This review may contain spoilers
Well
Okay, this movie is really good, I recommend, but there's just so much going on. I find it silly how she fell in love with the girl she only befriended because she envied her relationship with her crush. I mean the girl was so cute and sweet and kind of sad to see her getting used like that. Some scenes were good but also questionable, idek how to explain it, but the way homegirl undressed herself for the guy was a lil crazy. Ending was good though, she finally came to her senses of who she truly loves, so I thank that guy for bringing them together, but it was a little eh, good movie tbh.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
unravel the plot
This takes some thinking and also you have to watch the screen after the credits to make it make sense. Bottomline: Nurse meets a chubby guy and they start to date, but it is a long distance relationship. Hence the reference for the sneakers as a gift and running - which in turn the boyfriend looses weight. So now the boyfriend is in shape and attracts a co-worker around the same time that the main couple start to have relationship issues. This seems to be around the time that the nurse also finds out she is pregnant and coincidentally meets another chubby guy with a name similar to her boyfriends. So the nurse is using the new guy to cope with her issues ( maybe help to move on)while her slim boyfriend is seeing his co-worker. To tell the truth, these events over lap and I can't pinpoint the exact time line for all of this. It just ends with them both going their separate ways. To late the slim boyfriend realizes that he lost a good relationship as the nurse is seeing a new chubby guy who happens to look just he did when they first met. I enjoyed the movie. the confusion only came when the scenes when back it time 7 months and again to 1 year 7 months. Had to pause the movie to see the names to realize how close they were and to better understand, but I don't think it was a s bad as some are saying. I enjoyed watching this.Was this review helpful to you?
Hi High - Loona (don't stream)
I think this was my first GL movie mmm idk. At first, I didn't much understand much of what was going on, but it was so wholesome at first like aw baby let me give you a hug. Towards the end pmo bc of the gf hiding her relationship but understandable(?). The ending really had me thinking about the meaning of this movie, which I am still confuzzled by. Overall good in my opinion, I mean I love anything GL and will ALWAYS rank it high (haha) despite if it's good or not, okay well maybe not... but GL always good anyway good movie go watch.Was this review helpful to you?
i love the lesbians
long and confusing at first, due to the entire plot of being set in the olden S.Korea v Japan days. Mmm it is good ngl, I rewatch every now and then, thank you bp and twice for introducing me to it. but ily lesbians................................................................................................................................................................. yeah i keep ts short and simple idcWas this review helpful to you?
"Let's never ever waste new tears on the past"
This film was so engaging, funny and action-packed that I didn't notice the time passing until it was over. Being based on a webtoon, I was impressed with the high number of events featured, without making the viewer feel overwhelmed.The concept of the protagonist needing to go through multiple trials based on the Buddhist religion was refreshing and though there were many comedic elements, it also included a deeper conversation regarding judgment and redemption. It was easy to be emotionally invested in the protagonist's journey, as we discover more about him and his motivations with each trial. I wish the film provided more information and background on the other main characters. However, this was remedied in the second instalment of this film series.
It visually featured impressive CGI and has a high re-watch value. I would definitely recommend to any action/fantasy fans.
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Dr. Cheon and the Lost Genre
This film felt confused in its genre. Although the fast-paced narrative and funny interactions made for an entertaining watch, trying to cram dark fantasy, horror, action, thriller and comedy aspects into the same narrative made the film feel all over the place and caused the overall tone to feel inconsistent.Though this is by no means a "bad movie", there are a lot of other films in each of those genres which I would personally recommend over this one.
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Unexpected Laughs through a Royal Intrigue
Some historical films can feel heavy and tedious to watch, however this was not the case with "Masquerade".This film's strength lies in the characters' complexity and development throughout the film, making the viewer invested in their success and intensifying the impact of the dramatic scenes. The comedic angle of the movie made for an enjoyable experience, ensuring that the viewer does not have to be a fan of historical dramas to enjoy this movie.
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Enjoyable Black Comedy
This film's strength lies in the great balance between the thriller and comedy aspects of the movie. Tense scenes of possible discovery has the audience holding their breath, quickly followed by ridiculous events completely lightening the mood and releasing the previously built tension.Though the plot is relatively simple, the great use black comedy makes for a good, casual rewatch.
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"Saw" Movie in a Korean School
This film was reminiscent of the American "Saw" franchise, if it had taken place in a Korean school setting. Since horror movies are a popular medium used to not only reflect our fears but also criticize societal issues, it was refreshing to have a horror movie centered around the pressure put on students for high grades, especially during exam season. It had both satisfying thriller and horror elements, displaying torture contraptions which were both twisted and creative.On the other hand, the ambiguity of whether this was a slasher or supernatural horror (or a mix of both) made it harder to be fully invested. Though a clearer narrative would have been beneficial, the ending clarified the previously ambiguous aspects, making this an overall satisfying watch.
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Synopsis
The plot follows Ye Zijie (played by Zhan Huai-Yun), a troubled and lazy teenager who, to escape classes and schoolwork, decides to fake a terminal illness. His deception, initially a way to gain sympathy and escape reality, becomes more complicated when he is placed under the watchful eye of Ye Zijie (played by Chiang Chi), the dedicated and serious class monitor, who coincidentally shares his name.
What begins as a game of cat and mouse, with the monitor trying to expose the boy's deception, evolves into an unexpected relationship. However, both their lives are turned upside down when he discovers a shocking truth: the girl he falls in love with actually suffers from a terminal illness. From then on, his lie becomes a burden, and the story, which had a light and comedic tone, delves into a bittersweet journey to complete the "bucket list" of a person who is truly running out of time.
Positive Points
Main Cast Chemistry: Zhan Huai-Yun and Chiang Chi's performances are the heart of the film. The chemistry between them is genuine, and the evolution of their relationship, from initial aversion to deep affection, is convincingly constructed. They subtly convey emotions, making the characters' journeys believable and moving.
Balance between Comedy and Drama: The film masterfully transitions between moments of light humor, caused by Zijie's ruse to maintain her charade, and the heavy drama that unfolds with the revelation of her illness. This balance prevents the plot from becoming overly melancholic, keeping the audience engaged.
Strong Emotional Message: Lovesick is more than a clichéd love story. It explores themes of vulnerability, honesty, and the value of every moment in life. The pretense of one character and the reality of the other serve as a powerful contrast, highlighting the importance of living fully and not wasting the opportunities life offers.
Verdict
Lovesick is a welcome addition to the Taiwanese romance genre. While it uses some familiar tropes, like "rebellious boy falls for good girl," it uses them to tell a moving and surprising story. Hsu Fu-Hsiang's sensitive direction, combined with the cast's captivating performances, makes this film an emotionally rewarding experience. It's a great choice for those looking for a romance that offers more than just a happy ending, but a sincere reflection on life, love, and what it truly means to be "lovesick."
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They work hard for the money.
There is a bouncy '50s feel to Tsui Hark's lightning-paced blue-collar comedy, Working Class. One that represents a communal place of camaraderie and bright, day-glo dreams with an abnormal amount of political hubbub amid the four-colour fun. It may be a relatively straightforward comedy, but the film still exhibits Hark's incredible ability to add something to even the most well-trod narratives, showing us how life can be pretty unrighteous and hard to get through, but that man can find the meaning of life even in the most imponderable and trivial places and really be happy. The performances are hilariously exaggerated, as are most of Teddy Robin's ridiculous sunglasses and the bottle of baby oil used to keep an often-shirtless Sam Hui out-glistening his dry-looking castmates, while the romance between Hui and the always stunning Joey Wong is adorable. The best thing is getting to see Tsui on screen... he is such a cool guy, oozes charisma and intelligence, while his direction is as scattershot and screwball as ever, with some very well-handled comic scenarios that manage to move from cliché to humour, all brilliantly underscored by a not-so-subtle and incredibly catchy Canto-synth cover of Donna Summer's She Works Hard For The Money. Those expecting innovation may be disappointed by Working Class, but the film is ultimately a dazzling little gem in Hark's impressive filmography, one that's guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.Was this review helpful to you?
Great psychological thriller that messes up with your mind
It's been a week since I watched Memoir of a Murderer and I still feel dizzy just from thinking about it. I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to watch it but I did not expect that this movie would play with my mind as much as it did.Memoir of a murderer is what the title implies: it's basically the biography of a former serial killer, Kim Byung Soo, who faces problems with his memory after he got diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. One day, Kim Byung Soo come across another potential serial killer, Min Tae Joo, who works as a police officer. Byung Soo tries to prove that Tae Joo is a serial killer while protecting his daughter from being a potential victim.
As one would expect from such an ambiguous premise, the film completely messes up with the viewers' mind. It had me constantly rethinking about what could be real and what could be false. Whom can I trust? Who tells the truth? I couldn't tell what was reality and what was a fragment of Byung Hoo's troubled imagination. The cinematography and the acting added to the distortion of the events, at one point I began wondering if I could be the culprit all along. There was not a single moment where I could settle for a final answer, every time I believed I had sorted everything out, the movie would prove me wrong. If it was a person, it would laugh at my confusion. During the last half hour, I felt like I was losing brain cells with all of the twists that occurred but it was so so worth it.
The production of the film was excellent. The dark and grey colours highlighted the bleak and mysterious atmosphere. The camera work was really effective, especially when it came to the characters. The editing and the combination of the scenes in general added extra layers to the ambiguous nature of the story. I couldn't tell what was truly happening and what was not.
One of the strongest aspects of the movie was the psychological exploration of the characters. When you have such a rich plot, you ought to explore the psychology of the characters and this is precisely what happened. Byung Hoo was a very complex person. You do not necessarily condemn his actions but you can excuse them to some extent. Even his murders were done with good intentions (or at least, that's what he believes). He is a troubled man who wants to protect his daughter and who is willing to go to great lengths in order to do so.
Tae Joo, on the other hand, appears to be the polare opposite. The film frames him to be a cold, manipulative psychopath who kills for the sake of killing. Although the film doesn't delve deeper into his past, his character still has so many layers to explore. I was constantly trying to figure out whether he was truly the culprit or not and I couldn't help but feel threatened every time he appeared. He was cocky, confident and despite the fact his cockiness got on my nerves at times, I was fascinated by him.
The cat-mouse game between these two men was thrilling to say the least. Byung Soo wanted to frame Tae Joo for his current crimes while Tae Joo wanted to frame Byung Soo for his past crimes. Both men tried to gain the trust of Byung Soo's daughter and both wouldn't hesitate to harm each other in order to reach their goal. It was mildly amusing to watch Tae Joo sabotage Byung Soo's attempts to find more evidence against him, I started feeling sorry for Byung Soo and the humiliation he had to go through.
Of course the successful portrayal of the characters must be attributed to Sul Kyung Gu and Kim Nam Gil's stellar performances. They did not just play their characters. They became the characters.
Sul Kyung Gu delivered an excellent performance, one that gave more depth to Byung Soo. I could feel his emotions through the screen. His frustration, his desperation, his love, his confusion. Everything was so transparent. I especially liked the way he used his facial expressions and his mouth, the little details in his acting captured Byung Soo's personality perfectly and proved how meticulous he is an actor.
Kim Nam Gil was one of the major reasons why I decided to watch the movie. Ever since I've watched him in Through The Darkness and Trigger, he has become one of my favourite actors. It goes without saying that once again, he did not disappoint. His role was very different compared to his other projects. Gone is the traumatized but kind profiler or police officer. Now he transformed into a serial killer who hid his true colors under his disguise of a good servant of justice. If any casting directors are reading this, I want them to know that I desperately need more evil roles for Nam Gil. He was phenomenal. The way he talked, the way he used his face, the way he acted...He commanded the screen and gave me the chills.
If I could pinpoint a small drawback that would be the pacing during the middle. The story never lost its spark of course, it's just that I found my attention drifting away at times after all of the chase between Byung Soo and Tae Joo. Nevertheless, the final act was a certificated banger. I do not want to delve into spoilers but be prepared: you will not be ready.
Do I recommend Memoir of a Murderer? Without a doubt! Those who love psychological thrillers will definitely appreciate it but even if you're not a huge fan of the genre, the acting alone and all of these guessing shenanigans will be enough. I am very curious to watch the director's cut version too and I cannot wait to dive deeper into this story.
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unrealized potential
Don't miss the small scene after the credits. Overall, I feel like the movie has a lot of unrealized potential. Great setting, great cast, great premise, it's relaxing and kinda relatable, but it could be so much more. I wish the movie were 30 mins longer to fully utilize the details of the lead characters lives which are only displayed briefly. I have a lot of mixed feelings about the ending. I'm glad I watched i though but just wish it could have been moreWas this review helpful to you?
Lee Sung Min and Nam Joo Hyuk are outstanding as an accidental pair: Freddie/Han Pil Ju, an elderly waiter whose family was brutally destroyed in the Occupation, and the student In Gyu, also a waiter, burdened by his fathers hospital bills and loan sharks. The actor Lee Sung Min has some recent and well-deserved successes, and Nam Joo Hyuk is about to finally make his post service comeback, which is why I picked this to watch.
Pil Ju carries out a meticulous plan to murder three Korean collaborators and one Japanese colonial official whose actions caused the deaths of his family. They are also now powerful people in South Korea who profited greatly from their betrayal of innocents. To begin with In Gyu innocently takes on the paid job of zooming Freddy around Seoul in a lovely little red Porsche. Then in increasing agitation as he realizes what Pil Ju is doing he comically tries both to stop his friend and extricate himself all at the same time .
Yes, the Occupation is long over (80 years now). Perhaps one should not encourage the holding of historical grudges. But as long as families still have remembered pain, resolution must be sought. This film justly abhors profiteering from war crimes.
Whether dramatic art actually encourages political violence, or prevents it via catharsis, has long been debated. See what you think. For my part the film is comical enough for sadness to be the dominant emotion rather than anger. The pain, brutality and cruelty of the long World Wars of the 20th century still casts a shadow -- but for those who do not know this history the film may lose some resonance.
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This review may contain spoilers
a quirky short film
Overall: this is a 13 minute quirky short movie where condoms have voices. I first watched it on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/1207/dom-2017 It later aired on Shortime (it was 100 popcorn in 2025).What I Liked
- the way the guy bought it felt realistic
- made me chuckle a few times
- friendship
Room For Improvement
- them being very drunk beforehand
- the one guy trying to convince him not to use a condom
Note: this isn't a happily ever after, the main character's boyfriend cheats on him and then it's an open ending
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