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Love with a hopping vampire!
When hopping vampires come to town, who are you going to call? Vampire Cleanup Department! This Hong Kong production starred several older actors from the golden era of fists and kicks kung fu movies as well as two younger actors. The film had a few gruesome scenes but overall was a more lighthearted romance and coming of age vampire wrangler story.Tim witnesses a vampire attack and after being bitten by a vampire and not transforming is recruited by the Vampire Cleanup Department. On a mission outside of town he accidentally transforms a gruesome water vampire back into her original form. Summer, the young vampire woman looks normal but is unable to talk except with the help of his phone which she had swallowed and hops like the rest of the vampires. He’s tasked with cremating her back at headquarters but instead hides her nearby. From there the story becomes about him training her to be more human. At the VCD, faster than you can say “wax on, wax off!”, Tim has learned kung fu from repeatedly sweeping the floors. He runs afoul of his trainers when he wants to help the vampires instead of killing them. A competing agency causes problems for the cleanup department when they steal Summer and attempt to lure her maker, a devilishly dangerous landlord vampire, so that they can capture him for research.
I was thrilled to see Toad Venom Lo Meng as one of the fight trainers who also loved plants. Yuen Chueng Yan played the priest who provided the amulets. Aside from acting Yuen spent much of his career as a martial arts director for numerous films. Chin Siu Ho as the trainer who was toughest on Tim, started his martial arts training at the age of 10. These three alone made my geeky martial arts loving heart tremble. Richard Ng played the director in charge of tech support and cremation. Babyjohn did a good job as the naïve, bumbling, vampire cleanup trainee who falls in love with a partially transformed hopping vampire. Lin Min Chen gave Summer a kind quality as she hopped about and learned more human traits, but wasn’t asked to stretch much acting-wise.
The quality of the CGI, vampires, and fights weren’t bad for this genre of film. Thankfully, the humor wasn’t overly slapstick. Though at 90 minutes the movie tried to do too many things leaving many issues resolved thinly or not at all. Vampire Cleanup Department wasn’t a blockbuster type movie, just a nice little Hong Kong hopping vampire story with a surprisingly heartfelt center to it.
10/12/23
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This review may contain spoilers
"never was there a mountain with no fog"
here's what the movie did well (aka the mountain):- capturing the rural beauty of akita prefecture. stick around for the credits, frfr
- illustrating complicated feelings about your hometown, the things it does well, and the things it lacks. i was born and raised in one of the biggest cities in america, and i still identified with the different characters' viewpoints about how great or how sucky this small town in akita is. i felt like the movie was written by someone who truly understood what 'home' meant.
- creating strong secondary characters and supporting storylines. i honestly would have watched a whole movie of nara-sensei torn between honouring her family's wishes for her that keeps her rooted in her hometown and finding/accomplishing her own dream out in tokyo; or of ryota and hideo working together to figure out how to teach farmers to become florists to save the local economy; or of the okamoto family resisting and evading debt collectors as they struggled to keep their gas station afloat and their folk heritage relevant; or of the last graduating class of an about-to-close-down school banding together to throw an epic school closing ceremony - complete with the obstructive meddling of well-meaning teachers - pulled together and led by the magnanimous empathetic and no-nonsense sayaka. (real talk, i totally fell for sayaka as a character and nakajima sena as an actress. absolute highlight of the movie for me.) these varied supporting storylines were how the movie was able to squeeze in so many repercussions of rural flight and an aging population, and they held a lot more appeal to me than the main storyline, unfortunately.
we experience the entire movie almost entirely through the lens of akira, who moved from tokyo to this rural farming town. he likes to draw, but he's otherwise a gary stu-type of character, and i actually think this was a brilliant move. he allows the audience to receive those extra storylines in a manner that isn't too emotional or overwhelming. they are simply facts as observed by a young boy who has 0 investment in the town's trajectory.
here's where the movie lost me (aka the fog):
- honestly, it's a stretch to say this movie is science fiction. the eponymous light isn't even seen by the audience - though, i also consider this a good move. this way, the focus doesn't shift from the town to the source/meaning of the light. that being said, the movie could lose this whole aspect, and it wouldn't suffer at all. the only parts that would be lost are the weakest parts of the movie anyway. namely, maki.
- i'll be straight up and say i did not understand the point of her character. the most value she brought to the story was as the daughter of the okamoto family. she really didn't need to be elevated to... what, akira's crush? i really cannot tell why they needed to have a special or significant relationship because every contribution she made to akira's character could have been satisfied, or was already being satisfied, by another character. (also, the less said about her incongruous characterisation, the better). there is a supporting storyline that offshoots from their relationship that i found superfluous in the movie, as well.
all of this being said, i mostly enjoyed myself while watching. it's a great vibes-centric movie. good views, good music, good people trying to do their best. the entire cast did a g r e a t job, especially the schoolkids. i would have liked to rate this higher, but unfortunately the parts i disliked i /really/ disliked 😞✊
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A film about losses/endings
You have to be in a certain mood to appreciate this film, where all the scenes are between our protagonist and only one other person that he's having a conversation with.If you listen closely, you'll notice all the scenes involve talk of some kind of loss or ending - but they can be divided into chosen actions or ones that were not chosen/ involuntary/ out of one's control.
SPOILERS
Chosen actions mentioned: terminating a pregnancy, contemplating suicide, resigning from a job.
Unwanted losses revealed: death of a loved one, losing one's memory (due to dementia), end of a marriage, losing one's sanity
All melancholy topics - but I rather like how it's done. Actions or situations aren't depicted as right or wrong, they just are what they are. That's life.
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Absolut masterpiece that should've been included in the main series.
As I mentioned, it's an absolute masterpiece. As a Fanboy of fan boy (I'm so not funny) this was great!I felt the emotions and everything.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the Nie clan leader in the series because he always felt a bit flat to me but this made everything better!
The CGI is a bit wonky and silly but it doesn't really take away.
The music was beautiful I almost cried, even though the flute playing is timing wise even worse than in the series (which I thought to be imposed).
The acting was phenomenal and I will 10 outta 10 watch it again.
It's 100 times better then it's counterpart 'The living dead'(even though I enjoyed that too).
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Cute little pass time story
It's a cute little Story about Wen Ning and A Yuan.I liked it a lot since Wen Ning was my favourite character (after Xue Yang xD).
The CGI was worse than in The Untamed which led to a few laughter here and there and if that doesn't bother you, go for it. Watch it.
It's adorable to be honest xD
The story was a bit confusing and didn't come full circle but I could overwatch that.
It's a nice pass time thing to watch if you got around 90 minutes to spare.
I'm off watching the other Spin Off movie of the untamed!
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Fluffy, heartwarming story
This is a liveaction of a manga and light novel with the same title, but as someone who didn't read nor the manga and the light novel before, this review based entirely on my impression about this movie.This is the best movie so far, in 2023 for me. At first, I thought this is just a romance movie, hence when I saw the grotesqueries in the beginning, I thought I've clicked on the wrong title 🤣.
This is romantasy movie. And full of fluff. Kudo acted like jerk at first, but he redeemed himself in the next day, and he apologized. He's such a green flag!
The movie is a bit fast paced, and I found that their story is a bit rushing. In a blink of an eye, Kudo already cared for her, just from her hands and tears, for me. But their chemistry is truly amazing. I loved how he just burned the house just to find Miyo, I loved how he cared for her, gave her a house she deserved, long long ago.
I didn't really satisfied with the ending. The emperor is such an evil guy, I hoped more bad ending for him, but well, he was already on his deathbed. I shed tears, also, when Kudo use his sword to his comrades. In the end, it's only his life, or his comrades. The story is beautiful, and so Kudo and Miyo's heartwarming story. In the end, Miyo got all she deserved.
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Beautiful mermaid man - YES!
I liked the premise of the plot. It promised a chinese fairy tale with boys love and I was hooked.Long hair, fine Hanfus, wonderful places.
I really enjoyed the wuxia vibes and the acting was good, so sometimes I really forgot that I was viewing a piece of drama. The desire of Minister of Criminal Justice was clearly felt.
The red sheets.... damn, that was such a beautiful artistic representation of physical intimacy.
Cinematographic it was a joy to watch. And even if the story had it's holes, I liked it, so I could oversee them.
It's a story, finely told, between the lines. The sadness and the longing has catched me.
Okay, it's an open ending, but that will let room for fantasy.
Only one thing drove me to despair: The wig installation killed the illusion.... guys, the glue... I cried...
watched it on YouTube (no longer available)
now on GagaOOLala
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Chaotic and Fun Rom Com
I was really excited to watch this movie and was lucky that it was showing near me with eng subs and it did not disappoint. The first half of the movie you see the couple bickering and describing how much they hate each other. It was so chaotic and funny, especially the way kang ha neul and jung so min deliver their lines. Jung so min's character could be a lot harsher and at times, I was like why is she so mean, but I could also understand her character. The second half was just as enjoyable as you watch them try not to fall back in love with each other.I think the way the story unfolded was really well done. You could see how this once happily married couple got to the point of hating each other by allowing all the bad memories overtake their good ones.
If you enjoy rom coms, you will love this one. The acting as you all already know delivered because it's kang ha neul and jung so min. Even the supporting actors were great. I thought the one who played jung so min's sister did a great job, I had only seen her in Duty After School as I think she's still a relatively new actress but she was funny. I laughed out loud so many times as did the audience in the theater. It was a rom com in it's true form.
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Pretty good!
I like this movie though I wish it could have been longer with more back story but all in all still a good movie. I love Zee & NuNew and let's face it 95% of the people who saw this probably came to see them. The story was good and the acting was great. Really wish there was a better way to watch it outside of basically someone who recorded it on their phone in the theater but hey beggers can't be choosers. Ugh! Their demand for 500 characters is annoying! 😩😩😩************************* there!Was this review helpful to you?
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"Truth and falsity mix in this world"
Taoist Master: Kylin was a sequel in the telling of Zhang Dao Ling’s story, the founder of the Way of the Celestial Masters sect of Taoism. In this direct to video film Zhang was not only searching for the root of the Tao, but also the mountain god credited with scaring two hunters to death.The cinematography of the mountains and river where the story takes place was lovely. Disappointingly, the story lacked the same care. Zhang and his disciple Wang come to Mount Yun Jing during their travels. Two men were found dead on the mystical mountain. Determining they were scared to death, Zhang promises the mother of one of the men that he will find what killed them. From there he meets a corrupt official, the Drug Master and his crew, the Elder, a man driven insane by the mountain god, and a strangely wise beggar. Zhang Dao Ling sets to discovering the secrets of the mountain and the Tao.
Taoist Master felt more like a very special episode of Scooby Doo about the dangers of magic mushrooms. Aside from Louis Fan’s ZDL, few of the other characters were memorable. There were a couple of fights but they were ruined by slow motion and stop motion shots, or overcranked shots, and way too close of close-ups. What could have proved to be an interesting fantasy tale was brought crashing down to earth in Scooby Doo fashion. The villagers at one point all but said, "meddling kids/priest!" Full disclosure, I love spiritual dramas whether they are about my faith or not. I’m fascinated by early pioneers who walked the earth or sat on mountaintops or meditated under a tree and would have relished this short film if it had been more about Zhang’s spiritual enlightenment. The writers tacked on that element after the underwhelming mystery was solved:
“As long as you have a heart for the Tao, you understand the world.
The mountains and rivers are not under your feet but inside your heart.”
10/11/23
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To shaman or not to shaman
It's technically a generation battle of shamanism between an evil mystical being and the Cheon clan, led by the untalented grandson of the chief shaman for revenge, overall it has great visual effects and cinematography. However the direction of the storyline somehow felt lost, it's using a mix of both practical combat and psychic powers for the fights, which gets muddled on whether the movie is trying to be tactical or mystical, because even the resolution part gets the same treatment. Just like its intro part when they're showing how shamanism is a con with staged props to scam money, but then afterwards the whole movie turns out to be a huge shaman battle, it's quite contradicting at some point.Was this review helpful to you?
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A bullied teenage girl forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious young man who protects her from her assailants, while she copes with the pressures of her final examinations.
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Zhou Dongyu Shooting Pictures
Production Company by: Shooting Pictures
Starring: Zhou Dongyu, Jackson Yee, Yin Fang, Huang Jue, Wu Yue, Zhou Ye
Language: 普通话
Country: China, Hong Kong
Release Date: 2019-10-25
Running time: 135 minutes
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After years of being treated like dirt, Miyo has learned to keep her head down, hide her pain, and obey every order. So, it comes as no surprise that she is arranged to be married to Kudo Kiyoka, a military captain rumored to be so cruel that he has driven away every one of his potential wives so far.
From a painful upbringing to a painful marriage, that's the future that awaits Miyo—or so she thought. Contrary to her expectations, her new husband is actually kind-hearted. What really awaits Miyo is a blissful, everlasting marriage full of happiness!
(Source: MyAnimeList)
~~ Adapted from the light novel series "Watashi no Shiawasena Kekkon" (わたしの幸せな結婚) by Akumi Agitogi (顎木あくみ).
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Keep walking. I will be right behind you.
This was one of the movies I had been procrastinating due to the heavy theme ─ although I heard nothing but positive reviews about it. It truly deserves recognition and praise, and no wonder has been one of the most memorable c-movies for many.While the theme is quite heavy, it also needs a careful and realistic approach, which I think they did right. There wasn't any glorification or gaslighting. It was raw and candid. The characters, of course, had flaws ─ even the main lead because she also, like others, chose silence before becoming a victim ─ but those flaws were understandable and for some, relatable.
One of the aspects I like is that they hinted that bullies became the people they are because of their parents, but they didn't use it as an excuse to demand redemption from the audience. Because at the end of the day, it was their own choice to become that person and not a better person.
The acting was really authentic, especially when they used silence and their eyes to deliver emotions. Cinematography and soundtrack, as well as symbolism they used, were phenomenal, added another layer of depth and a fresh point of view to the story. Love the dialogues as well. They are so beautiful and meaningful.
I'm glad I finally gathered my courage to watch this movie and also glad that they gave us a glimpse of hopeful ending.
cinematography edit : https://youtu.be/QhmYcdiQM2Q
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Great visuals, bad plot
Was really excited for this movie, since I like Jeon Jong Seo, but was left with disappointment. The visuals are absolutely stunning, actors did a great job, but the plot (or lack thereof) was just terrible. I get what they were trying to do, but it just didn’t come out good. The action scenes were great, and I think that that’s the only thing they put effort into. It felt like something was missing, I even thought I accidentally missed a part of the movie, but the plot is just really that bad. I hope that Jong Seo’s next project will be better, because this was just a waste of her talent.Was this review helpful to you?
