This review may contain spoilers
27/01/2024
This would have been a heck of a lot better had the actors looked like their ages (too old facially for high school ages) and if they didn't do an about change in looks with Xia Mu's face at the end. The two actors for Xia Mu were on point.
A bit disjointed in one or two parts and maybe not fleshed out like a drama series would be, but it wasn't too bad and it did tell a good enough story.
Did read somewhere some considered Xia Mu a bit of a stalker as he turned up out of the blue in a few scenes involving her when he probably shouldn't have been there, but I didn't see it like that at all, also, if she had any concerns she would have told him so.
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
I think I understand Shu Ya Wang's decision between her first love, Tang Tian, and the dysfunctional boy she tutored and supported for years as a friend and "big sister, Xia Mu, post being sexually assaulted at a company party by Qu Wei Ran.
This is age difference aside!
I feel her choice came down to the fact that both were "damaged" (herself and Xia Mu) and therefore could relate more to the other not to mention what Xia Mu did to protect her.
Turning her back on Tang Tian wasn't to hurt him, but because what happened to her would have always overshadowed them plus she knew deep down there was no going back to their carefree days like when they were youngsters, teens then young adults.
With Xia Mu it wouldn't have mattered to him and it didn't - what was most important to him was that she was happy and he accepted her unconditionally. That is regardless of his small outburst in prison because be wanted her to be happy without him.
I think her choice was the right one because long before anything took place in the way of "violence towards a woman" I imagined a future for them anyhow - just not the way it turned out.
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Exceptional Horror Flick That Runs Deep!
I’ll be honest. I’m not a fan of zombie movies. George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” is still a classic, but even that movie didn’t exactly thrill me. To me, zombies tend to be boring. The slow, gaited walk—despite the overwhelming numbers—just made them less imposing than they should be.“Train to Busan” not only gives us an absolute thrill ride, but it also does what Korean filmmaking has been so good at over the years; it gives us food for thought and for people to decide what’s really important. Who else could put such a message, and do it effectively, than the Koreans? In short, this is the first zombie movie that I’ve seen that has heart and depth.
I will say that this is the best zombie movie I’ve ever seen. The zombies don’t do the stupid walk in this film. They run. They chase in a relentless frenzy that begs the viewer to ask, “how in the world did they film that?!”
Seok Woo (wonderfully played by Gong Yoo) is a workaholic father who has little time for his daughter, who begs him to take her to Busan to see her mother. Seok Woo is a man so disconnected from his daughter, Soo Ahn, that he doesn’t realize that he’s bought her a birthday gift that she already has. He finally agrees to take her.
In the meantime, a massive outbreak of “infected” people begin to take over, and of course, it only takes one as an infected woman jumps aboard the train just as it’s leaving the station. What transpires after this is an absolutely incredible survivor movie and what becomes of human nature when lives are on the line. There are those who believe in doing right by people, and there are others who believe that survival by any means necessary is justified. Interestingly enough, Seok Woo starts off as a man who believes that saving himself and his daughter is all that matters, leaving one man to rebuke him harshly for his selfish behavior.
Once the pursuit is underway, you have a good idea of who is most likely to survive, but there are still questions regarding the other characters and whether or not they will make it. And on a deeper level, what will these people do in their last moments, which brings us some very compelling moments.
On the one hand, this is a survivor movie worthy of “Titanic” or “The Poseidon Adventure” or “The Towering Inferno.” And on the other hand, it also begs the viewer to ask questions that could easily be used in a university philosophy class.
Performances are stellar across the board, but Kim Soo An really impressed me as Seok Woo’s daughter. The last few minutes of the film are heartbreaking and heart wrenching.
There isn't much music in the film, which adds to the effect, but when it kicks in, you know that you-know-what is about to hit the fan!
There really isn’t an element of this film that I can say came up short. From story to characters, to cinematography, this movie excels in every category. I see why this film is already considered a classic, and it’s the only zombie movie that I plan to add to my collection!
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An excellent wrap-up to the prequel's cliffhanger, no less impressive than Hollywood's best sellers.
If you want a good story and character development, watch a kdrama. This movie's all about one thing and that is brainless spectacle and comedy, with technical feats that prove Korean cinema can make movies just as action packed as American titans, a large part of why I had to watch how far we could go. Tricky camera angles, seamless CGI integration, no shortage of stunts and total disregard for any historical accuracy or scientific justification whatsoever. The protagonist's sword in this looks like an oversized Egyptian khopesh lol.While the sequel does give you enough to know as a standalone movie, I highly recommend watching Alienoid 1 first if you haven't already, because to be frank these two films are basically one movie split in half. You miss out on half the cool stuff you're being sold if you don't bother with the prequel, and the cruelty of the cliffhanger of the first is struck down for good with the absolute conclusion of the sequel.
This movie is also recommended to watch with children if you have any to watch them with, and although there is a body horror element with the aliens doing their thing, the films totally omit the gross outs of juvenile humor, none of the violence revels in gore for shock value, and the only person who's going to get offended by the content of the movie is the kind of person who demands realism and depth in a quick flick about time travel alien busting with sword and sorcery.
Only thing I'm disappointed with is that the cool robotic suit of armor is underused in both films, it's like if Iron Man had to save on batteries.
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This review may contain spoilers
The story, just like Death itself, is quite simple and could be told in a few sentences.What makes this movie amazing is how script, settings, nature, music and acting make a whole that is more than the sum of it parts.
The script itself - a journey to self-discovery, a story about leaving and letting go --has some rearkable lines that could sound cheesy but the way they are spoken, feel like profound truths of life. The acting makes as much use of silence as of speaking. The ritual of nokan has few words spoken, but the body language of the nokanshi and the bereaved speak volumes.
The music with it's leitmotif of "the Traveller" bridges the gap between what we see and what we feel.
And nature itself follows the flow of the story. The ending of the dream happens in late autumn, the winter storms accompany the lowest point of Daigo's lfe. Spring brings new hope and new life.
Similarly, the houses tell the stories of their owners: The bath house is run-down but lovingly maintained, Daigo's house where his mother lived is full of her own life and the memories of Daigo's father, and last but not least, the Nokanshi's living space is full of green and flourishing plants.
All of this is done with lovingly attention to detail: The ritual itself, of course. But have you seen that when Daigo washes the bath house owner's body -- the bowl Daigo uses is one of the bath house's?
When so much of the movie relies on silences, on the music and on the settings themselves -- what use is a review that uses the written word? Go, watch for yourself and feel what you see and hear.
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Proceed with caution if you're seeking a cohesive and satisfying teen romance.
I have never read the manga so my review of the movie was based on what was presented within it.One of the film's major shortcomings is its rushed pacing. The narrative hurtles forward, leaving little room for meaningful character development and depth. As a result, key aspects of the story feel disjointed, and certain character motivations remain unclear. This lack of context left mw scratching my heads, especially as I was unfamiliar with the source material.
The chemistry between the main leads, portrayed by the talented actors Suda Masaki and Tsuchiya Tao, adds a spark to the film. Their performances bring the characters to life, and the on-screen connection between Mizutani and Haru is one of the movie's highlights. However, even their commendable efforts cannot fully compensate for the underdeveloped plot.
The cinematography deserves praise, particularly during the film's cute and romantic scenes. The camera work effectively captures the emotions of the characters and adds a visually appealing layer to the storytelling. The music, though enjoyable, may feel overwhelming with the abundance of songs, occasionally distracting from the narrative.
One of the film's disappointments lies in the underutilization of certain characters, such as Minami Hamabe's role, which seems promising but ultimately falls flat. This lack of attention to supporting characters contributes to the feeling of missed opportunities within the story.
In conclusion, "My Little Monster" has its moments of fun and endearing romance, but the rushed pacing and insufficient character development may leave viewers wanting more. Fans of the original manga or anime may find some enjoyment in seeing the characters on the big screen, but for those new to the story, it might be worth exploring the source material for a more satisfying experience.
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Must-watch that turned me into a romance-fantasy groupie
Hold on to your enchanted hats because "As Long as We Both Shall Live" is the ride of a lifetime, blending romance and magic in a way you didn't know you craved!Let's talk about the movie's fancy production – it's so top-notch that even my neighbor's cat would be nodding in approval. They turned heritage sites into a Pinterest dream board, and the costumes are giving off elegance with a side of tradition – basically, a fashionista's paradise.
Ren Meguro as Kiyoka Kudo is the eye-candy you never knew you needed. Grey wig, long hair, and a navy military uniform – he's like the James Bond of fantasy romance, minus the martinis and with a heart of gold. And Mia Imada as Miyo? She's the wide-eyed charm we all wish we had, making us believe in love and magic, even if our love life is more like a sitcom.
Now, let's talk magic – Kiyoka slinging fire like he's headlining a magic show. No abracadabra here; it's embers dancing like they're at a rave. The fight scenes are like a Hogwarts duel but cranked up to eleven – sabres flashing, cloaks swirling, and magic doing its thing.
And the music? It's the DJ at a mythical rave, dropping the beat for intense fights and serenading us with slow jams for those heart-melting moments. It turns every scene into a dance party, and who can resist a dance-off with a sprinkle of magic?
But here's the twist – the showdown with the villainous family is pure soap opera drama on steroids, and I'm living for it!
"As Long as We Both Shall Live" isn't just a movie; it's a rollercoaster of emotions, doused in fairy dust, and served with an extra helping of sass. If I could give it more than 10/10, I'd toss in a unicorn and a disco ball. This film turned me into a romance-fantasy groupie, and I'm counting the days until the next chapter of this epic saga. Let the love flow, the magic sparkle, and the sass reign supreme! 🌈✨🍿
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Get ready for a teen drama that's as twisted as your last breakup
"He Won't Kill, She Won't Die" takes high school drama to a whole new level, and I'm still catching my breath from the emotional rollercoaster it threw me on!So, picture this: three seemingly unrelated stories – a grumpy guy who thinks 'die' is his favorite word, a girl going through more boy troubles than her Wi-Fi signal, and a relentless romantic warrior who could give Cupid a run for his money. Confused? Good, that's the point!
At first, I was like, "What's going on here?" I felt like a detective trying to crack a high school mystery, and I didn't even have my magnifying glass! But hold your horses; it's all part of the master plan.
The movie's got this crazy, genius timeline that'll make your head spin faster than a teenager's mood swings. Just when you think you've got it figured out, bam! It hits you with the unexpected – a plot twist that's more shocking than finding out your crush doesn't like pineapple on pizza.
Now, let's talk characters. Rei, our grumpy protagonist, has a unique way of expressing his love – by telling Nana to 'just die already.' Sounds twisted, right? But guess what? It's their secret love language! Who knew 'die' could be so romantic? These two made me laugh, cry, and question my entire high school experience.
And then there's Kyapiko, caught up in a whirlwind of boy drama. I swear, her romantic life is more complicated than solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. But hey, she adds the perfect sprinkle of chaos to this high school concoction.
Let's not forget our romantic warrior, Jimiko, who's the MVP of one-sided love. The girl deserves a medal for persistence. I mean, I'd give up after the third rejection, but not our Jimiko. She's like a love superhero – no cape, just undying affection.
Now, the cinematography is no joke. It's like the filmmakers raided the coolest Instagram filters to match every high school mood – from cafeteria drama to rooftop confessions. The colors are poppin', just like the unexpected emotions this movie throws at you.
And hold on to your popcorn, because "He Won't Kill, She Won't Die" dives into some real talk. Depression, bullying, and one-sided love – it's like they went through my high school diary and turned it into a movie. Props for keeping it real, though!
The ending? Oh boy, it's like a mixtape of emotions. Some might love it, some might not – it's the pineapple on pizza debate all over again. But one thing's for sure, you won't leave without feeling something deep in your teenage soul.
So, is it rewatchable? Maybe not for everyone, but for the sheer wild ride, it's worth revisiting at least once. "He Won't Kill, She Won't Die" – a movie that's crazier than prom night and surprisingly heartwarming.
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Like a cool breeze of nostalgia and a slam dunk of emotions!
Picture this: Haruno Miziku, your regular high schooler, takes a wild turn when she befriends the oh-so-handsome F4 basketball team. Let's spill the tea on this rollercoaster without giving away the whole plot!Themes and Feels:
It is a feel-good fiesta that humanizes its characters, making them the BFFs you wish you had. The F4 boys aren't just eye candy; they're a squad of individuals with quirks and vulnerabilities, and we're here for it! The movie dives deep into the theme of friendship, taking us on a journey where growing up feels like a mixtape of emotions.
Romance (Shhh, No Spoilers):
Hold on to your hearts, because this movie adds a dash of spice with Aya Kamiyama, stirring up some romantic tension in the air. Miziku's caught in a love triangle, and it's like watching your favorite rom-com without the spoiler overload. The film dances through teenage romance, keeping us hooked without giving away all the deets.
Visual Fiesta:
Visually, is a feast for the eyes! High school vibes, vibrant scenes, and cafés that'll make you wish you were sipping a latte with the gang. The cinematography is on point, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for the characters' emotional rollercoaster.
Conclusion :
It's a wild ride celebrating the beauty of genuine connections and the unpredictability of youth. The cast delivers performances that hit you right in the feels, making the characters your instant BFFs. As the credits roll, you're left with that warm fuzzy feeling and a reminder that high school, with all its craziness, is one heck of an adventure!
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Socially Conscious, Barely a Film
Next Sohee is a socially conscious screed that barely puts in the effort to pose as an actual story. While its core concern strikes an interesting turn as an expose, its messaging—though wholly sympathetic—is the be-all/end-all of the film, sacrificing all pretense of narrative for “pretense” and “narrative.”Dull, preachy, and too lazy to do anything but the most perfunctory gesture at storytelling. Its one saving grace is the character work for its protagonists—though that may owe more to the solid performances from the lead actresses than anything in the script. It could and should have been able to rage against the machine while still weaving a compelling tale (either about an exploited worker or the investigation into exploitation), but it fails to deliver on it’s fundamental responsibility as a film: tell a good story.
There’s certainly something there, and the most fervently “activist” among the audience will undoubtedly forgive its failings regardless. But for anyone else, it will be an occasionally interesting swing and miss—sympathetic though it may ultimately be.
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Will someone please think of the children!
When your introduction to a movie is a mad scientist and then an alligator wandering in the ruins of the city, you know you are in for a wild ride. Badland Hunters won’t be remembered for its riveting plot but when you have Ma Dong Seok swinging his mighty fists and a giant serrated machete it really doesn’t matter.Three years after an earthquake that leveled Korea, Nam San along with teenagers Choi Ji Wan and Su Na live in an encampment called the Bus District. Due to a devastating drought, water is the most precious commodity. Nam San and Ji Wan are hunters for the people. They trade meat for whatever their neighbors can spare. A well-dressed group comes to the encampment looking for teenagers. The newcomers promise Su Na and her grandmother all the fresh water they can drink, shelter, and food at the only apartment complex to survive the quake. In a dystopian future when armed men come promising “heaven on earth”, best to be suspicious. It doesn’t take long for everyone to realize that heaven is not all it seems to be when a mad scientist is running the place. Nam San was ready rain down hell on the complex to rescue Su Na.
It would have been nice to have some background info on our main characters, but in this sort of movie it’s not overly necessary. Though it stumbled about in regards to narrative, the fights were right on point. Nam San had to take the scenic route on the way to the apartment complex so that he, Ji Wan, and newcomer Eun Ho could battle their way through two gangs. While the story didn’t add anything new to the genre except for maybe the whole “I am the Lizard King” angle, the fights were well choreographed. Most of the hand-to-hand combat was in close quarters and bloody. Very bloody. Lots of dismemberments and decapitations. The big draw to a film like this was watching Ma Dong Seok do his stuff. I love this big ahjussi hitter.
The production values were fairly high though some of the destroyed city sets looked familiar from other dramas and movies set in the dry ruins of Korea. Badland Hunters didn’t set itself apart in this genre but it was entertaining. I could have used 25% more ahjussi hitter. I’m just happy Ma Dong Seok is still making this kind of fun action film at the age of 52. If you are looking for a taut script with new thrilling elements in the ruins of the future, you might need to look elsewhere, especially if you’ve seen a number of this type of movie. But if, like me, you enjoy watching the big guy pummel his way through baddies, even ones with long forked tongues, you might want to give this a try.
26 January 2024
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This review may contain spoilers
towa was such a loveable male lead :(
honestly , at first I thought that would be a nice funny movie but towa , that boy , made me so emotional at some point. he was so sincere. his sincerety literally made this not so special movie a lot memorable for me. his honesty , his neverending effort to get her love but his first priorty always being her happiness to the point he did everything he can to make her meet masaki thinking she would confess to him. he really was a loveable male lead.on the other hand , miwa was kinda messy for me :( I wish the story and the actress could make me believe miwa was actually also in love with towa but somethings just felt empty about her feelings.I dont know ,maybe it was because of towa's strong way of expressing his love and him making a lot of effort but she still didnt feel like she loved towa THAT WAY. it just looked like she was enjoying his sincerety and company so the romance factor was all one sided for me. I dont know about acting either ,maybe it just wasnt my style but the acting of the actress felt a bit weak as well but of course , maybe she just wanted to not show much expression since miwa is a cold one , not saying anything about her general acting skills.I just wasnt satisfied with her performance at this one.
at the end , the actor of towa did a great job and the character towa makes this non special yet funny movie a lot special with his sincerety. like I said tho , even without towa it was enjoyable and funny but towa really made it special somehow. i am obviously a sucker for loser like sincere male leads...
its not too long , i definitely recommend this for 1.5 hours of giggles. it was cute and warm
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Amazing! Deserves All Awards!
DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS FOR THIS MOVIE!The long synopsis at the top of this page spoils too much.
All you need to know is: One mute guy and one girl, Japanese romance, maybe sad times ahead.
Honestly, this is one of the best films I've seen in years.
I'd say this is Yamada's best movie since Grasshopper. His performance is always solid but he excels in this; how he conveys and comunicates in this is just amazing. Hamabe, I wasn't familiar with going in but I think she was absolutely perfect too! Her acting was amazing and you could feel her emotions and her journey clearly.
The story itself is just way more than you expect and it's so beautiful and emotional and pure.
If this doesn't win any awards at the end of the year, I'll be shocked and disgusted.
***
Slight Spoilers: I cannot describe how misadvertised this movie is, and I am kinda glad it is. You go in thinking it's just gunna be your typical Japanese romance but it's so much more. I cried the entire time, so definitely prepare tissues!
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This review may contain spoilers
it was so heartwarming and breaking at the same time...
I dont even know where to start. the movie points out lots of hardships a disabled person can face, from the other companie girls' comments about itsuki "you can never have an actual relationship with him" , to tsugumi's dad's attitude "I dont want my daughter to face so many diffuculties". they were cruel as they were unfortunately realistic , there are a lot of people who would say these as the movie analized them so well. my heart ached a lot for itsuki yet tsugumi really made me relaxed as I saw how much she cared for him. what made that care special for me was that she didnt only worry about him ,but she also let him do what he wants and showed him she trusts in him multiple times which was just what itsuki needed. he was suffering to see people around him feeling sad for him but our kawana came and ask the nurses if he could just contunie working , because she knew if he didnt complete his task because of his condition , his confidence in himself would be damaged. I really loved how kawana treated him , she was really gentle and supportive yet really wasnt acting like he cant live on his own , she always showed she trusts him on doing anything he wants. that was the most touching part for me.in the end kawana builed , protected and proved this relationship to everyone. she even convinced her dad which I think was the hardest because a father worrying about his daughter wont give up easyly. I was really touched by that girl during the whole movie. she really didnt hesitate to make decisions and she knew how to treat people and how to care for them without making them feel miserable. For me , she was one of the most memorable charachters in the japanese movie history for me.
Our ML on the other hand , was also pretty cute and kind but just like I said before , that girl kawana really stealed my heart with her beautiful attitude towards him.
the ending felt just a bit rushed tho , but I loved how they showed us the wedding
I just rated music a bit low because I really didnt pay much attention to it , i hope everyone who needs to feel strong instead of needs to be treated like a baby , i hope you will all find your kawana ( I wish this for myself as well at some point)
it was beautiful , I just stole tiny points because the ending was just a little bit fast , it was realistic and heartwarming
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Mindless actions for late night fun
Set in the future timeline inspired by Concrete Utopia, this Netflix originals film does little to retain that brilliant legacy, but instead turning it into a trashworthy bloody action B movie that's hot for streaming services. Gone are the deep level of social commentaries, here it's all about mindless actions for late night fun. Make no mistake, the fighting sequences are actually really impressive with striking martial arts techniques and crispy visual effects, but the storyline is such a huge disappointment which is going nowhere. The plot didn't fit well and it felt like they overdid most of the elements without sufficient reasoning, however for those who're ready to see Ma Dong Seok packing mighty punches, this could be great.Was this review helpful to you?
Korean Mad Max
Badland Hunters (or in my language Lovci u pustoši) is a spectacular post apocalyptic action movie. I still haven't seen "Concrete Utopia" nor did i read a Webtoon on which this movie is based of, but that wasn't a problem because this movie works great on its own.The movie starts with a little bit of comedy to attract interest but very quickly continues with brutal and intense action. Fans of action and fighting won't be disappointed. In fact this movie has the best fighting scenes i saw in a while, mostly thanks to, of course, non else then Ma Dong Seok who is playing the main hunter Nam San and reminds me of Mad Max. Actually, while still being quite different, there are many other things here that reminds me of Mad Max movie and I would wish to see more from this world and characters.
The story is also strong and makes us think about the meaning of life in the world without dignity and hope. Goodness and humanity are more important than just surviving.
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