Reviews

Basic mistakes with some cliche.

Let's start. The movie itself has a lot of bugs that may not be seen if you do not take care, it doesn't kill the vibe of the movie, but it may annoy you, like: in the marriage scene, first Ren Hao Ming has a little box with a ring inside, then in the other scene, the ring isn't there anymore; when Qing Tian invites him to go outside, they were wearing some clothes that were not the same in the next scene. The songs in general were good, besides the wrong timing in some scenes.

The movie doesn't have much sense (actually, almost don't have a sense), you are blind but you need a wheelchair? Then, you have your view back, but you do not recognize your partner anymore? It's like all your other senses just abandoned you because your eyes are cured! But you do remember where she took you at just one time! Come on, let's make any sense, please! It remember me of a mixture of Cinderella and the beauty and the beast.

The acting was not the worst, it was normal, nothing special to be told. I recommend you watch this only if you have free time and decides to watch something that will make you be like "what just happen?". Don't try to find a good history, you won't.

Read More

Take a psychic, a healer/exorcist, a girl who can curse people, a mad cult leader and a cop who doesn't believe in all this supernatural crap - and you get this movie. And I liked it a lot! Mainly for the very odd relationship that Hiyakawa-san (the exorcist) and Mikado-kun (the psychic) have. Because Hiyakawa can exorcise ghosts, certainly, yet he can't see them properly but Mikado works as a some sort of, well, amplifier you could say for him. When Hiyakawa touches Mikado's chest, they can both see the past of a person/place/thing.

There's also some really good whump, especially in the first half of the movie. There's Mikado's guilt and his panic attacks, Hiyakawa's mysterious past and his crazy - dude's not normal, that's for sure - and then also creepy ghosts and dead bodies everywhere. Creepy!

It's based on a manga, IIRC, and the movie really made me want to read it. Also, the open ending hints at a possible sequel? Hopefully! I had a blast watching this one.

Read More

This is not a simple romance.

If you are looking for something fairytale-ish or you're watching "My Roommate Is a Gumiho" and thought that this film would be the candy that you need in your life... I'm sorry. THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE! That's said, let's beginning.

"Sweet and Sour" tells the love story of Jeong Da Eun (Chae Soo Bin), a nurse that works very hard but found out the sweetness in the little things of her life. One of them is Jang Hyuk (Jang Ki Yong), her boyfriend who loves her pretty much. After getting a promotion in his job, Jang Hyuk needed to move to Incheon, and there he meet Han Bo Yeong (Crystal), an ambitious woman who will mess up his head. When I started the movie, I was pretty sure that it will be a lovely story about pure love and hold on tight in your conviction, but it turns out very different. I won't give spoilers here, but I'll try to describe what I think this movie is really about.

I saw many people saying that the story was superficial and nonsense, but I think that everything was made to be that way. The superficiality was what we need to develop the characters in our mind, and give to them the burden that we thought was right. We made deductions following the formula of the perfect romance, and then the end comes and punches our face.

I think this movie was made to show that the life in fact isn't just sweet, that we have sour things that cross by, and it that. The frustration that I experienced was based on my own expectations and my idea of perfection. I wanted to see perfection in a relationship that wasn't perfect at all. This made me think a lot that we really only see what we wanna see.

For me, this movie was a pretty good one (★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★). It wasn't the best script in some moments or the best edition either, but the idea was very good. If you are looking for a simple romance, stay away from this.

See you soon,
Mari.

Read More

Chinese Classic!

Dying To Survive based on a true story, both the film and the real-life efforts of Lu Yong show that change is possible. It tells a very heartwarming, tear-jerking story that can resound with all audiences to identify with. The acting of Xu Zheng truly elevates the cast and this debut work from Wen Muye takes some unconventional choices (for Chinese mainland cinema anyway) in both the filming technique, editing style, and pacing.The film is split in two distinct parts, separated by a time interval and pervaded by very different moods. The first one that act as a prologue is brush and comedic, full of energy, gags, laughs (subject matter allowing!) and even a hilarious brawl where also the timeless Chinese weapon – the foldable chair – makes a glorious appearance. But, like in every good Chinese movie, actions have consequences and the second part deals with those and the emotional toll of such actions

Read More

I have to admit, after my initial doubts, Miracle in Cell No. 7 had me laughing one minute and embarrassed-crying the next. You know what kind of embarrassed-crying~ the one that has your tears sliding on the side of your face, and to avoid anyone watching you, your sleeve cleverly touches your eyes which have begun to swell. The next moment, it was a chuckle drowned in the sniffing and suddenly you’re clapping once again. It’s an odd experience for sure, but an incredibly satisfying at that. It might get corny at times, but it’s nearly impossible to not fall for the charismatic Kal So-Won — I see Mana-chan has SOME competition or maybe Kal will fill the void of child acting as Ashida grows up.

Read More

a new taste

Based on true events that occured at Gwangju Inhwa School and adapted from the controversial novel 'The Crucible' by Gong-ji Young, the movie does not hold back to create a lasting impact on the viewer. In fact, I was stunned that the director included explicit scenes of sexual crimes committed against children, perhaps to make the audience fill with rage against the culprits. At times it will be difficult for the viewers to hold back their tears, with the grim ending leaving a permanent impression on the viewer's mind about the sorry state of affairs of the victims. Gong Yoo gives a good enough, if not an excellent performance, though at times the child actors tend to outshine him. All in all, a good movie to watch, but brace yourselves for the tough scenes - I am sure they will be difficult to stomach even for the toughest of viewers out there.

Read More

i donno how i feel about this movie - cause i didn't like Chen Han Dong from the start to finish. like i pitied Lan Yu throughout this movie - first off Liu Zheng who introduced Lan Yu as an old friends son, and he was pimping him out - i was like WTF. get Lan Yu was poor and needed money for tuition as he was from the country and now a student in the city supporting himself - but as Liu Zheng kept later on giving him odd jobs, why not offer those from the start - but then thought maybe its cause he would make more in this line of work. still seeing Lan Yu who looked not only a bit scared, but timid and naïve falling into Chen Han's hands didn't feel right. the fact that he didn't hurt or abuse him was a plus point - or so i though at the start .
cause if he had, at least then Lan Yu wouldn't have fallen so hard for Chen Han , it was pretty evident that he was smitten by the end of that night which wasn't the case with Chen Han.

yeah the description goes a long way into explaining, vindicate and excusing Chen Han's actions and behavior - but from what i saw in the movie, his motivation wasn't fear of being in a gay relationship, or the fact that he loved Lan Yu - he was very attracted to Lan Yu (but it was the naivete - the fact that he was a virgin that had never been with anyone - never even kissed) that was a boost to his ego, that he not only could be his first, but everything he would ever experience sexually Chen Han would be his first, his teacher - men love that - like plz.
he may have developed a fondness for him as personality wise Lan Yu was very open and trusting, let alone loving - who wouldn't want that around them?!? the fact that he brought him gifts - he couldn't offer him genuine feeling, so what else could he do? he had tons of money so at least he didn't owe Lan Yu - cause no matter what he got from him, at the end of the day/night he paid him with hard cash. and considering his always bringing it up - the fact that he lavished a lot of money on Lan Yu - kinda put Lan Yu in his place

Lan Yu on the other hand had the bad luck of falling for a man that was never ever gonna love him emotionally, the way Lan Yu loved him - he could give him all the love sexually and all the comforts in the world. but the sec he got bored or found a new person that attracted him, he had no problem kicking Lan Yu to the curb. justifying his moving on as a natural course of any relationship - which is b.s as what it was, was him getting bored and finding a new play thing - whether it be a new young stud to mount or a new intelligent female he could marry cause he had come of age and needed to produce a heir - it had nothing to do with love - fear or appearance's. bottom line Chen Han was a self-centered douche

the only plus point i can find in Chen Han is that when he decided to marry, he didn't try to keep Lan Yu as his "side chick" but broke things off with him ready to commit himself to the woman he wanted a future with - even though that hurt poor Lan Yu, it was commendable -

this was a sad movie cause of Lan Yu - from start to finish he was all heart... u knew what u got with him and he didn't care for the gifts and money he got from Chen Han - he just wanted Chen Han heart and when he got it, it was too late -

Read More

Journey of 4 girls from 4 different countries that came together to achieve their dreams.

As a blink myself, this documentary was an emotional ride for me. I've known them for about 2 years and this was the first time I saw them speaking up about their trainee days, their hobbies and what they expect as musicians. Although I couldn't be with them through their debut days, this documentary took me back to their memories that were candid and fun.
Even if you don't stan them, you can watch this documentary as this is also the reality of every kpop groups. They train hard from a very young age with a hope that they can shine as artists. They train vigorously and undergo such harsh training. Some idols even starve themselves to fit the beauty standards, while some idols gets insulted so much during their trainee days. They are kept under surveillance 24/7 and the agencies are very much focused on their image. The reality of idols is very different from what you see.
This documentary has focused in their trainee days where they were evaluated and had to undergo through 5/6 years of training to become an idol. This documentary also shows what they feel about being a kpop idol and what they dream of. The most heartwarming scene for me was the last part where they talk as normal person about their dremas and their future. You should give this documentary a try if you are interested about Kpop idols.

Read More

Becoming 'Father' without Committing any Crime!

'Daughters' (2020) is about two young girls, Koharu and Ayano, living together in Tokyo. They have good jobs and enjoy their carefree lives and friendship till one of them, Ayano, becomes pregnant from a one-night stand. This is a big shock for Koharu. There are two options available for her:

1. Not accepting any responsibility: Ayano has made all the decisions by herself, not asking for her friend's opinions, so it makes sense if Koharu goes with this option.

2. Accepting a role like 'the father', as Ayano doesn't tell the real father about the story.

Sadly, there is no third option between these two extremes for her: All or nothing.
Koharu goes with the second option, so she constantly has to adjust her life to fast-changing situation of the mother. This is not fun for sure! And the main story is about this: HOW THIS PREGNANCY PERIOD AFFECTS THE GIRLS' FRIENDSHIP.

As I just finished it, I can't say how good the movie is (disregard my ratings, MDL made me give some ratings!), but the theme was really new and interesting to me!

Read More

In the midst of pain and tragedy, life goes on as we move on...

The 4th installation of the Rurouni Kenshin franchise serves as the finale that may strike a controversy to viewers depending on their tatses. While the 1st, 2nd and 3rd movies were mostly action packed that surely deserves its praise and glory for its thrilling suspense and amazing choreography of its fighting scenes, "The Final" gives us a different taste.

Some may find "The Final" a little bit more dull, boring or lackluster compared to its previous installations. There were also some questionable moments that weren't addressed properly in the movie. Nonetheless, the slow burn development of the plot is beffiting for its theme, genre and atmosphere. While some may agree with these claims, others may not. In the end, it depends entirely on the viewers' perspective. I actually see "The Final" suitable for the conclusion of the Rurouni Kenshin franchise for it offers us its simplicity and plot that is more on the mellow side.

Although, there are situations in the movie in which we still see those epic sword fights that we all love, "The Final" had a different approach in which the focus is more on the vulnerability of the characters. It showed us the hurt, pain, sadness, guilt and anger of what the characters were feeling. Truly, "The Final" will give you an emotional ride.

Accompanied with the actors / actresses great portrayal of their characters are also the soundtracks that fitted the movie well. The familiar sountracks that we all know plus another great ending song from the one and only : ONE OK ROCK. ***applause***

The cinematography too did not disappoint. In addition to that, the plot still flowed well despite some of its shortcomings as it relayed everything from the beginning until the end.

The Final is definitely not just the story of the main character but also the character who had lost his loved one and who eventually learns to forgive in order for the past to not shackle him..

Indeed, The Final concludes with a bittersweet ending as the people who were involved moves on and starts anew with their life : Living for the present and letting go of the past.

Read More

first off any movie from china - with Chinese actors (cause of the censorship) needs to be applauded as it aint easy - cause this was far from P.G (it wasn't pornographic - but it was erotic and there were a ton of male on male sex scenes, which is a no no in china). but having said that this was interesting if a bit confusing -

yeah the movie starts off with the cheater and his lover, off to their secluded get-away. after which the investigator meets up with the wife to show her all the evidence... and then i was left bewildered - why she did nothing other then order him to keep following her hubby. i don't get why latch onto a person who has no respect for u, or the commitment he made to u? there a shortage of men in china ? cause last i heard its the other way round - there is a shortage of females, so why?? and get - some will say love - but how blind can love be - when u see the person u love, in-bed with someone else - love can survive that - is that even love? don't get it.
acting like nothing is wrong while getting a third party to investigate ur spouse, and then seeing what they get up to behind ur back¯\_(*_*)_/¯ considering how things were going, i doubt she would've ever opened her mouth, if her husband didn't stumble across the evidence in her cell - ironically losing it, for invading his privacy

u can understand the husband if u want, cause of how hard it is in many countries to be out and proud - but i can't forgive his not only using her as a beard but then trying to bring his bf closer to home, by befriending his wife so she will be more accepting of his new "friend" basically not even caring that he is insulting her or the relationship he has with her - but all is fair cause he can't be out and proud?!? and then when he finds out that she knows, he not only goes on the defensive but he slaps her - psssh that would be game over for me i would murder the f*cker - but she is still that desperate to keep him, that she wont attack or leave him - going so far as to target his lover - shaming him at his work-place. smart move cause then Jiang doesn't want anything to do with his married lover. which is sad for the husband who genuinely loves him and is kinda lost without him (not that watching this too the end i doubt Jiang didn't love him back) just a messed-up situation that should've been dealt with in a different way - like talking and working things out even being open with the wife - and just putting his foot down and asking for a divorce - not easy but better then what happened.
anyhoo Luo Hai the investigator decides to keep following Jiang, after watching his client creating havoc in Jiang office - getting curiouser the more he sees of Jiang throughout the night - the more he wants to know -

on the other hand we got the mysterious Li Jing - like seriously - until the end of the movie didn't get what was up with this female. she was Luo Hai's gf - but then she had a weird suspect relationship with the boss of the sweatshop where she worked, where he kept not only looking out for her at work, but taking her out for food and putting money into her bag - and then there is the whole mess where the cops bust the sweatshop and take him in. she's so desperate she goes to an acquaintance of his for help and then basically offers herself, so he will help get her boss out of jail - lets say the relationship between Li Jing and Luo Hai isn't binding in the least, they see each other when they want - but seem to live separate lives, together then not - then i donno - just weird and off - add to the mix Luo Hai bi curious side awakening, befriending Jiang - but with the amount of flirting going on, both knew they would end up in bed together -

there is a lot going on - it makes sense - but confused as to why/where Li Jing vanishes - breaking the guys apart - and get the wife (who's pregnant when we see her again) attaching Jiang, easier to blame him for her husbands choice then cursing a dead person - u can't vent ur anger like that - but how she walk away scot-free after what she does? even why doesn't Jiang go after Luo Hai... donno left kinda wanting - but it is what it is - sad and interesting watch

Read More

LOVVVEED IT!!!!!

This was a beautiful movie.
There are sooo many things that I loved about this movie but I'll include only a few
1) It was set in the countryside of Japan which in itself gives the movie such a calm and soothing vibe. It even goes well with the theme of the movie cause sometimes just a calm atmosphere can solve a lot of problems.
2) The little girl's perspective. I was just beautiful to watch how simple somethings are but we adults just complicate it. The time she said that papa likes shun and shun likes papa too, why is that weird, it's not weird right. Then towards the end ' If you say sorry to mama then papa, mama, shun and sura can all live together '. All this made me tear up because this reminded me of one of the sentences of Hayao Miyazaki that 'children are special because they are not affected by the logistics and common sense of adults'. This just tells how simple everything is for children, they see it as what it is and not complicate it.
3) When shun just come out to the people in town and they just accepted it as it was nothing different and the old lady said " Shun, Live Proudly ".
It was such a wholesome movie and I even loved the ending.

Read More