Reviews

This movie is much more relatable than you think. An underrated movie for sure.

200 Pounds Beauty really hits home for me. This movie managed to pull off some comedic and serious scenes very well. The main character has been pressured to look beautiful because she doesn't meet beauty standards. You can see the ACTUAL struggles of constantly being known for your weight, which made the main character much more relatable than I thought.

Also, even when she manages to give herself a full-body makeover, you can still see her personality there. It's wholesome, warm, and sweet. This movie also subtly pulls off how people see attractive people, overweight people, and people who've done plastic surgery (through jokes). It's still perky and has its charm but manages to remain honest and true to the theme.

However, the drawbacks of the movie were the male character lead. I understand that not all male leads have to be good, but his mindset towards Gang Han Na before and after doesn't sit well with me. However, I think near the end I see a slight change of growth, but I'm not too sure. Nonetheless, it's a nice change of pace.

Also, the main theme of the movie slightly irks me as TheJ commented. When people realize she was fat before, they didn't mention that being called fat or being body-shamed isn't okay. It's as if people only like Gang Ha Na because she became pretty - which is uncalled for. Other than that, I think this movie is a good representation of overweight people (especially women) in Korean society.

Story: It was good, other than that last bit.

Acting/Cast: Good, but the main character's lead felt a bit unnatural here and there. Other than that, I think it was fine.

Music: It was great and fit in with the movie, especially the last scene.

Rewatch Value: I would watch it, it's perky and wholesome. I might likely do it for next summer.

Overall, a strong movie with a strong value. 8/10 - would watch it again.

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I seriously love, love, loooovvvveee ADiamondLee even before this shortfilm. I've been a fan on their YT channel for the longest time and their vids were a bit comical mixed with handsome boys and more boys plus the BL/Bromance genre.
Sometimes it's sexual, sometimes just plain silly but it always ends with some kind of a comical relief sort of ending.

I never really got to see the acting potential of their actors until this shortfilm and I must say I didn't habe high expectations but I was overwhelmed by how good their acting was and how their eyes portrayed emotions

I fell in love all over again. ADiamondLee needs to do more projects like this. The acting was on par with highgpaid actors and I loved it shamelessly

Although I'm not much of a fan of stories that show alot of reality's niche topics(personally)... But I definitely appreciated this in all hoesty. Artistically, of course.
This reminded me of Night Flight, but with a very satisfactory ending.

I didn't really mind that it was short. It wouldn't have had that much impact if it was dragged on... And besides, even thpugh it was short it didn't feel rushed at all the necessary elements were there

It was beautiful. Dark... But also LIGHT-heartedly beautiful [pun intended (@_<) ]

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Depicts Reality at Its Best

Just discover this movie last two weeks. Since then, I had watched it for two times already (the second one is just to thoroughly gain insight and conforming of what I’ve truly understand about this movie). Honestly speaking, this is one of the best movies I ever watched as far as I could remember. Everything in this movie were perfectly written and portrayed. I love how realistic this movie was all about. The fact that we all know ‘not all love lasts’ and not everything are ‘meant to be’. This movie really hits home though and make me cry bucket of tears. It portrayed the reality of life, the struggle in relationship, the struggle in daily basis in order to survive the life, and love that we expect to be happily ever after and dream that we wishes will come true. Also, at certain point, we know love alone is not enough to bring a relationship to a stable point. This movie shows that not all love story end in happy ending like fairy tales. Plus, it gives us (audiences) the sense of a proper closure. Just how the couple end their relationship at the end.

I love everything about this movie. Zhou Dongyu as a female lead is a perfect choice for this role. She nailed the character of Xiao Xiao. The male lead (Jing Boran) is equally good in delivering his character. I love them both and hopefully they can reunite in another movie or drama. I love their chemistry. I felt all the emotions they delivered. Amazing job for both of them. And the role of ML’s father had me bawled my eyes at the end. “He become matured now, and I know it’s because of you.” He’s a father everyone would want to have.
Sobs ;(

Oh, don’t even start about the OSTs of this movie (I only know two of them and I’m hooked over the songs). The first one is the soundtrack sung by Eason Chen titled Us (women). Oh, please listen and understand the lyrics behind it. Heartbreaking and painful to describe. One of the lyrics written “my greatest regret is that your regret involved me..” if this not painful, I don’t know what else to say. The second song from Hebe Tien (title roughly translated as Friend who’ve love for a long time), if you recalled this song was played during their making love scene. I love this song too as the lyrics really kills me inside. For that, I gave 10/10 for the OST.

Anyway, a big applause to the production especially Rene Liu for creating this masterpiece. I would rate this movie 10/10 and definitely will come back again to rewatch this movie. This movie will stay in my mind forever, for how great and realistic it was. Highly recommended movie to watch!

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The Young Leads are Awesome!

This is a really good movie. It was fun, light and quite charming. I immensely enjoyed, mainly due to the leads, Vivian Sung as Lin Truly and Darren Wang as Tai Yu. Very beliveable in their roles and excellent chemistry. What I also really liked was that it didn't become some love/hate nonsense. They really becomes friends who enjoy each others company. The supporting cast is really good to and it was a nice surprise to see Jerry Yan at the end as the adult Taiyu (I didn't look ast the cast before I watched).

Of course what I didn't like was the new Director of the school. I am never a fan of an educator saying people don't have a right to learn or judging students based on negative perceptions. So glad that wans't the focus.

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Spy thriller disaster movie

Ashfall (2019)

My 4th Ha Jung Woo movie this month 😊

This movie felt like two movies combined into one. It starts with a disaster movie, where Mt Baekdu erupted and the resulting earthquake severely impacted Seoul and North Korea. And a team was dispatched to steal a detonator from NK and to place it in one of the mines in Mt Baekdu to diffuse the pressure and prevent an even massive eruption.

The SK team met the NK spy who made their mission difficult by double dealing with the Chinese to bring the detonator of the nuclear bomb and somehow the US army found out about it and the movie became a spy thriller.

Great effects although the earthquake was too severe to be realistic. I love the tandem of Lee Byung Hun and Ha Jung Woo. Their fights were intense as they tried to outsmart the other but they worked best as a team. I was also laughing out loud at some of their scenes. Would love to see them in a proper action comedy flick again. It's my first time seeing Ha Jung Woo in this kind of role since he always plays roles where he is just so good and smart at everything, so it was nice seeing him fumble and be funny. Of course by end of the movie he was able to solve everything!

Suzy as his wife i think didn't really have a lot of scenes and was just there to provide some emotional reason for the captain to come back alive. The professor who thought of the most harebrained idea of detonating Mt Baekdu also had a side story which I also liked.

Overall I would say this is more of a spy thriller under the guise of a disaster movie. The plot is unrealistic but still fun to watch.

Rating: 8/10

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I have no clue what happened but I kind of liked it???

To be honest, I had no clue what was going on here. But I really like the implicit meaning behind it.

I actually watched it because of the speculations from Girl From Nowhere, saying that the series was a reference to this movie.

And so, I decided to watch it.

NON-SPOILER REVIEW:

If you hate GORE, RAPE, VIOLENCE, DRUGS, or back-to-forth timelines - then this is NOT for you.

The World of Kanako expresses a reality that truly exists. Even though it's a little dramatized, the theme is still there. It's a game of cat and mouse, except Kanako is smart, and ruthless. The suspense of his existence is there and is a complete question even after the movie ends. Also, there is no good person here.

In essence, I think The World of Kanako is exactly that - a world that feeds on the existence and remnants of Kanako. She lingers and leaves a mark on all she encounters. Both sides of the world, whether it's criminal activity or school, she affects everyone.

The music was great, I enjoyed it. Especially at 1:23:01 is a nice song...but not the best scene to bop to. I suggest you prepare for that scene if you're going to watch this. Lastly, the scene that made everything the most intriguing scene was 1:14:23. The way Takasugi Mahiro played his lines was FANTASTIC. His last line was awesome too.

Once again, if you don't like movies that mess up your brain - this one ain't the movie for you.

Overall I'm not watching this anytime soon. A bit of a waste, but an interesting theme to follow.

MINOR SPOILER REVIEW:

There's a lot to uncover in this movie, and honestly, I don't know where to start. The main character played by Yakusho Koji is an absolute mad lad. Each of these characters has some form of obsession and something that makes them inherently bad. This movie brings out the worse in society in terms of crime and emotions - and Kanako explores these emotions ruthlessly.

In my opinion, there's nothing to tug at your heartstrings, just...emptiness. I think that's what the director wanted to present as well, and in a way - put us in Kanako's shoes. We only know bits and pieces of the characters, but we never have a side of them to truly love or hate. This movie is a puzzle piece that we, as the audience are trying to uncover - and I think Kanako's personality reflects this idea, especially at the end.

The ending (in terms of meaning) really reflects full circle. The character's obsession never ends. Like father, like daughter - and our culprit figures this out as well.

As for its drawbacks, I would say that the ending is kind of anti-climatic and a bummer. Second, some of it was confusing, but luckily I got the main concept. Third, the character was a bit disturbing in terms of threatening the people he met. You'll...know what I mean sooner or later. Lastly, Nagano's sister. She kept following the man even though he assaulted her - and I'm just like...???

Overall I'm not watching this anytime soon. A bit of a waste, but an interesting theme to follow.

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Most realistic love story

Hmm, how do i start….. I clicked on this movie when i already know the ending so throughout the movie i cried every times there’s a sweet moment between them.
I read a lot of review of this movie before i decided to write one on my own, since most review saying they felt bad for the male lead or female lead doesn’t deserved male lead blah blah blah. (I dont mean ur opinion is wrong but i just see thing differently. Dont come at mee 😭)But to me i can understand why female lead chose to leave him. Firstly, she is a person who lacking of security feeling becuz of her dad and the male lead is also know about that. Secondly, regarding the male lead accident, more or less it’s becuz of female lead so even if they are together, I believe she still has the guilt deep down in her heart. And the moment she overheard male lead saying the word regret she know for sure from that time on she lost her secure feeling in their relationship and as much as she doesn’t want it, they still have no choice but to break up. To normal person, a word “regret” from male lead might sound normal or people think he didn’t mean it but to female lead, she knows for sure that even if they love each other so much, their relationship will not work out. Plus I believe that if they still continue that relationship, the male lead silently feeling “regret” while female lead silently feeling “guilty” and to both of them this isn’t a healthy relationship so it lead to breaking up make so much sense.
One more thing is i also see people saying how could female lead moving on so easily, how could she has a boyfriend, remember when the male lead inspired her to chase back her dream…. Just to clarify the movie we all watched was just from the male lead perspective so we don’t really know what the female lead been through when there wasn’t male lead so we can’t assume she moves on that easy. (I mean if there’s an extra clip talking about the female lead perspective that would be so much better)
Tbh, although the ending was heartbroken but i have to say it’s a really beautiful ending for both of them. I love the quote where the male lead said “i’ve seen your happy face, sad face, now lemme see the face that forever will not belong to me” i cried my eyeballs out at that scene. To both of the their 15years relationship will forever be cherished in their memory. And i love this.

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A touching, sad comedy. Bring on the clichés about needing some Kleenex because there is a charm to the film and it turns dark, very dark, taking you by surprise. The relationship building between the stoic Chul Soo and Sun Jin constantly puts a smile on my face whether it's them at the Batting Range or when Chul Soo stops Sun Jin’s purse from being robbed, even the initial meeting where the coke is stolen although it's not said which. The main plot of the whole film is a dark contrast to the rest of the film but I think that it's one of the film's strongest moments. The director’s choice of cutting random images within frames and changing the camera position ever so slightly gave the audience a rather authentic feel about what Alzheimer's is. As much as you can imagine.

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I wasn't sure if I wanted to write a review for this movie. It's certainly not a bad film, and I enjoyed watching it, but it did not have the impact on me similar films have had. What ultimately made me decide to write this review were the lingering feelings of frustration/incompleteness due to some specific elements of the story.

First, I think most everything in the film was very well done. You can't really dislike the characters or the overarching storyline, and this is a movie that does the feelings of youth real justice. But this is also one of those movies where I think the adult versions don't have as strong of an impact as the teen versions, and it hurts the story in some ways. The adult versions are more compelling here then some other films of this theme that I've seen, but you do still ultimately feel a stronger pull towards their younger counterparts. I also have some frustration with the ending, when the movie takes what could have been a very realistic life situation and dramatizes it more than is necessary. The male lead's mother becomes very ill towards the end of his time in high school, and he has to quit his plans for University to go to work in order to care for her and pay her hospital bills. It's a very heartbreaking turn of events, and you feel incredibly sad for him. But instead of treating this with a more delicate and thoughtful and realistic approach, the writers chose to use it as a means to create some melodrama for the adult versions which I think was neither earned nor suitable for the story.

I do think this is a sweet film, and it does it's genre and theme well. I'm also pretty sure the ending will not be as frustrating for other viewers as it was for me, so if you enjoy this genre/theme of story, then this is a good film to check out. You may find you like the ending more than I did.

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A light movie!

I did like this movie! I agree with the other reviews. It isn't something great but it's not boring either.
I think this as a light movie because it isn't exactly romance or comedy but it has a little from both. Just a little . The movie gave me a look to the past, which I appreciate very much.
The main couple had never kissed and although male lead seemed experienced, in fact he was serious about relationships and kissing, just like female lead and that's the reason why both of them had never done this. Female lead's practice on kissing was a little cringey and awkward. I loved how male lead showed interest in female lead right from the start. I loved how serious his feelings were. His joke to her was a little too much for her being a self-conscious person. I am not sure if I liked his advice for her appearance. It showed interest but it made her more self- conscious. Female lead's feelings were not shown much. She sure was interested in him halfway. Male lead's feelings were more shown. I liked him so much, the way he was excited when he thought that she felt the same, the way he was disappointed when he thought that she didn't and tried to hide it, the sadness when he thought that he missed his chance and he wouldn't see her again...
Overall, if you want a light and innocent romantic movie, watch it!!!

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Story is interesting but what a waste

Main plot is not bad, time travel of high school students to Warring period.

But ....

I can't stand anymore and have to stop around final.

Fighting wise, it's crappy. Fight the samurai soldier who will kill you without batting an eye with just punching, without killing them?

Worst thing is when fighting seriously and when one of the friends got wounded and near dead ..... there it comes ... other one are talking sadly to wounded friend and .. where is the enemy that try to kill you? ... did he just watch silently because you're sad?
Oh .... I really can't stand scene like that. Have to drop before finish.

If directing is better, it'll be really interesting movie.

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the happiness is where you don't expect it

I wondered if I would have liked the movie as much as I did if the actors hadn't been so beautiful. And the answer is YES! From minute 1:20 I started to smile!
I will also borrow a bicycle maybe, if I fall off too, I will find such happiness (LOL).
The story is a wonderful one and the idea that you can find happiness when you don't expect it is a perfectly valid idea.
The actors played WONDERFUL!
The instant chemistry between Dongsu and Inpyo impressed me a lot. From the first glance to the end, everything was pure chemistry. I like to think that they are either friends in real life or they are excellent actors. Or both. It is said that the age difference does not matter when you love. And this movie proved it.
Sangbae also played excellent. In his case I felt a different kind of chemistry. The one generated by understanding and accepting the situation. He understood and accepted the relationship between Dongsu and Inpyo and he was happy for them. He played wonderfully and in all the scenes where he appeared he did a wonderful job!
I have only one problem: the movie was too short. It was long enough for the existing scenario, but it was so beautiful and it made me feel so good that I would have liked to continue.
Oh, and let's not forget! The landscape was unbelievable beautiful!
I finished the movie smiling and I'm still smiling.
About the music: This movie is that kind of movie where the music is not needed. That's way I rated 9.5.
THANK YOU !

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Hero story that was very realistics

This was the story about the high school boy who was very normal but want to become hero and the girl, who get bullied a lot, he was trying to save.

It was really unexpected that I was drawn into the story without any desire to stop. Story is slow but really something and unexpected turn.

Ending is a little floppy for me, I think because of trying to end quickly after climax. But anyway this one is worth to watch.

Is it high school romance? Yes, in some way. And unexpectedly, thriller is more than I hope for.
It is about real world hero.

Anyway, just go for this movie and you'll like it.

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Beautifully Done

I haven't watched the original 2008 yet, but I do intend to. This is short and done with great heart, and is absolutely chilling. Cinematography is beautiful. My only complaint is it's not BL, and it so easily could have been. Acting is excellent from a young cast. Music was okay, or maybe I was paying more attention to the visuals. I will be watching this again, so I will pay more attention to the music, and I may amend my review at that time. We shall see.

This is really all I have to say, but I'm still short on characters to get it accepted. So I suppose I'll blather on a bit. And this put over the top.

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A confusing, blood boiling movie.

Before I start, warning there will be some spoilers here and there so if you are planning on watching this movie and want to be surprised don't read this.

Let me start off with the good things I liked about this movie. I loved the realistic aspect of marriage that was in this movie. Watching it I was very impressed by how they made this movie a great portrayal of modern day couple. I also loved the acting because I never wanted to punch a character more than I wanted to punch Jang‑hyuk in this movie, god damn he made my blood boil.Which leads me to the bad things of this movie.


First of all, Jang‑hyuk you never thought to think once to tell people at your work or just Han Bo‑yeong that you are married. Y'all were flirting and dropping hints back and forth, but not only to put a red line but to just let her know that you are married even if she was fine with it, you still had to tell her. Second of all Jang‑hyuk is such a horrible husband, he never once asked her how she was doing or if everything was good with her.He came back from work and complained about how she asks him to take out the trash, Well no shit your married, both partners need to work together in order to have a healthy relationship.

The ending, I didn't think it was that bad honestly I was pretty satisfied with it. I loved how he realized that he made a big mistake leaving her, and went back for her, but karma was doing its job he had it coming. And I'm not taking her side, neither of them did the right thing but I think it happened for the best like if they continued their relationship I don't think they would be that happy or satisfied, They were cute when they dated but I think the ending was for the best for both of them. Hope this helped.

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