Recently Seen, part 11 (March, 2016)
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sitenoise — 10 years ago(April 08, 2016 01:20 AM)
Jin-woong Jo
is the reason I decided to watch
A Hard Day
. I loved him in
An Ethics Lesson
. I like these big frumpy unstoppable Korean guys like him and Kang-ho and the guy from
The Chaser
.
I'd probably agree on the Wei Zhao issue if hell froze over and I watched
Lost in Hong Kong
. I recently called out Zhou Xun for Jumping the Shark. That generation is over.
I'm excited about
Right Now, Wrong Then
because of
Min-hee Kim
. She so impressed me in
Hellcats
that I forgive her for
Very Ordinary Couple
. Haven't liked her in Action/Thrillers either.
RNWT
and Hong seems like a fit for her.
I'm not sure yet if I want to break my vow of never watching movie trailers. -
zelena33 — 10 years ago(April 08, 2016 07:12 AM)
I think Right Now, Wrong Then is right up your alley. I didn't know you're anti-trailer, but this is certainly one case where the trailer won't help you and won't do justice. You seem to have a much higher tolerance for the dead serious, and even I liked this one. In fact, I hated it at first so much that I wasn't fully prepared to like it by the end. But it's actually about more than I said in the review. Would be very curious to hear your take. Min-hee Kim is really good. I am just trying to place where I've seen her maybe something from TV that isn't credited on imdb..
By the way, Kang has one coming up this year as a secret agent, with director
Jee-woon Kim
of Good Bad Weird, and Tale of Two Sisters This could actually be a strong year for films.
Oh, you meant Koreeda's trailer. Yeah, check it out, I think you're going to hate his new one. -
plsletitrain — 10 years ago(April 08, 2016 01:44 AM)
"Not a big anime guy, but one thing I like about animation is the ability to create whole worlds, especially historical worlds. For the audience, it's not important whether it looks real, it's important whether you can "buy it.""
Yeah, that's one thing I like about anime or animation in general. It brings you to another "world". What I like with Ghibli in particular is that it has this trademark of putting life to overlooked little-yet-lovable things, such as butterflies, the grass, or a pond and it breathes life to it. It gives me a light feeling whenever I see these drawings.
"Arabs? Nah, I don't want to watch a movie about Arabs"
Lawrence of Arabia has been on my to-watch list for a million years now, I wonder why I keep on forgetting. I'll have to watch this but if you don't mind, why don't you like to watch a movie about Arabs?
Speaking of Arabs and animation (although this one's not really Arab but close to it) I just finished watching a 2013 Indian animated film entitled MAHABHARAT. And wow, so much for being India's most expensive animated film. I have read it stars the big names of India, so its probably where its budget went? Because I didn't see it in the animation. It was very poor. I don't know if it was in 3D or 2D or whatever D, it was really messy. The story had a good premise, it had potential. And the voices were soothing and accurate. Wasted and gone because of the crappy animation. Like, I can't make of the character who speaks their lines because they look all the same?????????
The story was good. It was about betrayal, love for family, revenge, thirst for power, etc. All serious themes. Then the letdown: since it was about a family or two with hundreds of members battling it out on the kingdom, you have to make of the many Hindu names that I can't memorize. Then added with the same-looking faces talking to each other, so yeah, great. lol.
(Sorry I had to inject my thoughts on the film on my reply to your post. Everything is just so fresh I wished to write them down immediately. Hehe.)
Koreeda's new film! I won't watch it. The reason being: I almost cried watching the trailer. Although if Koreeda stays on tract with his pattern, it should end in a happily ever after. ButI pitied the father. I'm not ready to cry. So I'm not watching it. Anything with someone living like he's useless and worthless, I really pity. Sorry, I'm that immatured that I had to take everything so seriously. lol.
That's what happened with me with MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 that's why I bailed out after a few minutes. I just can't take too much sadness. I mean, life-sadness. Except for love stories because that's what I'm looking for. I'm talking about life sadness. You know, being left by your loved ones, being alone and you're sick, feeling so worthless, defenseless, prejudiced, judged, etc. etc. Hehe. I can't handle it.Meadows of Heaven-
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zelena33 — 10 years ago(April 08, 2016 07:32 AM)
What? You don't like soul-crushing tragedy? I love that stuff! It's fun, it's like dark music, the whole point is to get it out of your system. Let's not fish for spoilers, but with the new Koreeda, I wouldn't be surprised if it has a happy ending. Or some kind of wholesome ending anyway. I think it looks good. More like my kind of Koreeda film because it has a little bit of levity to it. I'm certainly going to check it out.
I agree, the details in the Ghibli films are pretty amazing. I like his lighter, more childish ones. I don't think the heavy themes translate as well into animation for me. I want to see a real person suffer and fear
By the way I forgot to mention I re-watched Floating Weeds after we discussed that. One of my all time favorites. Some scenes from that one just stick with me over the years the upstairs place where the actors work on their make-up, the colors. Nothing else looks like that film. And it's so dense as a "play," it's like there are three films crammed into one. Some scenes are unforgettable Machiko Kyo is amazing. I guess all of Ozu's films are basically the same, but this one is the most beautiful, to me.
Re: Arabs; I just mean my country has had such a tortured history in the past 15 years with the Arab/muslim world, and I find none of the film coverage of it any good. Most of it is terrible, and like a lot of people I would just rather not think about it. That's part of what makes LoA so incredibly refreshing and unexpected to me. It felt like a cool, crisp spring morning. -
ebossert — 9 years ago(April 10, 2016 07:56 AM)
Part 13 of my Asian Horror Year In Review playlist is now up. It covers movies released in 1997:
Here are the films I saw this week.
Highly Recommended
Rocky (1976) (American Drama) (repeat viewing) When world heavyweight boxing champ Apollo Creed announces hell give an unknown fighter a shot at the title as a publicity stunt, his handlers pick Rocky Balboa, an uneducated collector for a Philadelphia loan shark. I almost forgot how much I enjoyed this one. The dialogue is especially good and it develops the characters very well. It really builds towards the fight in a profient manner, which makes the fight itself very exciting. Carl Weathers screentime is limited, but hes fantastic.
The Big Short (2015) (American Drama/Comedy) Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight. Some very interesting observations are introduced regarding the recklessness of bank lending, as well as the behind-the-scenes deals with those who in some ways should be regulating them. There was also a lot of pressure on the protagonists that tested their resolve. The cast contribute impressive performances. Christian Bale is great as the oddball. Im not a fan of Ryan Gosling or Steve Carell, but even they are really good in this. The infusion of comedy also helps to maintain pacing, and there are a handful of legitimately funny moments.
Surprise Party (aka Surprise) (2002) (Korean Romantic Comedy) (repeat viewing) A girl plans to give her boyfriend a surprise party upon his return to South Korea, but her plans are thrown into chaos when her father expresses his disapproval. Therefore, she sends her best friend to the airport in an attempt to stall her boyfriend for 12 hours while she works to change her fathers mind and set up the party. Unfortunately, her friend has never met the boyfriend previously, which forces her to think of ways in which a stranger could possibly stall someone for that long resulting in a variety of misadventures. The acting is solid, the characters are likable, and the tempo is fast. The scriptwriting is smarter than you might expect, and gets more interesting as the film progresses. This is a remarkably pleasant genre film with an emphasis on charming interaction and simplistic everyday humor instead of over-the-top wackiness. Look out for the supporting roles and cameos by now popular Korean actors and actresses.
Appaloosa (2008) (American Western Drama) Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow. This has a generic plot, but it is executed very well. I especially enjoyed the dynamics between the lead characters and how it developed throughout. The big decision that is made near the end is understandable and nuanced. Performances are top notch (Ed Harris, etc.). Heck, even Viggo Mortensen is impressive in this and that doesnt happen often.
Rocky 2 (1979) (American Drama) (repeat viewing) After Rocky goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed, both try to put the fight behind them and move on, but soon enough, the Italian Stallion and the Master of Disaster are set on a collision course for a climactic battle. This is a solid follow-up that shows the unfortunate events that befall our protagonist. Pacing is actually a bit slower than Rocky, but the final half hour is pure awesomeness. I love the scene with the kids running with the protagonist, and the fight is one of the best ever. For maximum impact, I highly recommend that this film be watched immediately after its predecessor.
Recommended
I Hate But Love (1962) (Japanese Drama/Romance/Comedy) A famous talk show host contemplates his unsatisfying lifestyle, deals with his nutty lover/manager, and helps a caller who has promised to deliver an old jeep to her penpal boyfriend. The first half is practically a romantic comedy, while the second half shifts towards a road trip drama with the theme of celebrity. This has a lot of energy and some major sparks between the leads. All of the actors really bring it in this one, almost with a sense of determination in all of their everyday actions. I must say that I enjoyed the first half more than the second, but this is good stuff overall. Ruriko Asaoka is insanely hot too.
Coming Home (2014) (Chinese Drama) A devoted couple is forced to separate when the man is arrested and sent to a labor camp as a political prisoner during the Cultural Revolution. He finally returns home (years later) only to find that his beloved wife no longer remembers him. This causes some distress for the man and his teenage daughter, who try various methods to cope with the situation. This is directed by Zhang Yimou and stars Gong Li, so its no surprise that its good. I also liked the male leads performance as well. Im glad this avoided melodramaticism for the mos -
this_seat_taken — 9 years ago(April 11, 2016 12:27 PM)
Suna no utsuwa (1974)
AKA "The Castle of Sand" (Yoshi-tarô Nomura, 1974)
Watched it conveniently on Hulu because of a current dedicated thread on Film General. It didn't click with me so I was motivated to dig out my custom subtitled DVDR of "Home from the Sea" which I know I like.
Furusato (1972)
AKA "Home from the Sea" (Yôji Yamada, 1972)
Rewatch of the nice 2.35:1 Region 2 DVD bootlegged with custom subs. 8/10 -
ebossert — 9 years ago(April 13, 2016 03:22 PM)
"The Castle of Sand" was pretty good, I think. It is less concerned with evidence and more concerned with the investigation into the victims relationships with his acquaintances. Theres an abrupt, stylistic change made during the final 40 or so minutes, which was rather interesting. A good film, but perhaps a bit too long at 143 minutes.
YouTube Asian Movie Review Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/anticlimacus100 -
MikeF-6 — 9 years ago(April 13, 2016 02:56 PM)
Da zui xia (1966)
(Come Drink With Me)
/ King Hu. The wuxia films are based on Chinese literature that feature martial artists who, like the Knights of the western world, are defenders of justice and the powerless. This type of film began to flower in the 1960s and director King Hu (born Hu Jinquan) is one of the major creative forces in this genre that continues to be popular into the 21st century. This particular film is a fine example of his work. It was Chinas selection for the 39th Academy Awards (the films of 1966), but wasnt one of the five nominees. The story is of a gang of bandits who kidnap the son of the local governor so they can trade him for the gangs leader who is in lock-up. When a young man shows up in the town near where the gang operates and proceeds to defeat every fighter in the local cafe/bar, he attracts a lot of attention. But the young fellow isnt all he seems, mainly, he is not male, but the sister of the kidnapped official. She is an accomplished martial artists of her own right, but when she is finally brought down by a poison dart, she is rescued by an unexpected ally, the town drunk, known as Drunken Cat. He is, himself, a martial arts Master who has issues of his own and a past about to catch up with him. Pei-Pei Cheng, who was cast because of her dancer training, plays the skilled young woman. She is best known to western moviegoers for a role 34 years later as the villainous Jade Fox in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Hua Yueh (Drunken Cat) continued to act in Hong Kong productions until 2008.
Nihon no ichiban nagai hi (1967)
(Japans Longest Day)
/ Kihachi Okamoto. Excellent docu-drama covering the events in Japan as the defeated nation makes plans to surrender at the end of World War II. During a 20-minute prolog, a narrator takes us quickly through the last months of the war, the island defeats, and the atomic bombing of the homeland. After Japans government receives the Allies demands for surrender (The Potsdam Declaration), the Emperors Cabinet meets for debate. They are bothered by a phrase that the Emperor will be subject to the occupying force, so they take their concern directly to the Emperor. The Emperor stands up to speak at noon on August 14, 1945, beginning the last 24 hours of the war. The film ends at noon on August 15. That Longest Day begins with one of the films best scenes. Emperor Hirohito (being portrayed for the first time ever in a Japanese movie) tells his leadership (while being photographed either from the back or having his face partially hidden) that he wishes the war to end. He goes on to say that he will go anywhere and do anything to appease anyone opposed to peace. It doesnt matter what happens to me, he says. Save my people. The room full of high-powered politicians and high ranking military officers begin to sob uncontrollably, some falling to the floor. One of the more restrained is General Anami (Toshirô Mifune), Minister of War and Commander of the Army. Of the dozens of people that the movie follows over it course, Gen. Anami could arguably be called the major character, not only because of screen time but for Mifunes powerful performance. Anami is an old-time soldier in the Japanese military culture of honor, so would prefer with every fiber to fight until the entire population was killed. Yet, in some way he realizes that futility and battles with another powerful pull on his life: to do his duty by obeying the Emperor. Meanwhile, back at Anamis headquarters, a group of junior officers, devastated by news of surrender, hatch a plan to storm the Imperial Palace and take the Emperor into custody for his own good. In addition to Mifune, some other faces familiar to Western viewers can be seen. Takeshi Shimura, Mifunes frequent co-star when he was with Kurosawa, plays the Information Bureau chief and Ozu regular Chishû Ryû appears as Prime Minister Suzuki, a man of quiet authority, soft-spoken but with a spine of steel. As conspiracies are formed and fall apart, desperation increases as the time approaches for official action. The only real critique I can bring against this film is that its running time of 2:33 is too long. While individual moments are perfect, there is a bit too much of it. Even a 10 minute trim would have helped considerably. Other than that, this is a fine motion picture.
Shao Lin si (1982)
(The Shaolin Temple)
/ Hsin-Yen Chang. This was the first of a loose trilogy that gave Hong Kong superstar Jet Li his film debut. The setting is the Shaolin Temple in the northern China province of Henan. It was here, as legend has it, that Chinese, indeed all Asian, martial arts began in the 5th century C.E. The story of the movie takes place about 200 years later. Li plays a young man whose family had been killed by a local warlord who has aspirations of overthrowing the Emperor. Badly wounded, he is taken in by the Temple monks. As he grows, he becomes the best pupil in the Shaolin kung-fu method but his path to becoming a monk -
ebossert — 9 years ago(April 13, 2016 03:28 PM)
Japan's Longest Day was awesome. I really like Okamoto as a director.
I feel like I need to give Come Drink With Me a second chance. I didn't like it much the first time around.
I disliked Memories of the Sword. Performances are good, but right from the start I thought that the sword fights are overly-edited and irritating. I also felt that there were too many dramatic moments that were unsupported by normal moments. There is a fairly good twist that is revealed later on though, so I'll give it that.
Gohatto was beautifully shot and acted. There are a few good, realistic swordfights to enjoy too.
I hope to watch The Golden Cane Warrior soon.
YouTube Asian Movie Review Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/anticlimacus100 -
ebossert — 9 years ago(April 17, 2016 06:03 AM)
Part 14 of my Asian Horror Year In Review playlist is now up. It provides a lengthy introduction on contemporary Asian horror, then includes mini-reviews on some of the less impressive films released in 1998 (the better ones will be covered in my next video):
Here are the films I saw this week.
Highly Recommended
The Flame of Devotion (1964) (Japanese Drama/Romance) The tale of a young woman from a mountain who fell in love with a fishermans son, and her devotion to him during World War II. Theres a lot of cultural value here that shows the daily life of these people. Another interesting aspect is that the female lead isnt a push-over, subservient woman; shes actually quite selfish, which makes her more interesting. This film is great to look at, with very nice environments that are beautifully shot in black-and-white. The ending is dramatically effective. This is really good stuff by Koreyoshi Kurahara.
Vengeance of an Assassin (2014) (Thai Action) (repeat viewing) When a young woman is targeted for assassination, some underworld hitmen and gangsters tangle in a series of deadly clashes in this film by Panna Rittikrai. Like many action films from Thailand, the story here is weakly constructed but the action is outstanding. Fight scenes are expertly crafted and extremely hard-hitting. Were talking tons of bloody violence, bone-crunching knock-out blows, and some fantastic deaths. There is one sequence that uses poor vehicle CGI, but its still fun. There are also some creative moments to enjoy, like the insane opening martial arts soccer match and two lengthy shootouts that were shot in a single take (with great use of squibs). For brainless action, you cant go wrong here.
Rocky 3 (1982) (American Drama) (repeat viewing) After successfully defending his title for the tenth time, Rocky Balboa is challenged by the hungry, powerful Clubber Lang. Easily the flashiest of the franchise to this point, it starts with a lengthy and entertaining 7-minute montage that sets up the whole film. The antagonist is shallow and poorly developed, but this is pure 80s entertainment regardless. You got Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, bromance between Stallone and Weathers, and Eye of the Tiger baby. This has got some good dialogue too, and two fights that do not go to the cliched 15th round. This is also very briskly paced. Oh, and it has one of the best freeze frame final shots in cinematic history. Let the smack talk begin.
Rocky 4 (1985) (American Drama) (repeat viewing) Rocky is coerced back into the ring to battle against Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a big Russian with freakish strength. This has the best music of the franchise. There are some outstanding montages that get the viewers blood pumping, and James Brown tears it up! Like Rocky 3, the pacing is very fast (likely due to the inclusion of an additional fight inserted near the mid-point). Its fairly ridiculous American propaganda, but if anything that makes it even more entertaining!
Recommended
When Animals Dream (2014) (Danish Horror/Drama) A teenage girl lives on a small island with her seriously ill mother and her father, who takes care of the family. But something strange is happening to her body, and the neighboring residents seem to know more than she does. This has a common premise that is fairly predictable, but the overall quality is good especially in terms of acting, direction, and dramatic build-up. The conflict between the protagonists family and the townspeople is vicious and effective. The seaside fishing town environment also adds some mood.
A Company Man (2012) (Korean Action) A hitman works for an organization that fronts itself as a legitimate company, but his morals create problems for his profession. Very generic premise here, but the action is solid. Both the hand-to-hand fighting and shootouts are quite good and sufficiently violent, with the highlight being the lengthy office shootout near the end. The lead actor is good and is a convincing badass. He kills female assassins along the way.
Alice In Earnestland (2015) (Korean Comedy/Drama/Thriller) A woman gets some bad breaks in life and must now earn money to pay off hospital bills. She is granted an opportunity to assist in a redevelopment project, but soon realizes that her honest mentality may not be the right way to go. This is a fairly slow-paced film that is infused with low-key, black comedy from start to finish. One hilarious scene involves an unintentional assassination. There are a few scenes of bloody violence and macabre moments, but the humor component never completely goes away. The lead actress is quite good. An interesting genre-bender.
The Virgin Psychics (2015) (Japanese Comedy) This theatrical film is a spin-off of the J-drama about sexual perverts who are endowed with supernatural powers. It is recommended to watch the television series first because the film focuses less on developing the characters (although it does give a brief introduction -
zelena33 — 9 years ago(April 17, 2016 07:40 PM)
Its so friggin stupid, with atrocious dialogue and even worse acting.
Yeah I have to agree with you on that one. I recently re-watched this one, and I was surprised how poorly it aged. It came out when I was a teenager and it seemed pretty hardcore then. So I think Lynch had a lot to do with introducing certain styles that became really mainstream in the 90s and are completely tiresome now. Also it's just a terrible movie. I generally hate David Lynch, but that's why I was surprised how much I loved
Mulholland Drive
(although it has some of that cheap, Lynchian awfulness). It's a film I re-watch over and over. So he's a guy with "one film" as far as I'm concerned.
Man,
Alice In Earnestland
is pretty polarizing. Has been on my watchlist but not sure whether it's for me. -
ebossert — 9 years ago(April 17, 2016 07:53 PM)
That's weird. I also find Mulholland Drive to be the only Lynch film that I actually enjoyed.
YouTube Asian Movie Review Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/anticlimacus100 -
sitenoise — 9 years ago(April 19, 2016 04:16 PM)
Man, Alice In Earnestland is pretty polarizing. Has been on my watchlist but not sure whether it's for me.
Saying it's
polarizing
gives it way more credit than it deserves. It's not a film that takes chances. For ebo it
is
an effective genre-bender with black humor. If you have a good idea of what he likes and dislikes and you have a good idea of what I like and dislike then you have some help deciding if it's for you.
It's not. -
zelena33 — 9 years ago(April 20, 2016 07:58 AM)
Lol Well I am pretty much on exactly the same page as Ebo-san when it comes to comedies. But I can't stand any of the blood and gore that both of you guys are fine with. And it's hard to tell which films I am on the same page as you with. I guess the dramas and more high artsy-fartsy stuff. Actually my ratings of films are almost always in the range of what everyone else thinks, but sometimes more emphatically yours is more unpredictable. So I'm on the fence. Like most people on this board it's at the point where I'm hurtin' for more good asian films to watch. I've burned through 70% of the classics from the past 20 years and I'm scrapin' the bowl. I get a substantial proportion of my leads from this board.
-
ebossert — 9 years ago(January 22, 2017 06:50 AM)
Highly Recommended
Dead or Alive 2: Birds (2000) (Japanese Drama/Action) (repeat viewing) Two hitmen (who are also friends from childhood) decide to kill and donate stolen money to children in need of medical aid in this film by Takashi Miike. This is not a direct sequel, but more of a re-telling that uses the same actors. Its primarily a drama and a very good one at that with very little action on display until the final third, which presents a series of killing engagements (a few of which get bloody) and a showdown with some Chinese hitmen. There are some creative moments in this movie that add a lot of charm, and the interaction is nuanced and interesting. Sho Aikawa and Riki Takeuchi are again very good in the lead roles. Edison Chen shows up in a cameo, and Shinya Tsukamoto is hilarious in a small supporting role. In contrast to its predecessor, which showcased a lot of urban environments, this film showcases a lot of island environments (which include shots of the ocean). This is the best of the trilogy.
On the Waterfront (1954) (American Crime Drama) A has-been boxer (Marlon Brando) experiences a crisis of conscience while working for mobbed-up union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb). He turns a blind eye when Friendlys thugs kill a fellow dockworker to keep him from testifying in a corruption case, but he has second thoughts when the victims sister urges him to take a stand. This is a good, solid movie all-around. A bit simplistic, but the conflicts are convincing and properly developed.
New Police Story (2004) (Chinese Action) (repeat viewing) Solid movie with Jackie Chan playing a cop whose colleagues are targeted for slaughter by a gang of adrenaline junkie bank robbers (led by Daniel Wu). This does rely more on character development than most actioners and is darker than most of Chans filmography. Nicholas Tse is fun to watch as the side-kick. The action is a mix of kinetic shootouts and martial arts, with the highlights being: (a) the warehouse scene where a host of cops attempt to elude numerous booby traps; and (b) the fight between Chan and Andy On that takes place in a childrens playland. Chan gives one of the best performances of his career in this film that has some balls. Directed by Benny Chan.
The Empire of Corpses (2015) (Japanese Anime Horror/Action/Drama) In an alternate version of 19th Century England, corpse reanimation has become industrialized and regulated for the purposes of providing an unending supply of workers for society. After breaking a law pertaining to this practice, young Watson has to either work for the government or face punishment. He has to go on a secret mission, to find the notes of Viktor Frankenstein, who reanimated the first human corpse. There are many historical names and well-known fictional characters who are dropped into the mix, which is rather interesting. This has a lot of creative ideas at work and a very good overall quality. Animation itself is solid and there are plenty of horror/action moments to enjoy. One of three films in the Project Itoh trilogy.
Flying Colors (2015) (Japanese Drama/Comedy) After putting no effort into studying for years, a highschool girl is motivated by a tutor to catch up and go to college. Outshined by her brothers accomplishments, she gets little support from her teachers or father. I really like this lead actress (Kasumi Arimura), and Atsushi Ito makes for a good tutor. Everyone has good chemistry in this film, which adequately showcases the pressure that Japanese students face regarding studying. Reminded me of the times I spent studying for the CPA exam. This is more dramatically effective than one might expect.
Recommended
Dabbe 5: Zehr-i Cin (2014) (Turkish Horror) (repeat viewing) After suffering from nightmarish visions, a woman seeks help from a spiritualist. This is nicely shot, with a lot of creepy imagery (e.g., occult-themed rituals, hypnosis, standing corpses, etc.). This is loaded to the brim with horror, which helps the pacing. Flash editing is occasionally used, and this is fortunately one of the few examples where it works, mostly because the horror relies heavily on nightmarish visuals. Performances are good. Some small sections of this film suffer from western horror cliches (like the husband who refuses to believe that anything supernatural is going on, or jump scares), but it does not rely on those things. This is a good flick by Hasan Karacadag. (Viewed without subtitles.)
Dead or Alive (1999) (Japanese Crime Action/Drama) (repeat viewing) A man and his small group decide to make their own place by trying to take over the Shinjuku underworld and drug trade, but a cop stands in their way. The 10-minute opening sequence in this crime flick is classic! The middle section is rather meandering, but it does establish a convincing conflict between the cops and criminals. The final 30 minutes are superb though. It kicks into high gear with an impressive shoo -
zelena33 — 9 years ago(January 24, 2017 08:45 AM)
I'm just going to review
La La Land
because why not.
I have bailed on so many Asian films that I found boring in recent weeks, it must be that the novelty has worn off.
Summer Time Machine Blues, Kotoko, While the Women Were Sleeping
, blah blah blah.
Anyway, I saw award-magnet La La Land in the theater recently. It got me thinking that cinema [still] has a really important place that has always been occupied by social ritual in human life. I'm not a film scholar but I'm sure this has been written about a lot that you go in the movies and it's an occasion to reflect on human experience in a way that only that particular kind of context can facilitate. The kind of context where your attention is demanded for two hours straight. You just can't do this on the internet, on your smartphone. It's like doing peyote around the campfire was for our ancestors, only with less puking. Or more puking, if it's a Clint Eastwood movie. In the case of La La Land it leads you to reflect on some things about seizing your destiny. A lot of movies lead me to that state of mind where you walk out of the theater jarred, shattered almost, not by something spectacular but by something small and fragile. Thinking, God, yeah, it is important. There is a meaning. You can't just get up for work every morning and march another day closer to death.
La La Land has to do with seizing control of your own fate in relationships and in work. There is a lot to criticize about this film. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. But skipping over that for a minute, in fairness, it really is a "perfect" film experience too, if you let it be one. When the film ended, I wanted to just go right back in and watch it again, and I rarely feel that way. I should have. Instead, I went back a week later, and the spell was broken, and I didn't like it the second time.
Emma Stone really is a great actor. I don't want to know anything about her, or even seek out more of her films (she was only okay in
Aloha, Birdman, Crazy Stupid Love
) but she was born for this role. She does a good job of acting normal and genuine without being afraid that the way she acts won't look like how someone "would" act. Her only problem is that her enormous personality tends to chew the living **** out of the scenery in a smaller-minded movie than this one. She just does things that everyone else is unwilling to do, and don't realize or admit that they are unwilling to do. Everybody wants to be renowned. Nobody wants to cry out of real experience of abysmal despair. Emma is willing and able.
Ryan Gosling, not so much. But he had a fabulous wristwatch.* The fact that neither of them can sing didn't add a lot to the movie. The filmmakers "make up for it" by having supporting cast that also can't sing, so as to not upstage the principals. (Can I get an eye-rolling emoji, please?) In fact, much of the music was terrible it's strange that they brought this guy John Legend (what a name) to add legitimacy on the music side, but he does the opposite. His contribution is enough to make someone who loves this movie run out of the theater screaming. Some of the tunes are catchy but superficial and don't stand up to repeated listening. In your mind. While you are trying to go to sleep.
The Director is a few fries short of a happy meal, being unable to rise above his own tastes and biography, and personal acquaintances, etc etc. Not great director material yet the best Hollywood has got these days (?) *My enjoyment of the film the second time was partly deflated just by reading that the director wore some $14,000 watch that I bought him to an awards show. That's just me. I don't want to know these things.
I've drifted into the criticism of the movie. The main concern is that it feeds into that "success" concept that is so incredibly misguided in our society, and it's not aware of the problem. Still, for me, that was part of the experience of the film. Witnessing other people's very misguided beliefs about the need to be "successful" and the total unacceptability of being mediocre this is the social ecosystem I operate in. Sanity is out there somewhere, but not in this movie. I once saw a bumper sticker in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina that said "The Outer Banks we're loser-friendly."
In its pixaresque manufactured poignancy, this movie tries to ape 1940s musicals (thus the 1940s Omega wristwatch). But unfortunately, a lot has changed since then. I don't know if you ever noticed this, but in classic movies, people don't wear vintage clothes or fancy Omega watches. When you saw crowds of people singing and dancing in the background of those old movie, you knew nothing about them, and you never would know. Now, you look at these millennial LA hipsters with mustaches, and. you know who they are. It's impossible to build the magic spell of belief. The dream is over, or rather, the ability to dream is over.
Unless you're in China -
sitenoise — 9 years ago(January 24, 2017 11:53 AM)
Funny and moving review notwithstanding, I'm not going to watch this. Not because I hate musicals (I hate any attempt to express or convey meaning by singing it, even in a song format, most of the time). And not because of Ryan (who's a way better onscreen personality than most of the over-moisturized Koreans who get a pass around here). (I love Emma, btw). I'm not going to watch this because you didn't name the director. I had to go look it up. Look at the name, look at the picture. I got about 15 seconds into
Whiplash
before hurling a T-bomb, so I'm right. This is easy. I have some regret because I was genuinely moved by your writing, but I gotta go with my gut. -
zelena33 — 9 years ago(January 24, 2017 12:47 PM)
Haha, I wrote this thinking, this is one that our friend sitenoise won't be able to bring himself to watch, so just hoping to amuse with the review in your case.
I hate musicals as much as you in fact I can't remember ever watching one. But I just decided to let myself enjoy this one. Partly because my niece is the age where she's into Hamilton and stuff like that, and I enjoyed recommending this one for her.
Ryan is not a terrible actor, but he was way outclassed by Emma in this one, to the point where I wish they had bagged their first choice for the male lead, whoever that may have been. He's pretty okay in the straight-faced funny flirty scenes, but overall he's not the James Dean he thinks he is. More of a wristwatch mannequin.
I had mixed feelings about Whiplash. It was partly bad and vain, partly very effective and well-acted by what's-his-name. Don't think the guy could have improved in his second feature film? He's only a 30 year old dude I think.
I don't like the director guy or his $14k watch, but this is one of those cases where I had to pass the peace pipe and get past it in order to connect with the ritual communion with this concept. You would surely hate all the badness of this film, but you're missing out on a Cinematic Experience that you could let yourself enjoy. Ebo and soggy will probably like it. -
inacastleinthesky — 9 years ago(January 24, 2017 09:16 PM)
Have you seen Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench? I saw it a while ago but never finished it. I didn't realize La La Land is directed by the same person. I just looked it up because I was curious who the director is. I don't like Ryan Gosling, so I won't be watching this.