Reviews

I know that this was the last movie released but since I knew that, sure, it would be poetic but also dark and depressing - or at the very least sad - I decided to watch it before The Final because I didn't want to end my Rurouni Kenshin watch on a sad note. Ergo.

And it was truly amazing, like all the other Kenshin movies. And also very necessary, at least for me personally, to see what Kenshin was like before, while he was still a killer, how bad it was for him, what a toll it took on him. It was necessary if I wanted to truly grasp why he stopped killing and why he would never do it again, even when doing so would seem reasonable or justified. The contrast between the Kenshin before and the Kenshin later on is staggering.

The love story was heart-wrenching. On both sides, Kenshin's and Tomoe's too. Because they truly fell in love even though they never planned to. His heartbreak, her need to protect him at all cost... Yes, I cried.

I've seen complaints that there weren't enough fights or whatnot but from my point of view, it was very well balanced, the character driven story and all the killing. I think that if there were more of it, it would've become cartoonish because, well, sword fights are very bloody. So.

Only one movie left now...

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The Borne Identity (North) Korean style, in other words completely different...

This movie has been on my radar for a long time, and it is good it douse have a few iffy elements that I felt un sure of making me wonder was I supposed to laugh at this and is it okay to laugh? But overall it is rally good dealing with so many interesting issues in less than two hours without getting messy, is actually pretty impressive.

The acting here was really well executed, having many of the characters portray a wide range of emotions and characters switching in between... Showing great range and is what makes this movie interesting and most definitely worth watching. It is also interesting how they use color and weather to go between comedy, action thriller modes during the movie. an element I truly appreciate.

I may write more later, I may not, but bow I finally get the whole green suite so, if only for that I recommend this.

P.S they also made great use of an umbrella, and those who know me here know what that means,... and about the ending Ill put it in a comment tagged spoiler.

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Simple romantic movie set in historical times

There's really nothing outstanding on this movie but the plot is pretty straightforward. I am impressed that they were able to compress a decent story in a 2-hour movie specially that this is set on a historical period. Most movies that I watched set on historical drama either have an incomplete story or doesn't makes sense at all. At least this one is pretty reasonable. Of course, political/power play is a part that won't be left out on historical period shows. This one also have that but not as heavy as most historical period movies/dramas.

The casts has a lot of familiar faces specially handsome faces but there were just characters that I don't really know the purpose like MinHo (don't get me wrong I love to see his face on the screen it's just that his character is unnecessary but that's just my opinion.) The acting for the rest were just so-so, not too bad to criticize but not too good to commend as well.

There's nothing much I can say about the OSTs as I don't really remember if there's any. It was a worthwhile watch but I don't really re-watch movies specially those set in historical periods. If you just want a short historical romance story this is a feel good one that you can definitely choose.

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A father is forever a father, but a mother saves the day

"Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" is really a good movie, it tells a story of an ordinary man, Heo Sam Gwan, that wants to marry the most beautiful woman, Heo Ok Ran, in the village. However, eleven years after they get married and have three sons, the rumor starts that he is not the father of his first born son, The heartbreaking story begins after it is confirmed that his first born son, Heo Il Rak, has a different blood type than his blood type. Heo Sam Gwan becomes enraged and ignores Il Rak and wants Il Rak to call him "Ajeossi" instead of "Abeoji". I do not want to tell the story, but all characters in the movie act and perform so well to deliver this heartwarming story. The young Nam Da Reum that portrays Heo Il Rak, interprets his character so well with Il Rak's quiet demeanor, and accepting the cold treatment from Sam Gwan. As usual Ha Ji Won that portrays Ok Ran and Ha Jung Woo that portrays Sam Gwan tell the story and take care of the loose ends beautifully. I would recommend "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" without any hesitation.

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And once again, the power of friendship saves the day. This series might be about gangs but, well, it's as much about gangs as Sailor Moon was. It's true! Cobra's even a blondie!

But seriously now. The cinematography of the gangs riding to war was a thing to behold, when they teamed up and rode together to kick the Mighty Warriors' and Kohaku's collective butt! Goodness gracious, that was a thing to behold.

Also, as much as I adored the drama because it allowed the story to go deeper and wider and whatnot, I think I prefer the movie take on the whole thing because it felt much more concise and there weren't as many repeated flashbacks.

My favorite is still Cobra, Yamata is as protective of Cobra as ever, Murayama is still smitten with Cobra and they all still follow Cobra's lead so... nothing changed - and I love it.

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Efforts mend a broken dream

I really enjoy watching "Grand Prix". The cinematography is excellent and the scenery in Jeju Island is breathtaking. Seon Joo Hee performs so well and does an excellent job as a skilled equestrian that aims to win a Grand Prix trophy. She goes through failed attempt to win a race that kills her racing horse, subsequently she goes back to Jeju Island to spread the ashes of her beloved horse and eventually meets her savior, Lee Woo Seok. The interaction between these two leading roles is fun to watch. Lee Woo Seok is taking it slowly to build Joo Hee's confidence in horse racing again. It is a worthy relationship for both of them to heal their own hurts and broken dreams.

An additional eye candy In Jae and sweet Yang So Shim with her pony help the movie to move along when it is needed. I am so relieved that sweet So Shim helps save the race horse, Tamra, from being destroyed.

I would recommend the story to be developed into a K-drama to tell the story between Hwang Man Chul and Ko Yu Yung; the hidden story is so suspenseful and needs to be explored. Ko Yu Yung's hatred toward Man Chul and racing horses raised by Man Chul, also and Hwang Man Chul's regret need to be discussed in detail, it would be an interesting K-drama to watch.

I would recommend "Grand Prix".

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No. Because what the hell was that?
Holy shit this was the most toxic relationship I've seen in a while.
There was nothing cute, sweet, or happy about this in any way. I think the only thing i liked was her friendship with her best friend who didn't go to the same school. That was true friendship.
The girls she went to school with were nothing but trash. Mr "black prince" was just a scumbag.

I've never rooted so hard for a second lead before in my life and don't understand why she would pass up someone who would treat her well to be with a dude that calls you names and sees you as no more than an animal. (S&M, my ass. This is far from it)

FL wasn't likable either honestly. She had no spine and never grew one either. She was overly desperate and gosh damn this would go no where quick. Resentment in the future. Lol

Was so curious and excited to see this because the cover and plot sounded interesting........ mistakes were clearly made. Lol

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NOTE: please keep in mind this is my own thoughts and how I feel about it. I know not everyone will agree and that is fine.

I'm sorry but what the hell was this? The story. The acting. The synopsis. All had great potential.... had they been done correctly. Okay, everything was great except the story. There were just way to many plot holes and it drove me insane.
Yes, I know the lore about the box. Even know the lore about the forest.

But they took all that and made it barely make sense. What was the point of the girl in the beginning. What was the point of Hibiki taking her internet friends out there and leaving them 2 seconds in? I get the shock and awe affect later when they are "found", but it still doesn't make it make sense.

And what is the point of the "ghosts" being excited when newcomers come in? They all just join the group? Why wasn't Washio there then? Because he didn't finish off his finger? Lol what is it only those that chop it off get in? Just wayyyyy to many questions tbh.

And how did the box get under the house anyway? How did the box become the moms? Why did it just magically show up places if the whole point is to leave it alone? I say this also because of the credit scene when her daughter had the box. Like ..... how? Because of Hibiki? Why?

I hate when movies leave me with more questions that answers. Had all this made sense, this really would have been a bad ass movie.

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Incredible eerie mental puzzle

For a movie that is a little older (2012) I was pleasantly surprised to find it one of the better thrillers i watched. I'm picky when it comes to genres i don't usually watch. Thrillers being one of those. But this one exceeded my expectations.

The build up starts out perfectly balanced between brooding images, eerie music and not a word spoken. It sets a good start for what you know is going to be a theme that is held very well throughout the movie.
The dark sets, eerie music and overall creepiness even in regular scene really jumps out and makes you feel uncomfortable just watching it. Which is exactly what a movie like this is supposed to do.

Although i think they could have cut back on the ghost scenes. As it makes a point early on that the main character is experiencing trauma/mental issues. But throwing these in at seemingly random times and in a way that becomes an awfully cliché horror scene diminishes the progress of the movie and doesn't really add anything other then it making things a bit more 'scary'. I mean: I get it, they're dead. Leave them dead. Don't show their red eyed corpses every other 5 minutes. Geez.

Apart from that, the script hides the clues well and makes for a good mental puzzle that keeps you guessing until the near end of the movie. With red herrings and misplaced clues to confuse you; every time you think you know what's what the movie takes another turn and you're left guessing all over again until finally all pieces fall into place with a nice albeit cliché plot twist in the end.

The female lead portrays her character very well. Although 90% of the time it's just one emotion: scared. It's still believable with the way she expresses how that fear comes to grip at her being. And incredible the way she displays so many different aspects of the same emotion. Though her acting really reaches it's peak later on in the movie with some scenes i won't spoil.

The side characters were not all equally convincing. But supported the story enough to keep you invested until the end.

The music was chosen with precision. Increasing the dreary and ominous feeling. Though it's not something i'd enjoy listening to more often, it really adds to the gloomy atmosphere and the thickening plot, as well as the dark sets and dim lighting throughout the film.

All in all it was an enjoyable mental puzzle that i loved solving. But as they say: You can only solve it once, after that you know how it goes. With that i wouldn't necessarily be quick to rewatch it because i've solved this puzzle. But i would probably give this another go to see if i can spot other details i missed in the first watch.

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Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water...

Godzilla Raids Again was the direct sequel to the original 1954 Godzilla. I'd heard it wasn't very good and saved it for my last Godzilla movie to watch. Happily, I was not disappointed with this follow-up to Big G's story.

Godzilla had a worthy adversary to complicate his story, Anguilus determined to fight for the title of top Kaiju. After battling on a deserted island with two human pilots as their audience, they took their fight to Osaka and tore up the town.

The human stories are usually the weak part of any Godzilla movie. I found these characters to be quite charming in a 1950's manner and wasn't the least bit annoyed by them. Instead of watching the clock waiting for the big guy to appear I found the time went by quickly as they built interest in the humans who would fight Godzilla and be his victims.

The monster fights were violent and animalistic, no comic boxing and professional wrestling moves that were to come in the movies that would follow. Speeding the film up also helped to distract from the obviousness of two guys in rubber suits. For a 1955 film, the special effects were quite good.

Sato Masaru's score was emotionally evocative hitting the right notes for each scene. Director Oda Motoyoshi also knew when to use silence to intensify the fear in the people waiting in a darkened city with only the sound of the fighter planes attempting to lead Godzilla away from them heard overhead. This was the last black and white Godzilla movie and I think it actually works better than many of the color films. It blurred the lines of the obvious miniatures and rubber suits and allowed for more suspension of disbelief. Regarding the miniatures, they were also much better than the 1960's -1970's Godzilla movies.

I am quite at peace, making nearly a full circle back to the 1950's. Godzilla Raids Again was not a perfect movie, but it was emotionally satisfying and entertaining. Instead of ending on a low note, I ended on a high one. Big G, thanks for the memories, you beautiful giant irradiated lizard.

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teacher-student trope VS second male lead syndrome???

I did not like how the main love interest was literally her teacher and she's his student. What made it worse was he reciprocated his feelings for her like he isn't grown and she's a minor. The only thing stopping them two from being together at that point was her rejecting his confession.......like are you for real right now????!!! THAT was the reason, not that...oh I don't know, it is illegal??!! and so wrong in many ways. literally, the minor said no, not the adult. I was literally BEGGING!!! for her to get with the second love interest and thank God she did! They were cute and I was pleasantly surprised with the love story between the girl and the second love interest. That is the only reason my rating is that high for a movie with a teacher x student trope.

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Heartwarming family story

I really enjoy watching "Cheer Up, Mr. Lee", there are some scenes that are so heartbreaking, audience need a handkerchief to wipe teary eyes. The young actress, Uhm Chae Young that portrays Saet Byul performs so well as a cancer patient and steals our hearts. The veteran actor, Mr. Cha Seung Won, is really good in his act as a disabled Chul Soo. He performs it so well; it must not be an easy act to do. All actors/actresses really interpret their characters well and deliver a heartwarming story. The interaction between two brothers, Chul Soo and Young Soo reminds us of how brothers are; it is funny to watch but it must be painful to live with a disabled brother, obviously, a strong brotherly bond that keeps them together in thick and thin. The family interactions between Young Soo and his wife, Eun Hee, and his daughter, Min Jun, look so real that it could happen in any family situations. Their love as a family is palpable. I really recommend this heartwarming film

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