Reviews

A good family/slice of life movie

The storyline was superb. The acting of the casts was good. For me, the only problem is that the chemistry of the actors/siblings did not surpassed my expectations.

As I have said earlier, the storyline is somehow good and relatable. The problems are: 1) There are no chemistry between actors. It felt forced especially the confrontation scene; 2) It lacks depth and sincerity to the portrayal of their characters. Like they're just there telling their dialogue, and it doesn't feel authentic to me; and 3) The confrontation scenes felt empty. Majority of the scenes actually. If you will compare it to other successful movies with the same theme, there are relatable and became iconic like FSATW.

The movie felt like passable and has no rewatch value since the character did not bring something new to the table. That's why I rated the movie 5.0 for rewatch because this is not the kind of movie that can make you undestand or want more about their characters since they lack chemistry both as an actors and characters to the story.

Will I recommend this to other people who have not watched this? YES DEFINITELY I WILL STILL RECOMMEND THIS. I am an avid fan of Star Cinema/Pinoy films in general so I have watched hundreds of Pinoy films with the same genre. I know what movie is a remarkable one and forgettable. This movie is good but a forgettable one.

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Overall I found it strange that in the beginning the

Overall I found it strange that in the beginning the male lead was all against even dating a 16 years old, and the next scene without any reason he was all for marriage with said 16 (I don’t think I need to explain why I find this so problematic, especially for the fact that said male lead is 26!) I usually don’t mind age gap, but this felt very much like a propaganda of marridge ideals being shoved down our throats. I like the actor who plays the male lead, but the role he was given doesn’t put him in the best light. I feel like he had many sides to offer as an actor but was just not given a chance to. The writers really did screw up the plot and the story, with plot holes, characters acting one way in one scene and another in the next. I especially found it strange that the parents were so easy to convince into letting their child (whom apparently they love so much!) married to a grown ass man, (it feels like those who made this are trying to make us believe that this this old fashioned idea that marrying off your kid before they legal is completely fine and dandy). Things just happened for the sake of the plot to move forward without actually a proper reason. (spoiler form here on out!) Especially at the hospital scene when the parents leave their daughter with the man they just met after she was hit on the head and still unconscious. (it would make sense if they knew he was a police officer but there wasn’t indication that they had any idea!) And I could say much more that I find strange with this movie but I would be just wasting my time on something I don’t enjoy, rather than spending it on something I do enjoy.

Regardless, I’m not trying to discourage those who want to see the movie, it might come helpful if you’re trying to learn of what mistakes not to make when writing your own story, or whatever floats your boat.

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Came for the comedy, and stayed for the life lessons (and the zombie shark)

This movie was so funny in the most unexpected moments, but also surprisingly meaningful. I know it isn't that deep, and that I shouldn't take it so seriously, but I am truly fond. As someone who deeply hated my previous job (which I think a lot of people relate to), it is so relatable (and almost touching) for Akira to light up with pure joy after finding out he didn’t have to go to work, and even funnier for him to act so carefree in a zombie apocalypse as a result.

Despite every other aspect of this movie only getting an 8.0, something in my soul tells me to give it an overall 9.0. And I think it's because it hits so deeply with me in some aspects.

Even though the parallel between the zombies and Akira trudging through his job was pretty obvious from the get-go, it still hits very hard when the movie directly states and confronts it. Every adult on MDL who has ever worked a full-time job has likely struggled with work-life balance and has wished they could fall sick (or worse) so they could rest for just one day, but feel guilty and eager to be productive on days when they are actually ill. And, like in the movie, it’s often the people around us to remind us that we can’t be robots all the time and need to live life for ourselves.

The entire list Akira wrote was endearing, and I’m seriously considering making one of my own (I am also one of those few people who have never made a bucket list). I love a good montage, so seeing items on the list being crossed off was satisfying. I loved the cinematography and production. The zombies were great and looked realistic (as much as zombies can be). All of the acting was great as well. The OST surprised me a lot, and I have saved some songs to my playlist. This movie WILL make you smile and laugh.

Conclusion: zombie shark — you should watch it!

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Hummmm…
I have a strange taste in my mouth… I want to adore this movie, but the end was long and mellow… so I just liked it…

STORY – not much of a plot. Yeo Kyung Jin is a force of nature that, because of the past, lives her sister’s life… Myung Woo meets her in a bizarre situation. He wants to see the real girl and he falls in love for the real person and not the cop. Lots of funny scenes, stupid decisions, and a feel-good chemistry.

ACTING – wonderful acting of both leading roles. The others almost do not exist.

MUSIC – beautiful and “painted” most of the scenes very well.

REWATCH – do not think so. I cannot separate the movie from that ending. Maybe one or 2 scenes.

OVERALL – I get that some people feel similarities to the movie my sassy girl. I prefer that ending much more. It is better in every way. But I think the middle of the movie and the chemistry is better in this one. Wish it was perfect to me as it was to so many!

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Fresh breath of air but.......

This is such a fresh breath of air. I found myself crying because I kind of relate to Mitsuomi. I mean, I feel like I am in a crisis too. The energy of Yamato uplifts me too! This is such a nice movie but I kind of wish that it was a bit longer since I feel like the ending seems rushed. I want to see some progress in their relationship, so I think it would be awesome if you will give us a sequel. I didn't think it was boring, I enjoyed it so much! I just want it to be longer so we can see how they would act as lovers. It would be nice to see their healing journey together.

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How to experience 'What If'

This movie was cute and reminded me the US version 'The Family Man with Nicolas Cage'. The story becomes a little detached midway but finds its pace towards the end. The FL was good in showing the edge and breakdown of one's bias through time. The ending was open-ended much like the US version which leaves hope for a better outcome in the end. The family element was interesting yet relatable. The 'purgatory' scenes felt more like references from 'Beetlejuice or Jupiter's Landing' odd, old, detached and disheveled. The overall production was okay. However, this is a solid movie worth watching.

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A lovingly told, soulful story based on true events. 117 uplifting minutes that´ll bring you joy

"Miracle: Letters to the President" comes across as a wonderful fairy tale. And yet it isn´t. The story arose from harsh reality. "Miracle" is a soulful KMovie about dreams come true, bathed in the bright colours of the four seasons in a remote, idyllic mountain valley. This landscape is a crucial player in its own, thus impressively contributing to the whole plot. Actually, a handkerchief or two might be helpful, even though the KMovie isn´t particularly playing on our heart strings. It's just a touching story, lovingly told.

The setting of this true story: a remote mountain village in the east of the country, that can only be reached via the trass of the railway line. However, it does not have its own train station. For the residents, this means that they have to put up with an arduous walk along the trass in order to get to the next village as quickly as possible. For example, the protagonist spends five hours each day commuting to and from school. And quite a few people have already lost their lives on this dangerous walk over this busy trass through the mountains – including the mother of the protagonist. The boy's dream: a train station for his village. The chances are low, but he does not give up.

It may help that he actually seems to have a special talent for science. Also it may help that in Rah-hee, a bright daughter from an influential family, he finds a school friend and at the same time his muse, always encouraging and inspiring him in her idiosyncratic way. Thus, "Miracle" is also a tender, unusual love story with the charm of the 1980s.

So there are wounds and wonders, as well as wonderfully staged images, yet with a challenging core. All in all, a lovingly told, soulful story based on true events. Nostalgia of the 1980s, picturesque nature and rustic mountain idyll, the slower pace of provincial life and spectacular railway lines through tunnels and over bridges in the steep foothills of the Taebaek Mountains convey "Miracle" its distinctive character. The KMovie is bathed in an all-round positive aura. 117 uplifting minutes that´ll bring you joy.










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SIDE NOTE: --- Yangwon Train Station ---
Socheon-myeon is a mountainous area in North Gyeongsan, in the east of the country.
The Korail Yeongdong Line crosses this area on its way from Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province via Taebaek Mountain to Gangneung in Gangwon Province. Since 1988, the Yangwon railway station has been the smallest and also the first private railway station in South Korea. Until then, the village was isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of a rugged valley. Even though a railway line had passed the village since 1955, the train had never stopped. There was also no road leading to the village. 3.7 km of railway line separated the villagers from the nearest Seungbu railway station and thus connections to other towns and cities. With ax, shovel, mortar and sweat, the villagers finally built their tiny train station themselves.

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Do not expect too much

Compared to the first movie this is like a joke, especially at the first half. How could they come up with that stupid characterization? 😭 YYS was such a great actor, he nailed the character and it's not his mistake they wrote a character like that. It made me think that portraying the NK Leader's character more mysterious like they did in the first movie was brilliant. And I don't even want to talk about the US President's character. 😬

Some part was funny but still.... it's not worth the screentime. I feel like they were wasting their time. I was like "where's the steel rain?" Because nothing was ever happen in the beginning. Just some confusing political quarrel. I had to google it to get the context. They explained it later tho, like really later.

Things started to get interesting at the second half of the movie. All the interesting stuff happened here. This part is really worth to watch. Things would be more intense if they build the universe straight from this point. And the reverse in the roles from Steel Rain was actually so fresh to see. JWS rocked again, not as much as he did in the previous movie tho.

I'm sorry this is actually not that bad as it sounded. It's just fell from my expectations.

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Its 2am and im bawling my eyes out. I dont think im physically and mentally able to sleep after this

I went couldn't sleep, so i decided to watch a movie instead. This movie had been on my "to watch" list for a while, so i decided to watch this, thinking it would be a cute highschool romcom. Now it's 2 am and I'm bawling my eyes out. When I tell you it felt like my stomach sank.

At first I was scared the main couple would be between Bo Ra and Hyun Jin. I really hoped that Bo Ra would go for Woon Ho. So I was so happy when I found out I was right. Their chemistry is just everything.

Although the miscommunication between Bo Ra and Yeon Doo was so darn frustrating, I think it really improved the story. Im just never a fan of miscommunication, which sounds pretty obvious, but i just get so frustrated when things go wrong because of it.

I also want to say that I truly love Bo Ra's character. I love how she is not the girly girly type and i really love how well athletic she is. I just basically love everything about her.

Now for the last point, as i said before, it's 2am as im writing this and as i just finished watching. So everyone is asleep. For someone who normally watches cute scene with giggling and feetkicking, overreacting is something i always do. So for me to not be able to react to the moment I found out Woon Ho died, let's say i also died with him. My cheeks were like waterfalls, my stomach was in a rollercoaster, but i wasn't able to make any sound.

I am not okay.

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I don't think this is for horror fans good thing I'm not one

On the whole I really enjoyed this film but that might be because I don’t like horror.

Like this film is technically a horror but after the first night you realise that the characters are never really in danger (also the second form of the “monster” is really goofy) which made the horror aspect of the film kind of fall flat for me which I do not mind at all since I was able to focus on aspects of the film that I actually enjoy. For me I enjoyed this film because it was just a group of likeable characters going though a Groundhog Day situation with a twist.

I do however have two complaints about the film one being WHY DIDN’T ASUKA RUN WHEN SHE WAS TOLD TO RUN!! I mean I get that it was so she could have her big character development moment but still, it was frustrating. My second complaint is that some of the characters were really underdeveloped for example Rie, she had so much potential to be an interesting character due to her crush on Takahiro but she really didn’t do anything for the story, so much so that I didn’t even notice she was gone for the final battle.

But other than those things I did really enjoy this film. I would just say don’t go in expecting a good horror cause you’re not going to get it. This film is more of a high school coming of age type drama with horror elements but I think it does that pretty well.

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A quality movie with a message

I wanted to binge something light, so chose this as a dose of laughter.

Before reading the synopsis I was thinking that humans are trapped and animals were visiting the zoo to see them.
Humans dressed up as animals was a quirky story. There wasn't a dull moment, I kept laughing all the way. the actors tried their best to portray the animals. lion looked as if posing for the photo. polar bear drinking cola was funny.

well synopsis is very well written, it gives you half of the story. And the other half IMO is a message to all humans to not do mean stuff against animals. Do animals really wanna stay at the zoo and be an entertainment piece? Yeah, they cannot think but when they get love and care they stay with humans. Please respect animals.
thinking beyond the movie humans were too mean and threw stuff at animals. The kids throwing colas for the bear 2 drink why show bad advertisements 2 make people believe unreal stuff? this was just a movie but in real-world many animals are abused every day. If you can't help them, don't abuse them.

The Polar Bear clearly was unhappy in that cage but due to the girl selfishness, she held onto him but when she realized to let go she saw that the bear remembered her.
Also, the corporate people who try to destroy the green habitat and create concrete jungles are the worst. In the name of development, they have grown blind and keep on destroying the environment.

My fav animal was the lion in that sitting position was just marvelous. i enjoyed the movie.

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Dumbed down version of Gone Girl

Premise is interesting enough and it starts off fairly strongly. Then the story becomes more and more outlandish... and then everything is revealed and explained down to the very last detail. Why??? Do the filmmakers think the audience are 5 year old kiddos? I would have appreciated for more details to be omitted and the audience be free to come up with their own conclusions for some plot points... and this is coming from someone who hates unexplained endings.

Acting wise it is decent, Zhu Yi Long is great and so are Ni Ni and Janice Man. Would have loved to see more of Huang Zi Qi but her role was quite small in the show. Unfortunately the side characters aren't great and broke the immersion a little. Cinematography wasn't good, plenty of zoom ins and closeup shots that are reminiscent of Indian drama serials lol.

Overall was a really meh movie that was somehow vaguely entertaining but at the same time quite forgettable.

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Action-packed, spy thriller

Phantom is a fun watch. It is riddled with plotholes. As soon as we walked out of the theatre, we started poking and could identify a lot of ridiculous conceits. In fact, the whole concept of keeping 5 people in a giant hotel in order to figure out which of them might be a spy is in itself rather silly, so you know what you’re getting into if you read the synopsis and go see it… still, while you’re watching, the movie keeps you entertained. The production and cinematography were good. The actresses in particular shone. The action scenes packed a punch, and allowed for many bad ass moments.

Is it a great movie? No. Is it still fun and worth the watch? Yes, if you like over-the-top action featuring cool heroines!

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"The time to decide was looming"

When a Woman Ascends the Stairs showcased Takamine Hideko's acting range as Yashiro Keiko, a bar hostess who had come to a crossroads in her life. Elegant with a backbone of steel, Keiko struggled endlessly to do the right thing when doing the morally gray thing could deliver her dream of buying her own bar far quicker. Director Naruse never took it easy on his characters and Keiko was no exception, watching her courageously face setbacks with a concentrated determination was highly compelling.

"I hated climbing those stairs more than anything."

Keiko worked upstairs in a bar that catered to businessman entertaining their clients. The men liked having a pretty woman or two around as they made their deals. Because she was a widow in her 30's the younger hostesses and even the patrons called her Mama. Keiko and the bar manager (charismatic Nakadai Tatsuya) also dealt with the business side of collecting from the companies and businessmen who owed on their tabs. Keiko hated her job, but needed the money as she also provided for her mother and adult brother and young nephew. She had three choices to better her life—get married, buy her own bar, or find a patron to help supplement her lifestyle. At her age, she didn't think the first one was a possibility. Buying a bar required more cash than she had. The third one was a form a prostitution she wasn't ready to submit to.

"The best go by cab, the second-rate take the train, and the worst go off with their customers."

One of the younger women had left and started her own bar, but she found herself swimming in debt with creditors hounding her every move. Another hostess married and moved away. A third young woman had no problem exchanging sex for money. Wealthy customer Goda offered Keiko the capital to start a bar if she would be his mistress. A likeable customer proposed to Keiko and for a moment she was happy until she realized he had not been truthful with her. The man she had fallen in love with was also living a double-life. Every time it looked like she might have found happiness or an answer to her problems, fate was waiting around the corner to trample her. Despite always seeking to do the right thing she was seldom rewarded for it. This was Naruse, not Ozu, so not surprisingly the characters fought to survive and make a living, let alone find love. He preferred a more pessimistic worldview where obstacles confronted or crushed his characters at every opportunity. Whether it was more realistic is up for debate, but the conflicts and character growth did make for an entertaining film.

"Women working in the Ginza fought desperately for survival…it was a battle she couldn't afford to lose."

Keiko strove to get ahead financially only to have her family continually siphoning off her savings. She didn't enjoy drinking but did so to make money. She despised drunks pawing at her, but she tolerated them to make money. What she wasn't willing to do was to sell herself. During one particularly poignant moment near the end of the film, she revealed her character's strength and resolve in a captivating way that left her integrity intact.

"There are limits, even in business."

Beautiful Takamine Hideko brought an elegant grace and strength to Keiko. I thought she did a wonderful job of conveying a wide gamut of emotions, subtly and effectively. When she emoted more forcefully with anger or sorrow, it was believable and organic to the scenes. Mama was a complex character who wasn't perfect, she made mistakes but she also took care of the people around her. She knew when to draw the line with problematic behavior and when to walk away. She didn't rail at the patriarchal society that limited her options or the widening division of the classes. Keiko took her blows, dusted off her kimono, got back up and kept moving forward even when life refused to offer her something better. As the people around her encouraged her to loosen her grip on her integrity, Keiko stayed true to who she was. After weathering numerous personal storms and losses she refused to buckle. Whether it was acceptance or resignation, she continued to walk up the stairs she dreaded, paste on a fake welcoming smile, and somewhere deep inside hope that her efforts would grant her the future she dreamed of someday.

"…the trees that line the streets can sprout new buds no matter how cold the wind. I too must be just as strong as the winds that gust around me."

8/1/23

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