Along with the Gods 2: The Last 49 Days
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PROS:
+ There are some great elements to the complex and imaginative story that form a strong connection between the main characters and the viewer
+ A lot of the "afterlife" scenes are beautiful and interesting to look at; at times looking like "frameable" artwork pieces
+ Don Lee is loveable and cool (the Uncle role suits him well)
+ This film has some issues, but boredom isn't one of them
CONS:
- There are too many layers to the story (and far too many characters) to keep track of within the run-time
- This movie is quite lengthy, yet it seems to have missing details which can make it confusing
- The plot relies HEAVILY upon the first movie [you will need to remember everything or you will be even more confused]
This movie is a beautiful mess. Everything about it is awkward and hard to follow, but it looks so cool that you don't want to turn it off.
At times it feels like three different movies [they eventually do connect]. One of these stories is the highlight of the whole franchise!
If you enjoy the fantasy concepts of afterlife and trials to reincarnation, then these are worth watching.
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PROS:
+ Totally impressive storytelling method that tricks the viewer by starting out as a mundane, follow-along and transforms into an intelligent and unique dramatic thriller
+ There is a powerful point to the film that reflects upon society's often apathetic views on mental health
+ Once the movie rears its thriller head, the atmosphere is chilling and tense
+ Unlike many other thrillers, there is a perspective element that reveals exactly HOW one mentally ill person could become a _______
CONS:
- The first half of the movie ranges from being (tonally) silly to becoming dialogue-heavy and sleep-inducing
- The weakest link in the film is the lack of appropriate understanding of the main characters' motives/beliefs; a lot of these aspects are assumed until some revelations near the end
I'm speechless. While this movie requires some personal analysis/ponderings to properly reflect on the substances, it became a totally unexpectedly precious experience.
Prepare for some tears. Prepare to reflect upon your own life legacy.
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PROS:
+ Decently well casted action film with a likeable protagonist (Chow Yun-Fat)
+ LOTS of crazy gun fights and explosions, especially the during finale
+ (Mostly) cheesy tone that has its charming qualities [full of attitude and quippy rhetoric]
+ 90s hyper-violence galore
CONS:
- There is a lot of room for improvement in the editing department [some cuts/transitions even give off a SEGA CD "full motion video" game attribute]
- While the plot is simple enough to figure out once it gets started, it can be a mess to follow in the beginning
FINAL THOUGHTS - Well, there isn't a ton to say about Hard Boiled besides it is a John Woo movie that ticks most of the boxes.
What Hard Boiled lacks is the finesse that normally accompanies Woo's signature style. The one positive aspect to take away from this fact is that the movie is chaotic and less predictable.
This will be best enjoyed by 90s action fans who want to see the early legacies of action pillars, John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat.
7/10
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PROS:
+ Outstanding 2000s, moody tone that pairs nicely with the story
+ Interesting story/concept
+ While the pacing is slow, it never gets boring
+ Deep amount of details to the main characters
CONS:
- Despite dishing out plenty of action, GANTZ is more of a mystery/drama
- Some scenes are unsettlingly silent and absent of notable background music
I'm glad I finally got around to watching GANTZ! There are several aspects of other movies present here. Surprisingly, it handles everything in a cohesive, mature, and interesting manner.
I've never watched the anime, so I don't know how this compares. This film is strange and cool enough for me to recommend regardless!
8/10
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PROS:
+ Deeper explanation of the mystery presented in the first film
+ The plot is still pretty interesting with multiple layers to ponder
+ Cool characters return
CONS:
- The run-time feels too long
- The pacing is extremely slow, even after the action starts
If you liked the first one, check this out! There are a lot of things keeping this from being as cool as the first one, but it is still entertaining.
7/10
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PROS:
+ Even the cheesy camera shots and music are tastefully and artistically executed
+ The cool, and stylish aesthetic is incredibly strong and almost self-aware
+ Each and every gunshot and explosion is incredibly satisfying and fascinating to witness due to the unrivaled film choreo/direction
+ There is a sense of tragic humor, irony, and justice present in the overall tone that few films have attempted
+ Purely awesome characters that are as memorable as they are cool
CONS:
- Lots and lots of violence and over-the-top scenarios will turn some away
- Many action moments aren't quite believable (this could also be a positive aspect)
I'm glad to say that I'm a big fan of John Woo's style!
This has many parts from Woo's other older films and executes an action drama that may be his strongest classic film.
9/10
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PROS
+ Cool and stylish neo film noire structure and atmosphere
+ Incredibly interesting plot (with some issues in execution)
+ Some nice acting performances that remind me of the silent era with the exaggerated motions and expressions
CONS
- The first half is well done, however the second act unravels a bit with its pacing
- All of the action is presented in an uninteresting way with slow movements, knife fights, floor grabbing/stabbings, etc. (not much kinetic action to be seen)
- A lot of scenes are slow, silent, and have sub context to be pondered which makes the direction feel like a straight up drama rather than a satisfying thriller
- - - - -
Honestly, this wasn't really what I wanted or expected, but I'm glad I watch it! Soo makes up for its short-comings with a lot of interesting ideas in its plot, tone, and strangely haunting final fight.
If you watch Soo, pay attention and soak in the aesthetics and you'll surely enjoy something about it like I did!
6.5/10
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PROS
+ Outstanding cast and performances, especially from lead Kim Sang-Kyung (a personal favorite for good reason)
+ Nice variety of moods/emotions to balance to tense action and the heavy peril
+ Surprisingly engaging and fitting score
CONS
- Some visual effects early on look strange; however, they look nicer later on
- Many films have executed similar disaster plots, but few have this emotional impact
- Some of the goofy moments work as comic relief, while others are very off-putting
- There are a lot of characters who feel underdeveloped
- - - - -
I'm very pleased with The Tower! It captured my attention and kept me interested until the credits. A fine disaster action thriller hides behind the generic poster and plot synopsis. Turn up your subwoofer and give it a shot!
8.5/10
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PROS
+ The concept is really interesting
+ Most of the later half is unpredictable and surprising
+ Seo Yea-ji is a babe
CONS
- Some of the shock elements are humorous, rather than intense
- There is very little logic to the writing in some of the supplemental plot elements
- The mystery starts to lose its intrigue early on due to the pacing and "safe" tone
- The metaphorical/phycological additions to the plot are extremely hard to take seriously at times
- There is a lack of emotions conveyed in tender moments
- - - - -
I don't know if I'd wholeheartedly recommend this one. Check it out if you think it sounds cool and don't mind just being entertained without thinking too logically... or if you just want to see Seo Yea-ji look good the whole time!
7/10
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PROS
+ This has some of the same magic that was captured in My Sassy Girl
+ It's also cool how they retroactively made a prequel in a way
+ The amazingly loveable main cast is the best part
CONS
- Some of the movie feels unstructured and a bit random, even though it's still entertaining
- If the dense, serious tone of the opening and the contrasting goofy scene that plays right after bothers you, find a different movie (it can be off-putting at best and upsetting at worst)
I think I would prefer My Sassy Girl 9/10 times, but there is still something a little special about Windstruck. I almost wished that I watched this one first to avoid this illogical "lesser than" comparison.
Windstruck is not for everyone, but it is a fun, yet emotionally mature adventure that I'm thankful I got to experience.
8.5/10
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PROS:
+ Once the movie becomes serious, it really shines
+ Here is yet another commendable performance by Jun Ji Hyun
+ The drama elements are fresh and impressive because they're less predictable
+ You wouldn't guess by the comical first half, but this movie will leave you with some intense ponderings and might even inspire you!
+ I was also shocked by how cool some of the cinematography was captured
+ Prepare to feel something
CONS:
- Admittedly, I could have dropped this movie judging it by the opening half; it's just so silly (I'm glad I didn't!)
- There is a bit too much reliance on the "Superman" persona that takes away from the more interesting man, Lee Hyun suk
- The music is FAR from appealing in some of the comical scenes and it conflicts with the tone to the point of sounding satirically bad
So, I was really lucky to have found this movie. I was researching Jun Ji hyun's filmography after seeing My Sassy Girl and Windstruck. I thought the idea of the plot sounded interesting, but I had no idea what I was in for.
The film has a heavily contrasting tonal shift that surprised me. I'm thankful I didn't pass on this, due to the wacky comedy at the beginning. By the ending credits, I cried from this beautiful movie.
8/10
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Highlights:
- One of the lead characters, Min Seo-Young, is quite likeable with her ambition and sense of justice
- There is a decently written revenge plot that is executed (albeit a horribly morbid and unsatisfying one)
Criticisms:
- WOW, there is a such thing as showing too much [autopsy scenes]
- All throughout the film, we are taken on an unsavory journey, where there is no "right" and the conclusion is THE LAST thing you'd want to see happen
- As far as the mystery goes, the plot is pretty decent, but the overused visual clichés [like slow motion for dramatic effect] make it seem really corny in tone
- THE MOVIE IS BORING; it took me several attempts to finish this one
Final thoughts - I love investigative thrillers/mystery more than most people, especially the plethora of outstanding South Korean titles in this amazing mixed genre. No Mercy is just too frustrating to recommend.
I don't believe every movie needs a happy ending to be entertaining, but there should be something for the viewer to feel good about after spending two hours of their time.
Watch Broken or The Deal instead and save your time on this one.
5.5/10
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Highlights:
- The character writing is very strong, from the main to the supporting casts
- Each moment that transpires throughout the film feels significant and is never boring
- Great plot that relies on the characters to unfold the story rather than adding standard mystery movie tropes (like red herrings and police procedures)
- Unique method of non-linear storytelling that reveals deeper the character's deeper motives throughout with an effect flashback-style
Criticisms:
- Some of the actions that initiate the "prophecy" movement seem a little unclear as to how they accomplish their main goal
- The police are very easily manipulated; however, the main police woman is very likeable and less gullible
Final thoughts - Before viewing Prophecy, I imagined it would be a violent and brainless vigilante movie. I was wrong!
It tells an important story that has heartwarming moments and stands out with its outstanding characters.
Watch this. The ending is unforgettable!
8.5/10
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Pros:
- Panic-inducing scenes of hopeless carnage that is truly disturbing and upsetting
Cons:
- The presentation is so poorly assembled that it makes the point of the movie feel like it is praising the heinous actions
- Awful character development that fails at creating an interesting protagonist with clear motives and reason for his actions
- Due to the serious nature of the subject matter and the contrasting apathy/silliness presented by the main character, the movie just comes off as cruel and edgy
Final thoughts:
Save yourself the time and watch something better like Confessions. There is actually a point to that movie!
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Pros:
- Cool idea for a plot that is presented in a fresh way
- There are a few nice, touching, moments that make you feel good
- The ending scene is memorable and very well done
Cons:
- The pacing is slower than expected and there is a lot of dry dialogue, where attention can be zapped
- Some of the progression is not satisfying, due to some generic-feeling writing that makes the main character seem emotionless
Final thoughts
I don't think it was bad at all. It just didn't captivate me like I imagined. I would maybe recommend this movie to someone who wants to experience a fresh idea, but doesn't mind slower melodrama.
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