Melancholy love.
Ive never seen any of the director's other films, I saw a small snippet somewhere online and really wanted to watch it. I love that it's BL but not focused on it as the center story, it's mostly somber and sad, with a nice ending. The way it was filmed makes you feel very present. I didn't like however, the weird very fast sped up film; and then suddenly it's super slow/choppy frames (It's on purpose) that gives the impression your computer or internet are loading really slow. Not for me personally.The actors were all great. I really felt for the Main guy. I sit here now left with.. this weird.. almost heartbroken feeling myself. You always deserve better in this situation. You can heal. I feel this film can leave a lasting impression on you.
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Stockholm syndrome, internalized oppression, capitalist prison, and quarantines. They were constrained to dwell in a constant lockdown wherein their forced labor was their only choice of survival. Yet, as he was about to return to his fat cat city and material job, he was clinging onto the suffocating sands.
In a world where choking is the only relief for drowning, perhaps, freedom is only a spectre, a spirit, a state of mind.
He went up to see the sea. He went down to check the water mysteriously pumped by the damp sand. A child looked down on him. He looked up to the child. She might bear a child. He might bear an invention, a discovery. She was in pain; he was ignited with enthusiasm. The storm frightened her: all its raging winds and waters, killed her husband and child. He held no fear, but hope in the water which might sustain the future of his child.
Only the sands could tell the events of the man for seven years. Though, certainly, the woman in the dunes was there to stay forever.
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The most fun I've had in a while watching a movie
This was such a great movie. Watch it with no regrets.Kind of wish that it was a tv show, because it would have been great, the main leads are hilarious and have such great chemistry, not to mention that they simply are, extraordinary people.
Loved it.
The story was not very long, and though I wish it could have been longer, the writer clearly knew the sweet spot for an ending, which was so refreshing. There's not a moment I would have cut out of the movie, except maybe the fight scenes and even those add flavour.
Such a refreshing movie
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This review may contain spoilers
Two for one coffins on sale!
The Lady Constables was an entertaining Taiwanese kung fu flick starring Angela Mao and Chia Ling. Deadly flying umbrellas, kung fu magnets, and a plethora of coffins, this movie had it all, but mostly it had two of the best female kung fu stars in the business featured.Angela starred as the Sheriff hunting down a gang of criminals who had stolen the Five Shining Pearls. Chia Ling was the niece of the chief escort killed during the theft and she was looking for payback. Wang Kuan Hsiung played the silent trusted bodyguard of the prince from whom the pearls were stolen. The running gag with him is that he wasn't a mute he just chose not to speak and had an endless supply of pre-transcribed notes to share his ideas and orders with. Other running gags included the ever present coffins for bodies to fly into. There was a problem with who had jurisdiction as the three combated and tried to outwit each other in the journey to recovering the pearls and bad guys.
The three rivals worked with and against each other as they hunted down each of the masters who had their own gangs in order to bring the thieves to justice and recover the pearls. That was easier said than done but an amusing rivalry road trip. A beggar and a coffin salesman follow them around ostensibly looking for a handout and more business.
Angela and Chia have had better fights but there was some challenging action as they beat down their enemies and had one quick fight with each other. Lots of wire-fu in this movie though some of it was funny, bordering on the absurd at times. The last couple fights were better and faster and both of the ladies acquitted themselves well, Wang was slower and far less interesting to watch. Thankfully, with his vow of silence the women took center stage, a rarity in this particular time. Oh, and there were a couple of guys dressed like knights in crappy armor, where the kung fu magnet comes into play. Never thought I'd write that.
The sets were re-used and recycled throughout the movie and like many old Taiwanese movies much of the fighting took place outdoors. The costumes were bright but fighting appropriate, no gold or silver lame` in sight. Standard kung fu fighting OST. The copy I watched and been cropped on the sides obscuring some of the action which is always disappointing.
The Lady Constables featuring a fierce Angela Mao and a confident Chia Ling was fun and didn't take itself too seriously as the fists, kicks, and coffins flew.
9/11/22
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A Meditative Masterpiece: Metaphors, Existential Depth, and the Haunting Legacy of Barn Burning
This is a terrific movie: thought-provoking, layered, and brilliantly acted. If anything, trimming 10 minutes (particularly the ML's solo scenes before BEN's entry) could have made it even tighter. Still, it’s an excellent film, easily a 9.5/10.While the pacing leans slow, it’s intentional, allowing the metaphors, analogies, and deep existential questions to linger. The adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s Barn Burning is masterfully done—though I’d recommend reading the short story (or at least a summary) after watching to fully appreciate its depth. Without that context, some viewers might struggle to stay engaged.
Important Note: Don’t go in expecting fast-paced action or clear resolutions. This is a slow-burn film, rich with symbolism and philosophical musings on life.
The acting is flawless, particularly by the three leads. JJS delivers a mesmerizing performance, embodying her role with such effortless depth that it’s mind-blowing.
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This review may contain spoilers
Kim Bok Dong sounds a bit like the weightlifting fairy - she is indeed a very impressive person.
Subject: This documentary concerns not only a single person`s fate, but the 30 years lasting journey and struggle of some of the surviving victims of the Japanese system of “comfort women” (Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_women) and the people who joined forces with them while the years went by. Beginning with a tiny number of individuals and only a single brave woman who outed herself as a victim in 1991, a movement formed that asked and still asks for the historical recognition of the existence of comfort women. Most of the women came from the countries that were occupied by Japan during World War II, like Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Korea, Philippines. We are talking about approximately 50.000-200.000 individuals here.We get so see and understand the elderly Kim Bok Dong very closely, a woman who has been silent about her painful past for the longest time of her life. It is five years after her husband`s death that she decides to speak about it, in order to never let this happen again to any other woman in the future.
This tiny movement of the 90s became quite big by now – now it doesn`t only concern the comfort women, the Japanese`s persistent denial of this part of the Japanese war history has become a concern of the women`s movement and the “butterfly peace movement”. Many small organizations joined forces with the comfort women`s concern.
The story: It is not an easy task to narrate historical facts in a consistent way if there are so many years to cover. But even if there were only audio documents that covered the first statements, it blended well in the movie. There are artistic elements, and the visual focus is here and there on less important details, which I personally love to see.
Acting/cast/emotional response: I could see was the authenticity of everyone involved. And as you see them demonstrating every Wednesday in front of the Japanese embassy, you wonder how they can do this for such a long time. I don`t cry easily, but when they erected the peace statue of a young girl, a symbol of the comfort women, opposite the Japanese embassy, I couldn`t help it. It was at their 1.000th demonstration. Imagine that, 20 years of demonstrations every Wednesday.
When Kim Bok Dong screams out loudly, “Tell the Japanese Government to apologize and compensate before I cover the world in statues!”, I feel I want to be right by her side.
I want to write more, but I better stop here, since it is a lot already.
Music: It was a calm and nice music that supported the story here and there, no disturbance at all.
Rewatch value: I might rewatch it at a certain point, but not necessarily because I don`t think I will forget this movie easily.
Facit: I recommend watching this movie if you don`t mind to be more informed about this part of the Korean/Japanese history. Seeing this, you will have no doubt about its truth. It is obviously not fluffy or feel-good stuff, but it is nothing that is difficult to watch or unbearable.
I don`t watch documentaries regularly. I give 9.5 points to this documentary because I think it deserves it for keeping my interest wide awake until the end.
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Sucha beautifully Mature storyline
This movie is so realistically made and shows you the true struggle for LGBTQ+ people who want to have child. The way this made me emotional. I would highly recommend you to watch it.I am surprised how there was no review under this movie where as this movie is so far the best one. I had tears in my eyes in the end. Don't worry it's a happy ending but with a sad twist. I really wish i had watched this movie earlier coz it's sucha masterpiece.
Go for it and don't think much
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Why does this movie have high ratings?
The movie was okay, a little frustrating. I'm surprised it got high ratings so I'm making this review with no bias. The entire movie was extremely cliche and didn't add anything new but thats okay as long as its done well but that is not the case here. I know several tv series and movies with cliche plots done well with decent writing and good cast, I thought it would be like this but I was proven wrong. I think the main reason I didnt like it is because of the female lead. She was cute at first but then she started annoying the hell out of me because of her decisions. She's really desperate for the ml, its kinda pathetic. After she was humialated, bullied and treated badly she still likes the ml. The ml too was boring and not likable. The only person I liked was the second ml but he was treated like trash even when he was there for the fl through everything. The comedy was ok, it was a hit or miss for me. My conclusion is that it could be a good light hearted romance movie, if not for the annoying characters and cringey scenes.Was this review helpful to you?
It will make you cry...
This movie was released in 2006 so I was expecting some cliché scenes. The plot is a bit typical of the romantce movies produced at the time. But I liked it.This movie was really good. There were some funny scenes, but it's definitely a tearjerker too. It made me feel so much emotions and cry a lot.
I liked the friendship between classmates. They were so kind and funny.
Actors did a really good job. It was so easy to feel their emotions.
My favourite scene is the one when Eun Hwan and Jae Kyung were blowing the dandelions out. In some ways, it was really comforting. Of course, it was also sad because of Eun Hwan's wish.
I recommend watching it when you want to cry your eyes out.
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A rumor can ruin lives
I watched this movie because there are millions of such real-life cases that have ruined the lives of people. they either live with the guilt or commit suicide leaving behind their sufferings.I myself had been a victim of rumor, it wasn't a big deal but still, as I had a cheerful personality and tend to forgive and forget things. but that rumor had a bad stamp on my teen life when I heard about it and how people misunderstood and badmouthed me behind my back. so I always believe and stay strong towards the girls/women. even if they might be wrong and rumors are true, I do not forward them. I stop the rumor myself and ask my friends to also not to believe them.
coming back to a movie where the teen girl is rumored to be in a sex clip. the word travels from mouth to mouth as a rumor and some boys also rape her based on the rumor.
my feelings are 1> the teacher was wrong for approaching a minor for love/sex. It's a punishable offense so he is guilty.
(2) sexual relationships should not be recorded. It's a personal secret box, and if found by others might ruin their lives.
(3)even if she is the girl in the clip, no other guy has the right to touch her body without consent. whatever she did with her boyfriend is her personal choice. touching a girl in any manner against her will is a punishable offense.
(4) spreading false rumors without any proof causing a damaging to reputation, honor or dignity before a third party. It can be oral or written and is considered defamation.
the movie had a conflicting sensitive concept as the storyline was powered by top-notch acting. the actors are new to me but they are excellent.
(5) family should support and believe their kids. also even if they are wrong, punish them but also support them and save them from such a bitchyy and selfish world.
lastly, watch the movie till the end,, you will see the sex clip-making. the makers did a fantastic job of not making the actors uncomfortable. they had taken complete care of her.
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Awesome
Awesome❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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It's a pretty self-explanatory concept - a bunch of kids are locked in school where they must do their best to survive.
Yes, it's relatively predictable, and doesn't necessarily offer something new that hasn't already been done, but it's still interesting and a fun, mindless watch. Of course despite this, there is a lot of gore. So be mindful if it's not your thing. Especially since most of the deaths are by suicide.
The cast did a good job, with some actors playing roles I had never seen them do, which was refreshing to watch. You don't find out too much about the characters' backstory, but their individual personalities are made quite clear, and you find yourself aligning with certain characters and rooting for them.
Definitely something to give a try if you're interested in this trope/genre and like the actors.
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Summing it up in two words: brilliantly crafted.
To be honest, I didn't expect this to be that explicit. I wouldn't normally watch films like this so I was really uneasy at first but I gotta admit, that was one astounding cinema. Every little thing from the plot, the score, the shots, the characters and all other elements this was comprised of was just topnotch. You'd know there were some genius and creative brains who worked behind this because this was an actual masterpiece. Phenomenal. I am especially blown away by how this film was divided into parts and in each part, the whole story shifts. You think you know what's happening, but really, you don't.I watched this because of Kim Tae Ri and yes, I wasn't prepared for what I have seen. I didn't expect that she'd actually have scenes with nudity. I first saw her in Twenty Five, Twenty One so seeing her in scenes like that made me a bit uncomfortable. That doesn't change the fact that she has proven her range and prowess in acting and she is exceptional. Kim Min Hee was also amazing in this. They were both sensational.
Sex and eroticism are major themes of this film. That may seem off-putting but when you get a grasp of the whole picture and what's it's trying to tell you, you'd realize that this film is sending a strong message. Females are often regarded as objects of sex and desire and no matter how disgusting that may seem, that's the reality of this world which prevailed even during the modern times. This film has strongly and bravely presented women rejecting this sickening belief that they are obliged to serve men and satisfy their pleasures all the while discovering their own desires and allowing themselves to actually enjoy their bodies and sexualities.
Well, okay, I don't think I would rewatch it simply because as I've mentioned, I am not a fan of watching heavily sexual films especially in Korean media in which I am used to watching wholesome Korean series and dramas. However, I won't deduct a point because that wouldn't really be fair to this work of art. This was perfect in every sense of that word.
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Excellent Stage Musical!!
This isn't a TV show or movie style BL that also has music and singing -- it is an actual recording of a live stage musical performed in front of a live audience. So, it has a very different feel and may take some getting used to at first if you are not a big theater fan.The first half starts out slow and isn't super engaging, but once the story really gets started then it's hard not to be drawn in. The social commentary through the older couple is beautifully done, and the generational changes seen in the younger couples makes me smile.
Most Asian countries couldn't put on this stage show, but seeing as how Taiwan is the *only* Asian country (out of all 48 Asian countries) which both allows and legally recognizes same sex marriage, this is artfully done in a way that only Taiwan could do it. I enjoyed this show far more than I thought I would.
Short version: give it some time, 15-30mins at least, and give it a chance. This may really surprise you. 😊
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Twisted, dark, fantasy
I saw this movie yesterday and I can't get it out of my head. Aside from some of the most beautiful cinematography, No call No Life is a very deep complex story that I believe would need a second viewing as all good movies do. It's at the forefront an eerie mystery with a starcrossed romance. The cast play their roles brilliantly especially the two leads, Inoue Yuki and Yuki Mio.I also noticed quite a few things that may be missed or overlooked.
*The theme of elements:
Earth (dirt plays a significant part in certain scenes) The characters feeling tied down to the place they live and the hope of being able to uproot oneself and start over.
Air: I believe air is represented as literal airwaves of space and time. The mystery of the odd phone calls...
Fire: Fireworks play a significant role in how the two leads meet and is used in pivotal scenes throughout the movie.
Water: This element is the main one that is symbolized in the movie. The Female lead is named Umi meaning ocean/sea. The male lead is named Harukawa meaning spring river. I don't think this a coincidence. Umi also has the surname Sakura, which are found in the springtime. Basically both Umi and Harukawa are the same (The season Spring (renewal) and the element water). Umi's cousin mentions how similar she is to Harukawa more than once and warns that them being together could only end in tragedy. Also, water is brought up a lot..from a bucket of water in a love scene, the omnipresent ocean representing escapism and freedom, a broken glass of water that leads to confession, even a water maintenance man showing up in one scene. Umi and Harukawa symbolize water afterall and this is their story.
Not everything is explained, but that's okay here and it just adds to the unsettling dark atmosphere of this film. I give it a 9/10.
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