Reviews

[The given categories for the star ratings do not fit at all for a documentary, so feel free to ignore them. I wish it were possible to post a review without them, but here we are.]

In "Sumodo - The Successors of Samurai" the director is allowed to enter two prestigious sumo "stables" (that's the word given by the subtitles in JFF Theater) to film the daily lives of sumo wrestlers. He films them during training and during downtime -- I was amazed at how close the director got to the wrestlers, and how open they were with him about their hopes and struggles.
Given that Sumo wrestlers do see themselves as the successors of Samurai (which is historically not quite unreasonable, as the documentary explains), and that Japanese society is not known for people openly speaking about their inner world, this is quite the feat!
(The film team is even invited to a wedding.)

Because of the closeness, the documentary is able to show us both the exterior of Sumo (the history, the stables' PR and, of course, the competitions) and the workings "behind the scenes". This documentary could have been a film focused on the fights, on the powerful bodies and the excitement of the tournaments -- it is that, but it is tempered by what we learn about the people -- real people with profound thoughts, with feelings, with bodies that sometimes fail; people who continuously push their boundaries and strive for perfection, even if it means to endure pain and suffering.

I started without any real knowledge about the sport -- the documentary was still easy to follow and I learned a lot. Since it's made for a Japanese audience, there are some things left unexplained, but it's still an educating watch.
If you have the chance to watch it, then I recommend to do so!

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✒⚖ Trial By Afterlife ⚖ °7.2° °good°

It opens at the close for our ML. He's a fireman who dies while heroically saving a girl's life. The next thing he knows, he's walking toward the Gate of the Afterlife where he can be reincarnated after completing seven trials: betrayal, violence, filial piety, murder, indolence, deceit, and injustice.

AwtG2🌏, a 2017 239-minute release that is rated 86 on AWiki, is about these trials in conjunction with static from the living world as his family's drama continues to play out. It's a review of the hard decisions he had to make in his life, and it's quite moving in spots. Along with his two grim reaper guides (Guardians) he barely escapes a couple of the trials. Quick thinking and a look at things from another angle keep him from sinking to the bottom. (‘All you cared about was money? You are guilty!’ ‘Wait, he only cared about money because he had to provide for his mother and brother!’ ‘Not guilty, then.’)

The acting is seamless. Cha Tae-Hyun (Narco-Saints, Assassination,1987: When the Day Comes) is the lead, Kim Ja-Hong. Cha Tae Hyun (Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation, Moving) plays Kim Ja Hong. The somber Ju Ji Hoon (Kingdom-8.3, Blood Free-8.5, Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation) is Hae Won Maek. Kim Hyang Gi (Innocent Witness, Salon De Nabi) is Duk Choon. The Screenwriter & Director is Kim Yong Hwa (200 Pounds Beauty-6.5, The Moon).

The special effects are excellent (they are almost overdone) and the sets are beautiful. The Gate of the Afterlife scene is jammed with extras, creating a sprawling feel. The chase scenes are mad-good. There are no flaws. Despite its strengths, AwtG2🌏 does not take our spirits and emotions along for the full ride. I liked this film quite a bit, but I didn't /love/ it. It's a fantasy thriller - a big budget one, and it's visually spectacular. At the same time, it is a simple tale of afterlife adventuring with the message to not give up. Per Wiki, it is based on the webtoon series by Joo Ho-min & inspired by Joseon dynasty Buddhist paintings and early Buddhist texts of the Ten Kings of Hell.

Maybe it won't put your emotions through a trial, but it isn't dumbed-down in the least, either. One judge says, “A sin that has been forgiven in the real world will not be judged in the afterlife.” Would that were true. Work on forgiveness. I find that I cannot forgive without divine assistance, but the release of anger and hatred is something we can all work on to make the world less of a hell. AwtG2🌏 has the right combination of fun, excitement, and depth to make it a good weekend watch for a family with teens&older as it reinforces the best ideals. None of us wants to be found guilty of betrayal, violence, filial impiety, murder, indolence, deceit, and injustice, afterall, do we?


QUOTE📢

Can we think about it while we run?


〰🖍 IMHO

📣7 📝6.5 🎭7.7 🌞5 🎨8.4 ⚡7.8 🎵/🔊6 😅2 😭6 😱4 😯3 😖2 🤔4 💤0 🔚8 and it continues….


Age 14+ Language: scattered R-rated - $h!+ × 3, B@$+@rd, F💣 × 2, Pr!(k, Pu$$y

Re-📺? Down the road… maybe

In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

Modern Day:
Mad For Each Other 7.8 ~silly fun;
My Secret Romance 7 (if you ff thru overdone flashbacks);
A Witch's Love 7.8;
Love to Hate You 8.9;
Her Private Life 8;
Touch your heart 8.2;
Romance is a bonus book 7.9;
Boys Over Flowers 8 ~ melodrama to the max;
Crash Landing On You 9.1;
Oh My Ghost 10;
It's Okay Not To Be Okay 9;
Love Struck in the City 7.3;
Hospital Playlist 9;
My Mister 9.5;
More Than Friends 8;
I'll See You When the Weather is Fine 9;
Something in the Rain 9

Historical/Period:
My Only Love Song 8.7 ~ excellent comedy;
Live Up To Your Name 7.6;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl / Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo 8.5;
Saimdang 8.5;
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9

Try a Chinese historical fantasy romcom: The Romance of Tiger and Rose 9.8

Action/Sci-fi/fantasy:
K2 8;
Private Lives 8.1;
Sisyphus 8;
Tunnel 8.1;
Signal 8.6;
Black 9;
Squid Game 8.4;
Kingdom 8.3;
Sweet Home 8.4

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"Life is nothing but tragedy."

'Redlife' centers on two storylines that later on intersect in a tragic twist. The idea is not groundbreaking, but this film doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of poverty and slum life. There’s a cleverly woven underlying theme of street gang, crime, drug use, girls' love, and prostitution, making it an intriguing watch for those seeking a glimpse into the gritty side of Bangkok.

Although the actors’ performances and the character arcs are commendable, the main plot falls a bit flat. The story of Ter and Som seems unpolished, with some noticeable plot holes that hinder its impact. Though it feels more like a melodrama, it lacks those poignant moments and depth that challenge you to reflect deeply on the hardship the characters are going through. The ending is rather confusing. Despite the flaws, this film has decent cinematography, depicting the sympathetic insight into the lives of the less fortunate in good visual detail.

If you're up for a mildly thrilling cinematic experience with some tragic stories, this film might be your cup of tea. For me, it's a one-time watch. I like the bleak/dark concept, but this film fails to deliver it well and make it impressive.

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MALENA IS ICONIC

I did not expect a lot from Sine Sindak this year but the 150 pesos movie ticket is something I can really afford given the inflation rate these days.
The cinematography is top notch and the sound effect is commendable.
The story is different, something fresh, something new in the Philippines.
It only has few casts but all of them nailed their portrayals from Aubrey Caraan's toughie attitude to Heart and Xia who were cute. Andrea and Jeffrey are also convincing and they are effective as Nanay and Tatay, respectively.
I am giving this a 10 because of Elia Ilano, who is the star of this film. Malena is one of the best Pinoy horror characters (for me) because of the depth and portrayal of the character. Elia Ilano deserves more movies.
In addition, for me, this is Direk Roni's best movie to date.

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T.I.L.Y. is like a Fever Dream, a colorful whirlwind of emotions

Different people in 3 different kinds of loving relationships, even presented in different genres of film one might say, all packaged in a 2 h movie. The characters don't feel particularly "Japanese", but that adds to the overall slightly fantastic character of this anthology. I don't think it's to be taken dead seriously, but like a fever dream, an a bit exaggerated version of our reality, where everything that happens is accompanied by a tad of magic.

The film made me cry and it made me laugh and it made me think about the relationships I have with the people I love. So my conclusion here is: It's definitely worth watching.
The soundtrack is beautiful too.
Ok, this is my humble opinion ~

You get the film, if you don't measure everything against the reality we live in and embrace the message.

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watch it and sob

Allergies. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

(Not the most original story but it managed to have its own identity in such a short span of minutes. It’s sad that it’s this sad, but at least I knew that going in. I could see this developed into a full picture or a miniseries, though that would be the devil’s work ‘cause imagine a full hour or MULTIPLE HOURS of enduring the pain of just knowing. Don’t anyone there! Let it rest.

Anywho, I was testing this to see if Bible and Jes were good together and it totally managed ti convince me to go watch 4 Minutes now, so that’s about what I’m gonna do now!

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A Different Kind of Magic

As a fan of the Onmyoji anime on Netflix, I went into Onmyoji 0 expecting intense supernatural battles, demon-slaying action, and the legendary duo of Abe no Seimei and Minamoto no Hiromasa saving the world. What I got, however, was a very different film—one that focused more on political intrigue and spiritual training than on epic showdowns.

This prequel delves into Seimei’s early days, examining the inner workings of the Onmyoji order—its rigid hierarchy, training system, and the power struggles that unfold within. The film replaces demons with human conflict, and grand magic with subtle manipulation, including the use of hypnosis. While the magical elements were minimal, the world-building was rich, and the CGI effects were visually striking.

If you’re expecting high-octane fantasy action, this may not satisfy. But if you’re open to a slower, more character-driven story about the origins of a legendary Onmyoji, Onmyoji 0 might still be worth your time—temper your expectations.

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this is amazing

the cast and crew did an incredible job with this movie, it’s fantastic and I will be watching it again and again for as long as I live, I loved everything about it, and the message of the movie was very well executed, you will feel immersed in the whole movie, I didn’t even realise that it was over until it was, which is hard for me to experience, because I watched so many movies and TV shows, I was scared and shocked, excited and nervous, raged and terrified, from the beginning I was hooked, I couldn’t stop watching even if I tried, I had to know what happens, I’m so impressed with this.

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I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

I love doing comparison reviews when a BL series is edited into a movie. It’s just bizarre I had to wait over 1 ½ years to do this one. What is even more bizarre is I had to use a VPN to watch the movie edit of a Viki original series on GagaOOLala. This is especially weird considering that Viki released three other Korean BL series (one of them also a Viki original) after this series which all were quickly edited into a movie within the same year of its release.

The movie/series: This had an interesting storyline. The script was simple but good. I love how they used Woo Jae’s web-based novel to mirror the main couple’s situation. This helped explained both main characters’ feelings. It had nice cinematograph but the flash back scenes in the beginning was a little confusing because it was not clearly marked. The acting was good with the usual exception often seen in Korean BL series/movies.

The movie: The movie has a different starting point because they edited out the opening credits and the first 2 minutes from the series beginning. Overall, the move version was ok. They did a great job editing it into a cohesive movie. However, they made a few poor editing choices with the scenes they cut out. I know this was probably done for timing purposes, but the storyline did not have the same pacing it had in the series. On a good note, it did not affect the relationship and story progression in anyway.

Random Notes:

I strongly recommend watching the series version (on Viki if you can) because the pacing had a nice, even flow to it. Another reason is the movie’s English subtitles on GagaOOLala were very bad (I did not take points off for this).

(Added on 2/14/2025): The movie version is finally available on Viki, well in my region. The English subtitles for the movie are definitely a lot better on Viki than on GagaOOLala.

******Spoiler Alert******

Although it was a bit extreme, I get why Woo Jae left. However, I don’t fully understand why he showed such hostile anger towards Yeon Woo. Especially considering he is the one that left without telling Yeon Woo.

The usual exception of course were the kiss scenes. I don’t need the actors to suck each other’s faces off, but at least kiss with some emotions. if the actors are not willing to do a proper kissing scene, have them kiss each other on the check or them hugging. Again, not every BL series has to end with a big make-out/kiss session.

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Slow burn, needs a remake

Adore the manga so decided to give it a try as well.
The story focuses on their love story, it was a great idea to ,,allow,, the audience to hear what the characters are thinking. The characters fit each other so well, it was lovely seeing them slowly fall in love. It is a slow burn but it never dragged just gave them the time they needed, most of the time one of the characters falls first and pursues the other but here they both start from 0 feelings for the other.
It is an older movie and it shows from their phones, rooms, haircuts and the way it was filmed. The chemistry lacks but it is an older movie, for its time I would say they did an OK job. One of the actors did a better job then the other when it came to acting.
It was a simple, cute love story perfect to enjoy with a warm drink on a cold night and I enjoyed it, the manga is better but they did a good job.

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A beautiful paradox

At the heart of the incredibly titled Beach of the War Gods is a beautiful paradox, one built upon love and shame, it's wuxia mayhem by way of Kurosawa and Leone all filtered through the eyes of Jimmy Wang Yu. Whilst hand-to-hand combat had started to become the name of the game following the dawn of the 1970s, this film sees Wang Yu take a decisive step back from what he was more well-known for, to make a film in the genre that had previously dominated, the wuxia. Granted, it does look a little rougher around the edges than many of its contemporaries, but its ambition and scope are to be marvelled at. Wang Yu makes fabulous use of the wide frame with some brilliantly composed and thoroughly beautiful shots sprinkled throughout. It's enriched with depth, movement and a constant visual interest to keep you engrossed with wind machines regularly blasting away, waves crashing dramatically and fire adding powerful amounts of colour. And this is all before I mention the film's awe-inspiring and action-packed finale that brings 25 minutes of uninterrupted magnificence to the forefront. Yes, the characters and plot are exceptionally flimsy and the dialogue is superficial at best; yet the stripped-back approach works in Beach of the War Gods' favour, never intruding upon its gloriously bloody action and rushing towards its lengthy, epic final battle without any fat getting in the way.

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"It is an agony to live but I don't want to die".

As soon as I heard that quote from the movie, I literally opened my note app to notate it. It is so deep, meaningful , sad and quite realistic :(. I have so much to say about this movie but I dont want to spoil it and I want to give people the chance to experience it themselves. I want to thank everyone involved in this movie for making this types of movie. It matters. No wonder why this movie got so much critical acclaim and success all over the world. Now that I just finished watching it, I can understand why. It resonates with a lot of people; this is REAL. These are the types of subjects that are rarely addressed in dramas or movies, especially in a sensitive manner. I seriously want to thank the creators of this movie for this deep and meaningful movie; Mone ,Hokuto and all the veterans actors I recognized from previous Jdrama projects for taking part into this. A young woman who suffers from PMS and a young man who suffers from panic disorders and how they are attempting to navigate this life with their conditions that can be sometimes be very debilitating for them( I am not going to spoil it). Please watch this. Films like this MATTER. Stories like these are important to be told and I am so glad that it got so much deserved success worldwide. Lastly, Thank you again Mone and Hokuto for such formidable performances. I hope to see them reunite in another 3rd project in the future.

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How to survive in a heteronormative world

A poignant short film about two queer people trying to survive in this heteronormative world.

A young woman who loses her fanancial support and tries to find a way out of the situation.
A young man deep in the closet and hopelessly in love with a married man.
A married hetero man, who rather believes unsubstantiated rumours than listen to the subtle hints of his friend.

Two-and-a-half locations, minimal music, details are told with the camera, not with words.
I wonder if people who are not LGBTQ+ can easily understand this short film, but I hope they'd choose to look closely and will listen better than the straight friend here.

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