Reviews

It's not what you eat, it's who you eat it with

From the moment the familiar theme song played I immediately relaxed and drifted off to the magical place where the Master will make whatever you want to eat. Open from midnight to seven a.m., the Master not only had his regulars show up, but also some new faces in Midnight Diner 2. Everyone, as always, is served their favorite comfort food, given a few gentle words of encouragement, and leave feeling better about themselves.

Midnight Diner 2 opened with the regulars dressed in black. All of the customers had been to different funerals. Only one woman in funeral attire had not. A lonely book editor when frustrated at work wore black and ordered the Master’s fried pork strips. The combination usually lifted her mood and helped her regain her fighting spirit. At a funeral she fell victim to a fetishist and Master helped her with the words she needed to find her way again and a little help from the dish she loved so much.

Story 2 was about a soba noodle restaurant owner unable to let go of her young, but adult son. He had fallen in love with a woman 15 years older than himself. It would take some special udon noodles to help heal this mother-son relationship.

Story 3 was another tale of a woman being scammed. This time an elderly woman fell for a scam involving her son. So desperate was she to help the son she hadn’t seen since he was a boy that she dropped everything and traveled to Tokyo to hand over her money. Master’s pork soup would have to work overtime to bring this woman the closure and redemption she was in desperate need of.

I have watched all of the seasons of this delightful drama and the first movie as well. In all the heartwarming stories, I have never been bored or disappointed. This movie provides a balm to a world-weary spirit. The people who frequent the Master’s establishment have learned to pass on the kindness and acceptance he has given them. Though it may stretch the bounds of believability at times, it’s nice to escape to a place with delicious food where someone will care about your problems and give you a helping hand or an encouraging word.

1/30/23

Read More

“The marriage proposal has turned into something really weird."

The Girl in the Rumor is a short film that packs a powerful punch, with layers of meaning and consequences. Director Naruse wove together beautiful camera shots and close-ups of his subjects, keeping the viewer uncomfortably near his characters’ hidden raw emotions.

Kenkichi runs the Nayada, a sake shop his late wife’s family owns. Business has gone downhill, whether because of the economy, his lack of skill, or that the grandfather is drinking the profits. Oldest daughter Kunie is traditional and calm, helping him to run the shop. She smiles and laughs at Grandpa’s costly habits. Kimiko, the youngest is a firebrand who dresses in Western clothes, listens to jazz music loudly in the house, and stays out late with her friends and even boys.

Kunie’s uncle has played matchmaker for her with a wealthy family. She takes Kimiko with her to steady her nerves. Kimiko is loud, rude, and disruptive during the proceedings. Of course, Sato, Kunie’s intended falls for Kimiko. He and Kimiko end up spending time together afterward and he asks that they exchange her for Kunie. Meanwhile, Kenkichi, doesn’t want Kunie in an arranged marriage for he had been miserable in his. He also needs to figure out how to tell Kimiko that Oyu, who runs the bar next door, is not only his mistress but her mother. He also wants Oyu to come and live with them. Not only that, but Kenkichi has either been watering his sake down or changed the formula to save money. Of course, before it’s all over, everything is thrown into the air like tossed salad and scrambled eggs!

Naruse seemed to enjoy exploring the different aspects of women. Kunie was quiet, obedient, hard working and wore traditional clothes. Kimiko was one of the most annoying characters to have ever graced a movie screen. She was self-absorbed, rude, like her grandpa was a spendthrift, and could be casually cruel. The clash of western and traditional values were on full display, or at least Naruse’s version of them. In addition to the culture clash, the father had gone outside of marriage, creating a rift with his wife and child, something he does not want for Kunie. The man who had appeared calm and stable was actually a catalyst for the upcoming storm. The resolution to many of their problems lie within their reach, when out of the family drama, chaos dragged its members down. All that had seemed important turned to ash by the end. Naruse had no problem taking a flamethrower to an olive branch.

The film started with the barber and his customer across the street discussing how the Nayada wasn’t as good as it used to be. At the end of the film, they coldly and blithely take bets over what will be there next. No corner for a feel-good ending is left, only the darkness of the storm and the wreckage in its wake.

1/30/23

Read More

Very sad story that could have been happier

First of all, I really liked it. It was dark but filled with moments that tampered this darkness. The reason why it's still a very sad story is due the MC's inability to... well I don't know if I should say "accept" or "reach" happiness. Of course, his situation is terrible, but what's truly surprising is that characters around him which are in similar or worst situation do manage to find happiness, in one way or another. So, I would say that this movie is also interesting due to its portrayal of depression (if that's what it is).
The best scene of the movie is definitely the dancing scene, it made me very emotional, the acting was on point as the way the MC's eyes constantly follow Long's dancing but become warmer and warmer with time. It felt like he was falling in love in front of our eyes.
I was also impressed by the scene of the dinner he has with his family: though it was awful, I liked how it made me despise the uncle. After witnessing all that Fei went through to make money for his family, I felt like punching the uncle through the screen.
Overall, it's definitely not a happy movie, but that is mostly due to Fei's relation to happiness, it almost feels like he doesn't allow himself to feel it: like he doesn't deserve to. I wish the ending would have been more hopeful, as it feels that Long could really be the answer to Fei's struggle. But, as Long said himself, his love was not truly love. Maybe Fei doesn't know how to love properly anymore.

Read More

Very realistic and heartwarming.

In the beginning, i thought it would be a fluffy romance with a typical happily ever after, but I was so wrong.

I really liked Bo Ra's character, the way she followed her best friend's crush and how much she cared for her to the point of letting go Woon Ho, whom she liked.

On the other hand, I think Woon Ho was the best of all. I loved his expressions, the sadness and longing in his eyes. Especially, the breakdown scene under the rain and his side story of how he met Bo Ra.

The ending was 'okay'.
Because not every relationship can have a happily ever after, it is the reality, but again thinking about Woon Ho, it was very sad, even though the friends found their happiness except the main couple..

Read More

The initial hesitation and resignation I felt when I started watching, turned into interest and excitement by the end. I mean, I did not think a group of annoying and obnoxious teens that are basically asking to be killed could make a fun watch - I was wrong.

Somehow, I slowly got invested. I honestly didn’t care who would survive, I just wanted a few dead, and after each vote I got more and more anxious and annoyed - what if they will survive? Not really caring about these kids is actually a good thing. This movie is not made to awaken empathy in viewers, it’s not deep, and does not serve as social commentary. You are here for the thrills of who will die and who will survive the mind games.

What I also liked about this story is how we saw both the participants and the operators' perspective. Personally, I think it made the movie more digestible.

Acting was good. I don’t think it needed strong performances. Asakura Fuyuna was probably my favorite.

Overall, surprisingly fun, building the tension and thrills as it goes with a great ending that actually made me appreciate it even more.

Read More

OTT in a good way

The premise is completely absurd and the writing is barely functioning connect-the-dots to reach the visual moments that the writer/director Miki Satoshi wanted to achieve. But those visuals are worth it, and the direction is lively, inventive and original.

It is a comedy, and, as ever, YMMV, but there were several bits that genuinely made me laugh. Expect the kind of humor and set pieces as a Stephen Chow film though we can argue about whether Miki is as successful at executing them.

It is a story of Sin ... who in this case is the mysterious lead singer of a heavy metal band who has been injecting illicit drugs directly into his vocal cords to achieve the volume and range that the music demands, and it is immediately clear that his throat cannot take much more of the abuse. Abe Sadawo nails the stage presence and has a fine comedic turn in the role as an artist who knows his career is almost done and is looking to pass the torch.

The singer he chances upon in a midnight scooter rampaging meet-cute is Fuuka (Yoshioko Riho) who is talented, but whose issues prevent her from singing barely above a whisper.

The film is not really a musical. There are only two songs (or three, if you count Shubert's Ave Maria). But, surprisingly, it is kind of a romcom with most of the expected story beats seen through a broken kaleidoscope.

Will the couple kiss? Will Fuuka sing out loud? Will Sin be redeemed? Watch the movie and find out.

Read More

This short, silent film is toadily worth seeing!

Jiraiya the Hero is a 1921 silent film about the Japanese folk hero Jiraiya. The quality of this film is not the greatest and one would need a working knowledge of this tale that began as a serialized story in 1839 to fully understand it. There are few placards and they only serve to tell an audience familiar with Jiraiya what chapter was coming next. Until someone far more familiar with this character deciphers this short film, I’ll do my best to share what I think of it.

The film begins with a father and son pleading with Jiraiya with an empty food basket. I’m guessing they are telling him that the dastardly doers stole their food and left them with nothing. Jiraiya tells them he’ll take care of it. The man is like, “not with 10,000 men could you do this.” Jiraiya struts as if to say, “I am no mere man.” Then he disappears. Literally.

Jiraiya confronts the gang. He uses a variety of super powers against them. He disappears. He flies one baddie to the clouds and asks him if he really wants to jump. Then he sends water geysers against the baddies. Ultimately, he soundly defeats them all in what looks like a samurai dance off.

Afterwards he goes to confront warlord, Ashikaya. Ashikaya is not happy that Jiraiya took out some of his enforcers. He needs them to pummel the poor and extract whatever he can from them. Jiraiya ends up in the courtyard fighting numerous baddies. He turns into a giant toad and gobbles them up, then spits them out. Big Bad Orochimaru takes Jiraiya on, both evenly matched. Jiraiya turns into a toad, but Orochimaru has a secret, he can turn into a snake! In this version of the game of rock, paper, scissors---snake beats toad! What will happen to Jiraiya? Is this the end? Luckily a beautiful fighter, Tsunade, arrives and turns into a slug. In the world of magical creatures, slug beats snake! They all return to human form and Tsunade and Jiraiya join forces against the viper Orochimaru and defeat him. But alas, the bad guys have an endless supply of evil doers. The priest Zenshu shows up and there is a huge fight between his men and Jiraiya’s. After prevailing once again, it looks like Jiraiya can take a rest. In rides a very official and important looking man. Everyone, including Jiraiya, bow to him. At this point I chose to believe that the dignified man told Jiraiya, “Thank you for ridding me of that virulent pestilence. I give the keep over to you. While you are at it, why don’t you marry the pretty little slug girl and live happily thereafter.” The end.

The film is badly faded, making some scenes harder than others to see. Aside from that, it was a cute story and for 1921, the Kabuki style storytelling was interesting to watch. The fights were highly choreographed and stylized, looking much like dance. Given the time, the special effects were, well, special. The wide screen and similar costumes could make it difficult to keep up with Jiraiya at times but also added a more epic quality to the battles. Even with the story being unfamiliar to me, who could turn down a film where the main characters turn into animals to fight and the hero can vanish and perform other powerful feats? If you enjoy old silent films, this short 21-minute film is one to give a try.

1/30/23

Read More

Not My Cup of Tea ?

So I honestly will say it took me forever to even understand what was fully going on in this movie! Don’t get me wrong cast did great for their character…I feel like it was more of the storylines issue. Another issue I had was the volume for the movie I had my TV set volume wise at 50 (normally do perfectly fine at level 22) but even that level I couldn’t really hear the actors talking..it was majorly quiet… I don’t mind movies/Shows like this I just felt it could have been done better to help viewers understand everything more clearer. This is my opinion everyone should give it a watch and been their own judge on how they feel about the movie 🎥

Read More

highschool melodrama throwback to 20th century

melodrama high school love story

plot - older sister got heart stolen by some boy, but need go to USA to heal her heart disease.
younger sister promises her to find boy since she will go to same school and give information about him to older sister.

Sadly if you watch somebody for too long it may grew into something.
From plot I wrote it may seems like here will be some sister love wars etc but nah its just plot premise and story will mainly focus on love story of younger sister.

This drama got its nice moments.

Genre - melodrama, romance, high school

Read More

Bittersweet but warm

As the tag mentions, it is well and truly a melodrama, be aware. I have seen many comments describing it as a Rom-Com and thus being shocked at the course of the film. No, it is a beautiful melodrama film with endearing characters and a good melodramatic twist without too much dramatic overload. I even hesitated to actually categorise it as such. Overall it was very comfortable to watch and one of these films one could watch again for its warmth.

Unfortunately there is a plot hole nearing the end that kind of diminished the tears to replace them with incomprehension. As another comment mentioned. I have also noticed this wave of desire to create unique twists or endings to not fall within the "typical Korean romance story" but that is sometimes being done at the detriment of a sensible storyline.

Fortunately, here it was more of a missing explanation rather than a plot hole per se. Hence, for this missing detail I took out half a mark but the story still remains beautiful and warm in your heart. I hope you will be able to enjoy it and let your heart melt into the story just like I did.

Read More

SOOO BORING

I watched it, cuz it looked cool in the trailer and it had a pretty interesting premise.

The idea is cool tho, ngl, but the movie didn't really deliver. There were so much lacking in this, so much so that i feel like if they had more time and i guess budget as well, they could've refined this movie more. I liked the slow burn in the early part in the movie, but it kept dragging on and on, and there's not much crumbs to make you interested, want to be hype for the payoff, but NO.

The CGI is very good in this, i'll give them that, but space sweepers had much more GOOD CGI...

Actors are great, but there's not really much to say. No one piqued my interest in terms of characters, they couldn't really flesh out much, considering they had to dump everything during a 1hr & 30mins movie.

My critiques tho, so SPOILERS!!!

The beginning already gave me a sign to exit, but i kept watching. In the intro, they will bomb you with so much text and i was like "Well, atleast show me?! don't just feed it into me"

And lastly maybe this is a nitpick critique, but during the last fight scene on the train. Like how did Kim Sang Hoon managed to go toe to toe in combat with Jung_E???? I mean, i get he's an AI, but im pretty sure there's no combat files that was uploaded in him, aside from knowing how to use guns...

Read More

Wonderfully told. Beautiful story that can make you cry for many reasons.

This is a very beautiful film! No wonder it was nominated in Oscars for Best International Film. I think it also deserves to win it all. Made me cry from the start up to end. I cried because it's sad, I also cried because of anger. I cried because of the destructive events in this movie and I cried the most in the end because of happiness and fulfillment.

This movie told a wonderful story about bullying and seeing hope despite what's happening to you. The performance of the two main leads is a masterpiece. I can see the hardships in their eyes very clearly as if they are the true persons behind the story they are telling to us. The love they had is very pure and seeing their lonely eyes makes me cry.

The theme of this movie was on point and perfectly blends to the cinematography to deliver the right feelings to the viewers.

Everything in this film is just beautiful, might be heartbreaking but the resolution of the movie will give you relief. This is a must watch movie especially to those who experienced and seen any types of bullying. After watching this, now it's one of my favorite movie of all time!

Read More

Worth looking even if you seen kdrama series from 2018

firstly this movie is remake of American web series from 2012[never seen that one]
secondly exist kdrama series remake from 2018[romance drama give it 8,5/10]
thirdly trully I watched this movie just cause main female lead is Han Hyo Joo from Happiness 2021 and wanted see some other of her work, but it was worth it.

This movie is very well made romance drama. Even I first seen that kdrama series from 2018 and story is very alike since its remake I dont regret of picking up this MOVIE its whole tier better than drama.

Big diff between this movie and kdrama 2018 is even how well thorough and believable is life of main male lead which changes. Small things like dresser full of different sizes clothes, boots, glasses etc

plot - guy by some lets say curse changes everyday his face, gender, nationality...his whole being.
but once he fall in love. He waits for day he got representable face and invites girl out. Wont say more cause dont want spoiler.

Peak romance movie mine fav.

Read More

THEY ARE BACK!!

This is my first review and let me tell you it was definetely worth to wait.

High&Low is one of my favorite series. Both SWORDS & Worst are all great! While we see men fighting in SWORDS, The Worst is about high schoolers who fight for their friends. Their bond and how they protect each other makes me smile everytime I saw them. Also osts of The Worst X didnt disappoint again. Hearing old H&L ost with new The Worst remix - I guess - made me smile like a fool.

One of the main reason I waited for this movie was Suzuran. Their casting was great in my opinion. You can literally get the Suzuran vibe from the actors. Wish they made a spin off with this new Suzuran cast. Housen would be nice too!

Fujio made me smile through the whole 117 minutes. I miss his goofy and stupid side hahah. Sacchi's cb was also perfect!! Miss this guys. Hope we can get more movie or dramas with them.

Read More