Reviews

Really?

Ok, there were MANY unbelievable moments in this film, but the scene that really had me flailing my arms in disbelief was the scene where the car ran through all those jugs of clean distilled water. I mean this takes place in Africa, right? Where I assume most parts are lacking in clean water, it was a little too much. It’s like seeing iphones in a kdrama. Everything was a little over the top, silly and fun but a little too silly and contrived. Even Jackie Chan at times was like, “really?!?” “Wth” and he wasn’t talking about the situation, he was referring to the movie.

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The one-hour and 45 minutes went by quick when watching this movie. All the good parts are great: acting, story/plot, cinematography, OSTs. Even though at the beginning we see that his young nephew is embarrassed by having a jobless uncle, we also get to witness how much he is loved by his family. Although he still lives with his parents and does not have any job prospects, everyone in his family seems to love him and cares for him. In times of great peril, the ML, does not shy away from doing everything he can to save others, even if it means risking his own life. This is certainly the hero complex. I am glad the FL herself is strong, smart, and contributes to both of their survival. She is no damsel-in-distress. At the end of the movie, with his family saved and united, there’s hope that now the ML’s life can start: a budding romance with the FL, and maybe renewed hope for a brighter future.

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OTHER LEVER

I watch this movie cause i heard good criticize but hell no i was not expecting this ...
I knew that its not 'happy light story' but i wanted to see something different
When i start it, i was like 'oh interesting ' but after the time was passing i was slowly more and more addicted to the plot . I lived every s-e-c-o-n-d
◇THE STORY....its unique, its realistic cause life isn't only happy and funny moments, its touched me so much and i fulll agree with everyone who said that its not only a bl movie but a LGBTQ+ movies who everyone must watch it.
◇THE ACTING W-O-W i don't know what to say it was fabulous/amazing /fantastic.
◇EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL and when i say everything i mean it: from ost to the dialoge between actors-some of them were soooo powerful and the meaning behind it.
If i could rank it > 100/10

~I recommend it if you want something realistic but masterpiece~

(I will never forget you thank you ♡)

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The burden of loneliness

Some encounters via dating apps make us forget our loneliness for a while, if not find love. But what happens when the perception of such a meeting differs, even if we know the purpose?

Is the person who wants a bit of human warmth, a bit of conversation before an intimate relationship to break the ice a killjoy?
Is the person who doesn't care who the other person is an asshole or an excessive adept of hookup culture?

This film, in my opinion, beyond showing the progress of this night, speaks about what each person is ready to do or not to overcome loneliness.

"You know those days. The days when you don't want to be alone. The days when you want to be loved and stay with. On those days, where should I go? "Ye Eun.

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Interesting premise but confusing

I'm usually a huge fan of time travel type stories, especially when it has a sort of "oldie" vibe — and certainly, at the start, I really liked how the story was playing out. I loved both timelines and how they interacted with each other, and I also really liked all the characters and their backstories, and how those were tied together.

As the movie went on, however, I definitely just felt like it lost me. There were more characters that I didn't care much about, the three boys started blurring into one another and doing things for no reason, and overall I just thought the movie became "jack of all trades, master of none."

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One of the biggest and most expansive hits in the South Korean cinemas, Kim Yong-hwa offers a filmic version of a wildly popular webcomic of the same name in this first half of the story. Already the second-most viewed film in South Korean film history and either nominated or winning numerous Korean Film Awards, Kim’s first installment, with part 2 due to arrive later in the year as well as a television adaptation occurring in the meantime, appears poised to explode when it arrives on American shores.

During a nightmarish building fire, firefighter Kim Ja-hong (Cha Tae-hyun, from “My Sassy Girl”) finds that he was killed in the line of duty and forced into the afterlife. Faced with three guardians, Haewonmak (Ju Ji-hoon, from “Asura: The City of Madness”) Gang-rim, (Ha Jung-woo, from “The Handmaiden”) and Lee Deok-choon, (Kim Hyang-gi, from “Thread of Lies”), he is soon put through a series of tests in order to determine his worthiness in order to be reincarnated in the next life. As the trials commence and he goes further into the afterlife, a complication emerges that puts the entire ordeal in jeopardy and must be resolved before he can pass to the other side.

Frankly, taking one look at “Among the Gods” reveals many reasons for its popularity. Writer/director Kim Yong-hwa has crafted an ingenious tale that offers plenty of enjoyable elements. The original story, laced with a fine action-based subplot featuring the escaped spirit, offers a fascinating folktale about death and the spirit after we have died. Utilizing the basic framework of a multiple-layered Hell and the spirit going through trials in each said level, the film offers a novel and enjoyable variant on those types of stories. The second storyline, about Gang-rim tracking down the escaped family-member turned renegade spirit interrupting the trial, is a stellar secondary piece.

With the guardians afraid of what it would mean to their process if word got out about the being creating a bad name for the family, this sense of urgency to stop it before the trial is affected is a great bit of suspense throughout in the race to stop it. Likewise, the film itself is simply beautiful to look at. The production design by Lee Mok-won is absolutely stellar, traversing the various places in the Afterlife and creating many memorable and lasting settings. From the sea of volcanoes where they hold a court meeting inside an active lava-flow and a waterfall-based cliff overlooking the giant grounder on the island below, to the meeting being conducted in the middle of a giant forest or overlooking a coliseum composed of jagged, massive rocks, the different locations here are impressive and manage to feature plenty of intriguing locations.

Captured beautifully by cinematographer Kim Byung-seo, ‘Along with the Gods’ features a presentation that rivals mainstream Hollywood fare with the presentation of the different worlds or the epic sense of scale generated by the action within. From massive falls and plunges to swordplay and even full-on battle scenes, this packs in a fine action quotient to manage the fantastical storyline.However, it’s really the cast and acting here that impresses more than anything. Ha Jung-woo is incredible as Gang-rim, the man in charge of Ja-hong’s trial. Initially appearing to be a strict and determined being trying to ensure the process goes smoothly, the more they uncover about his life the more he reverts back to his human persona in terms of recklessness as he tries various tactics to help Ja-hong.

The film, however, still manages to make him likable and sympathetic as they traverse the various stages due to his level-headed charisma and ability to keep his emotions in check. His right-hand man, Haewonmak is played by Ju Ji-hoon as a somewhat more reckless, but still respectful individual who clearly wants the best for Ja-hong but treats this as part of the job. Despite his importance, he doesn’t view Ja-hong as being of the deemed status bestowed upon him and tries to keep his level-headed reserve for the job in check as they continue through the trials.

However, it’s the last two who deserve special mention here. Kim Hyang-gi is phenomenal as Lee Deok-choon, the apprentice-like being to Gang-rim as she is shown the ropes of how to garner souls through the afterlife. Spunky and optimistic, she begins with an infectious attitude that doesn’t denote the ordeal ahead, but gradually becomes invested in the process. She looks genuine in her concern for Ja-hong and the boldness she displays during the latter parts of the trial add to her likability which is what really brings us to the process. Lastly, Cha Tae-hyun works wonders as Kim Ja-hong, the firefighter being shown his life before his eyes. Initially, he appears completely overwhelmed bin what’s going on, but as we get to learn the series of tragedies in his past the more emotionally invested the audience becomes. It’s a testament to his talent that the drama weighs out nicely and the finale almost becomes tear-inducing as we learn the truth about him which is what helps to sell the action so well.

Even with all these elements present, it does have a few minor flaws. The most apparent is the film’s ungodly length as the weighty running time does feel every bit the near two-and-a-half hours. The trials here really take their time, as both the guardians and the prosecutors are given full-reign to speechify in order to give their full arguments before the Superior Beings in charge of each location. These scenes really could’ve been trimmed down to the actual points in order to move the pacing up. Likewise, the secondary subplot about the vengeful spirit potentially-harming the process could’ve been dropped entirely. This injects the film with action, but in doing so also forces the film to halt the action in order to determine the cause of the spirits’ actual death. Despite the rational motivation for the vendetta, the subplot was unneeded until the very end and just adds to the overlong length of the film. There’s not a lot to say about how to integrate it, but it adds a heavy drama that makes the film feel overlong more than anything.

In the end, the film is a stellar and wholly worthwhile Fantasy/Action/Drama epic that really seems to embody what the best of South Korean cinema has to offer. It’s big-budget look and feel offers worthwhile counterpoints to mainstream Hollywood, and yet the regional twist in the storyline and attitude towards its characters, the film emerges as a fine effort for those willing to take a chance on that material or fans of Korean cinema in general, while the running time might be the only aspect that would make others heed caution here.

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Started of great until it eventually faded

First of all I seriously don't understand why is there a movie series for Whispering Corridors. So far this is the 3rd movie and it still doesn't make sense. Pardon me if I don't get this kind of movie, I might be ignorant about this type of movies so it confuses the hell out of me.

The way the story is introduced is clear - how they have shown the relationship between the leads, what caused the conflict. Up until there I was able to follow and even find it interesting. But after that I just totally get lost. I understand that there will be some sort of revenge but I totally didn't understand why was it executed that way. I didn't get the logic at all as to why this person become involved, why was she doing it, why are things happening, what am I watching? I was hoping it will get clearer towards the end but just like the precedent movies, it just confused me more.

I was happy though to see Song JiHyo's debut movie though. I understand how eye-catching she is in this movie. I am a big Song JiHyo fan and she's the only reason why I started watching the Whispering Corridors movies. Story-wise I still don't get why it's one of the longest running movie series but I am hopeful that it will get better on the next movies.

I personally didn't like it but if you loved the first 2 Whispering Corridors movies or you liked this type of supernatural horror thriller, this might be for you. Also, if you love JiHyo Eonnie like I do, please watch this. She's so cute and lovely on this movie.

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heart wrenching but a little long-winded?

i didn't watch this in one sitting, since my limit is probably 1 and a half hours of attention. i imagine that if i did, the immersion would be greater, though i think i would have gotten slightly frustrated at the pace, though i think that could very much be intentional.

we watch the children grow, over the span of what we can assume is 1-2 years. grow, that is, with no light but the sun, water from the park, and scrap food from the convenience store. shoes become too small, clothes become tattered, and akira becomes a shell of the boy he could have been, whilst taking the role of a parent for three younger children. we become witness to neglect that may be fictional, but whose basis is very real. our minds can't help but to imagine happiness and freedom that their mother is experiencing, all the while the children are suffering for her irresponsibility. i could probably write a 10,000 word essay on my hatred for her and almost all other adults in the children's life, but i don't think that'd be particularly helpful, so i'll refrain.

there's a lot of beauty in this film, mostly thanks to the cinematography and the rawness of the acting, most likely due to the loose script (i highly recommend watching the documentary on the making of this film). akira's rare smile was healing, as was seeing the children finding joy in growing plants in ramen pots, or eating their favourite candy. the setting of the flat feels claustrophobic and suffocating, and the shots outside really are a breath of fresh air. the children's utter joy at just being able to walk outside is extremely bittersweet, when they are greeted with the apathy of the outside world.

the juxtaposition of akira's resignation of the dream that their mother would return, and yuki's hope that her birthday wish of her mother's presence would come true is noteable. experience has withered akira's soul into that of a pessimist, while yuki's naivety has a small flame still burning until her final breaths.

yuki's death was as equally devastating as it was relieving. what was in her future? it seems that she was hardly registered as a living person, what could the world give her, other than indifference? nobody knows that she existed, nor that she died, except from us, the viewer, and the family of 'nobodies'. of course, her not existing on paper did not mean that she did not, but it did mean that only her present did.

i've heard that this is based loosely on a particular case, though i'm sure that, unfortunately, this film will resonate with many who've been abandoned, temporarily or permanently, or children who were forced to grow up too fast, in any manner, especially for those who have had to grow up for the sake of those more vulnerable than them, who have done nothing but sacrifice. i hope for all akiras, kyokos, shigeru and sakis, that an apology and compensation owed to you by the world is given in some way, and that all the 'freedom' given to those who embody the role of the mother in this film is proven to have a heavy cost.

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how to be brave

This drama tell us about a story that most of us having trouble maybe in some or everyday of our days. Let me explain...

1. The trouble of fat woman. Yeah our world is cruel, especially to a fat woman. We can see in the lift how every fat woman expected to be self-aware that they need to be get off, even when they not the last person who get into the lift. And the world is perception never good in a fat woman, we woman sometimes getting reminded of that everyday with every thing around us hoping for a slim woman rather fat one, that sometimes makes us very unsecure with our own body.

2. Everything have price. Like the 'rabbit' said, we sometimes don't know what price we must pay for something & only realize it when everything already too late... From the first the 'rabbit' already said everything have price, I already scream to my screen, 'What the price...?!' But our FL never even bother to ask that. Yeah we human sometimes never even consider what the 'price' we have to pay for something 'magical', we just hoping for the best & just jump into it.

3. We need bravery. Our ML & FL have classic problem of friend that falling in love with each other but too scared to confess and change the status. What if is always became the question. But in here also there are they're bad thoughts play the role, all the misheard & bad assumption make things worsen for our couple. In love, or maybe in anything in our life, sometimes a little bravery make a big important impact in our life.

I don't know this better or not. But how about if in the end the FL wake up & all the story that happen in the drama happen only in the dream.... Hehe....

Overall I quite satisfied with Guan Xiao Tong & Johnny Huang here. Quite good movie to spend ur afternoon...

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Not for anyone who has suffered trauma in their life

When I first watched this movie I was drawn to it by one of the commenters the music was pretty good. I was confused about the young man and what he was being kidnapped tortured and into the bondage thing. But the movie shows about the ghost of the kidnapper and the young man who was being tortured past. Throughout the whole movie they learn to confront their demons. The kidnapper is trying to show the young man how to live his life through pain and pleasure. The more pain and pleasure he feels the more alive he feels. And the more pain he feels that's when his survivor instinct kicks in. The young man suffers a severe loss and everything in his life spirals out of control. Even though the kidnappers job is to save people's lives he was having a hard time living his after suffering a similar loss. Finally when the young man goes free and knows the truth. He finally wants to live in a set free. And in the process he helps the kidnapper get free of his demons as well. He was held prisoner for how long how many days was conditioned. I mean in the end he ends up helping the kidnapper. I was thinking he was suffering from Stockholm syndrome. Could be but you can tell by his expression and the way he communicates with his kidnapper who said him free that the young man is actually free. I know the torture and bondage and rape scenes were pretty intense. But that's because the actors did a really good job and the music helped to. But I was really enjoyed the ending. Because they really helped each other. And I have rewatched this like three times already cuz I really enjoyed it. And it actually looks like they're having sex it is. It is a very good psychological thriller the acting is very good because the torture scenes look so real. After the second time over watching yet I kept thinking I couldn't imagine doing that in front of the cameras how many takes hesitant to do that. Because it looks like it's actually like soft p***. This is not for the fate of heart I give it a 9 out of 10.

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More Questions Than Dancing

Step Up: Year of the Dance is a 2019 Chinese dance film that follows two dance crews from different social classes, who then combine forces to defeat a prolific dance crew from the United States. The plot sounds riveting... but it was very much the opposite.

God, I wanted to like this so much because Meiqi (the lead actress) is one of my biases from WJSN, but I really couldn’t. Everything about this film was terribly bland (the only highlight was seeing Jade Chynoweth dance, and she was amazing).

Let’s start with the story. Overall, I was confused on what the film wanted to be. Was it trying to be more like a drama, or was it it going to focus more on the dance aspect? It was all over the place.

First, with the Step Up franchise, you obviously have the emotions that come with the passion for dancing... which, to be honest, I only really felt from the male lead Super Dino (who, I think I should point out, is primarily a dancer and not an actor). Even if his introduction in the film was corny as hell, you kind of feel bad for the guy for the rest of the film.

Secondly, the film tried to have some sort of romance amongst the characters, which added absolutely nothing to the story. You forget that there is an attempt of a love line until the film brings it up again. It also, annoyingly, doesn’t get resolved.

Thirdly, there wasn’t much of a clear goal achieved in the film, and the plot itself was very convoluted. It starts off vaguely with Super Dino’s character Tie Hua having to reveal something to Meiqi’s character Xiao Fei, to “DaNcE iS mY pAsSiOn,” to “We gotta beat the Black Tigers!!”, to “Oh no, we gotta avenge our brother Tie She,” to “Okay, we gotta beat Phantom now.” There were also many plotholes, from how the joined forces between Iron Crew and Sky Crew decided upon focusing on “kung-fu inspired dance,” to He Jr.’s father suddenly giving approval to his son dancing. So many questions...

To sum up this review, I absolutely hated this film. I even couldn’t enjoy the dance scenes because how angry and confused I was while watching it. I don’t recommend watching it unless you’d also like to be just as angry and confused lol.

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THIS SHIT IS ASSSS

and FUCK sawa shes so annoying 🤮🤮 bruh this shit wasted 2 hours of my time literally its so ass and also it doesn't even make sense what the fuck are they talking about the whole time they fr living in a normal ass town and they all up everyones ass calling them shit bugs bruh... AND TF YOU ON BRUH "the other side" if you dont shut your ugly delusional ass up and just live. tf was sawa on the whole show they needa put her in a mental hospital she's fucking crazy and that dumbass boy i even forgot his name cuz he was so dumb but all ik is my girl saeki she deserves better thats my girl

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