Reviews

What does a creature made of water, an animated piece of paper, and people turning into stone have in common? Nothing, except they all end up in this mess of a movie. The production team, in all their wisdom, decides to take some “cool CGIs” and build an entire story around it.

The story ends up making no sense. The theme is supposedly about sacrificing romance for the greater good. The problem is that the movie never spend any time showing us what that greater good is, and why it is worth the sacrifice. So the poignancy is lost as we waste our time watching pointless scenes (e.g. the Monkey and Co chasing this one piece of paper).

The Women’s Kingdom is one of most intriguing fictional land in classical literature. Yet that never translates onto the big screen. Besides being all female, this place does not have a distinctive look or culture of its own. Even their clothing flashes between xianxia, Tang-era, and Chinese ethnic styling. The costume department and set designer couldn’t agree on one cohesive vision, just as the writers couldn't settle on a clear plotline.

Actors, no matter how talented, cannot save a bad movie. CGIs, no matter how awesome, cannot replace a good story.

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No tangles!

This was a refreshing break from some heavy dramas I've been watching lately. It is simple, short, and sweet. There's really nothing revolutionary about the story. It is a sweet coming-of-age love story wihich tries to show that you should and could be loved just as you are. In a society and culture obsessed with certain beauty standards, it is nice and a breath of fresh air to have something albeit simple to remind us that there's more to beauty than what the eyes see.

The show has no real complicated plotlines, it is a relaxing watch. It is light and a heartwarming watch. I recommend it if you have about 2 hours to kill and just want to have a break from long series, or heavy dramas.

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Wholesome!

The best part of this film was the friends group, whom are literally the definition of "ride or die". Every scene with the entire group was always fun, wholesome and even endearing. There's another good point: a surprising cameo from two big actors that I would have never expected to show up in this film. Ever.

Apart from that, the story is okay and well developed but there are certain points that remain unresolved by the end of the film that I would very much like to know since they are source of angst. Shin Eun Soo keeps growing as a leading lady and Gong Myung delivered, as per usual, but it was really hard to ignore he's a 31 year old man playing a high schooler. Especially, when the rest of the cast is in their early twenties.

This is a good movie to enjoy on a rainy day with some popcorn and just disconnect from the outside world.

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Tug at your heartstrings

A movie starring Lee Jun Ho? Yes please!

Lee Jun Ho as a male gisaeng in said movie? *grabby hands* A thousand times yes!

I thought I would get at least a moderately funny, entertaining movie and with Lee Jun Ho in the forefront as the Joseon's first male gisaeng I was really looking forward to the comedy. But what I got wasn't only comedy... oh, there were a lot of funny parts, hilarious even but more than, dare I say better than that what I did get was an amazing, beautiful, poignant, bittersweet... in short everything I could want in a movie.

The comedy was laugh out loud funny.

The angst was a box of tissues by your side.

The romance was beautifully done. It wasn't in steamy displays or even in words but in feelings captured in the eyes. He does use his words once when he tells her "Pom rak khun" means beautiful but she never finds out until the very end (and not from him) that it really means "I love you" and by then it is way too late.

Lee Jun Ho was brilliant and captivating as Heo Saek. When he smiled I smiled, when he laughed I laughed, when he danced I was stunned and when he cried, I was in tears.

If you're looking for a movie that will tug at your heartstrings this is it. This is a slow burn historical romance of two characters with deep feelings for each that can't be acted on despite how much they both want to. The ending is sad... well neither die so it's more bittersweet in my opinion but still a tearjerker.

Please keep in mind this movie won't be for everyone. If you need fast paced, happy endings, displays of affection in the form of steamy kisses... this won't be for you.

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this was a very short (blurred) porno, the acting wasn't good & the plot was unrealistic. IMO - the chick was a "bread" with mental issues & an alcoholic to boot. so the fact she was up for anything, isn't shocking - as she wasn't right in the head & ironically or not, the guys were all the bad stereotype's that r told about gays.

the fact it all turned out happy families & rosy, positive ending - is hella far fetched IMO - but whatever - didn't spend too much time watching the mains basically f*ck & s*ck their way through this "movie" to a happy end. personally felt bad for the "beard" who in reality would sooner or later suffer from a mental break down & add the amount of liquor she consumed, i doubt she would live more then a few yrs.
given the fact her doctor husband was doing nothing to really help her , just helping maintain the health - she wouldn't survive & then he could be a "sad" widow, that was grieving his wife & would not get pestered by the world or his parents to re-marry ever again. but by the end the only character i felt bad for, is the unborn child she is carrying - what a messed up situation to be born into & more then the threesome, i am talking about the personalities of the "parents" they all f*cked in the head.

so this wasn't worth the little time i wasted watching & this for sure not a rewatch.

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Snitching Games

I was really excited to watch this movie, and it didn’t disappoint. Actually, I was expecting more of an action or thriller, but the movie fits best into the crime-noir genre. The theme is, as the title suggests: Yadang (야당), which officially means “opposition party,” but as slang it refers to someone within the drug underworld who acts as an informant for the police. The strength of the movie lies in the yadang—snitching and outsmarting game—between the drug cartels and the prosecutor. At first, it seems that everyone profits, but the consequences can be harsh for all involved.

The movie also features strong, charismatic characters. There are many of them, so not all storylines are fully developed, but at least we get to see the conclusion of each character’s arc. The movie is fast-paced, so it really requires attention to understand and enjoy all the details.

The final moral of the movie can be summarized very clearly. I don’t think I’ll reveal any spoilers when I say: don’t get involved with drugs!

P.S. The extended cut of the movie has some additional scenes that further explain events and complete the story, but it also contains explicit party scenes, so I would morally recommend watching only the original cut. And note that there is also one important post-credit scene.

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Your Name Engraved Herein is a moving and tragic Taiwanese romantic drama that explores the awakening of love and identity in a socially restrictive environment. The film focuses on the story of two young men, Jia-han and Birdy, who meet during their final years of high school and develop a deep connection amidst a society that does not openly accept homosexuality at that time.

What makes the film particularly touching is how it portrays the tension between personal desire and familial and social expectations. Every scene is filled with restrained emotions: furtive glances, letters written but never sent, and intimate moments that remain etched in the protagonists’ memories. The narrative captures not only the romance but also the melancholy of memories that leave an indelible mark on those who experience them.

Visually, the film is stunning; the cinematography uses warm, nostalgic colors that reinforce the feeling of a time that can never be recovered. The soundtrack perfectly complements the emotions, intensifying moments of joy and amplifying the sadness of farewells.

Your Name Engraved Herein is more than a love story: it is a testament to the struggle for acceptance and identity, a tale of how memories and emotions can remain engraved within oneself forever. It is a film that touches the heart, invites reflection, and leaves a lasting impression on those who watch it.

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What kind of fuckery is this

Bro she failed at revenge after he stole her innocence hence the name scarlet innocence and fucked her over sooo bad. Then went over to leave her addicted and then did smth so bad i wont wpoil but to like the best character in the whole show. He goes home continue his whoring abt and nothing nothing could teach him a lesson. The fl revenge was actually evil to the innocent character and then she becwmw the villian when the ml was evil no cause. She spent 8 years planing this and didnt think.... hmmm what if? Anyhow i believe the ml should be castrated and i couls rant abt how shit the plot is all day but the pairing is perfect... they look so good together. The ml is so hot and the fl has the i could do no wrong face. They both also look so coolll.

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Soft,Simple and Heartwarming

There’s something so soothing about stories/movies that don’t try too hard and this was exactly that for me. From the very beginning, it pulled me in with its retro charm...the little nods to the late ’90s, the atmosphere, even the way the friendships were portrayed. It had this warm, nostalgic energy that made me feel like I was flipping through an old photo album.
What I really appreciated was the simplicity. The friendships in the film felt so natural and heartfelt and then there was the chemistry between the leads, which was so easy to root for. It wasn’t forced or overly polished; it had that awkward sweetness that felt honest, the kind that makes you smile without even realizing it.
What also stood out to me was how the male lead saw her — not for who she was trying to be, not for some polished, “perfected” version of herself, but for exactly who she was. Even as she struggled with her curls and wished to change them, he liked her just as she was. That little detail carried so much warmth, and it reminded me of how love often shows up quietly, in acceptance and in seeing someone fully.
Was the plot predictable? Absolutely. But instead of being a flaw, I found it comforting. There was no need to second-guess or brace myself for twists as it allowed me to just settle in and enjoy the ride. Sometimes, predictability feels like safety and in this case, it made the story even more enjoyable.
IMO it wasn’t about suspense or surprise. It was about the feelings it stirred...the nostalgia, the warmth, the simplicity of love and friendship in their purest forms. It’s light-hearted, easy to watch, and has just the right amount of sweetness to leave you smiling after the credits roll.

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Possesses a cultural specificity and an incisive understanding of people

Rich with local detail, Chicken and Duck Talk serves up plenty of slapstick, overacting and situation comedy thanks to its satirical look at Hong Kong culture and its robust understanding of its locals. The conflict between ingrained cultural institutions, such as the Hong Kong-style café, and corporate chains like McDonald's has long been an issue in Hong Kong, and the film smartly satirises that situation. Be it the reactionary tactics that are exaggerated business strategies, using fast, cheap imitation as a way to give the business an edge. Or writer and star Michael Hui's pragmatic, penny-pinching ways are an exaggeration of the Hong Kong people and the film's local pride, whether appropriate or inflated. Ordinary people can be lousy, and the emotions they operate from are so basic that it's easy to understand and even sympathise with them. People are naturally difficult, and Michael Hui captures that reality clearly and with self-deprecating humour. While the film has mostly good intentions and a very moral heart to it, it does slip up on occasion with some questionable production values, lacklustre direction, generous overacting and dated humour. That being said, Richard Yuen delivers a suitably funky score which includes not-so-subtle riffs on both the classic James Bond theme and, bizarrely, Streets of Fire. I can't believe I even caught that. Qualifying as an accurate, if exaggerated, primer on the daily lives and ingrained values of Hong Kong and its people, Chicken and Duck Talk is imbued with a generous amount of energy that's difficult to hate, even when it's got sit-com style family conflicts, sudden introductions of sentimentality or mild cases of xenophobia.

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