Reviews

From junk collector to escort services in a club

The plot was slow moving and the music was overwhelming at times but the story was there if you take the time to watch. A sad narrative on the life of a young woman who collects junk to recycle for a living. Real life is simple and exciting for our star until she gets pregnant. Unable to handle the stress and responsibilities of motherhood she turns to a brothel where they help her eliminate the pregnancy. She thrives as an escort after struggling with the first encounter. The nudity and all that goes with it is not that enticing to be honest but it does portray the impact of the struggle.

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Noisy Mansion

I didn’t know that noise was such an issue in Korean apartments. After a month-long break from watching Korean films, I just saw two movies: The Noisy Mansion (2025) and this one — both centered around the same issue: a strange noise disturbing the tenants in a large apartment complex. But while the first film managed to connect the dots, this one left me confused and disoriented. I would say the main problem is that the movie shifts in atmosphere and tone too many times — from dreamlike sequences and imagined montages of buying an apartment, to social drama, thriller action, and mystery. It becomes a mix of everything, but ultimately remains unconvincing and unrealistic.

I tried to focus on the real meaning of the title, Wall to Wall, or the translated Korean title: 84 Square Meters. That would suggest the apartment itself is the main protagonist, trying to survive its noisy, weird, and angry tenants. There was a lot I didn’t understand or felt was poorly resolved. That said, I did enjoy the movie, and it held my interest as I wanted to see where the plot would take us. But despite its unusual twists and strange events, I think this film is, unfortunately, forgettable.

P.S. I’d really like to know — what was that laugh at the end? Can someone explain?

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Ah those noisy neighbors

A very well-structured movie with a mix of genres and a nice, heart-warming story. The movie begins as a weird, absurd comedy about a noisy woman with too much time on her hands, who sticks her nose into other people’s business, fighting for order and justice. The main plot follows her as she faces a new challenge in a large apartment complex, where there is a mysterious noise issue of unknown origin. The movie offers plenty of comical moments, but also intense scenes where it almost becomes a thriller. Yet behind it all lies a very pleasant drama.

The character of the noisy woman (An Keo-eul) in a noisy mansion was very interesting, and all the other characters have distinct, anecdotal personalities that give us a lot to enjoy. They remind us of our own issues and prejudices with our neighbors.

I really liked how the movie managed to connect all the details into a convincing and unexpected resolution. So for me, everything worked — the mystery, the comedy, the characters, the whole movie. This is a film I could recommend to everyone.

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Love does not conquer all

Story: The story does not offer anything particularly fresh. It introduced a few clichés and troupes, such completing a ridiculous list of tasks together upon breaking up, which is the main selling point of the story. While the plot itself isn't novel, the story telling was surprisingly well done. The director managed to capture the essence of the main couple's relationship nicely, from how they met to how it ended, within the 2 hours air time. The pacing was well-balanced, with minimal filler scenes. That said, I do wish they had developed the second couple's storyline a little bit more, similar to the third couple.

Acting: I've never seen any movies or films by Ou Hao and Zeng Meng Xue but I think they did a pretty decent job. The emotional scenes, in particular, felt raw and relatable. The supporting casts didn't leave much of an impression, mostly due to their limited screen time. However, Zhou You stood out as Wu Wang. He portrayed the rebellious and playful nature of Wu Wang exceptionally, and delivered during his emotional scenes.

Music: There wasn’t an original soundtrack produced for the film, but the use of popular heartbreak songs like 《在加納共和國離婚》by Firdhaus and 《我很快乐》by 刘惜君 really elevated the emotional depth of certain scenes.

Overall, despite the lackluster plot, I managed to take something away from this movie, which is love does NOT conquer all. A relationship is not just about the initial spark, it's about mutual understanding and commitment to one another, regardless of setbacks.

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An ordinary revenge slasher

Nothing we've seen before, but if you like the revenge slasher genre, then you won't be disappointed. We're spared the worst of the young girl's ordeal (in the form of supporting flashbacks), which is a good thing, and the bad guys are punished one after the other in fairly convincing ways. The subtitles I found made me want to cry, but with my limited knowledge of Korean, that was enough for me. The actors do a good job, and we believe in their characters, whether they're good or bad (a downside for one or two, perhaps, but the dialogue doesn't help much either). 7/10

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The word for this film is: discomfort.

After watching, you wonder what's the purpose of the film? discomfort?. The film is indeed uncomfortable, but it serves no purpose other than being a complete fantasy of a disgusting old man with a minor and an engineering student and failed writer who takes advantage of the difficulties the female character was going through.

Some people have said that Eungyo was the manipulator there, but if the two ADULTS in the scene had put a stop to it from the beginning, they wouldn't have allowed themselves to be "manipulated." For me, her character sees the writer as support and someone to rely on, since she's cleary having problems at home. So much so that when she thought the engineer who wrote the book (where she saw a form of affection for her) immediately turned her attention to him.

She expresses in several situations that she is alone and finds companionship and comfort there, but what she found were two sick man who caused that caused more emotional damage to the girl. I wish they both had died.

Anyway, I watched it for Go Eun, and the 1⭐ is for her.

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The drama title is the key to unlock the metaphors in this love story.

This movie has stupendous cinematography for its time! The use of mirrors was stunning in details, producing a total effect of mesmerizing angles. It is rated restricted, but there's no bad violence, just some very adult scenes. Great skinship is displayed in a simple touch of her hair and all the way to physical passion.❄❄

Bae Yong Joon was the first Korean star I ever watched, and now I understand why I was so captivated by his acting. I really don't think I have seen a male star cry with such pathos as he quietly, heartrendingly does on this show! The psychology of these leads is compelling as he grieves his losses. ❄❄

Son Ye Jin was totally arresting in her depiction of a woman who comes face to face with the most painful truths. Yet her devotion and meticulous care, in full glare of these truths, are beyond creditable! I know I couldn't do it. She portrays the hurtful blows to her self-esteem with such mastery that if you are a Son Ye Jin follower, you will not want to miss her depth of acting in this profoundly serious but very excellent romance!❄❄

The drama title is the key to unlock the metaphors in this love story. Her favorite season, his favorite season, and the miracle which can combine the two seasons occurs, then they will be united for their lifetime. ❄️❄️ So viewers must watch the clues carefully! For those who don't understand the ending, watch the scenery as the ending credits roll. It's beautiful, wistful, celebratory, strangely peaceful, symbolizes renewal, and it moved my emotions.

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Lets make a (Sentai) Gundam show..?

I will be the first to admit I wanted to see this for only ONE actor, Fujiwara Tatsuya. Matsuyama Kenichi is a close second, and one of the main cast.

This has a lot of humor and silliness I expect from Matsuyama (maybe more of his older films…?) so I knew it was going to end up with some crazy scenes- and it did. It had some moments that I found cute or amusing, but most of it was a struggle for me to watch (I am still learning Japanese, and it has no subs as far as I know)

I will just say if you want to see this movie for the same reason as I did (Fujiwara) you might be disappointed. He is in it, he does steal the whole show, but he's not in it enough to truly save the movie (but he is the reason I will be rewatching that scene over and over)

I would say if you are a fan of the manga, live action show, or anime and just want more from the series this might be for you but for those that never watched or read it (like me) it's really going to confuse you.

I was able to watch this on iTunes Japan for those that are curious on where to get it. Again, it's not bad, if it had subs and/or I could understand it better I would find it more enjoyable but even as it is... Fujiwara really did steal the show (movie? Gundam?)

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A roller coaster of emotions beautifully crafted

Based on the director’s own life growing up closeted though has been done many times but this one I believe is the best one. For those of us who grew up during times in Asia where loving another of the same sex was taboo this one really hit hard. I felt like it was my story when I was a teenager. It made me go through that roller coaster of emotions, the happy times, the painful goodbyes, and the haunting music that lives with you forever. And yes when you meet later in life that friendship never changes, the bond losses a lifetime even when your both pulled apart. Your first love can be your last even later in life. The cinematography was beautiful, acting was incredible, you forget it’s a BL and more focused on the development of their friendship. Just like the priest was a pivotal role in Les Miserables (if you read the book) here the priest was also pivotal. Growing up catholic you carry that guilt and a healthy discussion and argument with God as well. When I want to feel good about myself and my past I would rewatch this movie. And reach out to an old friend just to say hello, how are you? Because til now his name is engraved in my heart.

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A Heartfelt Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Warning - this movie does have attempted suicide.

Big World is a profoundly moving film that showcases Jackson Yee’s phenomenal performance as Liu Chunhe, a young man with cerebral palsy (CP) determined to prove that his condition does not define his potential. Jackson Yee brings raw authenticity and emotional depth to Chunhe, a character who seeks equality and the same opportunities as others, whether it’s attending college, securing a job, or earning a driver’s license. Through his unyielding determination, Chunhe demonstrates that no obstacle is insurmountable with perseverance.
The film masterfully captures Chunhe’s inner struggles, particularly in a heart-wrenching scene where he questions why he was born with CP, a condition that remains a medical enigma.
Equally compelling is Chunhe’s yearning for love. He knows it won’t be easy, but his understanding of the challenges doesn’t lessen his hope.
A pivotal moment comes during Chunhe’s confrontation with his mother, whose misguided attempts to shield him by isolating him and fixating on his disability only deepen his sense of being a burden. The raw emotion in Jackson Yee’s delivery when Chunhe admits to feeling like “dead weight” to his family is unforgettable, reflecting the pain of overhearing childhood conversations and enduring societal stares.
While Chunhe’s mother mishandles her protective instincts, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing these flaws. Her eventual explanation and apology toward the end offer a satisfying resolution, highlighting the complexity of familial love.
The conclusion, with Chunhe and his grandmother (his biggest supporter throughout the film) embracing a fresh start is both uplifting and authentic, tying the narrative together with hope.
Big World delivers a powerful message about resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of equality. It’s a heartwarming, inspiring story that navigates life’s challenges with grace, leaving the audience moved and motivated.

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