It's very obvious that this film is a drama in terms of plot and direction, it's made to be lilting. Even so, the execution of the horror scene is still quite intentional and quite tense.
After I finished watching this film, I feel that if this film were made into a pure drama & romance genre film, it would seem to have more impact on.
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Panor: Kill you? I want you to feel the pain. Like the pain you gave me. You'll feel it.
Art of the Devil 2 & 3 is truly the perfect form of revenge film, at least as a film that uses witchcraft to be a good spectacle.
Honestly, after watching the prequel to the second film in the Art of the Devil trilogy, I don't want to consider the first ever existed.
Apart in the previous film, Mrs. Panor is described as a bad woman, but here I feel I have no choice but to take her side. No wonder she has a bitter grudge, she was tortured till the child she was carrying was removed from her womb, then her body spirit was exchanged with his mother Tar. It pisses me off to see Ta's family, deserved and must be condemned.
Later it becomes a satisfying witchcraft parade aimed at the right people. Even the grandfather's character is made to feel a slow death through torture.
Remember "The Three Eyed God" at the end of the second film? Here is a sub-plot with Dit, the shaman who helps the spirit exchange ritual to become the person who hunts TEG. I like the character, looks cool even in a negative way, and I still don't understand why TEG prefers Panor over Dit because it says Dit has a dirty soul, even though Panor is no different.
The practical effects are getting better, like the rotting body of Dit which is full of maggots due to too much black magic being displayed quite disgustingly, and other characters also get a pretty good practical effect too.
Overall, it's not as intense as the second one, but it makes my emotions run wild because I feel that Panor's grudge really should & deserve to be paid in full.
Ta's Grandpa: You're evil!
Panor: So what did you to me was not evil?
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What is certain is that this is much better in all aspects than the first film, from the story, the atmosphere, to the special effects, etc. making this sequel superior to its predecessor.
The story really facilitates so that witchcraft can become the main focus, making the characters have a grudge against each other to the point of using the services of a shaman to do witchcraft, even all the characters in this film are not good people, all evil, make their death feel appropriate as a form of karma as the shaman says.
The practical effects are also very intentional, making this film almost look like body horror. I would like to give applause to this department because their work looks very good, looks real and the way they play with human bodies and skin, made my body ache. There is one of the most epic scenes in this film, showing the enormity of this witchcraft, which is when many geckos come out of the back of one of the characters and of course he immediately dies; as someone who doesn't like reptiles, this scene makes me uncomfortable but at the same time amazed because it's really cool.
The shaman's words are firmly adhered to in this film.
Deserve 5-stars because I satisfied.
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Unfortunately in terms of the story, it feels less evocative, Boom' motivation to send witchcraft to Pratan's ex-wife's family feels to weak, just to get Pratan's inheritance doesn't really make sense to me.
The atmosphere is also not tense, the same as what I felt when I watched another Tanit Jitnukul film entitled "Hell" which had an interesting idea but the story and execution were not optimal. A film like this is very suitable to be made as crazy and bloody as possible, especially using witchcraft, the death of the character can be made as creative as possible.
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This second part clearly raises the relationship between Buppah and Rang. When Rang was a child, Buppah became his private tutor and became his first love. That feeling is still there until Rang grows up and rents a room at Oscar Apartment, where Buppah died 10 years ago in room 609 (time of the film), where it's clear he met Buppah's spirit but since Rang doesn't know what happened, the film continues. .
The film is still funny and scary too but not as effective as the first part. I don't know because I was too focused on the continuation of the story about Buppah and Rang, but it really wasn't as strong as the first part.
Drama or romance? The relationship between Buppah and Rang is not that deep, but the pure power of Rang's first love and the interaction between them warms me. So when Rang finds out what happened to Buppah and he reads Buppah's letter, it really breaks my heart. Imagining how beautiful Buppah's life would be if misfortune had not happened to her and she also knew that there were still people who loved, cared and had real love for her.
It's truly suffocating seeing Buppah Rahtree tragic story in 4 films. Moreover, this film closes with the possibility of a beautiful future if only Buppah had not fallen for a bastard named Ake and keep on focus her study, as she was also the top of her class in medical school (explained in the first film).
What happened let it happen, now I can only imagine Buppah Rahtree in the alternate universe living happily as a doctor and living with someone who truly loves her.
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I dare to say this movie is much better than its predecessor, sadden? my eyes are teary, scary? yup, funny? can't stop laughing. The horror and comedy managed to synergize well, all the jokes didn't feel forced, even when the horror came in, I think all of that was because the cast that was hired was indeed more proper.
The drama is also very well made, especially when it introduces Pla as Rahtree's reincarnation, which really makes me feel sorry, I want to cry when I see her being tortured by her stepfather, bullied by her friends, then raped by a horny old man, then I remember what happened to Buppah in the previous film made this part painful, made me sympathize with her character a lot. Everything they've experience, boils down to their motivation to kill people especially men and it was acceptable.
As for the horror, to be honest the design or make up of Buppah and Pla while in ghost mode is very cool, their mouths are made open while holding a razor, more than enough to be my nightmare. Much better than the previous 2 films, where Buppah's make up looks too simple. Moreover, the placement of the jumpscare is quite good even though it is helped a lot by the noisy sfx "aaahhh".
Overall, one of the best horror comedy I've seen in my life, rarely there's a film that can scare me and make me laugh at the same time.
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Either way, the comedy must be accepted, because for some reason they combine the horror moments while trying to be funny, exhausting.
I ended up being more sympathetic to Buppah, had a future that might have been bright, but was ruined because of a man, got sexually abused by my stepfather and got pregnant by Ake. Laila Boonyasak as Buppah, makes me want to take care of her.
Actually, I've watch Rahtree Reborn few years ago and it was better than this.
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Without a doubt, The Medium is absolutely one of the most creepiest film I watched last year.
As a person who was born in Southeast Asia, it's no stranger to shamanism, regardless of whether you have used his services or not, but at least you must have heard stories or seen people who are victims of shamanic practices. I myself belong to the group who have only seen people affected by this shaman's witchcraft, the victims are from my own family but thankfully my brother has recovered.With that experience, the film feels relatable and it's easier for me to follow the plot, moreover, I often hear this type of story when hanging out with friends and will never get bored.
The film itself tells about a group of Thai documentary team traveling to the northeast part of Thailand, Isan to document the daily life of a local medium, Nim, who is possessed by the spirit of Bayan. Bayan is an ancestral God and has been possessing women in Nim's family for generations.
Then later the film will focus on Nim's niece, Ming. After a lot of strange things happen to Ming, Nim is initially convinced Bayan wishes Ming to succeed Nim, but it turns out not to be what the characters and even me expected.
This film is well-construct, in the first 1 hour, we are stuffed with information about the characters from Nim's shamanism to the misfortunes that always happen to the Noi family, while setting the atmosphere and tension which will really serve as provisions for the last 1 hour.
In the last 1 hour Banjong gradually started trying to scare, especially with Ming who was possessed by an evil spirit who was described as so wicked because it was said that all kinds of spirits entered Ming's body, so yeah she really pushed as a nightmare source here. They also include a Paranormal Activity-style segment before exorcising Ming which honestly gives me goosebumps. But the peak moment is when the exorcism begins, all I can say is that confidence is turned to despair.
Kudos to all the cast, they are really did a good job as a medium for transmitting fear, especially Narilya Gulmongkolpech as Ming, started as cute good looking girl (I thought I fall for her in funeral scene) to creepy-sick looking girl (WTF, I shocked), her appearance change which is also accompanied by a change in her acting from a cheerful girl to a scary girl, I honestly think she is really cool, deserve to be praise.
Banjong Pisanthanakun, undeniably that he is indeed a director who is good at making films; from horror, romance to comedy genres. It's a shame that in the past 5 years he has only directed 2 titles. We need more from you Mr. Banjong.
The only thing I don't like from this film was the cameraman of this documentary team seems weird, they did take pretty good shot but did the documentary cameraman have to keep shooting even though someone in front of him needed help? or what's a little annoying here is when the cameraman is asked by a monk or someone to just check on Ming's aunt's son but he hesitates and doesn't even help that someone prevent the aunt from doing **Confidential**.
Overall, a pretty good found footage horror films, also from asia. Nice.
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Anyway, after Toru started renting his own apartment for Mina, this film started to heat up, the conflict surrounding the illicit relationship between step-siblings was really presented seriously, supported by the acting of the actors who acted quite as needed but very effectively sent emotions to the audience, in this case it's me. They were really doing a good job.
There is one surprising piece of information that I only found out after watching this, which is that non-blood related siblings can get married. I was like what the heck, I googled it and found something in Quora that explain this, you can marry your step siblings but in Japan, it also still assumption tho.
That's all I want type. Thanks.
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This review may contain spoilers
My heart ached a beautiful ache.
It’s raw, it’s real and it’s beautiful. I am so in love with this film and it’s portrayal of teenage angst and growing up. It brought me back when I was 17.It started with a lie that almost felt too real. The story is layered with family drama, first love, unrequited love, first heartbreak, first kiss, actions and consequences. I personally love how electronic music is instrumental in this film.
Wu Lei’s acting is “chef’s kiss”. He is so beautiful to watch. He truly brought XYZ to life. I felt all his emotions. The lead actress isn’t bad either, but Wu Lei is just brought it.
I have to admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a full movie. This had my interest from start to finish. And while my heart ached a little bit with what happened in the film, I personally liked how it ended. It is realistic yet wonderful.
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You should watch this!!
I've always cry a lot when it comes to movies because that is my choice everytime I make a lists. But this movie just proved to me that I'm not emotionally stable and matured enough to take all things that are happening. This is really a must watch movie. Not usual storyline of BL but rather a realistic way of approach when it comes to life especially for affairs but in a different perspective and life. There's nothing much to say about this, you should experience it with yourself. And enjoy!Thanks
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a kinda cute hot mess
Yuu's father deserves a sound thrashing. The entire craziness that is this movie is because of him. If he hadn't told Yuu that nice boys are actually bad choices for her then maybe she would have had more self-confidence. And if Rin hadn't taken daddio's word as gospel, well, maybe he would have the flirtatious and teasing kind of cute instead of the bullying and master manipulator that he spent 90% of the movie being.Loved Sho Hirano as Rin (even when I wanted to throttle him) and Kentaro Ito as Saeki. I had SML syndrome for awhile, but I think in the end that Saeki and Yuu's best friend might actually be a good match. They were kinda cute.
In the end, I don't really know what I think. But when two people are messed up, well, what are you going to do about it? I didn't hate it, and the end had me smiling, but it was a long journey of annoyance, frustration, and pent-up anger. And because I hate being manipulated, I really hate girls who allow boys to manipulate them. I spent almost 20 years being manipulated by my former best friend, and yeah, it's not a fun feeling. Since Rin actually doesn't seem to be that person at heart, I hated that he ended up acting the bully for what I think is no good reason.
It just occurred to me where I've seen this done better. "Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge" has the message of self-improvement down pat, has a heroine that actually can stand on her own two feet, a boy who bullies but only goes so far, and a happy ending that makes sense based on their individual personalities. Plus the ML isn't the one who conditioned the FL in this drama. She was a serious mess before he ever met her, and because they met, he actually helps to develop her confidence rather than shrink it. Does the girl really need to change? At the end of the day, not really, the important thing is that she learns to love herself and the ML learns to love her the way she is too. It's fun without being abusive. Oh my gosh, I forgot how much I love Sunako-chan and Kyohei-kun!
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BEST KOREAN THRILLER YOU'LL EVER COME ACROSS
Usually, Korean Thriller movies lose the plot towards the end but this one doesn't.Right from the bat, it's bang on.
A focused plot is like a clean slate.
Each and every minute is a hell lot interesting to watch.
The plot isn't baffling, it's based on surveillance but the execution and theme predominantly rise up the movie to another level.
And on top of that combine it with the acting of Jung Woo Sung and Han Hye Joo.
Voila Perfection achieved.
The only reason I've given this a 9.5 is the ending.
And once you watch the movie you'll get the reason.
Don't miss it.
It's as real as it gets.
I enjoyed it a lot.
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The korean version of New Year’s Eve
Star studded cast?YesGood acting?Yes
Predictable plot? Absolutely Yes
Coincidentally, i watched this movie in new year’s eve, and this movie served what every holiday movies need to : a heartwarming stories, (lots of) eye candy, simple plot, and ultimately giving warm to audience who watched it. There’s no surprise element in this movie, everything went predictably, maybe for some people it would be boring. But hey, there are times when we would be craving for this kind of movie.
So, if you are really want to relax, or need some holiday vibe (or maybe you’re in the airplane LOL) i will highly recommend this movie for you. Don’t think too much, just enjoy the ride
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^^
I think they are very cute and I like the story and the cast. This is definitely one of my favorite dramas. <3The plot and setting are nice and I would rewatch this again if I had the time. I saw some people's reviews and said they were disappointed but not me I really like it and seeing them love each other is so cute. My standards in Japanese dramas are not really that high like others and I don't really like dramas that have a lot of problems going on, honey lemon soda is just what is right for my standards <3
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