STORY: The storyline is pretty simple and I even thought there were some "holes" in it but -as I said before- the -frightening- existencial question behind it draws the viewer's attention and makes him wonder "what if...".
ACTING/CAST: The acting is pretty average but it's actually a good thing because if the actors had acted too well the movie would have been unbearable to watch (I still shiver when I think of the delirious smile of the students-turned-crazy-murderers).
MUSIC: What I liked the more about the music isn't the music itself but its use. Classical music when used in a movie/series about normal-people-turning-cray-because-they-have-to-face-death adds something twisted/dark/cynical to it. The use of the slow, peaceful and beautiful music contrasts with what is happening and helps build this almost suffacating athmosphere.
REWATCH VALUE: I don't think this movie could be watched on a daily basis "just for fun". Like I said, the movie in itself isn't that good but it's this question behind it.
OVERALL: The movie is definitely a must-watch (except if you are already a freaking murderer or murderer-to-be). Points of view may differ but I believe the "best" part of it all isn't the blood and the killing but the way each character faced this bloody game and thus it makes us reflect on us.
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There are two things about this movie that I really loved. The first is the scenery and cinematography. The second is the exquisite acting.
A small country-side town showered in autumn light, roads sprinkled in blustering, fallen leaves and dreary, rain-soaked scenes under a cloudy sky... This movie showcased the seasons like a beautiful painting or poem. The way the film is shot transported me into the scenes with the characters. I could almost smell the cool, fresh autumnal air and feel the achy dampness of the rain.
Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon Hee portrayed their characters emotions convincingly and beautifully. Personally, I have seen Hyun Bin in three roles now. I’m not sure if he just so happens to be type-cast or if he chooses these roles, but it seems he consistently plays the same character-type: rich bad boy turns softie after falling in love with unlikely heroine. Well, with so much practice, he plays the part extremely well. Lee Yeon Hee on the other hand (who, coincidentally, I’ve also seen in three roles) has a more diverse portfolio, and I am quite impressed with her range as an actress.
The bad:
The plot of this film is unoriginal, sappy and at times very brusque. Emotions seem to unfold suddenly and without pretense, which left me feeling a little... WTF’ish. My train of thought during the early part of this movie went something like this:
“Gah, stop being so mean to her...Oh, you like her now?... Love her??... What!?... How did you get in the room????.... You want to take care of her?...No? Wait wait wait, now you *don’t* like her??....*utter confusion*”
By the time the plot smoothed itself out, I found I’d just accepted the way I was *supposed* to feel and just went with it--which isn’t necessarily a good thing. As a viewer, you know what the director wants you to feel. As such, I just threw my hands up and gave in, as if to say, “fine director, I’ll accept your sappy and rushed love story, sheesh.”
Not a bad movie overall. In a way, I suppose it breaks even--balancing a predictable and choppy plot line against great acting and gorgeous scenery.
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Another Japanese movie that will touch your heart and soul. Though we have seen this sort of plot before, something about love and a time limit on life, or love and someone dying or going to dye, never seems to get old in my book. There is something about the power of love and those brave enough to go ahead with it, even when they know there wont be a happy ending, that makes me a little emotional and well, inspired. The saying that love concerns all, comes to mind when I see something like this and it truly touches my heart.
Can I just say, that you will need a box of tissues for this movie. Even in a short amount of time, there will be tears flowing down your face like no other, well that is if you have a heart, or I may just be over emotional, but I like to think the first. This movie had me bawling in the first 12 minutes, which is pretty much a record for any type of movie or drama…so props for that. A movie or drama that can make me cry and feel deep emotions, is always a plus for me, because I am the type of girl who loves a good sob fest.
The acting in this drama was good. I mean, I don’t think there was really anything lacking. The characters were realistic enough, in their body language and dialogue, so it didn’t take away from the viewing experience. With overly emotional/sad movies or dramas, we sometimes see actors and actresses over acting, and sometimes under acting, but I think in this we had a nice medium. Inoue Mao did a good job at playing the role of a woman/girl who is deeply in love with someone, and doesn’t care about their time limit, and trying to make every moment count. She acted head strong, and had a tough yet emotional role, that I think she fit well. Okada Masaki did a good job as well, playing our main role, and this being the first time seeing him in anything, I have to say I want to go and see more of him, because for some reason, he drew me in, with his personality that shinned through his character.
The music and cinematography was good in this drama, and made it even more enjoyable. The story may be an old one, but each time its told, it had a different twist, and this is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and recommend it to those who are looking for something that can touch their hearts, and make you cry. I know there are other people out there who like that as well. So over all, I enjoyed this movie and think that it would also make a nice movie as well. But maybe following the Manga (which I haven’t read, but heard had a different ending) or following this storyline as well, either way I think it would make for a truly cry worthy drama.
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This movie had a variation of emotions that really consumed me wholly. It had the perfect plot, perfect actors and the story is absolutely flawless from the beginning to end. It is depicted in a way that can leave the best of the people in tears because it is so touching. It hits you right at the spot. I am a person that hardly ever cries while watching a movie or drama, but this movie had places which strongly brought tears to my eyes. I generally get touched by movies about little kids because their innocence and outlook of this world is so sweet.
Even in this film, the little girl is cute and so harmless. It makes you want to hug her tightly when she is sad or play with her when she is in a good mood. Her loss of both parents- one dying, and the other abandoning here is so sad that you can actually feel it even though the girl hardly shows it. But when she is taken in by her father's grandson she becomes very attached to him- just like a real parent. Their relationship was portrayed very naturally. I also liked the main guy because he was so selfless for this little girl. He is ready to sacrifice everything for her. She is an easy child because most of the times she is quiet and obedient. But he understands that she feels deeply and in fact, tries to hide her pain and loneliness most of the times. Even he takes time to understand what she is feeling because he is not used to being a parent.
This movie is basically about learning to love unconditionally and at the same time- maturing. It also showcases the complex relationship of a parent and child wonderfully. It shows that while parenting can be rainbows and sunshine, it can also be equally difficult. But really, I believe in reality that the love of a parent is love in its purest form and this movie kind of felt the same to me. It mostly depicts the purity of such love and the equal gentleness that a child has. It also shows how parents cater to the need of their children and do everything possible for them.
The direction, writing, editing, sound and cinematography were all brilliant. I was happy with everything in this film. And I really loved that little girl. I was worried that she wouldn't be able to act, but she won me over right from the first scene itself.
I would really, really ask everyone to give this movie a chance and appreciate it because it is not often we get movies like these. It is not at all depressing, but it touches you very deeply. Its rewatch value and everything else is a perfect 10.
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When I knew from the reviews that Kang Yeo Ri, saw ghosts and was actually haunted by a ghost, I was curious how Ma Jo Goo will adapt to that hard situation. This story wasn't only about facing our fears, but also about accepting them. You'll understand when you watch the movie.
The acting of both leads was really skillful and the chemistry was there. There was evolution in feelings. What I mean that, the male lead didn't suddenly fall in love with the girl, but slowly realizing he had feelings for her. The script was wittingly written and reinforced the roles of the actors, which made the movie really amusingly horrific.
The music was hauntingly beautiful. That is all I can say
Overall, the movie was really comic and horror in the same time. I assure that the comic scenes are not silly, but really hilarious and so are the horror scenes are really scary… So if you were a scary cat (just like me), I would recommend skipping the horror scenes, couse the movie is worth watching :)
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In this movie, what was really interesting was how each character had their own story to tell. I'm also glad that the director and producer gave the chance for these characters to show their own side of the story. The movie is quite long, with bits of musical pieces in between that I almost thought it was going to be like a broadway musical show up to the end.
Joo Ji-hoon (from Goong and Mawang) who played as Kim Jin Hyeok, Antique's owner was the most complex character in the lot. He had this terrible past which he doesn't have closure with up until he made up the Bake shop. Jin Hyeok do not actually like sweets because of an incident 20 years ago. The only way he could move on from that was to catch the person who inflicted trauma in his past but the story does not only revolve around him. There's more...
Kim Jae-wook (from Coffee Prince) as Min Seon-woo, the gay Patisserie (my favorite character) was VERY queer, charming, hot and definitely devious when it comes to making men; straight or gay fall for him. Only Jin Hyeok is the exception for some certain reason related in the past (again). He is the only guy who is able to resist his charm thoroughly up to the present but there would be some side story between their friendship and how things work out in favor for both of them in the end.
I loved the way Jae-wook presented his character, it seemed so real and not icky to watch all. There were several kissing scenes with a guy in this movie to show how gay his character really was. What fascinated me more was that before I actually watched the movie, I have read several comments from him as to how he was able to portray the character in a realistic manner. During the filming sessions, he admitted that he was having a very hard time internalizing his gay character because in reality he wasn't gay. What's more interesting is how it seemed so natural on screen, you wouldn’t even think he was uncomfortable with the whole process. He was so darn convincing that I would think he was gay if I didn't know any better.
Yoo Ah-in (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) as Patisserie apprentice Yang Ki-beom, a punk kid who wanted to eat cakes and is running away from something. The kid is an insistent worker, stubborn but has a high respect for Seon-woo and would only acknowledge him as the best Patisserie in the whole world. He also has a sweet tooth that he became the official taster for the bake-shop.
Choi Ji-ho as Nam Soo-yeong, the guy who is unbelievably stuck with Jin-hyeok. He is the son of the Kim's house nanny and became Jin-hyeok's body guard in the process. He may be a bit slow, and could have been affected by the charms of Seon-woo but he has a great respect and kin-ship affection (not in a gay kind of way) towards Jin-hyeok. He always sees to it that he will be able to cater the needs of his young master.
There are other characters that have their own roles, but it would be too tedious to mention them one by one. Over all the movie's quirkiness is thanks to these four wonderful guys. They have brought the entire film to the best of its ability that even in its 109 minutes, did not once made me feel it was draggy or boring. The mixture of humor and suspense was perfect, even the soundtrack fit so well with the whole movie. There might be some several graphics that was a bit too exaggerated but the colorful atmosphere and acting took that tiny glitch away.
The movie may not show any love interest between a man and woman, but it would certainly show how people could connect deeply with each other no matter how one is scarred from the past or has a marred future. It only shows that in the end, everyone would be able to cope up with their own personal demons.
A must see movie for those who has a queer eye and a different perspective in life.
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Then all of a sudden her life is being infiltrated by an annoying man... she learns to adore. The amateur photographer was kind of a mystery as to why he was like that towards her but the story develops towards the end.
Not to forget that there is also that mother (a definitely cool one) who tries to help her daughter in every way she can. I definitely love the way she showed her affection towards Mina and her sacrifices for her. This movie was not just a story about love between a man and a woman but it also shows the love between a mother and daughter.
What I like most about this movie is its subtlety in the dialogues and the small clues as what could happen in the end. I had this small notion that something was up with the guy or the mom, only I can't pin-point what until the very end of the film.
...ing is a very heart warming, tear-jerker movie that I have sworn not to watch for the duration of 2009. I tried to stir away from sad movies as much as I could, but what can I do? I'm just an addict to good story line films and this is definitely one of them. How can anyone pass it up? This film is a 2003 production but I only got hold of it 6 years after. It actually came out way before Kim Rae Won's "My Little Bride" with Moon Geum-Young. Here in this film, the leading actress looked so familiar, so when I looked her up that's when it clicked as to where I have seen her first. It was in "I'm a cyborg, But that's ok." her co-star in it was Rain.
Kim Rae Won never seize to amaze me when it comes to acting. He could be cool, he could make you smile and most of all, his crying definitely gets on to you. A very effective actor, that I am very sure of.
To finish this off, the cinematography was perfect. The music vaguely reminded me of the sound track from the drama series coffee prince, and it worked perfectly well with the movie. The actors were an A plus for their acting and the story line... as I have already mentioned above was one of the best stories I've liked so far.
I'm definitely giving my two thumbs up for people to watch this.
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As for my verdict after finishing the movie, the first part was pretty much shady to watch and I noticed that some scenes were even rushed. The situations weren't explained well enough to understand what really happened in the past, up until everything was revealed at the latter part which is kind of awkward because it felt like there was an information overload when the movie could have explained it in the first hour or so to build up the story much better.
What exactly made me like this movie? It was actually near the ending part when everything FINALLY made sense, which by the way, I still felt that it was rushed. Setting that aside, I like the ending because it made me cry a bit. I liked the thought that they made this into a melodramatic movie with very touching scenes full of serendipity moments. Add up the back drop music, it could have been almost good enough to re-watch, if not for the story line.
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Dong Wook Lee's performance as the detective Jae Hyuk catching crooks was a plus point for the whole thing but I find Yeong Hyeon as Soo Jin, the journalist a pretty much annoying person with an equally irritating voice. I don't get why they wanted her to act so stupidly at all times and get into so much trouble to the extent that it wasn't funny anymore. There were several scenes which you would find funny, especially at the last part but aside that, there were so many broken moments and plots where things could have been cleared up easily if the main female protagonist wasn't too much of a ditz.
The flow of the story wasn't my thing, even the characters lacked their own substance or much more like it was TOO Exaggerated that it became irritating to watch. The sound track was quirky but it wasn't something I would get a hang over with.
I wouldn't recommend this movie, hence it shall end up too disappointing.
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Nodame Cantabile: The Final Score - Part I
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Listening to the sound of orchestra and classical music was refreshing to the ear. As if I cleaned my ears after a long time of listening to the same type of music again and again. Ok, that was a side track comment... now back to the story.
Part one of the movie left me this feeling of wanting to watch the second part instantly but I had to squirm at home and wait for it to be subbed.
There was this hanging feeling when the movie ended, which by the way is what everyone is supposed to feel since the producers intend the viewers to watch the sequel. As much as I enjoyed this first part, it is still a cliff hanger. We all know what cliff hangers do to our brain. Adding more, the movie was also redundant. Unlike Nodame’s arc, Chiaki’s story always... always starts with a problematic orchestra, fails on the first try then ends up with a fantastic cantabile on the later part thus making the story line so predictable when it comes to Chiaki's arc. Whereas Nodame’s arc is the distorted one since her main goal in life is only about Chiaki but not herself thus leaving the character UNSURE of herself with no exact future laid out for her. Yet this type of character leaves a great impression and a big blank for the writers to fill in for the next movie sequel.
Nodame’s character is simple yet complex at the same time. Not to forget the wacky part on how she clings on Chiaki as much as she could and yet kills herself with insecurity every time Chiaki does something marvelous and out of her league but that’s the part that makes Nodame Cantabile fun... the Nodame/Chiaki saga that could never be understood in terms of simplicity.
Watching this film was an introduction for the next one or a teaser as most would say because it didn’t contain what most of the watchers were probably waiting for and that is Nodame’s success.
For the story plot, it was really tiring to watch the flashbacks but at the same time enjoyable because I could once again enjoy Mozzart and Bach through Chiaki’s point of view. As I have previously mentioned, it gave me a sense of nostalgia and for that I am thankful.
Character wise, there weren’t any major characters involved unlike in the special maybe they are going to add someone in the sequel. I still enjoyed the main cast’s acting and it gave me so much joy that Ueno Juri still haven’t changed after all those years when she first started as Nodame!
Cinematography, the setting is in Paris! What more can I ask for? No matter what angle they use for the video, they just capture that feeling of being in the city where art and music lived for centuries. I have nothing more to comment on it because it is simply loved.
Soundtrack, need I say more about this? IT IS CLASSICAL! And the background music for certain scenes brought more hilarity into it than intended to. So yes... the soundtrack added more for the enjoyment of the viewer.
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