Reviews

Pain shared is pain halved

When one knows one's end is coming, how would life seem but a painful wait for a seemingly inevitable truth...Then, does hope seem like a foolish comfort that entices only to disappoint or a powerful tool that inspires to do the impossible, making one reckless and irrational but also fearless and bold...

The story revolves around Wei Yi Hang, a bitter and disillusioned teen and at the time the film begins, it has been two years since he has had an operation for a brain tumor...No longer in high school, he has no friends his own age and he just sees his parents struggle financially covering for his treatment, frustrated with his helplessness he often snaps at those around him and hates the fact those in the cancer support group he goes to, try to find meaning in what he believes is a pointless existence...In one of those meetings he meets Ma Xiaoyuan a girl his age who is direct and outgoing, and is quite unfazed by cancer as a whole...she slowly and steadily makes him appreciate what he has and in the process makes him want to make the best out of his situation...

Jackson Yi is good but is saddled with a self centered adolescent role who is hardly given a chance to redeem himself...I hoped for more character development for the male lead as I failed to sympathize with his response to the people around him who went out of their way to cater to his every whim...Liu Hao Cun was extremely good, both the character she played and her acting were real and unabashed, giving this film its best moments...

The story is pretty standard and seems to have been heavily inspired by the plot of The Fault in our Stars, but pales into nothingness doing so...The shots are beautiful and the cinematography is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and soul...The direction is a tad slow but the scenes are shot cleverly and are quite well executed...As for the screenwriting, the characters lack depth and the film leaves me wanting more...it could have been done with more brevity for the plot they had in mind...

Overall it is an enjoyable watch and does justice to showing how the people around those suffering or the ones left behind, cope with the sense of doom and come to terms with what cannot be helped...A little restrained but otherwise heart warming and emotional with a deeper take on life!

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A really fun Cliché

This movie is a comedy and I enjoyed it though I have to say if I didn't watch a lot of Thai and Taiwanese comedies I might not have found some of the jokes as funny. This is a fun movie. Plot of this movie is very cliche' Straight man pretends to be gay for a contest until it turns out he really is gay. I was glad to see the greedy gf get what she deserved and the homophobic cop subplot wasn't that bad. But over all the main couple were super cute and I found it to be a fun movie and an easy watch. I have rewatched it and likely will again. I recommend 👍 did enjoy and all that good stuff.

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I cried lololol

Finally I finished watching this movie omg and I love it. While the story wasn’t really THAT unique if you wanna compare to like many other space scifi movies that came before, it's really an impressive movie. Not to mention it was the first made by Koreans and starring Korean casts.

Never really expect a story about some junk scavengers would spiral into a race to save the Earth but there ya go. I really love how the back stories of the main characters were gradually revealed... not to mention how Taeho turned out to be like Yoo Sijin in space lol. I had lots of tears of sads and happiness throughout the movie I never thought I'd get hit with so much feels in this movie!

And another aspects that I really love in this movie was how much multilingual this movie is like everyone of different ethnicities were a lot of times communicates using their own languages and everyone could understand each other using a universal translation gadgets that they all have. That was really rare to see in even Hollywood movies. I had so much fun watching this movie, I really love it so much!

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This is really such an underrated movie and it definitely deserves more appreciation. It's so short but doesn't feel rushed and is able to make you fall in love with itself in just the four minutes.
The story seems a bit repetitive with two people being from different sects and despite everything falling for each other but they succeeded at creating a little twist at this classical story.
The OST is really good and the movie almost feels like a music video at the same time.
The actresses have such a great chemistry together and no wonder when they are a couple in real life as well. <3 I was so happy to finally see a wlw film piece finally made by an actual wlw couple. *-*
The cinematography, sceneries, and costumes are going to make you feel like watching a high budget drama because they are amazing as well.
I've re-watched Red Witch and Heroine Su three times already and I don't think that I will ever get tired of it. But we definitely need more wuxia GLs.

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Beautiful from beginning to end

This is pure sweetness and love. The film explores themes of abandonment, failure, trust, and, ultimately, love and self-acceptance. The acting was first-rate, there wasn't a false note entire film. The music was unexpected, but somehow perfect too. The writing was understated and soft, and yet carried emotional weight. The leads reminded me of the characters from the film version Life-Love on the Line, my other favorite LGBTQ+ film from Japan. These are important stories to tell, and yet, this film doesn't make them exceptional - they're just human. Which is even better.

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Lau Kar Leung is one of my favorite martial arts directors and he did not disappoint with this movie. The story started out slow gradually building as the movie went along. LKL's fight choreography is always intricate, complex, and in this case, with very little wire work. The kung fu stars knew what to do with his direction and made the fight scenes shine.

Gordon Liu plays the 11th prince, and soon to be named Crown Prince, who has to hide his martial arts skills and his identity as he tries to find out which brother is trying to have him killed. He takes on a hot-headed thief named Ho, played by Wong Yu, through some subterfuge and trains him in kung fu and how to be a better man. The growth of their relationship from adversaries to friends is at the heart of the story. The movie starts out as a light comedy and steadily grows darker.

In Liu's initial fights he disguises his skills making it seem that what happens are accidents or like a puppet master fights through someone else. In two other "polite" encounters with killers, a wine tasting and antiques buying expedition, he fights calmly and intricately with the polite killers without damaging the products. Ultimately, there is a no holds barred showdown with Lo Lieh, playing the corrupted general along with his minions.

For fans of Shaw Brothers productions there are many familiar faces filling out the cast. The biggest star for me was the man behind the camera, Lau Kar Leung. His fight choreography, especially in the days before CGI, is amazing. Fortunately, for him, he had some actors well versed in kung fu to bring those scenes to life.

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Encouraging

Here is a bl which tackles a storyline rarely depicted in this genre. How does societal views
influence the decisions made by members of the gay community? How does the pressure to be normal lead to deception and even more sorrow?
Lastly, what happens when the eventual truth
comes out and results in the breakdown in the
home, especially when a child is involved. All of these questions and more are carefully dealt
with and handled with sensitivity and sincerity.
The casting of the main couple and the rest of the
cast was excellent. The music set the right tone.
Even the custody trial lawyers introduced a
perspective that is rarely shown. This was a story
that needed to be told. The emotions seemed
natural and heartfelt.

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Engrave Your Way Into My Heart

I had to watch this film. I just had to, even though I knew it would break my heart watching it. Which I was correct, but it's still worth watching!

So the film takes place once martial law has officially ended in Taiwan. However, that doesn't mean that there weren't lasting impacts from the martial law. As well as some people wanting to maintain that way of living. That was interesting to see. We get our main character Jia-Han and Birdy, whom are both equally enjoyable to watch. Those characters are really well represented in their youth and I gotta give props to the actors!

We get to see an lgbtq persons first sexual experiences and first time falling in love. There's a scene early on where Jia-Han mentions when him and Birdy are cracking food that it sounds like heartbeats. Right there I was like, oh boy he got it BAD! The chemistry between these two actors was so freaking solid. They made me laugh and smile seeing their interactions. Theres a scene in the film where they go in a screening room and that whole interaction was so wholesome and lovely. Perfectly shows youth and wanting to just maintain innocence in such a rough time.

There's a brief showing of a man advocating for equal rights and gay marriage. Stating "homosexuality is not a sickness" that broke my heart. He gets taken away and Birdy actually tries sticking up for him, which isn't the first time he's seen standing up for an lgbtq person. That didn't necessarily mean he was gay himself, however those moments had me start to think he was. Birdy says "fools rush in where angels fear to tread" clearly referencing himself and Jia-Han.

So where this film shines the most is actually in the scenes between Jia-Han and the father. Those scenes had me tearing up all throughout. Jia-Han is trying so desperately to explain that he has love in his heart for Birdy, not just lust. Asing "is your love bigger than the one I give?" and what the difference is. Even saying maybe he'll be more understood in hell. Those are where the film feels the realest in a sense. Once him and Birdy do end up having some type of physical intimacy, its done so in a way of validation. Jia-Han wasn't forcing his affections onto Birdy, they were already there as shown when Birdy kisses him and then cries. Love is shown in many ways, not just the physical. Even when Jia-Han tries to take the blame for Birdy's "love affair" on campus. That's love. Or admits in front of his parents that he's gay and "what's wrong with being queer?" Powerful stuff dude.

Random side note. I saw Chris Wu in this for literally a second and KNEW it was him lol. I would know the side of his face anywhere!!! Moving on, let's get into the non-plot stuff. The use of red and green in this film was really nice, very striking in some scenes. The scene with the openly gay student talking to Jia-Han was really well shot, especially with the stained glass dove mural behind them. Dove's are used quite a bit in this film, probably as both a symbolic symbol but also for peace. It also just so happens that Birdy jumps from the balcony right after that scene. Like a dove. There's great use of rack focus in many scenes that I loved. The orchestral music with the brass instruments pulls at the heartstrings. Also later on when Jia-Han runs away to the beach, he screams into the void and then ends up swimming naked in the ocean with Birdy. This was great because it doesn't end up in anything sexual. It's just pure and free, they kiss and that's it. Still maintaining the theme of love and lust are seperate, and sometimes go hand-in-hand.

So...the ending. I'm conflicted. The scene with Jia-Han and Birdy on the phone was fantastic. Really well done. However, any scene with the older actors got iffy for me. The acting wasn't as good overall at the end. It felt too displaced from the rest of the film. I appreciate having it show how far the world has come in current day, but it didn't need to be that long. Jia-Han and Birdy are kinda implied to be given a second chance, which is nice but its up to interpretation. I'd like to think they remain friends, because the romance has died off. Also having the father ending up being gay himself felt kinda stretching it. It was the whole cliche of "not wanting the same for another person what he went through" thought process. I believe this movie is the directors real life story, so I can't really say it was unbelievable if that's the case. However, film-wise it would've been better to just have him become accepting overall towards Jia-Han. Because all he really needed was acceptance.

Overall, such an important movie. It's the first lgbtq film to be screened in Taiwanese theatres. Gained so much money and acclaim. Things keep changing for the better and I as a queer person always appreciate and feel strongly about films released like this. They hit me deeply and I will always support them. Watch this film and spread the word! Love isn't just one type of way

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I love this movie

Kiss and candy is a great name for this movie because it is just like candy and I keep rewatching it! So sweet. I get the main character with his social and emontional problems 100% The seme of this couple is so kind and doting. I love this movie have I said? The problems the couple face are all self made but in a way that is realistic and understanble. This is a shorter movie but a wonderful love story. The two leads are adorable together while still being realistivly awkward. The dancing around each other in this is pretty short lived and most of the movie is them figuring out how to be in a serious relationship as adults. Its really sweet. Would totally recommend!

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A funny horror comedy

This movie made me laugh so much!. I love zombie movies but this took the cake for zombie comdey for me 'next to Shane of the dead of course' so silly and over the top and actiony. There is a tone shift towards the end but still funny in a sifferent setting. My favorite part though was the hypochondriac character he stole the show for me. Funny movie good writing. I loved when awful people get their come ups in movies and they do that here too was very happy with this flick. Great popcorn or watching with buddies movie. Eee just maybe don't eat dinner while watching! Would recommend!

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MOULIN ROUGE OF BLs

ANTIQUE BAKERY
South Korea (2008 movie)
1:49

This is the MOULIN ROUGE of BLs! It’s different from the usual BL and it’s consistently crazy – from beginning to end. And I think the producers / director had MOULIN ROUGE in mind when they created this movie. Both were shown in the same year. MOULIN ROUGE was shown in May 2001 and this, ANTIQUE BAKERY, was shown October 2001. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

It might take a while before you get the hang of it, its style, its quirkiness.

This story has been adapted in Japan as ANTIQUE (series) and in Thailand as BAKER BOYS (also series). I haven’t seen them yet, but I’ll bet they won’t measure up to this Korean movie.

Superb cinematography and editing. It’s not perfect though. More of “style over substance.” But, hey, I love the style!

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THE GHOST AND THE CLUELESS BRAT

GHOST BOYFRIEND
China (2016 movie)
1:30


We usually side with the bullied – not the bully. But here, I love to side with the supposed bully – because the “victim” is a stupid bratty punk who is very irritating. Can’t sympathize, sorry. Another case of miscasting, for me.

The bully is the ghost – a hunk of a ghost. A hunk ghost that takes showers and cooks meals!

Can’t believe he came back from the dead to be with that brat!

And the cute young producer is hitting on the brat, too??!!! Whatda??? Haha!!! Roll eyes!! MISCAST!!!

At 50:11 mark, I really want to stop watching, but I grudgingly watched the rest.

Then… the “angels of death” are… also gay?? Haha!!! Can it get any more crazy that this???

And… after the stupid brat realizes his roommate is a ghost – what does he do? He storms off in anger! Wha…??? Is that really the reaction when someone realizes he’s been living with someone who is, well… dead?? Really??? Or just the reaction of a really stupid brat?

And then, at the last 20 mintues, the ENGLISH subs disappear!! But at this point, you won’t care anymore.
[If you care to understand the last part, an English translation is in the comments section]

Then comes the bed scene that is ewwsome.

The ending? I COULDN'T CARE LESS ANYMORE!!!

5 / 10

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my favourite movie so far

This movie is just wonderful. The atmosphere is just so calm and quiet, the colors are really pretty, the sceneries are amazing...
The amount of oxygen that it gave me is insane, I felt like I was breathing after holding my breath for too long. I couldn't describe the feeling that I've got, something like cold mornings in a little house, with the golden light of the sun illuminating the countryside... After watching it, I felt humble and modest towards life.

The movie was painful to watch because it reminded me a lot of myself, but it portrays life within its all. The cruelty, happiness, anger, and issues of a gay couple living with a child in early 2000's Japan. Every character has their own palette of behavior, and you can't just hate one of them because they all have a valid point for acting as they do. The ending was incredible, and I think it is the best that could happen to them.

If you want to watch another movie with the same vibe, I recommend "Restart After Comeback Home".

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light hearted fluffy romance

STORY
A fluffy romantic comedy full of humor. From the first scene this movie pledges to make you laugh until the end and it does the job very well. The ML proposal gone wrong due to a coincidence between FL and his crush. The situation leads ML to live at FL apartment and many humorous events follow. ML comes in picture and he actively pursues our heroine this leads to create a spark between ML and FL.

PLOT VIEW
The story is simple yet humorous. I felt that sometimes we need to be kind and discreet in what we are doing but then this world has some selfish people who take advantage of your kindness. The girl helped her friend so much but what did she get a money. The time and enery a person puts cant be counted with money. The two boys are super cool and I loves the scenes where all three are together. The ending is satisfying and lovely.

ACTING
Dilraba dilmurat was good but sometimes her facial expressions seemed stiff. I have seen her works and she is good but this movie lacked her expressions. She needs improvement or maybe in present she might be excellent.
Leon zhang was charming and funny. He stole the show for me. Awesome acting awesome expression. his body language in doing comedy is perfect, the actions, the way he speaks his dialogue is just perfect.
Vengo gao was also nice and made a good impact. I am gonna check out his other works.

MUSIC
Songs, BGM were nice and put together beautifully.
Two cents songs was lyrically beautiful like a poem.

REWATCH
I watched this movie in 2019 for first time. And watched it like more than 5 times. As soon as I start the movie the hilarious plot consumes me and I end up watching the whole movie.

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As a person who's watched the original anime ,this is the live action movie I like more than the original and that happens very rarely. But we are not here to compare the two works, let's just talk about the movie individually. It's a very clever concept and concepts involving heaven and soul are one of my favourites in stories generally.

The way they upgraded the mystery with adding a few more plot points than the original was clever and well fitted. The movie is a slow-burn psychological mystery kinda movie. It has a lot of plot twists specially towards the end of the movie when there's a big reveal, due to the plot twists it's really hard for me to talk about it without spoiling it but I'm still trying my best haha.

Often I see that if a movie or a drama is a mystery and psychological, becuase of too many plot twists, they loose the essence of it being psychological and they focus less on the character's emotions and all but that was not the case here. The way both of the genres were blend in so perfectly is one of the things I loved about this movie.

The plot twists aren't super mind-blowing and aren't like "omg I never saw that coming!" Lol but they totally are good enough plot twist and the pace of the movie makes you curious as to what happened that Min had to kill himself. The pace of the mystery was done so well but they never forgot to address any of the character's emotions throughout the movie.Be it the mom or even the brother who are supposed to be 'evil' . They aren't labelled as evil or anything and has both good and bad qualities in them and has a precious and complicated relationship with min .

The movie also teaches us that in life there are plenty of good things and bad things and it's our choice if we want to look at the bright side of the things or the not so bright side. It tells us that happiness is a choice and we should value the precious things and people we have right now cuz life is like prize that'll go away just like a home stay, we should value it when we have it and it's such a beautiful message!


Another thing I loved about it is the amazing cinematography, specially whenever the guardian angel cake in front of the protagonist, something fantasy liked happened and the way they captured all those scenes were beautiful in my opinion. I think I've complimented the acting enough but let me tell y'all again, everyone in this movie is a terrific actor especially James!

Overall, it's a slow-burn but good paced mystery yet psychological movie that talks a lot about the topic of suicidal thoughts and all so do give it a watch if you are a fan of any of these things!

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