Completed
Midnight FM
13 people found this review helpful
May 15, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
One of the best suspense movie I've ever seen so far!

The story was very detailed. It was very very interesting... Everything fits perfectly. All my whys were answered. You wouldn't want to miss a single scene... Some of the scenes are quite unpredictable and the psycho was really terrifying.

The characters were absolutely great. The psycho (Yoo Ji Tae) was amazing... I was really afraid of him and the next things he might do and what else he is capable of doing. The little girl who can't speak did a superb act as well, also her mother, the DJ.

The movie made me realized, how powerful words and media can be... (^-^). A must-see movie...

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Tokyo Gore School
3 people found this review helpful
by Azrael
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
It's got a great premiss and is quite good overall, however there are certain parts of it that makes you 'not care' as it were about the protagonist. On the other hand it's nice that he isn't as 'good' as some protagonists are.

I guess I'm a bit let down because they could have done so much more with it and with how I saw the ending coming from a mile away, that said, I do that with most films.

It's a good film if you like stuff like Death Bell, Incite Mill, Death Game Park and Battle Royale, but they far outshine it.
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Completed
Always
7 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This is a really good movie. The story is a little grusome at times, but it also has light hearted warm moments. The play on light and dark in the cinematography goes well with the story. There is one part where Cheol Min replaces the windows and Jeong Hwa reaches out to the light that is just beautiful. The acting is really good too. Of course, So Ji Sub is always good at playing the slightly disturbed characters. He is one of my favorite actors!!! I love Han Hyo Joo in Shining Inheritance and she didn't let me down in this movie. The music isn't anything to mention but it went well with the movie. I would probably watch this movie again.

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Mulan
44 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
I really enjoyed this movie. Having been a fan of the Mulan Diseny movies as a kid, I reaally wanted to watch this.

The casting was exellent, as well as the acting, can't complain about it. The music played during th emovie was very moving and really enhances the feeling you get from watching a particular scene.
The story line is great, even though we all know it, however, having watched the Disney movie, I anticipated a happier ending than that, and was slightly disapointed, screaming in my head "It's NOT FAIR", but anyway, that would be the only thing I don't like about it.
Overall, the movie was fantastic and a must watch in my opinion, and I would easily re-watch this, to pay more attention on the details the second time around.

GREAT MOVIE!!

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Ditto
5 people found this review helpful
by tiitek
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 3.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 2.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Although the story-line wasn't very creative I thought I should give it a try. I really like Yoo Ji Tae movies, and for once I needed to see him as a "good guy" :) He likes to play "dark characters to much for mine taste.

Let's start with good thing about this movie- music. It's really heart touching. And that will be it. Of course movie had some good moments but not enough. Connection between main leads was decent.

As for bad things, acting, story etc - Yoon So character was annoying beyond I could imagine. I never once felt that she's in love. And as for Ji-In character it was not so bad, but still not enough. I felt like I'm watching amateurish movie with actors that are trying to express their characters a little to much and they just missed opportunity to do well.

Overall I got feeling that this movie wasn't well thought through.

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A Boy and His Samurai
9 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I love time-slip movies and I was so happy to see Ryo-chan would play in one. It was a nice story, at some points hilariously depicting the cultural clashes between Edo and modern-day Japan.

I must say, I didn't much like the ending, well, it was better than happily-ever-after, and in some sense it was actually a happily-ever-after, but it left no room for a sequel or some more pudding!

In any case, the cast was superb, believable, the music, ok. I can rewatch it on long enough intervals (maybe once a year or something), I've already watched it three times since it came out and I can't say I won't do that again!

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Duelist
31 people found this review helpful
by Rourou
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
1) The reason I watched this:

I don't usually watch korean historical film, this was one of the exceptions since I had its DVD in one of my collections for a long time because I thought it was a historical-Wuxia Chinese film but when I found its synopsis and main actors in MDL, I decided to watch it right away even though it's Korean.

2) Storyline/Plot:

Do you love stories that would make you feel like you're watching a piece of art? This is it!!

Positive points:

*To start with, action films mixed with romance are one of the favorite genres that I like to watch and this film was just the type.
*Love through fighting was a brilliant idea that made this film's story so captivating because usually the leads are on the same side.
*The fighting scenes were nicely done; grafic effects and cinematography would make you feel like you're watching a piece of art being painted.
*The historical concept gave this film its great concept, it wouldn't be this great if it was in another era.

Negative points:

*The general presentation period didn't tell much therefore we don't get to know a lot about the leads (specially the lead male).
*The romantic story could've went a lot deeper; we haven't seen a lot on that side but that doesn't mean it was bad.

Story: 8/10

3) Acting/Cast:

*Kang Dong Won: I just love this actor because he always have unusual roles, here he was amazingly different. I usually love it when the lead male is mysterious, handsome, martial arts expert, full of karisma and I found all of that in "sad eyes" character; it was a perfectly portrayed character although he may sound very silent but he managed to deliver a lot of emotions: *Claps* I really loved him here.

*Ha Ji Won : In every drama/film, she can portray any character in a good way, here it wasn't any different; she was cool with her foolishness and manly behavior, she was the kind of strong/independent female lead plus she delivered great emotions. However, Kang Dong Won amazed me more.
*I just loved the chemistry between the leads because every scene they had together was interesting to watch; they were so cool especially in fighting scenes.
*I was right for watching it because of the lead actors: they did a great job.
*The general acting was cool and the supporting roles were acceptable.

Cast: 9.5/10
Acting: 10/10

4) The ending:

*Some people may not understand it, I would love to explain it but I would spoil it for those who haven't seen the film yet.
*Anyway, it was a great ending plus it was really logical for this type of film.

The ending: 9/10

5) My impression (How did it affect me):

*I didn't get my eyes off the screen the whole time, it was really interesting to watch. I am still wondering why I haven't seen it before.
*I was really entertained; i laughed, I was excited because of the fighting scenes, I was moved by the sad emotions somehow (I don't usually get moved by any sort of sadness so this is rare).

My impression: 9.5/10

6) Overall:

*If you like action films mixed with romance then this is for you but don't expect a lot on the romantic side.
*If you like mysterious male lead/strong female lead then this is for you.
*If you like martial arts film that's full of cinematography then this is for you.

Overall: 9/10.

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Too Beautiful to Lie
8 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers
This movie was okay to watch once. Without revealing any spoilers, I must say the story was quite conventional: with a misunderstanding, turning into an elaborate lie, and then in the end ... Well, watch any romantic comedy on this recipe (Hollywood or not) and you'll be more than able to predict the ending.

In any case, it was a light, optimistic story. Don't expect too much, but it can turn out to be a cute date movie or when you need to get your romantic mojo working.
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Too Beautiful to Lie
2 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This movie is cute... I was smiling while watching 75% of the scenes... It was kinda heartwarming... A light movie to watch.

Kim Ha Neul was good in portraying her role. The guy was not bad as well... And the supporting cast also added spice to the movie...

A must-see-movie if you're feeling down. It will surely gonna make you smile... (^-^)
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Completed
Turn Left, Turn Right
10 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
(My first ever movie review) (^-^)

I liked the movie because the story was interesting and the actors were really good in portraying their roles. It was a fun and heartwarming movie that depicts how destiny can sometimes be playful on people. Some of the scenes were really quite unexpected... The start may not be that good but it somehow pick-up along the way and it became really interesting. You'll be looking forward as to how the story would end...

Overall, it may not be that outstanding but it is a satisfying and a nice movie to watch. It would show you how destiny can be cruel yet COOL!

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Completed
Shaolin Soccer
12 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Very funny!
I've re-watched this movie several times. It goes from the coaches past to the present with all the players, mixing kung fu with soccer, buns, and everyday life. Even characters you see and would think are pointless extras (by standers) have their moments. Each member has their own special skill in kung fu, and each team stands out in an amusing way making the games very interesting. No boring scenes or pointless conversation. Random comedy bits. It's a good family movie also. I highly recommend it ^^
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Completed
Silenced
5 people found this review helpful
by xnopex
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
great movie dealing with an extremely sensitive subject matter.

my one gripe with it was that it gets very uncomfortable to watch (trigger warnings all over the place) as the movie tends to be extremely graphic when describing and showing the type of abuse suffered by these children.

if you can stomach it, go for it.
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Completed
Finding Mr. Destiny
15 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This movie was different. I thought it was kinda slow @ 1st, but it picked up quick. It showed a different look on 1st loves. Just b/c u found ur 1st love does not mean that they r the person u r fated 2 be w/. I love that Gong Yoo can play a dorky type character that still gets the girl....LOL! He has this manliness about him that shines through even when he is playing the part of a chicken. Seo Ji Woo's character was a great compliment 2 Han Gi Joon. Where he was scared 2 face things she wasn't & where she was scared he wasn't. I was happy throughout the movie & I loved that the flashbacks had me guessing about Ji Woo's 1st love. I recommend this movie if ur looking for something 2 make u feel like; even though u missed love the 1st time u can always find it again & usually where u least expect it. Hope for a true love is what u get from this movie. I hope all who watch enjoy.

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Gantz
6 people found this review helpful
by xnopex
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
i've read the manga, watched the anime, and now watched both movies.

if you are expecting a true adaptation of the manga (like what the anime should have been!), this isn't it. what this movie does is remove all of the awful stuff (mindless violence, nudity, awful character traits, gore, cursing) and crams it into a R rated movie.

if you're ok with that, then this movie is great. the director and set designer did an amazing job with recreating the hollow world of the manga. one minor complaint is that the characters weren't built up. kei is a complete turd in the manga (but not that much in the anime) and that's completely removed from the movie. characters seemed sorta hollow because of the lack of character development.

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The Chaser
30 people found this review helpful
May 14, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
The Chaser is the kind of film that will most likely go unnoticed because of its lack of action, and modern execution of storytelling. As Roger Ebert says in his review; it is the type of film that reminds us of Hitchcock, and the days when suspense and drama was more exciting than a bunch of men playing stunts and trying to make us believe it is possible.

The Chaser is a contrived, and manipulative story, which brings us to a clearer understanding of police bureaucracy and corruption. It is not the kind of film to enjoy with a sensible heart, but it will grip you and make you wish reality wouldn't be so grim.

No matter how I write this review, I know I will not make this film justice. There are so many things to address in this story, and I don't have the confidence to answer all questions without messing up my credibility as I go. I might be too mushy, or seemed too biased as I admire this film with all honesty. But I will do my best.

What to expect from The Chaser?: With a well written script, and a rookie director (Na Hong-jin), you will get drama at is best, mixed with suspense, and a dash of British humor.

The story is no doubt well writing. Its an act at manipulation, it will grab you and play with your conscience throughout the whole film. The writers have given the audience all the tools with which we can formulate our own idea of how the story should go, and what it seems reasonable that should happen given the situation the characters are thrown into. However, nothing happens like it should, and there seems to be good reasons why not.

You will find yourself immerse in Jung-ho's quest to find one of his missing girls, who he believes is being sold in the human market. With no lead on her whereabouts, and the cops putting importance on bureaucracy and the media, there is plenty of time for all sorts of ill-fated events to befall the call girl. Jung-ho at first seemed like an uncaring pimp, but gradually turns into the hero we all expect to see from him.

The attention put into character development is absolutely perfect. I believed every action taken, because it seemed genuine. Logic exist in this world, but we are not perfect.

The directing is simply stunning. Hong-jin takes you through the story with such conviction he will amaze you, that you are indeed stupefied.

There will be a chase, and there will be a climatic moment, also a conclusion. But none will have any of the superficiality we are exposed to so often we seemed to be ready for it. No embellished fight scenes, no overly acted deaths, and no open endings. No, there is no sequel to The Chaser. The story ends here! What there will be is a realism so hard to deal with, you might want to have a lighthearted comedy lined up.

All in all, The Chaser is not claimed to be one of Korea's number one film in recent years for no reason. If you are a true lover of suspense, this one is definitely a must watch for you.

All my ratings are 10 except for re-watch value, as it is a suspense, and it will not have the same effect again. For me, it does not matter; when a friend asks me for a recommendation, I know it's time to watch The Chaser.

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