Reviews

Ryusei stole the show.

I'm a fan of both Tori and Ryusei so imagine my delight when both were in this drama. Ryusei stole the show for me. I'm so impressed and proud of his evolution as an actor. I hated, sympathized, was angry with his character. He made me feel a myriad of emotions watching this: he outdid himself in this one. Tori as the main lead was amazing how he always is and I'm always in awe of his acting. I wasn't familiar with the lead actress prior to this so she did very well too.

Warning from now on it's going to be full of spoilers.

I like how this movie showcased how domestic violence starts. It starts with red flags like being extremely controlling; checking where you other half is at every time of the day and even call their work to see if they left. Also expecting a certain behavior out of them and for them to obey you and suddenly escalate to violence.
My main gripe with this drama is that I completely understand the trauma that the Female lead went through when she was young but when she was an adult, she should have clarified what really happened. The male lead let her stay with her because of the daily trauma she was having at home. It's understandable that he was arrested for being a pedophile but technically he was not. His life as an adult in the public eye was completely ruined because of this and their subsequent meeting, him continuing to be persecuted, her apologizing for continuing to ruin his life when she could have came clean about what really happened. Sure not everyone would believe her but it will at least clear his name publicly. I don't know why she was still protecting her awful aunt and his son by staying quiet and ruining this man 's life..I just didn't like that it ended without this happening. I also have another question about his condition that I'll ask in the comments.

It's an amazing movie....with outstanding performances..... give it a go !!!

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10/10 will watch again

I haven't watched many Kmovies but I have watched many Kdrama. I should say that this movie is hilarious, very very funny. The joke is so fast and unexpected. The camera angle is so good.

In my perspective, Kdramas nature are switching between funny and serious but usually slow and dragging the story. For example Alchemy of Souls, business proposal, moving, 2521, etc.

But in this movie (because it's a movie too - 2 hours compared to 16-20 episodes of Kdrama) the story and joke is very fast and very often, and very chaotic. I'm enjoying it very much, I laughed so hard. Very worth watching, you will forget the real world you are living in that 2 hours.

I admitted that I'm Jung Somin's fan and I watched it because of that, but also credit to main actor, Kang Haneul. His acting and facial expression is as good as Jung Somin, what a perfect chemistry lol.

If you are Jung Somin's fan. YOU MUST WATCH THIS. Her acting are absolutely on point as always, and she's very HOT in this movie omg, I love her since BTIMFL then AOS but this movie makes me fall in love with her again. Her looks in this show is my most favorite compared to AOS, BTIMFL, Montly magazine, etc.

The reason I give 10/10 because I still don't have any point to complain. I will watch again for sure.

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i’ve rewatched this multiple times with friends

i never thought i would cry so much from a zombie movie but every time i watch this i’m crying a river throughout. i’ve even had some of my non korean/non kdrama loving friends watch this and they loved it as well! really good, action packed, ‘horror’ movie. i wouldn’t really consider this a horror movie (i was able to watch it and i absolutely hate horror with a burning passion) it mostly just has jump scares but it was still a really great movie. youll fall in love with many of the characters! i don’t really remember much in terms of music so that’s why i rated the music less, but i don’t remember it being bad either. overall, great to watch with friends you’ll be yelling at the tv and crying your eyes out but you’ll like it>:|

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a must watch for 교포s !

i watched this with my 할아버지 and wow i loved it! it really gives you insight into why koreans are so proud of our culture and language! i think the movie was really well done and although it might not be 1000% historically accurate, it really gave me a huge sense of pride watching it, knowing that my ancestors fought so hard to keep our culture alive:) i think anyone who is of korean ethnicity or is interested in the korean culture in general would enjoy this movie and benefit from watching it! the acting was great and the story flowed well! love how they showed so many different dialects! will definitely force my little sisters to watch this hehe.

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beautiful cinematography, one of the best slice of life movies i’ve watched

i actually watched this while i was on the plane back from korea and wow i LOVED it! it’s definitely not the movie to watch if you want something fast paced, drama/action filled, or anything like that, but that’s what i loved about it. there honestly isn’t too much of a story itself, but i think that that actually made this movie even better! it really allowed you to appreciate the cinematography and to just feel at peace, it really is a beautiful film. i love kim taeri and i felt that her subtle acting was very comforting and realistic in this! the music was calming as well and complimented the overall aesthetic of the movie. i loved the incorporation of traditional korean recipes, it made me feel like going home and cooking with my 엄마 as soon as i landed. for anyone tired of the city life or just the chaos of life in general, this is really a great watch to calm your soul! definitely a new favorite comfort movie to rewatch!

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End of innocence

What an amazing short movie! What an incredibly talented couple of actors!

It has been a long time since a movie, short or otherwise, provoked such strong feelings in me. The story is nothing new: two best friends, apparently joined in the hip since forever see their feelings for each other change. Will those feelings bring irreversible changes into their relationship, for better or for worse?

The story is told with no dialogue to speak of. English or any subs for that matter are unnecessary!

Everything is told by looks, gestures, emotions...The actors are extraordinary. The showed us how the feelings change, their reactions, the gap between them closing and then widening, emotions overflowing, things done that cannot be taken back, the courage needed to stand up for your feelings....

If you are looking for butterflies: they are here!

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realistic to a fault

though it is dated, with some rather questionable language, this movie was easy to fall into. all of the boys did a great job and fell into their roles pretty seamlessly. The lack of a significant budget was visible (and audible) but they made it work. And though it likely was not part of the plan, this made it feel like you’re there hanging out with them too.

Overall it was enjoyable, though at the end I wasn’t really sure what was going on. Still, I think this is a good watch if you’re just looking for something to fill a boring night. Found myself laughing at some of their antics, reminded me of my high school days as well with some of the crazy ideas we get as teenagers lol

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An outstanding film that is just as good as -- if very different from -- Dream of Eternity

I watched Dream of Eternity (the other Netflix Yin Yang Master film) and this one back to back in the same week. I know nothing about the source material but was attracted by excellent trailers and intriguing summaries. Coming from someone who has barely a passing awareness of the Onmyoji universe and no particular preference in terms of actors, I can tell you that the two were on equal footing as far as quality and watchability.

It does confuse me just a little that this one isn't as well-loved as Dream of Eternity, but for anyone wondering what the major differences are between the two -- and whether or not those differences amount to one or the other being better -- let me help a little.

Dream of Eternity (the other Yin Yang Master film with Deng Lun), is a very quintessentially Chinese story. The feel of the magic, the harsh golden chill of the capital, the Chinese humor and the almost obtuse but elegant storytelling that includes metaphysical and even existential themes, are all more familiar to someone who is accustomed to heavy Chinese fantasy. As such, the story can't help but feel a little richer. Too, the development of the relationship between Qingming and Boya is a major part of the what moves the plot forward.

This one, the Yin Yang Master, had a similar feel to an American blockbuster as far as pacing and storytelling. The story feels more approachable to someone who is unaccustomed to (or not particularly a fan of) those very particular Chinese types of fantasy. Nevertheless, it still has a rich, unique fantasy feel, made even more immersive by a broader bit of world-building. (Dream of Eternity has an almost claustrophobic sense of isolation as the heroes worked in close quarters and in a limited amount of time to solve the problem). It feels more like an adventure and less like an urgent detective mystery.

The story for this one focused more on Qingming's relationships with human beings in general and the people who used to be his friends in particular. Boya is a major character, but his interaction with Qingming is limited, but important. Boya, in a sense, develops independently. And this development affects his opinion of Qingming and his decision to help him or not.

In Dream of Eternity, the demons (not a very accurate translation, I'm afraid, but probably no better English word exists) feel more like human weapons, like the allies you can choose in complex rpgs. They are well-developed, fully-fleshed and wonderful.

In Yin Yang Master the demons exist in many varieties. The more human but powerful, the truly grotesque monsters, and the very cute little creatures, of whom Qingming has adopted several. This variety lends a kind of comic book feel to the story that was lovely. And the cute little creatures really were a very wonderful bonus -- their urgent pantomiming to Qingming when they were trying to deliver information was so delightful.

In both films you have outstanding special effects, wildly impressive fight scenes with a cool Chinese sorcerer's flair, and very good acting from all involved. Dream of Eternity also had that heady, moody Chinese storytelling feel to it. While Yin Yang Master accomplished broad worldbuilding and an epic sense of adventure.

Dream of Eternity sometimes felt too melodramatic (a trait I actually liked, so not an issue for me), while there was a candy sweetness to the overall feel of Yin Yang Master. But Chen Kun, with his characteristic dangerous severity, cut the sugar enough to balance the whole thing.

The takeaway here is that they were equally good films. But they were quite different. It's better to go into both without expecting anything in particular and then let the film be what it is.

As far as this one in particular: the story was very good -- if quite straightforward -- the monsters were unique, the sweet little creatures were too cute for words, and the interplay and development between the wide assortment of characters was very satisfying, if not as deep as it could have been. But the film had no apparent aim for depth, which made it work so well. The over-the-top visuals and almost absurd cute creature antics would have made a profoundly deep and heavy story feel a little odd. As it was, the balance was just right.

All in all, an excellent film. A less challenging watch than Dream of Eternity, but in a good way. I highly recommend them both. But I feel like this one needs more champions.

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great documentary. it has a big artistic and documentary value.
I couldn't understand everything because i saw it in korean but i understood enough to follow the emotional and dramatic narrative of this unique natural territory - the Saemangeum tidal flat that was almost destroyed. The effort put into making this documentary is extraordinary. i enjoyed seeing birds and other small water animals living here and also the humans trying their best to protect the nature and exploring it.
this documentary is a testimony to the beauty of life and truly a love song to the subject it presents.

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Us walking along in those indifferent (?) shoes of Han Gong-ju is the great power of this KMovie

Among independent South Korean film productions, “Han Gong-ju” is considered one of the most successful to date. In fact, the number of viewers exploded within the first week - through word of mouth alone. In addition to this vote with feet, there were consistently positive (national and international) film reviews and awards.

"Han Gong-ju" offers relentlessly haunting independent KMovie quality, frugal, not easy to digest, yet calmly, subtly and sensitively told, too. Behind the seemingly indifferent attitude of the protagonist, highly concentrated emotional force blazes subliminally, which is released less in the protagonist herself than within the audience. By the way, the story is based on a true story. (More background below - but that's quite a spoiler... so if you want to watch the film, you might want to read it afterwards!)

The KMovie tells the story of the fictional Hang Gong-ju in a rather reserved manner. We initially follow the girl without knowing what it is about or what she actually has experienced. Over time we learn to understand, or better: vaguely guess what she was and is going through. Over 112 minutes we see and experience the world vaguely through her eyes. This is a great power of this KMovie. The girl´s everyday world is fundamentally threatening, unwelcoming and cold, almost merciless. Han Gong-ju herself is tough and clear, demure and mostly indifferent. (Hang Gong-ju may by now have learned to face her world with indifference, but we as audience? We may feel differently here and there…) Nevertheless, she also has learned to create islands in her life that offer at least some minimalist beauty, joy and perspective.

What happened and is happening to Hang-Gong-ju admits of no excuse. But unfortunately it happens everywhere. Not just in South Korea. Unfortunately, again and again, more and more often. *
The role of adults is also inexcusable. It is we so-called 'adults' who lay, or should lay, the foundation for a sense of justice in the upbringing of our children. However, in this story (and its true background) it failed spectacularly. On several fronts. The results can be considered rather grim.
As solid and reliable role models that 'we' adults are/should be: how do we actually relate to right and wrong? Parents who would rather protect their beloved children from the consequence of their (any) actions, than confront them with it – yes, that's understandable. But will the 'children' learn from their mistakes in the future (without any true feeling of guilt about having done something wrong)? So that they might not replay their misbehaviour in the future? Rather not. However, if everyone prefers to proclaim an exception rule for themselves (and their loved ones), that cannot work out well. So it always ends in fighting and stabbing... by any means.

The irony: For cinema and television this is actually quite wonderful, because thus there are always new, stirring stories to tell. In the case of "Han Gong-ju", fortunately the entertainment gain does not come from dramatically exaggerated voyeurism, but rather from the fact that we walk a part of the truly sobering track in those indifferent (?) shoes of Han Gong-ju. By doing so, clues putting the (difficult to digest) puzzle together accumulate...

Lee Su-jin's KMovie is consistently serious, unpretentious and at the same time convincingly authentic in the presentation of the protagonist. Chun Woo-hee in her difficult role as Han Gong-ju is also outstanding and masterly in this context!

















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SIDE NOTE: --- Events at Miryang Middle School in 2004 ---

Over a period of just under a year, at least 44 (but possibly more than 120) high school students repeatedly raped three 13 to 17 year old girls and filmed them in order to blackmail the victims. The gang rapes obviously happened as a purely entertaining pastime for the boys.

The first 14-year-old victim was blackmailed with the film recording to bring her younger sister and her older cousin to the subsequent 'meetings', who then also became victims of renewed gang rape. In addition, the victims were forced to pay so that the footage would not be published. There may have been even more victims.

As unforgivable as these actions are, dealing with them was even more unforgivable. After the girls' aunt reported the case, of 44 clearly identified repeat offenders, only three were initially actually arrested. Due to massive public pressure, 9 more were taken into custody and a further 29 were officially arrested but not taken into custody.

There were no serious consequences for the perpetrators. On the contrary, the victims became victims again! On the one hand, they suffered psychological damage during the interrogation due to insensitive, confrontational confrontations and verbally abusive male officers (even though the victims had expressly asked for female officers). On the other hand, parents tried to force the actual role of perpetrator on the victims due to provocative behavior.

Finally, the defenders pointed out that some of the boys are already about to enlist in respectable universities and would soon contribute to the shining future of the city. In general, the parents of the perpetrators managed to build up pressure in various directions and also helped with money to box their boys out of the annoying situation. Among the victims' parents, on the other hand, one father unforgivably exploited his daughter's predicament for his own benefit. Ultimately, only 5 boys were tried in juvenile court. Without serious consequences. They are now probably fathers themselves and are firmly established in their careers.


In the meantime, this and that may have changed legally (and also when it comes to investigating), in South Korea and Germany and in other countries, too. But still, in current cases of juvenile sexual offenses, to date a strong tendency among parents here and there is increasing to wanting to box out their loved ones by all means possible, regardless of the losses. Far too rarely is attention paid to reflecting to their sons (and/or daughters) when they in fact tremendously misbehaved, that, yes, they are still loved and ok, BUT THEIR ACTING IS NOT OK at all. As a matter of course they will have to face the consequences – as serious misconduct that the social community we live in does not tolerate.
… However, our problem is: 'we' obviously DO tolerate it... Over and over again.

Sadly, in this respect, the KMovie “Han Gong-ju” is as topical as it was in 2013.

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Tackling the horrors of war and the absurdity of the Korean War in particular with grotesque humor

"The Long Way Home" – original: "Western Front" - is a KMovie about the Korean War. But a funny one... if a movie about war might be called funny at all... In fact, it succeeded brilliantly in tackling the horrors of war in general and the absurdity of the Korean War in particular with grotesque humor.

As a last resort, even a North Korean student is drafted to drive a tank into battle. A South Korean farmer, in turn, has to leave his heavily pregnant wife behind in order to take part in an all-important, top-secret mission and deliver strategically important secret information to the Allies. Neither are heroes. Neither of them would actually care about the war. But both have dutifully learned the ideological phrases of their 'side' and both, quite by chance, are the only ones in their respective units to survive in an airstrike three days before the truce is signed. The North Korean incidentally stumbles upon the top secret paper and hides it. The South Korean incidentally overwhelms the North Korean... obviously, neither of them being born to be soldiers.

"The Long Way Home" is a kind of road movie back and forth through the empty landscape of the western front line. The student from the north wants to return home with his tank. The farmer from the south, in turn, wants to hand over the secret paper so that he can finally return to his wife and newborn baby. Eventually, sometimes one pulls in this direction and then the other one in that. Only a cow is involved, too. And a bizarre village community in no man's land. Along the way, the two squabblers also stumble upon Chinese troops reinforcing the north, and there is also another airstrike from the south. Then, again and again the cow in the vastness of the natural landscape, in which military equipment and soldiers don´t seem to fit in at all. The war is increasingly losing its meaning and significance. The tank has long been junk anyway, but ironically it becomes their shared cozy home. Enmity becomes friendship. War is crap. This one anyway! Regarding its fatal futility and arbitrariness, the KMovie in conclusion actually goes one better, too.

In "The Long Way Home" infernal war scenarios and powerful chamber drama collide with slapstick and situational comedy. A daring mixture, but quite successful not least thanks to strong mimes - with young talent Yeo Jin-goo and veteran Sol Kyun-gu in a fantastic playing mood.

A different kind of anti-(Korea) war movie.
Not a milestone in cinematics, but quite entertaining in its bizarreness.

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Seamless movie within movie

A film that focuses on behind the scenes in a classic movie production studio, where the movie director was inspired to shoot a retake for an alternative ending despite multiple challenges and restrictions ahead of it, while a new genre of cult classic was born in the making. The flow of the storyline is actually extremely complicated to execute, yet the script was able to handle the movie within movie seamlessly. A great proof of concept that works well though it may not be a crowd pleaser, luckily it's still pretty entertaining amid the chaos. The final act of that one take sequence is definitely the reason why this movie was selected for Cannes screening of this year, it's simply brilliant.

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mature mature mature… not for the simple minded

this movie is definitely mature and nsfw or anywhere near others lol. i actually liked it tho. it made me laugh, but it also made me hide under my blanket out of slight worry. it seemed to me that the main leads problems arose from what happened to his mom when he was a child. overtime as he worked for shizuka he learned how to fix his issues and learned how to make himself and women happy.

the only thing i found strange was sakura… it felt odd knowing that shizuka was her mom and the fact that… well you’ll see. overall, the film was really good. it was cinematically made very well. the characters all had a desire to find a solution to their sex life which would over help their lives. and the cast portrayed them very well.

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