1
Catch and Release
For what it is, this was a very good short movie. It will take only a 10 minutes of your time and give you one scene of "night fishing" creatively done. We see the story through a car camera (dash cam), and luckily this car has 6 of them so we can use different angles to follow what is going on. The supernatural effect was done nicely. without much explanation. All in all, there are no many words in this movie, just a sentence at the beginning and at the end, so this is a visual movie and even if it is very very short, i will surely remember it. Catch it if you find it :)Was this review helpful to you?
Paranmanjang
The real title of this 33 minutes long movie is not "Night Fishing" but Paranmanjang, meaning "full of big changes and big troubles". This phrase is often used to convey a sense of overcoming hardships or experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions and that is what this movie tries to do. We have a fisherman who goes to night fishing, as the english title suggest, but what follows is a interesting turn of events filled with mysticism and emotion.One word I could use to describe this movie is: dramatic. The music and the songs are loud and dramatic, actors are dramatic, and even the camera is dramatic. At the beginning I was disappointed with the quality of the image because the movie is filmed with a phone (iPhone 4) but at the end the shakiness and obscurity of video helps to add to the dramatic effect.
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama Special Season 15: Find Handsome!
1 people found this review helpful
When dreams become burdens
This drama special - short movie started like a parody of K-pop industry but at the and it became a very nice commentary on the lives of young dreamers struggling to find success and fame in the entertainment industry. I would say that this is a perfect little movie for people with dreams to become stars. The quirky stupid gags made me smile and the drama elements made me appreciate the story. The acting was also subjected to the comedic style of this movie (I call Drama special episodes Movies) so it maybe looked a little childish and amateurish on purpose.All in all "Find handsome!" gave me a warm feeling in my heart. it has some nice messaging for people with big dreams. Can someone find happiness if he didn't realize his dream? Dreams are important but we can't live in a dream, but use what we have to build our destiny.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cookie and Cockroach
At the time when Korea was struck with financial crisis some Koreans went to search for a better life opportunity in Colombia only to realize that Colombia has not only financial issues but also violence and corruption. So in this movie the capital of Colombia, Bogotá, is a background for the story about the difficult life of Korean immigrants and especially their relationship between themselves. The plot is centered about one young Korean immigrant Kuk-hee (Cookie) who is quickly adapting to the new reality and building a path of his own. His personality is what made this movie above average. Yes, the scenery is beautiful, the production is on a high level, and the story is interesting, but it would be a forgetful movie without the main protagonist. The camera often focuses on his face, and it makes us relate with his emotions through all the trials until the satisfying conclusion.One other Korean is called a Cockroach, representing the animal that has a high level of survivability. He and all the other people in the movie develop some sort of tension toward Cooke. It goes to show the ancient truth: homo homini lupus - man is a wolf to man. This is categorized as action crime thriller, but most of all, this is a human drama about the challenges of immigrant life.
Was this review helpful to you?
Jeju is beautiful
A few weeks have passed since I last watched a Korean movie, and this movie served as a great motivator for me to continue following Korean cinema. While this film isn’t a masterpiece, and I assume I’ll forget the plot within a year, it was still a great way to spend a relaxing evening. The film is short and straightforward, categorized as action, though it’s much more comedy-oriented. I gave it a 9 out of 10, specifically for the humor that really resonated with me. Normally, I’m not a big fan of gag jokes, but it seems I was just in the mood for something like that, and this movie delivered. I found myself laughing at some silly mishap in almost every scene.The actors have charisma, though it seems they could have expressed the eccentric qualities of their characters even more. At the beginning, each character is introduced with distinctive traits, but these quirks don’t play a significant role later on. In fact, their personalities change into a cliché roles.
Also, since I have such beautiful memories of Jeju, this film was a lovely reminder of my visit to the island. I appreciate that the cinematographers gave us viewers a little glimpse of Jeju’s landscape through this film.
Was this review helpful to you?
Everything is possible
The synopsis says that this is an Omnibus movie with 5 short stories, but there is also a sixth one (Pieces – 토막) that is not mentioned, which connects all the other stories.Each story has a different sub-theme of the supernatural, terrifying, and disgusting. The best element of the movie is the individual scenes where the viewer has to close their eyes because they are too repulsive/disgusting and hard to watch. There aren’t many of them, but each short story has at least one such shocking scene. The horror elements aren’t executed very well because they appear superficial. They try to scare the viewers with various clichés but lack clarity and authenticity. I found it interesting to watch the different themes that make each short segment and each story unique, and everything is quite well connected into one unity. This movie truly breaks the boundaries of what’s possible and just does whatever it wishes. The acting at times seems unconvincing, and as is the case with other horror movies, the characters' actions are often illogical. When I think about it, maybe the directors do this intentionally so that we, the viewers, get more involved in the movie, even if it’s by complaining about why the characters weren’t smarter or more cautious. Horror fans will probably appreciate this movie, despite its flaws, but I wouldn’t recommend it to the general public.
Was this review helpful to you?
Unrealistic but interesting
I couldn't fully enjoy the movie. It has a lot of great elements, but also a lot of stupid, illogical and unrealistic details. I won't reveal spoilers but I will at least mention the first scene where we see the main character Im Gyu-nam mapping the way through the DMZ. The scene is full of tension and looks attractive, but it is completely unrealistic. The whole movie is like that. They don't represent the realistic view on North Korean regime but an anecdotal exaggeration of it. The events in the plot are so "extra" that until halfway through the film I kept asking myself: "Is this really happening?", and later I came to terms with the fact that the film is based on impossible plots and even more impossible instant resolutions. Maybe modern audience likes that, but to me it was a bit off putting from what is generally very engaging and interesting story.Life in North Korea must be very difficult, and the film develops the theme of free will and choice well. Is it better to live in obedience-slavery but in security or to live in freedom but in uncertainty? The two main protagonists each answer this question in their own way.
Was this review helpful to you?
Story of a Hero
This is a story about real life heroes. Too often in films, the main characters go on revenge mission or do violent, morally unacceptable things, but the main character in this film, pilot Tae-in, is an example of a real hero who is guided by moral virtues. We could almost say that he is a saint. Speaking from my Christian perspective, I would say that the attitudes and actions of the main character are an authentic example of Christian behavior in dramatic situations.The film begins with a very interesting plot, in the middle, the story becomes a bit tiring because the events on the plane do not really change anything in the plot, but the finale of the film is excellently done, full of adrenaline and drama. Watching the planes fly was for me more exciting than the interaction of the passengers in the hijacked plane. I also liked one scene on the plane when the frame freezes and we have the opportunity to see a panorama of all the passengers in a dramatic moment. However, that scene stands out from the rest of the film, which dramatizes historical events and ultimately gives us a positive inspiration.
Was this review helpful to you?
Fist is still strong
The Crime City movie series has not run out of fuel. I would say that the previous sequel was slightly better, but the tone of this new film is the same as in the previous part, good and brutal action with a touch of comedy. Those who liked this series before will also like this sequel. Charismatic Ma Dong-seok has aged a bit, but he is still the main asset of the film. More precisely, it is his fist that smashes everything in front of him. It surprises me and makes me laugh every time when I see enemies fall from the force of his blows.An important part of the film are the criminals, who also have strong personalities here, and it is interesting to see how they clash with each other. They also created the best action scene in the film, where instead of fists, they fight with knives and we practically see the entire fight choreography in one shot. As for the story, it's good enough to hold attention, but it doesn't have too many twists and turns.
P.S. for the Croatian translation. Our translator was very creative in translating Korean curse words, so he would invent a new curse word for each F word and thereby increase their influence on the plot, which bothered me a little because I'm not a fan of rude words.
Was this review helpful to you?
Dancing and praying
The pilgrimage to Santiago is famous all over the world, and I have heard many touching stories from those pilgrimages, which entail a n exhausting walk of hundreds of kilometers without much luggage. Many go on this pilgrimage for religious reasons, but each person carries his own intentions, which, although they may not be directly aimed at God, are deeply connected with what a person believes.It was very touching and beautiful to follow the pilgrimage of these two people, Jea Han and Da Hee, their journey and the support they gave each other. In the center is Jea Han, a fifty-year-old woman who is almost blind, but has a big desire to dance flamenco at the cathedral in Santiago. We see much more of her than her companion, we see her prayer, injuries on the way, personal thoughts and worries, as well as great strength of faith and will to overcome all obstacles. Her young companion is in the background, but for her too this is a path of deep life experience.
The film was shot excellently, with many beautiful landscapes, always close to our travelers and pilgrims, and the shots show both natural beauty and religious symbols. This film is an additional encouragement for me on my personal pilgrimage of life, and I believe it will be for every one who watches this beautiful movie.
Was this review helpful to you?
Who are you mister?
Fist of all, this movie was right for my taste. It doesn't have the suspenseful plots and twists or the multi-layered story like other great Korean thrillers, but that's not necessary. Sometimes it's best to be simple and straightforward, and this movie is like that. Clear, short, atmospheric, with great characters and an enigmatic protagonist who doesn't communicate much with words but with his attitude and actions. In another film, we would have learned more about the context of the story and about the motivations of the characters, but here it is not necessary. That is exactly what heightens the interest of the viewer, who can conclude for himself who and what kind of people the characters he is watching are.Probably not all viewers will be able to immerse themselves in the film, but it kept me riveted and interested from beginning to end. The production and cinematography was great. From the characters, I liked the girl Inbi the most (young actress 류지안), she played her role very well, without much words.
And I'm very pleased with how it all ended, a bit absurd, but satisfying.
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Joseon Chefs
1 people found this review helpful
Be yourself
This historical cooking drama is very good to watch but loses its balance from scene to scene trying to add so many things. While it is a enjoyable to watch, it has many details that bothered me so it is hard for me to recommend it. I really liked the meals (i always love seeing Korean cousin on screen), and then the dramatic tension in the family and also the question about balancing between expectations and requirements from a society that put a person into a box. So the message (Be yourself) is quite good - one should find his own path and fight for his freedom. I didn't like that the two male leads behave as children or maybe even like they are in love, also i was bothered by themes that weren't properly resolved and by the many scenes presented in a pathetic way trying to artificially stir emotion.Was this review helpful to you?
Drama Special Season 14: Dog Days of Summer
1 people found this review helpful
Basketball VS Football
I might be biased because basketball is my sport, but this drama was just right on every level. The desire of the main protagonist to play basketball when everyone is interested in football is a good allegory of the unique talents that every child brings and the difficulty to adjust to the group. Young actors were great. The story is simple yet very authentic and therefore emotional. It helps us grownups to understand children and their emotions which can be very complicated.This drama manages to touch on many themes in only one hour of duration (sport, school, children, friendship, romance, family, …) and that makes it a great choice to watch. I still didn’t watch the entire “KBS Drama Special 2023” but for now this is my favorite of the season.
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama Special Season 14: Shoot For Love
1 people found this review helpful
Sport for Love
There is love for sport and there is sport for love. While watching this drama I remembered a meme with a picture of boys playing basketball. One boy is looking the girls at the stands and says: As I get older, I am less interested in Sport. At the same time a girl from the stands, while looking attracted to boys, says: As I get older, I am more interested in Sport.So this drama is presenting itself as a sport romance comedy, about a female football (or soccer) player who can even compete against men, but we don’t get to see to much of football because there is a love story here also. As much as I appreciate the story in both dimensions, the connection between women gets the most screen time so that the drama actually doesn’t have a clear focus. Finally, the best part of this drama is Lee Yeon as Ko Do Hyun. She was very believable as a football player unlike other actresses.
Was this review helpful to you?
pleasing fantasy
Dr. Cheon is a likeable guy and the movie rightfully carries his name in the title. He also has his sidekicks, a small group of distinct characters. Unfortunately they weren't used much in the story. They are here mostly for show, but I can imagine them having more responsibilities in a sequel if they decide to make it.I like this type of movies so the plot holes didn't bother me too much. There is adventure and fantasy, and a little bit of spirituality, and also action. Would like to see more movies like this from Korea. The atmosphere is great, especially in the first part where the comedy and a small bits of horror work well. At the end it becomes more and more generic but still very enjoyable and exciting. The runtime is good, not every movie needs to be 2-ghour long. All in all, not a masterpiece but a great relaxing evening movie.
Was this review helpful to you?
