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1Jiangshi Fu!
The Spiritual Boxer II aka The Shadow Boxing wasn’t a sequel to the original Spiritual Boxer. Wong Yu starred in both and there was some cross-over cast playing different characters, but that was about the extent of it. This one was a must watch for me because of---jiangshi/hopping vampires.Fan Zheng Yuan and his gambling addict master, Chen Wu, are corpse herders. As they lead a parade of 9 hopping vampires through the countryside they run afoul of a local warlord and his criminal minions. The bad guys are on the hunt for Zhang Jie whom they framed for various crimes and had thrown in jail. Zhang managed to escape and has seemingly disappeared. When Master Chen is injured, Fan and hanger-on Fei Fei are called upon to lead the hoppers home which is complicated when it turns out one of their wards is not what he appears to be.
I was not a fan of the original Spiritual Boxer. This film benefited from Gordon Liu and Lau Kar Wing helping Wong Yu carry the show. Lee Hoi San and Wilson Tong were properly threatening baddies. Norman Chu even made an appearance as one of the villains. Cecilia Wong’s Fei Fei was written to be annoying and she fulfilled the job perfectly. And of course, the hoppers contributed their fair share of entertainment. Filmed 6 years before Mr. Vampire, this was a lighter version of the coming vampire franchise.
Lau Kar Leung was both the director and the martial arts director ensuring that the fights were high quality. Wong’s Jiangshi kung fu style was slower, but humorous. Lee had to slow his moves to counter the hopping vampire inspired style. Gordon and Wilson brought the speed and pain with their fighting styles.
The Shadow Boxing’s story was uneven and often ridiculous, with not too bright characters, but with jiangshi bunny hopping around and well- choregraphed fights it was a mostly entertaining flick for the genre. Only for fans of these old martial arts movies. As usual, graded on a curve.
31 October 2024
Triggers: brief bare breasts and buttocks.
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1Hsiao Chen is separated from his master when Chi Keung was taken to jail. Hsiao takes over their spiritual charlatan business by accident and then purposefully. He’s saved from a group of thugs by cross-dressing Jin Lian who becomes his new “disciple” in the business. The two end up fleecing people even as they convince the villagers Hsiao is a medium for the gods. When Hsiao begins teaching the villagers kung fu to protect themselves from the local gangsters, the Big Bad calls in reinforcements that may be the end for the “spiritual boxer.”
I had high hopes for this film when the introduction included an exhibition match with Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, and Wilson Tong. It went downhill from there. Wong had skills but lacked the star power to carry this film. The film had numerous familiar names as villagers and the Big Bad’s thugs. Lin Chen Chi in a wig that looked like combed out roadkill, did an adequate if not memorable job. Shih Chung Tien wasn’t exactly terrifying as the local crime boss Liu Deruei. Lee Hoi San and Ng Hong Sang did, however, bring the menace as Liu’s hired specialty killers.
The bookended fights were well choreographed as Lau Kar Leung (one of my faves) was both the director and martial arts director. This was only his second directorial effort so I’m willing to cut him some slack. Spiritual Boxer was the film equivalent of luke warm water, not awful, but not good either. Graded on a curve as usual.
31 October 2025
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What to do with these Super powers
I honestly liked it. It was a nice short film. It got to the point. It didn't introduce anything that I could not resolve within the short time frame of the film. The punishment matched the crime and gave itself a very brief. But self-explanatory plot line. I was a bit disappointed with the budget , but it is a short film. We met the characters and got to know where each of them were standing. I Figured that the with the ability that the shaman had there was no way that all of this could be going on than being none the wiser. Overall, the story took a wonderful term.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
predictable horror movie
high schoolers going to abandoned building and making some horror video is popular in horror genre and i thought this one would be different because the beginning very promising but the story getting worse and worse every minutes, every characters has zero survival instinct and just stand there doing nothing while their friends getting attackedthey also tried to bring romance in the story which is stupid, how can you think of confessing to someone while your friends died in front of you?
overall it's just another horror movie with horrible story writing and lazy ass characters
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This review may contain spoilers
A Charming Slice Of Life With Twists
THIS IS A FULL SPOILER REVIEW but spoilers will only begin after the Read More button.Unreachable is a slice of life drama centered on the lives of three young women sharing a house on the outskirts of Tokyo. Written by one of the best current screenwriters in Japan, Sakamoto Yuji, it explores the day to day life of three childhood friends as they make their way through their daily lives as they go to work and school, and ultimately address their past and relationships within and outside the trio. Glancing at the cast consisting of Yokohama Ryusei and the three women played by Hirose Suzu (Misaki), Sugisaki Hana (Yuka), and Kiyohara Kaya (Sakura) one might guess that there might be a love story here and, indeed, love does play a part, there is no romantic love story in this film.
It is a film about three women dealing with a world that fails to see them, and how they are constantly trying to reach out to others to affirm their identities.
It is highly recommended that you do not read the rest of this review until after you have watched the film or unless you do not care about spoilers at all.
Unreachable is a slice of death drama centered on the daily activities of three ghosts haunting an abandoned house on the outskirts of Tokyo. It is a ghost story told entirely from the point of view of the ghosts. Horror and ghost stories are a miniscule part of my media diet, and so I do not know if that's a trope in the genre, but it would not surprise me if it were. In any case, that premise is revealed about a quarter of the way through the film.
The girls were nine when they were killed by a knife-wielding psychopath while they were preparing for a choir competition at school. (It occurred to me while watching that the set up would make much more sense in the context of the continual school shootings we subject ourselves to in the US.) But they have continued to grow up together in their own parallel world where they can grab copies of whatever material things they need, but cannot seem to be detected by any creatures in our world. Yuka has decided to go to college and study physics to see if there is any physical explanation of their state, while Misaki and Sakura have adopted working roles that at least allow them to pretend that they are part of some social groups.
As such, the film focused on the young women's attempts to reach out to others, and, in particular, their relationship to the people who still grieve their passing. One of the plot threads deals with a family member confronting the killer who was recently released from prison, and that's a theme that Sakamoto dealt with at length and much more deeply and effectively in my opinion in his 2011 series Still, Life Goes On.
The more interesting plot thread is that between Misaki and her childhood friend, Tenma played by Yokohama. The tragedy continues to haunt Tenma and Misaki truly wishes to help him find his way to healing and getting beyond his grief and survivor's guilt.
Prior to this year, Sakamoto has rarely ventured into genre fiction with the only notable exception being his version of the Chinese classic Journey To The West in his 2006 series Saiyuuki. This year he also wrote the time travel film 1st Kiss which was much more successful at the box office. But he is, as ever, the master of the telling detail, and in this film there are several instances where the revelations of those small details will likely pierce your heart.
Is our world Unreachable to the three young women? Sakamoto resolutely refuses in this film to answer that question unambiguously. But it is entirely clear that the short time that the three spent here continues to effect and shape the lives of others, and that that love is not unrequited.
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Great story and leads, rushed ending
Complex emotions and moralities, difficult scenarios. The acting was top notch and I was so surprised that the female lead was not part of the deaf community herself (though conflicted as this would have been such an opportunity for inclusivity in casting). I agree with another's review that while the main lead was very flushed out, the villain was a bit one-dimensional. This is a story that would do well with a 4 episode Netflix arc. I highly enjoyed it and would recommend.Was this review helpful to you?
Seize the chance before fate closes the door (=^ェ^=)
I watched a sad American film and as usual went to review it.Suddenly this film appeared before me and I loved its story especially since it contains three interconnected narratives. After that, my search began to find it.... I struggled a bit to find it especially in good quality because it was released 10 years ago.
And truly I don't regret watching it; it's definitely worth watching...
I'm sure everyone has noticed that Korean films in recent years lack dramatic impact, and I was truly longing for a film that would bring out all my emotions and tears...
This film begins with hope, followed by longing, pain, sadness, and loss, and ends with hope. I loved the three stories and how there was an indirect connection between their feelings and their experiences...
The film doesn’t rely on grand twists or heavy dialogue; instead, it captures emotion through silence, glances, and beautifully framed shots.
The director’s choice to intertwine three parallel stories was not just a narrative decision, but a reflection of how human emotions—hope, loss, and love—intersect in real life.
Even the pacing feels deliberate: slow enough to make you breathe every emotion, yet steady enough to keep you connected to each character’s journey.
The music, subtle and melancholic, becomes a silent narrator that carries the soul of the story when words are no longer enough.
And the acting was truly excellent, thanks to the outstanding cast and the perfect casting for each role. I highly recommend watching it; you won't even notice the time passing until you find yourself at the end, your eyes swollen from crying. I truly felt warmth and longing for everyone I love and everyone I've lost and a message the film is beautiful :《Don't be ashamed of love, for the worst regret is realizing too late that you remained silent when speaking was life》..
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Review: Lost in Starlight (2025) – "A Stellar Animated Journey with Kim Tae-ri"
Lost in Starlight is a visually captivating animated film that follows a young woman’s cosmic journey of self-discovery. Kim Tae-ri’s voice performance as the protagonist brings emotional depth and vulnerability to the story, anchoring the film’s whimsical yet thought-provoking premise. The animation is breathtaking, with stunning depictions of space and otherworldly landscapes that set the stage for a truly magical experience.While the story explores themes of identity, loneliness, and connection in a vast universe, Kim Tae-ri's nuanced portrayal adds warmth and relatability, making her character’s journey resonate deeply. The pacing is steady, allowing the film to focus on emotional growth, while the fantastical elements keep it engaging.
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Review: Little Forest (2018) - "A Heartwarming Escape: Review of Little Forest"
Little Forest is a beautifully serene film that showcases Kim Tae-ri in a role that’s a refreshing departure from her usual characters. As Hye-won, a young woman returning to her rural hometown to escape the pressures of city life, Kim Tae-ri shines with a quiet, grounded performance. The film is a gentle meditation on finding peace within oneself and the healing power of nature.The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the audience to truly feel Hye-won’s journey of self-discovery as she reconnects with her roots, grows her own food, and rebuilds her emotional resilience. Kim Tae-ri’s performance is deeply emotional yet subtle, capturing the complexities of her character’s inner turmoil and the peace she finds through simple, everyday moments.
The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous landscapes and a soothing, natural atmosphere that complements its themes of renewal and personal growth. Little Forest is a quiet, introspective film that leaves a lasting impression.
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Action, Emotion, and Stunning Visuals: Alienoid 2
Alienoid 2 picks up right where the first film left off, delivering another visually stunning and action-packed ride. Kim Tae-ri continues to impress as Moon, adding even more layers to her character in this sequel. The film expands on the intricate world of time travel and alien encounters, with the stakes raised and the action sequences even more intense.What makes Alienoid 2 stand out is its seamless blend of high-octane thrills and emotional depth. Kim Tae-ri brings a grounded energy to the film, balancing the chaos with heartfelt moments that give the story real weight. The visual effects are once again top-notch, and the pacing keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.
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Kim Tae-ri Shines in a Genre-Bending Sci-Fi Adventure: Alienoid (2022) Review
Alienoid is a thrilling and visually stunning sci-fi film that blends time travel, action, and humor. Kim Tae-ri delivers a standout performance, effortlessly balancing the film’s fast-paced action with emotional depth. Her chemistry with the cast and her ability to bring nuance to a complex role make her the heart of the film.The film's intricate storytelling and impressive visuals keep you engaged, while the action sequences provide plenty of excitement. Though the plot can get complex, Kim Tae-ri’s performance anchors the film, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
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Action, Emotion, and Stunning Visuals: A Review of Space Sweepers (2021)
Space Sweepers is a thrilling and visually stunning sci-fi film, with Kim Tae-ri delivering an outstanding performance as Captain Jang. As a skilled leader of a ragtag crew in a dystopian future, she brings both strength and vulnerability to her character, making her the emotional core of the film. The action is fast-paced, the world-building is impressive, and the visual effects are top-notch, making this one of the most exciting Korean sci-fi films to date.Kim Tae-ri’s versatility shines through as she balances action, humor, and drama, adding depth to the story. While the plot might feel familiar, it’s the performances and emotional moments that truly elevate Space Sweepers.
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My husband tried to apply “real-world logic” to a fantasy choice and instantly died a hilarious death. It’s charming, funny, and memorable. Love it — highly recommend.
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The art direction, bonus footage, and emotional journey all add value. It’s not for players who skip cutscenes or dislike quick-time events, but for those who love immersive storytelling, this is a gem. Chinese developers truly deserve more recognition, and I hope more Western players give this title a chance.
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Yuanzhao, in particular, stood out to me. She feels completely different depending on your choices, not just through her actions but also through her subtle reactions and inner thoughts. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, each character growing more compelling as the story progresses.
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