Good News: Hijacked by Humor
I did not have any previous knowledge of the real-life 1970s hijacking, so when I learned that Good News is inspired by true events, I was expecting a heavy drama. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this was not only an action film but also a black comedy that leaned heavily on the satire.The film definitely embraced the comedic genre, often following intense scenes with witty dialogue, physical humor and absurd scenarios when least expected. The back and forth between the two tones felt like a rollercoaster ride, providing enough laughs to break the previously built tension, but always maintaining an underlying sense of urgency, never allowing the viewers to fully let their guards down.
This film's bold use of unconventional music and sometimes "over-the-top" visual effects works perfectly with the narrative and makes Good News stand out among many others in this genre. Although the balance of dramatic and comedic scenes was masterfully calculated, the film's length was a significant drawback. Around the halfway point, the narrative began to drag, and a quicker pace would have improved the viewing experience.
Despite a runtime that could have been shorter, don't let the serious premise discourage you. It's a surprisingly entertaining watch, thanks to its masterful use of music and visual effects, and its clever way of blurring the line between suspense and comedy.
Overall: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Enjoyability: 3.5/5
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The Price of Every Step Up the Social Ladder
This is another hidden gem of Korean cinema from the 1960s, providing a classic depiction of the wronged female vengeful spirit (wonhon).This black and white film's plot of betrayal and revenge, use of dramatic music, and creating tense scenes out of mundane incidents like making a small noise when trying not to get caught, was similar to what we have come to expect from Alfred Hitchcock movies.
For those who appreciate social commentary, the film's main theme of social climbing and its price is a great appeal. One such example being the use of the staircase itself as a visual metaphor for the desire for social elevation—a technique still used in modern classics like Parasite.
Despite its sometimes slow pace, the film managed to keep the viewers' attention through it's use of various horror and suspense elements; from the ruthlessness demonstrated by a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, to the retaliatory psychological torment.
Though not my first recommendation, this is definitely an interesting watch for fans of the golden age of Korean cinema or Korean horror enthusiasts looking to watch a film which had an influential role on the genre.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Enjoyability: 3/5
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Devils: Inside the Mind of a Killer... and a Detective
Detectives hunting down serial killers can sometimes be seen as an overused premise. However, Devils sets itself a part by adding a body-switching angle to the story. In this case, not only are the viewers rooting for the protagonist to catch the killer, but also concerned about the protagonist being caught "as" the killer. This added tension and a sense or urgency which propel the plot forward at an exhilarating pace.The film creatively uses eerie trance music and vivid, colorful lighting during the killing scenes which contributes to the already unsettling atmosphere created by the narrative. The two lead actors demonstrate range through their convincing portrayals of two polar opposite characters.
For those who enjoy a solid thriller or crime story with a twist, this film is certainly an entertaining and satisfying option.
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Sensory Suspense: Non-Stop Action and Nail-Biting Thriller
This film’s strength lies in its ability to make the viewers empathize with the main character who, as a deaf woman, must overcome many obstacles in her everyday life. This greatly enhances the nail-biting atmosphere. Certain scenes notably cut off the sound completely, making the viewers feel as though they were in her shoes; not just showing, but making us feel the same vulnerability and frustration as Kyeong Mi.The use of sensory suspense coupled with the various turns of events fully captivates the viewer’s attention, and the different intertwined narratives and non-stop action made the movie fly by.
This is a great film not only for people who love thrillers, but also for anyone wanting to dip their toes in this genre.
Overall: 4.5/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Enjoyability: 5/5
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Internationally renowned for a reason
Whenever I mention that I enjoy Korean cinema, "Parasite" is usually the first movie people will bring up. Its popular reputation even amongst people who do not usually watch Korean movies is well-earned.The movie brings thrillers and black comedies to another level by not relying on cheap jump scares, but rather by creating a too realistic and uncomfortable atmosphere which the viewer cannot escape. The many twists and turns and different use of symbolism to provides social commentary throughout the movie had me continuing to think about the movie after I was finished watching it. Which to me is the mark of a successful psychological thriller.
What I loved about this movie is that it is very impactful during the first watch, but also made me want to do some more research afterwards to look into the details and symbolism which I may have missed. This is a great movie to introduce people to Korean Cinema, and its subtle details and various easter eggs provides great rewatchability.
Overall rating: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
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Pink Is Not the New Red
By naming itself after one of the greatest ballet films ever made, this movie didn’t do itself any favors. It really bothered me at first that the shoes were pink. However, it turns out the original Korean title translates to "Pink Shoes", so I won’t hold the translation against it. The premise of a woman finding haunted shoes was interesting, but the execution left a lot to be desired. The writing could have been stronger, and the repetitive plot made the film drag on, making it hard at times to stay engaged.However, the visuals were definitely stronger than the rest of the film. What made them so interesting was the use of vivid color, especially the focus on the bright pink of the shoes contrasted against the neutral colors in the background. While it had entertaining moments, and I don’t regret watching it, this is not a film I would revisit.
Overall: 2.5/5
Quality: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2.5/5
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Two Hits and a Miss
The large gap in quality between the segments makes it hard to provide an accurate overall rating for this anthology.1. Interior Design (Michel Gondry): 4/5
Even though I had no clue where this story was headed, I felt like I was in good hands and I enjoyed the ride. It featured Gondry’s signature surrealist take on themes of alienation and personal purpose, and sparked an introspection that stuck with me after the segment was finished.
2. Merde (Leos Carax): 1/5
The "art" of this one probably went over my head. Between the unbearable main character and a plot that refused to make sense, the narrative was so unappealing that finishing this segment felt like a chore.
3. Shaking Tokyo (Bong Joon Ho): 4/5
Bong Joon Ho has dipped his toes into almost every genre, so I was excited to see his take on romance. As someone who isn't usually a fan of the genre, I appreciated how added a fantasy twist in this exploration of social isolation. The plot was engaging and the visuals were beautiful (some of which felt like visual ASMR designed specifically for A-type brains like mine). Much like Gondry’s piece, it left me reflecting on its themes even after it was over.
Overall: 3/5
Quality: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
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Textbook Age-Regression Comedy
Ms. Granny is entertaining and hits all the expected age-regression tropes. However, while it’s a funny watch, it doesn’t bring much new to the genre. Some creative choices, like the grandson’s musical direction and certain of the grandmother’s priorities, resulted in a confusing moral that made it harder to connect with the characters. It’s an entertaining one-time watch, but I would probably choose a different comedy to watch before rewatching this film.Overall: 3/5
Quality: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
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"A woman's grudge is not something that easily goes away"
A woman exacting revenge on those who have wronged her may now be seen as a cliché. However, this film from the 1960s is an early contributor to the "Wonhon" motif (the Korean version of this concept).A Devilish Murder subverts the expected revenge narrative and creates an interesting juxtaposition between the duality of women. Placing a spotlight on the relationships between the characters and their expected roles within the family, and society itself, provides an insightful reflection of the time period in which it was produced.
The premise is interesting and the use of music greatly contributes to the eerie atmosphere already established by the uncomfortable relationship dynamics and unsettling visuals. However, a lack of exposition makes the dated plot confusing and ultimately less enjoyable to follow.
Overall: 2.5/5
Quality: 3/5
Enjoyability: 2.5/5
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Down the Drain: The Missed Opportunities of Manhole
The cat and mouse game between a serial killer and his prey is nothing new in the horror and thriller genre. This film offers an creative take on this common trope; using the sewers as a lair and the manholes as a means for the killer to snatch his victims. Creating horror out of something most people walk by everyday is an effective way to capture the viewer's attention and plant a seed of uneasiness from the start.This initial tension lingers throughout the story as suspense is continuously built through the claustrophobic feeling induced by the underground setting and deadly pursuit through what feels like an endless labyrinth.
Despite an intriguing premise and thrilling chase sequences, Manhole's narrative is ultimately unsatisfying due to several unresolved plot points that leave the viewer with more questions than answers.
Overall: 2.5/5
Quality: 2/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
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Mad Max in Seoul: A Straightforward and Entertaining Ride
Badland Hunters is reminiscent of post-apocalyptic films we have come to love like Mad Max: Fury Road.The film quickly sets the scene, providing key information about the world so it can swiftly move on to comedic interactions and action scenes.
Being centered around the importance of community, this film would benefit from further character development, as only surface-level information on the main characters is presented. While the action and thriller aspects are well executed, the narrative is tonally inconsistent; appearing uncertain whether leaning towards a comedy or a drama. A more focused approach to its overall tone would have improved the film's effectiveness.
Nevertheless, the various combat scenes sprinkled throughout the narrative and the sympathetic main characters helps to maintain the viewers' engagement. While the action and fight choreography take priority over character and world-building, diminishing its long-term appeal, this film still provides and interesting portrayal of a dystopian future, making for an entertaining watch.
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The Assassin and the Mother: Two Worlds of Boksoon
It was refreshing to see a female protagonist in an action film portrayed as a ruthless and nonchalant killer, in a way that usually reserved for male lead characters in this genre.By juxtaposing the two distinct worlds in Boksoon's life, the viewers are shown a powerful look at her divided life; from seeing her confidence and comfort in life threatening scenarios organized by a cut-throat assassin organization, to her struggles to truly understand and connect with her teenage daughter.
This journey to discover one's true identity added level of complexity to the narrative which elevated the action-packed story and made the overall viewing experience more engaging. This is a great watch for any fans of this genre.
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Along with the Gods 2: The Last 49 Days
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49 Days of Flashbacks
This sequel filled in important narrative gaps by finally answering the lingering questions about the main characters' origins. This made their journey more compelling for the audience and contributed to the overall intrigue of the film.However, the numerous flashbacks disrupted the narrative flow. The fragmented plot and inconsistent pacing prevented this film from being as engaging as the first installment in the series.
While not as endlessly rewatchable as the original, the sequel still offers impressive special effects and a great balance of action and comedic scenes, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the first film.
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"Let's never ever waste new tears on the past"
This film was so engaging, funny and action-packed that I didn't notice the time passing until it was over. Being based on a webtoon, I was impressed with the high number of events featured, without making the viewer feel overwhelmed.The concept of the protagonist needing to go through multiple trials based on the Buddhist religion was refreshing and though there were many comedic elements, it also included a deeper conversation regarding judgment and redemption. It was easy to be emotionally invested in the protagonist's journey, as we discover more about him and his motivations with each trial. I wish the film provided more information and background on the other main characters. However, this was remedied in the second instalment of this film series.
It visually featured impressive CGI and has a high re-watch value. I would definitely recommend to any action/fantasy fans.
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Dr. Cheon and the Lost Genre
This film felt confused in its genre. Although the fast-paced narrative and funny interactions made for an entertaining watch, trying to cram dark fantasy, horror, action, thriller and comedy aspects into the same narrative made the film feel all over the place and caused the overall tone to feel inconsistent.Though this is by no means a "bad movie", there are a lot of other films in each of those genres which I would personally recommend over this one.
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