This review may contain spoilers
Political satire - that's how it's done!
This was a well-written and well-acted movie. It's been a long time since I've watched a K-drama with the comedy tag that was actually laugh out loud funny. The storyline is very confusing, but that's to be expected with the multiple countries represented. I also like how they actually kept the factual details.The only reason I couldn't rate it higher was because of the language. The cursing was jarring and constant. If I was able to understand Korean better, if I'd watched it without subtitles, that would have been better. I would still know that the cursing was going on, but, since they talk so fast, it wouldn't have been an issue. Seeing it typed on the screen just took me out of the enjoyment of the movie. Seriously, has anyone ever watched something and said, "I wish there was MORE cursing." It's just unnecessary.
Was this review helpful to you?
There are too many politicians in this country, not enough public servants.
After the heroic stories with themes of war from Heneral Luna and Goyo, this film depicts the game of politics of an era which is not too far from the current state of the government of the Philippines.As someone who had learned the history which depicts most of these historical figures as heroes who fight independence, I have learn that this film, although mixed with fiction, showed people are people; politicians are politicians. Tarrog again showed how these figures could be petty, have inflated egos and would do dirty tricks for the sake of their glory. He never fails to stir my nationalism which makes me extra dubious of the intentions especially of politicians who would speak flowery words especially on elections, who would give false promises to the people would like to hear and when elected, would appease the people but would refuse to speak the truth. It is less entertaining than Heneral Luna to be honest but it has a place in my nationalist heart. I am looking forward to a Magsaysay film, as teased before the credits.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What's next?
Ok so before I write this, I have to say I watched this movie without subtitles and used my decent knowledge of Japanese to understand the film. There were tons of medical terminology thrown in that went over my head however.That being said, this was a beautiful movie. It was absolutely heartfelt and made me feel so good after. The premise of the movie is really unique. Nobumasa's daughter Yoshimi has a heart problem that modern medicine cannot fix, so he takes years to learn how to create an artificial heart. In the process, the wish to save his daughter becomes so much more.
Nobumasa's character is so endearing. He fights so hard to get his research and designs throughout the movie recognized. I felt such strong conviction from him. I love how his entire family supported him and Yoshimi thought-out the movie. I would of loved to see more interaction between the family, but they sort of did that at the end. It was good way to make you feel even more strongly about their ties. The movie didn't show too much family interaction next to brief scenes at the dinner table. But there interactions were nuanced and spoke volumes about how they've been supporting each other in the background.
It makes sense, seeing as how it was Nobumasa's story of triumph. The acting was really solid. There were times were Yoko The mother, seemed to be reading her lines. But I'm not sure if that was just how her character was. I really loved Nami's approach to her family with always supporting Yoshimi. It was so so heartwarming. I loved when she has to get her family back on track to do the right thing.
There were a few times were I teared up, so this movie does pull at the heartstrings when it needs to. It's not overly dramatic however. I would say it was a really good balance between triumph and sadness. There is little to no comedy.
The camera shots were really well done. There was a few particular scenes I was excited about. Nobumasa is always shown running against a wave of people up the stairs of the train station. I think it was a perfect visual of his struggle in the movie. There was another scene were the lighting transitioned from the depths of sadness to a ray of hope and it was so well executed. There were some really great transitional shots, I loved all of it. There were some fuzzy issues with like blurring lens focus but very minimal. You don't really notice it unless you are scrutinizing it like me lol. Wow usually makes an excellent product cinematic wise.
Music was well done and suitable. There's a great scene were the mom is with her daughter's and a possible piece is playing that really set a fantastic hopeful mood.
Overall it's a fantastic film to make you feel good. I initially watched it for Arimura Kasumi's random appearance and her single long dialogue scene was fantastic with what little time she had. She's barely in the movie at all, so I was happy that one of her only scenes was fairly moving.
Great film, totally recommend
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
SPOILER
This is one of the saddest, heartbreaking movie I have seen in a while, The storyline was absolutely incredible and extremely beautifully directed you could feel all the emotions.I will not be watching this movie again for a while, It made me cry so hard.
I was told not to watch this movie but I watched it anyway I should have listened to the warning. I expected it to end that way but it still hit me like a brick. The director did an excellent job and the Actors and Actresses did an amazing job
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Definitely won’t be everyone’s cup of tea
Lots of spoilers. I loved this movie, it was like following them on their journey. The beginning was playful and cute, I thought it was unnecessary for Seung-hee to cut contact though. Woo-yeon’s injury seemed a bit random, but it was what brought back together so I guess it makes sense. Before that I didn’t even think they’d get together at all. I feel like the ending was a bit short, but it wrapped up nicely. I’m glad woo-yeon was able to come to terms with it, and that they could still smile at each other at the end.Was this review helpful to you?
Idk
OMGGGGGGGGG ITS WAS INSANE !!!Was this review helpful to you?
The most influential movie of all time
I got my hands on the 70th anniversary Blu-Ray, (I would’ve gotten the 4K Blu-ray, but sadly I don’t have a 4K player yet) and I have to say, this was an incredible experience rewatching my favourite movie of all time.The story is incredibly straightforward but yet gripping and compelling, The first part of the film puts into question about how easy it would be to actually get Samurai to defend a poor peasants village.
The characters are incredible in the film, it’s impossible for me to decide who my favourite character in this film is, wether that be Kambei, Kekuchiyo, or Kyuzo. All Seven of the Samurai are incredibly essential to the film and would make movie a lot less if one of them were to be removed. One of my favourite details I noticed when rewatching this film is that the Non-Samurai characters have very exaggerated expressions, (Kurosawa likes to do this in his films for the audience to easily understand how a character feels) But the Samurai contrast this by being very stoic and barley showing any emotion all the time. Whereas Kekuchiyo, who is a poser of a Samurai still has these expressions, as he is not a true samurai, and doesn’t understand what it means to be one.
The romantic subplot in this movie is also very gripping, Kurosawa managed to put in a great and compelling romantic subplot into this movie.
The pacing is incredible in this film, despite it being over 200 minutes long, not a single second of this film feels wasted, and the film feels like it’s 100 minutes instead of 200. The film has a ton of build up, the first hour of the film is just to set up and gather the Seven Samurai, then the second hour is the Samurai getting used to the village, where it then finally gets to the battle, despite how long it takes, it never felt like there was any time wasted or that it was boring. The action scenes are also incredibly gripping and put you on the edge of your seat, and are used very well, with the best scenes being put at the very end.
If you are into movies, hell, even if you barley care for movies, PLEASE WATCH THIS MOVIE BEFORE YOU DIE. It may seem overwhelming, because it’s over 200 minutes long, in a language you probably don’t speak, and in black and white, but it is 100% worth it, it’s influence is in almost every action/adventure movie or anime today.
Was this review helpful to you?
early gem of a film
The simplicity of this film is its strength, at least for me. I was right there with the main characters' emotions throughout, worried for them, hoping with them. Did help that I hadn't seen any synopses beforehand. Letterboxd's is particularly bad.It's a bit coming of age, a bit melodrama, a bit slice of life - religion, gossip, music, a school bully. Always aware of the prejudices someone with disabilities faces and how they impose additional, unnecessary obstacles. And of course it's a love story.
Some of the background music was a bit over done for me, but either that settled down or I got used to it along the way. Likewise the dubbed voices, especially for the children. But those were minor concerns. Santi's flute, the piphat ensemble, Buddhist chanting, effective use of silence too at key moments, all those mattered more.
And of course, Vina and Santi.
A restored version is available with subtitles on Film Archive Thailand's YT channel.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Truly uplifting
You'll cry...in a good way.This is a story about a mother and her son, for the most part. She, like most mothers, wanted the best for her son. Because of his cerebral palsy, everyone except her wrote him off. After being told that he would probably never walk, his career of running is nothing short of amazing.
The actors playing the main lead were all amazing. And the thing that stuck out to me with each one of them, was every time they would flash a beautific smile. A smile of peace, accomplishment and love that can't help but move you.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watched but sometimes for wrong reasons
Keep in mind this was released in 2016. The beginning and middle held my interest, but the last third I watched more to see if the apparent flaws were going uncorrected until the very end. They were.The writer had an idea of the growth arc for their main character and like an alligator they locked onto to it right into a death roll. Hideo, the main character, is weak willed lacking in the follow through action part of living. And he does go through some tremendous development at the very end. The problem is that it's delayed through the middle of the story into situations that are simply unbelievable.
The bigger problem is that death roll for the main character was pursued at the expense of the development of certain other characters, in particular the half zombie school girl. It's unbelievable that she's used merely as a McGuffin through until the very last second! She should have had an active role in the final resolution.
Yes, the writer wanted us to understand how important the transformation of Hideo is but this is not news that the main theme can be developed along with other characters and themes.
The nurse carried her load in the story well enough, but the total neglect of the story and character potential of the half zombie girl in the last half was criminal and seriously damaged the finished movie.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Easy watch
Every so often you need a show that doesn't have angst, difficult characters, and it isn't long and drawn out. This cute little movie was just the ticket for me. All of the characters were very likeable. I also like the idea of a guy quietly liking a girl, without demanding anything in return. Everything was nicely wrapped up in a sweet package.Was this review helpful to you?
Political Satire Done Right
Good News is a political satire of the true events that transpired during the Japan Airlines hijacking in 1970. It's an excellent mix of dark humor and melodrama, which I found to be absolutely hilarious and painfully moving at the same time. I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud at the funny quips and slapstick comedy quite a few times, and shaking my head in frustration at the universal absurdity of government politics. Damn, and I thought my country was a shithole like no other! Hahaha! But for a wannabe political analyst who thrives studying political science and watching political dramas, this was a fascinating watch! This certainly has the vibe, uniqueness, and boldness of Korean cinema of old.It stars some of the best and brightest of Korea and Japan, and I was as thrilled as I was surprised to see them share the screen together. I'm glad they actually cast well-known Japanese actors to play the Japanese roles instead of just hiring locals to play these parts. It certainly helped sell the story they were telling.
Of course, the standout to me was Hong Kyung. Who would've thought that the scrawny nerdy kid in Weak Hero would turn out to be a dashing multilingual soldier showing off his cowboy swagger, comedic timing, and dramatic acting chops with just a wave of his hand?! I won't be surprised if this is the role that finally gives him the chance to become a bonafide leading man.
I had a blast (pun intended) watching this. I would definitely want to watch it again one of these days. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this. I hope to see more movies like this from Korea in the future.
Was this review helpful to you?
it gets worst
after watching part 1 i thought maybe the sequel was good, actually i am the stupid one for expecting miracle to happen. full bs plot, loads of plotholes, forget about the anime and manga, let's not even get that involved here, the movie itself is so bad. the ending is also bs. the script writer should find another job. totally not recommended, just end it on part 1 it was better than this. i tried so hard not to hate but i cannot help it. the cinematography and dark vibes are good, even the casts but the way they ruined the characters and kept making original characters is pure ragebait. it had loads of potential but the script writer ruined it. if only the script writer was someone good then maybe this movie wouldn't have been so bad. i hope japan produces some good script writer besides manga and ln authors.totally not recommended. ruined my mood very badly. DON'T WATCH IT.
Was this review helpful to you?
A clever film that will inevitably lose a lot in translation.
Bakudan does what it says on the tin. For a film where at least half of the runtime is spent in an interrogation room, it maintains interest and delivers very clever use of dialogue and wordplay.Unfortunately, the clever dialogue and wordplay is both the film’s greatest strength domestically and weakness when translated. Many of the clues given throughout the film are subtle linguistic clues that rely heavily on wordplay in the most Japanese way possible. Without a broad understanding of Tokyo the way a Brit would understand London, even a successful translation would be hampered by the general knowledge requirement - without which it becomes harder to engage in the mystery and puzzle aspects of the plot.
However, looking past the cultural and linguistic hurdles, there is still merit to be found in watching this film. The cinematography is very well done, able to deliver the feeling of unease and discomfort the film aims for in appropriate moments. If you’re sat across the table from an unhinged individual that is your only lead for hours on end, you will begin to notice even the smaller details of their mannerisms and appearance. This is well portrayed through the cinematography, one brilliant detail of which was just the right level of bothersome to never truly go away once noticed.
The visual and practical effects are well done, and the believability of characters is also solidly grounded. Pacing wise, I have no complaints and think the pacing was near enough perfection. 2 hours and 17 minutes is a long time to keep me sat in one place, and yet, through the way the pace continued to develop throughout the film maintained the right amount of momentum and development to keep me curious.
The most biased comment I will make is that I think the ending was superbly well done. Very clever choices were made in how to go about the final quarter of the film and it also does that thing that Japanese films and media often do, in highlighting the overlooked humanity in these situations.
Was this review helpful to you?
And these are indeed the reasons why I would say it's worth to watch this film -- because the story itself is very predictable and did not touch me.
The cinematography, however, is beautiful, and quite stunning, especially considering the aged material. I loved the peek the film gives us into the lives of Thai villagers 70 years ago, and I loved with how much care the ceremonies were filmed. Among others, we get to see a school, Loy Kratong, a wedding, and the ordainment of a monk -- and the film takes its time to show them to us in detail, though without explanation.
The story itself shows us attitudes towards disabled people, towards women and towards marriage and family of that time (and modern audiences might see how much of it has (not) changed since then). It also, more implicitly, tells us about Buddhist mores, the relevance of the belief in Dhamma and Karma, and what is considered to be a meritful life. In Buddhist teachings, เกิด แก่ เจ็บ ตาย "birth, aging, illness and death" are the four natural inevitable aspects of a person's life. When Santi is "sees the light" (grows up), he sees the world in all its beauty -- and its suffering. Only now can he see his "right" path forward.
The film was thought to be lost for decades -- only in 2014 was the film negative found at the British Film Institute, and screening versions at the China Film Archive in China and the Gosfilmofond in Russia. More than 1700 hours went into the digital restauration.
Was it good?
It has very good cinematography, and it gives us a window into the past. It's also notable for its importance for Thai film history, as it is one of the first 35mm colour films.
Did I like it?
I didn't get on with the story, but I loved seeing the daily life of the villagers, and their ceremonies.
Who would I recommend it to?
To people who are seriously into the history of Thai cinema. And to people who want to see life in a Thai village in the early 1950s.
Was this review helpful to you?
