For a short all I can say is WOW
For a short all I can say is WOW! Actually I said it like three or four times. Then a few times I said OMG how sweet. Very, very well done. Both actors were believable no awkwardness at all. The cinematography and the music were great! For me it's all about the messaging. No stereotypes here. A gay cop who's not a closeted weirdo. Very passionate and even hot scenes. See Wow's above statement. Of course saying I want to see more is a compliment but more is sometimes not always better but incase someone from the cast or production sees this it is nice to see. Only thing is I'm not sure about the end. Not sure if I really get what the producer wanted to say.Was this review helpful to you?
interesting movie
The movie doesn’t take long for the action to kick in. The intro is fairly quick and the kidnapping takes place within 10 minutes of the movie’s start. Also, there were some humorous scenes to keep the movie from going too serious. There weren’t too much of the comedic elements, but just when it felt like it was needed, they had them.If you know me, Hwang Jung-Min is one of my favorite actors, and he was great as always. In the production trailer, he stated that it was really hard to play himself, and that a lot of people assumes that it should be easy to play oneself. However, he states that it’s actually really hard, as he’s never actually been kidnapped before.
But then again, I feel like that also doesn’t really make sense either, as you can play the role as if you, yourself were to be kidnapped. Like what would you do if you were in the situation, in real life? Nevertheless, he did great in the role, and who else better to play Hwang Jung-Min, than Hwang Jung-Min himself?
And because he played himself, it brought a new sense of thrill that’s unseen in other movies. It brought a new element to the film, breaking the fourth wall in a new way, or possibly the fifth or sixth? Anyways, it wasn’t just Hwang Jung-Min that was great, but the other roles were casted very well as well.
The main antagonist, Kim Jae-Bum, was a perfect fit for the boss role, and his acting was chillingly good. There’s something really freaky about him and his expressions; it’s hard to put into words, but there weren’t much expressions on his face, but that in itself put a chilling tone to the aura that he put out. A quiet but scary, total psycho character.
There were some very obvious suspense points with the background music and camera angles/movements the movie had, which made it a little cringe and forced. I feel like they could’ve done a little better being less obvious in the emotions they were trying to deliver.
Moreover, the story itself wasn’t anything very special. It had cliches and borrowed from a lot of other similar thrillers. The movie dragged a little near the end, and I think this was the case because it felt like the story resolved, but started back up again a few times. Almost as if it was repetitively showing a resolution, only to open the conflict back up. The duration of the film is only about an hour and a half, and for a movie with that runtime to feel like it dragged, isn’t a good thing. Definitely could’ve been better in terms of the progression.
《Verdict 》:
is a thriller/chase/crime/action film that’s a pretty good watch. The movie had a good balance of suspense and action, and the biggest positive of the film was the acting performances given by the cast members. Although it lacked in the story development and progression departments, the movie was still a decent action thriller. I mean, the movie starred Hwang Jung-Min, so that in itself calls for a watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
It is an interesting movie and worth your time to watch
The movie starts off with a bang. It gets your heart going from the beginning, and with its background music, the atmosphere is really well made. As mentioned briefly in the synopsis, the movie gets real, real quick after the first explosion. It does a great job at placing you in the shoes of the protagonist, and begs the question, “What would you do?” I’m sure I, as well as probably majority of other people, would think the unknown caller to be a scam as well. But once you find out the situation you’re in is real, how would you react?And I think it’s because it begs these questions that makes the movie very thrilling and real. The situation is something that you and I, and every average person can find themselves in. It’s relatable, and you’re able to easily place yourself in the shoes of the protagonist.
Also, because majority of the movie takes place in the vehicle, there are limitations of what can be done with the setting. However, I think they did a great job at building on those barriers and not letting it restrict the movie. The use of camera movements, angles, the shots it had, and just the cinematography overall was good and enhanced that action-heavy, suspenseful mood.
Furthermore, I thought that the casting was done great. Jo Woo-Jin played minor and supporting roles prior to this, and this was, I believe, his first time in a main, leading role. And I must say, he did a great job. And it isn’t just him that was good, but the acting by the cast members were overall great; from the daughter role, to the antagonist role, and the smaller, minor roles, there wasn’t anything to really complain about the movie in terms of acting.
However, the movie wasn’t without anything to complain about. Let’s move along to take a look at what I found to be the negatives about the film.
Before going into the movie, I was worried that they gave away too much from the trailers. And ultimately, I think it did give away too much, or more-so too much of the “good” parts. Because it gave so much of the good parts away in the trailers (hence, the first half or so), it gets loose after about an hour in. As the film progresses, it also gets a little too cringe and there were forced emotions. It was as if they were begging you to shed a tear, which makes even the tears that were going to come out, go back in. Very unnatural.
Moreover, the story itself was pretty generic and nothing too special or out of the ordinary. Long story short, predictable.
And I can’t not mention this because I think practically everyone that saw this movie, or even the trailers, would think this. And I can’t include this in the good parts, because it isn’t a good thing about the movie, but nor is it necessarily a bad thing. When watching you get the impression that this is a two hour long commercial for Genesis. I mean, I’m sure the Genesis GV80 was a product-placement, but it wasn’t just a regular PPL; it was literally like a prolonged, extended advertisement for the vehicle. That, and the city of Busan; an endorsement for those two things.
Overall, the movie was good for the first hour or so. There were lots of suspenseful moments and they were great when they were there. However, it gets loose after about an hour in, and there were forced emotions and was cringe as it progressed further into the story. The takeaway? Let’s buy a Genesis and plan a trip to Busan! (Jk) But with the limited action and thriller films we’ve had out of Korea, or I should say good ones, then this is up there in relative terms..
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
How is it that I haven't watched it before?
In the flood of films, the wuxia series, in which heavily painted actors with white faces and skinny figures fly on the lines in the air, where after "battles" are reigned by impeccable costumes and hairstyles, where an overtly mock kiss or a long camera shot of the heroes' hands are sometimes called chemistry, this the film is still an island in the ocean of kitsch.
There is a story about a woman and a man. There is a story about a girl and a boy. About the search for perfection and the search for freedom. About righteousness and meanness. Without lofty screams and verbal declarations (such as "I'll never leave you"), the plot itself carries silent values. Silence can also be a scream, but for that you need the right direction. And here the camera work is perfect. Shows as much as you need.
The game is brilliant. Sparse facial expressions reflect surprise, surprise, rage, wildness without unnecessary contortions or the stony face that we now have in c-dramas.
The fight scenes are the best I've seen so far (apart from the comedy with Jackie Chan, love you Jackie). There is movement, speed, efficiency, naturalness. Of course there is also flying in the air, in trees, in water, but this is not a mainstream fight.
And there is chemistry. Actually, I can call it chemistry. There is sexual tension, there is passion, wildness, kisses between a girl and a boy, and the maturity of feelings between a woman and a man.
Music perfectly suited. First of all, it doesn't bother you. It blends into the film, it is an immanent part of it.
There is nature, views, but shown casually. Without turning to the nature and landscape film.
In a word, I am "for". And my heart was stolen by Michelle Yeoh Choo-Kheng. A beautiful, mature, talented woman. Chapeau bas Michelle.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Dragon Tamer
3 people found this review helpful
Good abridged adaptation
Obviously it's not possible condensing Jin Yong's most epic story down to a 95 min movie. Where the script really succeeded was selectively taking a few story arcs and weaving them together in a way that flows well. Pacing of the story was fairly fast, but this was expected given the amount of materials they had to cover. The cast all did fine with their characters; Lin Yan Rou did well as Huang Rong. I believe the script intentionally made Guo Jing more “normal” (vs “slow minded” like in the original story). As a bonus, they even remade the original theme song from 1983. Overall, my family and I enjoyed the movie.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Weird but special
I thought this was a surprisingly good movie, better than I had envisaged. I did think beforehand why they would make a pipeline seem exciting, they should have named it something else, either way it was worth the watch.I thought the actors and storywriters did an excellent job of the cast interactions, some of its drama, and some of it very humorous. I’m sure the story was a bit farfetched and headed into an odder direction with the bad guy’s goals being that of a mad scientist towards the final 30 minutes of the movie. It was a shame they knocked off one of the team, but I guess that’s what made the bad guy so evil.
It had some special effects. The oil running through the pipes wasn’t well done. The pipeline exploding in the hills of Korea was well done.
Many of those reviewing the movie clearly watched the movie because of Seo In Guk, one said “I wouldn’t be bored with him reading the entire phone directory”.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great visuals with a choppy plot
Overall: So don't read the summary on gagaoolala as it gives away what is supposed to be a plot twist in this short film. I've noticed very similar weaknesses with m/m romance from Taiwan (i.e. Because Of You, Light, Innocence, Papa & Daddy) which try to cover too much plot and often have flashbacks/forwards that add to the choppiness. I wish Taiwanese writers/directors would learn from Strongberry in South Korea on how to put a cohesive/realistic story into a short run time (i.e. Some More, Step For You).Content Warnings: none
What I Liked
- acting
- production value
- the scenes of physical intimacy
Room For Improvement
- choppiness, starts with them yelling at one another, then a guy is in bed, then motorcycle riding, then basketball playing...like what is going on???
- for the basketball playing scene, how did they meet? The story should have started here and given some footing for the rest of the story.
- unrealistic responses/conversations, who doesn't ask what a person does for a job, it's one of the first things you ask someone. Also, if someone tells you not to do something don't they normally give a reason or wouldn't you ask what their reason is?
- how much time has passed, there isn't a sense of how long they've know each other, a few days, a few weeks?
- I didn't like the ending and think there could have been an honest conversation about the challenge/s of their relationship and how they want to proceed.
Was this review helpful to you?
Kamisama no Iutoori is definitely NOT a movie for everyone!!!
Kamisama no Iutoori is definitely NOT a movie for everyone!!!The rating in imdb is only 6.4 out 10 but for me, it’s 4 out 5. Yup!!! I rarely have same opinion with people in imdb 😉
When it comes to crazy imagination, beyond the world and unthinkable…I have to hand it to the Japanese, they always come up with out of the box story, one that Hollywood wouldn’t even think of making it.
Kamisama no Iutoori or As God’s Will is based on a Manga under the same title, 神さまの言うとおり written by Kaneshiro Muneyaki and Fujimura Akeji. The live action version is directed by the amazing Miike Takashi (13 Assassins).
The story is centered on Takahata Shun (Fukushi Sota) who thinks that his life is really boring. The movie begins with these quotes:
Takahata: “God, My life is boring”
Amaya: “You (refers to God)…For what purpose do we live?“
DarumaSoon after that, Takahata regrets his words and wishes for his boring life to return. Out of the blue, a talking and moving Daruma Doll shows up and blowing people up with its tiny red balls. One by one, his classmates die in horrible ways.
Takahata learns that Daruma is the first of a series of brutal death game. It kinda reminds me of Battle Royale because of its survival of the fittest theme but instead of students killing each other, Kamisama no Iutoori is more to how to survive in a death again against superios creatures. The only way to beat the creature is by following the rules.
The sudden death game appears around the world, we don’t know what kind of games happen in another country as the movie only reports that the game happens around the world. In Japan, the game is very traditional. Daruma, Maneki Neko, Kokeshi and Shiroi Kuma are all Japanese toys. All the students have to pass each game to survive.
What I like the most about the plot is the unpredictable chain of event…although it’s a benefit that belongs to people who haven’t read the manga yet. It probably has different effect to people who had read the manga as they tend to lost the element of surprise. I know that the plot is something that will never happen and unbelievable, so I highly advice you to watch this with open mind and ready for everything 😉
kamisama-no-iutoori
The movie is quite gory but it still has its level of fun as it keeps us wondering what is the next game and who will join the party. In some way, you can easily guess who will advance to next level but I am glad the ending is NOT how I think it would be. Throughout the movie I keep thinking how it’s going to end BUT I am soooo happy I was wrong!! I just love a good twist 🙂
As for the characters, I am a bit bias here because I don’t know (since I haven’t read the book) whether the characters are being properly acted or not. Takahata as the main character (acted by Fukushi Sota) is not really interesting, I can’t really understand his true-self. He looks like a confused boy who doesn’t know whether to be bored, naughty or nice…he is like a person who lost his identity, then again that’s how teenagers are. The most interesting characters are Amaya Takeru (Kamiki Ryunosuke) and Satake (Sometani Shota). Those two have great confident and being acted by two Japanese best young actors.
Since we are talking about actors, it’s really hard not to point out that Sometani with his short performance and Kamiki as the co-star totally outshine Fukushi as the leading actor. Fukushi isn’t that bad but to act with such talent as Kamiki and Sometani, he really has to improve his acting skill.
I am not the only one thinking that way. Jdorama Confession mentioned:
It’s amazing how Sometani with such short performance really stood out and very memorable. Somehow I wish he has more time. As for Kamiki…wow!! I love him even more now. For someone who is so nice (Satoh Takeru even mentioned that Kamiki has such pure heart and no evil in him) Kamiki is really evil here. He really reminds me of Cillian Murphy, someone who can act out of his real personality and does it perfectly.
Kamiki as Amaya
As for Fukushi…I am sure he can improve more as time goes 🙂
Overall, I really like this movie and recommend it to people who like gore and unusual death game. There are still some flaws but still enjoyable. Not everyone’s cup of tea…that’s for sure, but even in such gore you can still find good morale and value (that’s the best part of Japanese cinema, IMO)…and the ending is open for a sequel. It’s from manga so I am sure the story is still far longer than the live action movie.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Brainless Movie but Good to watch once if wanted.
This movie should be renamed NN's BFF, EX and to Be EX. Jingboran is the overdramatic Game Host, Helaoshi the Wedding planner to instigate the war whose assistant name is Nana , Chen Xiao and Zhu Yawen as their non existent male leadsFengShaoFeng is the english speaking Priest wearing Too many jewelleries who conducts their wedding ceremony , and Huangxiaoming makes a Cameo at the very start where all the brides in the city are chasing him.>
Those who know cbiz will know all these names. This is so cringe and bad that it's good. Ab is being AB at one point she is doing BAD acting of Crying...YeaH it's not funny.
If not for NiNi and her Madonna's iconic Look and smart dumb role it would not be a watchable movie. Nonetheless good timepass lol.Would have rated it more if NiNi got more screenspace, AB had too much screentime than required.
Absurd Comic Scenes : A wedding couple going extra and stood ontop of their 5 layer cake, there are legit people who are turning the cake to make it look extravagant
NN's maid of Honor is Tomboy Delivery Girl who refuses to wear dresses.
He laoshi shows his chest hair to stop AB/NN pulling their hair out.
NN/AB danceoff leading to NN breaking her back.
Airdropping all the Leads till now I dont know why HXM was there lmao.
Enduring scene : Zhu Yawen is poor, NiNi likes extra stuff, to cope up with cost, he does 3 extra jobs that makes him perform as a bear in public. NN agrees to be frugal yet he still wants her to have the wedding of the century.
Basically these 2 needed more screentime.
THe movie is =Braincell Dead but at times you need to watch brainless stuff that makes you laugh for no reason. Hence final verdict I did like it, but would others I dunno hahah.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
30 minutes longer = better movie!
I watched this movie simply out of curiosity, yet found it was very good movie for entertainment purposes .The angles, sound, music and atmosphere all seemed fine and I have no problem with that aspect of this movie. I also liked the "family friendly " aspect of the ladies all being clothed instead of running around half-naked.
The only aspect I had problems with was it should have been about 30 minutes longer in order to fully develop the characters and show the diabolical plot of Lin Jinyu (Kelvin Leung) in his vengeance on the married couple; the female for spurning his love, the male for ruining his business...
Special acting kudos to Yi Xuan Xuan (Chen Shuang) for her last scene with the male lead, and also her doing an about face and becoming again a supporter of the couple. She, by the way, was in love with him for years and slipped a drug into the male lead's drink when they went out partying, which led to the main couple sleeping tpogether in the first place!
It was entertaining and an average person should also find it worth a watch!
I also plan on re-watching this on occasion as well.
Was this review helpful to you?
Beautifully Sad
I was suprised how well the story flowed although at times it was a bit stilted. I was also unnerved by the ending, up until that point you are immersed in a beautiful story of love and revelation. Josee is a girl who seems to have accepted that her life was going to forever be one of loneliness and hardship. Enter Young Seok who totally gets mesmerized by her and her strange way of thinking. There are all the elements of a Korean drama including a love triangle but the ending will break your heart and boggle your ming since so much is left unresolved.I recommend this movie with caution.Was this review helpful to you?
I don’t want to run away anymore
A movie that tells a story about a teenage boy who ends up in prison, meets a boxer champion and grow as a person.This movie is actually based on a Webtoon which I’m a fan of, which is why I felt that the movie fell short in comparison to it.
One reason was how they edited the story setup. Without much spoilers, I felt that the character of cha woo sol in the movie is slightly different than the Webtoon in terms of how he got himself into jail. But if you didn’t read the Webtoon, you would be fine! Though, there are other changes which I like, which is giving my man wi ha joon more screentime, loved his backstory!! Overall, apart from mc setup, the rest of the plot stayed true to the Webtoon. And all the actors did an awesome job portraying their characters and most of them look like the characters in the Webtoon. It really felt like the characters came to life which is 👍🏻👍🏻!
However, I felt that the scenes in the movie were way too short, and I couldn’t feel myself immerse in it. Like once I got in, it was time to move on to the next cut/ scene, takes me out of the story. Maybe because it’s a movie, they packed a lot of scenes so to make it less boring. But I would appreciate if the scenes were longer so I can invest my emotions to the characters.
The actions scenes were great! I liked how it was shot, the sound effects made me wince in pain (with the characters) and I loved the background music while they fight. Though it can be more gruesome given the tone of the movie and plot. And there are a few actions scenes that were cut awkwardly and didn’t really connect leaving me confused. But overall a decent movie with good action scenes!!
This movie illustrates the first arc in the Webtoon, I wondered how they would end it in the movie. And I’m satisfied they ended it in this way!
Although the movie fell short in comparison to the Webtoon, the movie delivers a tightly woven story with good acting, action scenes, a little humor and heartwarming in a place like prison. Probably won’t rewatch it in the future, but if they ever have a 2nd movie, I would be the first to watch 😉! Thank you for reading until the end, hope you enjoy the movie!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the best LGBT movie I've ever watched.
Found this by accident when I looked something to watch in Netflix. Glad I found this.I used to underestimate Taiwanese movies or dramas, but after I watched this (and Dear Ex), I changed my mind. I would even say this movie is one of the best ROMANCE movie I've ever watched.
I really love the cinematography, the sad-tone of this movie. The chemistry between the leads. I was surprised when I saw their ages and their filmography—they are rookie actors! They acted so well and when it combined with the beautiful scenes and the cinematography, this movie is heavenly.
Very recommended if you need something emotional to watch to cry. The bittersweet ending left me kinda empty and I cried for pretty long time after I finished. Couldn't totally move on from this movie after a week.
Was this review helpful to you?
So if you're looking for something that is wildly entertaining, this is probably not the movie for you. This movie calls for contemplation and exploration. It's an art film by an auteur director. There is barely any music, it's in black and white and you'll probably be confused at times.
Was this review helpful to you?
