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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This review may contain spoilers
“SOFT”
I feel “soft” sums this drama up well. Ji woo is instantly annoyed by the superstar because of their differing backgrounds. He believes he’s nothing but a pretentious superstar and takes everything he says as offense. But this doesn’t stop Seo joon from showing immense kindness. He also sees through Ji woo’s tough exterior and falls for him quickly. This moves Jin woo of course but he’s reluctant to get involved due to his past heartbreak.(I felt he liked him from earlier on also, he notices he has a hearing issue and looks out for him) Seo joon, being the sincere, forward and understanding character he is, has patience with him until he comes around. It’s a really sweet love story.I love how they continued the character of PilHyun from “Where Your Eyes Linger.” That was a nice touch. The cast had a lot of chemistry as well which was nice to see in the behind the scenes clips. Woohyun is not only a total babe but he’s literally the same outgoing, friendly and social being as his character.
This also has one of the best kiss scenes from the very few BL dramas (Viki originals specifically). That last scene was… oof
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Goodlook Asia Fantasy Movie, Kai Ko make strong comeback, Gingle Wang pink hair is really so pretty!
This movie just hit the cinema in my country (You can check your country It's been shown in many different countries on different days.) It's a fun fantasy movie, even though it's 2 hours long, Kai Ko and Vivian Sung performances are really explosive, It's great One of the strongest Asian actors but Gingle Wang is too little on screen!! but this one is really worth watching. The Ost is very nice, highly recommended!Story : Aaron (played by Kai Ko), who was killed by lightning, came to the underworld, and all his memories before his death returned to zero. He has to make a choice reincarnated but may turn into a snail or take up a priesthood, accumulate Yin virtues and reincarnate as a human being? Aaron decides to become a newcomer to the old moon. He partnered with Pinky (Gingle Wang), a hot pink girl, and came to the world to perform a mission, When Aaron met the dog Alu and led his owner Xiaomi, he was in a previous life. The memories of XiaoMi (played by Vivian Sung) are all back and Aaron hopes to help Xiaomi in the world to find a new marriage, but every red thread tied to Xiaomi hands has been burned! It turns out that some things will not change in 10,000 years.
At the same time, Guitoucheng (played by Umin Boya), who escaped from the underworld to the world, launched a bloody revenge operation and found the horse thief brother who betrayed and killed him five hundred years ago, While Aaron was still excited about Xiao Mi inability to tie the red string, Guitoucheng regarded XiaoMi as the next target to destroy.
10/10 highly recommended The song is very touching. These actors, this show is the bomb. They are great and complete the story
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Will This Movie Serve As Your ‘ Hero’?
Kim Hong Ik attempted to ride off the coattails of the crazed vampire genre phenomenon during the early 2010s with ‘ Hero’; an intriguing but sporadic and low-budget vampire flick which will likely intrigue and unintentionally amuse viewers of equal measure.
The plot revolved mainly around underdog high school student Shim-dan (Kim Hyung-Gyu). Together with his best friend Eun-seok (Han Jeong-woo) , the duo are often tormented by relentless bully Cheol-seung (Kwak Min-ho). Nevertheless Shim- Dan has found salvation from his daily torture by trying to avoid Cheol-Seong wherever possible. Instead the main lead spends time watching his secret crush Mi-ah (Lee Da-in) ; too scared to approach her directly and often watching her from afar out of intrigue .
However Shim-Dan’s ordinary school life soon takes a different turn. One evening he ends up attempting to rescue a drunk girl Yoo-ri (Han Ye-won) from being assaulted only to discover she is a vampire. Rather than killing him Yoo-Ri decided to spare his life by turning him into a vampire also. Desperately trying to hide his newfound physical changes and abilities from his classmates , Shim-Dan’s secret becomes harder to keep after the transfer of Yoo-ri as a teacher at the school.
The acting in the series could admittedly be a mixed-bag. The main cast undeniably had natural onscreen chemistry together. However line deliverances could admittedly differ between scenes also.
Kim Hong Ik’s ‘ Hero’ is a vampire movie evidently aimed at a younger audience. Graphic violence and blood is rarely exposed in the series and thematic themes surrounding everyday high school life certainly indicated towards the audience’s aimed age demographic. Nevertheless it is important to establish that ‘Hero’ was surprisingly not based upon lighthearted and soapy teen-angst either. The greatest drive of the movie was arguably served through the comedy; alternating at times between professional satire and amateurish jokes. However sadly the alternation between professionalism and amateurism could often be seen in the screenwriting also.
One of the greatest problems which arose in Kim Hong Ik’s movie could often be found through struggling to establish a concise plot goal from the outset. Perhaps if the movie had tempted to place an obtrusive focus on simply Shim- Dan’s new life as a vampire and his gradual romantic relationship with Mi-ah, ‘ Hero’ could’ve felt as though it had a direct and clear plot beginning, climactic build and resolution throughout the movie. However sadly this was not the case with the outcome for ‘ Hero’ ‘s depicted plot line.
Intriguing relationship builds initially introduced such as between Yoo-ri and Shim-Dan were often abandoned by the halfway point whilst potentially quintessential characters were often left hung up by abandoned subplots before the halfway point. As a consequence entire sequences and seemingly built up scenes were often awkwardly cut through or flitted to another scenario in an attempt to draw viewers’ attention to another storyline; often feeling like a diversion tactic to reduce focus upon loose plot ends.
By the ending of the movie it was evident that even the screenwriters were aware that the plot had been exhausted due to lacking foundations setup from the start towards plot drive. The “solution” was given by the screenwriter by the finale of the film: enter the generic vampire final boss. Whilst arguably this scenario was a desperate attempt to clutch at wrapping some loose plot ties up, the ending felt sporadic and rashly thrown together to raise tension. However rather than acting upon coherent logic, it was odd that somehow all of the quintessential characters of the film were put under one roof without h rhyme or reason towards truly coming together.
A consistent problem which became apparent in these final conflict scenes became apparent through poor fighting sequences; looking neither consistent or slick onscreen.
Of course it is wrong to entirely condemn ‘ Hero’ also. One of the greatest writing dynamics of the film came through the friendship between Shim-Dan and Eun-Seok. As the movie progressed and events shifted it became apparent towards the natural causes of division which would occur between the two friends.
In addition to this there’s also the relationship between Mi-ah and Shim-Dan. The chemistry between both of the main leads was dynamic and gradual. It could’ve admittedly have been built up more but it did add a touch of surprising authenticity towards a main lead who struggled with his bloodlust towards his crush. Even Mi-ah had her moments of added complexity at times in the movie with her home life revealing that she struggled with her own problems also.
Several plot holes aside there is the OST also. The chosen soundtrack isn’t inherently dire per say but considering the mood and tone set during scenes it could often feel mismatched against storyline and taking away the deliverance of emotion, when silence could’ve delivered a greater result at times also. In addition to this there’s the amalgamation of the quality of filming in the series; low-budget but sometimes cinematic and at other parts in the film, arbitrary and rushed scenes added before the final-cut gave an amateurish feel towards the delivered result.
Overall ‘ Hero’ proved to be an intriguing premise with a decent cast and ensemble of characters. Nevertheless whilst the film delivered a compact conclusion, the added touch of lacking to wrap up loose plot ends didn’t deliver a truly emotional finale to the film. Amateurish screenwriting combined with filmmaking created a haphazard film filled with unexplored potential; entertaining in a way but never truly possessing concise build or plot either.
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A fun throw-back to those crime capers of the 1960s like Ocean's 11
A fun, campy action movie that feels like a throw back to those crime capers from the 1960s. Go Hyun Jun is perfect as Chun Soo Ro, the wallflower protagonist who gets sucked into the middle of a double-crossing drug deal by a fake nun, hilariously played by Jin Kyung who makes the most of her all-to-brief screen time. Yoo Hae Jin is great as "Red Shoes", the menacing man of mystery. (His hair should've received its own screen credit.) It's hard to imagine Detective Sung being played by anyone other than Sung Dong Il, who is as bombastic, snarky, and short-tempered as ever. The rest of the cast is good too, and everyone seems to be playing their part with a twinkle in their eye. The OST contains some magnificent big band & orchestra arrangements that accentuate the throw-back feel. This movie would be great fun to see on the big screen with the volume turned way up!Was this review helpful to you?
Did I watch the same movie as everyone else?
I'm seeing reviews about people crying at the second half of this movie and I'm just a little lost for words because the movie I watched was just so...mediocre? It was certainly a nostalgic and light-hearted rom-com, but overall the plot points and the characters are just really cookie-cutter and cliche. The two second leads are also considered main roles but were not really given adequate personality or character development.I also could not handle how many times the main female lead had to trip over her own feet — I understand the clumsy aspect of her personality, but there are different ways to do it. Seeing the exact same thing happen so many times grew old very fast.
With that being said, there are more quiet, thoughtful moments in this movie that really stood out to me, and I wish the movie let those moments shine through more.
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A tearjerker
This is a movie about silver linings. I really did not expect myself to shed so many tears over this movie — but I sobbed throughout it, especially the second half.I was expecting a really depressing movie where it was just one tragedy and no good parts one after another, but there was a surprising amount of hope and friendship in this that made it really beautiful to watch. The two leads had amazing chemistry and really heart-warming dialogue and it felt like the main focus of the movie, as opposed to the bullying moments. I actually felt like the bullying situation at school and beyond wasn't fleshed out very much, but I think this actually worked in the movie's favor for the most part.
Overall, a really really beautiful movie that will make you ugly cry :)
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The Demonic Lord and the Virtuous Cultivator
0 people found this review helpful
The story was an actually excellent one involving very wuxiaish tropes. From what I observed, it follows of a young disciple whose parents are killed off by a mysterious cultivator. She is adopted by her 'Shifu' for whom she develops ardent feelings for.
I loved the soundtrack used for the short film. It can be called a rather short music video rather than a film. Some of the actors were unconvincing and this seems to be an independant creation. I appreciate the efforts that they took. It was all over in the blink of an eye.
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