Tsuba
Shanghai, China (Originally from Paris)
I first heard about it because it was officially competing at the Cannes's Movie Festival.
And then I saw that the great Park Chan Wook was the director behind it so I quickly decided to watch it.
BUT, neither did I read the summary first nor watched the trailer ... and maybe I should have had.
Don't get me wrong ! This movie is a masterpiece. But, I wasn't expecting that plotline AT ALL.
You should be aware that it gots some serious mature contents like SEX, BDSM and violence. You can feel really uneasy watching it. But that is the reason why this movie is so beautiful : the darkness and somehow weird feels matches so well with the love story. Some scenes are magical.
But just keep in mind that it is 18+ rated (basically 5 minutes of intense, non-stoping and not-really censured sex)
There is three major arks in the movie: the first two ones where you get to discover and even rediscover the characters and story from different point of views, and the third one where all of your answers are answered & the story ends.
This combination might seems odd to some viewers, as we sometimes get to rewatch the same scenes. But I personally find it really interesting.
The two main actresses are absolutely perfect. They convey all the feels of their characters in an emotional way. As it is stayed in the summary, they will both 'discover some unexpected emotions'. Lesbian relationship in Korean movies are quite unusual and I must say that this one is breaking down HUGE taboos. The geniuses of Park Chan Wook was to gamble on this idea, in a country where he perfectly knows that the critics will get fierce.
Thanks to a good casting choice, I personally think that he won his bet.
I was surprisingly amazed by Kim Tae Ri (Sook Hee)'s acting. She's new, It's her first movie. The idea of new fits perfectly her character. The way she acted was stunning. I want to see her in more things from now on.
Anyway if you're 18+, interested in some good suspenseful stories and open-minded regarding this movie love plot line, you will definitely enjoy it.
It's not Old Boy sure ...but it is The Handmaiden. They both have their qualities and universe.
Special mention to the ending song which was absolutely gorgeous ... kinda combines all of the feels that this movie gives you.
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The story is unusual and the main cast acting is beyond awesome. Honestly, while I watch a drama, I always had some trouble with the acting of one actor or how dumb he is. But this time, I haven't felt like that at all! The main actresses (Park Min Yong) is not dumb and is strong (finally a drama with a strong female lead ah ah!) and the main actor (Ji Chang Wook aka Healer) had become one of my favorite Korean actors because of how talented he was on Healer.
I really liked this drama because it kills out some (if it's not all) of the main cliche in Drama (especially Korean ones). There is not "Triangle Love", the main couple actually COMMUNICATE with each other so there is no misunderstanding (and we all know how frustrating it is in drama when they're not) and finally there is "kiss scene" (a lot of good ones).
As for the music, it is one of the best OST of 2014-2015. Always on point with the scene, some of them have a lot of feels and some of them are perfect for the action.
Don't hesitate to watch it! If you search for something refreshing with action, romance, comedy and thrill feels you got one of the best K-Drama I've seen.
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The main reason why I watch this movie is for is casting mostly. I mean gaah Sulli & Joo Won ?! What else can I ask while two of my favorite actors play together. And I must say that Sulli's acting improved a lot from the past few years (The Pirates & Fashion King clearly shown her improvement).
As expected from Joo Won he also proves once again how good as an actor he can be, in a dorky and cute way this time.
The universe here is fashion, school & rivalry. I must say that the combination of the three of them is rather great. I didn't laugh as much as I expected, but I felt very entertained.
It's a refreshing movie with a pretty nice cast and a funny story. Watch it if you want to pass a good time.
ps: special mention for Joo Won OST's song - Happy Birthday
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I first watch this movie for Luhan (I'm a little biased), it is his first movie and his first big project after leaving EXO and korea. So I must admit that I wasn't expecting a lot from this movie, just screen time for him.
But this movie get into me right into the face with feels, humor, music and a heartwarming story.
First, the story is quite unusual. A granny who turn 20 and try to live her life again .. it's not a common story at all. And it's not a common love story either (you'll get it if you watch the movie .. I guess).
Secondly, the actor are all acting pretty well! I was amazed by Yang Shan who play the young granny. She pictures herself as an old grandma so well that it was funny and moving at the same time.
Finally, the music are awesome. It's not just a music movie but the main actors sing pretty well, and the music are all fantastic.
If you're wondering to watch or not to watch this movie, watch it!
I spent a great time watching it and recommend it without any doubt!
PS: be aware of the feels though
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You will find comedy, romance but also some tragic and historical part.
In terms of fantasy, the time travel effect is reach in this movie but don't excpect something awesome on this side. There is a lot of inchoherence.
But the strengh of this movie is more on the overall part.
At first I was just excpected a lovey-funny movie but then I was transported in ancient Taiwan. It was historical at some point but not to much, which I very appreciate.
Plus, I cried a lot from the half of the movie till the very end. Mrs Ginger part is very beautiful and touching.
I could advice this movie for many reason but just the great alchemy between Chris Wang (Jack) and Jian Man Shu (Rose) is one of the best answer.
Entertaining, refreshing, touching and enlightening !
PS: The end isn't bad, and that's great for a Taiwanese movie
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This movie was poignant, sad, but also funny, touching at the same time and very well shooted.
The acting are perfect in their genre, and the confrontation between both families is very well realized.
The idea of opposing two completly different families is very interesting.
Finally, the story ends well regarding to the various problems happening during the movie.
Negative point however, as any good Japanese movie it is a little slow sometimes.
In every case I recommend this movie to every person who wants to spend a sad moment but at the same time touching. Perfect for a Saturday evening with a cup of tea and a blanket.
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