Reviews

A plain movie abt how 2 schoolgirls contemplate death

I do think Night's Tightrope is a film that could please a broader audience, but it's pretty obvious that it's not going to get that chance. Tsubasa Honda and Mizuki Yamamoto play high-school friends who ponder mortality, and adults’ immorality, in adaptation of crime-fiction novel by Kanae Minato..

Similarly, though the film certainly goes to some very dark places, dealing with themes of revenge and suicide, these dominate a lot of times.

VERDICT_ Yo- give it a try with no expectations. Don't think you'll view humanity in a favorable light after watching this.

https://dramacool.pe/nights-tightrope-episode-1.html

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BOTH TOUCHING & FUNNY -Lacking Excitement

About a man who becomes a cause celebrity after genetic splicing gone wrong - makes him a half-man, half-fish & a (play on corporate-media collusion).

This movie provides too much, using that hauntingly affectless pattern as a launching pad to skewer the media, the government, Big Pharma, religion and even capitalism itself – but never gaining much of a purchase on any of them.

VERDICT _ Worth a one time try. Cast of the film can’t register themselves as they play kooky characters. The score from Jeong Hyun-soo works oddly in the downbeat turn of the film’s second half, and that diffuseness hangs heavily around the whole movie.

https://dramacool.pe/collective-invention-episode-1.html

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the characters in this were really well developed, Kyung Mi was a normal fragile girl next door but that didn't mean she was not capable.
she was smart, she was scared and she was so sweet hearted honestly she was too precious!
Kyung Mi's mom was also smart, honestly most movies make the female characters too naive or dumb and easily fooled but both mother and daughter used their brains and they communicated.
there were small details in their relationship that made them so endearing and believable, like the mom pulling Kyung Mi behind her as if that tiny fragile older lady can "shield" her taller youthful daughter, but it was such a mom thing to do

Do Shik as a psychopath was so captivating, psychopath's lie and he did it so well, like the way he switched characters to fit the scenarios and make the public believe him and even get away with the murder he reported, that was a great move
it also made his downfall even more satisfying.

Jong Tak and his sister felt underdeveloped, tbh even that full long running sequence mixed with him getting fooled and leaving Kyung Mi the 1st time made me reduce my points because that was obviously a ploy for the length of the movie
it's not bad, like the movie happens in "one night", if not even around 4 hours. Kyung Mi and her mom met, the psychopath came in, they went to the station, he followed them home at around 12am


the saddest part was those army kids.. if you see a scared girl, you don't return her to the guy that's following her, even if he played it well and pretended to be her worried brother. heck I've helped lost kids at the mall find their parents and I still wait and check if that's their parents even if just by action, I'm not anticipating a kidnapping but when someone cries and can't talk, you need to observe the situation

I also loved those danger poles, I hope those are real, I've never seen a movie brave enough to add that especially since it can "solve" the chase. though in this case it added depth to the struggles of people with hearing impairment.
though I didn't like how people almost treated her like she's dumb or like a kid. she just couldn't hear or talk, there was no problems with her coherent thoughts
though it also does add the depth of how people treat "different" people

as for the "music" I really loved the times they showed how the world "looked" like from her silent pov, that was a great touch and overall I think the director used the deaf part to enhance the story, and not made it an excuse for the hero to fall. I also liked how they had their phones with them

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"It's human to lie. Most of the time we can't even be honest with ourselves."

*I have updated this review and my score on a second viewing. My added thoughts follow the original review.*

I'm going to post a short, heretical review of this much lauded film. Much as I wanted to love this film, it had a major stumbling block for me in the story.

That the movie is technically well made is not up for debate. It was a well made movie from 1950. I've enjoyed other Kurasawa movies. I love Mifune Toshiro. Rashomon might have been a profound movie experience for me if the story had not been told through such a narrow male lens.

The Rashomon effect is still used to describe eye witnesses giving different testimony to a single event. People do lie to each other, to the court, and to themselves because of their egos, fears, survival instincts, and inability to face the truth. The film showed this human frailty quite poignantly. The cinematography, music, and acting were exceptional for the time. Mifune's performance as the bandit tinged with madness was unexpected but quite well done although at times it did veer into Ernest T. Bass territory.

Where I diverge from the fans of this movie is in one particular aspect of the film. It repeatedly showed and told the viewer that women were not just physically, but morally weaker than men and were not to be trusted. This was even more despicable because the men were shown as being morally corrupt so the raped woman was even lower than they were. Twice we come away with the woman in the story enjoying her rape and trying to use it to her advantage. In different flashbacks she pit the two men against each other or asked the bandit to murder her husband. That she was willing to go with her rapist was beyond comprehension to me, unless she was planning on murdering him in his sleep. I understand that during the period of time the movie was set in, and even in 1950, a raped woman was looked on as damaged goods. (The Comfort Women after WWII were looked down upon and expected to commit suicide and often shunned by their families.) If the director had convinced me that she was doing what she had to do to survive I might have been able to stomach that part of the story better, but as it was shown it built a fire of anger in my chest, not at the woman but the storyteller for perpetuating some of the most dangerous myths about women and rape. Given, it was a common view of the time, but it didn't make it any less reprehensible to me.

Only in the woman's version does she not come across as a conniving "whore", perhaps only a murderous woman to save herself, but we are also told to not believe a woman's story immediately thereafter.

As much as I tried to overlook the misogynistic view of women and rape in this movie to enjoy the rest of the story, I couldn't escape it. Rashomon, despite all the glorious reviews I've read across the internet, failed to live up to them in my experience.

2 September 2021

*Update on my review:*

Having now watched all but one of Kurosawa’s films for which he was the writer/director I decided to revisit this film about the unreliability of eye witness accounts and how truth is often relative, enigmatic, and subjective. I struggled with it mightily the first time because of how women were not only looked down upon but treated with outright hostility. I wanted to see if my opinion would change on a second viewing of this famous and well-loved film.

When asked about Rashomon, Kurosawa had the following comments: “Human beings are unable to be honest with themselves without embellishing…(these characters) are the kind who cannot survive without lies to make them feel they are better people than they really are.” “The human heart is impossible to understand.”

The message that people are weak and even lie to themselves for a variety of reasons still resonates. Also, how perspective and memory are faulty witnesses still holds true. I would have to add that perhaps Kurosawa was blind to the depths of his own gender bias. Other Japanese directors from this time frame and even earlier had made films showing how the patriarchal society caused women to suffer, I guess I was just expecting more from one of my favorite directors. I’ve read interviews with him about this film and he discussed at length how they suffered from leeches while filming in the forest, but not even a brief comment about the trauma or suffering rape causes a woman or how he wanted to show the inequality women suffer from. Instead Tajomaru is romantically described as a womanizer.

Social reform, individual responsibility, and equality were important points in many of Kurosawa’s films. Apparently, just for men. Masago’s rape was only viewed as a crime against her husband, and yes, I know this would be historically accurate. I was just looking for a hint of sympathy for her from any of the male characters since she was the only woman in the film. Her testimony in court was dismissed as irrelevant immediately. When she testified, she didn’t even mention her rape because either she knew no one would care or the writers knew that. The only crime was the samurai's death. The male rape fantasy that women really like it and want to be dominated was still appalling. Just one flicker of disgust from the men telling the story to the peasant, anything to tip the hand that her treatment was inexcusable, but nothing. Because all of the voices except one telling the story or judging it were male—the witnesses, the judge, the writers, the director---Masago’s witness was all but ignored. Masago's only weapon against the dominating men was her sexuality, all she had to try and salvage her situation with and save her life. Perhaps Masago was diabolically cruel and cunning, pitting two men’s penises and swords against each other for her own pleasure, her rapist and heartless, cowardly husband, but as was pointed out, “It’s human to lie. Most of the time we can’t even be honest with ourselves,” so I’m afraid I can’t even believe the actor (character) who usually played the moral compass in Kurosawa’s films.

I did bump my score up from a 6.5 to a 7.5 because this is a culturally important film and it was well made, but honestly, and still unpopularly, I didn’t like it any better the second time around. From my own biased witness on this film, if Kurosawa had been making a culturally relevant film that also purposefully highlighted the ruthless way rape victims were treated and the stunning disregard for women instead of reinforcing dangerous beliefs, I’d have rated this much, much higher.

11 June 2024

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talk traumatizing

idk how others r just fine with the content - cause this blindsided me like a MOFO, as is the whole pageant scene (fun and games aside) seemed shady and sordid, and i know as much as beauty pageant r made to seem glamorous, the behind-the-scene's isn't that much different then what we got in this movie - just the girls (cause its publicized) aint as vulgar when they address the public or judges - also they have to up-hold some false image of propriety. here everything was in ur face - literally... and everything was mischief and horseplay, until they got in the car with that disgusting Mayor.

as is the sec he walked into that place with his bodyguard and he carrying a gun - i was like where he a Mayor off?!? perv town in a wild western?!? like WTF - and then the way he was fixated on Ace and Mico made my skin crawl! so when i "got" that Ace's babe was that pig (bad joke i know ugh) my stomach turned, wondering how the hell these two boys got mixed up with that f*cker. and then everyone around that depraved old man knew these were "his boys" aish i wanted to projectile vomit all over the screen.
so from the sec they got in that car i might as well have been watching a slasher/horror flick, this was that distressing - seeing them being verbally pushed and prodded into doing Fernan's bidding - even though they young adults, and meant to be rebellious they were so docile it was shudder inducing and yeah for me it was a hard watch after that - even them "sticking" him like a pig (well deserved) wasn't enough to revive my enthusiasm in watching this - felt like a train wreck and i really wanted to avert my eyes - so afterwards more or less fast-forwarded the rest...

but have to say, in-spite of this being brutal - it was well acted and played out - it showed u how depraved the world is and there was no sugar coating of this mess. all the joking around - lighthearted atmosphere turned dark and ghastly half way through - the end was fitting considering they didn't plan any off what happened, they were desperate, inexperienced and in-over their heads. they were basically just thrown around by the situation they found themselves in, and just had to hang on and push through - so logical ending..

so if u not softhearted (like me) and have no problem with this type of depravity - recommend it to u - and even though this sooooooooooo not my cup of tea, i admit - good movie!

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Amazing one+ get some tissues to wipe some tears

This movie is a Korean remake of Japanese drama film which is soo heartfelt...

This charming tale of a mother who comes back to life a year after her death, with no memory and settles back in with her family, is enhanced by the performances of the big name cast and the newcomers. THE ACTING WAS TOP TIER!!

VERDICT _ I totally loved this movie, your heart will be melted after seeing a affectionate story of father, mother and a child, the friend character is also awesome. AND got some hilarious scenes too...

P.S Cameo of PARK SEO JOON was damn cool !!!

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Gave a real kick in the head !!!

A good & a pulpy crime thriller from Korea of well-worn plot tropes and slick production values.
Supposedly, this was inspired by real events from a decade ago, but, while the 2005 setting is mentioned, it’s barely relevant.

The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil is sure fire hit for fans of this genre. The film doesn't dig too deep, but works because it doesn't get lost in the some of the deeper trappings of the genre.
Yes, it's car crashes and fight sequences and dry jokes, but it's a mix that will make you wow, wince and guffaw in just the right amounts, all carried off with a gritty style.

VERDICT _ A solid, if not quite exceptional, time-passer.

https://dramacool.bz/drama/the-gangster-the-cop-and-the-devil.html

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Dark yet disappointing ...

A story of two young women and one young man in the booming period of the 1990's who rise up with their dreams that fizzle into thin air yet find life in the midst of despair. I knew nothing about Wild Grass going in, except that the cinematography was not going to disappoint. And it didn't, sadly the rest of the film wasn't quite on the same level.

It's a rather messy setup that sometimes works against the film, I think more tonal consistency would've been better here. The use of color and lighting is absolutely stunning though, camera work and editing aren't quite as good, the soundtrack too could've been a bit more distinctive. Wild Grass still fails to grasp the brass ring. An ambitious drama, centered on three people, about trying to realize one’s dreams.

I just found it really hard to connect with any of characters, and the story is kind of messed up, I literally watched this for Johnny Huang, but sadly was a bit disappointed, maybe if it was a series, and give each of the 3 characters there own story line then in this movie where is was all over show it might have worked better.

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very nice mini film :) - What’s meant to happen will happen no matter what!!! -

So basically dat guy from the future is her husband, he is dying & he don't want his wife to suffer ..so he decided to time travel back when they were in high school, i.e to the time she met him & as he disguised himself as her son, helps her to be with Seung Jun & he wanted to prevent the teen Ji Woo meeting the teen version of himself…he wanted to change the future as he didn't want her to suffer in the future...

Was it just me or did anyone else ship the “mother” and “son” but then realize it was wrong since they were blood related. But once we found out that that is actually Ji Woo’s husband, yelled SHIPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!! Anyone? Or is it just that my me ??

I recommend you to watch it if you have 30 minutes to spare ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAoxhgFmKBw

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A Okay Film - not worth watchin

A unique story of love and friendship in two parallel universes, based on a novel by Keigo HIGASHINO.The story portrays two boys and a girl, travelling between two parallel universes. The two worlds complicate their romantic dynamics, and the leading character is never sure whether the girl he loves is in love with him or his best friend.

I kinda liked the premise of this movie, but the plot summary and title was misleading. I literally expected a plot twist that his memory will be rewritten, but for a mystery/romance movie, the story itself was soo boring. I'm just glad that they haven't put the sci-fi tag on the genre lol or else it will give away all on what the story was about. And, the way they used neurophysics in here was the only thing which hooked me up on the story.

P.S Yuta Tamamori was a cute little choco-boy ..

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What It Means To Be A Hero

I'm not entirely sure why Kenshin resonates so strongly with me. He's an inspiring character who tries his best to atone for his past. A past frought with the slaughtering of an untold number of people. And yet, he strives to be a better man.

A number of people have defined "nobility" as being better today than you were yesterday. And Kenshin seems to embody that.

We're finally treated to the mastermind. The one person who's basically been behind everything Kenshin has had to deal with from the previous trilogy. We thought Shishio was bad, and he may still arguably be the worst, but enter Enishi, the man who financially backed Shishio, his warship, and everything else.

To fully understand Enishi and his vile hatred toward Kenshin, you'll need to have seen "The Beginning." In fact, I would recommend seeing that film before this one.

Kenshin, once again, is trying his best to live a quiet, peaceful life. But now, everyone he loves and cares about is under attack by Enishi, who will stop at nothing to maximize Kenshin's suffering.

The beauty of the film comes in the last hour or so when many Kenshin's allies and former enemies alike, help him to run the gauntlet of hundreds of Enishi and Heixing's men. Heixing being Enishi's own connection with the Shanghai underworld.

What we see is a transformation of character in former villains who now see the wisdom of Kenshin and his lifestyle. It proves that as soon as one man vows to change, it creates a ripple effect for others to do the same.

Kenshin also finally reveals his past to his friends, how he got his scar, and why he vowed to change his ways. Tomoe saw the goodness in Kenshin even before Kenshin or Kaoru did. It usually only takes one person to have faith to start the ball rolling!

Once again, we have epic action sequences that, somehow, is even moreso than the previous trilogy. But also, the action lies at the periphery of a much deeper film that is full of heart, wisdom, and inspirational characters. And mostly, it shows us a glimmer of a path of what a true hero looks like. And what it truly means to be noble.

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Alice in wonderland ....

So apart from the fact that the ML (Johnny Huang) is super hot, this story is really touching and has an exceptional meaning behind it.

This story is a very realistic one, a typical girl with very low self esteem, and how people view her because of her weight or judge her based on her looks, that generally what goes on till to day.

A magic portion comes into play and at cost to her friendship she initially, loves the fact that she is recognized, and get noticed by everyone, her true friend however, sees her for what she really is and doesn't judge her one bit, but at the time she can't see it. her greed overtakes her to remain thin, but like all things life it comes with a price. after realizing that she was lucky enough to revert back to the way things were.

I particular loved the ML and his support her and often when she was determined (short lived) he still stood by her and was ready to help or assist again and again, he never wavered. the FL played her role well, in her views on of how she saw herself which I am sure most can relate too one in there own encounters.

This story behind the meanings were really good, love yourself, never give up and always be true your self, and not allow other to judge you, it also stands to show what a true friend is or how love can overcome the views of others, hats off to the ML for portraying that in a way.

Overall a lovely movie with the whole Alice in Wonderland theme ....

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