Simplicity means great movie
I started watching that movie without any expectations. And I was pleasantly surprised!The story portrayed in the movie isn't unique, there must be movies with a theme like this, but what caught my attention and heart was the character's feelings towards each other.
The actor playing the male lead has done a great job! From being unsure of what to say, he was able to say it with just his posture. Personally, the fact that the actor made a character the same, even though the script has made the male lead a different one in the end (taking that statement with a pinch of salt) was the most impressive to me. The actresses did great job too, proving that facial expressions are enough to cover for the lack of tone in speaking.
I always say that for me to write a review, the movie needs to have a meaning. And although this movie is sweet, makes a part job as a summer themed show, it didn't have a 'life meaning' per se. This movie captures a lesson for scriptwriters, actors and everybody that works during film-production: simplicity in dialogues, scenes and story is something that captures even the most cold-hearted person.
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This review may contain spoilers
Cute but also badly executed
Ok, there were some very cute moments in this very short drama, but also some very badly executed things.I don't like to give spoilers, but it is impossible to write a revieuw of this without any spoilers.
The actors did a good job showing shyness, jealousy and longing.
Visuals were ok.
The touching during studying was cute.
Bad things:
Loud drinking sound.
Cut off scene's.
Very akward kissing scene.
The size changing of the ice cream...
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What follows is a portrait of a silent struggle for survival. The film doesn't resort to melodrama. On the contrary, Kore-eda's genius lies in his subtle, observational approach. The camera follows the children closely, capturing their routine of washing dishes, rationing food, and, above all, maintaining normalcy. The mother's absence is felt in every scene, and the children's innocence, which is gradually lost to the harsh reality, is portrayed with a delicacy that breaks the heart.
The performances of the child cast, especially Yuya Yagira, who plays Akira and won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for this role, are impressive. His performance is restrained and complex, conveying the mix of responsibility, frustration, and longing that defines his character. Small gestures and glances say more than any dialogue.
Nobody Knows is a film about the resilience of the human spirit, the solidarity between siblings, and, ironically, how invisible some people can be to society. The neighbors' indifference and the absence of responsible adults convey a powerful social critique without the need for explicit discourse. The film's silence, often broken only by ambient sounds, reinforces the sense of isolation and the harsh reality of these children.
It's a masterpiece of contemporary cinema that, despite its difficult subject matter, offers melancholic beauty and a profound reflection on what it means to be a family and what it means to survive. An essential film for anyone seeking a human, sensitive, and memorable narrative.
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The plot follows Jae-sik, a man who lives off petty scams and debts. His life changes completely when, after the death of a client, he finds himself responsible for Eun-hye, a 7-year-old girl who is deaf and blind. At first, Jae-sik sees the child as an opportunity to make money, using her to gain custody and, consequently, an inheritance.
However, the forced coexistence and the need to communicate with the girl in a completely new and complex way begin to transform his perspective. The film touchingly depicts their journey as they learn to trust each other and build a loving relationship. Jin Goo's performance as Jae-sik is praised for conveying the character's loneliness and subsequent transformation, while the young Jung Seo-yeon excels in bringing Eun-hye to life with authenticity and emotion.
"You're So Precious to Me" is a film that breaks free from genre clichés and delves into themes such as the meaning of family, redemption, and the importance of communication. It's a story that, despite its relatively simple plot, is told with delicacy and sensitivity, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. If you enjoy dramas that explore the complexity of human relationships and the capacity for change, this film is an excellent choice.
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A pure story
This is a very realistic film, it is about two teenagers that realise they are homosexual in a time that homosexuality is not tolerated.There are a lot of emotions, there is happiness, pain, tears and desire.
The acting, visuals and music are all very good.
This is really a must watch movie.
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The story begins with the Park family, owners of a small diner on the banks of the Han River in Seoul. Their lives are turned upside down when an amphibious creature, a giant mutant monster, emerges from the water and kidnaps their youngest daughter, Hyun-seo. The monster is the result of the irresponsible disposal of toxic chemicals into the river by American scientists at a military base.
The family, now in mourning, struggles to cope with the tragedy. However, the father, Gang-du, is led to believe that his daughter is still alive and trapped in the sewer. He, along with his family, embarks on a desperate and often comical journey to rescue the girl and confront the monster.
Bong Joon-ho uses the creature as a metaphor for social and political criticism, addressing themes such as government bureaucracy, corporate greed, and American military intervention in South Korea. The director masterfully balances different genres and tones, alternating between moments of tension and comic relief, without ever losing empathy for the characters. The film is a cinematic experience that will surprise, move, and make you think.
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Why “A Moment to Remember” Is the Most Heartbreaking Korean Film You’ll Never Forget
Some films don’t just tell a story—they stay with you. A Moment to Remember is one of them.This was the very first Korean film I ever watched, more than a decade ago. Revisiting it now, I was struck by how powerfully it still hits. The emotions are raw, the story is heartbreaking, and the last twenty minutes are almost unbearable to watch—but unforgettable.
The film follows Kim Su-jin (Son Ye-jin), a bright fashion designer, and Choi Chul-soo (Jung Woo-sung), a quiet carpenter with dreams of becoming an architect. What begins as a tender romance quickly turns into a devastating battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. As Su-jin’s memories slip away, Chul-soo’s devotion only grows, proving that love is not just about remembering—it’s about staying, even when the other person forgets.
Son Ye-jin delivers one of her finest performances—playful, vulnerable, utterly human. Jung Woo-sung’s quiet strength complements her perfectly, embodying a love that speaks louder through sacrifice than words ever could. Their chemistry feels authentic, rooted in small gestures rather than melodramatic moments, making the tragedy even more painful to witness.
Director John H. Lee approaches the story with restraint, focusing on intimate details instead of forced sentimentality. The cinematography mirrors the emotional arc—warm tones for love, cooler shadows for loss—while Kim Tae-won’s gentle, melancholic score lingers long after the credits.
Yes, it’s a tearjerker. But it’s also more than that. It’s a meditation on memory, identity, and the quiet bravery of unconditional love. Few films capture the devastating beauty of devotion like this one.
⭐ 5/5 – A timeless Korean classic that breaks your heart and stays with you forever. 💔
📖 Read the full review on my website: https://foxyseoul.com/a-moment-to-remember-2004/
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This is a KOREAN movie, not Chinese. And yeah it is a masterpiece, It is fun
This is a fun and heartwarming movieabout a Korean single mother who made a baby from a sperm donor,
and later the kid found out the donor was from somewhre near Hong Kong
and went to look for him
and then the mom and dad got together in drama real life LOL
bc.... his Chinese grandma wanted the boy :) this is a real issue in China... they always value male children.... . So suddenly the family had this boy ... and the grandma worked hard to force the dad to get together with the mom, just so the Chinese family would have a male grandchild
and another trope, since Chinese grandma has a lot of clout in a chinese family bc of her age... the grandma was able to pull it all off LOL
she was a wealtht grandma so she could buy her way around too, like making sure there was no airplane tickets LOL
The Chinese grandma basically saw that her only grandson was playing hookey and would NEVER marry or settle down and then this smart great grandson showed up and Grandma seized the opportunity to rope her grandson :)
and she was super wise about it... she never forced anything. She provided plenty of opportunities and then it became clear that there was something there between mom and dad, so.... things happened naturally
Granma was a master gardener
Chinese government censored this and prevented it from showing at a festival
https://www.fareastfilm.com/eng/archive/2016/making-family/?IDLYT=15535
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Beautifully Heart wrenching Plot
Screenwriter Sakamoto Yuji did it again!!! Team up with Director Tsukahara Ayuko makes it more cinematic.. Both delivered great ecstatic cinematography and scriptYou can't change the fate but in-between life so that you don't regret and create more happiness.. She time travel many times just showed how much she loved her husband.. It was unbearable to watch but her effort definitely make changes..
Also the chemistry between Takako Matsu and Matsumura Hokuto are really great.. They looked perfectly fine with each other and showed remarkable performances..
It was bittersweet feeling but in a good ways.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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Lighting Up the Stars might genuinely be the best Chinese movie!
Lighting Up the Stars might genuinely be the best Chinese movie I’ve ever seen. It’s beautifully acted, emotionally raw, and quietly powerful in a way that sneaks up on you—and then wrecks you in the best possible way.At its core, this is a story about grief, connection, and unexpected redemption. Zhu Yilong plays a funeral director fresh out of prison, a man emotionally numb and stuck in the margins of life. When he crosses paths with a little girl who’s just lost her grandmother, neither of them expect the impact they’ll have on each other’s lives. But what unfolds is one of the most touching found-family relationships I’ve seen in a long time.
The performances are incredibly natural—especially from the child actress, who brings so much life and heart to the screen. The way their relationship grows is never forced. It’s funny, heartbreaking, awkward, and real. You’re watching two broken people slowly light up each other’s darkness, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in that.
Visually, the film is understated but gorgeous. The pacing is gentle but never drags. The writing avoids melodrama, letting the emotions land through quiet moments, shared silences, and small acts of care. I laughed, I cried, and I finished the movie feeling emotionally full. It’s the kind of story that changes you a little just by watching it.
Pros:
✔ Powerful found-family storyline
✔ Authentic, grounded performances
✔ Emotionally layered without being manipulative
✔ Healing themes handled with grace and realism
✔ Unforgettable chemistry between the leads
Cons:
✘ Honestly, very little. Maybe not for viewers looking for fast pacing or plot-heavy structure
Would I rewatch?
Absolutely. This is the kind of movie I’ll come back to when I need to be reminded of hope, humanity, and the beauty in unexpected connections.
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This is just fun. The translation is the classic kdrama masterpiece comedy
This kdrama is not terribly brainyit is all gangster life, but told from the point of humor
The scenes where the translator chooses different translations are the CLASSIC most hillarious scenes ever
So this is one of those movies you watch when you want to just turn off your brain and LAUGH
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⛩️It's Still Odd. °5.5° °mixed bag°
ACOC is a seamless continuation of A Chinese Odyssey: Pandora's Box-5.5. The two combine to make a single film. At the end of Part 1, Chi went back through time to save Jing and ended up meeting Purple. She's kinda nice, too. He likes her, too. Jing…/who?/Chi Juen Bo is the Monkey King. We learn that at the end of Part 1 when an immortal (Purple) has taken ownership of him. She gave him the three birthmarks on the bottom of his foot. She blasted them on as proof of her ownership, but she had no idea what she was doing. Her blasting activated his memories. He knows who he is, now. He's more than a scallywag.
Athena Chu (The Legend of the Condor Heroes 1994, The Galloped Era) plays Purple / Lin Zi Xia. She was a wick in Buddha's lamp, but she left heaven. She's looking for the being, the man, the ~> mortal, immortal, demon, or saint who can pull her sword out of its hilt. There's only one person who can do that: Her true love.
ACOC is a 1995 release that is rated 7.4 on MAL. Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) is Chi Juen Bo, the Monkey King. He does a nice job. Ng Man Tat (Yangtze Town's Springtime, The Coming and Going) portrays "Piggy". Yammie Lam (Battle of the Heart) is Chun Sansiniang, the spider goblin. Karen Mok (The Road Less Traveled) plays Pak “Jing,” a zombie goblin and sister to the spider. The Monkey King broke her heart, but she found him again in Part 1, and he committed to her. Law Kar Ying (Shadow of Justice) portrays Tong Chang, the "Longevity Monk”
The screenwriter & director is Jeff Lau (Love and the City, Mahjong Dragon), and the original creator is Wu Cheng En (c. 1500–1582). Per Wiki, he “was a Chinese novelist and poet of the Ming Dynasty and is considered by many to be the author of "Journey to the West", one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.” He's movie-credited as the original creator for anything to do with any Journey to the West or Monkey King tales. That includes the strange but wonderful A Korean Odyssey-7.2.
Chi is turned into the monkey king at the end of the first film by Purple, as previously described. He picks up her sword and casually pulls it out of the hilt to take a quick look, thinking nothing. Her whole life's been rocked! She picks up his Pandora's Box and won't give it back. So, they embark on a journey together. A witch switches Purple & Piggy's bodies. The Witch’s spell rebounded on herself and she switched bodies with one of the other thugs in Chi's group. She claims she can't do the spell but only once every 49 days. They will have to spend a couple months not feeling quite themselves.
The Longevity Monk finally shows up in this film. He recites ancient proverbs constantly. One of the bull people commits suicide because he just can't take it anymore. It's hilarious. The humor in both films is quite good but not sufficient to overcome plot and dialogue problems. This is too sloppy and unfocused to be worth anyone's time.
IMHO〰🖍
📣6 📝5 🎭7.5 💓6 🦋3 🎨7 🔚7.5 🤗4 ▪ 🌞2⚡6 😅3.5 😭3 😱4 😯3 🤢3.5 🤔3.5 💤0
🎵/🔊5.5: They bizarrely get into an English version of Only You. It was sort of bad, but I still enjoyed it.
Age 14+ Language: b!+ch, $h!+
Re-📺? Not gonna do it
In order of ~lite & trite~ to ~heavy & serious~ you may also like:
🎎 -
C🇨🇳: Overlord 8.4,
Under the Power 8.6,
The Rebel Princess 9.1,
The Sword and the Brocade 8.6 (in ancient Chinese opera style),
The Rise of Phoenixes 9
K🇰🇷:
My Only Love Song 8.7 excellent comedy;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl 8.5;
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9
🔮🐉-
C🇨🇳: Love Between Fairy & Devil 8.9;
Once upon a time in Linglian Mountain-7.5,
Douluo Continent 9.4;
Handsome Siblings 8.7;
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6;
Love and Redemption 10
Bloody Romance-7.3 18,
⚡/😱/🚀 -
C🇨🇳: The Kings avatar-7.9 ‘19,
House of Flying Daggers-8.5 04,
Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
K🇰🇷:
Kingdom 8.3;
Sweet Home 8.4
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☠It's Odd⛩️ °5.5° °mixed bag°
What a mixed bag.We open to The Monkey King's thrashing. He's in trouble. He doesn't seem like the trustworthy sort. He's stolen Pandora's Box, afterall! Then we jump forward 500 years.
ACOPB is a 1995 97-minute release that is rated 7.4 on MAL. The more I learn about Journey to the West, the novel on which these movies are based, the more monstrous and peyote-induced it seems.
The next thing we see is an encampment of scallywags isolated in the desert. A woman visits them one day. They threaten her, but she ends up intimidating all of them. They failed to timely recognize that she's a demo!. She's beautiful and she has a beautiful cherry blossom tattoo on her shoulder. She won't leave until she meets the person she's looking for. They can't beat her. They don't realize it yet, but this woman can transform into a huge, extremely dangerous spider. They try to go after her when she's in the tub. She knocks one guy in, launches off of his head into an airborne pirouette and kicks them all in the face. She's looking for the guy with 3 birth marks on the soles of his feet. If they help her, maybe she'll leave sooner. (That's all only if they're not able to r@pe and kill her, their Plan-A 😨).
Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) is Chi Juen Bo, the Monkey King. He does a nice job. Ng Man Tat (Yangtze Town's Springtime, The Coming and Going) portrays "Piggy". Yammie Lam (Battle of the Heart) is Chun Sansiniang, the spider goblin. Karen Mok (The Road Less Traveled) plays Pak “Jing,” a zombie goblin and sister to the spider. The Monkey King broke her heart. She's looking for him. The Monkey King has three birthmarks on the sole of his foot. Chi Juen Bo does not. Yet.
The screenwriter & director is Jeff Lau (Love and the City, Mahjong Dragon), and the original creator is Wu Cheng En (c. 1500–1582). Per Wiki, he “was a Chinese novelist and poet of the Ming Dynasty and is considered by many to be the author of "Journey to the West", one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.” He's movie-credited as the original creator for anything to do with any Journey to the West or Monkey King tales. That includes the strange but wonderful A Korean Odyssey-7.2.
The scallywags and worthless layouts don't know it, but demons are congregating in the area because they all want to get a bite out of the longevity monk, who's supposed to make an appearance soon. Jing suspects Chi is the Monkey King, which means he would know all about the monk's whereabouts, but Chi doesn't have the birthmarks, and he seems to genuinely know nothing about The Monkey King.
Things get more crazy than usuaal… strike that… the whole film is an acid trip… and Chi & Jing end up a pair (🤷 “It would be better if she wasn't a demon,” he muses to himself with a shrug). Tragedy strikes. He uses Pandora's box to go back through time and save her.
It sounds fun, right? Unfortunately, ACOPB is disjointed and sort of a mess. The characters are all like wild animals. There isn't much of a plot. It's just tantrums and fighting and tossing people around, for the most part. The 2nd half does improve and a bit of a plot takes shape.
What concerns me most about a production like this is that it might turn a person off from what's otherwise amazing Chinese fantasy. The first few Chinese fantasy features I saw absolutely blew me away. They are capable of doing the best in the world. I've also seen a few that aren't as good, liken his one, which is about 25% good and 75% nonsense. At least it has some good. Shows such as Love Between Fairy & Devil 8.9; Douluo Continent 9.4; Handsome Siblings 8.7;
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6; Love and Redemption 10, Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9(Kung-fu!) are exceptional, and historical pieces such as Overlord 8.4, Story of Yanxi Palace-10, Under the Power 8.6, The Rebel Princess 9.1, The Sword and the Brocade 8.6 (in ancient Chinese opera style), and The Rise of Phoenixes 9 are transcendent.
There's a steady stream of humor. It's frequently funny and the timing is snappy. Special effects are dated, but the spider is truly creepy. Sure, there's a romance, but it's more for the guys. Every woman wants the Monkey King, it seems🙄.
All I can say is that I didn't hate it enough to not watch the sequel (A Chinese Odyssey 2: Cinderella-5.5), which is just the conclusion. The two movies together are a 2-part single film with A Chinese Odyssey 2: Cinderella-5.5 picking up where this one stops. It's more of the same. My recommendation, unless one is a film student, is to skip this.
QUOTE🗣
See, this guy keeps talking all the time. We don't know what he's talking about. It's just like a fly hanging around. Sorry, not a fly! A swarm of flies flying near your ears. Flying into your brain!
IMHO〰🖍
📣6 📝5 🎭7.5 💓6 🦋3 🎨7 🎵/🔊5.5 🔚? 🤗4 ▪ 🌞2⚡6 😅3.5 😭2 😱4 😯1 🤢3.5 🤔3.5 💤0
Age 14+ - there's PG-13 language
Re-📺? Nope
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TW// death
This was such an unexpected find, but certainly a healing one. Arimura Kasumi fleshed out Chihiro so well, I loved the bonds she made with the other characters, and, especially her kindness and freespirited nature. The movie is a bit silly at times, but it balances out themes like death, complex family dynamics and life after leaving the world of prostitution, while still being respectful.I say it's definitely worth a watch, if not a rewatch.
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Double Patty – A Gentle Slice of Life
Double Patty feels very much like an indie film, with a flow that is calm yet engaging. It tells the story of two people from completely different walks of life, both struggling to make ends meet while balancing the demands of survival with the pursuit of their true passions.Rather than relying on a sugar-coated, dramatic romance, the film beautifully portrays two individuals meeting at their lowest points and gradually finding comfort in each other’s presence. Their relationship grows slowly and naturally, woven seamlessly into their personal journeys as they navigate their goals and choices in life. The romance is subtle, letting it develop organically rather than forcing it to the forefront.
Sometimes, we need a break from overly dramatic narratives, and Double Patty offers exactly that—something soothing, realistic, and quietly inspiring. Life often moves in a simple rhythm, and this movie captures that truth with warmth and sincerity.
The male lead is absolutely endearing in his role, while the female lead delivers exactly what her character requires with sincerity and grace. Together, they carry the story effortlessly, making it both relatable and heartwarming.
A truly pleasant watch—realistic, comforting, and quietly motivational.
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