Reviews

"I may be the last friend you'll make in this life"

Director Park Hoon Jung’s The Childe played out like a live action version of a Looney Tune’s chase scene, albeit with more realistic gore and blood. Some place buried under the bodies might have been a cautionary tale about the haves and have nots, but you’d have to dig pretty deep.

Marco fights in illegal boxing matches in the Philippines. His Filipino mother is sick and needs an expensive operation leading Marco to hunt for his Korean father. One of many children abandoned after their Korean fathers went home, Marco’s search has done nothing but cost him money he doesn’t have. One day out of the blue, a Korean lawyer appears with all the papers Marco will need to travel to Korea. His wealthy father is ill and he must go there now. Dear papa has been searching for him! Yeah, because life is just that fair. On the flight over, a strange man offers his friendship and warns him that all is not as it seems. Oh, if only Marco knew the half of it. The young boxer is traded off from one killer to the next until a final battle that will sort out the intricacies of the dysfunctional family and killers.

The Childe was entertaining but hardly suspenseful. The story and character development were painfully thin propped up by numerous car chases on empty highways and streets and foot chases that led to nowhere. Marco seemed to have a homing beacon that caused him to run straight into the arms or car of the enemy. In a country with strict gun laws, everyone seemed to have one, including a school child. There was the overt gore showing that chaebols can get away with literally murder and killers can walk down the street armed with no one noticing. Most of the humor came at Kim Seon Ho’s Nobleman’s expense. A proud “professional”, he suffered numerous humiliations at the hand of the man he’d named a “friend”.

The Childe was superficially entertaining in a maladjusted world with a family no sane person would want to be a member of and a professional killer that didn’t seem quite sane. Marco found that a nebulous brotherhood might be more valuable to him than being a wealthy half-brother.

20 April 2025

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Must Watch

Viva La Vida boasts a compelling storyline that effortlessly keeps you hooked from start to finish, blending heartfelt drama with moments of humor and hope. The film’s portrayal of two young individuals battling serious illnesses is both authentic and deeply moving, highlighting themes of resilience, love, and the human spirit’s capacity to find connection in the face of adversity. The chemistry between the lead actors, Peng Yuchang and Li Gengxi, is palpable and natural, bringing their characters’ evolving relationship to life with sincerity and nuance. Their performances are outstanding, capturing the vulnerability and strength of their roles without ever feeling forced. Supported by a strong cast and thoughtful direction, the movie balances emotional depth with lighthearted moments, making it an engaging and memorable experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

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In my own personal opinion....

In my own personal opinion i will give this a full 10. Now there is a reason for that. While films like these would not suit people who are use to more action, more story or even more dialogue, that is because there isn't much of any of that in this movie. However for people with mindsets like my own that find the joys in just sitting back, observing and seeing how people live their lives this movie is their cup of tea. The light dialogue forces you to pay more attention to their faces, their emotions, the thoughts going on in their heads and trying to figure out the characters next thought vs the next move they will make. But that is were the double edge sword hits. You become so focused on the emotions displayed that you kind of lose track of the signs that are giving you the clear giveaways to what is really happening and you miss it completely until BAM... it hits you like a truck.
Now for spoiler reasons i wont elaborate to much on what i mean there but i will say that if you going into watching this film expecting to see much talking, don't cause you will be sorely disappointed. However if you are looking for a film that has a strong sense of both obvious but hidden emotional moment with a really good cast and an ending that is sure to knock the wind out your lungs in half a second, Its one i highly recommend it.
It's a film that is hard to write a review on without giving away to much of the emotional aspect if i elaborate to much on what is happening so i will be keeping this nice and simple, just explaining where i think the public appeal would fall under in terms of who would be more likely to watch it and who might be more disappointed with it.

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Heartwarming Story of a Girl and Her Annoying Brother

Rated on movie standards:
Used to be: 8.75
Now: 8.5

I didn't expect to enjoy this. I even cried a bit (I don't cry often, so that means something). I watched this with my kid brother, so this is definitely a family movie. (there are some immature and funny parts in the beginning)

Story:
-surprisingly well developed characters
-funny sibling shenanigans
-dysfunctional parents
-cute school setting
-fantastical elements (be careful what you wish for)
-meaningful themes (sometimes the people who really care about you aren't the people you'd expect)

-This movie made me wonder, as an older sibling, that does my younger brother think I'm crazy? Probably. But I hope that when I'm being bossy about somethings and laidback about others, it's because I care, in my weird older sister way. But to him, at the end of the day, I'm still crazy 😂

Ending: Bittersweet. Last 10-20ish minutes, my eyes were tearing up. Wish we got one more scene of them together

-although this drama was pretty good, it didn't have that "it" factor. It was missing something deeper, but I couldn't figure out what.

Acting/Cast:
-ages are not too bad. Female lead, Zhang Zi Feng, was 16 at the time it was filming. Her older brother, played by Peng Yu Chang, was 23. Her best friend, played by Zhao Jin Mai, was 15. Even one of the guess appearances which I didn't expect, Zhou Yi Ran, was 17.
-I was so surprised when I saw Zhao Jin Mai and Zhou Yi Ran. I didn't even believe it at first 😂
-everyone acted well enough (but nothing extraordiary)
-the sibling chemistry between Zhang Zi Feng and Peng Yu Chang is very good

-the styling of everyone was very slice of life. No white-white skin or blinding filters. Very realistic looking

Music:
-doesn't seem to have an ost
-background sounds were good

Rewatch:
-I would. Very cute movie

Overall:
I'd recommend if you want
-cute siblings
-youth drama
-simple story (nothing is overcomplicated)
-meaningful story
-family
-important themes
Then watch!

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Typical enjoyable heist film

This is the kind of film you expect when you choose to watch a heist movie, and if you like this genre you know that's a compliment.

Light categorization-type spoilers below:

Characters: smart and eccentric main characters
Friendships: A couple strong relationships
Redemption Arc: Yup
Silliness: Only a sliver
Mysteries: How will they pull it off and resolve things?
Psychological horror/dark thriller: Nope
Jump Scares: None
Nihilism/Celebrated Grey Morals: As much as is intrinsic to a heist, but cops are not treated as buffoons by the plot

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Redemption with a Smile: Samahan ng mga Makasalanan Delivers Heart and Humour

I’ll admit—walking into Samahan ng mga Makasalanan, I wasn’t expecting much. A satirical comedy with a title like that? I braced myself for slapstick. But to my surprise and delight, what I got was a thoughtfully crafted, warmly delivered tale about grace, change, and the power of second chances—with just the right dash of wit.

Directed by Benedict Mique and written in collaboration with Aya Anunciacion, this 2025 Filipino film is set in the fictional town of Sto. Kristo, a place plagued by vice and moral decline. Enter Deacon Sam (David Licauco), a well-meaning young clergyman determined to make a difference. As he forms the “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” or Sinners' Club, we’re drawn into a world where humour and heart go hand in hand.

What makes this film shine is how earnestly it carries its message: that no one is beyond redemption, and everyone has something good to offer. Through Deacon Sam’s belief in the outcasts of society, the story reminds us that compassion, not condemnation, is what steers true change.

Licauco proves he’s not just another pretty face. His portrayal of Deacon Sam is grounded, empathetic, and deeply human. He holds his own alongside a stellar ensemble that includes the always-excellent Joel Torre as Fr. Danny, Sanya Lopez, Buboy Villar, David Minemoto, and Soliman Cruz—each bringing charm and weight to their roles.

There’s also a powerful moment where Fr. Danny confides in Sam, saying, “We make sacrifices, and we love all instead of one.” That line struck a chord—it’s a poignant reminder of the loneliness, strength, and humanity in the life of clergy.

More than a feel-good flick, Samahan ng mga Makasalanan is a warm-hearted tale that balances satire with soul. It invites laughter while asking us to reflect on our own capacity for change, and the importance of those who believe in us—even when we don’t believe in ourselves.

It’s not perfect, but it’s sincere. And sometimes, sincerity is the most powerful thing a film can offer. I walked out with a smile, and a little more hope in humanity. That’s worth the ticket, don’t you think?

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"You think anyone ever wins at life?"

Black Coal, Thin Ice is one of those films I find hard to rate. Technically it was beautifully shot, with a dark, bleak, noir mood. Character-wise, I disliked nearly everyone, especially the male lead. The characters were either amoral, murderous, or stupid. I can’t say that I enjoyed the film, but it was artistically made.

When an arm shows up in a coal processing plant, with other pieces scattered about, you know someone is up to no good. Fear not, for Detective Zhang is on the case! Unfortunately, the case goes hay-wire because the police know nothing about proper police procedure. Fast forward five years and Zhang is a drunk working as a security guard. As fate would have it, he stumbles across his old partner and a case that closely resembles the one that sent Zhang down a bad path. Zhang is determined to not let the culprit escape this time.

I’ll get my peeves out of the way first. #1-Zhang attempted to rape his ex-wife at a train station in the early minutes of the film. Strike 3, he’s out and I’m hoping his body parts end up at the coal mine. He uses his position of authority to compel another woman to have sex later in the movie, so yeah, I don’t care if he saved the country, he’s an animal. Peeve #2, the police were inept at best. Not once, but twice, disasters happened because they didn’t understand how to properly detain a perp. The cops turned over possible evidence to a suspect and then asked for it back. They also had to rely on an ex-cop to solve their case. Peeve #3-the femme fatale was uninspired and underwhelming. Her primary purpose was to be groped by awful men.

The atmosphere and cinematography were stunning. In a land nearly always shrouded in nightfall and covered in ice, you could almost feel the cold and desolation seep through the screen. Where Wong Kar Wai’s shadows enhanced with green, yellow, and red provided for an erotic and melancholy atmosphere, Diao Yi Nan’s colors evoked death, violence, and criminal intent.

While I really wanted to like this film, I loathed the dogged detective, found the femme fatale banal, and the police deadly incompetent. The film was artistically pleasing to look at and if you don’t mind an entire cast of unlikeable characters, you might find this more entertaining than I did. For me the “hero” had a heart that was Black Coal and the story skated on Thin Ice.

18 April 2025

Trigger warnings: At least one attempted rape. Dismembered body parts. Bare male butts in a bath scene.

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Less Sad, Less Annoying, But Less Emotionally Satisfying Version of 'Your Lie in April'

This is the live-action movie version of a beloved anime — loved by many but overrated to some.

Basically, it's the story of Kousei, a piano genius, who quit playing the piano due to an incident involving her mother. He vowed never to return playing the piano until he met Kaori.

I don't think this movie can replace the anime. It understandably omitted some of the interesting episodes, but at a shorter run time, it may be good idea for revisiting the story without going through the 24 episodes of the anime, which is equivalent to 12 hours.

The movie has removed some of the things that others find annoying in the anime. For example, Kaori wasn't much of a tsundere compared to the anime, but whenever we see some signs of her being abusive, it doesn't translate well on screen. But we forgive her because the actress playing Kaori is cute.

The downside is that the movie does not reach the emotional peak of the anime. The crucial scene near the end doesn't have the same emotional impact, although it's quiet and beautiful.

It's a good film. I recommend watching it at least once. But whether to watch it or the anime every April to start a tradition, I am not sure.

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Heart-warming and tearful T^T

I went into this with zero expectations and even didn't pay much attention to dialogue in the beginning/reading the subtitles. But I can say that right now I am rewatching the film's opening before having even finished the film.

This piece is so unexpectedly heart-wrenching and beautiful. It's not just a romance, in fact it's hardly that and more about rediscovering life's joys in the little moments, and journeying intimately alongside the 2 main characters and their blossoming relationship, between two 'strangers' into something deep and meaningful. It's so well-acted and flows naturally it genuinely makes you want to see them interacting more, and experiencing more together.

The acting is superb especially from 'A-Xiang' (the happy boy who always smiles and laughs) and the interactions overall are really wholesome and genuine-feeling if that makes sense.
Although some of the cuts were a bit choppy and the timing felt off at times, the cinematography was gorgeous and carried a nostalgic feeling that made you feel like you've experienced something similar, even if eg. you've never travelled to these places or gone on a road trip before as the characters did.

There was a lot of nuanced expressions and subtle gestures which progressed the story rather than throwing the plot progression into your face, and you can fully believe why the characters are now behaving the way they are, etc.
The flashbacks for the most part were not repetitive scenes but fresh new ones, which really left you wanting to see more of their little moments together :') Really really beautiful piece of film.

Highly recommend!

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Life is but a dream sweetheart

In Space was a short film written and directed by Visra Vichit-Vadakan. Pai lives with his grandparents. His grandmother wants him to become a Buddhist monk, but Pai isn’t sure what he wants to do with his life. When tragedy strikes, Pai takes up the cloth and beads at least for a time while he tries to meet up with his loved one in space, the in-between space between dreams and reality, a meditation of connection.

This was a beautiful love letter to grandparents who cherish and raise their grandchildren when called upon. And also the connection between loving spouses. I’m hoping I interpreted the film in the way Visra intended, otherwise, the ending would have been a bit disturbing.

8 April 2025

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A clumsy dystopian rehash

Crap. From the get-go Mickey isn't likeable and his fake Southern accent is grating. The rest is a formality, without a protagonist it can't succeed: Thought is speech - not in this movie. It's just speech, no thought. No subtlety at all, as blunt as a wooden spoon. Okja meets Snowpiercer meets The Hunger Games, all in the style of the great Terry Gilliam*. Toni Collette plays Tilda Swinton. Ruffalo injects a bit of Trump - TDS personified, about as witty as a SNL skit. And the voice over? No, we don't need a running commentary, neither did Blade Runner. The dialogue becomes increasingly profane and childish (it's never at an adult level at any stage) similar to how stand up comedians fill their set with expletives when the audience isn't laughing along. Finally, Bong's dystopian vision is tedious; a much smarter dystopia is portrayed in films like Children of Men, which examine humanity without the need for clumsy theatrics.

(* Yes, a science fiction vision from the 1980s, like Brazil with a cast full of Python-esque art deco caricatures, doesn't sit well when reproduced in 2025.)

TDS: Trump Derangement Syndrome
SNL: Saturday Night Live
Brazil: 1985 film by Terry Gilliam
Children of Men: best dystopian sci-fi film ever made, prophetic.

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