Completed
Beneath the Shadow
22 people found this review helpful
by Ohmu
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

"When looking at someone, you should look at the other side, where the shadow is deepest.”

Hiasa disappears amid the devastating 3/11 Tohoku earthquake, and tsunami strikes Iwate Prefecture, of which Morioka is the capital city. During Konno's search for him, the truth starts to unravel, revealing Hiasa’s other side and the deepest part of his shadow. Years later, Konno seems to conclude that his friend Hiasa himself was perhaps a fish swimming in the wrong waters, unable to conform to the world around him. In the end, it felt alright for him to remain a mystery because a mystery was what he was.

The characters convey their true thoughts in such complex and subtle expressions. Along with the symbolic connotations portrayed through things such as fish, plants, and fire, there are many hidden implications in the words that the characters choose to express, their gestures, actions, and reactions. It was very engaging to grasp the various subtle meanings weaved behind their lines. And I greatly appreciated the many symbolic connotations presented that allowed a lot of room for interpretation.

The detailed cinematography handles the aspects of perspective and tone very well as it uses that factor to convey complex emotions and moods during each scene. The soundtrack and lack thereof are very fitting and add to the dismal and the tranquil atmospheres throughout the film in a very subtle yet evident manner, making each scene even more compelling.

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Completed
To My Star (Movie)
18 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Superior As A Film, Still Wanted To See More

I continue to have a bone to pick with Korean BL's or LGBTQ content. IT'S NOT LONG ENOUGH!!! Why dude, why you gotta dangle this stuff in front of our faces for literally 15 minute episodes!? That's not okay and it needs to change. These series are worth it! However, a slight solution to this is that they also released it in this film version. Which is 2 hours long all together, so it actually works better as the film! Totally recommend watching it this way instead of being broken up. Better flow, better overall experience.

Moving on. This didn't feel cheaply done at all. Sometimes you can tell BL's or lgbtq stories aren't done with much of a budget. This was shot nicely and has a lot of scenic shots of Seoul. The couple we get is a case of opposites attract, which is funny to watch and interesting. I liked their back and forth a lot! We see them start to bond more, where Ji Woo even starts to get protective over Seo Joon. I find it funny too that both these actors were in "Tale of the Nine Tailed", one as a supporting role and the other occasional cameo.

I liked seeing Seo Joon's struggle with losing fame. You can tell he's kinda lost, but still trying to keep up the luxurious happy persona. I wish we would've gotten even more of that to be fleshed out, because you can go so far with that alone. We got some of the drawbacks on screen of fame, but not enough! I also appreciated his characters confidence in himself. There's no question whom he's attracted to and he's not afraid of showing it. Though he will protect Ji Woo's privacy if needed, which I also appreciated seeing. Ji Woo was an interesting character. He's actually quite cruel with his words at certain parts of this series/film. To where you really feel bad for Seo Joon! However, he does it because he's so walled up emotionally and used to being alone. Literally doesn't know how to communicate with people very well, its totally understandable and he grows so much! Seeing him at the end, I felt so proud of him and happy that he finally had things to smile about in his life.

The whole plot with the controversy (like I briefly mentioned) was so Korea. Meaning that Korea specifically tends to take controversies (big or small) and run with them, potentially ruining reputations. It was done really well and when you find out the cafe owner was also a betrayer, it hurts! The price of fame is very large. I liked watching it all play out. Finally, hello last episode/end scene chemistry! Like dang lol but I wish it wasn't held off until literally the last part of this and especially during the last like 5 minutes! That whole couple exchange was so good and I was holding my breath. I think that might be the most I've seen from a Korean drama series thus far, let alone a BL concerning real sexual intimacy ("You Make Me Dance" was another one that showed more). Even if it was just some rolling around and flirtatious discussion about things. I know this probably won't get another season...but please give it another season/film! XD

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Completed
The Faceless Boss
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 3
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Gangster elegy. Sad and beautiful

It seems to be another typical Korean gangster film that we have already seen many times: New World, Bittersweet Life or Gangnam Blues, packed with fights, gang wars and corrupt politics. But from the first scenes we know this is something different.

It’s about life and death. Human path and bounds. Sacrifice and pain in the human soul.
We don’t watch spectacular choreographic fights, instead, we got a story of young men’s life involved in a gangster family. The story goes slowly, the decisions made by protagonists are the most important part of this story.

Filming, acting, scenario, music and director’s job are just impressive and actors became an integrally part of the whole artistic creation.

The end is necessary.

If you want to watch something between Korea and Europe and if you are fine with sad films – I recommend ‘Unalterable’. It’s a piece of art.

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Completed
Real
4 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 3
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.5
This is my first review, so it’s not the best.
The best thing about the movie is the acting and casting. The characters were decently portrayed. All the actors did a great job on their part, and it’s what mainly kept me watching.

The part that is very lacking is the plot and storyline. I couldn’t understand what was happening most of the time and WHY it was happening. I can’t even give you a summary because nothing flowed together and wasn’t coherent. Sorry for my limited amount of vocabulary, but it just was confusing to follow along. If it was supposed to be some thriller psychological movie, I couldn’t get that. The fighting, or action scenes were poorly shot and executed. I didn’t look strong or eye catching enough, but rather weak and boring. They could’ve done better with it.

The production was good, and looked high quality. I did enjoy the lighting and tone of the drama.

It’s definitely for mature audiences, as in you’re at least 16 because there are explicit scenes. I haven’t watched many Korean or Asian movies like this so I really have nothing to compare it too. Overall, the movie didn’t feel like a movie but more of nice looking clips of people being hot put together. So don’t expect to be very intrigued the whole entire time if you do plan on watching it.

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Baby & I
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

Teenage Dad at school

This movie was a total crack, crack in sense it makes you laugh as a crackhead.

The ML struggle of having a baby and becoming a better version of himself is touching. Yes we all have struggles and sometimes we really wanna give up and that pain is unexplained.

The friendships is more than the romantic line which is what I love about the movie a lot.

Acting was good and I liked how the FL comes in support of him but she was shown too much of a brainy person, I wish if she was like a normal girl.

Since this movie came out a long time ago you might want to drop it but this doesn’t disappoint. Watch it

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Completed
New Year Blues
8 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers
the thing I appreciated the most was the diversity. they had 2 couple who already knew each other and 2 that "met" as the movie started. one was divorced, one was in an abusive relationship, one left the country cuz of the work stress, one left the country over a heartbreak, one was in a interracial relationship, one was disabled, one was raised outside the country, 2 had stubble❣ and so it gave a nice worldwide view of things.

people are different and that's what makes us all shine.


I didn't appreciate the meeting between Lee Jae Heon and Min Jin Ah, kwriters always think they need to bicker before falling in love and 2 seconds later LJH turned out to be a sweet person. Kang Ji Ho and Lee Hyo Young also started that way but it was more understandable cuz KJH was the "rough" ragged yet clumsy type while LHY was more head strong.


the things I loved
the google translator scene between Chen Du Ling and Yeom Hye Ran xD
the "accidental" eavesdropping between Han Oh Wol and Kim Rae Hwan, kdramas never use eavesdropping for good xD
Han Oh Wol and Kim Rae Hwan was really really sweet I wish it was longer ;(
the ending between Kang Ji Ho and Lee Hyo Young
Kim Kang Woo and Yoo Yeon Seok in stubble❤❤❤❤
the smooth transitions between characters at times, like they all "knew" each other but they weren't friends or anything


the things I didn't like
it had too many couple too little time
some of the "tension" and conflict was boring
the bickering
it was too short ;(

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Completed
He Won't Kill, She Won't Die
3 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This movie was not on my "To Watch list". I was hesitant to watch it (I don't really know why) but I found myself reading the comments and spoilers about it. The ending was SAD. I don't know what came to me, I'm not a fan of sad endings but this movie intrigues me . Since this is a sad movie, I tried to prepare myself by reading the reviews that contain spoilers as much as possible. So, I thought that it was enough since I'm fully aware how it's going to end but then "IT" happened and I was still SHOCKED and I CRIED. And this movie made me feel SO SO SO SO SO SO SAD, but it WAS WORTH IT.

The tears, worth it.
The time, worth it.
It's so worth it for me that I even made myself logged in to this website (I even had to reset my password, because I forgot) and leave a review.

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Completed
Casa Amor: Exclusive for Ladies
3 people found this review helpful
by Who
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

The low rating doesn't make sense.

This movie can touch on a issue that many people go trough in a fun yet serious way. Since the first 15 minutes, I was HOOKED. I wish I could find any flaws on this, but I can't.
The chemistry, the acting, the characters, the OST, everything was on point. We have two strong yet quirky characters, an plot that was very well thought, loved each shot of the scenes, it's beautiful and well made. I simply don't have words, lol, I really wish Casa Amor existed in real life. I'm not usually into comedy with mature/adult content, but this movie broke any steriotypes that I had - Usually films like this have kinda of a gross humor - but this one is light, is truly funny, and is truly worthy it. Super recommend.

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The Girl
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 4.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

girl what was that fuckass ending

see...this movie cute and all BUT the ending felt very empty to me
like idk what it is but it felt like the directors were like "DAMN HERE" and tried to make it seem like meili & haoran liked each other/were dating...idk who was in charge but they should've made things end on a more satisfying note than abruptly
and regarding the idea of them dating, it would've been perfect if they kissed OR teased the idea instead of leaving it empty and up to us (the audience) to figure things out. certain scenes could've been perfect for them to kiss, especially when meili and haoran were on the rooftop or when meili finished singing at the end of the fashion show
a simple hug or forehead kiss would've done them justice fr fr

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Completed
Spring Like Lover
5 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Action and reaction

Although this is a short movie, it transports the emotions of the characters pretty good.

I guess, this is all about "If you don't appreciate what you have in a partner, do not be surprised if everything goes to waste". And "Every action causes a reaction, so be carefull about what you do."
Therefor, the person I most feel sorry for is Kazu. He is the one who is devoted to the relationship and does everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) for Shin - but is still wronged in the end.

The acting is on point, the cinematography well done (I rewatched it just because I did not get of the deeper meaning of some of the scenes at first) . For me this is not a feel good movie, but a realistic one (sadly).

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Completed
My Bromance
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A Classic

I transported myself back to that time and found the film to be remarkable. This story is deeply, deeply moving. Funny at times. A coming-of-age essay also. It is also profoundly sad reaching the core of one’s inner being. It grabs you and shakes you and tells you clearly that your life will never be the same and a small hole will exist where the heart is. But you still go on. The acting in this series is profoundly moving and is elevated by the supporting characters as well. While this movie may now be ‘older’, it is still relevant today as we all know that families can not and will not accept gay relationships or even recognize love between two persons of the same sex.

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Completed
Haunted Campus
1 people found this review helpful
by FoxFae
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This movie was so quick I feel like I blinked and it was over!
I loved every moment of it though, the amount of creepy mixed with comedy was perfect. I found the storyline really interesting but feel like it might have been suited better to be a TV show. Which I guess either way you look at it, I didn't want it to end. Lol
I hate that it was open ended! Lol I want a second movie or show version so bad to tell us what happens after that.

Weirdly enough close to the end it kinda reminded me of Switched. I'm probably the only person that thinks this though -- and I'm okay with it. Lol I really liked all of the acting. I just wish we could have seen more.

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Completed
Monster Hunt 2
1 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
One of the best movies that i've seen since my childhood,and with my family, now also addicted to this movie. Everyone's acting was good and natural.My first chinese movie is monster hunt in 2015 which was the first part and now i've seen the second part monster hunt 2018 which was also very good. Its a movie you can see with your family also,its kind of a touching and a very funny movie. Its a movie where humans and monsters co-exist. I recommend this movie to to everyone who have not seen this movie yet
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Completed
My Best Summer
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

a typical pure and heartwarming school years drama

TLDR;
- Would recommend the movie!
- Great if you just want something sweet and wholesome
- Don't expect something super deep and life changing
- Storyline jumps between flashbacks and present day well
- Typical puppy love drama done pretty well

I haven't watched the drama before, so I didn't really have any expectations before watching this movie. I thought the movie was good--yes, it had some of your stereotypical plot lines, but it was still a very wholesome picture of what puppy love can be like. It's not absolutely phenomenal, but I would definitely recommend it!

First off, the leads themselves. I thought that even with the movie (which obviously gives less time for character development than a drama), you could still feel the characters' personalities. They have their flaws and do make questionable decisions (lol), but that makes them human. And real. Behind Yu Huai's nonchalant facade is a kindhearted boy who really has a soft spot for Geng Geng. Geng Geng is naive at times but has dreams, and that's relatable. During the school years scenes, the leads' interactions were very pure and I couldn't stop smiling when I saw them together. I thought the actors also had really great chemistry and the acting was on point. They were able to portray a different person during the time jumps; you could really feel that 2008 Yu Huai and Geng Geng were not 2018 Yu Huai and Geng Geng.

The story, while stereotypical, is still thoughtful and entertaining. It really makes you think about some of the things you experience--or don't end up experiencing--in that time of life. There were a few parts with writing that made me go, "What the heck?", but generally, it wasn't bad.

As for the creative choices of the movie itself, I thought they were very well executed. I personally am a sucker for romance movies that alternate between flashbacks and present day; I just feel like they give a new depth to the story. This movie does that very well: it's not confusing and I felt like just the right details were included. The cinematography is also good; it really helps create that nostalgic school years vibe. I thought the music really fit the scenes well too.

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Gothic & Lolita Psycho
1 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

a film about a gothic girl with some enjoyable fight scenes packed in low budget gore.

When the film started I thought "that's some disgusting B movie, isn't it?", but then the first fight scene kicked in, and I thought "wow, if they have more cool fights like this one, I'm all in for watching a girl in Gothic & Loli costume kicking people's asses" and that's what they served me. Well, kinda.

Not all fights are cool, and the cool ones have it's lame moments... some of the character's acting doesn't help (some are really good, like the protagonist and Lady L). Also I'm not a big fan of the director's sense of humor (fart sounds? seriously? lol). Luckily enough this is not a comedy movie, so we're safe (thank god). But perhaps we'd be safer not watching it at all lmao.

Well, if you are in for the plot, forget it. You picked the wrong movie. Like... Come the fuck on, let's have a look at the title "Gothic & Lolita Psycho", it's just an excuse for having a girl in gothic fashion fighting people... because why not? looks cool enough lol
that's the whole concept, the whole thing revolves around it, it's all about the characters and the fights itself, the plot is just an excuse for the fights to happen, and I'm 100% okay with this.

That's it. It's something to watch if you are bored, and like fighting scenes, dark visuals and (who knows) low budget gore. (I'd watch it again, because the protagonist looks cool and Lady L is badass and funny lol).

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