Revenge.
Revenge is something that gnaws at the soul, that hunts us until we bleed and guts us with pain and hurt. The result becomes something that is a momentary pleasure, seeking to bring satiety to a feeling of anger that is like a black hole, without end.Anyway, go to therapy. Incredible performances, but a story full of strange revenges.
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"Have I ever caused any problems?"
Ma Dong Seok returned as the loose cannon cop who doesn’t play by the rules in The Roundup: No Way Out. Officer Ma Suk Do became even more impervious to pain and injuries in this follow-up. Next time they need to put him in a cape and tights to help better explain why he could punch people through walls and take blows that would be deadly for any other cop. But this was Ma Dong Seok, my favorite ahjussi hitter and I adore him so he can get away with almost anything supernatural and I won’t question it…much.Ma Suk Do is up against big time drug dealer, Joo Sung Cheol, the yakuza, dirty cops, and an assortment of other criminals. When a bag of dope goes missing, everyone is either racing to find it or figuring out a way to use it to their advantage.
Ma Dong Seok is a charismatic actor and fun to watch. As much as I enjoy watching him slap, punch, and body slam people, it became ridiculous that his character was nearly always fighting solo against a group. Where’s this man’s backup? Even when his partner was with him, it was a detriment because after all the years, Kim Man Jae, has never learned adequate self-defense. The film also highlighted for me that police officers need to be able to carry a gun, especially when constantly facing groups of ruthless criminals who are armed with bats, knives, and even a katana.
There wasn’t anything innovative about the story. The age-old trope of adding humorous low-level crooks gave the film some much needed humor during breaks of police brutality. The problem I had with the movie was that there were too many ill-defined criminals. It had a conveyor belt of baddies who were hard to keep up with and some who only popped in for a quick shot or two. I didn’t find Big Bad Joo Sung Cheol particularly menacing or effective. Kunimura Jun had a couple of brief appearances as the head of the yakuza gang and I found myself wishing he had a more substantial role. Katana wielding Aoki Munetaka also made for an interesting character though he too needed more screen time. The police department was just as plagued with poorly drawn characters whose only job was to show up AFTER Ma had clobbered all of the baddies. They’d come in and cleanup the crime scenes and call the ambulances for all the broken bodies.
This Roundup sequel wasn’t as strong as the previous movie largely due to uneven pacing and poorly drawn characters. It was an entertaining watch due largely to Ma Dong Seok’s screen presence and appeal. He loves what he does, but his physical health seems to be deteriorating which always concerns me. Through the years he has suffered various injuries and also has no cartilage in his knees. It was sad watching him struggle to walk upstairs, but as long as he continues to make films and dramas, I’ll continue to watch them even if he’s taking down criminals with his walker or cane.
14 December 2024
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A heartfelt movie with an ending that I take with a graint of salt.
Another great performance from Dongyu Zhou and the FL. I was on the fence about this movie, in the beginning, but the ending did it for me. I like the relationship between the two even though the FL is definitely acting like a typical gold digger who is trying to take advantage of a lonely guy. That is partly true, but he later finds out the daughter she killed, because she was put in prison for murder, was actually not the daughter of the drunk driver who killed her parents, but someone unrelated. She used the ML's money to pay the settlement to the family. This made me so teary eyed as I knew the next scenes were going to be heavy. Now I don't rate this a 9 or 10, because you could see the ML taking care of the vegetative FL, as she tries to commit suicide after finally paying off the settlement to the family of the daughter she killed, as a selfish move and I kind of see it that way. People have a hard time letting go and he seems to have good intentions, but sometimes you just have to let go and allow for a death that would be less hard on the individual, especially when recovery seems improbable. I know that the director wants to go for an over endearing ML with the FL having an improbable prognosis and family members not willing to help, but the FL could be in immense pain and need multiple forms of pain management therapy to just get through the day. With this sort of treatment going on endlessly makes me question the ending as something that should be seen as endearing. I'm just iffy on the ending, but the reasoning behind her swindling the ML for that exact amount is definitely not the best, but you know that makes for a good twist in a movie, and I see why she tried to paint herself as a bad person, so he would eventually give up on her when she did dissappear. Still a good movie despite the ethical differences I have with the ending.Was this review helpful to you?
Parasite Wife’s Previous Work
This was a surprise for me. I Came across this movie by accident and didn’t realize this was the Wife from Parasite and had no idea she had this comedic side to her abilities. A wonderful and light hearted adult comedy worth watching. I’m now curious to see her other work she’s done. The other lead actress was good too and I’d like to see her work too. I’m I knew she looked familiar when I started watching this movie. It’s a nice filler and worth the watch. I was hooked early on for the adult innuendos in the beginningWas this review helpful to you?
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Finally, at the end....
Synopsis: Kevin and Jamie were close school friends who drifted apart before Kevin emigrated to Australia. Kevin was willing to embrace himself and Jamie was not. Years later, Jamie goes to find Kevin after attending a school reunion and hears his ex school mates discussing Kevin's situation. He had been hospitalized at some point for depression. They meet and discuss their lives. Then Jamie asks him if he has any desire to return to Hong Kong. Here the story begins.Kevin openly talks with Jamie about his need to be on medication to keep him functioning. He accepts this as part of his life. He knows those who see him, recognizes how closed off he is and keep their distance. All except Fai, a teenage gay student, who takes a liking to him. Jamie, who has placed his mementos of their relationship in a box, watches on. After dinner, Fai realizes that Kevin is into Jamie and after a brief altercation, walks away. Kevin, lost and lonely, turns to promiscuous sex to get some sort of feeling within himself. Frustrated, he throws the pills away.
His agitation off of the drugs, the actions he takes, finally culminate in his decision to go back to Australia. There he was at peace. Living in a world in which Jamie is so close but still unavailable to him, proves to be too much. Jamie, previously disengaging himself from his past by dumping his mementos in the bin and proposing to his girlfriend, follows him into the street from another reunion. He can not deny himself or his feelings anymore. He begs him not to leave.
The unknowing element of this film creates the interest. There is a stillness felt throughout which builds to a climax at the end. I loved this film for the realistic depiction of depression. The drugs manage his depression but also diminishes any response to stimulation. He feels empty. Nobody, ever discusses this. Lei Jeun Sek nails it. At every stage, he allows the viewer into his desperate mind and what he is feeling without saying a word. The flashbacks and pacing are perfect. My mainstream heart would have loved to see more interaction between Jamie and Kevin. They acted well with each other but it is with Fai that we get the honest responses. This was definitely a palate cleanser from the generic bl being offered and a good watch. Try it, at least once.
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This film moved the majority of the audience to tears in the theater. I must say, it is incredibly inspiring, and I hope it reaches many people who face challenges in life, encouraging them to stay hopeful and keep fighting, even when life feels overwhelming.
Applause to the lead actor, Jackson Yee, for his extraordinary performance! His portrayal was nothing short of remarkable, and he truly brought the character to life!
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★★★★★ Watched 30 Oct 2024 at TIFF 2024
I was very fortunate to attend the world premiere of this film in Tokyo at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2024, held in the luxurious Toho Cinema. After the screening, I had the opportunity to meet actors Ryo Narita, Eriko Nakamura, and Li Xing. I’ve been following Ryo Narita’s films and series for a long time, and my wife, a huge fan, was thrilled to see him in person.
I previously watched Shizo Katayama's film "Missing" at the same festival in 2022, and thanks to Tokyo International Film Festival, I was able to meet the director during a Q&A session that time.
I won’t go into detail about this film since it hasn’t officially been released yet, and also I definitely plan to rewatch it.
The film opens with a somewhat absurd and surreal narrative, which might be a bit confusing at first, but it eventually leads us to the core story.
Despite its darker themes, I found it to be quite entertaining, especially due to Ryo Narita’s natural performance. There are also comedic moments sprinkled throughout that will surely make you laugh.
Ryo Narita mentioned during the Q&A that we need to watch the film multiple times to fully understand and appreciate the deeper story it conveys.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching this film and can’t wait to rewatch it again.
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It’s definitely one of the best film I’ve seen this year!
I attended the screening of 'Ravens' at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2024. The film tells the story of Masahisa Fukase, a famous Japanese photographer whose work is recognized worldwide.It’s about how Fukase lived his life and the process behind creating his masterpieces. The story really amazed me.
After the screening, there was a Q&A with the director/producer Mark Gill and the director of photography Fernando Ruiz. They shared how happy they were to make a film about Fukase, with Tadanobu Asano, one of Japan's top actors, playing the lead. Mark Gill mentioned that he wouldn’t have made the film if Asano hadn’t been involved.
Overall, I loved the film. Even though it was an early screening at 10 AM, I didn’t miss a single moment. It’s definitely one of the best film I’ve seen this year!
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Relatable Yet Insipid
The movie was rather relatable in how lonely the character's life was lived however, I will say it did not feel like the movie picked up until the last 15 minutes, when she makes the call with Jina it really felt like it was going to go somewhere in which the character finally allows herself a moment to breathe and the angst and tension with her dad will be released however the ending is rather lackluster, I understand the character and her mindset, in fact, I am quite literally her, however, the film was making this large buildup with her father and the girl she was training only for it to fall flat. Although, she resolves the conflict with Jina, the one with her father feels unresolved due to the fact she doesn't meet up with him nor is she able to have an actual conversation with him about how she feels about her mother's death (a major catalyst for her break through on the phone with her dad). The ending just feels unfinished and yet way too long at the same time.Was this review helpful to you?
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I cried.. I Laughed...Im Anxious
I'm watching this movie because of kim go eun (koo jae hui)... And Also i had waited for Noh Sang Hyun (jang heung su) other project after watching him at pachinko.... i didnt read the synopsis before watching it.. at first I thought that he felt for her... but he's A gay... then I thought I might stop watching .. but i kept on watching .. Noh sang hyun so attractive in this movie... their friendship made me envy so that I wish I had A Gay Friend like him... A complicated relationship of JH because of her personality so other took advantage of it... HS afraid to coming out because of society's view and his mother...they help and support each other.... they fight but always be there for each other problem.... I cried just watching their friendship value... I Cried JH dance with HS at the end... although this is not some sad movie.. I hoped that Noh Sang Hyun got other project after this....
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A series to pass the time
I watched School Tales mostly because I had nothing else to watch, but it ended up surprising me. While the visual effects leave something to be desired, the storytelling truly delivers. If you pay attention to the narratives, the fear creeps in, and I couldn’t help but put myself in the characters’ shoes, questioning what I’d do in their place. Each episode tells a different story, and there’s a strong sense of karma that reminds me of Girl From Nowhere's Nanno. It seems deeply tied to regional beliefs or cultural ideas, adding an intriguing layer to the horror.Was this review helpful to you?
1The rest is silence
You know to brace yourself for the pain when Feng Xiao Gang took on Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy in The Banquet. Vengeance, desire, madness, and treachery were never far away in this opulent film inspired by Hamlet.In a tale as old as time, a king is murdered by his brother who then steals his throne and empress. The Crown Prince lives in a bamboo forest with a theater group pining for his lost love who married his father. When the news arrives that his father is dead, killed by a “scorpion sting,” CP Wu Luan heads for the capital. Empress Wan loves Wu but also enjoys the perks and power of being an empress and is disappointed that Wu seems to have little interest in ruling the country. When Emperor Li declares a banquet, everyone in attendance is looking to murder someone else. Family gatherings can be a bear.
The role of Empress Wan was originally to go to Gong Li but due to scheduling conflicts was taken over by Zhang Zi Yi. In the book, the queen was Hamlet’s mother, but here, the young empress had been his lover. I would love to have seen what Gong Li would have brought to the role but ZZY availed herself well as the conflicted, scheming empress. Ge You brought out the fratricidal emperor’s lethal and sexy sides. Daniel Wu’s crown prince varied from brooding to whiny. That’s not a slam, Hamlet was one of the first emo “heroes.” Zhao Xun made the most of this version of Ophelia though Qing never went completely mad. Despite a strong cast, the writing let them down. By the end of the film, I wasn’t heavily invested in any of the characters. Ironically, Ge You’s acting pulled me in more than any of the other performances. It also didn’t help that I knew what the final course of the meal would be.
The story only thinly related to Hamlet and was told at a glacial pace. In order to spice things up there were some of the most erotic scenes I’ve observed in Chinese films. ZZY had a body double for the full backside scenes, something else you rarely see. The final scene strayed from the book in a puzzling manner which left a bad taste in my mouth. The dependable Yuen clan choreographed the few fight scenes which were elegant and bloody. One clandestine fight was more dance fu and foreplay than fists and kicks.
The Banquet excelled in its stunning cinematography, luxurious costumes, and beautiful score. This film was truly a treat for the eyes and ears. By utilizing blank masks and theater, the film gave us a story within a story. Everyone wore a mask in one form or another. The Banquet was a sumptuous feast for the eyes, but some of the dishes were a little bland.
12/12/24
AKA LEGEND OF THE BLACK SCORPION
Trigger warnings: A "romantic" rape. :(
Also, backside nudity and a few gratuitous breast shots that didn't show everything.
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Freen and Mario's oozing chemistry
Pai and Nat's scene together got me blushing. I really love how pai flirt back on nat, she's so cute. But I hope that there's still a sequel soon. I can't get enough about freen and mario's on-screen chemistry. they're so good. Their flirting scenes are so good that you'll find me sobbing on the floor 55555.Was this review helpful to you?
Like a rolling stone
Full disclosure, after watching this two-minute film I had to scurry across the internet and look up what sailing stones were. After doing my due diligence, I went back and rewatched Sailing Stones. I came to the conclusion that this was more a video piece of art than traditional film.Sailing Stones was filmed in black and white with zero dialogue. Several expressionless people are on the beach with long narrow tracks behind them. Their ages and sex vary. All stare ahead even as the sound of stone against stone grinds and moves them forward. At long last the sun begins to wake behind the mountain.
For anyone like me who is confused by the title, sailing stones (also sliding, walking, or rolling stones) have been found in Death Valley, California, USA. For a long time, stones were found to have moved with a dragging trail behind them. Turns out when the stones are on a melting sheet of ice, the strong winds can cause them to “sail.”
The disparate people in this short film were propelled in curving trails, victims of external forces instead of their own will and volition. Filmed for 10 CM’s single, “Sleepless in Seoul,” each of the individuals had their own reason for sleeplessness. A pregnant woman, a student, a salaryman, all were pushed about by the ever-present wind. Was the ground frozen beneath their feet or were their hearts and lives frozen as they were dispassionately transported?
I suspect like viewing a painting or a Rorschach test, everyone will have their own interpretation of this short film. I found the concept intriguing.
11 December 2024
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