Something different and even fun at times. It wasn't a hardcore fantasy though, it was a lighthearted film to change the air and laugh a little. The acting was alright but strong skills weren't needed for this picture in the first place. Hamada did well though.
Okada is rising as films' actor and I must say that I like that.
This film is a master stroke. It's no surprise since it comes from the genius director Nakamura (Fish Story darn it!) and the brilliant novelist Minato (the same writer of Confessions and Yakou Kanransha). She's crawling on me, I became an avid fan.
The film is a crime mystery tale about a "Snow White" murder case. It was wonderfully executed and perfectly acted. This is by far, Inoue Mao's most astonishing performance to date; she was shining. Other actors were also great. Man, I am totally loving the improvement that Ayano Go's showing in his recent projects.
The murderer was a bit too predictable for me but the final outcome left me completely satisfied and happy about seeing this picture.
Too slow, darn it! But the general idea and some of the execution elements appealed to me. I don't know why Japanese love to do these unbearably slow pictures. At any rate, I am glad I had the chance to see Ikematsu in a main role, he's absolutely promising. Also Hashimoto is one of the better young actresses around...and she's only 18! I like the kid.
The heart and soul of this drama was Sawamura Ikki. Oji-san's character was eccentric but very realistic and loveable. I don't think I would've appreciated the drama the same if the main character was written otherwise.
The whole drama's weight depended on that central character, the supporting actors weren't off but they rarely stirred my interest. Overall, this was an enjoyable piece.
I don't really like horror films but this was not a typical one, it had an interesting concept and a steady development. It wasn't too strong to leave an impact but it was a pretty enjoyable ride with a fitting outcome.
This was a very interesting concept, Okada and four fathers :D
It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be, somehow it became very heartwarming and even mysterious at some point. At the end of the day, I appreciated this picture and I am glad that Okada is trying to set himself as films' actor.
Seeing Yamada Yoji's name makes me unconsiously happy, the oldies who decided to come back to directing give me that nostalgic feeling about the immortal Japanese classics.
Yamada is one of the fewest directors that I am ready to watch their melodramas although I am not a big fan of the Showa Era drama that he specializes in. That's because he has a very special way of making me connect to his characters.
The little house was a moving melodrama about a quiet old-fashioned affair. It was slow sailing and may trigger the majority of the audience's patience but the conclusion that Yamada wanted to convey reached me which is more than enough.
Kuroki Haru surprised me by her strong performance here, no wonder she got Berlin Film Festival's best actress award for this. But that doesn't deny that Satoshi and Matsu were pretty good as well.
According to my standards, this is not a strong thriller by any mean. I know that this could've been better executed. The screenwriter lost the way many times during the drama, I really dislike unbalanced screenwriting. However, it was enjoyable; I didn't lose interest but I wish they kept the same pace as the first two or three episodes.
I am also glad I met Chun Jung Myung through this drama. And that kid Kim So Hyun is going to be big, I am telling you.
This is like Ichi the killer without gore and the psychological element. There was violence but it wasn't exactly that serious.
This was a pretty fun ride, Miike really pleases me throughout. His twisted sense of humour always got me tripping and I love it. Some scenes were especially ridiculous and way over the top for those who don't give a heck about Japanese comedy but for me they were pure pleasure.
Ikuta Toma was good but I am still waiting for more improvement from his side. I especially loved Tsutsumi oji-san's performance in this, that actor is an absolute genius.
Overall, it was a pretty enjoyable yakuza piece, it had a nice mix of comedy, violence and even decent twists here and there. Some things went left and right but the plot always managed to get back on track. Good one Miike!
The later half didn't please me much, the drama couldn't keep its strong pace for the whole running time. Taken as a whole, the drama was a good watch with many interesting elements and the great touch of that era's dramas. I give it the credit of entertainment, it really pleased me and kept me interested but I blame the turn of events in the second half.
Even after wathing the whole drama I still don't know what to think about Hideaki yet. I don't want to misdjudge him yet, let me watch another thing with him first. But Ikewaki was and still remains a good actress.
I truly love well-made thrillers like this one, it makes you think how much South Korea's cinema matured in that regard and I love them for it.
It was one heck of a roller-coaster ride, there was a nice balance of the thriller and action elements while the somewhat black humour was carefully handled. Lee Sun Gyun's performance was quite charismatic in this role, he successfully played the role of a corrupt but a likeable center character.
My blame goes two ways: The thriller was entertaining but not too memorable per say, it's just something to live the moment with. And the realism was a bit absent for the most part.
I am actually a bit surprised by this film, I didn't think It would be this good.
The story of King Jeongjo was well executed with many highlights on the several attempts to assassinate him. I always liked that king's story, the successor of King Yongjo and the son of the unfortunate Crown Prince Sado. He led an interesting ruling period.
That aside, the film was fast paced and did well at showing the political schemes and the divided opinions. It had its fair share of action but it was rough around the edges. I also didn't appreciate the weak vague conclusion.
The acting department was pretty good though, Hyun Bin chose his comeback project very well.
Let's face facts: I am not into these types of dramas. The reason I jumped into it is strictly the star-studded cast. I would've stayed away from this if it didn't contain four of my top favourite Japanese actors. So thank you beloved actors for making me watch this wonderful drama that instantly made it into my top 3 dramas of the whole year.
Wakamono Tachi must be one of the most sincere and heartwarming family dramas I've ever seen. Thank the lord that the screenwriting didn't lean too much on the powerhouse under his belt; because no matter how good the actors were, it's impossible to make a good drama out of a messed up script. The plot, fast-paced dialogues and remarquable simple situation turned deep were too absorbing. I completely loved how the screenwriter gave each actor space to show his great abilities through his/her character. Everyone was given their right credit.
It was slow and I took my time in finishing it but I don't regret a single moment. I truly liked it and "It doesn't need a reason!"
It was an engaging film with a different theme, they can make you want to play that game even if you know nothing about it!
It was lacking though, maybe it's the thriller element but the film didn't feel complete or too gripping. I am glad they used action instead of blind focus on the games, that was a nice change of pace.
There's no need to mention how good Lee Bum Soo ahjussi and Jung Woo were.
It was a pretty nice watch, nothing more, nothing less.
I love gangster films to the core, there's always something exciting and unique about them. But this film's screenwriting partially failed to build a strong narrative that suits the powerful gangster genre. And crap, those mature scenes were utterly useless.
I am so proud of Park Sung Woong ahjussi, he build a great career in these last few years and his acting is getting better by the second. As for Lee Min Ki, I think he should aim to become film actor from now on. He's well-suited for the big screen than the small one.
A bit dumb, no? Action in a gory manner was a clean check but the rest is kind of ridiculous, I didn't see anything that can make this film special. It's very forgettable. Moreover, switching between Korean and English was annoying as heck.
Jang Dong Gun chose the wrong film this time.
I am disappointed in director Lee Jung Bum, he didn't have to be this obvious about trying to reincarnate his smashing success The Man from Nowhere.
I was not pleased despite my extremely low expectations. I don't know, the story was too similar to Charlie's Angels that it rubbed me off the wrong way. Also, the main girls couldn't act for their lives. This made me remember why I consider Ha Ji Won completely annoying at times.
The bright side was some humour and fan-service simple Joeson action but that's it. Oh, and Joo Sang Wook is a waste on this film.
First thing's first, I am talking from a different point of view. I already saw the original French version "À Bout Portant" (or Point Blank in English) few years back and I have to compare it ot its remake. No doubt about that.
The bright side:
-No replicate, they knew how to remake the whole thing without being so obvious. They inserted new things and deleted others without killing the main story. They even concluded with a different outcome.
-Acting was pretty good, Ryu Seung Ryong ahjussi and Lee Jin Wook were in a good harmony but I would still prefer Gilles Lellouche over Jin Wook. Vieux relation d'admiration, ça ne peux pas comparer :D
The shady side:
-Unnecessary length was added with plain focus on side plots.
-The thriller build-up wasn't convincing enough.
At the end of the day, it was a good remake that stood on its own. Something enjoyable and good enough for a thriller but A Bout Portant was still better, thriller wise at least.
An interesting revenge thriller, this genre became South Korea's trademark for sure.
The film was well-executed, the screenwriting was involving and the acting was too darn good. Jung Jae Young ahjussi was so good in the role of a father seeking revenge for his raped and murdered daughter.
Okada is rising as films' actor and I must say that I like that.
The film is a crime mystery tale about a "Snow White" murder case. It was wonderfully executed and perfectly acted. This is by far, Inoue Mao's most astonishing performance to date; she was shining. Other actors were also great. Man, I am totally loving the improvement that Ayano Go's showing in his recent projects.
The murderer was a bit too predictable for me but the final outcome left me completely satisfied and happy about seeing this picture.
The whole drama's weight depended on that central character, the supporting actors weren't off but they rarely stirred my interest. Overall, this was an enjoyable piece.
It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be, somehow it became very heartwarming and even mysterious at some point. At the end of the day, I appreciated this picture and I am glad that Okada is trying to set himself as films' actor.
Yamada is one of the fewest directors that I am ready to watch their melodramas although I am not a big fan of the Showa Era drama that he specializes in. That's because he has a very special way of making me connect to his characters.
The little house was a moving melodrama about a quiet old-fashioned affair. It was slow sailing and may trigger the majority of the audience's patience but the conclusion that Yamada wanted to convey reached me which is more than enough.
Kuroki Haru surprised me by her strong performance here, no wonder she got Berlin Film Festival's best actress award for this. But that doesn't deny that Satoshi and Matsu were pretty good as well.
I am also glad I met Chun Jung Myung through this drama. And that kid Kim So Hyun is going to be big, I am telling you.
This was a pretty fun ride, Miike really pleases me throughout. His twisted sense of humour always got me tripping and I love it. Some scenes were especially ridiculous and way over the top for those who don't give a heck about Japanese comedy but for me they were pure pleasure.
Ikuta Toma was good but I am still waiting for more improvement from his side. I especially loved Tsutsumi oji-san's performance in this, that actor is an absolute genius.
Overall, it was a pretty enjoyable yakuza piece, it had a nice mix of comedy, violence and even decent twists here and there. Some things went left and right but the plot always managed to get back on track. Good one Miike!
Even after wathing the whole drama I still don't know what to think about Hideaki yet. I don't want to misdjudge him yet, let me watch another thing with him first. But Ikewaki was and still remains a good actress.
It was one heck of a roller-coaster ride, there was a nice balance of the thriller and action elements while the somewhat black humour was carefully handled. Lee Sun Gyun's performance was quite charismatic in this role, he successfully played the role of a corrupt but a likeable center character.
My blame goes two ways: The thriller was entertaining but not too memorable per say, it's just something to live the moment with. And the realism was a bit absent for the most part.
The story of King Jeongjo was well executed with many highlights on the several attempts to assassinate him. I always liked that king's story, the successor of King Yongjo and the son of the unfortunate Crown Prince Sado. He led an interesting ruling period.
That aside, the film was fast paced and did well at showing the political schemes and the divided opinions. It had its fair share of action but it was rough around the edges. I also didn't appreciate the weak vague conclusion.
The acting department was pretty good though, Hyun Bin chose his comeback project very well.
Wakamono Tachi must be one of the most sincere and heartwarming family dramas I've ever seen. Thank the lord that the screenwriting didn't lean too much on the powerhouse under his belt; because no matter how good the actors were, it's impossible to make a good drama out of a messed up script. The plot, fast-paced dialogues and remarquable simple situation turned deep were too absorbing. I completely loved how the screenwriter gave each actor space to show his great abilities through his/her character. Everyone was given their right credit.
It was slow and I took my time in finishing it but I don't regret a single moment. I truly liked it and "It doesn't need a reason!"
It was lacking though, maybe it's the thriller element but the film didn't feel complete or too gripping. I am glad they used action instead of blind focus on the games, that was a nice change of pace.
There's no need to mention how good Lee Bum Soo ahjussi and Jung Woo were.
It was a pretty nice watch, nothing more, nothing less.
I am so proud of Park Sung Woong ahjussi, he build a great career in these last few years and his acting is getting better by the second. As for Lee Min Ki, I think he should aim to become film actor from now on. He's well-suited for the big screen than the small one.
Jang Dong Gun chose the wrong film this time.
I am disappointed in director Lee Jung Bum, he didn't have to be this obvious about trying to reincarnate his smashing success The Man from Nowhere.
The bright side was some humour and fan-service simple Joeson action but that's it. Oh, and Joo Sang Wook is a waste on this film.
The bright side:
-No replicate, they knew how to remake the whole thing without being so obvious. They inserted new things and deleted others without killing the main story. They even concluded with a different outcome.
-Acting was pretty good, Ryu Seung Ryong ahjussi and Lee Jin Wook were in a good harmony but I would still prefer Gilles Lellouche over Jin Wook. Vieux relation d'admiration, ça ne peux pas comparer :D
The shady side:
-Unnecessary length was added with plain focus on side plots.
-The thriller build-up wasn't convincing enough.
At the end of the day, it was a good remake that stood on its own. Something enjoyable and good enough for a thriller but A Bout Portant was still better, thriller wise at least.
The film was well-executed, the screenwriting was involving and the acting was too darn good. Jung Jae Young ahjussi was so good in the role of a father seeking revenge for his raped and murdered daughter.