Reviews

This was slightly more boring than I was expecting. I was expecting the thrill to be more closer to Door Lock (2022) where the FL is really worried and suspicious of people because of the weird things happening to her. Instead, the FL was just more confused so it made her more vulnerable and for me, boring.

The antagonist's actions were also a lot more tame than I was expecting. Without spoiling it, I just think they could have done more crazy things once he had access to the main characters' devices.

I do like that there was a plot twist that wasn't related to the current stalking situation. It was pretty interesting, but I don't think there was enough build-up towards it to make me feel invested and interested in finding out the truth.

Truthfully, I was only interested in this because of the upcoming Korean adaptation , but once I saw the cast, I was a lot more excited to watch it, and I did think it fell flat, unfortunately.

Read More

LIFE .... break me down and build me up ... I will do whatever it takes

WOW - This movie is awesome ... a 10/10 for me, I loved it but think it perhaps may not be for everyone. It is so loaded and 'raw'.

The movie was truely beautiful to watch ... so many cinematographic view points, which, to me, were very symbolic and seemed to reflect all the different states of mind of the main characters at any given time ... the shots looking up from below ... shots looking down from on high ... shots in and of 'enclosed' and confining spaces ... views of characters taken from a distance and usually with some kind of barrier between the view and the observed ... the staircase ... all the walkways and bridges to get from one place to another ... very symbolic.

It was also beautiful to listen to. I loved hearing the serene sounds of Pachabel and twinkle twinkle litte star gently weave its way through all the turbulence and intensity of emotions ... from the loud cruel words to the soft venomous betrayals ... the declarations of 'love' ... that fascinating empty clang of racing up and down those metal steps and walkways. The music kept me 'grounded' while watching all the trauma ... it's quite serenity was a fascinating auditory contrast to the sounds of the harsh reality that is life ... it left me feeling like I was embraced by it, as if in the end, everything would be ok, we would get through this and find knowledge and acceptance of self and peace of mind ... or something.

As for the story line, there is a persistent cruelty that runs throughout the movie. The FL, Narita, is at the focus of it. In her naivety, she is constantly being 'broken up' by Azusa; Ryoki and Shinogu ... she picks her self up, changes tact, 'rebuilds' her internal resilience and identity ... and then gets smashed again ... dusts herself off, 'rebuilds' then repeat. It is painful to watch, particularly when you see parts of yourself in that process. It is interesting to see how Narita's reaction to this persistent and ongoing cruelty, in turn affects those who have been using her ... as they too are 'broken down and built up'. Each character in the movie, even the side characters, are all going through an evolutionary process. It is so fascinating to watch the dynamics of that, even though there were some smh and wtf is going on moments.

The actors did an awesome job with their roles, they were just brilliant. This is the second time I have watched this movie and this time around I got even more out of the experience. I will definitely watch it again (for the third time) but I will read the manga first as I am sure that my third viewing will be even more thought provoking and visually and auditorily satisfying.

Read More

Nothing you haven't seen before, done sooo much better

Sigh, where to start with this hot mess?

Some edgy chick is a wheelman - or, well, wheelwoman - who gets her package, whether person, animal or item, from A to B, guaranteed. She drinks beer, has an Indian or black side-kick (because Korea's going woke Hollywood, failing to realise that people stopped watching Hollywood because they hate the woke bollocks), and is naturally way smarter than her male boss, because that's GIRL POWER. RAW!

Filled with the kind of clichés we hate, along with the staple clichés of the genre, this film offers absolutely nothing new and failed to entertain me in any capacity - I mean: the female lead's more annoying than hot!

Tob e honest, I turned this off around the half way mark because there are just so many better things to do with my time, such as: watch better films, cook dinner, sit on the toilet with a magazine or watch the grass grow... and we were in the middle of winter when I was watching this, so the grass was under a foot of snow!

If you didn't get my point already, this is bad. Avoid.

Read More

Hell to pay

I really enjoyed this one, but not in the same way I usually enjoy these kinds of films.

An ex-cop turns revenge killer and he's given an option: go undercover or... well, it was never clear if the handler would bump him off on the spot or just toss him into prison forever - and straight away, I knew that this film would keep me enthralled!

The lead then partners up with a bona fide psychopath, who seems like a skinny boy faking a hard -man image - he's just too sweet until he snaps! Both men are actually psycho's, but one is the emotionally confused child of a suicide cult and the other is an almost emotionless thinker, on a path to accomplish his real mission, which he's using the yakuza to accomplish.

Some viewers may say the action is too violent, others may say it's stylish, while others still may say it's realistically brutal but, to me, the action scenes served the plot - as well they should in any good film!

The dialogue in this was excellent - I really enjoyed the scenes that took a much slower pace, because this is when the characters all really came to life and, ultimately, showed us the depth the film was striving to attain. And with its multiple layers, characters all working towards their own agendas and us never really knowing who's the good guy in this very grey world, there's a lot to be lost in the minutia, hence my giving this such a high rewatch value, when I seldom watch anything twice!

Is this a film for everybody?
Absolutely not! But for those who like character-driven dramas disguised as action-thrillers, this is superb!

Read More

All over the place!

The whole time I was asking myself: "What am I watching?" and then "Why am I still watching it"? But I don't like dropping stuff, I mean, it's only a movie. It will end up making sense at some point, right? Ehm, no. It didn't. The script, the direction, the editing, is all over the place. Scenes follow one another without rhyme or reason jumping randomly and abruptly like a monkey on drugs. The characters do things completely opposite to what their character has been so far without any reason given for their change of mind, important conversations start happening and then... nothing has changed, nothing gets explained, no real development of that storyline, everything left hanging. The two main leads are very sweet and can actually act a little, the other are stock caricatures (the fat friend, the gay friend, the cocky friend, the mean girl, the bullies, the insensitive teacher and so on...) The music and dances are all exactly the same style, you cannot distinguish them from one another. Big words are spoken, cheap wisdom is served on a platter. And the ending? What about the competition? What about the relationship of the outcast with her suddenly changed classmates? What about the love story? Who knows what happened? Not me, although I did watch it till the bitter end (I deeply regret wasting almost two hours on my life on it) What a noisy yawn fest!

Read More

Good execution of a basic story.

While the movie has high production value, good writing and great cast, it brings exactly nothing to the table. We have seen this story in a similar setting quite a few times.

These are always the same questions: What does it mean to be human? How far can we go to survive? What can we do for power and control? What makes some movies tackling these ideas stand out more than the others are cast/performance and the unique setting. Medical trials on clones is not exactly an out of the box idea. And with that, the movie is interesting and enjoyable, but easily forgettable. Sure, a few scenes showcasing Seobok’s special abilities were fun and more unique takes on the typical clone scenario, but surely not enough to make this production outstanding in any manner.

Gong Yoo carried the whole film on his shoulders. The performance saved a rather stereotypical character. On the other hand, as much as I like Park Bo Gum, he made me feel exactly nothing as I was watching Seobok. What’s worth mentioning - the small beef between Chief Ahn and Kim Cheon Woo was probably the most entertaining aspect for me.

The production was great. A high budget movie delivering high quality effects and action scenes.

Overall, a good watch, one that most would enjoy. Will I remember it to later recommend to others? Probably not.

Read More

Watch this after the series

Have to be honest, was hesitant to watch this after watching Love O2O series. Loved the series and its FL & ML so much that inner self rejected this to watch back in 2018. Which was a major regret. This movie is so good. The actors FL & ML both acted so well in this movie. Really want them to come together in any series!!!
The movie is basically realistic fast version of series. The acting, script, the setup was more towards realism. Not total fantasy like the series.
Would recommend to watch this after you watch the series.. Else you might think the series is more towards cringe side.
Enjoyed both of them so much.

Its a must watch if haven't yet.

Read More

I can see the artistic intent, but it was too uncomfy for me

I went in relatively blind. All I knew was that it was a dance arthouse film with no dialogue, and relatively sapphic undertones at times.

My very first thought coming in was that the sound was very much ASMR-quality. Personally, the only sounds I liked was the pen scratching the paper and the sounds related to the water. Everything else was quite uncomfy. Even the background music that would show up from time to time put me on edge - and I didn't get the impression that it was supposed to. Visually it was rather off-putting too. I was prepared for it to go a body horror route at any minute, but it always stopped short of it.

Without reading the description, I was wondering if these 4 women in white that the house's resident can't see were actually an embodiment of her random impulsive thoughts as she went about her daily tedium and musician's block. They gave off a very "last brain cell" vibe. I did wind up reading the description a few minutes in and was able to shift my view on them pretty quickly. They're spirits. Spirits that are caught up in all the childlike wonder of their senses. Sounds. Smells. Sights. Textures. They got excited over each new discovery, getting swept away by their implications. Sometimes dangerously (and creepily) so.

I liked the overall story, but was left with questions (that the director's interview mostly cleared up). And I didn't like some of the choices made in the story's portrayal - even once i got past the sounds. Nonetheless, the spirits' smiles were semi-contagious and the contemporary dance sequences were pleasing to watch.

At least the musicians' house is temporarily cleaned of its build up of regular human detritus?

Read More

Sweet simple college movie

I decided to watch this with hesitation but the plot made me do it as I feel like watching a movie with confession issue. ?
I love how simple yet emotionally appealing to me. It was a good story, it’s giving me a 90s vibe with a slow-paced. Sometimes I just feel like watching something simple but with a good story plot. The plot was predictable to me, but that’s not really an issue for me as I’m more curious how their relationships build up.
I find their friendship really cute and sweet, and I wish I have those experiences in my life. Sad.
I love the cast too, they’re so compatible with each other. I love her innocent look, her letters and how detailed she is writing it.

—-/ spoilers////

//////
//////
//////
I love the ending. First time (I believe ) watching a movie without a kissing scene. But it’s still sweet❤️.

2:17am. Good morning to start my February 2023.

Read More

Best Mulan LIVE action I have seen so far ??

Mulan 2009
I picked this one up after hearing by many this was the best and closes to the Legend of Mulan.

PROS:
◇The focus on the mental and emotional toll war can and does have on a person.
◇Mulan wasn't a perfect character she was flawed.
◇The character growth
◇The writing
◇Chemistry between the leads
◇Overall plot & deployment of the story
◇Didn't get as violent as it could have.

CONS:
◇Editing wasn't super great I think because of the budget.
◇We didn't get alot of time with the side characters to care when things happened. That being said it was sad but wish they had more screen time.
It was just a movie not a show so I also understand.

Rewatch? Yes

TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
◇Death
◇War
◇Talk of domestic abuse

Read More

Beautiful, but not a good movie.

I put my hope too high for this movie. I never watch or read any of xxxHolic franchise so I don't know about the story, but the trailer seems promising. With Kamiki Ryunosuke, Shibasaki Kou, Matsumura Hokuto, and Tamashiro Tina... it'll be great! I thought.

But nope. There is something wrong about this high potential project.

The story is sooo unclear. For the first half of it, I keep wondering "what happened? wait what?". I felt so dumb, after I finished it I still can't wrap my head around what happening in the movie.
The chacaracters dynamic are strange too. I expected to see more meaningful Watanuki and Yuuko interaction, as well as Watanuki and his friends, Himawari and Doumeki. Himawari is barely there, it seems like Doumeki there only for fanservice lol eventhough I like it as Kamiki and Hokuto's fan... but for a movie it's not a wise choice.

The A-list actor and actress can't help this movie either. Kamiki and Shibasaki doing great, but sorry to say, Hokuto and Tina are sucks. Their character is so plain and blant. It's weird because both of them are really talented actually, they did excellent on another project. Especially Hokuto because I've been following him for years.

After some searching, I found out about the director, then it all make sense now.
No wonder why this movie is so beautiful. But still sucks tho, she can't become a director atleast for now.

I recommend anyone to watch is just because if you're a fan of one of the cast, or a fan of xxxHolic.

Read More

It is a terrifying system that will never yield

Director Kurosawa takes aim at greed and malevolent corporate and bureaucratic power in The Bad Sleep Well. He sends one man tilting at that explosive windmill in an effort to enact revenge and seek justice. Inspired by Hamlet, dare we even hope Mifune Toshiro can topple the unseen forces driving the action in this film?

If the opening scene seems familiar, it’s because Francis Ford Coppola raved about it and the opening scene for the Godfather was inspired by it. A wedding reception for a young couple is overshadowed by the corporate cronies and executives preening for Iwabuchi, the Vice President of the company whose daughter Yoshiko married his male secretary, Nishi. A cake in the shape of the building where a man jumped (or was pushed) to his death five years before is wheeled in with a rose protruding from the deadly seventh floor window. As the reporters in the background share their cynical and fairly accurate take on the people involved, they give us the exposition we need to catch up with who we should be wary of- the "clean-up crew" of graft and why the cake is an omen.

It takes nearly 35 minutes for Mifune Toshiro to have his first lines and tell us what we are already suspect. He is the son of the murdered man and is orchestrating a complex revenge plan against the men responsible, even going to the lengths of marrying his enemy's daughter.

Like the mob looking for bribes, the Public Corporation for Land Development has been taking money and kick-backs from companies, most recently a deal with Dairyu. And like the mob, those at the top are untouchable, their subordinates completely loyal, and those who fail or question are expendable.

Nishi is willing to sacrifice everything, even his own sense of morality, to bring down the men who murdered his father. "It's not easy hating evil. You have to stoke your own fury until you become evil yourself." He's aware many of the things he's doing are illegal he’s and more than willing to go to prison if he can succeed with his plan. His fatal flaw is underestimating not only the murderous intent and moral bankruptcy of his adversary, but also the sheer size of the invisible evil that looms just out of sight. When everything looks like it's going Nishi's way, that justice will prevail, one crack threatens destruction.

Though Nishi has no issue ruining Public Corp's pawns-Wada, Shirai, and Moriyama, he does have lines he will not cross. The Vice President and the master he answers to, have no such compunctions. Nishi lacks the hate his enemies have. He doesn't realize that what he thinks is a monolith of power is connected to others and there is no way out without being crushed by their cruel intentions. Unlike Ikiru who broke through the bureaucratic wall, Nishi broke his body against it. It was not like he wasn't warned. "It is a terrifying system that will never yield," Wada warned him. This corporate ronin replied, "Everyone feels that way and gives up. That's how they get away with it."

Another flaw for the main character is that Nishi fell in love with his wife. Yoshiko is so innocent and useless that it is hard to feel sorry for her and easy to feel rage when she becomes the linchpin of doom.

I have no complaints with the hopeless tale of revenge. It takes more than a son's vengeful anger to bring down city hall or in this case government and corporate entities. My issue is that what could have been the most poignant event in the movie happened off camera, taking all the emotional punch out of it. This was one of those times when we should have been shown not told.

Kurosawa gave us a brutally unforgiving film about one man standing up to the corrupt machine. He was unflinching in showing how such power can crush those who oppose it and innocent bystanders along the way. Despite the flawed issue I mentioned, overall, I found the film tragic, well written, well-acted, and captivating. The film is even more meaningful because those bastions of power and avarice have only grown stronger and larger since Kurosawa's day. As he said, "I made this film too soon."

1/31/23

Read More

THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF ONE'S ACTING CAREER.

You heard of all the fuzz with how Higashide Masahiro (HM) cheated on his wife for Karata Erika (KE). Prior to said news, I watched this because I am deeply in love with KE's beauty. Hence, I waited for it intently.

The story line was unique in itself, KE's past love and present love were both played by HM, hence they looked the same. Of course, the typical cliche were part of the story. However, it was provocative in the way that since both characters looked the same way and you love them both, who would you choose? I'll let you find out for yourselves.

When the news broke that HM cheated on his wife for KE, I wasn't really surprised. Rather it just confirmed my they had such amazing chemistry with each other. The lines they threw to each other were heart felt, it was as if they were truly in a relationship with each other. Surprise, Suprise.. They were.

Music was pretty decent, which is pretty standard for Jmovies.

Re-watch value? I've watched it 5 times. I dunno why. I just like watching Erika's face too much :D.

Overall, a solid 10 for someone who is a hopeless romantic and a corporate slave at the same time.

Read More