Reviews

Sleeping beauty?!

I’ve come to this late, finding it on YouTube classed under romance and the year 2020 alongside but see this was released in 2014, so I’m presuming 2020 is the year YouTube covered it to show on their channel. I’ve watched quite a lot of romance movies and series that are Korean, Chinese , Taiwanese and Japanese but I wouldn’t count this film as being very romantic but still enjoyed watching the movie as it had it’s funny moments. Think I can understand the writer’s perspective as society is so judgemental about beauty because everywhere you look the media is always full of beautiful women that a lot of women try to strive for the same look that has caused a lot of body issues for women for nearly 50yrs that I’m daring to suggest. As for this story I personally think the FL was miscast as you could see she was still pretty without any heavy makeup, but apart from that all the actors played their roles well. Thought the ending was a bit strange and no kissing!! For a film advertised as a romance, weird lol. I’m a great believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that beauty comes from within a person and as a society we shouldn’t forget that and I think this is what the writer was hopefully, unless I’ve misunderstood, trying to convey

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WOW, what a wild ride!! Excellent from beginning to end, and at times unpredictable. If you don’t like blood and gore, you won’t like this. If you don’t like revenge movies, or crying during a movie, you won’t like this either. It’s about gangsters, so that explains the you “won’t like” description about this movie. I totally expected all of this going in, so I wasn’t surprised. It’s about betrayal, and trust that went wrong. I was especially at the edge of my seat through the entire last episode. The acting was impeccable! If you love a good ending, I can say it is good and bad. Watch it to see what I mean, you won’t regret it.

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Love Is Letting Go...Not About Sacrifice

I've seen a few of Kathryn Bernardo's films, and I believe she turned in the performance of her life. She stepped away from the typical romantic-comedies (many of which are actually quite good), and challenged herself to take on the role of a much deeper and much more complex character in Joy.

I have always marveled--and not in a good way--of how people tend to use others; even people they love; even members of their own families. Of course, children are usually guilted into it. In short, it's a parent's way of saying, "I suffered, and so now you must suffer too. Why? Because it's how families work."

As stated in other reviews, I am an ESL teacher. I've lived and worked in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. I know quite a bit about how Asian parents tend to treat their kids. Of course, it's not all bad. You'll scarcely find parents who are more dedicated to teaching their children about discipline and hard-work. The large contrast between them and western parents, is that western parents tend to allow their kids to do whatever they want. They're spoiled beyond belief. What is needed is a balance.

As the eldest daughter, Joy is in Hong Kong working several jobs in order to keep herself alive as well as sending money back home to her family in the Phillippines. She has a nursing degree. Her dream is to go to Canada to pursue what she loves. Of course, she meets and falls in love with Ethan, a young man who is also from the Phillippines, who is trying to support his family as well, after a disastrous relationship that nearly cost him everything.

Ethan, of course, is hoping that Joy will decide to stay in Hong Kong, and not go to Canada. This is when the film really grabs the viewer to see what Joy will decide to do.

Love is not about sacrifice for someone else. Sacrifice is about losing something, and love is never about loss. It's always about who you are. In all her wisdom, Joy has to explain this to Ethan as well as outlining the consequences of not pursuing her dream. Fortunately, Ethan finally gets it and is able to do what only love can do: let go. As soon as you try to hold onto it, love ceases to be love.

Filmed in Hong Kong, we're giving a stark and not-so-pleasing depiction of life for many immigrants struggling to survive. Some can do it. Some can't. In the end, you can only truly look after yourself and not lose sight of your own dreams. Of course, the world, and even your own family will throw every reason at you to NOT pursue your dreams. If you give in, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you forge ahead, then you have gained more profound wisdom about life than what most people can only dream about.

My only complaint of the film was that the chemistry between Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards was not what it should have been. And because of this, the film loses a bit of its heart and depth. I'd say it was pretty obvious that Kathryn Bernardo did not want to do any kissing scenes with Alden due to her love and respect for her boyfriend, Daniel Padilla. The only kiss we see is one on her forehead in the dark. Can you imagine the lack of depth in a film like Titanic if Jack and Rose only held hands and never shared a kiss? I couldn't help but wonder how much more powerful the film would have been if another actress had performed in the role, or if Padilla himself hadn't turned the role down (which I read that he had).

Still, this is a memorable film that challenges everyone to go after their dreams and let nothing and no one stand in your way.

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It moved you in a melancholy way.

The movie on the whole had bits that were predictable but it still had that element of suspense especially the ending. The way the movie has captured Jeju island is what made the movie a beautiful piece because you could see the sadness hanging in every corner of the island. The story between Ja-Yeon and Tae-goo was a memorable one, a gangster movie could not feel this edgy and aesthetic. It was somewhat smooth and grotesque at the same time, the language and graphic scenes of murder weren't off-putting rather they aided the emotion of the storyline. The rain and the silences were the most perfect thing for me in the film, even more than the dialogues. Tae-goo took our sympathy, empathy and respect even if he was a gangster; like there was something pure in his gruesome. Director Ma, though one of the antagonists was nothing but agreeable and man if Yang wasn't the epitome of scumbag. However, the gangs and betrayal plot might be cliche but the take from Tae-goo and Ja-Yeon's life made it unique and heart-gripping. It was like the music and the cinematography were in perfect sync. It was a piece of melancholy beauty for me.

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Simple, sweet and super slow-paced

Pros:
-Really pretty scenery in Japan with a chill, quiet and calming atmosphere to the film overall.
-I liked the natural, sweet pace that the couple get to know each other at.
-The actor for Oat is really charming and his smile is so friggin cute.
-Kiss scene is really lovely- soft and genuine.
-I loved Toey's Japanese friend Yumi- she was so charming and open-minded.

Cons:
-Not all that much happens tbh- I almost felt like it was in slow motion at times and was really tempted to up the play speed to 1.5x. The runtime is almost two hours (I watched this in two sittings tbh as I got bored after a while).
-I liked the bilingual aspect, but some of the English scenes scenes did feel a bit awkward/unnatural at times- which jilted the flow of some scenes.
-Not a big fan of the fact Oat took advantage of Toey while he was drunk when it's clear he got him drunk on purpose and knew he identified himself as straight.
-The ending sucks. I understand that this film is telling a common story of gay men who feel like they're constrained to fit into a society where they have to forego love for a straight marriage and children... But it is what it is- sad.
I hated that Oat pursues Toey from the beginning in a true act of selfishness as his last jilt before marriage. Especially knowing the entire time that he won't stay with him and that his girlfriend is pregnant. He just uses Toey and throws him away without even having the respect to say goodbye in person.
I dislike that him cheating on his partner is glossed over just because his internal struggle is something a lot of gay men go through. (I sympathize more with the hurt his partner would feel knowing someone married you for mercenary reasons but never actually loved you).
I acknowledge this movie isn't about me though and these things aren't perfect (and that's kind of the point of the movie). But this is not something I'd ever feel motivated to rewatch.
I really wish the movie finished with Toey rejecting the friend request and moving on with his life with a new love interest. I get it's "romantic" and melodramatic to "wait" for his one true love to come back (I know there's a sequel along those lines). But to me it'd be more satisfying to show that you should have the self-respect to move on from people who use you and find someone who truly wants to be with you.

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Not Perfect, But Still Fun and Worth the Watch

As someone who has not only seen the anime, but has also read the manga, I feel safe saying that while this wasn't a perfect adaptation of it's source material (and there should definitely be a sequel to finish off the story), it's still funny, heartwarming, and has a great message about not judging someone purely because of their looks. I actually cried a bit when Kae was being fat shamed, but my sadness melted away when the boys defended her. It's rare to see something go for that message, especially in Asian dramas. This movie is definitely not for everyone (if the fujoshi elements weren't a turn off for people, the music number in the beginning will be lol), but for those few like me, I totally recommend giving this a go.

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A good coming-of-age movie about First Loves

I have really enjoyed this movie!! Read the other reviews and well, it really depends on what you are expecting from this? This movie is not going into depths on first loves, it is a coming-of-age story, about 3 young people, how they met each other, their lives and their first loves. It convincingly portrays the attractions that Ai has towards Miao Miao, and Miao Miao has towards Chen Fei. The story between Chen Fei and his friend is not clearly portrayed because Chen Fei isn't clear on what he wants to do with his life, he is still grieving.

Whether Ai is gay and really loves Miao Miao, that we do not know, and from Ai's perspective, I don't think she knows too. It is clear to see why she is attracted to Miao Miao-- Ai is interested in baking and Miao Miao is great at it, there is also the opposites attraction factor, and Miao Miao is from Japan and there for just 1 school semester, which adds an exotic element to Miao Miao. Ai is attracted to Chen Fei becos he has a moody look, a 'I don't belong to this world' air .... she is also influenced by her grandmother's daily calls about her teenage romance and wants a taste of it, a love of her own. These little thoughts and wishes of the girls are very clearly conveyed in this movie, and reminds me of my own teen years. The bromance between Chen Fei and his friend/partner isn't that clear, feel more like a friendship that developed deeper feelings as time went by. And how Chen Fei realized too late that he had loved him more than friends, and regret what happened between them.

Do not expect a great love story-- this movie is about that first attractions, that first love. Special commendations to Sandrine Pinna! Her portrayal of Ai is excellent!! Very natural and real. The other actors did a great job too, but as their characters are more quiet, we don't see much of their acting abilities. Overall, a great coming-of-age movie on first loves, very natural acting with simple camera work that effectively tells its simple story to the audience.

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ANGELABABY is Very Peretyyyyy!!!!!!!!

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Love All AngelaBaby Movies

The Story line is good, the cast is perfect, but I'm sad AngelaBaby just got a little screen time. From the begining I though AngelaBaby will be a Main Female Role, but that just what I think, If I be Hua Bayi, I will feel the same like his fellow Mojin (I forgot his name), Who didn't falling in love with AngelaBaby beuty and kindess. beside AngelaBaby isn't the Main Female Role, this movie si very worthy to watch. The first reason why I watch this movie is because of AngelaBaby, but because the movie is good so I decided to watch it, First I though it will bored because AngelaBaby screen time isn't that much, but It still cool. Btw I must write 500 character It's so tiring, STAN TWICE btw, Im Nayeon, Yoo jeongyeeon, Hirai Momo, Minatozaki Sana, Park Jihyo, Myoui Mina, Kim Dahyun, Son Chaeyoung, Chou Tzuyu, AngelaBaby, Kim Jiwon, Go Youn Jung, Park Bo Young, Park Shin Hye, Park Min Young, Park seo Jun & Karina Aespa is my Favorite artist (Bias) Love it

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This was pretty much a small budget version of Farewell My Concubine without the historical elements. The film is about two actors falling in love with each other while making a play about a tragedy love affair that ends in suicide. And, spoilers, Yoong-woo, one of the characters, tries to do just that only to just be saved by Jae-ha. Now this was not Farewell My Concubine though. This was just any interesting film that's rushed in crucial parts which prevent this from being anything better than intriguing. This has the appeal of being a LGBTQ film in Korea with a credible, mainstream actor, Park Sung Woong starring in the role. Oh Seung-hoon was immense in the third act, though. That’s worth watching.

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This was bleak. Every aspect of it. Park Hoon-Jung’s direction somehow makes a beautiful place like Jeju Island seem like a miserable place in this dark world that we are transported in. Let's give credit to Kim Young-Ho for the masterful cinematography. This was a well shot film with camera shots constantly focusing on endless roads through a forest or by the seaside.

This was a very unique, nihilistic portrayal of a Gangster Movie full of death, revenge and violence. The film opens up with our main character, Tae-gu (wonderfully played by badass Uhm Tae-gu) grimly talking with his ill sister and her daughter about potentially being stabbed - foreshadowing the ending - right before they die. There was a severe impending sense of death immediately and it stuck with us throughout until the closing credits. Tae-gu is on the run after seemingly avenging his sister's death where he meets terminal ill, mouthy Jae-yeon (Jeon Yeo-been), who is an incredible markswoman. Both of them experience pain and loss, and they bond together through company. Despite their short time together, they were a compelling unit that we care about deeply. The antagonists of the film were typical gangster villains but Director Ma had a rare honour to him that makes him stand out from the snake, Mr Yang.

The violence was incredibly excessive, with blood being in practically every scene. The action was exciting though. Even though the main character is going through dozens of bad guys, there is a dramatic sense of danger in those scenes, especially the car scene where Tae-gu is going insane, fighting for his life with a knife. Frantic as hell. The writing was quite clever as well. The use of gratuitous language can be a tad too much but there are a lot of off the hand humorous moments to off-set the sombre tone.

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Fun movie!

STORY:
The story doesn't shine because of its complexity and depth. It is a straightforward spy movie with a simple plot involving many spies and thugs and other gangsters. It is an action packed buddy movie very fast paced but you don't feel like it is missing something. The pace is good and events are unexpected, fun and entertaining.

ACTORS/CHARACTERS:
The main quality of the movie is the numerous characters who allways bring something to the movie, most of the time something funny or a good fighting scene. The main couple is the best of them. Their good chemistry reminded me of Mr and Mrs Smith.

I have watched Kim Young Kwang in the Secret life of my Secretary, Go Ho's starry night and On our wedding day. I feel like he is always the same dumb but caring character who finally does the right thing. Here he had a particular set of skills which gave him a nice dimension. He can be an action hero (anti hero).

First time watching Lee Sun Bin in a lead role. She was surprisingly good.

OST: Nothing special. It supported well the action scene.

REWATCH VALUE: Yes, for the jokes, the fun and the fighting scenes, in particular the last one.

OVERALL: The movie does the job at entertaining the audience. It looks a pretty success in South Korea and there is possibility to make sequels. Highly recommended especially if you like action packed and comedy in movies.

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Lovely inspirational movie .... so refreshing to watch

Just chose this movie by chance and I was so happy to have found it. What a lovely movie. The storyline was intricate in its unfolding and has such inspirational words and moments that were so heartfelt. This movie is very worthwhile watching at any time and is completely agelesss.
The whole production was excellent. The characters were interesting and the acting was well done. The music was hauntingly beautiful and has been put onto my list for periodic future sampling.
Mu use of Dramalist led me to find this gem. Very useful tool. Thank you to all those involved in Dramalist and this movie.

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