5
15
2
1
1
1
A group of women outsmarting corrupt men.
Smugglers is like Ocean’s 8 minus the grand heist. This female-powered action adventure is not really about smugglers but more about how ordinary people found ways to make and share the profit from the illegal activities. It also realistically shows a number of smuggling-related aspects, such as repackaging and corrupt customs officials.The film is not without flaws, but good character development brings so much more to the table. Kim Hye Soo never disappoints, no matter what character she plays, and pairing up with Yum Jung-ah elevated this movie into something more than simply an action drama. It draws stronger feelings of sisterhood and emotion. Zo In-sung gives his best as a corrupt police officer that you love to hate. In my opinion, the star of this movie is Go Min-Si. Despite being a supporting role, her character really stood out in helping carry the story.
The plots are not very complicated. With one or two twists that are constructed around allegiances and betrayal, they manage to make the audience gasp and anticipate more. The story develops well, with a good balance between comedy, drama, and action. I like that the comedy was well placed and not overdone, and the switch in tone doesn’t make the story look too weird. Kudos to the props team for recreating the unique 70s vibe. The attention to detail never failed to impress me.
All in all, it’s an entertaining movie, and it's always nice to see women outsmarting corrupt men.
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It's more than homelessness
Tackling the social issue of homelessness and drifters, this movie carries out the concept efficiently and brilliantly without pointing fingers at the welfare system or society for the issue that arises. It also deals with a broader theme of humanity, inequality, and morality, subtly touching on issues such as child safety, pregnancy care, health, and mental issues. This is one of the movies where social issues are shown and handled without bias.The movie doesn’t solely focus on homelessness; it shows the process of two families with different wounds meeting and becoming one, somehow finding happiness in their intertwined fates. The storylines and conflict are well developed, although there are some indistinct plots. But it doesn’t affect the story as a whole. The well-paced story development gives the movie a good balance. I love how this movie does not simply use a homeless family as a dramatic setup but instead tells a story of growth and improvement around it.
In terms of acting, each actor carried their respective characters successfully. Jung Il-woo nailed the character. Ra Miran gives another awesome performance. But foremost, hats off to Kim Seulgi for her wonderfully unconventional performance. Although the character doesn't seem so heavy physically, Jisook is a character with a lot of inner struggle and emotional responsibility.
All in all, Highway Family is not only a well-executed movie; it’s also a movie weighted with reality struggles and driven by outstanding performances from all the cast.
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Visually stunning, but 'tragic' at its heart.
First of all, I want to say that if you happen to suffer from or deal with mental issues, this movie could be concerning since it lacks trigger warnings and has inconsistent handling of very sensitive material.If you think this is a strangers-to-lovers romance movie that was filmed in a foreign country, technically, you are not wrong. But the core concept of this movie is far from the typical romantic movie you’ve seen. The idea is somewhat tragic: the FL is suffering depression and flew to Switzerland seeking assisted voluntary death (AVD), a morbid activity that’s legal there, and by chance, she meets another Pinoy, and strangely enough, they bond over the mutual understanding of AVD.
Visually, this movie offers the best views of the picturesque natural beauty of Switzerland. During the 1 hour 48 min running time, it almost feels like I’m watching a travelogue rather than a movie. Ironically, while this movie provides your eyes with breathtaking scenery and shows a few experiences you can add to your bucket list, the essence of it is disheartening. The dialogues could’ve been done in a better way, especially when the mental health issue is the midpoint of the movie’s narrative. Even as someone who doesn’t deal with serious mental issues, I found it depressing, especially the often juxtaposed scenes of emotional disarray of two people strolling across beautiful Swiss landscapes like it’s a sweet romcom.
Mental health is a sensitive topic to discuss in any medium, especially when it touches on the idea of ending one's life. While this movie attempted to encourage conversation about this topic, with some reminders of self-love, it wasn't being handled with the right amount of sensitivity. Just when I thought there would be a light at the end of the tunnel, the ending turned out to be gloomier than I expected. Tons of beauty shots couldn't save this movie. The way it romanticizes suicide is a bit problematic. It’s frustrating to see the lack of basic research by the filmmakers on the right approach to a sensitive subject.
In terms of acting, Kylie Padilla handles her character and scenes efficiently. Playing a character with such a significant psychological and existential burden is not easy. Gerald Anderson, on the other hand, isn’t really noteworthy. He has his charms, but they fail to impress beyond that. While Kylie and Gerald show a decent chemistry, their intended romantic dialogues sound contrived.
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A watchable, light drama, but could've been better.
This drama is like Hotel de Luna meets the American dramas Miracle Workers and The Good Place, with a slightly different setting. Even if you haven’t watched the parent story, you can still get the whole idea of this spinoff. The premise is not something relatively new – people stuck in purgatory while waiting to be sent to either heaven or hell – this spinoff tells the story in an almost familiar setting we’ve seen before. The only thing that caught my interest is how they portray Hell, which looks like a paradise and is interpreted as a paradise for all the crime and illegal things.The plots are quite predictable, with not many subplots that will give you surprise and suspense. There isn't much to be impressed with or complain about in terms of character as well. Most characters have their own backstory, but it doesn’t have much depth to make you feel related to the character. FL and ML have good chemistry, which earns this drama a little extra point. Given the hanging finale, I suppose there will be a second season. So far, I enjoyed this drama, but it could've been better.
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Should you give this movie a chance?
If you have seen 'One More Chance', you might want to watch this movie. But don't expect it to be the upgraded version because it might not be what you expect. Popoy and Basha’s flawed relationship in the prequel survived, and this movie takes an observant look at their married life with a subtle focus on the ‘seven-year marriage itch’.The storyline progressed in phases: from the wedding, then fast-forward to the present day. It gives an understanding of what is going to happen next, which is the challenges they are facing of being married. It’s understandable that so much could change their dynamic as a couple after almost 12 years together (they dated for 5 years in One More Chance and married for 7 years in this movie). I’d say that the conflict doubles down on the movie’s realness and is reasonably exaggerated for melodrama’s sake.
Bea and John Lloyd, as usual, deliver a good performance. They are who they should be, as they just perform naturally while giving sincerity to their roles. Their chemistry is undeniable. There are moments that made me smile, sad, frustrated and even made me go “aww!”
Like the prequel, A Second Chance is not lacking in sweet romance, some corny lines, dramatic conflicts and arguments, supportive friends, and a predictable ending – a standard romance-drama formula. The emotional rollercoaster is there, but not enough to leave a lingering feeling or a lasting impact. There are a few things that I think could’ve been done better, but overall, the movie is not bad.
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A solid remake.
When it comes to K-drama remakes, there's always a question: can it live up to the expectations of fans of the original? For me, a successful remake isn't solely about replicating the story, but how it manages to retain emotions from its source material and make it stand out on its own. This Thai version stays true to the cherished elements of the original while still offering something new.Given that this series is a remake, it's natural to draw comparisons. One might argue that since the storyline of "Signal" is already known to many, there might not be much room for suspense or surprise. However, this version is updated with more localized perspectives and fresh visual aesthetics while still managing to infuse the suspense based on the original's story and key plot points. The crime cases, although inspired by the original, are effectively tailored to fit the Thai context.
It is no secret that the original "Signal" was praised for outstanding performance by Jo Jin Woong, Kim Hye Soo, and Lee Jaehoon trio. They basically set the bar high, so it could've been easy to nitpick the remake. However, this version does not disappoint in that aspect. Chakrit Yamnarm, Pancake Khemanit, and Nonkul Chanon did justice to the characters. There wasn’t a single dull moment, and nothing felt like a mere imitation. Chakrit brings depth and intensity to his character, while Pancake adds a touch of vulnerability and strength. Nonkul's portrayal is captivating and keeps viewers glued to the screen.
Overall, this series proves to be a good remake that stands on its own merits. With its skilled cast, engaging storyline, and suspenseful moments, this remake is definitely worth your time.
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Feel the thrill of every spike.
Sports movies always resonate with audiences, especially with the theme of striving to be the best and the story of the underdog. This movie does exactly that without any major flaws.Instead of making this movie entirely about the volleyball legend Lang Ping, it gives more space that highlights the players during the training and the sports events that the team competes in. The shots and the editing are so impactful, making your attention glued to the screen from the moment it started until the end. The intensity increases steadily.
What amazes me the most about this movie is that the players are playing themselves. Even the young Lang Ping is played by her daughter, who’s also a volleyball player. Without a professional acting background, each player carried out their own story successfully. You can see and feel the honest emotion and reaction in every hardship they have gone through during training and every match they are playing. What’s even more amazing is the fact that players from the USA, Thailand, Japan, and Brazil teams appear in this movie rather than having actors portray them. This is a good approach in sports movies because when a professional athlete plays, the technique and style are more accurate and convincing than an actor who embodies someone’s character. I'm just stating the obvious.
The matches are well executed, as if the movie were a historical re-enactment itself. I can feel the adrenaline rush, as if I’m watching a real match instead of a movie. It makes this movie one of the best sports movies I have ever seen. This is a perfect-10 sports movie.
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An extra point for production quality.
With all the buzz surrounding the GL series and the waves it's making, My Safe Zone might not be the most impressive or even a masterpiece that leaves fans and non-fans alike in awe. But as the debut series of LenaMiu, this series is pretty decent, with good visuals while also having some evident flaws in the scripts and story development.Let’s start with the problem. The big issue with this series lies in its weak script and poor plot development. While the chemistry and acting are commendable, they can't really compensate for the shortcomings. The story structure is rather loose, with some of the conflicts not even having a satisfying resolution. Other than Alin, the absence of a solid backstory for Jane and the other characters makes them feel one-dimensional and kind of dull right from the start, which definitely doesn't help in fully engaging with the story. Another noticeable issue is the wardrobe department. The styling choices for the characters are sometimes questionable, with unflattering outfits that do not fit the situation. When it comes to their GL series, Ch3 seems to prefer the ‘unrealistic ideals’ over creating a comfortable and realistic look.
Now, the good stuff. LenaMiu clearly share great chemistry off-screen, which translates beautifully on-screen. Their romance, the friends-turned-lovers trope, is portrayed quite smoothly and convincingly, making their interactions feel natural and authentic. In terms of acting, Lena simply gives her best, bringing the emotion to her characters. Although it’s probably not her best performance to date, it’s still impressive to see her stepping up her acting game with this genre. Miu did a pretty good job too.
I can deal weak storylines, but I can't tolerate bad or lousy production values. And gladly, MSZ doesn't lack in this area. Khun Ou Patchanee's visual direction is good, with beautiful shots that capture the emotions of the characters. I don't have any issues with her visual compositions. I personally like the color grading, as it manages to add to the overall atmosphere of the series. As someone who's been watching Ch3 for ages, the visual storytelling of this series is somewhat better compared to other lakorn, in my opinion. So extra point for production quality.
And one of my pet peeves when watching a series is the use of the same transition shots (the day-to-night/night-to-day timelapse or night/day establishing shot). Ch3, you’re a broadcast channel for crying out loud and there’s no freakin' way you don't have stock footage. So I just assumed MSZ's editing team was just too lazy to find different shots.
In conclusion, My Safe Zone is a pretty decent GL series with its fair share of ups and downs. It has potential, but the weak script holds it back from being a standout series. While this LenaMiu's debut series may not be perfect, it shows promise for their future projects together. With some improvements in the script, along with better plotlines and editing, LenaMiu could really shine in their upcoming project.
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What the heck?!
"Hala Bala" tells the story of a police officer who sets out to track down a notorious drug lord, only to find himself trapped and tangled up in a haunted forest. The film's premise sounds promising, but unfortunately, the execution falls short of expectations.One of the main weaknesses of this film is its storytelling. The narrative is confusing and seems a bit out of place. The plots driving the story forward feel disjointed and without a clear end goal. One moment it's about chasing a bad guy, then it shifts to some cannibal, cult thing, and suddenly it dives into spirit possessions. The various twists and turns in the story seem to come out of nowhere. This lack of direction makes it hard for me to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.
In addition to the poor storytelling, this film also suffers from weak character development. The main protagonists - the cop and his wife, are not given enough depth or backstory to make them compelling leads. Other supporting characters are also underdeveloped, making their presence in the film feel pointless.
Despite these shortcomings, there are at least two positive aspects of this film—the actors' performance and good production values. Ter Chantavit and Nychaa Nuttanicha deliver solid performances in their respective roles. Their acting talent shines through, but even their skills cannot elevate the film to a more impressive status. And the well-shot scenes and good cinematography only do a little to compensate for the film's weak storyline and character development.
In conclusion, Hala Bala fails to live up to its promising premise. For viewers looking for a suspenseful, thrilling, and compelling experience, this film may not be the right choice.
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A dull remake, but at least Toni and Pepe add some color to it.
When it comes to film remakes, there's always a level of expectation that comes with revisiting a classic. However, not all remakes live up to the hype. In the case of this remake, the film falls a bit short of expectations.Toni Gonzaga and Pepe Herrera are undoubtedly talented actors, known for their versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. However, even the best acting can only take a film so far. The direction and storyline of the remake are somewhat lackluster, leaving much to be desired in terms of creativity. While the film may not be a carbon copy of its predecessor, it also fails to bring anything significantly new to the table.
While there are elements of local humor sprinkled throughout the film, it doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of fully embracing the culture and nuances of the Philippines. Viewers may find moments to enjoy in the film, but overall, it may leave them wanting more in terms of a truly localized experience.
Overall, the remake turns out to be rather dull. While the charismatic duo brings some much-needed color to the film, it's not enough to save it from its shortcomings. For fans of Toni and Pepe, the remake may be worth a watch simply for their performances. However, for those looking for a memorable and impactful cinematic experience, this remake may not be the answer. It's a movie to enjoy in the moment, but one that won't leave a lasting impression.
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Well-executed crime drama
Crime shows about serial killers are pretty common, but this series brings a fresh angle. The killer leaves behind a knitted piece with every victim that holds clues about who’s next. The well-paced plot and intricately woven with twists and the clues really engage the viewer to piece together the mystery. Plus, having an autistic character adds an extra layer of depth to the story.Bua Nalinthip deserves praise for her performance. She really breaks her rom-com leading lady persona and proves her acting ability. She totally nails the role, with all her facial expressions, eyes, and actions, making Sky a character that viewers can root for and empathize with.
When it comes to the crime genre, Thai series are more about the drama and don't usually pay attention to the forensic part. But I’m glad this series did it right. Even though the autopsy scenes are not as high-tech and detailed as the CSI, the meticulous portrayal of forensic procedures and all the nitty-gritty details adds a sense of realism to the series. I love that the director is generous with insert shots in the autopsy scene. Some murder scenes are quite graphic, but damn, I love it.
If there’s any flaw about this series, it’s the lack of emotional depth of the male lead. Although he is portrayed as a skilled detective, his character development falls short in comparison to the female lead, making his character the least emotionally engaging.
With its well-executed storytelling, standout performances, and realistic crime/forensic scenes, The Yarns has solidified its place as a must-watch for fans of crime and suspense genre.
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A well-structured, controversial dark romance.
This is one of the dark-concept GL movies I found interesting. It reminds me of Black Swan and Thelma. The epilogue is rather bizarre, but it managed to pull the audience's attention right away. The moment it started, you knew that it was going to be full of angst, so brace yourself.The main characters, Phoenix and Jade, are two women from different backgrounds. Phoenix is an openly gay artist who lives a free-spirited life, while Jade is a prosecutor and a Catholic fundamentalist. While Phoenix is keen to pursue a relationship with Jade, it’s not exactly possible. Then there’s Meng Ye, an androgynous man. Though this movie centers on the love triangle between them, there is no romance whatsoever in this movie. Only desire and pain.
This movie has an extensive theme that ranges from jealousy, possessiveness, sexual acceptance, one’s insecurity, and unhealthy conceptions of power and sex. It also explores the analogy between sex and gender. While the theme and the storylines are quite controversial and provocative, the director handles them brilliantly and conveys them through skillful cinematography.
In my opinion, ‘Wrath of Desire’ is not a perfect movie, and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to the taboo and dark elements it touches on, like BDSM, self-harm, cheating, grooming, and sex abuse, but it's a well-structured movie. It's a nice blending of reality, fantasy, emotions, and desire into a tragedy-packed story. If you like dark romance or something melodramatic, and if you can handle the triggers mentioned, it’s something to watch.
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Talking and communicating are two different things.
This movie is not about the deaf culture; it’s a story of a mute-deaf couple. They are two people who are different in many ways, yet they fell in love and got married. Two people with different perspectives on life, struggling to keep their marriage. The premise of this movie is ironically showcased that there’s a huge difference between talking and communicating by showing people who are mute and with hearing impairments suffer from a lack of communication in their marriage, just like any normal couple would. In other words, poor communication is a problem between people, and it has nothing to do with one’s disability.Janine Gutierrez and JC de Vera succeed in showing the emotional struggle and tension of two people in a troubled marriage. The facial expression, their gestures, and the way they express every emotion are good, showing the beauty, pain, and chaos of love where no spoken words exist. However, ML and FL do not appear to be as fluent in sign language as those who are deaf and mute and who have ‘spoken’ with sign language their entire lives. It’s understandable that they are actors who learn sign language for the movie, but if you're going to portray a character with a certain condition, at least make it convincing. Even the child actors playing as their children signed more fluently. So, ML and FL succeed in one part and lack in the other. I feel like if they had actually cast PWD actors in lead roles, it would have made this movie better.
This movie has good plots, but the storytelling pace is inconsistent. The present day and the flashback are vaguely moving back and forth without much change in appearance to distinguish the different timelines. There are some loose-end plotlines as well, making the flow go flat toward the end.
Above all, I praise this movie for its ingenuity and authenticity while presenting the complexity and conflict that we often see in everyday life without really focusing on the disability. It’s one of the rare depictions we’ve seen on the big screen. However, the execution is rather flawed, and the good concept alone is not enough to make it a great movie.
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Is 365 days enough for someone to move on?
First of all, I give this movie a clap for Bela Padilla for being the woman on screen and behind the camera. It’s worth noting that she is a triple-threat actress. This movie shows how she brilliantly conveys all emotions with her acting and visual direction.The premise is not something that we haven’t seen in a romance genre movie before, but it's still something you can enjoy despite its clichés. The movie moves at a nice pace with two different tones. The first half is filled with the weightiness of grief and pain, letting the melancholy mood sink in immediately as the movie opens, which, in my opinion, managed to draw the audience in and invite them to stay in the emotional depths of the movie. The second half has a lighter mood and slowly turns into corny romantic plots, but the transition seems abrupt, and it alters the seriousness of the movie. The back-and-forth change in tonality slowly affected the story flow and the emotional rollercoaster this movie intended to give. It’s kind of a bummer to me. There are also some loose ends that detract from the overall quality of this movie.
Here are two aspects of why I think this movie deserve a 7. 1. The cinematography. The indie-like camera work boosted all sorts of emotions this movie has to offer: love, happiness, pain, loneliness, heartbreak, despair, and encouragement. 2. Acting. While the emotional rollercoaster is not crazy enough, the acting is what stood out the most. Bela did an excellent job portraying a bereaved lover, showing the genuine and realistic way that grief is expressed through character and narrative. Even though JC Santos is not the ML and he didn’t have many scenes he shared with Bela, this tandem still managed to show their good chemistry and make you feel the sweetness they were showing from their few scenes together.
The movie subtly makes the point that letting go and moving on are two different things. It also showcased the guilt in moving on. It’s okay to keep old memories without necessarily erasing them, but knowing when to let go is crucial to healing. Time heals everything, as the saying goes. However, a person's willingness to truly let go of the past and go on, no matter how painful it was, is what matters most.
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While there are many ways to die, there can be one reason to live.
This movie is not your typical romance drama where you’ll find yourself smiling and go ‘aww’ all the time. It touches on the sensitive topic of suicide with a touch of romance. Even though the theme is pretty dark and sad, this movie finds a way to inject humor here and there while maintaining its relevance and seriousness. The idea of two people who met in an unfortunate circumstance – when both of them tried to commit suicide but later connected and decided to do it together – is executed quite nicely, but with some flaws that detract from the overall impact of the idea. Just when you think the movie is going to follow the romance drama formula for Mark and Carmina, the movie suddenly takes a different turn, making you gasp for a second. The plot twist really gets me. I can’t really say I like it, but I don’t hate it either.The elegant cinematography and production design are the aspects that I really like about this movie. It gives a dark, old, and vintage ambiance to the movie, which is different from other Filipino romance dramas I've watched.
Character-wise, Toni and Piolo did so well. Toni is always fun to watch. She has a knack for playing characters who are both humorous and poignant. Carmina has a cheerful and lively personality that makes her easy to love. But I wish the character could be developed better.
Though the topics of suicide and mental issues that lead to suicidal thoughts are frequently discussed and read about, there are very few depictions of these subjects on the big screen, which adds an interesting element to the concept. But this movie pretty much romanticizes suicide in its efforts to illustrate a narrative of distraught people on the brink of taking their own lives. All in all, it’s a brave attempt to break free from stereotypes, but the outcome is rather flawed.
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