indie short movie with an established couple
Overall: I gave this an indie rating bump. 17 minutes. Aired on Cul Drama's YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/O7RpyECuUM0?si=WXi_szpfEBu-pcUa The production also made this short BL series https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzMpGBkGlIYOyVq-m3cPEdl4LBIh5hjX&si=Mcsx6cMcvi6-nbEDContent Warning: homphobia
What I Liked
- established couple went thru a realistic challenge
- the supportive classmate though wasn't a fan of how it seemed she was following them
- the mom
Room For Improvement
- wannabe girlfriend cliche
- fever after what was implied
- what was camera blocked at the end
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still cliché...
There is the boy who likes the other boy and still says "He's not that way". That cliché is sooooo old and is just annoying. The bullying consists in a passive way, shunning the other boy. The end scene does not really tell us if they get togehter or not at least the boy which is not that way seems to be that way.So I don't like the premise much, the acting is a bit over medicore but for a coming of age story the actors are too old imho. Cinematography is nice, music is good but it lacks depth. Even for a short film there was not much substance.
Overall it's not bad but also not good. Even in 2020 we should expect better writing, more emotions and someone who stands up against bullying especially in a gay context. This is just medicore.
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Accountability and communication is necessary
Heaven × Candy had the potential to be a quiet, emotional tale exploring acceptance, vulnerability, and past wounds. For the most part, it was. The chemistry was believable, and the story had a grounded charm despite its low-budget, indie feel.But then came the cheating.
This isn’t just about a “bad character choice.” It’s about how the film treated that choice. The Towa cheats on Kenta not out of confusion or weakness—but as a direct, cruel reaction to his own jealousy over Kenta’s job in adult films. Kenta never hid his profession, and Towa entered the relationship with that knowledge. So instead of having a conversation—he retaliates by cheating. And the worst part? It’s never addressed. No apology, no remorse, no discussion. Just a reunion with a vague “I don’t want to lose you again” thrown in at the end.
It felt like the film skipped the most important emotional checkpoint. Love without communication is not enough. You can’t pretend betrayal never happened and wrap things up with a hug and kiss.
That said, I still found parts of the movie touching and aesthetically soft. It had its moments. But this lack of accountability made it hard for me to root for them as a couple by the end.
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Watch will be worth....
I just loved this movie....!It had such a gentle but powerful impact. The way Kiyoka cared for Miyo, not just as a husband but as someone who truly saw her pain and wanted to protect her, was so beautiful and rare. It wasn’t over-the-top dramatic but something about the soft pacing and emotional depth just stays with you. I think that’s what makes My Happy Marriage so unforgettable ,it’s quiet, but it hits deep.
It's a marriage of obligation slowly transforms into something far more beautiful a journey of healing mutuals understanding, and rediscovery of self-worth. Miyo’s character is heartbreaking yet incredibly relatable,, shy, kind and emotionally scarred, but never truly broken.
Kiyoka on the other hand, surprises viewers with his quiet tenderness. Beneath his icy exterior is a man who is not only capable of love but deeply loyal and protective. Their relationship is gentle and slow-burning, making every moment of connection deeply satisfying.
I’ve already watched it 5 times too and I never got bored, not even for a second. Every time I rewatch it, I notice new little details in their expressions and interactions that make me love them more. It’s the kind of love story that feels healing. I seriously wish there were more movies like this ones that show love as gentle, respectful, and slowly growing instead of rushed or toxic.
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With great responsibility, comes greater respect
I was all prepared to go ballistic when I finished the movie because I saw the plot twist coming ten minutes in - but I sat through it, because I could feel that I was in for something that was truly worth the watch.It did not disappoint.
The story is pretty straightforward - Bambi, our lead, is an OFW in Taiwan who returns home for her birthday and to her family who have been documenting the home she's asked them build in her stead with the money she sends home. Only, no new house and the family's spent all the house money on other projects.
A bunch of mishaps take place and somehow everyone believes Bambi is dead, but when they discover she's not, the entire family decides to scam the insurance company out of the life policy under Bambi's name.
The narrative is kind of here and there, they went hard on the comedy in the first half, heavy with the emotions on the second, a thing I've noticed in quite a few Filipino titles. The comedy was decently executed, I found myself chuckling a bit at times but it was the emotional second half that really got to me.
We get bits and pieces here and there that clues us in on the complicated family situation the characters have going on - five siblings who all have different visions and needs for their lives, and a ton of baggage amongst them are suddenly under one roof, but we never really get the full story. Until, of course, this huge blown up argument between all the family members that lasted around 20 minutes.
Every grievance they have against each other is all out in the open and it's kind of information overload, but it doesn't really matter, because they deliver on what they banked on while writing the script - emotions.
The story relied heavily on the audience sympathizing with the lead and maybe even the supporting characters, and they nailed it. Especially since all the actors delivered in aces. The acting was actually so incredible that I was moved to tears.
A couple of things that could have been worked on? The choppy narrative and I did think the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, it would've enriched an already great movie.
This was a genuinely good movie, perhaps not something quite so innovative, but certainly worth it if you're looking for something emotional and melancholic.
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Don't waste your time
There was nothing there.Where was the story, I'm still confused about what the misunderstanding was and who was who.
I also hated the acting, they felt like strangers forced to interact not close friends.
I like movies, I like short movies as well but it is totally forgettable.
I skimmed through the whole thing as it didn't grab my attention.
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A woke movie
i though this would be a good movie, but it turned out to be a woke story of a mentally deranged slut and a gay justifying their actions. I guess now i know why this has such a high rating: aggressive push by the gay and woke community.i though this would be a good movie, but it turned out to be a woke story of a mentally deranged slut and a gay justifying their actions. I guess now i know why this has such a high rating: aggressive push by the gay and woke community.
i though this would be a good movie, but it turned out to be a woke story of a mentally deranged slut and a gay justifying their actions. I guess now i know why this has such a high rating: aggressive push by the gay and woke community.
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what i know is that Arata who came off as a cold, but good guy (in the previous movie), where in the description he is made out to be Gii's love rival, who is gonna steal Takumi away. turns out to be a good guy with a rough exterior, that came to "shake-up" Gii into rethinking his strategy & approach with Takumi, given the new obstacle's that appeared & would keep coming into his life, given his family & their statues in society.
didn't like his relationship with Takabayashi, but i preferred it to what we got in this movie between him & Shingyouji, cause at least Takabayashi didn't come off as a naïve, love-sick puppy that was in over his head. Shingyouji cause of his personality seems younger, more childlike & thus the whole relationship felt exploitative to me. adding to these misgiving, was the fact that Shingyouji, in his own words says that the only thing he has got with Arata is a psychical relationship, one that is always initiated by Arata. this romance/love - how?!??
the fact that Arata kept Shingyouji hanging on, throwing him bit's & pieces of affection doesn't mean love. Shingyouji was an after thought & am sure his constant adoration was a great ego massage for Arata - who on his part didn't need to do a thing, just take what was offered & use Shingyouji when he wanted.
the fact that at some point Shingyouji had enough - made me sigh in relief, cause sorry Arata is toxic & has nothing to offer Shingyouji, as he doesn't love him IMO.
even though i didn't like Gii & Takumi's relationship - at least there, Gii warmed up & showed his affection, he didn't treat Takumi like a booty call & after they finally got together they were a couple (the fact that is hasn't been smooth sailing is neither here nor there, as there no relationship without some turmoil). but with Arata there was No declaration of love, no confession other then ownership & telling Shingyouji he was Arata 's dog.... if anyone told me that, i would bite him leaving a scar for life & then leave.
but cause of the kiss/es (which admit were the hottest to date - including all movies, also admit that Arata is the best looking guy so far) everyone gaging over the "romance"?!? ok, i guess... not my cup of tea - so idk what awaits in the next movie with these two - after this movie, not that thrilled to find out lol
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My July 2025 recommendations challenge
Watch this for my July 2025 recommendations challenge by 𝑱𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒄. Let's discuss movies…This is a classic story about two best friends who have been stuck in the friend zone for years.
Palm and Gink have been inseparable since high school. Gink's parents didn't have the best marriage — they divorced because of her father's affair. In fact, it was Gink herself, along with Palm, who discovered the truth about her father’s infidelity.
Palm has had feelings for Gink since high school and even tried to confess back then. But Gink, deeply affected by her father’s betrayal, rejected him. She didn’t want to risk losing Palm as a friend, believing that friendship is safer because "you can’t break up with your best friend.”
Over the years, they continue living their lives and each enter different romantic relationships — but remain each other’s closest confidants.
Whenever Palm breaks up with yet another girlfriend, Gink is always there to scold him— and comfort him. And whenever Gink fights with her boyfriend—no matter where she is in the world—Palm, being a flight attendant, will drop everything and fly to her the moment she calls.
Then one day, Gink begins to suspect that her current boyfriend might be cheating on her — and calls Palm to help investigate.
Then one day, Gink grew highly suspicious of her boyfriend and called Palm to investigate with her.
Amidst the chaotic emotions Gink felt about her boyfriend, Palm's long-repressed feelings for Gink also resurfaced. The tension became palpable until Palm could no longer hold back his feelings. He finally asked Gink to choose between him and her boyfriend. Shocked and overwhelmed, Gink is left stunned, unsure of what to do next.
So, what happens next?
Will they remain just friends at the end, or will something finally change between them?
That's pretty much the story without giving the spoiler. Now what I like and don't.
What I like:
+ A heartwarming, classic take on the friend-zone trope
+ Good chemistry between Nine & Baifern.
What I don't too like:
- The story doesn’t offer anything particularly new or surprising. From the very beginning, it's obvious how special Gink and Palm’s bond is—so it’s just a matter of when, not if, they’ll cross the line.
Overall, this movie is quite good. It covers every aspect of the classic "friend versus relationship" dilemma and explores all the questions about whether to cross that line, what happens if you do, and what if that relationship ultimately fails.
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GDH Did It Again
I really enjoyed this film. I have wanted to see it since I first heard Zom Marie and Billkin sing the OST for this which is a Triumps Kingdom cover (you hear the OG artists throughout the film) and I wish I did sooner. Seeing Tony in his early days pre Taste was cute and Baipor did so well portraying both twins. It was boring at times but in saying that I enjoyed it because it made it more realistic. I think the ending was perfect. Both twins decided to grow up and make their own decisions with their life.Was this review helpful to you?
THIS COMMENT CONTAINS SPOILERS
This movie... I've been waiting for these movies for a long time, then I finally saw it. I was enjoying it, apart from the predictability of the events and the story. The wasted potential of this movie! I'm sorry, because they were going in the right direction and I bet without that not so subtle "plot-twist", it would have been a great movie! The only positive thing is the cast. I mean....
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SPOILER
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we have Captain America, we have the Winter Soldier, we have the Russian super soldier who escaped from Stranger Things to end up being a parent to the Black Widow, we have a failed Cap America who becomes U.S. Agent because, well... that's how life goes! I think it's more than fair to also have one or more Korean super soldiers! so... i don't know...
and... you put In-Guk and So-Min together, again, and you don't create a crazy story around it!? not necessarily a love story, but anyway! again... wasted potential...
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Real or just Grand Guignol?
The first thought that popped into my head after finishing this film was:“Was any of that even real… or just part of the Grand Guignol?”
And I think that’s exactly what the movie intended — to completely blur the line between reality and performance, truth and theatre.
The film doesn’t hold your hand. It throws you into a stylized, disturbing world and says:“Interpret it.”
It had multiple heavy themes — grooming, manipulation, gore, horror — without ever being straightforward. You're constantly questioning what's real and what’s part of the show.
The symbolism?
Honestly… I didn’t catch all of it. Some of it went right over my head
But even then, the atmosphere, the tone, and the emotional discomfort hit exactly where they needed to. You don’t need to understand everything to feel the weight of it.
Despite how disturbing it is, I have to say:
The film succeeded in what it wanted to portray.
It left me haunted, confused, and thinking — long after the credits rolled.
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Morally gray
Morally gray, emotionally chaotic — and weirdly satisfying.This movie will absolutely make you question everything.
It starts off strange, unexpectedly turns wholesome, then throws betrayal at you — not once, but twice — and just when you're bracing for a tragic spiral... it lands on a happy ending. I genuinely enjoyed the ride, even if it left a weird taste in my mouth.
It’s definitely an experimental film, not meant to be taken at surface level. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re into morally complex stories where no one is fully right or wrong — this might work for you too. I mean they all were wrong at one point.
I wanna talk about all three characters but that'll be too much spoiler, all I'll say is no one was absolutely right.
That ending was completely unexpected. You’d think with everything that happened, the story would tear itself apart. But instead, it leans into the mess and decides: “You know what? Let’s make peace with it.” And weirdly, that worked for me.
It’s a story that doesn’t want you to look too deeply into anyone’s morality. It just asks you to sit with the discomfort, the love, the betrayal, and the strange softness that remains when it’s all done.
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A Recipe Not Worth It's Ingredients
Where to even begin with this one... I watched for my girl Nahyun, formerly of Sonamoo and was pleasantly surprised to see the rest of the cast that was included. Unfortunately for me, Nahyun and the other idols listed that I was interested in seeing on screen are relegated to the last half hour of film.Instead of focusing on what makes the idol group, we get a deeply unfunny film focused on a washed up manager, Bae Jae Seong, trying to take advantage of the situation. Told in a series of 'The Hangover' inspired alcoholic binge and black-out story bits and pieces, without any punchlines or soul for any character, hero or villain. The padding being the individual idols stories, which are nothing but cookie-cutter and uninspired that we've seen other stories do before, and better.
What makes the movie worse, is the clear lack of focus and detailing. The audio, especially for a story that should focus on music, was awful. I constantly had to monitor my own volume in order to not get my ears blown out, or attempt to pick up any of the spoken dialogue - some of which I only knew was happening due to the subtitles. The sets were bland and felt closer to rented locations for influencers, not a feature length film. The filming and direction was fine, but nothing impressive for evocative.
The only redeeming quality for fans of any of the idols, is genuinely the last ten ish minutes of the film. You don't even need to pretend to know what's going on or how they got their to enjoy it. Honestly, most of their acting skills, minus Bae Woo Hee, are... limited to say the least. It won't blow you away by any means, but at least it's the Idol Recipe completed and that's about all anyone needs anyway.
This is by no means, a good film in ANY regard. It's something you can put on in the background while working, glance up every once in awhile, and get the gist of it. Probably don't need to look up if you have a decent command of Korean. But if you're a fan of someone in cast - save yourself the trouble and just watch the final performance and count it as watched.
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A Story Told One Rumor at a Time
This was the second film by Hirokazu Kore‑eda that I saw; my first was Broker, and I didn’t even realize they were by the same director. From the very first shot, Monster pulled me in with how it shows one cruel rumor from different angles, each adding a bit more truth and a bit more pain. I felt completely trapped in those everyday moments because Kore‑eda’s slice‑of‑life style makes you live every heartbeat. It’s my favorite recent film, and afterward I dove into other titles from the director like Our Little Sister and The Shoplifters, confirming that Kore‑eda’s gentle, honest storytelling always gets to me.Was this review helpful to you?
