Reviews

yoo ahin song mino joint slay

boring but not like boring as haleeeeeeeee it's just oh he's funny OH look it's getting started fucking finally oh oh we're halfway thru it already??? lmao i just fell asleep OHHH they got a new mission???? wait what boring. the dongwook galchi constant rivalry to pure love not being the main story was such a waste i'm furious. i personally think the main reason the star-studded cast chose to do this movie was its 1988 background and how devoted the prod team was to the theme? which, you know, props to them, carried this movie. but still yoo ahin has always been bounded to the banging storyline so idk??
anyway they gave us yoo ahin the finest man song mino thee scene stealer pretty cinematography excellent acting from all the casts enjoyable ost and i found myself laughing several times so 8.0 it is

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Hiding in plain sight.

A group of eight wicked villains converge on a gorgeous, dangerous snow capped mountain in a race to recover a long lost hidden treasure they have schemed and murdered for. The almost mythical hidden fox is said to guard the treasure. Young disciples Gui Yi and Qing Wen find danger and intrigue around every corner. In addition to this shadowy hidden nemesis, they find themselves pitted against their masters and even each other.

I wouldn't call The Hidden Fox an adaptation of Jin Yong's "Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain" (雪山飞狐). It is more like wickedly good fan fiction inspired by the original wuxia masterpiece. This has resulted in very polarising reactions to this movie. Critics lament the loss of the spirit of chivalry and that the complex conflict between the main opponents is dumbed down just another revenge story. I am a huge fan of the original work that is defined by the sheer perfection in the way the story ends at the absolute peak of emotions and suspense. To me, it is Jin Yong's most brilliant and unforgettable ending. At the same time, the after openly invites invites speculation and innovation. That is what the writer intended. This production takes up that challenge and while it falls short of exceeding the original masterpiece, the storytelling is still very, very good. It is very suspenseful, action packed and thrilling with a few dazzling twists that delivers an innovative and cohesive alternate take on original story. Is it ultimately hollow because it comes at the cost of the spirit of the original? Yes, perhaps. But it is still a very entertaining way to pass a few hours.

The other great thing about this is that it is a Lu Yang production. I am a huge fan of his gripping and stylish visual storytelling that is heavily laced with action oriented fight scenes. Naturally as a web movie, it is not at the same level (or budget) of his famed Brotherhood of Blades series. Nonetheless the well choreographed action sequences don't disappoint and are as gripping, brutal and violent as expected of a true blue martial arts movie. Each of the eight villains' hidden secret martial arts technique lends an extra layer of imminent danger and uncertainty in outcome to each deadly encounter. Yes there is some use of slow motion but such well designed and viscerally satisfying fight scenes are an increasingly rare treat these days.

This movie may enjoy a higher rating if they had changed the Chinese title from Jin Yong's original 雪山飞狐 although that may have risked accusations of plagiarism considering how easily recognizable the setting, characters and main plot points are. Even if you love the original, watch it with an open mind and allow yourself to embark on a thrilling hunt for treasure that is hiding in plain sight. 8/10.

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“The film that shook South Korea”

For this review I am not going to say much about the story and what it does ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. The movie is based on true events and that in of itself just means is that story respected and executed well. I think this movie is phenomenally well done.

To keep it short the acting is stellar, especially from the children actors. With this type of subject, everyone did a great job in their respective roles.

So for a review I don’t really know what to say other than everything is done so well.
There are a lot of areas that this movie could’ve changed to appeal to people. I was a bit nervous watching the child abuse scenes but am very glad to know that the children and adults were completely separate during those. The outcomes are still very disturbing.

This movie was more of an experience for me. To see these situations and know that these things actually happened to children and that the justice system did fail and it’s not just for that horrible trope of having a sad ending.

This movie is based off of true events, and it’s harrowing to imagine that with that being the case- the truth of the situation was much worse. I truly found it hard to watch a lot of scenes, and the movie as a whole was also hard to watch. But with this case I am applauding the movie here, it executed its message so well. This movie isn’t supposed to be happy or triumphant- it’s challenging any movie goers sense of justice and educating them of the harsh realities. The justice system has failures and like the true story, it failed children and left despicable people by over the victims.

This movie brought to light a case that wasn’t talked about much compared to 2011, where in 2005 it had wrapped up- public outrage occurred and the actual events and cases were reinvestigated because of it. This movie changed peoples thinking, and actually did a lot of remarkable things.

The rewatch is low because I will get it clear that you really can’t eat during this movie. You can’t talk even, you watch and get immersed and ultimately are moved.. and for me you are left completely silent crying nonstop.

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It’s a good movie

I just watched this movie and I enjoyed it. Hence, as I was going to rate, I noticed there were no reviews yet, so I thought I would leave one. Note there is some blah blah (extra words / opinions of mine) as this has to have 500 characters to be posted.

I watched with English subtitles, as I am only fluent in English and French. So I can’t comment on the translation accuracy, or the original text (subtitles and spoken language). A side note, a big thank you to those that do translate subtitles for others to be able to also watch and enjoy. As a fan from Canada of Asian dramas, thank you.

As this movie isn’t very long, it can easily be watched in one sitting. As well, as it isn’t very long I think worth the watch. I say this as I often hesitate starting a movie or show due to it’s duration (minutes vs hours) and length (number of episodes or sequels).

Overall, the movie isn’t monotone or boring. There are some silly moments, some corny moments, a decent amount of fighting and some sweet moments.

I’m not really sure as I’m writing this review what other dramas I would use to compare this one to. I may add suggestions at a later time.

I also think it’s good to note that while watching I didn’t need to skip any scenes or make it go faster. I’ve often do this while watching other movies and/or dramas, especially when a character is being too annoying, or if scenes are just taking too long/ being dragged out, or worse it parts are annoyingly painful to watch (usually bad acting, directing, whatever).


A possible spoiler or two from this point.


Continue reading, if you’re still reading this review, the rest of this review and comments are at your discretion.

From TMENG Movies, On the Y tube (see link : https://youtu.be/Bq2bqrG_Mtc ). This is where I watched this movie.

I loved the main character fighting for the mermaid and the one who played the mermaid. I hope to see both in future movies and dramas. There was a mix comments left by viewers that they liked the ending and some that didn’t. I did enjoy it, just like the movie (unlike this review), it was not dragged out, I thought it was bittersweet - and I did get teary eyed.

I don’t see a sequel, yet I think a prequel could be possible. Not necessary, but possible.

Finally, the reason I don’t have a high rewatch value, is that there was one character I wasn’t a fan of, he was corny in my opinion, but he was never on screen very long each time, so didn’t have to skip or fast forward. If you’ve made it this far and you’re still reading this review, thank you. I hope this review will have been interesting and that you will watch this movie.

A bravo and thank you to the cast and crew, as well as others involved in the making of this movie.

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beautiful

this movie is one of those you will never forget. it's one of a kind and it is really difficult to explain how you are going to experience it as there are no comparison. more than a story what this is all about is beauty. beautiful faces, beautiful personalities, beautiful martial art, beautiful dances, beautiful costumes, beautiful landscapes, beautiful poems, beautiful spiritual evolution. the closest I can think about is that day I walked to the beach, and on my way back I came across wild strawberries in the fields. I just sat there on the side of the path and ate as much strawberries as I could and just forgot about my way home. this movie is very alike: I came for the story and forgot all about it while being amazed by the beauty of each scene.

use big screen and switch off the light.
not suitable for under 18 person (violence and sex).

when watch this? a day of blissful laziness. for example this first day you realize that spring is back because the sun shined all day, and girls were wearing skirts again, and bright colors, and flowers were blooming all your way. this kind of light and peaceful days: don't ruin your mood with something less than this. open a bottle of champagne or lemonade and enjoy the beauty!

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Hip concept is the main driver of the race

Absolutely crazy retro setting for a car action film, everything looks really cool and colorful, from a bunch of classic cars to vintage fashion, the production spent a whole lot of effort in the visual designs of this film. The story though took some time to start kicking, the first half is basically a flashy intro that lasted too long, things only get interesting when the team plans for the revenge grand scheme to take down the corrupted military dictatorship. The final car chase scenes have some intense moves but yet to be groundbreaking. The mission seems like an easy miracle and everything is a perfect plan, but the hip concept is basically the main driver of the race to the finish line.

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Could've been better.

It's a decent one time watch movie.

But, as the headline says it all, this movie could've been better.
I didn't, at all, get the vibes of Korea in 1988. I'm not a Korean and born in the 90s. So, I truly don't know what it would be in Korea in the 1988. But we do have a parameter to compare it with, Reply 1988. And the only thing common in these two were the presence of Go Kyung-po. Nothing else. Nowhere I got the vibe of 1988.

So, ignoring this basic thing, I would now focus on the story.
Honestly, it was quite good. It was funny, thrilling, entertaining and the actions were good. That being said, there were many glaring mistakes too. I felt that come characters were way underutilized like that of Lee Kyu-hyung. Bok Nam will make absolutely no difference in the story if he wasn't in it. So that's a big flaw. All other characters were good and engaging, but not the same with Bok Nam. But I understand this as it's very hard to give importance to all the characters in a movie with an ensemble cast.
So letting this one slide.
Now I will address another problem, the climax. It seems to me that they tried to copy a bit too much of Hollywood movies like Fast and the Furious. I know it's a movie, but still does it make nay sense to see a car parachuting its way down to the car from a fucking cargo plane. I know it is possible, but this scene is frame-to-frame like that of Fast & Furious 7.

Coming to the acting, I think all the actors did a very fine job. I watched this movie because of Oh Jung-se and Moon So-ri, and I wasn't disappointed by it. Yooh Ah-in was exceptional, so were rest of the actors from his gang.

The best thing about this movie has to be the music. The songs of 80s provided that nostaglgic feel which was missing from the production setting. Korean as well as English songs were used quite well in the form of mix-tape.

Overall, this movie is nice and would appeal to fans and those who haven't watched much of Korean cinema.
But as someone, who has watched many Korean movies and dramas, this movie was way below mark.
Still, the acting and the funny sequences will make it a worth watch.

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9/10

What I like the most about this movie is that it did not portray the work of an undercover agent as cool as other movies and dramas do. This movie showed the life of agents quite realistically, and how dangerous their line of work is. One little mistake can end their life. And I liked how it also tells about their mental state. The characters' played by the agents affect them psychologically. For that, they also have to check their status with psychiatrists. I'm glad that this movie also included it.

I liked the acting, especially Tony Leung's. He has his charms. The cinematography was good.

The movie kept me on edge till the end. I really liked it.

And about the ending, I hated it with a burning passion.

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lightweight, humor with touch of retro action

A wine bottle from 1988, I know the taste is good. I wouldn't mind sipping it again someday. It's a light humor action movie that gives the audience an escape to feel the retro fast and furious in 80’s style.

The story had nothing special to offer, few youngsters who dream to live big get entangled between prosecutors and villains, trying to save themselves from both. Riding on modified fast cars, and wearing 80’s fashion on the Olympic opening day is the chosen for the movie climax D-day, and that's the reason for the movie title as SEOUL VIBE.
It isn't super complicated but within the first half one can probably guess what's gonna happen next. Although the story is not fresh its stellar cast which performed outstandingly without a doubt wouldn't let anyone down for watching the movie. They kept me entertained from beginning to end with pro acting and semi-humor.

The Chicago Typewriter duo reunion of Yoo Ah In and Go Kyung Pyo in one frame reminds me of TCT as if am rewatching the drama again. The fake gold chain is super funny on both of them. They are both amazing and YAI never disappoints its viewers, he always had the depth of the character he portrays. He is leading the team and drove like he is fast and furious.
GKP gave its usual pleasant and easygoing performance.
Ong Seung Wu had a messy curly hairstyle portraying the youngest of the team. His small and thin build added the necessity of the youngest and loving member. I loved seeing him because he lit up the screen with humor.
Park Ju Hyun, rode the bike like a pro. She had a good wardrobe of the ’80s and I loved her to see in that crop tops which enhanced her long hairstyle.

The 1988 Olympics of Seoul is just a time taken to intensify the fashion, funk, racing cars, and color palette of the movie which serves its purpose. Because it picks up the viewers and takes them on the nostalgic, retro ride of the 80s.

If anyone wants a deep story, with lots of action this isn't the one for you. Because its story is weak and has mild action. But yes it has amazing car chasing sequences, which are thrilling to watch.

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If you´re in the mood for divertingly wasting your time in (retro-)style...

If you´re in the mood for divertingly wasting your time in style (retro-style to be precise).
With a lightweight story, lots of action and some fun, too, this will perfectly do.
Its professionally done. You won´t regret it.

Other than that:
Too fast to be substantial or something that lasts or give something that remains. The focus here is on visual and acoustic effects. Storytelling is secondary. At least there was no saving on top-class actors. And, yes, they are in a good mood.

Recipe:
-top-class cast
-action with car chases
-hip scenery locations in the look of the 80s
-speed
-fancy retro styling - cool retro fashion (if you´re into it)
-all sorts of retro cars - styling and tuning (and noises, too)
-light and camera effects
-deliberately/supposedly ´cool as cool can be´

Final remark:
Never mind the drop of truth behind the backstory - corruption and money laundry in the context of the 1988 Olympics in SK. The bad (and good) guys could be anyone, anywhere. That's just the hook to give an interchangeable action movie at least a coating of its own: a Seoul-Vibe - here in an 80s retro look. (However, even this particular ´SEOUL´ Vibe shown could actually be anywhere - It´s more about an ´80s´ Vibe)

Overall, the movie comes across as a solid action movie production for an international audience.
Don´t expect unique Korean-style. (Except for the cast and their acting of course ... and even they can usually do much better, too...)

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80s nostalgia at its worst meets suspence and 80 nostalgia at its best

This movies starts off all colorfull as it ooses of 1980's refrenses making me wonder if the writers/stylists started this movie by just googling the 80's-1990's USA and then copy pasted whatever words they could find.

As The Fast and The Furious/ Oceans goes to Seoul, the view of tiers burning to the sound of disco is actually not that bad. What is however a ceime against humanity is how they could take some of koreas most good looking men and make them look unatractive as no one and I mean no one not even Go Kyung Pyo can look good fake gold chains, 1988 or not.

While I get that the point of this show was action and nostalgia, it could have been achieved without ruining the boys images. As the sight of Yoo Ah In in gold chains is now forever loged in my brain. However Park Ju Hyun won the styling lotteri in this as she got to wear the best if the 80s and came off bad ass and cool unlike the boys who just look silly most of the time. Jokes aside this drama does have some ok stayling for the boys here and there too, as well some good car roaring vibes, not to mention raging lunatics, some beloved old characters without a pulse and beautiful use of colors and PPL that shows the evolution of popular brands combining nostalgia with modern day product placement. All light... And to be honest not that interesting/slightly annoying.

But once the first hiest is over the movie turns dark (not only the lighting) and becomes more and more bloody, nailbiting and interesting (styling gets better too), thus making pretty good use of colors, light and contrasts working perfectly together enhance whatever they are trying to enhance, and creating a situation where dark/light, betraial/loyalty, comedy/suspense, friendship/rivery, issues/nonsense... work together pretty well. And though Ill admit most of the comedy is not really my bottle of vintage coca cola the twists and my appreciation for these contrasts did end up making me go from thinking this is meeh lets just get thrue it to see what happens to thinkig oooo now this is interesting.

So in numbers:
Suspence: 8
Nostalgia: 10
Friendship: 9
Cinematography: 8,5
Emotional: 7
Annoying elaments: yes
Twists: 9
PPL:10
Styling: -10
Explosions: 8
Use of cars/trucks/skatebords: 10


So deffenetly an ok watch once you get passed the first half of second hand imberrisment and meehness

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Love is... Cringe... Cowerdley... .

This is a movie you watch in-between stuff to completely shut off your brain and just watch the joys and hardships of friends to lovers while being surrounded by dead people, mental illness, co dependence and living with a mentally ill parent. Some parts portrayed better than others but mostly cringe and with horrible acting from most of the side characters... 80% of this movie makes NO sense at all, dude can't to anything because he is color blind... and keeps losing his jobs... + is taught "to feel color with emotions" as if he was a 2 year old. Just got on my nerves. There is just so much cringy dialog that I almost had to throw up. While some parts were actually pretty good, reminded my of past (painful) experience that are rarely shown on film that way... Yet ruined by the poor acting, odd choices and the oh so bad acting by the side characters.

That said I love watching Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan (the leads) on screen together I just do! They are fun, their acting varies in quality but Belle has this thing where she can convey frustration, stubbornness, and sweetness really well. She is probably one of few people who can portray a girl throwing herself at a guy without seeming the least bit bathetic. So kudos!

So if you can shut off your brain, ignore all these annoying elements and love these leads I say go for it, have fun! If you have never seen these leads before, and want to watch something good, go watch something else.

P.S. may be a slight spoiler: I am also critical towards the messages this movie tries to convey... it over simplifies things and seems to try to tell people that they must get their s*** together on their own before they deserve to be loved. I am in no way advocating for co dependency, but there should be some thing in between, giving up on oneself just to support a person or leaving the person when they hit rock bottom so they can get their S''' together.

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