Reviews

This is a fairly average film. The cast is really good though and I loved Kim Sung Oh in this. Everytime I watch something with him in it, no matter how big the role, I am impressed. He is just so versatile as an actor.

I actually thought this would be much funnier when I watched the trailer but there were some serious moments as well and the standard high school bullying which I hated. Rich kids always feeling threated by poorer/less fortunate students is so ridiculous.

I did like the friendhip between Gi Myeong, Chang Joo and Kim Nam Jeong. I liked Gi Myeong's mother as well. Very sweet and caring mother.

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Nonsense

+pretty cool fight scenes
+nice aesthetic that reminds me of mass effect
+interesting, tho surface level exploration of ideas like ai, human replacement and dystopia

-the antagonist behavior was nonsense. after he learned he's a robot, he had no motivation to fight the mc: in fact, he should have joined forces with them
-the ending was nonesense too. supposedly the planet is ruined by suddenly there are forests everywhere? and were is the robot supposed to go alone for spare parts?
-thematically, first the movie makes a point that robots are not the same beings as the humans whose brain was transferred. yet seo hyun goes out of her way to give robot "a chance to live for herself", what's the point, that's not her mother, her mother is in coma.
-several characters behave in erratic and idiotic way, makes you wonder if everyone except the mc is replaced by synthetics already. perhaps that was intentional, but it didn't make it any less annoying to watch.

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This movie is so good its literally insane

Bro I went into this questioning if this was gonna be good but i could tell from the start it was gonna be amazing. Basically these two men want to join a gang but every time they join a gang the leader ends up dying soon after which leads them to be called "The two jinxes" and so nobody wants to hire them. And oh my god there is so much going on to the point where you just smile and laugh the whole way through because there is never a shortage of funny moments. Deff one of my top five movies. Though its a lil homophobic to lesbians as a lesbian i still laughed at the jokes. It's deff dark humor but not in a way were its just blatant homophobia its more like the target audience will be able to laugh at this. So I didnt really mind it.

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Youth movie heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time!

Great adaptation of a deep and beautiful manga which is centred around a group of high schoolers. The source material is honestly wonderful and even though the movie does not surpass it, it does an amazing job in showcasing the story which features some heavy themes. The fantasy twist in the background of the story is poetic and simple to understand. Its implications are profound.

The acting is solid and the friendship between the characters is totally believable. The romance is sweet and the chemistry between the leads is compelling as well. Overall, the ensemble cast does a great job and they are together one of the highlight of the film. Due to my attachment to this band of youngsters, I would even have loved to see a bit more of development for some of their storylines.

The directing was pretty standard for the genre: nothing really innovative but delivering what is needed for the melancholy of the narrative. The soundtrack was pretty good and provided an extra layer of feeling and sorrowfulness totally in line with the tone of the show.

I would of course recommend this to people who like the manga from which the movie is adapted, but also to everyone searching for a great friendship story with a fantasy twist and which is deeper and more meaningful than your average shojo story. However be aware that given the topics tackled on, it is sadder than you might think but very impactful.

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Literally Sat On the Edge of My Chair

I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed Joker Game. I was glued to my seat. I tried to get up and wound up sitting on the edge of my seat, riveted. D Company, an organization under the purview of the Japanese Military but acts separately for the most part, is assigned a mission to recover secret documents, the Black Note, from what appears to be Hong Kong (the name is never mentioned). The movie follows a spy called Kato (played by Kazuya Kamenashi) as he attempts to acquire the Black Note and send it to Japan. It's one of several attempts by Japanese writers to put another spin on WWII. Unlike in most of the other stories, they are not against the German or Germanesque villains, this time they are up against the Brits, who are quite villainous. If a fanciful retelling or a different view point of history bothers you, then don't watch it. They're spies from the 1930s/40s attempting to avoid WWII would be idiotic.

I've always been of the mind that the Japanese were master storytellers, but aside from a few outstanding exceptions (like Kurosawa and Miike), poor movie makers. If they ever got it into their minds to actually allot the amount of money into production costs that's needed, their movies would be more popular. Their movies almost always look sepia toned or dull, which is ridiculous when you think of the technology in Japan. That being said it looks like they put more money toward JG. Although the coloring was a bit drab and dull it fit the surrounding and story. The director's use of shadow in many scenes really stood out and made some scenes beautiful. One in particular tricks you into thinking you're watching black & white. When I think back on it, I keep seeing Kamenashi in b & w which he wasn't. I have never read the novel nor watched the anime (just added it to my list) on which the movie is based, but I'm ok with that. I liked it regardless.

The cast led by Kazuya Kamenashi were entertaining. It was odd seeing Yusuke Iseya in such a small role. Colonel Yuki is a pivotal character and Iseya was very good. I would have liked to have seen more interaction between Yuki and Kaminaga (his secretary??) played by Yukiyoshi Ozawa. They seemed to have a budding bromance. Kamenashi, Keisuke Koide, Hiroshi Yamamoto, and 1 other, did fine jobs as the spies on the mission. I wish we had seen more of them as a team. Kamenashi was well suited for the soft hearted Kato. Unfortunately, we barely get to know the other spies. Mores the pity. They were fun to watch in the few scenes they were in.

The music was really good (not counting the ED which was out of place). It was a big component in making scenes exciting. They missed their mark with the ED by using a KAT-TUN song instead of jazz or something that promoted feelings of the time.

I love mysteries. I love thrillers. This was both. However, I doubt I would re-watch it unless they did a part 2 (it needs a part 2). Don't get me wrong. It's a good movie, but it's not spectacular. It's not flawless. I think if I rewatched it, I'd only pick it apart and not enjoy it the way I just did. I rarely rewatch anything so I never consider this value in my factoring my overall score.

Again, Joker Game was enjoyable. It was almost 2 hours, but you wouldn't know it. The time flies by. Rarely do movies fully tell the source material the way a reader wants. I've learned to separate the 2 and judge a movie adaptation on it's own merits. What matters to me is if it's a good movie, and in my opinion Joker Game is a good movie. If you're looking for an in depth character study and/or character development that you can sink your teeth into, then click on by, this is not your movie. However, if you're looking for a bit of "actiony" fun with spies and big boys with guns, then click play.

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Zombie movies dont always have to be serious

I know this movie is clearly a cheap production by the sound effects, the cinematography but because of that it turns out its a comedy/thriller/horror. I liked both leads acting but we can notice the male lead gave his all for this movie (incredible). If people watched this with different eyes (without thinking it will be a casual zombie flick) they're gonna love it. I understand the low rating: cheap zombie movies are very rare and almost unknown because who would watch if none known actors are starring in these? Either way, im probably one of the very few (or only myself) who enjoyed it. I know i have a strange taste and almost rating everything 10/10 ?. Whatever, a sequel would be nice but impossible...

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liked it

It's a visual treat for the eyes. It brings you to the edge of your seat. The story is interesting and makes you want to learn more about it. Every actor did an outstanding job portraying their respective characters. Matt Damon is a fantastic actor. I never found him boring in any of his roles throughout his career. Pedro Pascal was also fantastic as Tovar. Overall, the film is fantastic and worth seeing again. idk what else u write i can understand people who didnt really like it tho/

It's a visual treat for the eyes. It brings you to the edge of your seat. The story is interesting and makes you want to learn more about it. Every actor did an outstanding job portraying their respective characters. Matt Damon is a fantastic actor. I never found him boring in any of his roles throughout his career. Pedro Pascal was also fantastic as Tovar. Overall, the film is fantastic and worth seeing again.It's a visual treat for the eyes. It brings you to the edge of your seat. The story is interesting and makes you want to learn more about it. Every actor did an outstanding job portraying their respective characters. Matt Damon is a fantastic actor. I never found him boring in any of his roles throughout his career. Pedro Pascal was also fantastic as Tovar. Overall, the film is fantastic and worth seeing again.It's a visual treat for the eyes. It brings you to the edge of your seat. The story is interesting and makes you want to learn more about it. Every actor did an outstanding job portraying their respective characters. Matt Damon is a fantastic actor. I never found him boring in any of his roles throughout his career. Pedro Pascal was also fantastic as Tovar. Overall, the film is fantastic and worth seeing again.

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I grow up watching this show !!!

I love this show, it never get's old...
Love the plot and the twist .... The acting is great show was so simple but so amazing !!!
The main characters is so cool. All 3 sons were interesting and it was really messed up how everything went down.
However it was all for the greater good. There was a purpose for everything .
Im being really vague not to give away any spoilers however for this show to be done in around 2006 the costumes were amazing. you can see much effort went into the show. Especially with the coordination of the flowers and the ending fight scenes. It was not corny it was action packed.

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Excellent Subversion of Expectations and Wonderful Overall Execution

The movie definitely subverts expectations until the very end. How I thought the story would progress and what I thought the story would focus on was absolutely not the case; however, the movie executes this in a way that is unsettling yet deeply hopeful. I was surprised that in the backdrop of such a hopeless setting, the story that was told focused on the unforgettable love of one’s family, and how each person hopes that love will set their loved one free. I think this is a must watch.

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Spoilers below

The Love of a Mother and Daughter
(this was the original title of my review, but I felt it might spoil the premise of the movie)

I found the theme of how the mother (Jung E) did all she could to save her daughter’s life, but even then 40 years later the same problem of cancer still plagues her daughter AND now she, Jung_E is trapped to a life where she is abused by the system and can’t even truly ‘rest in peace’.

Initially I was definitely more focused on the dystopian horror setting and how they were going to win the war more than I focused on the heart of the story, which centred on the love of a mother for her daughter and love of a daughter for her mother. I think the execution of the movie was flawless in subverting our expectations but also drawing out spectacular performances from our two female leads.


Also want to say RIP to the main lead actress, Kang Soo-yeon. Jung_E was both her comeback performance and her final performance. She really did a phenomenal job. Great work by all the production and team members— “Jung_E” really captured my attention!

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The f is that

Only read this after watching it has serious spoilers!!!!





So what the heck did I just watched, i expected more of a Korean zombie movie. But this this is bullshit.
The story is so boring and it feels like all of this would have fitted on a 15 minute YouTube video, then the dialogs are just terrible and just straight up bad.
This feels like one of those American trash parody movies of scream.

Then the actors , I actually like the ml and his bff but the female lead had the same expression 24/7 and the rest where just shallow, best actor by far was that one police guy that got bitten in the hand and even that was 3rd class.
The characters are badly written overall and you just can't build up sympathy for them so their deaths don't hit as much as they , presumably, where supposed to.

And you can feel the low budget production, which ofc happens but then you have to make the best of that what you have and not this crap.

Then the zombies and the make up, like I know Korea has some of the best, if not the best, zombie actors and they can be so terrifying that I have nightmares after Train to Busan, but here I laughed at them like what. AND ALSO WHY HAD THAT ONE ZOMBIE GUY, LIKE THE BOSS ZOMBIE OR WHAT EVET HE WAS, FANGS. LIKE WHY AND WHY THOSE CHEEP PLASTIC FANGS YOU CAN BUY FOR 10$ ON AMAZONE. Some of the wound where decently good make up, like the hand wound of the officer, but the zombies where just not it .

Also what is that ending, and do these characters have like a zero will to live or a normal human mind. Bro hot bit in the leg, bind it up and try to take him to the hospital to get his leg amputated. Also they lack common sense, keep the doors closed for fucks sake.


Okay....okay enough rent about this movie, the fighting music was okay tho I give them that.


So.....

Im of now watching "Happiness" because that is how you do a Zombie show/ movie.

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Tremendous storytelling and strong emotions

The storytelling they were able to present in this movie is tremendous, the imagination of the brain cloning concept is almost infinite for a distant future but it's also treated with a very realistic approach on how it would affect the future world. The dystopian cinematography is absolutely stunning and believable, basically the class struggle that comes with the advancement of technology is really well indicated, that's why it is so heartfelt and immersive while watching. Using the personal connection of the characters as the main driver of the plot surrounding this seemingly soulless robotic world, the strong emotions stand out effectively from the rest of the sci-fi movies more than ever before.

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I don't even know what to say and how to say it

I don't usualy like zombie movies, most of them are boring, but this one is on another stage. I have never cried this much about a movie.
The acting, the production, the visual FX. Everything is perfect.
IT NOW ENTERED TO MY VERY FAVORITE FILMS ZONE.

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"Why do you think we have to hate each other?"

Director Kurosawa’s High and Low delved into the police procedure he loved with a story of a high-profile kidnapping and stakes that were also unbelievably high. Some would fall to new lows and others would rise from the lows they were buried in. High and Low, also known as Heaven and Hell, was a fascinating look into people’s true characters when thrust into a fiery crucible.

Mifune Toshiro played Gondo Kingo, a man who rose from an apprentice in a shoe factory to running it. In the opening scene, several executives are planning a takeover of the company. The sales have been flat because the Old Man insisted on utilitarian women’s shoes. The execs wanted to make cheap disposable shoes. Gondo wanted something in the middle, to make stylish high quality shoes and earn greater profits in the long run. The executives threatened to use their power to push him out of the company unaware that Gondo had his own plan. After throwing the men out of his house he revealed to his wife and right-hand man that he had leveraged everything he owned to buy enough shares to take over the company—50 million yen for the deposit with 100 million yen remaining to be paid later. Though not a samurai he was deeply involved in a business war rife with risk, back stabbings and betrayals.

Gondo’s move was brilliant, ambitious, and dangerous. All that needed to be done was for his subordinate to transfer the check. As fate would have it a call came in telling him his son had been kidnapped and the ransom was 30 million yen. Wrecked he was willing to pay it even though it would ruin him. Another turn, the child kidnapped was not his own, but his chauffer’s son. The kidnapper doesn’t care, he wants Gondo humiliated and brought down from his mansion on the hill. A mansion in plain sight of the people who live in squalor below. A mansion with air conditioning and sound proof windows leaving the family insulated from the poverty just beneath them.

Nakadai Tatsuya, played the lead inspector of a team that arrives at the mansion. He gives a likeable performance, expertly nuanced with personality. Now the thrust of the moral dilemma begins. Does Gondo have the responsibility to destroy his family’s lifestyle and future to save a child not his own? He is unconvinced. He might have ended up as the tragic MacBeth character in Throne of Blood if not for the fact that this wife was one of good conscience. Gondo’s rule of thumb is kill or be killed. Reiko tells him he must not lose his humanity in his desire for wealth and position. She knows if he lets the boy die his emotional ruin would be greater than their financial ruin and something he would never recover from.

The scenes with the police officers, Gondo family, and Aoki the driver and boy’s father are tense with emotions rumbling below the surface breaking through from time to time. As Gondo takes the ransom money on the train with officers hidden about, it was a surprisingly taut scene filmed on a real train.

Once the boy is returned, the movie turns largely into a police procedural as a huge task force is assigned to the case to find the culprits and return the ransom money. In a time before cell phones, CCTV cameras, and DNA testing the police relied on canvasing the neighborhoods and old school detective work. Nakadai’s Tokura is determined to arrest the suspects on the highest charge they could. At the time, the jail sentence for kidnapping was minimal and the criminals knew it. Along the way, it also turned into a murder case, upping the ante. Public sympathy was squarely in Gondo’s corner, the people loved the man who sacrificed everything to save a child. Tragically, Gondo's fate was sealed for his creditors reminded him that good will does not pay the bills. Tokura played Gondo’s avenging angel, leaving no stone unturned looking for the man who brought him down. As determined as he was to save the child’s life, he was also as determined to save Gondo’s. Even when he was reciting what amounted to pages of narrative, Nakadai gave a riveting performance. This was a 180 from his unhinged performance as the gun wielding villain in Yojimbo, making me appreciate his acting skills all the more.

Mifune played a character every bit as courageous as any samurai in his repertoire. Though calm, his barely caged energy rippled under the surface. His agony, strained anger, despair, empathy, and relief all on display in a restrained performance brought this complex character to life. Unlike most of their collaborations, this time Mifune wasn’t always stage center, this was a group effort. Kagawa Kyoko gave a lovely performance as Gondo’s conscience. Though her character Reiko swore she could live in poverty, Gondo knew she’d never gone hungry or known a moment of want.

When Gondo and the kidnapper finally meet, Kurosawa made amazing use of his shots. Each man’s reflection to the side of the man in focus across the glass in the prison room was masterful. Gondo’s eyes misty, seeing the obsessed, rage-filled man before him, unsure if his display of wealth had created him. Takeuchi, the kidnapper who had lived below the mansion in the sweltering heat seething with hatred for Gondo. The last straw for Takeuchi, was knowing that Gondo lived untouched by the oppressive heat, smell, and noise, in his insular air-conditioned house in full view for all to see. In his obsession to bring Gondo down to his level, he destroyed himself in the process. At the same time, though Gondo’s position and possessions had been stripped away he had grasped at the chance for renewal. A man who still enjoyed working with his hands, still loved shoes, still loved life, the upheaval had only brought into sharp focus what was important to him. He might be ambitious but he was also a good man with a resilient spirit. Kurosawa makes his characters earn, if not a happy ending, at least their inspiration.

Unlike Stray Dog where Kurosawa humanized the villain, laying much of the blame on materialism and crime as a means of surviving, in this film he seems to relish in showing the kidnapper’s obsessive madness. The film was a criticism of the lax kidnapping laws. The next year the laws were strengthened as there had been several heinous child kidnappings.

Once again, Kurosawa also sharply criticizes the materialism and gap between the haves and have nots. A cesspool like in Drunken Angel makes another appearance where the people in view of the mansion live. A master of the wide angle, he often filled it with a variety of people and moods. Interestingly, he also made use of real American military in a rousing bar scene as Yokohama had a port where the military resupplied and shipped out. I also found his use of the villain’s sunglasses fascinating. They reflected light and his surroundings, one particularly artful scene when he arises in a garden with the flowers’ and sun’s reflections blending with the flora, hiding his cruel intentions. For the most part all of the performances were energetic but restrained and filled with charisma. Even the villain who had few words was given the chance to come unraveled with the actor making the most of his scenes.

If you enjoy police procedurals, Kurosawa and Mifune, riveting performances, or morality plays, this is not one to be missed. High and Low was made with great care and skill, showing how dire situations can bring a man low or bring a man high and sometimes a little of both.

1/20/23

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