Reviews

"20th Century Girl" is a heartwarming Korean movie that effortlessly blends romance, youthfulness, and melodrama. This delightful film beautifully captures the journey of a young girl navigating her way through love, friendships, and self-discovery.

The storyline of "20th Century Girl" is refreshingly relatable, making it easy for viewers of all ages to connect with the characters and their emotions. The portrayal of youthful energy and innocence is brilliantly executed, leaving you reminiscing about your own teenage years.

The romance aspect of the film is genuinely heart-melting. You'll find yourself rooting for our main lead as she experiences the rollercoaster of feelings associated with first love. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making their interactions on-screen feel authentic and charming.

In addition to the romantic plotline, "20th Century Girl" delves into deeper issues such as self-identity, dreams, and personal growth. The movie adeptly tackles these themes, offering valuable life lessons without feeling overly preachy or heavy-handed.

Visually, the film is stunning, capturing the vibrant essence of youthfulness through its colorful cinematography. Each frame feels like a work of art, keeping you visually engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, "20th Century Girl" is a must-watch for any fan of romance, youth-focused stories, and melodrama. It's a heartfelt journey that will leave you smiling, reflecting, and feeling inspired.

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Beware the mountain!

The Wrath of Daimajin was the third in a series of films starring the giant mountain god who restored balance. The film focused on four children attempting a rescue of their family members who had been coerced into working for an evil samurai. This was a far darker film than I anticipated given the nature of Kaiju films starring children in the 1960's.

When the evil Arakawa kidnaps loggers from a small village, logger Sanpei escapes over the Majin mountain arriving home mortally wounded. He's able to tell the villagers that the rest of the men are being used as forced labor in Arakawa's sulphur mine in aptly named Hell's Valley. The village's lord isn't immediately concerned and fears snow may fall soon and doesn't send any help. Four boys decide to take matters into their own hands and runaway to rescue their loved ones. The only way to Hell's Valley is over the Majin mountain. Brothers Tsurukichi and his little brother Sugi, friends Kinta, and Daisaku bravely face the mountain everyone avoids due to the capricious mountain god who inhabits it. When they come upon the stone statue of the deity, they give proper homage before setting forth. The boys not only face natural dangers, but also three samurai ordered to hunt down Sanpei. Regardless of their young age, the samurai repeatedly attempt to kill the boys when they are discovered. Far from a romp in the woods, the boys pay a terrible cost for their adventure.

Meanwhile at the sulphur mine, the evil samurai shows why he's evil when he throws a thwarted escapee into the boiling sulphur lake. The brothers' father keeps hope alive that he will see his sons again. The villagers decide to go after the boys when they realize they are gone. When the parents arrive at the stone statue, it begins to bleed, and finally the titular character breaks forth when his hawk avatar is killed. At this point, the stomping begins as the mountain god stirs up a blinding snow storm to herald his arrival.

As I mentioned, this film was much darker than I had anticipated, going to a place most movies with children protagonists never would. Two likeable characters were killed and another attempted suicide to appease the god. There was a bloody hawk attack and a dangerous rafting trip on a swift river.

The fake snow actually looked good when Daimajin finally arrived. Kaiju usually show up by the 39:00-minute mark, this god couldn't be bothered until 65 minutes into the movie. The miniatures and fake scenery blended well with the real scenery. The shots of forests, mountain streams and lakes were quite lovely as the boys made their way across the scenic landscapes which belied the deadly forces at work. Arakawa's hideout near the mine was smaller than the large buildings Godzilla used to trounce through, but the more manageable size actually accented the stone warrior's terrifying force against the evil doers trapped in Hell's Valley.

The four child actors were a pleasant surprise, with natural but compelling performances. The adults all acquitted themselves well, too. The writing ultimately did exactly what we needed, Daimajin ruthlessly destroyed the evil forces, who were well deserving of his punishment. Whether the sacrifices of innocents gave a deeper emotional level to the film or were unnecessary will be up to the individual viewer to decide.

Wrath of Daimajin won't go down as one of the great monster movies but it was oddly satisfying. The god with a heart of stone didn't arrive in time to save important characters, or keep anyone from being injured but when he finally decided to restore balance he did so with a vengeance.

7/22/23

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Heartbreaking

Honestly this movie really is dark. I didn’t quite understand why the YK culprit would like reveal himself and be like hey I’m the person who SA’ed you. The plot is really amazing. I didn’t expect Kai to be one of the students that he taught as an intern which means he’s like youngggggg. aside from that I get that he was very harsh but I still don’t understand why Kai was doing all those things like on the side, ruining his career, etc. I really should have stopped at 1hr and 47mins, it was so happy and then you see it change not even a second later. I hate that he got killed like they had there happy moment just let it be. I really did feel numb after watching that movie.

I’m heartbroken. He had such a bad life only to be killed.

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Lets address the elephant in the room

I was surprised that no one else brought up this movie's highly inappropriate subject matter. I don't want to be that person, but here I go regardless! The premise of the story is appalling. It's about a high school student who falls in love with her teacher, and they start a secret affair. This is not only unethical but also illegal and immoral. The movie tries to portray their relationship as sweet and innocent, but it's actually abusive and manipulative. The teacher takes advantage of the student's vulnerability and naivety, and the student risks her future and reputation for a man who doesn't respect her. The movie doesn't show any consequences or challenges for their actions, and it ends with a happy ending that's unrealistic and irresponsible. I think this movie sets a bad example for young people and glorifies a harmful and inappropriate romantic relationship.

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The highest grossing kamen rider film in history. A great ride!

Firstly, i am not a follower of the kamen rider series although i do know them since i was a kid. Kamen rider is pretty iconic in Japan and Asia, just like Ultraman and Godzilla.

Helmed by the brilliant Hideaki Anno, the mastermind behind the Shin series (Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman), this film stars Sosuke Ikematsu as Kamen Rider 1. What really drew me to this film is actually Minami Hamabe.

The story basically starts from the creation of Kamen Rider. Minami plays Ruriko Midorikawa, the daughter of the brilliant scientist Dr. Hiroshi Midorikawa, who is basically the creator of Kamen Rider 1. It's basically a story of the war between Kamen Rider and an "evil" organisation called "Shocker". Que the inverted comas because there's a reason for it. Watch it to find out.

I have been a fan of Minami Hamabe since forever. To see her reuniting with Emoto Tasuku (they both starred in the drama series Dr. White) is indeed a treat. I really loved her acting here. She just embodies her character really well.

The CGI used is pretty interesting. Some may find the fighting scenes rather dizzying or bloody but i personally enjoyed them. I liked the chemistry between Ruriko and the 2 Kamen Riders. Overall, the acting by all the casts were great. Although this is essentially an action-movie, there are some really well-done touching/sad scenes.

PS: there are actually quite a number of cameos by popular actors and actresses such as Masami Nagasawa and Yutaka Takenouchi. Keep an eye out for it.

Overall, this is a great watch. The storyline is good and consistent. Although this movie's box office performance isn't as good as the previous two shin series, it is still the highest grossing kamen rider film in history. I believe the lower box office gross is due more to the fact that the Kamen rider series itself is not as popular as that of Ultraman and Godzilla.

Is it worth the watch ? DEFINITELY!

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Be Careful

This movie is an art house movie, most things are not said but rather show in a poetic way. But you must know that there is a very strong gore scene near the end, this movie will not make you happy. But the intention behind it is very interesting, I would just say you have to be very aware of what you going to get from it or you will be quite shocked.

I really like the interview they did with the actors at the end, you would think a movie with so much nudity, it would be hard to focus on the personalities and struggles of the characters, but they being naked was part of the exploration and it really showed how willing anyone would go for their dream.

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Entertaining but can fall flat in moments

This drama had a comedic mood, but the FL voice made it excruciating at moments. Although as the movie progressed I got used to the voice and in fact her voice was impersonated by Lee Dong Wooks character which was pretty hilarious but the moment was fleeting. I liked the story but it really didn't give romance vibes. i think if you're a fan of a silly detective movie starring Lee Dong Wook then it's worth watching plus the end credits includes a duet sung by both leads. overall this movie is enjoyable and there's pretty entertaining moments, and the FL voice eventually doesn't bother you after a while.

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Not a great movie, but I'm easy to win over with a badass female lead and a damn good fight scene.

If you liked My Name, you'll probably like Kill Bok Soon. It has a lot of the same focus on a hard-boiled female protagonist with lots of good fight scenes. Kill Bok Soon is *slightly* more realistic (her boyfriend isn't some 10/10 stud, and she never fights dozens and dozens of trained killers at once). I also think the fight scenes are a little more intentionally crafted and fun to watch.

Ultimately, Kill Bok Soon presents a unique, action-packed exploration of a dual life—a seemingly everyday single mother, Gil Bok Soon, who concurrently leads an extraordinary existence as a ruthlessly efficient contract killer.

The protagonist's relationship with her handler, Cha Min Kyu, unfolds into a dangerous dance of mutual respect and underlying tension, which becomes the driver of conflict in the narrative. The emotional core, meanwhile, revolves around her relationship with her daughter. However, despite an engaging premise, the narrative falls short on providing the necessary depth to the characters' interpersonal relationships, possibly owing to the confined duration of the film format as opposed to longer-running dramas.

The film's highlight, for me, lies in its gripping fight sequences. The choreography is immaculate, and maintains a balance between gritty noir aesthetics and compelling action.

Jeon Do-yeon brings an intensity to Bok Soon's character while shifting comfortably between playing a loving mother but also navigating the film's darker corners. It's a performance that arguably surpasses her previous roles, and I'd love to see her in similar future roles (I loved her in Lost, but not so much in Crash Course in Romance).

Esom also adds a notable spark to the film but is perenially underutilized in the industry, suggesting an untapped potential for more prominent roles (I'd love to see her in a Korean remake of Lady Snowblood!!!).

Ultimately, Kill Bok Soon is an engaging, though somewhat rushed, noir action-drama. The conclusion definitely leaves a yearning for a more polished resolution... hinting at a possible sequel?

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a must-watch for history enthusiasts

Red Cliff 2 is yet another cinematic triumph from the brilliant mind of director John Woo, complemented by the same stellar cast of 5-star actors and actresses from its predecessor. If you were captivated by Red Cliff 1, you'll find yourself irresistibly drawn to the continuation of this epic tale.

Once again, the movie immerses us in the pages of real history, flawlessly maintaining the continuity of the story. It's a must-watch for history enthusiasts, as it provides a captivating and informative glimpse into ancient Chinese warfare.

The choreography and battle scenes are masterfully executed, delivering a breathtaking spectacle that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats. The film's cinematography is stunning, with visuals, colors, and sceneries that perfectly suit this remarkable piece of Chinese war epic.

Red Cliff 2 beautifully intertwines historical accuracy with an engaging plot, making it an enriching experience for viewers seeking both entertainment and knowledge. This grand cinematic achievement cements Red Cliff's position as an epic history lesson that is truly worth learning and watching.

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an unforgettable cinematic experience

Red Cliff is an absolute masterpiece from the visionary director John Woo, backed by a stellar cast of 5-star actors and actresses. Visually stunning and emotionally gripping, this epic movie is based on real historical events, adding a sense of authenticity and depth to the narrative.

The actors' performances are not only good looking but also exude incredible talent, captivating audiences with their exceptional acting skills. The choreography and battle scenes are nothing short of awe-inspiring, immersing viewers in the grandeur of ancient warfare. The spectacular photography and special effects further elevate the movie's visual splendor.

But beyond the breathtaking visuals and action-packed sequences, Red Cliff shines in its storytelling. The epic history it portrays is both educational and enthralling, providing valuable insights into the past while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained. Overall, Red Cliff is an unforgettable cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression and is undoubtedly worth watching for anyone seeking a riveting blend of history and entertainment.

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"Everyone has a weakness. Even a hero."

During WWII and after Ozu's first military tour he filmed The Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family. Ozu ran afoul of censors concerned that he didn't mention the war in a wartime film, but his emphasis on filial piety and the need to take care of aged parents smoothed things over. His biggest concession was sending the youngest son to China to work in the land of opportunity. Pretty sure the Chinese did not think of the Japanese in their homeland the same way but I will try to look at the merits of the film aside from that disconcerting historical context.

The Toda patriarch suddenly dies in his mansion after a big family birthday party. The adult children are shocked to discover that the wealthy businessman was nearly bankrupt. After everything but a worthless villa near the ocean is sold off to pay his debt, the mother and youngest daughter, Setsuko, are left homeless. The eldest son takes responsibility allowing the two women, plus the old family maid, to come live with his family. The youngest son, Shojiro, decides to seek his fortune and prove to his father that he is capable and scurries off to China to make his fortune. The eldest son's wife treats his mother and sister like unwelcome guests no matter how unobtrusive they try to be.

On they move to the eldest daughter's house. She immediately bristles because her son loves his grandmother so much that she feels she will lose authority in the house. When Setsuko wants to find a job as she and her mother are penniless, the family puts their foot down. They would be embarrassed for her to be a clerk. More embarrassed than their father bankrupting himself? Mother, daughter, and devoted servant end up finding shelter in the deteriorating villa.

For the one-year anniversary of the patriarch's death, Shojiro makes his way home. At a formal remembrance dinner, he calls the family out on the carpet for treating their mother so shabbily, leaving no one unscathed. "Children should be kind and warm to their mother…You talk without doing anything." The chastised family members abandon the expensive dinner with only the small trio and son left in the room to enjoy the meal in peace. Shojiro believes the truth-filled disruption may bring more harmony and better siblings in the future. Though the women seem to be happy living by the sea, Shojiro insists they come to live in China with him. Given the times, they had little choice but to pack their bags again, at least Shojiro wanted them to be near him.

Ozu had asked for more money to film this movie. The studio responded by giving him less time to film and wanting to see the finished project before increasing his salary. The Toda Family went on to be quite successful partly because of Ozu's skill but also because of the famous stars Saburi Shin as the youngest son Shojiro and Takamine Mieko as the youngest daughter Setsuko. Ozu had largely solidified his style for this film---the low angle shots, meticulously composed frames, lingering shots over geometric rooms and objects (often the father's plants and bird), and more of face straight on to camera shots. Ozu was more concerned with story than acting, and felt that excessive drama was not needed for an audience to be emotionally touched, a method he sought to convey here.

As he would with other films, the disintegration of the family and traditional values were beginning to show. And as in Tokyo Story, a parent was treated as an inconvenience. After recently watching Kurosawa's Ran (based on King Lear), I was reminded of Hidetora finding no welcome mat rolled out by two of his sons when he was homeless. Shojiro, like Saburo, became the prodigal son who lovingly welcomed the parent, albeit with a happier ending.

The film reflected Ozu's life in some ways. After his father's death he took both his mother and a younger brother in. At the end of the film, a bashful Shojiro literally ran away to hide at the beach before a matchmaking date. "Everyone has a weakness. Even a hero." Ozu was a lifelong bachelor who lived with his mother until she died. A parent's aloneness after a death or a child marrying often played into his stories.

Ozu also tackled class distinctions. When Setsuko and her friend Tokiko met for lunch, Setsuko discussed wanting to find a job. Tokiko informed her that taking orders is much different from giving orders and would be difficult for someone who had never been exposed to that way of life. Shojiro told Setsuko that in China no one would look down upon her for working or doing whatever she wanted. The privileged upper class was seen in lower regard, especially in the disregard they had for the elderly and servants and traditional values.

After watching a number of Ozu's silent films which portrayed a looser filming style it was interesting to see that famous Ozu formula begin to firmly coalesce in the The Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family. Despite being over 80 years old the film remains timely. Children still argue over who is going to take care of an aging parent. People still focus on their own lives forgetting there are others in need of love, acceptance, and something as basic as shelter. Thankfully, there also people who will open their hearts and homes to those in need, especially for a beloved parent. The lack of color did not take away from the beauty of Ozu's meditative and architectural shots, he always knew how to use light and shadow to his advantage. A timely story, well-acted, and skillfully filmed made for an entertaining film.

7/20/23

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Toxic love anyone?

I want to start by saying, THANK god there are TWO endings to this! Watch the happy ending, skip the sad ending. I watched both and chose the happy ending because the other one seemed like a cheap finish. Or even just a shock value finish. The happy ending was much more fitting to the storyline.

I really liked the idea behind this movie, the master and servant, but it was lacking a bit for what I wished it would have had. I did really feel for our main character Shu Nian, he had every reason to be confused and untrusting. I really enjoyed Xie Yan's crazy possessive passion, but I felt like it was a little lacking. He went wild a few times but he didn't really try to show Nian how he felt in a way Nian could have believed. For a bit there I thought Xie Yan would lock Nian up for awhile, and THAT would have been a twist I would have loved to watch. Keep him captive until he believes your feelings Xie Yan! Sorry, my dark side is coming out. But hey, this is a toxic movie so we're all here for our own reasons.

Overall a good watch, an interesting relationship, and it made me feel.

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A food healing trip

I finally watched this movie a few years later and it was so good.

Even though it was sometimes slow paced but in my opinion, it brought some peaceful feelings and beautiful views on cities and landscapes. It was quite interesting to see two different cultures by bringing local food, not only it was mouthwatering thanks to some dishes but also moving with historical elements between 2 countries and I didn't know about it so it educated me on this part.

I think I love everything in this movie such as the performances of the actors which I didn't know nor watch them in any other movies, the story and step by step discovering / learning with the main character the background of his parents but also his mother and her family. In addition, I myself love food and it's also important to me so I related to it, I feel connected somehow that's why I give a high rating.

It was seriously such a beautiful, heartwarming, healing, moving and comforting movie.

Lastly, thanks to this movie, I want to watch more of the director Eric Khoo but also want to check other projects of other actors, especially Takumi Saitoh's.

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LOVE IN ANY KIND! ♥️

What a unique storyline out of all the BL I ever watched... What a nice and eye opening movie raising awareness with people with hearing kinds of disabilities. Such a wonderful story showing us how to handle those kind of situation regardless of incapabilities of a person. Teaching us how to show compassion and how to show love in all kinds of way. 1hr is not enough. I was just hoping that they will revive this and make a SEASON 2! This deserve all the recognition and hype at this Era! ?♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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