1"The night is full of weirdos"
Fallen Angels was the film negative of Chungking Express. Both films dealt with lonely, disaffected people but Fallen Angels didn’t even pretend the characters had a shot at true love. Instead of police officers there were murderers and a slightly mad entrepreneur. Wong Kar Wai brought back the devastating canned pineapple and expiration dates, only this time the expiration dates were for relationships and lifespans.“I’m a lazy person, I like for people to arrange things for me.”
Wong Chi Ming is a hired killer. He calls himself lazy and enjoys having someone else tell him where to be and what to do. After finishing a job, he grabs a bus just like any other salary worker. When an old classmate on the bus asks about his life, he drags out pics and a story created for just such encounters. His partner, whom he never interacts with, cleans his apartment and gives him his assignments. She fancies herself in love with him and he, her. Wong runs into an old lover he doesn’t recognize, hooking up with her for a time. He Qi Wu lost his voice as a child after eating expired canned pineapples. His father is the caretaker of the Chungking Mansions Hotel where the secretive partner lives as well. At night Qi Wu breaks into businesses and runs them for himself. Too often he forces his services on customers who end up paying him to leave them alone. Qi Wu becomes involved with a woman whose boyfriend dumped her to marry another woman. Too soon he discovers that pineapples aren’t the only things with expiration dates.
“There are some things you can’t escape.”
Wong Kar Wai utilized his iconic green, yellow, and red palette once again. The characters and backgrounds flew frenetically about, always in motion as if they were trying to outrun their fates. The characters’ sun was the moon as they lived in a world constantly at night, lit by streetlamps and neon lights echoed on damp pavements. Obsession and desire replaced anything resembling true love as they grasped at any form of connection to break their loneliness and isolation no matter how temporary. Chungking had one blonde in a wig, the Hong Kong of Fallen Angels was overpopulated with women and men named Blondie. These blondes didn’t have more fun, they were always on the precipice of loss or brawls.
“We rub elbows with a lot of people every day. Some of them might become your friends or confidants.”
The acting was superb whether in action scenes, comedic situations, or characters sorrowfully scouring bars and streets for a glance at love. There was little to no plot, this was Wong Kar Wai. Style and mood ruled over narrative. The characters weren’t highly developed more like notes in a song too sad for words, played out in garish, muted tones. There are times with WKW that I’m not sure if his work is bold or self-indulgent like a video collage of dark emotions set on fire. I enjoyed Fallen Angels more than Chungking Express though I did miss Tony Leung’s presence. This film’s mood hit with me, swaying the balance to a bold, creative effort.
“The road wasn’t that long and I knew I’d be getting off soon. But at that moment I felt such warmth.”
9 December 2024
Trigger warnings: Self-pleasuring scenes and bathroom humor. For vegans, butcher scenes.
Was this review helpful to you?
The acting is solid (that cast, am I right?) but the writing could have used a bit more work. I'm also not sure I loved the "style" they chose to portray the evil/supernatural elements —it felt a bit cheap at times. I’d need a spoiler tag to elaborate further on that.
Maybe I just expected too much after reading some reviews, but "Exhuma" is still enjoyable on a basic level, especially if you know a bit about Korean history.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Did not expect this at all
Watched without reading much except the short summary.But men that was hardcore.
Sow this only in Mangas never in a movie. Loved the sex scenes as they were not porn per say. With enough exposed sides but hidden parts as well so it was not as nasty. Not a fun of porn at all.
The BDSM was not light but not hard , somewhere in the middle.
This thing about “pleasure changes the mind and body” i think its true. So Makoto getting hooked on pleasure even if he is not into men and in that situation it truly can happen. Specifically in the state of mind and psychy he was then.
The Doc (sorry bad at names didnt remeber his) you can see from a point that he is a little unstable as well - then we know why. He is saying to Makoto its not his fault but truly he is saying to himself.
Now on the overall i was amazed and will watch maybe again later. Also im a sucker for HE even it there is a bad start or angst (prefer none) or sad things. Man i would have really enjoyed if there was more after the Beach House Sex - but as this is more of an Smut BDSM Artistic Movie 😭🤣 then it has to end with
- Are you alive
- Yes i am.
Ps: I was expecting that Makoto will not let him leave and take his live.
Was this review helpful to you?
A short trip worth taking
Summer, Bus is a delightful short film, especially if you are having a bad day. Two different bus drivers have their turn on Bus #33 with unique and uplifting experiences.Our first bus driver plays matchmaker and is a sweet talker when the machine malfunctions. The second bus driver deals with a mischievous pint-sized tagger who loves sea life and harbors a secret.
Were the stories realistic? Probably not. Were they heartwarming and life affirming? Most decidedly, yes. The lilting music carried the characters along as much as the swaying bus. The good-natured drivers dealt with problems in positive manners, even when passengers were cranky.
This 20 minute trip on a crowded bus could perk up almost any journey you are currently on.
9 December 2024
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watch this for my alphabet challenge and happy can watch this...Story about the first trial that involve jury in Korea. It follows the case of a son brutally murdering his mother, with all factors seeming to point to a guilty ruling. However, the trial did not go as smoothly as expected by the professional (Judge, attorney and prosecutor). Because with the addition of jury, the case open to new eyes and new possibility.
This movie give us point of view of how ordinary people can see and notice something that overlook by professional, cause they just think the easy and fastest way to end the case. The Jury especially help the head judge to think back about her original purpose for choosing judge as her profession.
For me this movie really help me to remember, not to judge the book by its cover. Always remember innocent until proven guilty need to emphasis for everyone...
This really one good & interesting movie...
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie WILL PULL YOUR HEARTSTRINGS!!!
I was suggest by a Kpop idol to watch this and today I just happened to fall upon it. I would say be prepared to have some tissue near by because.... you're gonna CRY. I think everyone should watch this movie because it's really good. It shows hardships of adults, kids, and the real world which is important to be seen. This movie is a really good representation of how much parents care about their children too. I see why the idol acknowledge the movie because it's just that good. I also want to shout out the cast too because I know this was NOT easy to pull off and they did their thing. Overall the movie is great and you get it all the laughter, sadness, drama, and love.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Unexpected ending
We were about to drop it half way. It was a cute story about a group of teenage friends. Confuaed plot at the beginning. Was about to drop because there nothing so exciting or interesting in the story lin but ended up having an unexpected plot which put us to tears. Was also very confusing as why did the friends go through so much to do a funeral and the father wasnt even present at the time. I get he was not well because he had already lot his wifeWe did get bored but then there was an unexpected twist at the end that caused tears.
Was this review helpful to you?
Doesn't even compare to the anime adaptation
This doesn't even have 1/10 of the ingredients that makes the anime so good. It is not as funny or witty, there's not chemistry between the two leads, they dont even seem to be have a complex about their heights, and everything seems so rushed to be packed in 90 minutes.It's good enough for a sunday afternoon with nothing better to do.
Do yourself a favour and watch the anime instead. Save this for latter, to fill 90 minutes of a boring day.
Was this review helpful to you?
How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies
1 people found this review helpful
emotional value is this film's selling point
this film's plot is quite simple, but acting and directing ended up pulling on my heart strings. it also made me think of my grandma (who passed away) and how significant role do grandmothers actually play in family dynamics. after finishing the film, i got quite emotional. hopefully, oscar voters see this film's uniqeness in portraying complicated emotions and it scores a nomWas this review helpful to you?
Better than ever hoped
omfg we were waiting for SKZ-FLIX for so long and by god did stray kids deliver!!! From people who arent even actors their acting was amazing and the story omfg. Overall so frickin impressed and ive watched it like 10 times. The story itself was so unexpected and defo impressed with the cyclical structure they added in, love seeing all of the theories by STAYS too. This was such a good way to promote BLIND SPOT, Cover Me and Leave which are awesome songs already. SKZ FOURTH GEN LEADERS !!!! :DDDWas this review helpful to you?
A Feel-Good Thai Movie That’s Easy to Enjoy
Thai films are generally very well made, and this one is no exception. Not only is the cinematography outstanding, but the actors also delivered impressive performances. For me, it was a fun and light movie that’s easy to watch and makes time fly.The movie offers several valuable lessons, conveyed through the stories of both Toy and Vee. It’s easy to understand their experiences, empathize with their emotions, and grasp the moral takeaways embedded in their respective journeys.
The only downside is the ending. While it’s positive, it felt a bit rushed (and short). I would have appreciated a bit more depth, particularly in exploring their relationship further.
Overall, it’s a great movie to relax and enjoy!
Was this review helpful to you?
A disaster film that focuses on SAR and nothing more.
‘Flash Over’ is a film that showcases the virtues of duty, courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the firefighters and other emergency personnel involved in the search and rescue after the explosion of a chemical plant. In a way, it can pay tribute to the real-life heroes who put their lives on the line to save others in times of crisis. However, the spotlight is on the intense search and rescue operations, and nothing more. Even with the flashy set pieces with all the explosions, massive fires and such, it fails to ignite deeper emotion like most disaster films would.Although this movie has an intriguing story arc, the flow begins to lose its appeal in the middle. Every single plot is driven solely by suspense and action. The minimum character development makes it difficult for the viewer to get emotionally invested. Without proper backstory, all characters are simply firefighters on a mission.
One common pitfall of disaster films is that they often rely heavily on CGI to realistically depict large-scale disasters and dramatic rescue operations, and this film unfortunately falls into that pitfall. Even with good camera work, the bad CGI really detracts from the overall viewing experience.
If you're up for the action and muscular men in uniforms, this movie will give you that. But if you're looking for story and emotional impact, you better not expect too much from it. Overall, this film has so much potential to be great but somehow failed to deliver well. It ended up being a mediocre rescue film.
Was this review helpful to you?
"A man with a heretical style can live honorably"
Destiny’s Son aka Kiru was a lovely, if nihilistic, style over substance tale of a samurai’s journey of loss. Director Misumi Kenji crafted a spare film clocking in at 70 minutes based on story by author Kyoshiro Nemuri. I suspect people who have read the book would be able to fill in the narrative gaps in the film.Takakura Shingo was given permission to take a three-year walkabout by his low ranking samurai father. When gentle Shingo returns everyone is surprised that he has developed incredible sword skills. This sets off a chain of events that leads to murder and Shingo taking to the road, this time for good. Skilled, loyal, and good-hearted, Shingo learns more about his background and the treachery of “honorable” samurai.
Death was a main character in this drama as it lurked behind every character. Betrayal and Deception were strong supporting characters as Shingo dealt with ambushes repeatedly. The young samurai vowed to never marry as he was unable to save the three women in his life nor were his skills successful in protecting his father figures. Shingo’s theme song could have been “Alone Again, Naturally.”
Most of the sword fights were of the swipe and fall variety. There was one notable exception. During a duel an opponent made like a banana and split vertically as his corpse fell to the ground. Shingo’s innovative style was considered heretical which I found amusing as if there was a sacred way to murder people.
Misumi created a very stylish film with a variety of framing and filming techniques. He pared the story down to the bare minimum, hitting the highlights in Shingo’s sad life. Ever at the mercy of merciless people and a merciless system, Shingo’s invincible sword skills could not protect his heart.
7 December 2024
Was this review helpful to you?
It will make you cry if you understand the meaning
I wasn’t expecting what the drama to be like what it was I feel like I either dreamt or watched something similar to this drama it feels so familiar.I wasn’t expecting to cry thinking about it makes me cry and you would think I am crazy to be crying over an A.I. Boy but it was good. The ending made me had a lot of what if’s that made me tear up. I don’t think it needed to be altered in anyway what I would like though was thoes moments in the closet should have been shown through A.I. POV how it made him feel hearing and not being able to see what’s going on. I know he has no feelings,emotions or desires but I still would like to see that.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Get your box of tissues ready
Oh my god.... I couldn't stop crying. Such a rollercoaster!Although I sobbed like a little kid, I still really loved it. It had thriller, it had suspense, it had warm moments and heart crushing moments. It was beautifully done.
My eyes are gonna be hella puffy in the morning but it's worth it! I would recommend you to at least try and watch The Bravest, you might like it more than you would think.
Was this review helpful to you?
