Completed
Sweet & Sour
123 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 5
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

A realistic portrayal of modern day relationships

The last 10 minutes of the movie will leave you mind-blown. That's where the twist is, and you need to watch it again to get a complete grasp of the story. Thank goodness it's on Netflix! We can rewatch the scenes until we fully understand what's going on (lol). This is a well-executed film, with three equally talented stars at the forefront. It has a good balance of seriousness and humor as the characters matter-of-factly tell their story, a characterization of why relationships in this fast-paced world are short-lived. This is rated 13+ by Netflix, but it tackles a more mature topic apt for, perhaps, a more open-minded perspective on dating and relationships. If you are expecting a feel-good happily-ever-after romantic comedy sort of thing, this, without a doubt, will disappoint you. Watch something else.

Chae Soo Bin impressively portrayed her role as the lively and cheerful turned lonely and weary nurse, Da Eun. She's one of the younger stars whose acting prowess is commendable. The camera immaculately captures her sweetness. A real beauty who's a class act of her own. Jang Ki Young (Jang Hyuk), nailed his role as the struggling young professional climbing up the ladder. An imperfect guy with a perfect smile. Such a charming young man! I've watched him portray different roles in dramas, he never disappoints, always a pleasure to watch. His scenes with Krystal (Bo Young) were fun and light in contrast to the serious and heavy scenes with CSB (Da Eun), yet he wonderfully delivered. He's got good chemistry with both CSB and Krystal, too. Krystal as Bo Young was exceptional. She playfully and brilliantly brought the character to life.

I love this movie. I like how it ended. I let out a satisfying chuckle at the final scene yet, at the same time, heartbroken for the sweet romance that turned sour in the end. I was left with an afterthought of what could have happened if they had done things differently. The main leads are not bad, they're just young people who still have so much to learn--perfectly flawed humans who are newbies in the real world and still have a lot of growing up to do.

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Completed
Sweet & Sour
17 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

Miraculously sugary and realistically acidic!

The movie started off really well with excitement that's addicting, and the pacing follows tightly as the focus of the story shifted chronologically. It may be using a more comical approach at the beginning, but the realism for the second half of the movie is extremely true to life and bizarre to watch. Then when everything's coming to an end, the ultimate reveal catches everyone off guard, by presenting a groundbreaking, mindblowing and earth-shattering closing sequence. The actors are simply superb!
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Completed
Just the Way You Are
3 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

cheesy but enjoyable

i came for the cheese.
i stayed for the cheese.

yes, the concept is not brand new. what i appreciated tho is that the seemingly "bad guy" isn't entirely a jerk... just a tad bit childish. when it comes to the fl, i was so happy she wasn't presented as naive or spineless. this movie really presented a strong fl who won't let her guard down but she's also caring and understanding.

considering this is a high school romance and i try to avoid filipino movies when it comes to this genre, some parts are indeed cringey but the chemistry between the leads is undoubtedly real.

the emotional moments were done well to create a connection for the leads. it was heartwarming to see the ml help the fl during her rough times. i think one thing i wasn't a fan of was how supposedly sophia was viewed to be unattractive because of her braces. thankfully the transformation thing they usually do wasn't major or made as much of a big deal.

overall, this is an entertaining and cutesy movie involving two teens with different lives and underlying struggles.

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Completed
A Way Station
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

I loved the way of storytelling.

I wanted to watch this since I am a fan of Jaekyung. However, I had some worries because both of them are idol-turned actors and the synopsis is very cliche. Today I sat down to watch and I loved it. The way of character portrayals, the angles, colors and backgrounds and excellent visuals left a strong impression on me. I love slow pacing movies with lots of quiet scenes.

Since I am a fan, I would like to talk about Jaekyung's acting. Actually she had a few not so perfect acting experiences, but here she proved that she turned into a wonderful actress. Watching someone you have been following for 9 years is kinda weird. You pay attention to their acting since you want them to be successful. I started to watch movie with these thoughts, but then I was carried away with the movie.

I watched this kind of movies a lot when I was in my 10s, but this movie succeeded in making me feel the sorrow of main characters.

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Completed
Sweet & Sour
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Good Story Ruined By Unnecessary Twist

This was an enjoyable movie up until the last 10-15 minutes. Instead of having a mellow, thoughtful and sincere ending, Sweet & Sour blindsides you with an unnecessary twist that changes your entire viewing experience (most likely for the worst). While some people might see it as unique or creative, I strongly disagree. This should've been a slow-burn romance/melodrama about a woman desperately searching to reignite an old flame with her partner who isn't in tune with her and her emotions. In some ways, that's what you get to see but it's done very unsatisfyingly. For one, the ML simply isn't a sympathetic character. On the other hand, the FL is almost without flaw while the SFL has absolutely no personality aside from eating hamburgers and fries all day. There's not much of a push-and-pull relationship between the ML and the two female characters either. Not like the trailer implies. I'm frustrated because there's so many things this movie could've done that it didn't do. There's some symbolic moments here and there, but what it's saying as a whole isn't new or even interesting for that matter. The acting and soundtrack is pretty good, and Sweet & Sour is definitely rewatchable but not for the right reasons. It's slightly above average for me.

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Completed
Night in Paradise
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Consequences hurt less than fate

I was looking for moody violence early one morning, and as my luck would have it I settled for Night in Paradise. With a slight art film vibe, it's all ride and die with no time for happy endings. It's about bad decisions, gang drama, and death. The ML and FL form a loyalty out of what seems like circumstance, but it is actually love. A sweet but so sad existential crisis triggering type of love. I found myself disapproving but not regretful of their choices. It is rare to have a movie that isn't perfect feel so perfect anyway in spite of random flaws. Bonus points, as it follows through with its appropriately bloody conclusion.

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Completed
Sweet & Sour
15 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 4.0
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review will be very subjective...
in short, I did not like it at all. Sure, it's realistic, but it's just not it.
I felt its useless and a waste of time. I did not like the plot, and I was anticipating much more than what I got... it definitely was not satisfying...
Could've been better... it had much more potential.. I wish the story was written differently.
now im writing more because it wont let me submit my review unless its 500 characters.
lol
I already wrote what I wanted to say...
And to the previous review that said its a waste of good actors, I 1000000000000% agree.

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Completed
Sweet & Sour
23 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

The roller coaster that just goes up

Despite the plot twist, the movie felt like I didn't finish the marathon, did not jump the bunjee and I was on a roller coaster that just goes up. This film is a bitter example of how a realistic approach doesn't guarantee peak emotions. Even though the film is pretty rooted in mundane emotions people might relate to, it somehow stifles the whole point of it.

The actors have gotten the point across. But the script fails to evoke any emotion and I was waiting to feel something (anything) till the end. The characters failed to grow (even if they are supposed to fail to 'grow up'). What a waste of good actors. Most stereotypical subplots found in movies are just sewn together in a messy patch that I do not want to buy.

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Completed
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds
0 people found this review helpful
by Lize
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

This movie is soo good.

This is not a pro-review but hey it's an honest one ;).

If you're tired of watching boring movies try this one, it's so good. it capture you attention from the beginning until the credit start rolling. This movie had me laughing then crying in the same scene lol. It was predictable but also quite unpredictable which is why you won't take your eyes away from the screen until the movie finishes, then you'll hop unto the second one and trust it's amazing as the first one.

I enjoy watching this movie and I know you would to, so get to watching.
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Completed
Sweet & Sour
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Very True

I like the story and how it is presented, particularly the twist at the end. The character of Lee Kyung Young is like the personified thought that we battle with everytime we're presented with temptation. The story, plot and characters are very real, not like some dramas we watch where some scenarios are far-fetched. Since everyone can identify with the characters and the role they played, that twist in the plot made it very interesting.

I find the story very light and easy to watch. The support characters gave a bit of comedy -- the other patients in the same hospital room where Hyuk was confined and the boss in the large corporation was hilarious enough.

The lead actors were able to pull a more mature role compared to previous dramas they played. They portrayed it very natural.

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Completed
Sweet & Sour
3 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

Slice of life with a twist !!

This movie has great cast both lead & supporting ones are all familiar faces , Who obviously did well in their respective roles . This movie didn’t reach my expectations. Rather than a story It feels like collects of events . This is All about work - life balance & priorities in life . The Director instead of preaching audience left it for us to judge the characters.
Also there is a twist in the movie which is hard to guess .
Overall I felt this may not be a great movie but u can definitely watch it once .
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Completed
Sunny
2 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

“This was the sunniest moment of our lives.”

As a high school student myself, who’s going through some rough times through adulthood, I am beyond amazed by this film. Not only does this film resembles a great friendship and solidarity, but it made you feel like you’re going through the story yourself.

It’s been a long time since I last wrote a review here, since I’ve been caught up in school assignments, and was currently in a Western-movie/series marathon, but I know this film is just perfect for a movie day with my cousins and I need to watch this movie as soon as possible. And yes, this movie is perfect to watch anytime, anywhere and with anyone! You’ll definitely laugh out loud watching this one, your eyes would definitely drop a tear or two, and you’ll smile and feel nostalgic.

The friendship portrayed in this movie may be the best I’ve ever seen, and the casts were just undescribably perfect in every scene. I’m a sucker for friendship movies, and as a fan, I think this movie deserves to be seen by everyone. Thank you to everyone that made this movie happen—all the casts, the directors, the producers and writers, the staffs. Overall, a solid 100/10! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Completed
His
2 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

HAPPINESS IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

“His” is a truly beautiful movie. It’s equal parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching. But more than anything, it is a thoroughly satisfying 2-hour journey. I encourage everyone to watch it. Be warned that it’s probably a good idea to have a box of tissues beside you as there are some moments that touch one’s soul.

Please don’t read past here if you haven’t yet seen the movie. Watch it first and then come back and read this review if you feel inspired. There are spoilers below.

====="SPOILERS AHEAD" ALERT=====

This is one of those rare gems of a movie that stayed in my mind, for all the right reasons, long after I finished watching. And the more I think about it, the more impressed I become with the script-writing and the directing.

Screenwriter Atsushi Asada and Director Imaizumi Rikiya have done an incredible job with this presentation. It’s not rushed. It’s not complicated. It’s not dramatic. But it DEFINITELY IS rewarding viewing. I can’t get it out of my mind that this story is based on someone’s real-life experience because everything about the movie shines with authenticity.

We enter the lives of two gay men who break up shortly after the audience arrives. We are then fast forwarded a number years, and the man who was responsible for the break up returns with a six-year-old daughter. He’s on the cusp of a divorce. The story that follows is how two gay men, a devastated wife and a young girl struggle with Life and, ultimately, build a bridge to Happiness.

The main characters: Igawa Shun hasn’t been able to fully accept his homosexuality; Hibino Nagisa leaves Shun and marries a few years later; Hibino Rena is Nagisa’s wife; Hibino Sora is Nagisa’s and Rena’s daughter. The actors who play these roles were completely immersed in their characters and, as a consequence, the “believability factor” of this story is enormous.

"His" about coming out and community acceptance of a gay relationship. It’s also about two men raising a young girl. The movie covers Family Law and legal prejudice, and looks at the hurdles created by emotions. The message that stayed with me the most, though, is that a person should never lose sight of what matters in Life. Moreover, when a person does the wrong thing to someone else, sincerely apologise. It is through an honest and heartfelt apology that a pathway to resolving conflict is created.

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Completed
My Wife Is a Gangster 3
4 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 5.5
I felt compelled to write this review after reading so many comments referring to Shu Qi merely as the Chinese actress/girl. The gorgeous, talented, and multiple award winning (12) Taiwanese actress Shu Qi played Aryoung, the gangster's daughter. Shu Qi's father was played by the award winning (7) Ti Lung, who starred or co-starred in around 100 kung fu films. Ken Lo, another hard hitting action star played the Big Bad in Hong Kong. These fine actors' part of the story was a straight Hong Kong gangster movie, that's why they played them in a stern manner.

When Aryoung has to lay low in Korea with a bunch of goofball gangsters, the gangster farce begins. I actually enjoyed most of the comedy, especially the translator's liberal and less than literal translations. The five disparate characters bonded quickly into their own familial gang.

Shu Qi's deadly, fearless, and taciturn character played well off the three stooges of crime. I'm always pleased when the female lead isn't a damsel in distress. In this case, she played the rescuing or avenging hero more often than not and she was glorious when she was fighting.

This is one of those strange mash-ups of straightforward crime story and ridiculous crime comedy. For the most part it worked for me. Shu Qi can conjure up chemistry with just about anyone but I never bought the romance between her and the mullet-headed and not too bright leader of the Stooges, and would have been happy if they had not introduced a romance between them. Other than the forced romance and some of the over the top slap stick comedy I enjoyed this strange amalgam of Hong Kong and Korean movie.

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Hot Gimmick
3 people found this review helpful
Jun 3, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

It’s divisive. It’s art-housy, raw. Not your typical teenage drama.

Sadly, I never read this manga growing up. That said, I am particularly drawn to stories told like they are being plucked straight from memory. Disjointed, discombobulating, disorientating, raw, awkward, missing pieces...
It isn’t the “shoujo” trope of first-love-meets-high school girl emotions.
This piece of work ‘feels’, not tells. And that’s not for everyone. It’s not necessarily an “easy” watch. You can’t just throw it on and have the story handed to you. The pacing will mess you up, the missing information will misguide you, our preconceived/preconditioned notions on how a coming of age story is told will leave you confused. To enjoy this kind of movie, you have to enjoy engaging in your own thought process and emotions while watching, and not everyone enjoys this. However, I do. While others have commented that they felt that the plot was flat and not well executed, my personal opinion is the exact opposite. The plot is driven by the dialogue and character interaction as much as it is by the nuisances of the cinematography, which is opposite what we are used to (often the cinematography reflects what is being told to us, rarely does it become nearly a character in-and of-itself).

It is more art-house than pop-ish drama. It is more painful and tragic reminiscence than a love story, and it is more a ‘true’ love story than the candy coated romance that we see more often. It’s like reading a classic novel that on the surface is one thing, but when you begin looking at the authors use of allegory, it reveals itself to be entirely something else.

One thing I severely did not enjoy was the use of Pachelbel Cannon in D Major as a major theme. That is 100% opinion and personal bias towards it, rather than a critical look at the meaning of such a piece in this work.

This is my first review; I felt obliged to leave a review because movies like this - major backing, stand out cast, but unconventional, tend to get pushed aside for most except the most cult-y of followers or art-ish types. Some people will not enjoy this kind of movie, some will be confused and disappointed by this kind of art, and yet others will feel the exact opposite. Obviously enough people connected enough with a mode of story telling like to, well, tell the story like this. And at the end of the day, it’s all just a matter of opinion.

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