Zpočátku to vypadá na jeden z dalších příběhů setkání po letech, kterých už tady máme několik. Do nadprůměru film vytáhla pointa a vtipný závěr, který sice neřeší skrytou homosexualitu (či bisexualitu nebo že by straight open mind ???), ale celkově jsem měl ze snímku příjemný pocit a půlhodiny času vůbec nelituji.
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Tady pro mě dominoval jednoznačně příběh Cesara a Adora a klidně mohl být zasazený jinam, do jiné doby, nebyl u mě spojen s obdobím diktatury tak moc, jako např. film Muli, ale kvůli tomu, jak vše končí, to byla asi správná volba, že se ti dva poprvé potkali jako bojovníci NPA kdesi v quezonských horách. Tradiční svatba se ženou jednoho z nich ale tady netrčela jako nějaká umělina navíc, ale splynula přirozeně s dějem, navíc Cecilia za mlada (Levi Poe) byla krásná dívka a Cesar (Jake Cuenca) sakra sympoš chlap. Příběh nikde nebrzdil, a i když jsem věděl, jak to dopadne, dodíval jsem se v pozornosti až do konce a film ve mě stále ještě doznívá ...
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Kdybych měl zavřené oči a film začal, tipoval bych podle skvělé hudby trubky, že začíná Jeffrey (americký gay film z r. 1995 - máme jej zde). Ovšem stejná rozšafnost až potrhlost se nese i v příběhu tohoto kraťasu, i když jinak je zcela odlišný dějem, původem i datem vzniku. Akorát se mi zdál jeden z tatínků příliš tvůrci přiteplalý (Steven Jiang, který hrál i hlavní roli učitele v HIStory2: Right or Wrong), aby to dodalo větší "komediálnosti" (zženštilost, kraječky atd.), ale na druhé straně to může "klamat" diváctvo, že muži, kteří žijí ve společném svazku jsou všichni tací "divní". Film se ale posunul u mě do výšin díky skvělé hudbě /trubka, klavír/.
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Další z filmů Miko Jacinta zde uvedných nás zavádí do prostředí "výroby" gay filmů před dekádou a více na Filipínách. Amatérismus zde je přítomen, hlavně co se týká "hereckých" výkonů, snad až na dvě tři výjimky. Samotný příběh má ale svou hloubku a hodnotím takto, zároveň ale valné většině zdejšího osazenstva a "odborným" kritikům snímek spíše nedoporučuji, obraťte svou pozornost k jiným projektům. Patří k množině pinoy filmů před dekádou a více, které sbírám a máme jich zde uvedeno již docela dost, ale ještě celá řádka chybí a je téměř nedohledatelná.
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Ano, přátelství ve filmu hraje nejdůležitější roli, to je nosnou linkou a graduje v závěru, ale vše jinak jen průměrné a BL složka - vyloženě slabá, čekal jsem víc od Jerome Ponce-ho, spíše odvar, jak jej znám se seroše Ben X Jim. Tony Labrusca solidní a k němu se přidal Albie Casiňo, nejen herectvím, ale i supr zjevem.
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An Eye for an Eye and a Hole for a Hole
0 people found this review helpful
Akční, drama, romantický - toto všechno bych vyměnil za komedii. Vše bylo tak divné, toporné (určitě schválně), z pohledu evropského diváka mizerné, že jsem se musel u některých scén (místo abych se bál či plakal), smát. Doporučuji některým divákům, jako "osvěžení" po denním plahočení se v práci. Pánové se snažili, ale vyšší hodnocení ze sebe nevymáčknu ... Prostě oko za oko, díra za díru ... ??????
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Just okay!
Didn't expect it to be amazing and it definitely wasn't, I still liked it tho! The story wasn't anything special, it was very easy to watch. The actors were decent, it felt like the ml was whispering 80% of the time which was kinda weird. One problem I had is that I feel like we never got to know the ml? He was just really uninteresting. We could've gotten some more about his childhood or something. I really liked the fl! The couple's chemistry was meh but they were still sweet. Everything was decent but I didn't hate it. Movies like this are kind of my guilty pleasure, it's not amazing but still fun to watch haha!You should watch this if you want something easy and sweet to watch! :)
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Cute!
I enjoyed it more than I expected! There are a lot of negative reviews which I kinda understand, it wasn't amazing but I don't think it was that bad either. It was cute and made me emotional at some moments too. I like cute and fluffy things so it was perfect for me I guess haha. I kinda relate to the fl too and that made me like her a lot. I liked all of the characters!I watched the movie before I watched the anime. I don't think you'll like the movie as much if you watched the anime or read the manga tbh. I usually don't watch anime but I decided to after I watched the movie. The movie had a faster pace and was kind of rushed. I wanted to see more of the story and the couple so that's why I decided to watch the anime too. The anime was A LOT better! I honestly recommend you watch the anime instead even if I liked the movie too.
I wanted something soft and easy to watch and it was perfect for that. I don't think you should watch this if you want something "deep" and emotional. I also don't think this is for everyone. I'm a teenager and I loved this but you might not like this as much if you're an adult? I have no idea hahah.
I liked the actors, the music was good and I think there's a big chance I rewatch it! :) I liked the movie enough to watch the anime which I loved even more and now I'm planning on reading the manga too haha!
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This review may contain spoilers
Curious and Creepy Horror Story
Like with most horror movies almost all the characters were stupid save for writer who was trying to finish a book and so he left what sounded like his difficult marriage to live at this creepy apartment building (not mansion) so that he could focus on his work.The pharmacist kind of deserved her fate considering she was willing to run off with the man whom she'd been having an affair even after learning he killed his wife and kid.
The student who'd returned from abroad should've left his "friend's" apartment immediately after arriving there and seeing what he saw.
Though nicely done for the genre. The audience never gets the real story behind why the apartment building is haunted. It's said that it used to be the sight of a church, but then a dead mummy is found in one apartment chain up in what appeared to be some ritualistic killing with a large amount of money hidden in a nearby closet. Weird. Also, it seemed that strange things happened to the residence of the apartment building even when they left the building, which wasn't explained. It was also never made clear how long the property had be closed and condemned and how long ago all these incidents happened with the people who'd gone missing while living in the building.
Despite these unknowns, this had some nice vignettes and a great, yet predictable, twist in the last chapter. The "scares" weren't scary, but this did have a creep factor. Good movie. Definitely worth a rewatch if one is in the mood for horror.
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it's different from other hischool drama
I love this couple and the story was sooo good..i was expecting a normal story but it turned out soo good ..💝💝💝i am satisfied with the story and this cute couple 😁 They have put a very good twist in the movie. I like its story concept very much. our secret diary movie is really a movie worth watching. There is no boring part and the other characters were very cute, everyone's character was very beautiful..........⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am totally satisfied with it. I have watched many high school dramas and now this one is on my list as my favorite drama.💝Was this review helpful to you?
A cut above the rest - in its own way
Oh Behind Cut, my beloved mess.This movie makes me FEEL things that I don't quite know how to articulate.
It can't be denied that it makes for an incredibly confounding and high-effort viewing experience - this is not a movie to simply breeze through without giving it your full attention. There are a lot of details the audience are left to fill in for themselves; the film absolutely refuses to hold anyone's hand and walk them through the plot, it expects the viewer to make the connections themselves. In that, as well as with the general pacing, atmosphere, and occasionally inconsistent audio quality, it reminds me a lot more of a queer indie film than of a professional K-drama.
And on one hand, that's exactly what I love it for. The acting is absolutely stellar, the dialogues feel wonderfully real, and the way the main characters' relationship builds does not just feel entirely believable, but also a refreshing step removed from the more common romance beats. Don't get me wrong, I love me a good romcom and there's a reason why the classic formula works so well, but there's just something about getting to see a relationship at a slightly different pace and through a slightly different lens that I really appreciate.
But on the other hand, was it all really necessary? Did they need to lean so far into the artful incoherence and away from a more straight-forward storyline?
I absolutely detest the one-year separation trope, but here it could have worked so well. There's something interesting there, some genuinely poignant commentary on the nature of passion, dreams, and what it means to pursue them. There are insightful observations to be found about the fine line between self-determination and rejecting all help, between finding inspiration in someone you love and loving someone for the purpose of being inspired by them.
All of that and more is right there, so close to being fully woven into the story and coherently brought across, almost, almost, but not quite...
I don't know if you'll like this movie, I honestly couldn't tell you. I can only say that I, personally, really love it. I bemoan what it could have been with juuuust a little more polish, but I also adore it for what it ended up being, in all it's sincere, chaotic glory.
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Pacing issue + unlikeable character made it impossible to enjoy, despite great acting of Lee Joon
I have very mixed feelings regarding this movie centered around Young Oh, a young rookie actor facing the tough reality of the entertainment industry as he rises to famedom. The story could have been interesting but I got honestly bored because of the huge pacing issues as well as the unlikability of the main character.Lee Joon is truly impressive in the role of Young Oh, especially knowing that it is one of his first big role, and a posteriori, it feels like it was decisive in pivoting his career from idol to actor. Despite the fact that he delivers a solid and convincing performance, his character remains unlikeable all along the duration of the film. I blame the script and not the cast for preventing me to care and root for the main protagonist.
The directing of the movie had some real good ideas, there are a lot of scenes that mirror each other as well as help the viewer to see the unstable mental state in which Young Oh is. The first part of the story was interesting but it got very repetitive and slow because of the lack of suspense as it was very clear where the scenario was headed. The OST was average at best and the ending soundtrack was really an odd and bad choice.
I would not recommend this movie unless you are a big Lee Joon's fan and want to see the movie which really made him prove to the public his skills as an actor. Be aware that this movie can be pretty triggering as it is graphic, violent and with depictions of sexual assaults.
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A film to think about
When I started watching the movie, I didn't really know what to think, because the movie started weird. But it was woth to watch it.This film was not a classic love story, it was also a film about friendship.
This made the film more real. Also the Music and Story was perfect.
The stories in the background and the side characters made the movie even better. I've come to love the main character, he was funny but also show me a real side of one sided love.
I laughed a lot during the film, but I also cried because it was really emotinal. I understand the action of the chracteters and how they feel.
The film was realy touching and the way it was given an open ending was great and a good choice for the ending.
The film touched me very much and also made me think about life. And about the many choices you have to make in life.
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Beautifully Story
I enjoyed this movie, it was touching, with great chemistry, and laughter, and pain. It's real life at its best. I love how everyone finally found their place in life and a community that supports them. The only bad I have to say was the courtroom was annoying and felt wasteful overall. I love the leads and their amazing chemistry about finally coming out and being together. I am not a fan of the ending as it keeps you guessing and wish it did a better job of giving closer because it leaves you guessing still as to how they all will live. Wish they did the joint custody life as the ending.Was this review helpful to you?
》Aquatic crime-action epic《
This year’s festival provided a refreshing plethora of non-English language films for TIFF-goers to flock to. Another big film for South Korea this year’s fest premiered at TIFF 2023 to an ecstatic and enthusiastic crowd, all gathered to see the red carpet talent and experience the North American premiere of “Smugglers,” a film by director Ryoo Seung-wan. Written by the director and co-writers Kim Jung-youn and Choi Cha-won, they construct a twisty heist tale brimming with action and women empowerment that is more than a joy to witness. The film has been marketed as an “aquatic crime-action epic,” and that description just about sums up this delightful surprise the best anyone could.Ryoo Seung-wan is masterful in his direction at balancing comedic moments with an overarching theme of women empowerment in this exciting, tense, triumphant adventure flick. His characters have impeccable comedic timing with quick quips or long-winded jokes. Still, he’s able to flip the switch and bring back the heart-pounding intricate action scenes or intense interrogation moments. The underwater antics are more than impressive, with much of the film involving his characters holding their breaths and swimming, fighting, or working underwater. Despite this added element of difficulty, both Ryoo Seung-wan and the teamwork with his noble cast make them able to pull these stunts off effortlessly. His “Smugglers” is a refreshing new addition to the action-crime-drama genre, and with his focus on female leads, female empowerment, and female ‘badassery,’ he knocks it out of the park.
The performances by the entire ensemble are a joy to witness, from depictions of the ultra-talented haenyeo women and powerful teahouse ladies to cartoonish crime-lord villains with impeccable fighting techniques. Kim Hye-soo and Yum Jung-ah have a phenomenal and believable on-screen relationship as former best friends, both before and after the fallout their characters go through. They depict stubborn yet clever individuals who will each do anything to get ahead of the opponent, and watching their antics play out is extremely enjoyable. Go Min-si portrays a seemingly mousey and quiet teahouse girl, Go ok-bun, who we witness go through a satisfying character arc from beginning to end. There’s also the three men — head honcho Kwon, the hoodlum Do-ri (Park Jeong-min), and the officer Jang-chun (Kim Jong-soo), who all give entertaining, intentionally cartoonish performances in which they fully commit to their roles. So when the women decide to turn all three men against each other for their own benefit, well, it’s as hilarious as it is satisfying.
“Smugglers,” being set in the 1970s, is also an absolute treat to the senses. From colorful costumes, immersive set pieces, and a funky score, the audience is plunged just as much into the depths of the Kunchon region’s sea as they are into the aesthetic of the time period. There are Farah Fawcett wigs galore, groovy pucci print clothes with more than enough bellbottoms, polyester pantsuits, and wide-collared blouses to go around. Ryoo Seung-wan even edits a fun, celebratory post-heist shopping spree segment with the ladies in split screens, loud colors, and complete with the music of the era, and it’s more than enjoyable to witness. Composer Chang Ki-ha’s immersive score fits in well to compliment the flashiness and fun on-screen, aiding in the delight and antics. This juxtaposition of the 1970s era with its very modern theme and message of women empowerment and leadership is a satisfying mix, lending to the level of gratification one may feel at the end of experiencing this film.
“Smugglers” is a refreshing combination of classic crime, heist, and adventure film tropes with a mix of 1970s influences and modern themes. His characters are intriguing and easy to root for or against, as they are portrayed fabulously by the attractive and personable cast. The writing is fun and funky, even involving double and quintuple crossing that occurs, causing the director to take us back in time to relive scenes from new perspectives, challenging the audience on what they thought they knew. The groovy aesthetic is addictive as it is immersive, and both the above surface and underwater action sequences are a high-energy delight. It’s nearly impossible not to have an enjoyable time with “Smugglers,” so it’s fair to say Ryoo Seung-wan hit the nail on the head with this one.
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