Reviews

Watch this out of nowhere just as the break between my dramas... In the end quite happy to watch this...

Story about Bao Zheng (BZ) before he become the famous Judge Bao. BZ comes to Yong Tian academy to investigate the mysterious death of some students. People said it's the king of hell that killed them. So far, there are 5 students who died, and each of their death represent 5 levels of hell, that's why people keep saying that it's king of hell doing.

BZ who's not believe with the nonsense about king of hell started to investigate it, at the same time he also investigate his missing teacher.

When he started investigating, he experience a lot of weird stuff going on. But not because of king of hell, more like people doing magic or drugs to do evil stuff. So together with Zhan Zhao & Ouyang Qing, BZ continue his investigation about the students & also his missing teacher.

That's pretty much the story without giving any more spoilers. Overall for underrated movies, this is one good production.

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A great work from Bong Joon Ho

Mickey 17 is a great sci-fi movie, packed with good humor, action, romance and touching moments. It’s a nice picture of humanity and modern society. It’s a good blend of entertainment and politics elements.

I had fun watching it, with only me in the cinema. It seems that no one in my town watches this movie. It’s been released in our local cinemas for a week and today is the last day. Anyway, I had the best experience ever!

I love Robert Pattinson’s performance of Mickey. His romance is beautiful as well. Nasha is literally the best female character I’ve seen recently.

It’s also nice to see Mark Ruffalo as a villain. :)

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Brilliant Acting

I began watching this movie expecting to see the warm smile good natured Kim Hyun Joong that we are used to seeing. What I saw was a shocking, brilliant performance last was ongoing for 80 minutes.
As the story evolves, you are taken inside the mind of a tortured man. Hyun Joong literally grabs you by the hand and takes you into the hell his mind is experiencing.
As he roams room by room throughout the night, his powerful performance darkens and his body begins to break down. By the end, you are literally exhausted from watching this transformation.
I found it to be one of the finest performances by any actor. I look forward to Hyun Joong’s future roles. He has proven his true talent.

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A wish is all you need

Kore-eda has this magical sense of life's inertia. This movie really isn't about anything and yet it's message is beautiful.

A story about life as a young children who carry small burdens. The movie touches on family dynamics and its effects on children. We have the brothers with differing views on how they saw their parents relationship. We have a young Megumi who is trying to pursue a dream in which her mother doesn't approve. We have gambling problems, body problems and companionship. In a way the story was about the affect parental negligence has on children. Though nothing is explicitly expressed, Kore-eda's films usually deal with family structure and nuiance. Each child represented very real problems children can face and their resilience against adversity.

I thought the way the movie ended with Koichi not wanting to make a wish spoke volumes about him understanding the feelings of everyone around him. I felt for the most part of the movie he was a little selfish. But I think through all the help he received, he realized that everyone deserves their wishes to come true. His wish would of interfered with that. The montage of everything they went through to get to this point was beautifully done.

The kurukan cake I felt was also a metaphor for adulthood. Something so plain and unassuming like life but having a slight sweetness, spoke about life's little wins. A life that goes by day to day but there's hints of good. During the course of the movie we experienced these little wins and courage thriving on in your young protagonists.

As usual many of the shots in the movie linger on the inate beauty of the everyday. We have all these micro interactions such as; a hand being placed on a shoulder, the mixing of ingredients, the dusting of a table. Each one is nothing in the grand scheme of things but the focus on them is what makes his movies special. It's the little things that matter to Kore-eda. These small gestures all make up our daily lives, subconsciously affecting how we see the world.

I wouldn't say this is my favorite of his works, but it was an enjoyable 2 hours and a nice way to turn off your mind for a while.

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Just keeping riding, not worth a stop over

I started 18 Swirling Riders aka 18 Shaolin Riders because Lo Lieh was in it and I am on a mission to watch all of his films that are available. Otherwise, I would have dropped this film somewhere between the 20-40 minute mark.

There were numerous characters and no coherent story. A great deal of the fights took place in the dark meaning there was no way to tell who was doing what to whom. Because of the large cast and terrible storytelling, it was next to impossible to care about any of the characters or the characters never introduced who died off screen. Or the characters who died on screen of which there were many.

Chia Ling was criminally underused as was Lo Lieh. Wen Chiang Long dominated the screen as the stiff upper lip hero who had a habit of laughing maniacally at inappropriate moments. He was also a master of disguise and used old school Mission Impossible face masks and wigs to fool people. Don Wong Tao played “Paper Knife”, a mysterious fighter who always wore a black weimao to conceal his superhero identity. Chen Sing finally showed up an hour into the movie as the Big Bad or one of the Big Bads, Lo Lieh’s character just seemed to be in a bad mood that was only alleviated by robbing and killing people.

As near as I can tell, the Riders stole from the corrupt rich and gave to the poor. Chen Sing was mad at the Riders for stealing a knife he cared about years ago and vowed to kill all of them, including 1000 children in their care. Lo Lieh, yeah, I don’t know, he seemed to be upset that the riders foiled his robbery. But even then, it wasn’t them and the contraband wasn’t gold, it was a woman. I could see why everyone might have been confused as there were no air holes punched in the small chest she was transported in. She wanted the Riders to help her avenge her master because a knife or “the” knife or a paper knife had been used to kill him. The synopsis says that there was a mole in the riders, but I never did see one. Oh, and there was a carp painting that people were dying for because it revealed secret kung fu weapons shaped like fish.

The fights that I could see involved wire-fu, trampolines, and reverse filming. The sword fights were okay. Because it was filmed in Taiwan, they had to fight in the woods, at least they avoided the quarry. In this instance with less than spectacular flying through the trees scenes.

To sum up, unless you are in a ride or die contract like I am with Lo Lieh, I highly advise skipping this mess. I gave it a generous 5 because it was dubbed and maybe some of the story was lost in translation.

22 March 2025

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A masterpiece made for me

So. I'll start by saying that I began watching this movie not knowing what to expect. Based on the comments, I thought: either people are right, and this is yet another piece of trash, or it’s a masterpiece made for me (or just trash made for me).

After watching the movie, I can say it gave me unusual feelings. And honestly — I don't understand what many people are talking about. I think this is simply one of those cases where the movie isn’t for everyone.

I really liked the movie's concept. Behind this legend lies a deep meaning that, perhaps, not everyone will understand — but for me, it resonated.

The atmosphere was impressive. The soundtrack, the actors' performances, the mysticism, the silence, the darkness, the landscapes — all of it did its job perfectly. I was especially hooked by the creepy visuals and the suspense.

The characters were decently developed, but I would’ve liked to learn more about the detective because, at some point, I completely forgot he existed.

The ending felt way too fast. I had just prepared myself for the climax — and it ended right away. I wanted more tension and an emotional punch at the end.

But despite the flaws I mentioned, I still believe this movie deserves more attention.

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Nothing new, but really sweet

This is a movie about remembrance of youth past... and could you face your teen self as the grownup you have become?

Taking us back to a 90- early 2000s typical romcom. Nostalgia meets hoodlomes and evil teachers meet teens with a lovely fighting spirit and a sweet, sweet, friendship. Some part actually grabbed my heart and squeezed it a bit to tight other felt a bit unnecessary and dare I say slightly draggy. There is a really cute puppy in this but what I love the most is probably the male leads smile, the female leads fighting spirit and the closing scene.

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A Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece

Some films leave a fleeting impression, while others carve themselves into your soul, refusing to let go. Better Days (2019) is the latter—a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of storytelling and becomes an experience. Without a doubt, this film has cemented itself in my top 10 movies of all time. It is a raw, visceral, and deeply evocative portrayal of youth, trauma, and the desperate yearning for hope in a world that often seems cruel.

What struck me most about Better Days was its authenticity. Every emotion, every fleeting smile, every tear-soaked moment felt so painfully real. If you have ever been a teenager, this film will resonate with you on a profoundly personal level. It captures the unspoken frustrations, the quiet battles, and the unrelenting turmoil that come with that phase of life. The cinematography itself enhances this sense of realism—close-up shots of the characters’ skin, the exhaustion in their eyes, and the heavy silence between words make you live their experiences, not just witness them.

Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. These two don’t just act; they breathe life into their characters. The pain in their eyes, the hesitation in their voices, the unguarded vulnerability—these are performances that deserve every award possible, perhaps even an Oscar. There’s an undeniable angstiness that will leave you in pieces, making you bawl your eyes out, yet you won’t be able to look away.

Beyond its emotional depth, Better Days is a harrowing reflection of reality. The film sheds light on bullying—one of the most insidious forms of cruelty that exists, especially among the young. Even if one has never faced severe physical abuse, we have all, at some point, felt belittled, outcast, or ridiculed. This film doesn't shy away from showing the brutal consequences of such torment. It makes you question the world we live in, the systems that fail to protect the vulnerable, and the silent struggles countless individuals endure.

While on the surface, Better Days may seem like another enemies-to-lovers trope wrapped in a dark, angst-filled package, it is so much more. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, one that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. It is thought-provoking, yet somehow, in moments when you least expect it, it makes you smile. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of times, happiness can still find a way to exist, even if only for a fleeting moment.

The ending is nothing short of perfection—the kind that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The actors seamlessly transition into their adult roles, embodying a maturity that is both palpable and deeply moving. The shift in their demeanor is remarkable; no longer are they controlled by their emotions, but rather, they have gained the strength to control them. The weight of their past does not define them anymore—it shapes them into individuals who can finally breathe freely, unshackled from the chains of their former lives. There is an immense sense of relief, a cathartic realization that, at last, they hold their future in their own hands. The freedom to simply exist as themselves is a luxury they have fought for, and now, they finally get to embrace it.

As one wise soul once said, "Sometimes, in this small life, all we humans need is happiness above all." This film embodies that sentiment—through pain, through hardship, through tragedy, there remains an undying flicker of hope.

Better Days is not just a movie; it is an experience that will haunt you, move you, and ultimately, change you. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself for one of the most powerful films of this generation.

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A Love That Needs No Fixing

There are stories that whisper, stories that shout, and then there are stories that simply exist—softly, beautifully, unapologetically. Between Complete and Incomplete is one of those stories.

This right here was so amazing—explicit ACE and poly representation? Omg. And done so well too. Minho, an asexual man, in a poly relationship with Seongjin and Gyutae. A love that is neither fractured nor forced to be whole, but simply is.

Seongjin, the calm and understanding one, bridges their love so effortlessly, holding Minho and Gyutae in his quiet strength. He understands them so well, helps them navigate their emotions, never pushing, always listening. The film does not stumble into the trap of "fixing" asexuality. There is no forced resolution, no expectation for Minho to "change" or "compromise."
Instead, his boundaries are honored, his love is understood, and his presence is enough.

And the terms—polyamory, ACE—used so naturally, woven seamlessly into the dialogue. The conversation with Minho's friend? A gift. They explain asexuality so well—not just as the absence of sexual attraction, but as something that can still hold love, connection, and even enjoyment in its own way. Asexuality is not a void; it is simply a different way of being, a different way of feeling.

The details made my heart ache in the best way. The way Minho takes pictures of his lovers, capturing them with quiet devotion. The way Seongjin and Gyutae never pressure him, always making sure he is comfortable. The way he loves, and shows it, in ways that are his own.

And the quality? Stunning. Every frame, every shot, intentional and intimate. The film breathes, lingers, lets the emotions settle in your chest.

As an asexual myself, this film spoke to me. For those who have longed to see themselves reflected, Between Complete and Incomplete is more than a film—it is a sigh of relief, a quiet revolution. Love does not always need fixing. Sometimes, it just needs to be understood.

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what a great film!

I really enjoyed this film as an action film. It was very impactful, but it had a lot going on in the storyline. You will never left board!

Shame that the officer didn’t survive but overall as a film I really enjoyed it. I almost wish it was a series and that there was gonna be a series 2!!

I think the casting was really impressive and I liked the way the friends joined and it would’ve been nice for them to join the task force as well in the end I think.

would definitely recommend this film. It’s got quite a lot of heavy content so I would definitely advise checking the themes and warnings first but for me I really enjoyed the film.

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Family is whoever is there now

I wish I could explain thoroughly how this movie makes you feel.

The movie's highlight and message is a wonderful message. Family is something that we acquire and doesn't necessarily need to be blood related. I think this resonated beautifully in the movie. We have many different characters come together all due to the strong performance of Miyazawa Rie. Her character is the glue that holds these characters together. I thought her beautiful but quiet strength was a real highlight of the movie. It never strayed into melodramatic territory. Although that one gut punch scene with her and Azumi, that was hard. The movie has a bunch of different types of emotional scenes that will affect people differently but I found it all to be similar to a coming of age story.

Futaba's character was so well balanced. I think once you learn about her own backstory it makes her struggle through the movie so much more powerful. There was a grace about how she carried herself but a slight playfulness. Not to mention her slightly brash nature. I thought she was a well rounded character. I do wonder how they would balance with her young costar. The young Azumi was expertly played by Sugisaki Hana. Her scenes showed a lot of vulnerability and strength. I think most of us can relate to her growing pains. We experience through Azumi: Bullying, anxiety and emotional distress caused by school and then the weight of her loved ones diagnosis. Her eternal struggle to emote her feelings and the opposing force of her mother pushing her to act, It was all very moving. I enjoyed her progression in the movie into her own person.

Ayuko, the little sister played a nice roll in the dynamic of the family as an outsider. I felt her story needed some more plot as she was somewhat just there. I understood her character was meant to be like that but I needed more for her to truly resonate in the story. What we did get of her in the story was heartbreaking. Joe Odagiri's character, how should I put this? He isn't really around, but simultaneously has an effect on all the characters without even doing anything do to his character's progression. I would of liked more exposition on his character's reasons for coming back or why he did what he did. I think that's why we had carefree but distraught Takumi introduced. In a way it mirrored Kazuhiro and that was important for Futaba's acceptance of Kazuhiro in the end.

The cinematography was quiet and well framed. Body language played a part in any scene were the four of them were together. There was a particular scene with Ayuko after her big emotional scene that I thought was a simple yet affective shot involving a simple light pillar and her eyes. It was a clever way of showing a silver lining to hardships. The scene with Azumi and Kimie was also a scene stealer. It was probably my favorite scene in the entire movie. The soundtrack was nothing notable however the ambient piano allowed the movie to have a light an airy atmosphere.

Despite the movie's feeling of loss, I think the movie somehow maintained a sense of hope. I felt like it never allowed things to linger and every setback came with a win. I think it's message is important to people to consider. We don't always know how long we have on this earth, so we want to be able to know those we leave behind will be ok. Our family we create, they help you stay grounded and support you as your base.

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Not Scary! A STORY OF COMPETITION, JEALOUSY, FRIENDSHIP n OBSESSIVE LOVE!!

After watching the first three movies, I'm convinced that this Franchise is more of Psychological Horror.
They are sad stories with Human Emotions Dominating, while Supernatural, Ghost Elements are just side tracks to attract horror genre lovers :/
(Also Only the last 30-40 mins is the interesting part n need to bear the first one hour chaos! )

I remember watching few of these in my younger years n all these years, had an impression that they are Scary Horrors, Silly Me! 🤭
But now as an adult, re-watched n I don't find any scary horror element in this :/.
The human emotions n the reasons why Living turn Ghosts are the Actual Scary Elements!! 😂

****
Like the first two movies in this franchise, even here, First 1 hour is spent on forming the base n background to the horror part of the story.
The last 40 minutes is where the horror part starts n that is the only interesting part in the movie.

Though unrelated, the first two movies have a bit of confusing n chaotic editing and direction, Clearly this movie is different from those two in those aspects, which is a positive point for this movie.

The plot is Good.
Direction is different n Good.
Editing is Good but a bit confusing at times.
The execution of this plot, the story telling / narration is straight forward (chronological) n direct to the point, unlike the first two movies that go back n forth between the past n present (Non Linear Narration)

Not a Scary horror!

Wishing stairs track in the movie, is very well done.
Liked the supernatural mystery of it - 29th step appears only if ur wish is strong n if appears, ur wish will come true .

More than the Haunting of the Ghost, I find this theme of Wishing stairs, that thought of 29th step itself, as more scary 😂

**** The story / Characters:
High school girls, Gal besties but one loves beyond friendship, while the other doesn't deny or accept openly. So, this is an implied love relationship .
Anyways, it's clear that they are atleast close buddies .

These two main lead actresses acted well .

There is another character (3rd gal), who is a secret admirer of one of the main leads.
(So it's a love triangle? )
Her role gives unclear impressions:
She is bullied by her classmates, have her own issues like weight troubles etc n she acts very hyper all the time.
So, Is she Hyper bcz of the bullying or her personal issues or it's her usual nature?
Also It's unclear whether her character has any mental issues or just over exaggerated acting by the actress to express sad when bullied n shy when she confronts her crush.

This makes me think that she (3rd gal) is more weird n scary than the ghost😂

At some point, looked like a psycho obsessive lover killings (3rd gal) than a possessed person killings (3rd gal being possessed by her crush, the Ghost) 😂
(later in the story, it's made clear that it's the second one)

***
There are few unclear points.
For eg, What's with the glass pieces in ballet shoes, who n why they did is not clear ( unclear bcz of bad lighting/cinematography or bad print?)

****
Overall, THIS IS A STORY OF COMPETITION, JEALOUSY, FRIENDSHIP n OBSESSIVE LOVE!

There is no suspense or scary part in this, like in usual horror movies.
Even the bgm didn't bring the horror effect (like in the first movie)
The Haunting scenes doesn't give much horror vibe.
Instead IT'S A SAD STORY OF THE GIRLS! :(

THE CLIMAX IS GOOD, THE HORROR CONTINUES!!

****
My Rating is 6 / 10
(For the good plot, for the sad story of the gals n their acting n for the direct linear narration, unlike the first two movies)

Would have been More, if the First One Hour of the movie would have Utilised Better

****
Check out my Reviews for other movies in this Franchise :)

Till now, in this franchise, Liked movies in the order:
1 > 3 > 2

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The Heartbreakening Beauty

This 12-minute short film takes us on an intimate and heartbreaking journey through the life of a transgender individual, exploring the intense struggles that often accompany self-acceptance. The film's main character, a young woman who has yet to fully embrace her identity, experiences bullying in a way that many can relate to, especially when the smallest actions, such as dropping a lipstick, can trigger a painful wave of rejection. The film beautifully captures the weight of these moments, where something as simple as a misplaced item becomes a symbol of deeper societal judgment.

The lead character’s internal conflict is depicted through a tender relationship with an enigmatic figure, a girl who may represent her true self, an imaginary friend, or perhaps both—a subtle commentary on how complex and fluid gender identity can feel for many. As the film progresses, the lead’s mental health deteriorates, giving a raw glimpse into the despair and confusion that can arise when one is disconnected from their authentic self. The narrative touches deeply on depression, isolation, and the crippling fear of rejection, but also on the importance of seeking help.

The final tribute to Yook Woo Dang (1984–2003) adds another layer of poignancy. By dedicating the film to him, the filmmakers not only honor his memory but also shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental illness, depression, and LGBTQ+ struggles.

About Yook Woo Dang:
Yook Woo Dang was a South Korean man whose life was tragically cut short in 2003. Known for his activism in both LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness, his passing resonated deeply within his community. Yook’s struggles with mental health were compounded by societal pressure, and his life story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of visibility and support for marginalized individuals. He had been vocal about the struggles of growing up with a gender identity that was misunderstood and how these challenges were exacerbated by mental illness.
His tragic death sparked conversations around the need for more compassion, understanding, and accessibility for individuals facing mental health challenges, particularly in the context of gender identity. This film’s dedication to Yook Woo Dang is a touching tribute to his life, one that highlights the impact of both societal expectations and the personal demons that can affect one's sense of self.
I hope this review captures the essence of the film and honors the memory of Yook Woo Dang appropriately. If you'd like to talk more about the film or your feelings after watching it, feel free to share.

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BLOOD DOESN'T MAKE FAMILY. LOVE DOES

I CRIED I CRIED AND I CRIED !!!!!!!!! PREPARED YOUR TISSUES BEFORE WATCHING THIS I'M GIVING Y'ALL WARNING.
Then starts the journey of 2 strangers. How they became attached to each other. How they became each other's comforts, and at the end how they became each other's family.😭
Jeong Seo Yeon, who played a seven-year-old Eun Hye, is impressive. Many of you know her from the famous 2020 kdrama (Flower of evil). She moved Jae Sik’s heart and deeply affected the audience with her outstanding acting talent. One will be amazed how wonderfully she acted that deaf - blind role at her age

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