Reviews

CONFUSING, SHOULDN'T'VE REPLACED SOME ACTORS AND MESSY

Now I feel bad that i watched the first movie at 1.25 speed... because i got hyped when i saw on netflix new releases, i saw Han Hyo Joo in the poster.

Okay first thing, so they've replaced 3 actors, like the actor of Rak, Jin Ha Rim, and If I'm not mistaken Jin Ha Rim's Girl which was played by Han Hyo Joo. Them Replacing Rak's actor was really off putting to me because it's not the same vibes at all. The actor in this is great, he's good, but he's acting the Cold, can't be mind read character, in the first movie the reason Rak is soo good is because you got the backstory-ish of his family dying and pet getting caught as well, and the actor in the first movie portrayed the emotions really well, because you got this soulless character, with the only goal of finding the person who did it to his family and his pet, but the Rak that he's portraying here has still the same motif and that's to find Mr.Lee, but again the vibes is just not there.

Then jin ha rim also got replaced as seen in the back stories, but i don't care about that anymore since he's dead already and the girl that's played by Han Hyo Joo. Now Han Hyo Joo, my 2nd fav actress, as always she's great, she portrays the character really well. She's matched the energy of the previous actress who played the character but with an extra tinge of Han Hyo Joo.

Now, the story got me really confused. So the first few minutes or so of the movie are cliff notes of what happened in the first movie and then we pick where the movie left off, after all the seon chang and ha rim shit. Already, I'm confused because of the different rak and now, it's revealed that rak is not actually Mr. lee, so okay... and as usual won ho is still on about this case and the other characters have now band in together to get down to this mystery of who actually this Mr. Lee is, like.... just moments ago you were all on each other's throat. And speaking of throat it was revealed that Keunkal and Ha Rim were actually step siblings and i was like "weird... but okay..." and then how they revealed Mr. Lee was the most unsurprising and effortless sequence i've ever seen. Like we got a call and then boom a camera shot of Mr. Lee, no music, no tension or sound effect whatsoever, it's just there. They could've just left the first movie alone, i don't think it needed to have a sequel, like you just unveiled the curtains behind the first movie which you didn't need to. After watching this movie, i was just left confused, like what?! And the later parts of the Film were fast paced, they didn't even bother showing a few scenes of how these characters found each other.

So yeah, i think i'm just gonna forget that this existed. I'm just here for Han Hyo Joo, though i was kinda disappointed as to why this film even landed on her portfolio, but hey, as a fan I'm glad i have something to watch from her. The First film was good i would recommend it and if you wanna watch this one go ahead if you want more, but for me, i wouldn't bother, just the first one is enough.

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No honor among thieves or kidnappers

Hostage: Missing Celebrity attempted to be an edgy kidnapping story using Hwang Jung Min to play himself as the victim. With uneven casting and an otherwise formulaic story it over relied on its star to create an intriguing film.

Hwang Jung Min played himself in the film which was a rather odd meta-angle. While his actual movies were mentioned, the character was clearly fictional. Hwang is shown as being humble, good to his employee, and shops just like the little people do at a convenience store. Upon leaving the store he finds three hooligans sitting on his expensive car and that is where his troubles begin. When he awakens tied to a chair, Hwang realizes that the kidnappers have not covered their faces which means they likely plan to kill him and another kidnap victim after they receive the ransoms. He puts his movie experience playing characters in precarious situations into action. Before long, the kidnappers come to understand that snatching someone famous puts more pressure on the police to find the missing movie star quickly and the countdown is sped up.

Hwang gave a superb performance as a wealthy actor who lived a comfortable life suddenly being thrust into a dire situation. He portrayed a wide range of emotions as the kidnappers delighted in physically and emotionally tormenting him. He also showed the character’s frustration and resiliency when he tried to escape and when those efforts failed, used the age-old ploy of turning the kidnappers against each other. Ban So Yeon played a young woman whose life was in the balance due to her kidnapped boss being brutally murdered and dismembered after failing to come up with their ransom. She gave Hwang an ally and someone to protect as well. The actress didn’t have much to do but look scared and stick close to Hwang. When using a familiar story formula, a captivating villain is a must. Unfortunately, Kim Jae Beom as the lead villain gave a rather lackluster performance as the murderous psychopath capable of almost anything. Ryu Kyung Soo and Lee Ho Jung weren’t afraid to chew on the scenery in their roles as villainous lovers. The police officers as well as the other villains were largely forgettable.

Though the running time was only 90 minutes it seemed longer as the story became redundant especially near the end. Most of the time those faults were often overcome by Hwang’s onscreen charisma and the rapid pace of the action. The film would have been greatly strengthened had Hwang been given an equally engaging actor to spar with. If the kidnappers had been driven to their cruelty by pertinent and timely social issues it would have added depth to the story, too. They were for the most part thinly drawn psychopaths who worked together in targeting expensive car owners. Hostage: Missing Celebrity for the most part was an entertaining if flawed movie that relied too heavily on its star to conceal the missing thriller aspect of this thriller.

11/23/23

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The story where the younger one secretly loves the older one from the school and "talks" to him through the drama club interested me, but not in the way that it might interest some other viewers. I perceived the short as more acted, I was somewhat discouraged by the fact that the main character is really "old" for a schoolboy, however, everything is slightly above average and balanced in the evaluation.


Příběh, kdy mladší tajně miluje staršího ze školy a prostřednictvím dramatického kroužku k němu "promlouvá" mě zaujal, ale ne tak, jak možná některé jiné diváky zaujme. Vnímal jsem kraťas jako více hraný, jaksi mě v duchu odrazovalo to, že hlavní hrdina je už skutečně na školáka "starý", nicméně vše mírně nadprůměrné a v hodnocení vyrovnané.

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The movie seemed really average to me. His greatest contribution to me is what the director himself shared, namely that many poor Filipinos have a sword over them in the form of the slogan YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE. The poor shacks of the Manila slums, easily blown away by even a small typhoon, made me think again about the conditions of this country. The worse feeling about the film is that, even though the main character is a sympathizer, and apparently that's how it goes in the Philippines, the shots from the illegal bar sometimes confused me, when many of the "actors" looked more like family photos. Then, when one naked guy started twisting his hips around his waist in front of the guests, I thought I was going to turn into a straight guy. So the overall tone for me is more of an indication of the poverty of a certain part of society and that there is no way out of it for everyone...



Film se mi jevil jako opravdu hodně průměrný. Jeho největší přínos pro mě je ten, co sdělil i samotný režisér, a totiž, že mnozí chudí Filipínci mají nad sebou meč v podobě hesla NEOVLÁDÁŠ SVŮJ ŽIVOT. Chudé chatrče manilských slumů, které lehce odfoukne i malý tajfunek, mě znovu přiměly se zamyslet nad poměry této země. Ten horší pocit ze snímku je ten, i když je hlavní hrdina sympoš a zřejmě to tak na Filipínách chodí, že záběry z ilegálního baru mě někdy mátly, kdy mnozí "herci" spíše fyzicky vypadali jako fotříkové od rodin. Když pak jeden naháč se začal před hosty se svými špeky kolem pasu kroutit, myslel jsem, že se ze mě stane heterák. Celkové vyznění u mě tedy spíše poukaz na chudobu určité části společnosti a že pro všechny z ní není cesta ven ...

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Although this is a Chinese film, so no promotion of physical contact between men, on the other hand, half of the film is shot in Taiwan with beautiful shots of nature and cities, and there are also other gay and lesbian couples in the film. What I appreciate most about the film is the processing. What to add. You could definitely get more out of the subject, it was so lukewarm, as if under the cover of the Chinese censor comrades.


Jedná se sice o čínský film, takže žádná propagace fyzického kontaktu mezi muži, na druhé straně je ale polovina filmu natočena na Taiwanu s krásnými záběry přírody a měst a k tomu ve fimu vystupují i další homosexuální a lesbické páry. Nejvýše si na filmu cením zpracování. Co dodat. Určite by se dalo z námětu vytěžit více, bylo to takové vlažné, jakoby pod poklicí čínských cenzorských soudruhů.

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An average Chinese mid-length film, which, although the story goes back 12-13 years compared to when it was made, didn't touch me that much internally, because this topic has been there many times before, and the treatment of homosexuality and electric shocks probably belong in the distant future dark history. Nevertheless, I appreciate the story, but otherwise, everything else seemed a bit weak to me, according to current Chinese "standards", and I probably won't look for the film again in the future.


Průměrný čínský středněmetrážní film, který, i když se vztahuje příběhem 12-13 let zpět oproti tomu, kdy byl natočen, se mě vnitřně až tak moc nedotkl, neboť toto téma je tu už mnohokrát a léčení homosexuality a elektrické šoky patří snad už do vzdálenější temné historie. Přesto si příběhu vážím, ale jinak na mě vše ostatní působilo mírně kostrbatě, podle současných čánských "norem" a snímek asi v budoucnu nebudu moc vyhledávat znovu.

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An excellent film based on a Japanese manga, combining the themes of suicide (in the end there was no death in the story until the end), saving a life, a domineering and perverted doctor, rape, sexual torture and abuse, guilt, longing and a second chance at life . Despite the fact that the picture looks like an ordinary and mindless erotic product, the opposite is true and I have never seen such a depth and message about how precious and vulnerable life is in a similar erotic style. I already wrote here once that Japanese people don't seem .... It is necessary to rise above what is in the film first, to watch until the very LAST shot, so that the viewer understands the essence of the story, which actually in its depth is not about eroticism at all . It was a nice piece of grease.
Tastefully executed intense erotic scenes. Although they were very convincing, it was filmed and edited so brilliantly, precisely, down to the smallest detail that not a single hair or piece of pubic hair could be seen, and the actors contributed to this convincing impression to the highest extent. The doctor was a symposia for me despite the controversy of his role (actor Kitadai Takashi). A lot of people will think it's rubbish and won't be able to watch it (actually, the beginning is not easy for any viewer), but I point out again that the main point is not eroticism and both characters are broken inside in the end...


Výborný film podle japonské mangy, ve kterém se snoubí témata sebevraždy (nakonec v příběhu k žádné až do konce-smrti nedošlo), záchrany života, dominantního a perverzního doktora, znásilnění, sexuálního mučení a zneužívání, pocitu viny, touhy a druhé šance na život. Přesto, že snímek vypadá jako obyčejný a bezduchý erotický produkt, opak je pravdou a takovou hloubku a poselství o tom, jak vzácný a zranitelný je život, jsem v podobném erotickém stylu ještě neviděl. Už jsem tady kdysi psal, že Japonci se nezdají .... Je potřeba se nejdříve povznést nad to, co ve filmu je, dodívat se až úplně DO POSLEDNÍHO záběru, aby divák pochopil podstatu příběhu, která vlastně ve své hloubce vůbec o erotice není. Byl to pěkný mazec.
Vkusně provedené intenzivní erotické scény. Ač byly velmi přesvědčivé, natočeno a nastříháno to bylo tak skvěle, precizně, do nejmenšího detailu, že nebylo vidět jediný chloupek ani kousek ohanbí a herci k tomuto přesvědčivému dojmu přispěli svou nejvyšší měrou. Doktor byl pro mě přes kontroverzi své role sympoš (herec Kitadai Takashi). Spousta lidí si bude myslet, že jde o brak a nezvládne se dodívat (vlastně začátek není pro žádného diváka snadný), ale upozorňuji znovu, že hlavní podstatou není erotika a obě v nitru zlomené postavy nakonec ....

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Years later, I'm adding a review too and I agree with Extasy that the main two actors were worth a bite. By the fact that the film was such a success in its time, it certainly contributed its grain of sand to the fact that Taiwan worked its way from the "dark" era to the peak of tolerance of our community in Asia. I, too, share an overview of this piece with most of the reviewers here, and I will definitely return to this film one day ...


Po letech přidávám recenzi i já a souhlasím s Extasy, že hlavní dva představitelé byli k nakousnutí. Tím, že film měl takový úspěch ve své době, určitě přispěl svým zrnkem písku k tomu, že se Taiwan z doby "temna" propracoval až na špičku tolerance naší komunity v Asii. I já sdílím nadhled nad tímto dílkem s většinou hodnotitelů zde a určitě se k tomuto filmu jednou vrátím ...

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Worth the watch (Trigger Warnings bellow)

"A serial killer ruthlessly hunts down a deaf woman through the streets of South Korea after she witnesses his brutal crime."

PROS:
◇The cast I watched this movie mostly for them and they all did a fantastic job!!!
◇The plot
◇The running 🏃‍♀️ everyone and I mean the whole cast had to do so much running! It looked fantastic 👏🏽
◇Slight Spoilers
How the ML manipulated others with his good looks and acting 🙈
◇The ENDING that was a nice little twist there.

CONS:
◇How the police 🚔 really didn't do much 😮‍💨 that's how it goes with plots like this I guess.
◇The pacing was a little slow in the middle.

Overall a good one time watch for me.
I recommend if it sounds interesting.
Also feel free to see the trigger warnings bellow.

⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
◇Death (not super detailed)
◇Serial killer
◇Strong language
◇Violence
◇Manipulation
◇Abduction
◇Weapons (guns, knives, 🪓 axes)

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Downfall: A Poignant Exploration of Art, Alienation, and Redemption

Naoto Takenaka’s “Downfall” (2023) is a compelling narrative that delves deep into the turbulent life of Kaoru Fukazawa, a manga artist grappling with the end of his long-running series and the subsequent emotional and creative void. The film’s portrayal of Fukazawa’s journey from fame to obscurity and back is not just a story about the struggles of a creative mind, but also a reflection on the complexities of human relationships and self-perception.

The opening scenes set the tone, depicting Fukazawa’s college days and a relationship with a quirky girlfriend, characterized by her cat-like eyes and rare smiles. This relationship, though short-lived, casts a long shadow over Fukazawa’s life, symbolizing his obsessive devotion to his art at the expense of personal connections.

The crux of the film lies in Fukazawa’s relationship with his wife, Nozomi, a dedicated manga editor. Their marriage, devoid of children and strained by their respective careers, reflects the dilemmas faced by many modern couples juggling professional aspirations and personal lives. Fukazawa’s sense of abandonment and frustration culminate in a harrowing scene where he confronts Nozomi with a mix of accusation and desperation, exposing the raw nerve of their failing marriage.

A significant portion of the film is dedicated to Fukazawa’s interactions with various women, particularly those in the escort world. These encounters, especially with a woman who possesses a maternal gentleness, and another, a free-spirited university student with cat-like eyes, represent his search for emotional solace and inspiration. These relationships, however superficial, are portrayed with a sensitivity that underscores Fukazawa’s deep-seated loneliness and quest for redemption.

The film reaches its emotional climax during a book-signing event where Fukazawa is confronted by a long-time female fan. Her words, praising the kindness and sincerity she perceives in his work, trigger a profound reaction in Fukazawa, who still considers himself a “monster,” as labeled by his college girlfriend. This poignant moment, marked by Fukazawa’s outburst, “You know nothing,” is a powerful testament to the internal conflict between self-perception and external validation.

“Downfall” stands out for its nuanced character development and the exploration of themes like artistic integrity, emotional isolation, and the search for meaning in a transient world. Takenaka’s direction is both subtle and impactful, weaving a narrative that is as much about the art of manga as it is about the art of living. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Takumi Saito delivering a compelling portrayal of Fukazawa, capturing the character’s vulnerability and complexity.

In conclusion, “Downfall” is a beautifully crafted film that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the dichotomies of success and failure, connection and isolation, perception and reality. It is a poignant reminder of the complexities of the human condition, making it a must-watch for not only fans of Japanese cinema but for all who appreciate deeply human stories.

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I like the director Adiamond Lee, because she always manages to breathe something extra into her projects, sometimes even a bit of controversy (Obsessed or Dark Blue and Moonlight). This was also the case with this film, which is definitely not a short film in terms of story and could almost be used as a series. And here we see that no world server is perfect, only people write it, users add to it. According to MDL, it looks like the actor Max Liu is a newcomer, but I know him from the director's extensive project Jump Boy, as well as the second protagonist Jed Chung. Everything about this movie was above average, great music and I would love to go back to it sometime. I recommend.


Režisérku Adiamond Lee mám rád, protože do svých projektů vždy dokáže vdýchnout něco navíc, někdy i trošku kontroverze (Obsessed nebo Dark Blue and Moonlight). Tak tomu bylo i u tohoto filmu, který příběhem rozhodně není filmem krátkým a vydal by téměř na seriál. A tady vidíme, že žádný světový server není dokonalý, vždy jej píší jen lidé, doplňují uživatelé. Dle MDL to vypadá, jakoby herec Max Liu byl nováček, ale já jej znám z režisérčina rozsáhlého projektu Jump Boy, rovněž tak druhého protagonistu Jed Chung-a. Vše na tomto filmu bylo nadprůměrné, výborná hudba a rád se k němu někdy vrátím. Doporučuji.

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Even after so many years, it's a perfectly pleasant movie that will bring a smile to many viewers not only on their faces, but also in their souls, and with this review I'm correcting the evaluation here. You don't need to fully understand Asian humor, you just have to watch the whitewash, with an open mind, and even if there is little gay component (but it is there, see Saotome in love), overall this film, which many still rank among the top sports comedies today, can be a great pleasure. I saw the film in 2015 and now again and I have to say that some comments, even if they are not always original, the style of processing, the acting, lead me to still vote for such a high rating.


I po tolika letech naprosto příjemná pohodovka, která vykouzlí úsměv mnohým divákům nejen na tváři, ale i v duši a touto recenzí napravuji zdejší hodnocení. Není potřeba úplně chápat asijský humor, stačí sledovat piánko, s nadhledem a i když tam je gay složky málo (ale je tam, viz zamilovaný Saotome), celkově může tento film, který mnozí zařazují mezi špičku sportovních komedií dodnes, být bezva potěšením. Viděl jsem film v roce v r. 2015 a nyní znovu a musím říci, že některé hlášky, i když nejsou vždy originální, styl zpracování, herectví, mě vedou stále volit tak vysoké hodnocení.

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