Reviews

My Amanda is bold in its non-romcom commitment to show the devoted and unrelentingly platonic relationship between a man and a woman. Alessandra De Rossi wrote, directed, and starred in this emotional slice of life film. Unlike the philosophy in When Harry Met Sally where Harry states, "men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way", Amanda in this film asserts, "A man and woman can be good friends without falling for each other."

Amanda/Fream and TJ/Fuffy are the perfect married couple, just without the sex, living together, and marriage license part. They are tactile and completely supportive of each other. The film follows the romantic rollercoasters in their respective lives, especially Amanda's. At the beginning of the movie TJ says he will write her 1001 letters and his narration of them throughout the movie hint he may have had deeper feelings for her, something that is left up to the audience to decide.

Both Amanda and TJ have ups and down in their romantic relationships but the constant source of love and support is their friendship and almost constant banter. Fuffy was handsome, strong, with an unknown source of income, and always there for Fream, he would have tempted any other female lead into succumbing but time and again they stated there was no physical attraction between them, much to the chagrin of Amanda's grandmother.

Secondary characters were barely more than out of focus movement in the background. Fream and Fuffy were the nucleus, without the actors' powerful performances, this movie would have floundered. De Rossi could be manic and comedic in one moment and tearful and vulnerable the next, her performance was the heart of this movie. If she was the energy, Piolo Pascual was the sturdy foundation, given the more difficult role of appearing to be the 2ML in his own movie.

The Philippines setting felt like a character in and of itself. The film used many lush and beautiful locales for the friends' conversations and interactions.

My Amanda isn't a perfect film, and at times it was hard to be sympathetic with Amanda's poor life decisions. Though the story dragged in places the journey to the end was worthwhile. It's a film which doesn't seem to go anywhere, and maybe that was the goal, to show the anchor of love between two friends when storms and change raged around them and whether the anchor could hold and whether it should hold.

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This is a wonderful film.

I don't feel I can adequately comment on certain points that I enjoy about this film. That's due to both the fact that I'm not a professional reviewer, and that I do not have the full perspective. I'm not a person who is actually deaf, or one that has fallen in love (Aro/Ace). This film however, has made me felt like I now better understand both. (spoilers are marked with **these**)

Story: The story, although on an objective level is really simple (it's basically an architect falling for a deaf person) feels really personal. It doesn't really feel like a standard, lazy rom-com, that I'm very much used to in my home-country. The plot addresses the issues that, based off of the many articles, reviews, and personal testaments I've seen, portray the life of deaf people pretty accurately. The writers and directors didn't treat any of the characters like they were a problem, or wrong for being different. This story of love is handled with care, when it could've so easily been pandering or portray those with disabilities as outsiders, exotic, not belonging.

In the plot, when Gali feels he doesn't belong, being left alone at a party, his reaction to this **trying to stop being around Mara** is reasonable, it doesn't feel like drama for the sake of drama. It's drama built from reasonable misunderstandings, a fear of being hurt, an outsider.

Acting: i love how the actors conveyed emotion. Emotion doesn't just come from words, it comes from actions, facial expressions. This was something that Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino really knew how to use to their advantage, they really could feel like Mara and Gali. When Mara and Gali are happy, you can really feel it with how their faces light up and the energy they have when they dance. That same force in emotion applies when we see them sad, in remorse, regret, or serious, loving each other.

OST: Buwan (by Juan Karlos) and Sino (by Unique Salonga) after this film are forever connected to the scenes in this film for me. That's a testament to both the songs themselves and the visuals. What they picked really works well with this movie. The OST was really used to the fullest, like when **the audio for the song Mara and Gali are dancing to is cut. And all we here when Gali dances is what he can hear, nothing.**

Rewatch Value: Rewatch value is incredibly subjective, and it's highly dependent on personal preference and mood. Personally, it's really easy to get invested into Mara and Gali's story, and cry to. I can attest to that, this is a film I love to come back to, I've already rewatched it around three times already (I cried on my first two rewatches.) There are also things like the visuals that keep me coming back to this film. **Stuff like Mara and Gali dancing at the end, the vibrant blue of them just diving into a pool together, the times where they're just texting, the Christmas lights in Gali's room.**)

Overall, this film was made with a lot of care. For those worrying that this is going to be bad, that this sees someone who's different only as that, and nothing more, this film is not that at all. It's a story of love between two people, who push past their differences and issues by talking to each other and trying to help each other. One which, if you have the chance, I highly recommend you watch Isa Pa With Feelings.

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Great just as the first one, if not better!

Now that I've watched the second movie of the series as well, I'm going to review it for you. For your information, this movie contains the ending to the original manga, so it is not mandatory to watch past this one. Even though, if you enjoyed this series, I recommend you to watch the other movies or the anime, or read the manga. First of all, I read the original manga, and there were sadly a few differences, notably the fact that an arc of the manga is missing. The story still works and it doesn't completely feel like something is missing, unless of course you've read the manga or watched the anime. Apart from this and the usual cosmetic differences found in the first movie as well, we can say that this movie was exceptionally done. It strangely looks like all the actors improved their acting during this movie, as they all seem more believable. Especially Light/Raito becomes particularly better in this one. Despite the increased length compared to the first movie, it still remains particularly easy to follow the events, and so many things happen that you'll never be bored once. Definitely worth the time! I watched this with my dad, who had never watched or read this, and he enjoyed it as well. Long story short, watch this and you won't regret it.

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A Masterpiece!

This is a gem and a tremendous work of art and a cinematic experience. It is all so breathtakingly beautiful and poignant, loving, and reflective morality. There are some scenes in this movie that ought to be studied by all who are studying to be actors, directors, and film professionals. Sometimes, simplicity is best and a solid story of human understanding. The scene on the swings (for those of you who have seen the movie) is one of the best filmed interactions between two people I have ever seen. Quiet. Reflective. Child-like. And so moving. Sheer brilliance. One of the Best BL Movies I have ever seen!

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Total let down, as far as I'm concerned

I had great expectations for this movie, but alas, it was a real let down, as far as I'm concerned.
The only really good part was the subplot involving Haru, the beautifully tragic (or tragically beautiful) character portrayed by Morikawa Aoi. If they had made a short movie using only those scenes, I would've given it a 10!
Unfortunately, everything else was either "meh" or else just plain bad, imho.
For once, instead of my usual "honorable mentions", I'll go for some well-deserved "dishonorable mentions":

1) while Miura Haruma managed to give a decent performance (nothing spectacular imho, sorry...but at least it was okay), the rest of the male cast was - again, imho, take no offence - plainly terrible! O___o

2) the sound guy(s) should be fired: the audio was annoyingly deafening whenever SFX, music or shouts were involved, and then almost totally inaudible whenever the normal dialogues were taking place. And adding insult to injury, the parts "in English" only got Japanese, but not English subs (which of course would not be a problem normally, but here - hence my quotation marks! - the "parts in English" were actually either in "Japanglish" or in a thick Scottish accent - imagine listening to a speech by Sir Alex Ferguson with only Japanese subtitles to help you decipher what the hell he's mumbling! >__<)

3) last but certainly not least (and as I previously mentioned, apart from Haru's subplot), the script was as bland, plain and uninteresting as they come: a bunch of random scenes and sequences thrown together don't make for good storytelling - at least, not in my book.

As I said, a real let down.../.__.\

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Started great with the characters’ introduction, showcasing different struggles they were facing in the profession they chose, yet turned into over the top “snapchat demon effects” comedy by the end.

What started as a movie that focuses on human’s weaknesses, doubt, overcoming trauma, finished CGI blood and smoke and possessed animals… Why? First and second half of the movie do not exactly match well together.

Each character had an interesting personal story that could have been explored in the context of their faith - fighting against the bureaucracy for the good of others, overcoming your trauma and finding strength within yourself, showing goodness when faced with danger and pain. Sadly, none of these plot lines were explored enough, when the movie focused more on the preparation and the exorcism itself.

Additionally, there were some plots that were introduced but truly led to nowhere (the investigation over a possible indiscretion and immoral acts of Father Kim) and I questioned the point of introducing them in the movie in the first place.

While the cinematography and camera work were truly on point, the CGI and practical effects left a lot to desire. The exorcism scene made me cry from laughing with how over the top and “excessive” it was. When will horror directors figure out that less means more?

Overall: I quite enjoyed it. The last 25 to 30 minutes were the weakest, and served a rather ridiculous conclusion to the story.

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It’s Ok.

So I like horror movies and I like Kim Seo Hyung and at the time of this writing has come out in Mine and Whispering Corridors 6 The Humming. I also like Kim Yoo Jung (Backstreet Rookie) who is adorably just a child here and at that time shows she’s talented even at that age. With that said, this was an OK movie. The story isn’t complicated and if you watch horror movies this one’s pretty cliche and not hard to figure out. For me It was entertaining just watching these two as their younger selves. The story like the other reviewer said isn’t over the top and aside from a few ‘jump’ scares for me this was just alright but not really worth watching again.

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Awesome action sword scenes from a female heroine! No stunt doubles

Jihye Ahn is a gymnast turned action star who kicked butt in this film! She did all her own stunt work and did it so freakin well. You gotta respect that! Unfortunately the story itself was weak, so I can't say it was the greatest movie, but the many awesome sword fighting scenes made it entertaining for me. It seems this is a low budget film, but the entire cast delivered so I didn't really notice.

If you're in the mood to watch some cool action scenes, especially from a female heroine, then I'd suggest giving this movie a try. I really hope Hollywood takes notice of Jihye because not only do we need more female action stars, we need more Asian ones and ones that do their own stunts. It makes a difference.

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When Mothra and her besties, the Shobijin, show up to warn the people to drop Mechagodzilla into a deep trench in the ocean or else there will be trouble, it's always wise to listen. People being people, never listen, much to their peril.

Godzilla: Tokyo SOS is a sequel to Godzilla X Mechagodzilla (2002) and a sequel of sorts to Mothra (1961). It's always good to keep in mind that Mothra is the only Kaiju to actually defeat Godzilla and kick him out of Japan before.

Kiryu, or Mechagodzilla, was badly damaged in the fight against Godzilla in the last movie and is still under repair. The military story was tepid at best. Yoshito is part of Kiryu's maintenance crew and dreams of one day piloting the Mechagodzilla. I missed badass pilot Akane Yashiro from Godzilla X Mechagodzilla. She is one of my favorite characters from all of the Godzilla movies. None of the new pilots measured up.

I thought the new fairies did a good job and loved that they were able to sing the Mosura song.

Professor Shinichi Chujo, played by Hiroshi Koizumi, from the original 1961 Mothra, makes a return and is the one the fairies come to visit early on. He and his grandson play a big role in summoning Mothra for help when Godzilla comes calling. And come calling he will as Mothra warned, because Kiryu is made from the bones of the 1954 Godzilla and Big G is drawn to it. Because of the original Godzilla's DNA in Kiryu, the giant metal monster is somewhat sentient making him a wildcard in the fight to come.

This is not one of my favorite Godzilla suits. Big G looks a little like a cobra or a Cardassian from Deep Space 9. Be that as it may, he's still wounded from the previous fight, Mechagodzilla needs more repairs, and Mothra is near the end of her life cycle. Not a three-way fight for the ages but spectacular enough.

Godzilla: Tokyo SOS is entertaining, no great moral to the story for this Godzilla aside from --- always listen to the Shobijin.

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Intense

I'm obsessed with psychological, serial killer, murder etc flicks so I welcomed this movie with open arms and wasn't disappointed! Keep in mind, this is only part 1 so don't be upset by the 'ending'. As always, the more graphic the better and if you want some brain matter, throat slits and snapped bones LOOK NO FURTHER! It's a little basic with the 'child test subject' theme but it's definitely worth the watch. I got hyped af and was ready to karate chop someone, so there's no denying the quick, swift, awesome action lol
Was kinda sad/disappointed with one part, but I won't spoil it.
Enjoy...

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Great until the ending

If you were to see this score and then watch the ep, you'd think, "what's wrong with this guy? This show is great!" Well, wait until the last minute. There's a line that is the most tired thing that exists in BL, and they had to go and throw it in.

I can honestly recommend not watching this - just watch the excellent first part and use your imagination from there. You will miss almost nothing, as this ep is the same story from Film's perspective, so the only additions are a few insights into what he was thinking in the previous episode. The continuation of the story is only in the last minute, when IMO it's ruined.

I'm actually angry. In a "typical" BL, it would just make me roll my eyes, but here it feels like throwing cargo pants on Michaelangelo's David. The acting and dialogue (with that exception) are excellent, as is the editing, which respects the audience and is efficient from a storytelling perspective. But that stupid line.

It was refreshing to watch a BL that's not crippled by adherence to the seme/uke model - here you could have two guys acting like guys, instead of one of them having to faint whenever touched by sunlight or tripping every time he tries to walk.

But then they had to ruin it. I hope they pair these two in a better project.

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In the part of a bomb damaged town built around a cesspool, a gangster with TB and an alcoholic doctor collide to form an uneasy friendship. Drunken Angel can be a difficult movie to watch as the characters are all deeply flawed.

The angel of this movie, Dr. Sanada, is an ill-tempered alcoholic, as scruffy as he is cantankerous. Shimura Takashi gives a wonderful and unsympathetic performance as a doctor with little patience and even less tact. Though disheveled and always with a level of alcohol in his system he is a compassionate and skilled doctor. As he informs Matsunaga, the local gangster who comes to him for help, angels don’t look like beautiful dance hall girls, they look like him. Sanada not only tries to save Matsunaga’s life, but also his soul from being completely stamped out by the violent life he leads.

Matsunaga is torn between doing what must be done to live and the immorally squalid life where he is a big fish in a typhoid infested pond. Like Sanada, he has a terrible temper as well. Mifune Toshiro brings out all of the fear and frustration built up in this brutish character.

Unlike many yakuza or gangster movies, the criminals are not glamourized. Doctor Sanada speaks for those who live under the yakuza’s rule when he tells Matsunaga, the yakuza code of honor is a façade and merely self-serving. He compares it to the feudal system and declares it obsolete.


Sad guitar music often plays in the background setting the mood. Further setting the mood is the pool of filth where children play, foretelling their future in the crime ridden part of town.

The two damaged alpha males are fascinating to watch as they butt heads. A powder keg of fear and violence is set off when the deadly and treacherous Okada is let out of prison and has his sights set on Matsunaga’s job and girlfriend and Sanada’s female assistant.

This is a powerful movie about two opposing forces at work for the souls of the people, the hedonistic and violent yakuza on one side and the life ruled by reason and compassion on the doctor’s side of the disease infested swamp. It would take a “dirty, drunken angel” to reside in such a place and an angel tough enough to fight for the hard-won wins and suffer the heartbreaking losses. Drunken Angel is an emotional ride, but one worth seeking out and trying.

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