This review may contain spoilers
Pandora's Box
Mariko and Shiino are two peas on a pod, as both had though upbringing and was in a toxic environment. Due to this, they were able to empathize, support each other, and form a strong bond. Her whole journey to uphold their "promise" of seeing the sea, reminded me of Pandora's Box (also due to Mariko's ashes being on a box). Her whole journey were full of despair, and bad luck just like what Pandora unleashed upon opening the box. As Pandora's Box had "Hope" amidst the foul, pain and darkness, her journey's conclusion also gave her Hope that served as will to carry on living for her beloved. It made me realize that through out her journey, there was Hope beside her.This story, despite being common, was able to make me feel heavy and it made me remember that the world is indeed cruel, unfair, yet fair. Through out the movie, it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. It ran just right even if it only was 90 mins, it wasn't too fast nor too slow. The speed made sense, specially taking into consideration that this only happened for maybe 3 or 4 days.
Nagano Mei really pulled me on the story, she was able to really show the longing, loneliness, and confusion she felt from Mariko's passing. Most of Mei's project that I watched had her as someone that is innocent, and soft spoken and to see her shouting and talking with a sharp mouth was new for me. The delivery of her dialogues and monologues were one of the things that kept me engaged on the story. She is able to evoke despair and longing for her dear friend. Nao also doesn't fall short on her acting, I was feeling concerned like Shiino the whole time. Her delivery on the "It's all my fault" lines was so great that it felt like I needed to tell her thay she wasn't at fault and also say what Shiino said that the world was at fault for her demise.
The inserts had a hopeful feeling on it an example would be when Shiino had the answer for her question, "Where should we go?". Hope was scattered through out the film, even thought it isn't really that noticable. The ending song had the calm vibe on it, just like how droplets of water drip sound after a heavy rain.
It is a heavy film that can also make people's heart ache, a great film that is good to rewatch also but if you don't want to feel that again you can skip rewatching this. For me, I will pass on rewatching this because this movie is something that you can only see and feel once. Like having a feeling of "wanting to watch it for the first time again".
Overall, this is a heavy drama that easily captures the feeling of losing a person that is important to you. The story was pretty straightforward. The acting was what made this film a great watch. A big props to the director, original author, actors, staff that was able to make a film like this.
To watch this, you should be mentally ready as topics in this movie may be a trigger.
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Meh film
I love my monster horror movies, they are just fun to watch whenever you wanna feel like a kid again, seeing monsters destroy shit and then seeing humans try to escape or fight back at these monsters, see what plans they can come up with to win, but this movie... this film is just boringly mid, pretty predictable what is going to happen throughout the movie, they didn't even fight the ginormous octopus that is shown in the poster, It was just teased in the beginning of the film that some mysterious monster destroyed this underwater lab to set up the opening of the movie and then again at the end bit of the film too I guess set up for a sequel??? but I doubt it would get one because it's bad.The movie was too focused on the human drama that's going on between the characters that the monster was pretty much ignored in the film, well... not totally because they explained it a little, how they discovered this new species of octopuses in the Antarctic, how it can be used to develop something beneficial to the humans, they also fought with it, but just the small ones throughout the film, though at the end a semi giant octopus showed up and it wasn't that much fun to watch. Another thing, and this is where what made me throw my suspension of disbelief out of the window, is when this one scene where an octopus was able to escape, then made itself invisible and went to use the computer, hack it, and send a distress signal to the big boss I guess?? like how??? I would've understood it if they stated that it was some kind of alien octopus species that existed years ago and was frozen for so long that global warming thawed them, like I just couldn't wrap my head around it, how this octopus is so smart without any explanations.
The CGI is somewhat passable. If you could ignore its jankiness at times, then it's not gonna ruin your viewing experience.
The characters, none of them stuck with me, they are all boring and tropey, except for Wang Xing Chen's character of course, I'm biased since I mainly watched this because of her, she's hot as always and some of the scenes that she got are very expected from her.
So yeah, meh monster film. I wouldn't recommend it and certainly, I wouldn't wanna watch it again.
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ENTERTAINED ME...
The utilization of the same location as "CONCRETE UTOPIA" for the building scenes appears to be a curious choice, adding a layer of familiarity for viewers. While unconventional, this sequence provided an enjoyable diversion. The visual effects maintained a consistent level of quality, with CGI that, while not groundbreaking, was competent. However, the reliance on clichés such as the mad scientist, zombies, and transformed humans felt uninspired and failed to captivate. As a result, the film may ultimately be relegated to the realm of forgettable entertainment, lacking the originality needed to leave a lasting impression. Despite this, there's still some enjoyment to be found in its execution, making it a passable option for casual viewing.Was this review helpful to you?
SEoD3 - Mixed bag.
I was pretty excited for this entry in the series after having really enjoyed the second movie. There are some really good things about this one as well, but a lot of not so great things as well.Forgive me, it's been a couple weeks since I sat down to watch this and I must admit that it's a bit forgettable. I didn't like the new characters in this one and I felt that it hurt the overall story. As well, I think our main guy went through a bit of character digression, as he's more rakish (kinda like he was in the first movie). The way he treats women is pretty unforgivable, and here I thought he'd moved past that since the end of the first instalment.
I think that's the main issue we're running into here. Each movie is quite different, featuring new crew members behind the scenes, and none of them can seem to agree who this protagonist is supposed to be. It's jolting, and coupled with some convoluted plot twists, it can make for a pretty unsatisfactory output overall. On the plus side, this still feels like a full production, unlike the first entry.
Hoping the next one ups the ante again a bit.
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what the hell was that....
Honestly want to give it a lower rating but i feel bad for the actors and actresses who had to act in this shitshow.I'm typically an open minded person and try to not rate things too lowly but within the first 5 minutes of the film, i was genuinely shocked at how terrible it was already. i tried pushing through and watched the full thing.
I don't even know where to start..
first of all.. WHY ARE THEY MAKING MINECRAFT ZOMBIE NOISES ?? this is supposed to be a serious drama yet it doesn't seem to take itself seriously at all. i thought it was supposed to be a comedy/parody one but its not. it's tagged in suspense and horror. Going along with what i've previously said, i am TERRIFIED of zombies yet this didn't even scare me one bit. Some of the zombies are smiling ?? and the sfx doesn't look good at all, i understand that could be because of a lower budget but cmon now.. the main zombie literally had vampire teeth AND WHY IS IT FIGHTING ???
Secondly, the acting in this is honestly kind of poor and i'm not sure if it's because of script or the way everything was shot. and when it comes to script overall,, yikes. So this started because of a cat ??? which started because of... covid ?? LOL. not to mention the way the movie starts off in general ?? typically there should be a more suspenseful opening than that but you showcase one of the main characters "dying" within the first minute just to switch it at the end, i suppose it makes sense bc why show all that but it makes no sense how he had all those zombies on him and NOT ONE bit him.
Going back to the plot overall, yikes. so it started because of a cat bite/scratch in which he attacked his partner, he then makes his way into the city to.. break into a shop and eat raw meat..? and when people get close to him he growls at them and hugs the raw meat closer before running away... interesting "zombie" then he runs into the main guy looks at him then walks away ?? i suppose it could be becuase he didnt fully transition yet but still.. also for a girl whos drink got "spiked" she sure knows how to move quick LOL.. and i lost it when they asked "why is he so fast" and its a zombie barely moving at all LOL .. also the phone that got thrown on the floor is completely broken ?? and you cant use the other phone because its locked.. yet there's an emergency sos feature on all phones.. it'd be better if it was just dead or there was no signal or something. also why did no one notice THE AXE ON THE WALL.
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"What's the earliest memory you can remember?"
This movie focuses on the life of Yo and her relationships with the people around her. The pacing was just right, the movie didn't feel too short nor too long but just right. And that is one thing that I liked in this movie. There were parts where it felt fast, considering the things that surrounded that relationship but its conclusion gave way to the path her story went.The cast did great, from supporting cast to the main lead. Shida Sara had great facial expression and body language. There were times I felt confused by her expressions but sometimes even in real life, expressions or words alone cannot convey the entirety of message that you want to. I also liked Suzuka Ouji and Kikuchi Akiko's acting. I liked that Meiko was kind.
The OST or inserts weren't easily noticable but I liked the outro song.
I might rewatch this because I find the story interesting especially on the thought on the difference of each relationship we have with each other. Also Suzuka Ouji.
Overall, this was a wholesome slice of life that wasn't too deep nor too shallow. The feeling of "just right" was what made me like this movie.
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Waste of good actors
I don't understand why a great actor like Chen Kun participated in this film. This is for kids. Maybe that's his goal, he feels like a father, leading by example, fighting "evil". The premise that monsters are equated to evil and then he is supposedly unbiased, only on the grounds that he is half-monster is childish. I don't care about the production, because visual effects are again, appealing to video game addicts, which I'm not. I watched reluctantly less than half of the movie, waiting for a turn of events. But it is so predictable, following all the cliches, so I dropped it.Was this review helpful to you?
Felt like something is missing
This film strongly echoes Rachel McAdams' "The Vow," as both couples endure a car accident, experience amnesia, and rediscover love.Kang Ha-neul has been a favorite since "To The Beautiful You," and the chemistry with So-min is delightful. So-min's charm and Haneul's versatility shine, especially in comedic roles.
The storyline defies typical romcom expectations, portraying the chaos and humor of modern relationships. So-min using Haneul's law certificate as a coaster adds a hilarious touch.
I rate it 7.5; despite being a Haneul fan, I remain unbiased. It's a must-watch for a funny romcom, though the pacing feels slightly rushed. More scenes pre-rekindling love would have enhanced the experience.
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cute romance movie <3
For a relaxed romance film, this one is a great choice! The movie is adorable, especially with the perfectly cast male lead – his looks are spot on. The chemistry between the leads feels natural, progressing from friends to lovers without any forced moments. I watched it twice, still amazed by the unexpected plot twist. Plus, I appreciated that they didn't portray the friend negatively after discovering the female lead's pretense.While the plot is predictable with the inevitable conclusion of the main characters ending up together, the narrative skillfully balances themes of friendship, ongoing life, and personal growth. To enhance the experience, additional scenes depicting the characters after their confession would be appreciated.
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great
L'histoire du héros So Si Min, qui dirigeait autrefois le pays grâce à ses compétences de haut niveau en hapkido en tant qu'athlète de lycée. Sept ans plus tard, après être devenue enseignante à temps partiel, So Si Min se retrouve la cible du méchant étudiant Han Soo Kang. (Source : Soompi) ~~ Adapté du webtoon de Kim Jung Hyun. Modifier la traductionL'histoire du héros So Si Min, qui dirigeait autrefois le pays grâce à ses compétences de haut niveau en hapkido en tant qu'athlète de lycée. Sept ans plus tard, après être devenue enseignante à temps partiel, So Si Min se retrouve la cible du méchant étudiant Han Soo Kang. (Source : Soompi) ~~ Adapté du webtoon de Kim Jung Hyun. Modifier la traduction
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Predatory Cliche
We have the cliche of the older gay looking to take advantage of the (presumably underage) gay.The student lead isn’t bad. The whole conversation between him and his crush does not add up with what the crush tells the teacher afterward. It’s like two different people happened.
Ending isn’t terrible, I like the student’s perspective. Could have done without the after credits scene.
Wholly skippable, to be honest. Though the year in which it was made likely has a lot to do with the plot.
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hurt-felt tandem did it again but...
the first part kinda triggered me cos i thought there was cheating involved lol.the story was good, though a bit cliché, especially the ending.
bella and jc's acting was really good, as expected from them. but the side characters kind of ruin the mood every time they are in the scenes.
some of the dialogue was also kind of cringey. though ellis' punchlines were all great and heartfelt.
i like the transitions from the present to their memories or imaginations. it was smooth and well thought out.
the soundtracks were also perfect for the scenes; they enhanced the mood and made it more emotional.
i like how ellis was honest with his feelings and laid out his intentions.
i love astrud's honesty, straightforwardness, and humor. she knows what she wants—what she needs—and explained it to ellis with great clarity. she didn't give ellis any false hope. and i like how relatable she is. (this part might be debatable, depending on the viewer's perspective.)
all in all, it was still a good movie, but it was not what i expected from the hurt-felt tandem.
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Han Soo Han rescues a kidnapped heiress about to take control of her deceased daddy’s company. The requisite evil employee with a manic laugh played by a bargain basement Jang Hyuk wannabe had her kidnapped to force her into signing over her shares of the company. HSH works for a loan shark often helping the people he shakes down for money, thus making him a good guy. He lets Choi Ye Jin stay at his place until it’s safe for her to return home. Before they can have any lingering sexy glances or heartfelt conversations, all sorts of people show up at his doorstep for nefarious reasons.
The plot sounded like an action romance and maybe it was supposed to be, but the acting wouldn’t lead you to believe it. There was no chemistry between the two actors. Kang Seok Chul’s expression stayed locked into place through the whole movie. Yoo Ye Bin was always staring off into space either thinking deep thoughts or wondering if she should try the new Thai restaurant down the street. The filmmakers saved money by not giving Choi Ye Jin any backstory or personality but splurged on blurry shaky flashbacks for HSH’s tragic man pain backstory. Han Soo Han decided to rescue her at one point, not because they shared “a moment”, unless that was what the one staring contest was about, more probable it was just because he was a good guy. Whatever the reason he wasn’t very effectual because she ended up kidnapped---again.
If the fights had been entertaining, I could have forgiven the bland acting and plots holes large enough for The White Truck of Doom to pass through but the fight choreography was also bland. Han Soo Han threw numerous haymakers which are a sure sign of someone who doesn’t know how to fight. Sure, if they connect they might hurt, but the experienced fighters he was up against should have pounded him into the ground by the time his fist arrived from Busan.
Unless you’ve never watched any sort of crime film or drama, there will be no surprises, not even one “shocking” betrayal and a “shocking” murder. The best thing about this film was the 80 minute running time which felt overly long near the end.
31 January 2024
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What The F-ck, also ignore the last five minutes?
This is the most unhinged movie I have ever seen, nothing about it made sense for the first hour and still many of the interactions were weird. It felt like we were a bystander and you see 2 people that know each other talk about something between them, but for a whole movie. I dont really know how to rate this movie but I will just put some of my thoughts here.A married school teacher gets raped by a guy in a pig mask. Three months later, he is still traumatized by the event and gets followed by 2 guys, one of them being a guy called Kai. The teacher thinks its the guys that raped him, and he gets followed and teased with more and more. Eventually, he loses his job and his wife, and his mental state is a wreck. He lives randomly just like everyone in the shit town.
SPOILERS
Turns out, the teacher was not raped by Kai, but by an older man who is the boss of the shit town. The connection and why he "protects and gives money" is confusing but whatever. It is nice that some of the questions the viewer has were answered, but it is still obvious that this movie is open to interpretation in many areas.
Kai probably kept an eye out for the teacher because Kai liked him since he was a child. He surveyed the teachers trauma responses and helped him face his trauma. Still, he ruined the life of the teacher, so it felt quite meaningless in my eyes. Kai acted mostly self-indulgent in my opinion. One thing i dont get is why did the big boss man decide to rape the teacher? I see the connection with the teacher and Kai but not the with the boss.
As for the ending, it was cool that the teacher ended up burning the boss man alive, and then made love with Kai. It was a fcked up story, but at least there is some sort of happy ending. Until the boss man (i think? his face was covered probably from the hospital but idk) kllled the teacher and he lies dead naked in the forest. Bruh. What even is this story. Kai manages to escape and god knows what he is thinking and plans to do with his life.
I dont know how to recommend this movie. Its somewhat of an interesting watch but super confusing and does not deserve a re watch in my opinion. Still, the acting was great and I recommend it if you like darker themes in general. Respectfully, I prefer soft and fluffy BLs (this one is not even a BL), and will be enjoying them instead.
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A mindless entertaining popcorn action movie
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this dystopian tale is as predictable and bland as it comes, but the action is entertaining and serves it's purpose of being a popcorn movie to pass the time. Ma Dong Seok is again typecasted into the heavy fisted fighter role and savior that he always plays. Lee Hee Joon plays the mad scientist. Ahn Ji Hye plays the rogue special forces soldier who teams up with Ma Dong Seok. I think you can pretty much predict how the story will unfold from there.None of the characters have depth and you don't really get much explanation for the plot. This is a simple movie to just show action scenes which for the most part was entertaining. Ma Dong Seok's role was a bit cliche (his one punch wonder schtick is a bit corny & old, but if you're new to his roles then it'll probably be fine). I do admit I laughed a lot at his comedic one liners. The whole crazy dragon lady scenes were funny as well.
Ahn Ji Hye is the one that stood out to me. I specifically remembered her from the movie Slate where she impressed me with all her action scenes and the fact she did it all herself with no stunt double. She continues to impress here although I'm not sure if she did all the stunt work again, but it sure looked believable. I like when women can kick some ass so I may be a little bias here. I think if she and Lee Si Young did an action movie together, I'd probably die from excitement.
If you like popcorn action movies and don't mind a shallow plot, then I would suggest giving this movie a try. You probably won't remember it in a week, but I thought it was a good enough escape for an hr or so.
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