Reviews

Okay, so with this movie — I really liked it! When I first watched the trailer, I honestly thought it was just gonna be a funny sibling war type of movie — you know, like a brother and sister constantly fighting and teasing each other. But as I actually watched it, I realized it was so much more than that.

There’s comedy for sure, but there’s also some emotional and heartfelt moments too. You get to see the bond between the characters grow, and it mixes everything I love — humor, family, and a bit of sadness.

And let me just say — Yaya and Sunny? PERFECTION. Both of them being half Thai just made it feel even more natural and fun to watch. The casting overall was chef’s kiss — everyone fit their roles perfectly.

Honestly, this movie ate down! 🍿🔥

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A World Where the Philippines Never Existed

«The Kingdom» (2024) is set in a world where the Republic of the Philippines was never conquered by Western imperialists. Instead, the archipelago stood united under a central monarchy—the "Kingdom of Kalayaan". ("Kalayaan" means freedom in Filipino.)

It reimagines a version of history many Filipinos have long dreamed of—a world where our islands successfully repelled foreign invaders, preserving the values that once defined us: equality, equity, compassion, and respect for diversity and neurodiversity. A reality without anti-LGBT prejudice, without slavery, and where divorce is part of societal balance. Traditions and systems that Western colonisers erased or rewrote to fit their own narratives.

Now, this is a review, not a spoiler so let's get right into it.


Fight Scenes

Let's be honest: the fight scenes need serious improvement. Watching them felt like watching a slow-motion training reel rather than a life-or-death clash. Movements lacked weight, and the rhythm was too sluggish to sell the intensity of real combat.

The overuse of zoom-in shots did not help either (a common trick to hide the lack of impact by diverting attention to movement instead of connection). This was especially noticeable in the final battle sequence (no spoilers, of course).

That said, there is one exception. The second-to-the-last fight was slow for a reason and it worked. It carried a ceremonial tone, almost like a ritual dance between two warriors. That is where the pacing felt purposeful, not awkward.

If only the same level of attention was given throughout. A bit more budget and choreography refinement could have turned those duels into something memorable.


Spoken Language

Now, this part deserves applause. The dialogues were clean, properly structured, and beautifully delivered. The actors used the right words in the right places, avoiding the exaggerated diction often heard in teleserye (Philippine TV series).

As someone familiar with many of the older terms used, it was refreshing to hear those nearly forgotten words come alive again. It added authenticity, something rarely achieved in modern Filipino productions.


Names and Written Language

Here is where things start to so-so a bit. For a film set in a world untouched by Western colonisation, the names and scripts used felt oddly… foreign.

Why is there a character named Felipe? Why Dayang Lualhati instead of the native Dayang Luwalhati? And why is Latin script still the dominant writing system?

Think of how Korea, Japan, and China maintained their native scripts as cultural anchors. Even Thailand—which was also colonised—still uses its native alphabet proudly. If «The Kingdom» truly envisioned an uncolonised Philippines, it would make sense for Baybayin, or perhaps a modernised 21st-century version of it, to be the national script.

That detail alone could have elevated immersion tenfold. It would have grounded the Kingdom of Kalayaan as a civilisation distinctly its own, not just a Southeast Asian monarchy that "looks free" but still borrows its image from foreign cultures.

Even the palace design leaned more Thai or Indian than Filipino. Beautiful, yes, but a little detached from what the film's premise promised.


The Use of "Mabuhay"

This one caught me off-guard. In our real-world Philippines, "Mabuhay" carries deep national sentiment. It is a rallying word born from post-colonial pride, meant to uplift and celebrate Filipino identity.

But in a world where colonisation never happened, its symbolic weight would not have evolved in the same way. Hearing it used similarly in the film felt… out-of-place. It is a small detail, but a telling one. It hints at how even this alternate "Philippines" could not quite escape the shadow of our colonised history.


Verdict

Despite its flaws, «The Kingdom» remains an ambitious and heartfelt piece of alternate history. Its worldbuilding carries the kind of what-if many Filipinos quietly imagine: what if our history went differently? What if we never had to unlearn who we were?

For all its imperfections, the film delivers that spark of imagination.

8⭐ out of 10

It is not perfect, but it is meaningful, and that is what makes it worth watching.

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Mantis (2025) Review

7.3 ~ Another non-ordinary performance by Yim Si Wan, blending action and comedy with his signature charm. The action scenes are sharp and well-executed, showcasing solid choreography and pacing. While the plot leans toward predictability, it still manages to entertain through witty moments and a lighthearted tone. The romantic subplot adds a soft, endearing touch that balances out the intense sequences. Overall, Mantis might not redefine the genre, but it’s an enjoyable watch worth recommending, especially if you’re a fan of stylish action with a dash of humor and heart.

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The moon is still the moon

I saw some edits and started watching this movie just for the actor hong kyung as I liked his previous movie our summer. but that and this movie are so different so I didn't really think I'll like this film that much and went in to watch it without much expectations. I really didn't expect this film to be so good and I didn't think I'll like it so much that I re-watched it like three times already. This deserves to be known by a lot of people. Every actors and actresses did their job well the casting is really 10/10. The dark comedy and the political satire was so perfect I really don't have any words other than saying that this film was so good.
The music really helped the execution of the humorous scenes. The tension between the characters and everything was good I think if you like dark humour or satire you'll like it so much.
After mantis, I really didn't have much expectation for this movie from the same director but unlike mantis there is plot here so yeah. Definitely worth it.

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A COMFORT QUEER FILM THAT FEELS REAL

Love in the Big City captures the messy, beautiful, and painfully real side of growing up, loving freely, and holding on to the people who truly understands you. The two bestfriends, Jae Hee and Hong Su, whose bond feels so genuine that it mad me a little jealous of their friendship.

Jae Hee is vibrant and strong willed yet deeply vulnerable underneath. Hong Su, on the other hand, is calm, gentle, and quietly emotional. The contrast between them makes their connection feel even more special.

Their chemistry feels effortlessly real, it's not over the top kind, but the subtle, comforting kind that say "you get me". Watching them share moments, fight, laugh, and support each other made the story heartfelt and personal.

I love how realistic the story feels, showing love, friendship, and queerness in a way that doesn't feel forced and idealized. It's honest and comforting.

And I have to mention the soundtrack, it's perfect. Overall, this is a comfort queer film that's easy to love.

Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 8.5/10
Writing 8.5/10
Pacing 9/10
OST/Score 10/10

Overall 9/10

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Our life experience in this world condensed into a beautiful cinematic exhibition

This is my first review for MDL, so please be kind with me 😊

I stumbled upon this movie by chance, but I am very grateful to know that this "type" of movie exists. I know this is based on the video game "The Exit 8" but it is unlike any other movies based on games. This has lots of esoteric symbolism. Everything in this movie has a meaning. I mean, everything! Hidden in plain sight.

Cinematography and directing are tight and very interesting, to the point that we as the audience can feel that we are involved in finding the "anomalies" and making decisions (I found myself shouting "move ahead!", or "no! go back!") basically becoming part of the movie. We just don't watch passively. I'm not familiar with Genki Kawamura's other works (the director of this movie), but will be sure to check out more from him. Top-notch screenwriting as well.

The entire cast' acting is amazing, especially the main lead, Kazunari Ninomiya. It's one of his best performances. A cameo appearance by Nana Komatsu is also a welcome addition and perfect for the role (because she's now a mother, right?).

Now, what makes this movie perfect is not the production, but the hidden meaning behind all the esoteric symbolism, because it can help us in finding the realization. It is up to us to find the subtle clues by paying attention to the details of our surroundings, and then make meaningful connections (This poster represents one thing, that "walking man" represents another, the boy represents that, and so on and so forth).

Once we are able to make a connection about that whole experience of being "stuck in the loop" actually represents our life in this world, this movie can help us to exit this matrix. All we need to do is to keep moving and pay attention to our surroundings (see the signs, anomalies, glitches in the matrix, etc.), not get distracted by things this world offers — like things that are not essential or needed for our escape, also to persevere and be patient on our journey, and to not repeating the same pattern of mistakes again that can make us to regret. Those are the values brought up in the movie.

Simply said, this is ultimately the best movie in years. Of course, only "those who get it will get it, and those who don't won't", but even if you don't seem to get it, just pay attention and be patient in watching the movie (patience is required, as in living a life in this world) — then try to make a connection to your life. Your life may not be the same again.

Good luck in finding the exit!!

10/10

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Chicken dance!

The First Vampire in China was on my list to watch for one reason---hopping vampires! Turns out it had an even better reason to watch---a vampire chicken! This was a ridiculous jiangshi, vampire, and ghost film grounded by Sek Kin as the ever-calm sifu ready with a talisman to subdue supernatural critters.

I usually try and give a little synopsis of the story here, but this one was confusing at times. Not helped by much of it being filmed at night making it very hard to see. Basically, there was a school near a large burial ground that taught how to summon and contain things that go bump in the night. The students accidentally release malevolent ghosts. That wasn’t their greatest worry. A new inept mayor arrives and long story short, an ancient gold jade wearing vampire, along with an assortment of hopping vampires are set free when he attempts to rob a tomb. Sifu Kent and his students Kwong and Mao bring their magical tools to try and set everything right.

I don’t usually find Hong Kong horror or kung fu comedies very funny but I will admit to laughing at the vampire chicken and its effects on the hapless antagonists. The chicken song that played throughout the movie was funny enough. A jump-roping jiangshi was also unique. The students weren’t very memorable, Sek Kin saved this movie. The bumbling fool usually played by Billy Lau in the Mr. Vampire movies was played by Charlie Cho here. I found Charlie’s character far less annoying as an annoying character. And the mayor was pretty annoying. Kung fu fighters Hwang Jang Lee and Johnny Wang made brief appearances as ghosts.

The only copy I could find was faded and the subtitles were even more faded and tended to run off the bottom of the screen. I will admit that if I ever hear that this film has been restored I’d probably watch it again, though the likelihood is that it will just further degrade. The First Vampire in China is only for fans of this particular era and genre, and idiots like me who giggle whenever the chicken song is played. Graded on a curve as always.

20 October 2025
Trigger: Allusion to a dog being killed for its blood. The chicken used looked like a puppet so I don’t think one was harmed for the film.

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The true story begins after the suicide

I was confused while watching at first, but everything made sense after seeing the last scene.
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The movie isn’t really about what happened or what led to Kyungmin’s death, but about how people reacted afterward. In the end, it’s implied that Younghee took her own life to make Kyungmin’s mother, the teacher, and the classmates understand what it feels like to be blamed for someone’s suicide and carry that guilt. This mirrors Kyungmin’s death, too, since no one realised how much she was struggling until she died and now the same thing is happening with younghee. It also becomes clear that the title was foreshadowing younghee’s death, since the story is told from her point of view. Overall, this movie was really well made. Going in, I didn’t expect it to have such a strong message it’s different from other Korean films about suicide I’ve seen

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the masterpiece movie

you’re looking for a film that resonates long after the credits roll, then 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days is one of those rare gems. Released in 2024, this Taiwan–Japan co-production has been receiving consistently good reviews from critics and audiences alike. Below, I’ll walk you through what’s made the film so beloved, from its emotional core to its aesthetic strengths and thematic depth.


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Emotional resonance and nostalgic power

One of the most frequently mentioned qualities in reviews is how the film captures the ache and beauty of first love, and how those feelings stay with you. According to one reviewer:

> “Cerita manis antar keduanya kemudian berbalik menjadi cerita pahit benar-benar membuat saya ikut merasakan kesedihan mendalam yang dialami Jimmy dan Amy.”
There’s something universal in the way the film handles missed opportunities, the passage of time, and the lingering “what ifs” of youth.

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This was something

Is it a translation error from where I watched or did Shane really said 'you are my best friend ' in the last line 😭😭😭like damn i was not expecting that. If it was really what he said then damn kinda brings the rating down a bit for me. I feel like this movie needs to be series cuz I am feeling like it is missing something. Welp anyways to the plot, damn I feel bad for Jonathan the most. He had the short end of the stick the entire movie. Shane was such a dick like gawd. May people like this never find me. He wants to have the cake and eat it too. So he thought that Jonathan and carrie were a thing but still went for her. That too the moment he thought they had broken up? And then when Jonathan is angry with him for knowing no boundaries,he crosses them anyways and then sleeps with him and then still calls him his friend in the end??? Bitch you never sleep with your friends no matter how drunk you are. Tbh he was so annoying to ME from an outsiders prospective. And finally Carrie,she is also kinda shitty but not as much as Shane for some of the similar reasons. I liked how this was shot tho and the acting. Feels like if there is a chance for a remake it will be so good.

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Women prison

we finally have a drama movie about a women prison.
The cast is great, story is well written and amazing actors.
This movie gives you laughs and tears.

But why did it have to be about killing an innocent baby and be justified in this movie?
Luckily one character was supportive about the child’s innocence.
Worse even they used the pity ticket with the “emotional” letters and her poisoning herself to harm the baby which resulted in a child’s death.
Why didn’t they mention adoption in this whole movie?
It’s sad to witness more Kdrama’s get heavily influenced by western WOKE.

The open ending was a bummer.

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This was an action packed watched

Disclaimer

What I am writing here are my views and thoughts about this movie (and yes, you can have your own views in a review). Some of you may not like it. That does not give you the right to try to come at me with your opinions on why this movie should get a higher or lower score and why it is better/worse than I think it is. You have your own opinions, and I have mine. Kindly respect that.

I watched this movie, as I needed a movie that started with 'Q' for one of my challenges. I will say that I did enjoy this movie, as it had action-packed sequences with the actors carrying out the storyline as well. There were not really any dull moments, which is a plus for me, as sometimes even movies are not able to keep my attention for how long they are.

What I will advise is not to read the synopsis of this movie, as it did give away a major point that occurred in the movie. While this did happen, the actors were still able to pull off the scene well for me. When watching this movie, some CGI can be seen as questionable, as it does look like what it is – CGI. Other than that, it was a good movie that I am shocked that I actually enjoyed, as I basically only watched this to get 'Q' for my 'Drama and Movie Challenge'.

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It's a fun popcorn flick

Is it a bad idea to make a live action orv movie? Yes. Will it lose all the good things of the web novel? Yes. Will it feel rushed? Yes again.

But, if we forget it the burden of orv adaptation and, treat it as a fun-popcorn flick... It works. The cast is really good, the world is interesting, enjoyable action sequences and, great visual effects. The pacing is also very fast, we are jumping from one interesting situation to another plus the movie is under 2 hours.. All of it makes it a fun popcorn flick.

I can understand, why fans hate it but, I think casual movie goers who know nothing about the world of orv they might enjoyed it. Also, you cannot turn orv into a live action movie, live-action tv series? Yes, Anime? Yes (Crunchyroll already making one) so hard core fans have to wait.

The negativity was to high for this movie adaptation even before it was released, so, I think the negativity kind of killed the movie. Otherwise, it’s an enjoyable movie.

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Hi-Five

Well a little story time - I had a opportunity to watch it in cinema, because of Korean Movie Festival which one of cinema in my country do every year (as far as I know) - so of course it is a little different experience than watching on computer, especially when it is not comercial cinema, so less people, they actually well-behaved and there was no food/drinks so no noices. Also it was funny when there were subs in english and my native language (had to admit our translators did better job). What more I was watching with my husband, so it was hard to say if he will have good time at all, but he liked it. End of story.
Hmm if I had to compare I would say it is like The uncanny counters - and it was clear from description and trailer. And it is not a bad thing. Well I personally love TUC so I also really liked this. It was funny, stupid, full of action. Of course I would prefer it as a series, but it is really great movie - one of the best I watched this year. Acting for on point, great music.
I usually talk about actors, so two who catch my attention the most:
- Park Jin Young - he is really good as a villain, they need to give him more of such roles, totally different than in Our unwritten Seoul and The witch, I think that I like him more as a villain
- Yoo Ah In - love his character! probably my favourite, I love Quicksilver reference (maybe not everyone will think the same, I mean maybe not everyone see any reference there).
Yeah totally worth watching!

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The Tracks of Fear Led Me to Tears — Train to Busan

Train to Busan isn’t just a zombie movie , it’s a heartbreaking story about love, sacrifice, and what it means to be human when the world falls apart. From the very first scene, it pulled me into a fast-moving, emotional journey that I’ll never forget.

What touched me most was how the film balanced chaos with compassion. Amid the fear and destruction, we see people fighting not just for survival, but for each other. Every character, no matter how briefly they appeared, left an emotional mark. But it was the bond between father and daughter that completely broke me. Watching their relationship evolve , from distance to deep, selfless love , had me in tears by the end.

The performances were incredible. Gong Yoo’s portrayal of a father learning what truly matters was raw and real. The emotion in his eyes said more than words ever could. And the little girl , her innocence and strength made the story even more powerful.

What I love about Train to Busan is that it isn’t just about monsters or survival. It’s about humanity , about kindness, courage, and sacrifice in the darkest moments. It made me cry, it made me think, and it made me appreciate the quiet beauty of connection even in chaos.

When the train finally stopped, I was left in tears , not because of fear, but because of love, loss, and everything in between. Train to Busan is a masterpiece that reminds us that even in a world full of despair, there’s still hope. 💔🚉

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