Completed
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 6, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

This is also confirmed to be a great movie.

This is also confirmed to be a great movie.
The filming and editing are sublime. We could easily notice on one of the big fights, the still burning ashes floating around the scene, giving us instant flashbacks to the anime. Really nice touch.
The action is great. Himura is perfectly portrayed, with all of his goofy nuances, deep honor, shame, guilt, and killer instinct. And the same can be said of the remaining characters. Sanosuke is as lovable as ever. And Sojiro is perfectly depicted in his psychopath childish assassin persona.
We feel like we could show this movie to people that have never seen the anime, and they would still love it. Great work guys.

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The Bare-Footed Kid
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 6, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.5

Dyeing to Know You Better

The Bare-Footed Kid started off sweet enough, turning darker with each new pair of shoes the shoeless youth acquired.

Ti Lung played Tuan the noble, skilled fighter living undercover as a supervisor in a cloth dyeing shop. Maggie Cheung, Miss Ho, was the lovely owner of said shop with a secret dyeing technique and the den mother to her workers. These two had an underlying affection for each other that gradually made its way to the surface in a meaningful exchange. Tuan and Miss Ho were the heart of this film and the most compelling characters.

Aaron Kwok played Yuan, the titular character. Bare-foot, broke, and illiterate he came to town looking for his deceased father’s friend, Tuan. Yuan was naïve, but a ridiculously skilled fighter who couldn’t even write his own name which brought up some questions about how he was raised that are never answered. Enter Huang Lien as his love interest who was a teacher in her father’s school. Their budding romance had a rocky start and a rockier ending.

Yuan initially went to work for the kind Miss Ho, making missteps that landed him in the employ of the Big Bad. He earned a pair of stylish shoes, a pocketful of change and soon enough a heart full of regret.

The younger actors’ performances were fine as their characters went through life changes. Aaron Kwok made a sweet country bumpkin who was briefly led astray, his conscience weighing on him as reality sank in. Ti Lung and Maggie Cheung were a couple I never knew I needed as their subtle performances delivered an emotional impact that stayed with me.

Compared to older kung fu movies, the cinematography was excellent with beautiful scenery, lighting and colors. The score could be oddly synthetic at times but it wasn’t anything that distracted me much, I’ve heard much worse in these kinds of movies.

My biggest complaint, and what dropped the rating for me were the fight scenes. Ti Lung is a martial artist, one of those whose movements often needed to be slowed down for the camera. He also had a presence which made you believe he was nearly indestructible. I’m guessing Aaron Kwok’s skills, if he had any, were much more rudimentary, as his fight scenes included a lot of wire-work, possible doubling, speeding up, and blurry camera work, especially the huge concluding fight. One of my favorite martial arts choreographers, Lau Kar Leung, choreographed the fights. Whether he was compensating for the lead’s lack of ability, having an off day, or trying something new, I found the final fight to be hugely disappointing.

The Bare-Footed kid started out with some comedic moments ending as kung fu comedies often do, in heartbreak. Aside from the poor final fight which was brutal, this movie was entertaining. I could recommend it to kung fu enthusiasts with a few reservations.





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Bow Then Kiss
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 6, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Instant romance between two attractive people. Little to no plot.

Overall: For a romance movie it was ....alright. :/
------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot: I disliked the way it started out but I started to warm up to Mikami and the relationship between him and An as the story progressed. The relationship wasn't so bad but a lot of it didn't make sense to me. Mikami's behavior from the beginning is bizarre and borderline pervy. If he wasn't hot he wouldn't have gotten away with most of it basically. An's behavior was passive and frustrating to watch. Nevertheless a relationship develops between them through sudden kisses, archery, opening up to each other little by little, and some side characters that served as jealousy bait and scene filler. It was hard to feel connected to the story because it happened so abnormally and it just seemed like two, shallow attractive characters in situations that were supposed to convey closeness, without any reason for either of them to love the other. A lot of it was straight up confusing unless you're just watching for the kisses and ship. Near the end I was just like.......What??? WHY??? There's a big conflict that makes no sense at all and was so hard to watch. Pretty unsatisfying ending for me as well. I feel like it could been directed way better.
Cast/Acting: The attractive cast made up for the lackluster acting for me. And I say lackluster because sometimes they were overacting and sometimes they were underacting and rarely the acting seemed genuine. An was super pretty/cute yet annoyingly coy but still sweet, Mikami was so handsome, you could almost excuse his aloof and odd behavior, and the extras were attractive. However the characters had little development or depth mainly from lack of plot and sensible conflict.
Music: The music was pretty wack if you think about everything or anything else they could've used, however it was fitting to the scenes and wasn't to cringe if you didn't pay attention.
Rewatchablity: I WOULD WATCH/REWATCH THIS IF I WANTED TO SEE TWO ATTRACTIVE PEOPLE KISS AND MAKEUP WITH NO REAL PLOT OTHER THAN ARCHERY AND FILLER SUB CHARACTERS. THIS IS DEF SHOJO.

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Godzilla vs. Biollante
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 6, 2021
Completed 3
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Godzilla vs a Giant Rose!

Godzilla’s biggest and most terrifying opponent is---- a giant rose bush? Breaking with the formula of Big G fighting his traditional opponents, the writers took a chance and invented Bolliante, the most creative Kaiju in the Godzillaverse.

The biggest problem for me with this film was that it took a long time to gain any traction. The humans had a lot going on, dominating most of the story. One of the characters, a scientist, had fused Godzilla’s cells from a previous battle with a rose he’d already infused with his dead daughter’s DNA in hopes of keeping her soul alive, thus accidentally creating Bolliante. American terrorists and a Middle Eastern terrorist were running about killing people and trying to steal the Godzilla cells and super secrety secret nuclear energy eating microbes. In the process they free Godzilla from his volcano prison inside Mt. Mihara. Throw in a bunch of politicians who want to use all of the discoveries as weapons against Godzilla and their enemies and it’s a lot to take in. I can't forget the ESP students who can communicate with Godzilla and Bolliante. The young commander of the Super X-2 Godzilla fighting drone seemed superfluous most of the time with all the political maneuvering, scientists, terrorists, ESP folks, and agents running around.

None of the characters of this large cast were developed and the acting was lackluster at best. Without an emotional connection to the characters their deaths and decisions held little meaning. The military walking about and giving monotone orders wasn’t any more interesting than the spies chasing each other around.

What I liked about this movie---Big G looked good, I really liked this costume. Bolliante was a beautiful giant rose and then turned equally frightening. B was one of the more interesting and sympathetic antagonists for Big G. She was also the biggest and one of the most fearsome he'd ever faced. Historically speaking, Godzilla has had his hands full when facing a female opponent, Mothra for another example. This movie was darker and more violent than many other Godzilla movies. The fights were intimate and fierce, really well made using this technology.

The miniatures and pyrotechnics were spot on emphasizing the size and destructiveness of the great monsters tearing through the city. The music was best when using a few of Ifukube’s familiar Godzilla tunes.

Like a lot of Godzilla movies, this one had a moral to the story. This film focused on the hubris and greed of humanity and how man creates some of his own biggest problems. Godzilla and Bolliante weren’t the true monsters, it was the men and societies who created them. Plus, you’ll think twice the next time you walk into your garden.

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U Loves You
6 people found this review helpful
by kei
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Ok, in my opinion it's a good film. Actually no, I love it.

(This is my first time writing a review so I dont know if i did well, but hopefully I got my point across)

I know the rating is high, but trust me!

The story-
A robot falls in love with a human at first sight and wants to get to know her better. As a deliverbot, U brings the human, Lin Min, packages to her and starts learning more about her. They start getting to know each other better and Lin Min falls in love with U, so they start dating because of the same feelings for each other. Unfortunately, U knows she broke an important rule for robots and starts to question if she made the right decision: being a relationship with a human and loving her.

In the beginning, "U Loves You" kinda confused me, but then I started getting it as the film progressed.

There's definitely symbolism in this movie, like the apples. When I was watching it and they showed Lin Min cutting a red apple, it looked like a heart. And I think right before that they were talking about hearts. I looked up "red apple symbolism" and it explains a lot! "The Red Apple symbolizes love, temptation, original sin and banishment from paradise." It literally explains U and Lin Min's relationship in a nutshell. You could surely get it from watching the movie, but no spoilers from me lol.

I'm a sucker for cinematography, I love all the scenery shots and all the different camera angles. It has a retro/vintage vibe because of the shots having these video effects like it's from a VHS ( eg. the scene before the credits and the song/mv after the credits) The ending is something that has happened many times in GL but that last scene hit home, I love that gift she has was given, so cute. I know it's very dear to her and she'll probably keep using it until it get worn out (i'm trying not to spoil it yall.)

The acting/cast-
I think both girls are really fit for their roles. There's nothing really else I can think to say because they were so good, but still, props to the actresses. (A little off-topic but I like the robotic sound effects when U moves)

I only remember that one song that played throughout the film and had it's own MV kinda thing at the end, it's definitely a catchy song for sure but I just can't remember the title of it since I watched it last night and it's on a membership thing now.

Nevertheless, after thinking about the title of the movie a bit, it is directed towards Lin Min and that U her. So you should just watch this film!! I encourage you to do it because I think it’s a good movie to watch in you free time.

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Completed
The Legend of Loulan: Ghost Army
0 people found this review helpful
by DaQing
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 1.5

Watchable

First of all, I only wanted to watch this movie because of Wa Er and Liu Chang. And their acting didn't disappoint me (though Wa Er had not as much screen time as I had expected). However, the fl wasn't quite as good and there are these typical overacted characters which are either funny or just easily annoy you.
The story is definitely quite weird. However, imo it's this weirdness and partly absurdity which makes this movie an interesting watch. But you have to enjoy ancient China, Chinese Republican era and sci-fi all at the same time. Also there are some plot lines that seem dumb or not well thought out but the last big plot twist/revelation is fun - so please really watch till the end if you decide to watch this at all!
Unfortunately I can't really score the music as it was cut out in many scenes in the YouTube version I watched due to copyright issues. As for the rest of the soundtrack I can't really remember which means it was neither good nor bad.

Overall, it was an enjoyable movie. Nothing extraordinary good but nothing too bad either. You should watch it if you like Liu Chang or Wa Er and if you have 69 minutes spare time.

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Rurouni Kenshin
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

one of the best live-action

From the choice of actors to the staging, Ruroni Kenshin is a great surprise and one of the best live-action adaptations of a manga. Expertly shot and critically written, the film manages to combine the best of the first four tankobons of the manga in a coherent and spectacular story. Everything is managed by dosing the best narrative and action scenes, directed and choreographed very well and able to give that grace superhuman to many of the characters involved: the killer Udo Jin-ai members of Oniwabanshu up to the same Kenshin. There is no shortage of ironic and funny moments that manage to play down the tone of the film, bringing it closer to those of the manga and anime rather than the dramatic and dark ones of the OAV. Definitely a film that does justice to the manga of Nobuhiro Watsuki and that will delight the many fans. Appreciated the choice of the ost and the song of one ok rock, the beginning, as the end title. We love One Ok Rock, and this could only make us doubly happy.

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The Young Vagabond
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 3.5
Rewatch Value 3.5
What do you get when a sloppy kung fu fighter meets up with an OCD Big Bad? A big mess. And that about sums up this kung fu farce.

The first half is a pseudo comedy. So Chan (Gordon Liu) and Jiabao (Wong Yu) are stepbrothers who are supposed to be school age. They are devoted to each other even though the stepmother loathes Chan because he stands in the way of her taking over the successful winery his father owns. The brothers get into and out of trouble and back into it. There's a kung fu soccer match and several run ins with the law. This was the hardest part of the movie for me to sit through and it didn't help that Gordon Liu and Wong Yu were too old to buy as school boys.

When Chan's teacher (Jason Pai) reveals his secret drunken kung fu method after drinking too much, the story takes a slight up-swing. Johnny Wang also appears as the Big Bad who literally doesn't like to get his hands or clothes dirty, a bad move when he favors shiny white clothes. Now the plot begins to thicken as the stepmom hires the Big Bad to kill her stepson which he's happy to do after the stepbrothers thwart his bank robbery. The light, silly comedy of the first half quickly devolves into the Manson Family Christmas as tragedy after tragedy strikes.

All the main characters do a fine a job of acting and of course, fighting. The music is too often reminiscent of the Keystone Cops which can pop up at the weirdest times. The best part of the movie is the final fight. There's no chit-chatting, no posturing, just a vicious no holds barred pay back.

The Young Vagabond had trouble finding the right blend of comedy and tragedy which culminated in moments of inspired fights overshadowed by the tangled up mess of a storyline.

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Hot Gimmick
1 people found this review helpful
by Sao
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Cinematography on a different level

I never really understood this movie, until I watched it a second time, and especially because when I watched it I was not 100 percent into it, but geez the cinematography is a whole other level, I remember my reaction at the very last moments, with my mouth wide open I was following the subtitles and at the same time the images but it was hard. the theme is so soft but at the same time terrifying the characters are so strange but again endearing, nobody in my circle liked this movie but, I strongly recommend you to watch it if you like cinematography. This movie opens your eyes to a whole new genre and I would definitely tell my film teacher about it.

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Gameboys: The Movie
0 people found this review helpful
by Sao
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Can someone give me some tissues?

I loved this movie from the beginning to the very end. already, i was so happy that the story lasted more than 2 hours but if on top of that every part of the movie is interesting, full of emotions and captivating then what more could i ask for? The return of Gav and Cai with more love than in season 1, which i didn't think was possible, and the little development of Terrence and Wesley, which i hope will develop even more in season 2, give me goosebumps. Gavreel's story was so horrible, and I thank his grandmother so much for being there for him. Gav's trauma was so well worked out, knowing that I have a trauma I felt very emotional very quickly when Gavreel went into his own bubble and when he broke down when things changes. That Cairo was there for him, and the beautiful scenes at the beach. The best movie I've ever seen. The scene with the two lovers was so sweet and cute that I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. I had never seen a sex scene so well done to be honest. Besides the last scene with the group was way too sad, I felt like it was the end of Gameboys, but I understand why. But really what touched me the most was the fight between Gavreel and Cairo to know who loves the other more. Those two love each other and I'm waiting for the wedding!

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Opium and the Kung Fu Master
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 6.0

Just Say No to Drugs!

Just say no to drugs--even if you are a kung fu master!

While Opium and the Kung Fu Master follows the standard kung fu movie formula it does deviate by interjecting a real story with real consequences in between fights. Master Tie Qiao San (Ti Lung), one of the famous Ten Tigers of Kwantung, protects the village where his school is located from evil doers. Robert Mak as Lu Gua Si is his protégé, a good-hearted if not completely proficient fighter. Chen Kuan Tai's Rong Feng is an opium dealer who joins forces with the opposing school's leader, Zheng Hong, played by Lee Hoi Sang. The bad guys set up an opium den and one by one the village men begin to succumb to the siren call of the opium, forgetting their jobs and families. Master Tie San is not immune and falls victim to it as well, losing his kung fu abilities. His addiction gives the Big Bads run of the town and in the process Tie San loses loved ones because of his inaction.

The acting was about average for a kung fu film. Ti Lung was adept with his kung fu skills and projecting the calm, skilled martial arts master, but stumbled at times as a recovering addict. Chen Kuan Tai seemed to relish playing the Bad Guy, all he needed was a long mustache to twirl. Robert Mak pleasantly fulfilled his assignment of playing the earnest young fighter who tried to wake his master and the villagers from their stupor before it was too late. Overall, the acting was sufficient in this one, though there were a few deaths which made me giggle with their abruptness.

This was Tang Chia's third and last film as a director, he was better known for his work as a martial arts director. It's a shame he didn't helm more kung fu movies as he did a good job with this one.

The fights and choreography were fast, fluid and involved fists, kicks, and various weapons. The main actors were all proficient in martial arts and made the fights believable. No dancing around and posing in this movie. Though there were deaths, the gore was kept to a minimum.

Even if Opium and the Kung Fu Master isn't perfect, it's not a bad way to spend 85 minutes if you enjoy old kung fu movies. Just say no to drugs, but yes to this movie or at least maybe.



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Journey to the Shore
23 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

A Beautiful, Sad Story

This is an excellent short film (30 mins) which chronicles the central relationship in sensitive ways. It does not shy away from focusing on the pain that both of the characters feel -- from external bullying as well as internalized homophobia. The characters deal with these pains in their own ways.....some of which are frankly heartbreaking, but very realistic. (Running away in the face of challenges is not at all rare.)

The plot also features some cute and funny moments.....the one involving shopping in a pharmacy was beautifully acted and had me laughing out loud. I found these moments disarming -- they make you empathize with the characters, which heightens the impact of the ending, which while sensitively handled, is quite sad.

The cinematography was excellent -- nice scenes along the shore but also back at school. The camera does not shy away from the blood and bruises that result from bullying.

And the messaging is very clear -- bullied teens need help, and when they don't get it, bad things happen.

P.S. Pay no attention to my rating for "music." I was so captivated by the plot that I cannot remember the music at all, but MDL requires a number!

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The 8th Night
4 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

the writing is a 0

I thought based on the 1st scene this would be scary but I was disappointed.. it wasn't even gory it was eyeroll worthy..

Lee Sung Min is an amazing actor and his scenes with Nam Da Reum were sweet and touching, but that was mainly just based on their acting, the writer/director gave them nothing to work with.. actors need their dialog...

I'm also disappointed at productions labeling anyone a lead. a main lead is someone with a backstory, emotions, thoughts and personality.
the detective was just someone after a killer, he didn't even have common sense. Ae Ran was suddenly revealed to be a ghost they didn't let her show her torment and Cheong Seok though he had the most scenes but again not much personality is labeled as lower in "ranks". when in reality calling Park Jin Soo a main is pushing it.

I wish atleast the characters had more substance!. these days the writers' think "tragic past/connection" is the key for emotinal scenes but it still needs a development for it to work! 10 x 0 is still a 0
for almost an hour and a half no one really talked or even did anything, they just walked, went to eat then walked... and don't get me started on the horror! I can't take horror and I even laughed at a couple of those scenes, creepy eyes and dark clouds are scary.. there was no thrill, no action.. honestly the ending too, they tried to pretend they were "saving" the characters from their torments but it was just another scene..

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Spellbound
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Great movie! Don't watch it at 1 AM like I did tho lmao

I watched this movie quite a while ago (when most movies on viki were free lmao) and I remember it being very interesting. The acting, storyline, and characters were all top tier which makes the movie easy and fun to watch.

As many of y'all know this movie combines the genres of horror, comedy, and romance which sounds weird at first but somehow they made it work! and really well for that matter!! the combinations of these genres that normally wouldnt go together makes it so entertaining and unique.

One thing I will say is that it is easy to forget this is a horror movie lmao. you will go through a whole lot of romance/comedy scenes then suddenly u see a ghost lmao. so if ur looking for something like the Conjuring then this is not for you. if u are not a person who likes watching horror movies but would like to dabble into the genre, this is a good movie to watch to experiment with horror.

like mentioned before i dont remember a lot of the details (i watched this almost three years ago) but I recommend and will watch it again

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A Round Trip to Love Part 2
1 people found this review helpful
by estar
Aug 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 1.5
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
this was hilariously bad - like what else could one do if not laugh at the things going on in this movie - the first part wasn't stellar but at least it made some kind of sense - the rich kid got sent off and the poor one had to tough-it-out and bare the brunt of the humiliation, from his family and his soundings - ironic that the same guys that were egging Lu Feng to kiss Xiao Chen, were the same ones shaming Xiao Chen when they found out they were in a relationship - guess its cool being gay as long as its just fun and games - stoopid logic ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

but this was like WTF is going on - for one that brother of Xiao Chen's who was so gay(even before we saw this part of the movie i guessed to that fact in the 1st part) so why he not support his brother and his bf(?), when they got together why he and his bf treat Lu Feng as the bad-guy that wasn't worthy of Xiao Chen - and shouldn't be around him??. considering they in the same boat - shouldn't these morons commiserate? or just cause they weren't outed, so not their problem?!? that's why i kinda got Lu Feng losing it on the pair and going after them, when Xiao Chen ghosted him out, cause of that annoying mother - talk guilt trip - this woman was a master in that crap - everyone should've informed her that Lu Feng's money-bags rich and a boss to boot, pretty sure she would've been all smiles and open arms then... plz

and then from ridiculous to absurd - think the person that wrote this crap was the same person that wrote Addicted - Lu Feng drug's and then basically confine Xiao Chen in his place - raping him on the daily?!????? guess this a new type of romancing and foreplay?!?? like WTAF - who comes up with this sh*t and people loving it - guess stockholm syndrome is the new way to get ur man?!??? which considering Xiao Chen saving Lu Feng is - idk i'm at a loss at the absurdity of this plotline

so the brother walking around scot-free after shooting a person - brother or not he took a freakin gun from a cop and shot someone, who ended up in a come - he not doing time ? guess his bf indeed connected.. and that not enough that ending aish, guess "they" wanna milk this for a part 3 of this travesty? well read enough comments of people rooting for it, so idk what's to say - other then this will never be a rewatch or a recommend. one off was fine but nah this not even mildly good

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