Reviews

This 1933 silent film portrayed a strong FL who had to work as a hostess to provide for her son after her husband abandoned them during depression era Japan.

Director Naruse Mikio focused this film, at times in a melodramatic way, on some of the struggles people endured during this economically depressed era. Omitsu was relentless and dedicated to her child and the friends who helped her. She had a backbone of steel hidden under her kimono. Even when her husband showed back up in her life after three years, penniless and nearly shoeless, she initially refused him. In the end she took him in, unlike some older movies where the husband is a total mooch and abusive, Mizuhara was a good father and at least attempted to find work. Turned away at every potential job because of his physical frailty, his mental and emotional frailty began to decline as well.

The version I watched had no music which was a little jarring at first, but I found the rhythm quickly. The film had also faded in places, not enough to detract from the story though. Naruse used symbolic foreshadowing with a child’s toy and images of the water to good effect. For a 1933 silent film, the cinematography, shots, and sets were all quite good.

Kurishima’s accomplished performance as a woman who refused to give up on life and her child’s future was beauty to behold. Saito Tatsuo, as the ne’er do well husband, gave his character enough likeability as he played with the children to help the viewer understand what might have drawn Kurishima to him. The supporting characters rounded out the performances well without resorting to overacting. I’m always amazed at how well a story can be told with minimal dialogue, and this was one of those cases.

Every Night Dreams briefly dipped into melodrama though given the times, perhaps not that much. Life was often balanced on the edge of a knife during those dark days for many people. Some had the strength to survive, and some did not. Omitsu blazed a trail for future female characters who were not afraid of the future but who faced it head on.

Read More

Pretty solid

I randomly stumbled upon this movie. I think you would like it, if you like thriller/action movies. My favorite scenes were always the ones between the two leads, Leo and Yuri. There is some great cinematography. There's lots of blood, and quite a few comedic moments, but it's not full on campy. As someone who really enjoys campy and bizarre movies (especially Japanese, as they happen to do it best lol), I felt somewhat fulfilled on that part. That being said, it's not a lot, so even if you don't like things like that, I think you can still get some value out of this movie.

Read More

Takeru Satoh’s Brilliance

The man surely knows how to get into character. Rurouni Kenshin is such a warm, ambitious and wholesome character which has kept me on board with the movies; Takeru seeps his paws into Battosai’s character and doesn’t let go. It’s mind blowing to watch.

As much as I love him, I was not a very big fan of this plot line. For example, the movie prior to this ends on some sort of a cliffhanger where Kenshin forgets his mission and stalks his way into the ship to get to his woman. It’s heartfelt, powerful and captivating. His feelings for her overwhelm his thought process and he hurries to her rescue. This movie starts off with Kenshin washing away at an island and he thinks Kaoru is dead. It’s shocking and depressing as he falls to his knees in disbelief.

I loved it. However, when it is revealed that Kaoru is alive, his reaction is… underwhelming. It’s out of the blue and he simply smiles and that’s the end of it. There’s no relief washing over him or uncontrollable happiness which seemed very odd since the loss really seemed to impact him in the beginning. He wants to learn the heaven’s technique for her after all!

Though, I liked how the villain ended up burning to death on his own. It was satisfying. His side kick, agile swordsman’s insane breakdown was also incredibly captivating and satisfying to watch.

Overall, I loved it but it could have been better with more plot.

Read More

Don’t lose to yourself before the fight begins

Master of the Nine Dragon Fist: Wong Ching Ho is like an old school martial arts film only with good sets, costumes, and music. Also, without the fire and energy of the oldies.

This movie focuses on Wong Ching Ho who has a martial arts school and forms a fragile alliance with the other schools to drive the British East India and their opium out of town. The Big Bad Brit, Mr. James, with a strange almost French accent, the dubbing is quite bad for the English speakers, sparks a plan to use a newly arrived country bumpkin to take down Wong Ching Ho. He has the local magistrate and spies in the different schools in his well-moneyed pocket.

Mun Sing, the country bumpkin, challenges Wong Ching Ho to a duel. If he wins, Mr. James will give him his own school. Wong’s pregnant wife is attacked during the duel and Wong abandons the duel to see to her. This action fractures the alliance of schools. He does the requisite training sequence which was actually pretty dull and takes on Mun again. This time there is subterfuge and a set-up which leads him to becoming a fugitive. Eventually, there is another training sequence where he develops the Nine Dragon Fist so that he can clear his name and take down the Big Bad Brit. A wise old master helps him clear the poison from his heart so that he can fight effectively.

The plot was fine for a martial arts film, thin, but adequate. Some of the acting was better than others, some was pretty awful. The fights were aesthetic, though lacking in creativity and energy. The problem I have with these HBO Asia films is that they are bland. Vanilla ice cream without the vanilla bland. They are lacking in urgency and energy. The most compelling character was that of Mun Sing, the duped fighter from out of town. If the martial alliance had allowed him to find work or join one of the schools much of the tragedies could have been avoided. He was just trying to feed his family. Wong Ching Ho came across as wooden and unenthusiastic, not the most relatable hero.

The Nine Dragon Fist is one of those short martial arts movies if you run across and have nothing better to do would be worth trying. Not one I’d recommend seeking out or paying to watch.

In case you were wondering what constitutes The Nine Dragon Fist---
1) Dragon Fist OG
2) Swimming Dragon
3) Whirling Dragon
4) Sinking Dragon
5) Whipping Dragon
6) Splitting Dragon
7) Coiling Dragon
8) Intertwining Dragon
9) Flying Dragon

Read More

Dead people can’t use money

Three years after the events of The Sentimental Swordsman, Ti Lung is back in the title role to take on the Money Clan who is determined to rule the martial world. One of Shaw Brothers’ big money makers, Return of the Sentimental Swordsman had a star-studded cast with many famous Hong Kong actors in roles large and small.

Like many movies regarding the martial world, the large cast was needed so that duels could take place to see who was really the best. Aside from Ti Lung, Lo Lieh appeared as the leader of a beggar kung fu clan who worked for whoever paid best. Yueh Hua, Yuen Wah, Yuen Bun, Kara Hui, Tony Liu, and Ching Li all made appearances. The main characters aside from Ti, were Derek Yee as his friend who had been beguiled by a femme fatale since last they met, Ku Feng was the ruthless leader of the Money Clan, and Alexander Fu Sheng starred as Ku Feng’s adopted son.

Ti Lung’s character, Li Xun Huan had become a traveling alcoholic after the trials of the first movie. But like Michael Corleone in The Godfather II, every time he tried to get out of the martial world they kept pulling him back in. He needed to save his friend, A Fei, and stop the Money Clan’s nefarious plans. However, being ranked #3, he kept being challenged by those ranked below him to see if Little Li’s Legendary Daggers were as fast as rumored to be. Alexander Shu Fei as the Left Hand Sacred Knife pulled off a Princess Bride (1987 film-check it out if you haven’t!) moment that had me laughing.

The fights were adequate, some quite well choreographed, but many were more theatrical than fast and accurate. There were a variety of weapons and techniques used which was entertaining. Nearly everything was filmed on the movie lot, but the sets and scenery were better than some other Shaw productions.

Ti Lung made a sentimental and sympathetic character, though Alexander Shu Fei’s conflicted character was nearly as compelling. Derek Yee’s side-kick came across more pathetic then sympathetic. Lo Lieh’s short appearance was powerful as the playful and lethal beggar clan leader. Ku Feng nearly always turns in a powerful supporting performance, this time as the Big Bad.

If you enjoy old martial arts films and haven’t watched Return of the Sentimental Swordsman, this is one to check out, if only for spotting all the famous actors and bit players popping up on screen. Far from perfect and rated on my old, niche grading curve, this Sentimental Swordsman was an entertaining 90ish minutes fight for supremacy and honor.

Read More

Definitely worth watching

This movie was exactly what I prefer to watch. I strongly agree with the other review. If you like realistic love stories, you should watch this one.
This movie starts with two brokenhearted people after their breakups. They meet by chance and start talking . They listen to each other and try to understand the other sex's way of thinking as friends. After spending time together they naturally hang out and try to help each other to find a new partner. They get to know each other and by spending some more time together they start to develop feelings. They try to understand what they are feeling, they make mistakes and try to get what they want and deserve. A very realistic portayal of modern relationships.
I liked the story and especially the acting. I felt what the characters' were feeling and thinking, when they were nervous, when they were hurt and happy. Their expressions matched perfectly each situation. I LOVED female and male lead's coworkers! They were amazing! The friends we all deserve and wish to have. Lastly, I loved the ending.
This movie reminded me that we all deserve the best and we must fight for it, we have the right to make mistakes and we shouldn't be afraid to be hurt. That we should always express our feelings and that all people are not the same, even the same person can drastically change if the circumstances force him.

Read More

Very nice movie. Masterpiece

I dont understand why the rating is so low.. Like I swear I had low expectations because of the low rating. But nah, this one is definitely a gem. Worth watching. Only less than 2 hours.

Ok so I watched this on YouTube without sub so I was confused with who is Zhao and Han.
The story is basically focused on the brotherhood of the imperial guards and where their loyalty lies. It's a sad story actually. They all treasure their brotherhood but because they're in politics, they tend to betray the brotherhood.

Plot
The story started with a death case of an official and his whole family. Let's assume he is an important official that's why the imperial guards are sent to investigate. Throughout the story, one will realize that the case is not that simple because it involves the higher up like Han and Zhao and the emperor. It is also through this that the brotherhood of the imperial guards are tested.

I suggest you watch it because it's really nice. Nothing about candy love story. Bruh grew tired of it hehee.

Cast are new to me. Except the one who portrayed gu bu fan. So far they did well. Thanks to the plot.

Read More

A moment of nostalgia captured in exquisite stop-motion ...

Based on the short story by Nankichi Niimi, this short stop-motion film by Takeshi Yashiro was two years in the making. A touching story about a mischievous little fox, it teaches us about how there are hidden kindnesses that we may ignore as we are burdened with instinctive prejudice that colours our outlook.

The hunting scene at the beginning was splendid. It illustrated the tension between Hyoju’s father’s beliefs and Hyoju’s own aspirations really well. Both Hyoju and Gon are orphans but their guilt leads them to stand on opposite sides of a divide. To me the lesson from this film was the need for dialogue and empathy.

The amount of work involved in crafting Houju, Gon and the villagers is visible in the movie and the natural materials used to create them lent an earthy & aesthetic appeal to the entire film. While the red liquorice flowers were symbolic of the feelings of our protagonists, the way their bright red colour pierced an otherwise brown landscape was truly beautiful.

The unique texture of stop-motion animation evoked nostalgia and left a lasting impression. Truly a worthwhile short!

Read More

Okay so after watching this movie here is what i think. The movie is very realistic you understand the ml but you can still get annoyed at times. The character of the ml is well rounded and we get to know him very well for the others not so much..
Now i truly did lover the fl and ml friendship... at least for what it was it was nice the scenes they had together very pleasant to watch. It was very sad yet irritating when we say the conversation the fl had with her boyfriend, i feel bed for the leads but at the same time if truly was there fault that things ended the way they did In the end both know what they want but resisting to not ruin the friendship yea yea it realistic i know but still. For the movie it was nice if you have time and like these types of movies go for it . But just as a head up from what i read in the comments most people dont get the ending its practically just spoilers down









the film showing us that then they both move on and take different path, he is with a different girl ig bc you saw that he couldn't say or express his feelings then he should move on, and when that artist said he keep thinking something on that bench , he was most likely thinking about that time with her aka everything we saw before that scene . (that is how i understood the ending )

Read More

Comical shenanigans

Very pleasing cast, who all threw themselves into their roles and seemed to have fun making this film.
Perhaps it was a lack of concentration early on, but I found the start a little confusing at times. I also couldn't work out how a main character changed their location so suddenly, a little later on, too.
On these occasions I felt scenes were inconsistent and I thought I'd missed something.
The early part of the film was, for me, a bit slapstick, although those kind of laughs were used more sparingly, in latter scenes.
The SFX were at times a little hit and miss, yet at others very good.
Overall, it's a bit of fun and I did laugh. If taken for what it is; a flamboyant, haphazard, swashbuckling adventure with some giggles, then it's an enjoyable, even if imperfect, watch.

Read More

A touching story with a slow start but a powerful ending!

This movie is moving and slightly painful to watch, though I would say it starts off as nothing special and kind of slow paced once it gains momentum it becomes really good... The first half (or so) is not bad or anything, it actually shows inner struggles, internalised homophobia, fear and the troubles of living in a not so accepting society pretty well it is just not that entertaining (sorry) which could have ended with a 7 star rating.

However once the movie paced up the pace, threw in some drama it was not only interesting but a whole mix of touching, eating, sweet, luna and everything all at once. Though I did not cry, the tears where defiantly not far away making the second half story a clear 10 for me.

Though the writing is mostly good, the acting and directing was inconsistent, while the girls acting was great most of the guys could have done better... The guest appearances outshone the leading men, especially Yoo Yeon Seok who is really good at playing a "bad guy".

This is definitely a movie I would recommend all, just prepare yourself for a lot of emotions (mostly pain and anger).

Read More

Uncomfortable

People in the reviews say that Juk Yo is just in love with Eun Gyo and that it shouldn't be wrong because love is love. Juk Yo is in his 70s, and Eun Gyo is a minor. I definitely agree with Ji Woo when he mentioned how wrong it is for the two to be together. Juk Yo does love her, undoubtedly, but unlike what many say, he's not content with her just being there with him.
On many occasions does he fantasize about touching her which eventually led to him writing that poem. And every time he was about to touch her inappropriately, he held back because he was AWARE that what he was doing is wrong. He has the right to love her, which still doesn't sit right with me but it's a fact, but fantasizing about a minor is too much. I would be okay with it if he really was just happy with her being around him, but that obviously wasn't the case. It left me feeling gross.

Other than the romance aspect of the story, I liked the relationship between Ji Woo and Juk Yo, and how complicated it is. The acting is superb but the music isn't that memorable (I do believe that it fitted the scenes well though). I doubt I'll ever watch this again. Everyone has their own definition and boundaries for love, and this just isn't it for me.

Read More

Ma Dong Seok is a big teddy bear with a badass attitude but a softie at heart - at least that was my image of him when I first saw him in the role of Park Woong Cheol in "Bad Guys". In "The Gangster, The Cop and The Devil" he reprises pretty much the same type of role: a gangster that is very tough on the outside, bordering on cruel in some cases (but hey, a gangster would not be a true gangster without a good portion of evilness inside), while also being considerate with his affiliates, with a good instinct on when to take the attacks on him seriously or not. He played his role flawlessly, with just the right amount of ferociousness towards his enemies and good will towards his allies; simply put: seeing his character in action was a true delight.

"The Gangster, The Cop and The Devil" is otherwise a great crime / action movie about a gangster who is attacked by a serial killer, who then teams up with a cop in order to catch the murderer. It's not a black / white situation of bad guys collaborating with the good guys, since everyone in this movie is pictured as a certain shade of grey. The filmmaking was in that regard outstanding, often waving the lines between the gangster group and the police squad, having each of these two parties mirroring the other's way of doing things, mixing them together or even reversing the roles. For me, it was extremely entertaining to watch.

The story doesn't drag at all, it's suspenseful until the very end and the investigation bits are done in a very concise and dynamic manner, leading to a fruitful collaboration between the gangsters and the police, and to a very satisfying resolution of the plot.

Read More

Horror Movie, Korean Exorcism

Watch this movie because of Cho Ji Hyun from All of us are dead and it's promoted in one of Running Man episode.
Her acting really good, she have a great potential, keep it up :)

So overall as a horror movie it delivers exactly the horror needed. Not as scary as Thai horror, but definitely much better story line compare to Intruder, with no thriller. Yes there's some loop hole here and there inside, but overall if you are a fan of horror, you can watch this.

Oh well since now near Easter, this movie seems like an Easter movie to me. Not literally telling story about Jesus who sacrifice himself for us the sinner, but at the end of the story the uncle sacrifice himself to help his family, so this is a symbolize of sacrifice to save human being.
A lot of good moral teaching inside, like when we are angry, devil will be easier to take over us.

Appreciate the language use in when they do the exorcism not using Korean or English, is it Hebrew? Anyway this effort make it more realistic.
Great CGI too

Read More