kitano stone-faced performance as Azuma is brilliant in this slow-moving film full of mysterious and compelling scenes. In general, all the actors do a spellbinding job. The soundtrack was not the most haunting, but it had effects that left me in awe. Even though the motion picture is an over-dramatization of the police force in Japan back in the late 1980s, it depicts the dark comedy of the state of affairs of the Japanese police system not, all that different from other countries at the time, and maybe today. Some filmgoers might misunderstand this violent world with no rationality. I would recommend this if you are able to stomach the violence.

I have seen this film three times and even though my rewatch value is 6.5. I would watch this again.
Final Rating 8.507

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Cinematographic Genius

The work of Takeshi Kitano sparked my interest in modern Japanese cinema as it is not your average run of the mill Gangster Film. It is a cinematic masterpiece, misunderstood. The story is basic yet told in a realistic way that doesn’t chase you from one scene to the next. It is a film maybe not for everybody as viewers need to observe it rather than watching it appreciate Beat Kitano’s directing style.

The cinematography is beautiful, making full use of the lovely beaches of Okinawa. Kitano puts a lot of color into this film, looking very gritty and dull when they’re in Tokyo, but it becomes much more abundant in color as they go to Okinawa. Get to know the cinematographic genius behind Kitano, Mr. Katsumi Yanagijima. He has journeyed on the path with Takeski Kitano from the beginning. We get stunning visuals and character studies more so than anything of the protagonist with a false sense of security. Legendary composer, Joe Hisaishi's music, was sad and beautiful. It was very hypnotic through the colorful camera shots. If you are someone who is not afraid to sit through a film and observe it with a keen eye see this underrated gem.


I have rewatched this film five times and I always seem to pick up something new. Even though my
Rewatch Value is a 7 I, have seen this many times.


Final Rating: 8.739/10.
It is about 4 points higher than the comments section.

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