Raw diamond
This short film was dark, painful and beautiful. A story very well executed. I would have loved it even more if it was longer.The visuals were ok and i liked it that they didn't have make-up on. In this movie the natural look fits a lot better.
Beautiful music!
Great acting and good chemistry and great kisses.
I will watch this again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unfortunately, I was truly disappointed with the show.The beginning of their meeting should have laid the foundation for their love story, but it was so quick and banal that it didn't convey the deep feeling between the protagonists (especially the acting of ML was very flat).
Everything that follows seems strangely forced and awkward, it is not clear whether he remains close to this woman to keep the promise of engagement, out of humanity or something else (I know it is supposed to be for Love, but only on paper).
Once FL wakes up from the coma, things don't improve much... it's interesting to see the long and arduous rehabilitation process. I felt like I was watching a documentary, but what about the emotions?
I might be considered "insensitive," given that it's also based on a true story, but I have to be honest about what this film left me with, and the answer is: nothing. A real shame, because the potential for a great story was there.
The music bothered me and I didn't find it appropriate to accompany the film's scenes.
I consider it a barely decent film, which is too quickly forgotten.
I apologize for any mistakes, English is not my language.
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The plot twist was so unexpected
This movie My Blood & Bones in a Flowing Galaxy had the craziest plot twist ever. I thought this would be a cute story about one person getting bullied and another one (hero) rescuing her and falling in love, but wow, I did not see that. The movie definitely talks about the hero complex and how it sometimes can lead to so many issues, but also the psychology behind the person who wants to be a hero and maybe wants to be appreciated and recognized and loved. It's one of those movies that you think it's about something but is way more dark and different from what you expect it to be. So I would definitely tell you to go in blind; I think it would make you appreciate the movie, because the story takes you through everything, and you would end this movie with the realization this was crazy. It's definitely a great movie, dark and also more detailed than you think.Was this review helpful to you?
Best movie out there.
I've watched PLENTY of J-sad movies but this one HITS different. The story, the way it unfolds the way it seems to flow and something about the character's eyes convey the emotions SO well. This is the only movie I have downloaded in my entire life just because of how much I love re-watching it. It doesn't get better than this for someone who's a sucker for artistic expression and sad stories. Highly recommend it!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
The core team, Six social outcast otaku, has excellent chemistry, each bringing unique abilities and quirks to the group while covering a variety of themes, including piracy, social alienation, bullying and artificial intelligence, while maintaining a humorous tone in neon-soaked aesthetic of old Akihabara.
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1"If I can't save a city, I will save those close to me"
When I saw that Zhang Jin was in The Wild Blade of Strangers I was sold. The story and editing had a few hiccoughs but the action was solid for the most part, the main reason for watching a film like this.Tian An Ye and his older friend, Zhao Qian Sun make and sell charcoal. When they head to the walled city to sell their product, they end up saving a wounded woman and her baby. The palace had recently gone through a change of management, accomplished with deceit and at the end of a sword. Nie and her baby found themselves on the expendables list and in desperate need of a hero. Tian had no intention of stepping in until old Zhao convinced him to provide the two vulnerable people protection with his very special skill set.
The plot was thin and obvious which wasn’t super important once Zhang Jin jumped into action. A real martial artist, his moves were believable. How well you’ll like this film may depend on whether you enjoy his screen presence. I did and could have bumped this up to an 8 if the story and editing didn’t have a few issues including one very politically incorrect character that would have been out of place 20 years ago with the terrible depiction. Another actual martial artist, Jiang Lu Xia, as the mysterious Qi, held her own with the choreography. Her character reminded me of one Brigitte Lin might have played back in the day.
You didn’t have to wait long for action scenes. The film had several fights that utilized a variety of weapons and traps. The choreography veered into martial arts dancing on occasion. In this case I was willing to overlook it when Tian spun around because the moves didn’t have a thousand slow-mo pore counting close-up edits. The only disappointing fight was the first one between Tian An Ye and the formidable Zhang Xu Qing. The wire work was extremely awkward and conspicuous, reminiscent of 1970s kung fu flicks. Their rematch was thankfully much smoother and faster. As with many heroes, Tian’s superior fighting skills waned when the script called for it.
The Wild Blade of Strangers made good use of stock wuxia characters and political infighting. The film was at its best when Tian was wielding a sword, lethal bamboo, flaming cloth, or guandao (I think). When it relied on the narrative, the plot holes revealed themselves along with the shallow character development. Overall, I enjoyed this film and could recommend it to people who like their sword fighting with a small serving of political intrigue thrown in for good measure.
25 April 2026
Trigger warnings: People lost their heads, but without spewing blood or rolling noggins. The only scene that bothered me was a torture scene though it did yield a spikey weapon for Tian to employ as a weapon.
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Can easily be called the most pointless and overhyped movie
I know many may not agree,but please the whole concept was stupid and childish and the whole movie is only popular because of its soundtracks.
The whole concept was absolutely baseless and the trope between jinu and rumi seemed so cliche.
Not that the whole movie itself is unlikeable or that I hate it, but its wayyy to overrated to the point its fanbase and trend is literally cringe especially considering it won 2 OSCARS?!??!? 😭😭
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This pulled me in more than I was expecting and didn't let go
This popped up while I was looking for my next Netflix watch. I loved BKPP in I Told Sunset About You—the acting was incredible, and their chemistry was almost unbearable in that series.I haven’t seen the Taiwanese original of this one, so I didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being a really satisfying watch. The comedy worked well, with strong timing and natural chemistry, and the drama hit the right emotional notes without feeling overdone. I especially enjoyed watching the gradual warmth develop in their relationship. Grandma was a standout and added a lot of heart.
The story included a few twists, but nothing felt out of sync. Even when I knew what was coming, the emotional moments still landed because of how thoughtfully they were handled (and the acting).
I enjoyed this from start to finish, and no scene felt wasted. Highly recommend. I’m only taking off half a star because it came a little too close to body‑shaming one character, which stood out in an otherwise enjoyable film.
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This review may contain spoilers
GREAT MOVIE. HONESTLY.
Starts off strong with si min, a teacher, who was an aspiring athlete in the past as a boxer, yet had to pull out due to her dad’s debt, which led to her becoming a contract teacher at a school that is labelled to “excel at anti-bullying”, only to find out that it’s a school thriving on violence, with a boy named Su gang being the main perpetrator. As Si min finds out Su gang was targeting his classmate named Jin hyeong, she decides to wear a cat mask, and disguise herself and fight Su gang to get justice. This was working GREAT until Jin hyeong’s friend, byeong Jin, a graduate from the same school, and Su gang’s old target, finds out Si min’s identity as the “kitty cat” as the students labelled her, and begs her to save Jin hyeong. After some cracking down, Su gang also finds out who the kitty cat was, and decides to go against si min by planning a match at the school festival, only to notice that everyone was supporting si min, and now FINALLY AFTER ALL THE BS SU GANG GETS ARRESTED AND WHEN HE’S ASKED WHY HE DID ALL THE VIOLENCE, HE REPLIES THAT HE JUST DID IT FOR FUN. LIKE IT WOULDVE BEEN SO GOODD IF SU GANG JUST HAD A TAD BIT MORE DEPTH. SOME JUICY BACKSTORY, A TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD, ANYTHING WOULDVE WORKED, BECAUSE SU GANG JUST SEEMED A LITTLE BLAND TO ME BUT GREAT MOVIE OVERALL.Was this review helpful to you?
Lost the campy quality trying to take itself a bit too seriously.
This is not a good movie, but it could have been fun to watch, if it did not try to be a good movie. And if it tried to be more of a horror and less of a make out sessions compilation.I’m not even joking, it feels like there were more ass, boobs, make out, shower masturbation scenes then the actual kills, gore and scares. Lower budget horror movies can be fun, often are, but they need to understand what actually works for the audience. Yes, “sexy horrors” are a thing, but you need to keep the balance between hot ladies and them dying.
The whole set up was more or less useless and way too long. Why they are going on the trip, how they are going on the trip, who took them to the resort - it took just the first 10 minutes of the movie, but with how it was written and directed, it felt like 30. The whole movie was not dynamic enough. There was no real tension.
On the bright side, I do like how who died when made logical sense. The local cannibal did use their brains during some sense, and I appreciate how we get an actual explanation why they kept the leads for the last. Another big props for the married couple - that was a solid way to go. Approved.
As for the acting - god no. Funny enough, there were moments when it felt really natural, then I was hit with the robotic delivery, to end on unreasonable screaming and overexaggerated reactions.
The blood and practical effects were not bad. Even good for the last confrontation. Mostly the issue was not the props, but how they were used by the actors that felt off.
Overall, it’s a movie.
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Taiwanese horror has found its comfort zone in Taoism, and Mudborn is no exception. The film relies heavily on classic iconography: priests, rituals, and those paper talismans that are a staple of their cinema. However, the twist here is the use of virtual reality as a plot hook. This mix of the digital and the spiritual gives it a different feel, though it feels more like a wrapper than a deep exploration of the topic.
The movie doesn’t hold back when it comes to gore and explicit violence. They don't skimp on the blood. If you like horror movies with gore and straightforward jump scares, you’ll find plenty here.
Everything that happens can be seen coming from a mile away. There are no big surprises, and the plot follows the easiest path. Some elements feel very overused, like the pregnant wife used to gain sympathy or the priest who is introduced a bit clumsily into the story.
Mudborn is an entertaining choice if you are a fan of video game aesthetics, virtual reality themes, and Asian folk horror. It isn’t perfect, and its lack of subtlety is obvious, especially with an ending that leaves the door wide open for an inevitable sequel.
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A Story That Understands What We Don’t Say About Friendship
I really loved this movie, and what stayed with me the most is how real it felt. The female lead is beautifully written, not perfect, not always easy but deeply human. She makes mistakes, she feels things intensely and she moves through life in a way that feels honest rather than polished. That’s what made me connect with her so much.What truly touched me, though, was the relationship at the center of the story. It felt genuine in a quiet, almost familiar way.
I’ve always believed that friendship breakups can hurt even more than romantic ones and this film captures that feeling with so much care. It hit something very personal for me, especially since I haven’t always been lucky when it comes to friendships. Watching it felt comforting and a little painful at the same time like it understood something I’ve never really been able to put into words.
I also loved how grounded everything was especially the ending. It didn’t try to force anything dramatic or overly neat. It just let things exist as they are, and that made it feel even more sincere.
It’s a beautiful film that touches on so many things without ever going too far in one direction, not too heavy, not too light, just the right amount.
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This review may contain spoilers
It felt so real.
A beautiful story about an old man who never forgot the love of his life, that he lost in the war.When he encouters a young man that looks just like his long lost love, he follows him , thinking back at te time his love was stil by his side. He even gets confused that the boy is his lost love. When they finaly have a confrontation he is forced to realize that the boy is not his lost love and he is finaly able to move on, knowing his love is never coming back.
I read comments that this drama is confusing, well i didn't find it confusing at all....it's a beautiful story and i even cried wen he finaly realized his love was never coming back.
The drama isn't a high quality drama, but for me that gave the drama more impact, it felt real.
The actig was not great but good enough and the kisses were good.
The visuals were ok and the music is nothing special, but it fits the movie.
For me, though the drama really moved me, one time watching was enough.
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It reeks
I was hoping for a wacky, cheery, and colorful low-budget film. What I got was an attempt at comedy, a poorly acted, dull & boring fantasy type of movie. Yeesh now wonders if Liu Xiao Qiao gave up acting after being in a movie like this. I can’t blame her.Liu Xiao Qiao is soon beautiful. She is no longer active, sadly. I am guessing I tried to make it big but got tired of being in B-movies. She never appeared in TV shows. In the age of traffic dramas, I am shocked to not see a few here!!! Is she traveling the world? Did she “settle down” to raise a family? Or is she now a business executive who made her own product ? Whatever she is doing now, I hope she’s happy. I still hope she makes a comeback and to TV shows this time!
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Bloody when South Korean gangsters settle scores.
New World is a sometimes bloody thriller that, despite its length, manages to keep the tension up almost the entire way.When the leader of a large criminal organization dies in a car accident, a power struggle begins over who will take over his place. In the highly hierarchical organization, there are two candidates for the leadership position, each of whom leads two factions of criminals, and the loser risks both being murdered himself and having all his followers murdered.
With one of them, the arrogant and materialistic Chung, the police have managed to place one of their men, Ja-sung, who over several years of work has managed to rise to the top and is now Chung’s right-hand man. Since his wife is pregnant, he hopes to soon be released from his assignment for the police, but the death of the leader and the ensuing power struggle put the situation in a different position, and he is forced to continue with his assignment. Fearing what will happen to his wife and future children, he is torn between loyalty to his profession as a police officer and loyalty to Chung and the group of underlings who completely trust him.
The film sets the tone right away, with a bloody opening scene in which a suspected infiltrator is tortured to death. The film then follows a traditional but effective dramatic curve, where dialogue dominates while the premises of the film and its characters are explained, before the action scenes take over towards the end.
The film's greatest asset lies in the acting. Having a bunch of costumed gangsters running around and fighting with each other could easily be silly, but thanks to a simultaneously restrained and fateful, personal and conscious acting style, the characters appear as cool as they themselves seem to want to be perceived. The many extreme close-ups of the characters' faces, showing both sweat and the slightest twitch of their eyelids, bring us even closer to their inner thoughts. A constant awareness of the characters’ personal stakes, especially the risk to Ja-sung, creates a tension that is maintained throughout the film. It is heightened by the many twists and turns in the story, which make the film both unexpected and unpredictable.
The police chief who gives Ja Sung his assignment is played by Choi Min Sik, known from Oldboy, otherwise the actors are relatively unknown in the West.
The photography contributes a lot to the coolness of the film and the characters. The camera really enjoys the color-saturated images of the exclusive surroundings in which the wealthy gangsters move. The sterile and stylish surroundings reflect the perfect surface that the characters seem to want to convey, but stand in stark contrast to the chaos that prevails beneath the surface, where loyalties are questioned and lives are at stake. The editing is smooth and flawless and the image composition balanced and well thought out. The editing keeps the pace up and the tension intact even through the less fast-paced scenes, which retain their intensity through a combination of close-ups and tense dialogue.
It is actually unclear what illegalities they are actually up to, apart from murdering scoundrels. But that does not matter much, what is clear is that the organization has unlimited money that primarily benefits those high in the hierarchy, and that it takes cold-bloodedness and violence to get there. The tension that has been at a fairly even level through large parts of the film rises towards the end in a crescendo of violence and blood that makes the rest of the film fade, while the final scenes are etched on the retina.
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