life goes on
The red string of fate concept makes another comeback in this movie. This movie felt more than the typical coming of age movie, it addressed the reality of how some people come and go in our lives. Things in our life don't pan out the way we wish oftentimes, and things such as right person wrong time is what makes life life. Both actors are great, I love Nana Komatsu and Suda Masaki is equally talented and charismatic of an actor. The fact that both of them have been married for a while makes the movie even more satisfying to watch haha.I did end up crying a few times here and there throughout the film, there are some scenes where it's just so beautiful, heartbreaking, and realistic at the same time. Most parts of the film are just really cinematically pleasing and calming. A lot of the camerawork showed wide landscape pans, and I noticed they often match what Nana wears to the landscape, which makes everything even more intentional and beautiful. I'd recommend this movie to everyone who loves a good slice of life movie that isn't afraid to show the process of life and growth.
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Great Movie
I really enjoyed watching this movie! Acting by all was really good especially the leads they did an extremely well job. Honestly I was disappointed in the ending I was really rooting for them, by some miracle, to get together and of course live happily ever after! I mean who wouldn’t. other than that it really was a fun movie to watch and I’m glad I did!what would be even better though is if they did a sequel and then they get together and live happily ever after! of course writers gotta write a whole new story, but it would be worth it! Great Job everyone including the Director 👍👍👍
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This review may contain spoilers
nikah sama hantu gay??
⭐8/10filmnya lucuuu. komedinya dapet. dan premisnya menarik. kalo diliat2 fokusnya cuma ngejar mafia narkoba doang yang kebetulan jd pembunuh mao bang yu. habis mafianya mati, udah beres. kita gatau kabar penghianatnya gimana dan gimana sama klnjutan karir wu ming han, tp meski konfliknya itu doang, gw salut sama pesan moralnya sih..
bagian action dari film ini juga ga begitu buruk. dan kerjasama suami-suami (wu ming han - mao bang yu) ini juga kompak dan kocak.
unsur lgbt+ nya jg cuma jd latar belakang yg ga trlalu byk dibahas dan kayanya ga akan terlalu mengganggu buat ditonton homofobik karena pada dasarnya wu ming han kliatan agak homofobik jg.
gw suka bgian mao bang yu yg sngat cinta alam dan cinta hewan sampai ngasih positive vibes ke wu ming han untuk ikut berdonasi. character development nya juga berasa bgt terutama untuk bapaknya mao bang yu dan wu ming han. akhir filmnya ditutup dengan kedamaian bagi semua and i love it.
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got better as it went on
There are some solid reviews on the movie so I'll just add a few thoughts.Overall: this got better and better as it went on with an ending that was extremely well done. In the beginning, I really struggled with the homophobic, self centered, jerk protagonist. But he actually has character growth which was great. I need a sequel to this movie. Somehow he gets reincarnated as an adult and they solve another mystery together (and also showing explicit romantic feelings would be a bonus)
BL? Bromance? I think they definitely loved each other, whether that was platonically or romantically is not clearly defined, I think it can be a bit up to the viewer's interpretation.
Content Warnings: death, grief, manipulation, violence, held against will
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"오늘부터 퇴근 없다!"
서투르고 한심하고 어리석다.I just can't stand all these poorly made dumb movies that make a fortune by involving big names and accessible concepts while small authors with better filmmaking skills don't get attention.
🔸️Separate scenes are hanging loose, and the acting and lines feel very forced. Lee Byeong Heon totally abandoned that thing called rhythm. He is one terrible director among many in the action thriller genre in Korea. I just despise that type of movies, including Master and the recent Alien. Imagine how would it flow if Edgar Wright shot it - because that's what cinematography is about!
I am damn revolted, and I hope I never make anything like this when it's my time to shoot a feature.
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The only memorable thing in this movie is Greg Hsu - but unfortunately that's it!
A simple short review for those who make the mistake to have high expectations about this movie. Keep calm and lower your standards, then maybe you are able to enjoy this more.Yes, it's a high quality production. Yes, we got some nice views on Greg Hsus hot Body, but overall this was just a below average written plot with boring dialogues. The humor itself is very special, i don't say peculiar, because i like peculiar and unique unusualness. Special in regards of the distinctive style of over exaggerated acting and be very clichéed and somehow lustful in a plump way.
The one thing i really liked was the funny CGI of the car scenes. It looked liked high quality hotwheel-like car racing scenes in a cartoonish way. Unfortunately nothing extraordinary, thou the acting was pretty decent.
Plot and Character Development were unsatisfying in lacking depth and originality. If you need some shallow entertainment and can enjoy laughing about dumb slapstick - this may work for an evening. But despite Greg's pretty pictures not much is worth remembering.
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Average movie tbh
So in early 2000s japanese cinematography was a bit mediocre. Considering this movie came in 2006, I can understand why the movie direction seemed amateurish.Talking about the story, it was straightforward. Nothing too much twist and turns which is good. I don't think I could've appreciated any complex lgbtq+ movie with this level of direction and acting. The acting is a bit beginner type. It felt like the main actresses weren't completely into the character.
Overall, it was an average movie with average storyline.
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Empowering
Better Days is a cinematic gem that mesmerizes with its spellbinding storytelling and compelling characters. As a devoted fan who rates it 9.5/10, this drama delivers an immersive experience that grips your heart and mind from start to finish.The intricately woven narrative delves into the complexities of youth, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit. Zhou Dongyu's remarkable portrayal brilliantly captures every emotion, making her journey a poignant reflection of life's trials and triumphs.
Director Derek Tsang's artistic brilliance is evident in every frame, enveloping you in a world where every emotion resonates deeply. The visual aesthetics are awe-inspiring, complementing the heartfelt performances flawlessly.
Better Days is not just a drama; it's an emotional odyssey. It imparts a powerful message about resilience and the pursuit of justice. The chemistry between the cast is electric, adding layers of authenticity to an already captivating tale.
From a breathtaking soundtrack to thought-provoking themes, Better Days is an enriching experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With a riveting storyline and a stellar cast, it's a resounding testament to the magic of exceptional storytelling.
In a sea of dramas, Better Days stands tall as a shining example of cinematic brilliance. If you're seeking an immersive and deeply moving experience, this drama is an unmissable treasure. Prepare to be captivated, uplifted, and profoundly touched by its sheer brilliance.
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Thrilling Zombie Masterpiece
"Train to Busan" is an exhilarating rollercoaster of tension, heart-pounding action, and unbreakable human spirit. A perfect 10/10! From the first electrifying moment, I was hooked. The dynamic characters are flawlessly portrayed, making their plight all the more gripping. The film's confined setting, the train, intensifies the suspense, and the zombies are terrifyingly realistic. But what truly sets this movie apart is its emotional depth. The father-daughter relationship at its core tugs at heartstrings, adding a poignant layer to the chaos. Each scene is a pulse-pounding delight, with the relentless pace leaving no room for boredom. "Train to Busan" is a triumph of storytelling, blending horror and humanity seamlessly. This cinematic gem deserves every star and more!Was this review helpful to you?
if you watch, its the same
Frankly speaking, I just watched the trailer and the first thing comes in my mind is the Korean Movie "Ditto 2000". I check the details instantly and it is not tagged as remake. "but why?"The trailer is somehow or almost the same as the kdrama trailer. the walkie talkie vs. the old military radio. hahaha and knowing the time difference with brokenhearted character is the conflict. so somehow and i feel it; it is the same storyline as before.
but for the characters, well it is a well known and best actor and actress, so they will deliver it perfectly.
Thou let's see, still hoping it will not be the same storyline as the kdrama and jdrama original and remake movies.
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an action-comedy at first glance - but a lot more!
To be honest, I was waiting to watch this movie since I saw the very first trailer, so my expectations for this one were really high. And I am not dissappointed!First of all, if you go into this movie expecting a love story, you will probably be dissappointed but still, I recommend giving this movie a try.
I expected to see a action-comedy with supernatural elements, without any deep meaning behind it ("just a good laugh") but this movie offers way more than that. All the different pieces of this movie are nicely put together, nothing feels out of place. The story focuses more on the relationships between the characters (not only the main characters) than it does on the action - still, the action scenes are done great! Additionally, there are twists in the story, making it unpredictable and never leaving the viewer bored. The pace of the story is perfect, making the ~2 hours a good frame to tell the whole story without feeling like pieces were left behind in the end. Also, the ending, in my opinion, is a perfect ending to such an unique story.
All the actors do a great job portraying their characters. The unique personalities of the characters are portrayed nicely and seem realistic, as well as their own character development throughout the story. Especially the main characters are lovable in their own way. Their relationship throughout the movie feels genuine and realistic.
Talking about the OST, I was already in love with "Come with me" (the soundtrack in the trailer) before I was able to watch the movie, so obviously I am giving the OST a high rating. At the same time, the other songs in this movie feel just as nice, which made me add every single one to my personal music library! The music is used nicely throughout the movie without feeling annoying or out of place.
Overall, this is a nice movie which offers a lot more than I expected and a movie that I will most likely rewatch a few (=many) times. Therefore, I recommend that you should give this movie a try, it's totally worth it!
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Cried from start to finish
This is the first movie where I've cried throughout the entire film. Truly a life-changing and phenomenal film. I want to commend the actors because their performances were so heartfelt and tear-jerking that I sometimes had to pause a take a break. Not to mention the cinematography that was produced because just the beauty of the scenes themselves was enough to make me cry. I want to recommend this movie to everyone I know because it deserves more hype.Afterward, I even went on TikTok to watch every single edit I could find. Even now, I still think about the film in my daily life, although it's been months since I watched it. However, it'll take a couple more months for me to muster up the courage to watch it again and cry as much as I did once more. Because there is no way one can sit through that movie and not shed a tear. That's how powerful it is. It hits you where and when you least expect it and that feeling lingers in your heart.
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Completely Raw tense at times yet presented Beautifully
Indeed a gem.Got completely involved with the charecters even after having multiple affairs and other charecters with kyoki watching kyoki and imagase together was so intense.
The scene where imagase asked kyoki to keep him near he doesn't want anything in return even if he can just see him once ....uff i badly wanted to hug the charecter of imagse.
STORY LINE :- So the lost character of kyoki continuously cheating and denying to realise himself a character imagse came who loved him since the university where they first met since 8 dammn years without a sign of getting him (although how he made it you will know in the whole story )made a huge change in kyoki which was obviously slow and frustrating at times because your heart will ache for imagase. I was cursing kyoki to be left alone in journey but the scene when he went to bar and left crying convinced a little hope in me like yes he could be given a chance may be which still was too much for a character like him but somehow i tried to understand him too. he kept dragging imagase in because somewhere he didn't want to make him unhappy but he kept doing it wrose and was not ready to accept his trueself
SIDE CHARECTERS:- i liked most the charecter of okamura and felt really bad for her, kyoki's wives charecter was also good and screaming of a completely cold and dead relationship between them which was meant to be end.
The charecter of kyoki's ex from university potrayed best that you will definitely dislike her and will want her to leave soon which i was glad not dragged too much
SEX SCENES: i saw some reviews saying its nudity and porn there is nudity but hello you are supposed to make your choice seeing r rated of the movie wether to watch it or not
If you are here then you must not be going to serve any lullaby
So In the short kyoki just wanted to settle his cheating agenda with the kiss but you will see how he resists but could really not deny imagase with time
He keep saying he is straight and cant do that but
in short You will see the difference in poured passion how kyoki was with the other and was with imagase when he finally couldn't say no to him .He was the one to hold imagase when he said its just a yes or no , if its a no after that i will never touch you .
ENDING:-
People might be getting dissapoint over the ending that oh no its sad or little more legit will say its open ending but trust me for me it was beautiful the two last scene one the beach one where imagse said "when you truly love someone they are your only expectation/ exception"
And he shouted that "i did love you truly"
Analogy to this scene where kyoki went to finally broke up with okamura and she asked do you trust that they will return kyoki definitely had no answer but he was willing to wait for the love he finally realised he wanted to make imagase the only exception for him and for me he might not had the answer if imagase will comeback but he trusted when he said he truly loved him and might consider to make him his exception.
The relationship was toxic and intolerant at times but i fell in love with imagase for having the courage to kept holding And for imagase he definitely deserved the wait he made the man like kyoki willing to wait for him.
The one flashback scene where imagase cried while they were making out made my heart ached for him at that point it was right for him to leave. Kyoki was changed but i couldn't imagine the loss and harm imagase was at but thats what the point of his charecter that he was willing not to count that like us and came so a long way to make the things happen he himself might not have ever thought. But in course he was probably lost and tired loving kiyoki which he didn't in 8 years when he was not with him.
The slow gradual and wanted change in kyoki was so satisfying to see and the at last scene when he washed the ash tray which imagase threw in dustbin while leaving which he himself once gave kiyoki too keep when they last broke up ,,,was beautiful. The exact end with kyoki crowling on the stool sitting like imagase used to do and kept waiting for him was satisfying.
JUST IN CASE:- i know it is based on the manga but if just in any case I would love to see a sequel of it and for the end i would still say i m not obssesed it to be them coming back together and a typical happy ever after. i want to see more of imagase want him to be at peace want to see his strong determining self when he decides something. ( whether it was to love kyoki 8 years ago or to leave him in the end)
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this is so good i love it like hollywood
the CGI is too good for anything. second i love dohkyungsoo so much that i will support him till the day i die. third there is waikiki lee yikyung, the most loved hilarious man. for sure this movie will make you burst out laughter! and the plot is so good and makes me cried. it is about humanity guys. i think korean sci fic movies are distinct from hollywood because they could express humanity better than hollywood and i love it. its aura is different from other stories and i just love it. mr director, im waiting for along the gods 3 and 4 with dohkyungsoo acting in it. please make kyungsoo happy everyday!Was this review helpful to you?
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Character driven with a melancholy atmosphere
Step back to a place in time with video arcades, skating rinks, phone booths, pagers, and no cell phones. Teens have been rebelling since the dawn of time and these teens were trapped in the cement jungle of Taipei with only the detached neon god spreading harsh artificial light over the packed, dreary streets. Welcome to the Rebels of the Neon God.The film follows the lives primarily of Hsiao and Ah Tze. Hsiao is a teenager failing at his college cram school and completely disinterested in studying. He lives with his parents in a small, but comfortable apartment. His mom is convinced that he is the reincarnation of the god Nezha, explaining the emotional distance between father and son. Tze is a petty crook who with his buddy, Ping, steals change from phone booths and vending machines to use at the arcade. Hsiao's father is a taxi driver whose side-view mirror is broken when Tze smashes it in an act of rebellious aggression, an act that will come back to haunt him in more than one way.
Tze lives with his brother in a filthy apartment with a backed-up kitchen drain that constantly floods the place. He sleeps on a cot above the moat, flicking cigarette butts into the swill. He begins a relationship with Kuei, his older brother's one night stand. She works in a skating rink and for the phone "dating" service but is as aimless as Tze and Ping. When Hsiao withdraws from the college prep class and pockets the money, fate brings him across the path of Tze. He stalks Tze with the adeptness of a serial killer, watching as he and Ping steal the motherboards from the arcade's games. Hsiao's father locks him out of the house for taking the refund money and disappearing. With nowhere else to go, Hsiao returns to the hotel to rent a room where Tze and Kuei are spending the night. Obscured by the falling rain he takes the opportunity to have a little revenge for the road rage incident by vandalizing Tze's motorbike and spray painting that Nezha was there next to it. For nearly the entire movie Hsiao is emotionless and speaks no more than 10 words, but when he sees Tze's frustration over his destroyed bike he literally dances with joy. When the mother board deal goes south, the petty crooks end up escaping in the cab with Hsiao's dad which triggers reactions in both Tze and the father with feelings of guilt for both men.
None of the youth had anything to look forward to and sought to find pleasure in the moment, whether it was games, smoking, sex, or impaling a cockroach on a desk. Hsiao was an isolated boy with anger seething below his benign face, unable to measure up to what his parents wanted from him. Whether he went home again or remained on the streets was never answered, although his father left the door cracked open for him. Hsiao's parents worshipped the old gods, he and the others answered to the cold god of the streets. Tze was always restless whether pulling small jobs, hanging out with his friends, or smoking like an inmate marking time in his apartment. Ping and Kuei were largely side characters, the loyal buddy and the girl Tze had sex with, but struggled to commit to. Despite their gritty exteriors, Tze and Ping weren't hardened criminals, they simply had nowhere to go and no better tomorrow to look forward to.
The area of Taipei where the movie was filmed came across as dirty and deteriorating though there were signs of new construction. Rain fell almost constantly, making the urban setting more claustrophobic. Aside from Tze's dilapidated apartment, two seedy hotels were used as sets, complete with porn on the small televisions. The streets, school room, and arcades were packed with people, people who were side by side but not communicating. Phone "dating" was shown several times, so even the normal act of meeting someone was difficult to do.
These young people were alienated from the general society, living somewhere on the edge without a safety net below them, desperately searching for belonging. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, there was a glimmer of hope. Each person who watches the film will likely come away with a different interpretation based on age and walk of life. I saw young people who felt trapped, rebelling against the suffocating box they'd been put into. They were all longing for love and acceptance and something that would help propel them to a brighter future but with no idea how to get there.
8/9/23
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