Reviews

Weightlifting. Female underdog weightlifters. This isn't what leads to the kind of mega hit people enjoy. Thanks to a strong script and a very good cast, this based-on-a-true-story film worked for me.

Lee Bum-Soo did another fantastic job as injured former bronze medalist Lee Ji-Bom who lands a coaching job at a girls' school. We're introduced to Lee's team after we watch how the vice-principal gets the girls to take part in the sport. Each of the girls is an 'outcast' in some way, and as the story progresses, the viewer is shown how each girl comes to support her teammates & develops as an athlete.

I cheered for the team and each girl's personal journey. I cried and then I felt good for watching.

Leia Mais

I really enjoyed this movie. I am particularly a fan of Anne Suzuki and that is the sole reason I was interested in this film. However I was blown away by multiple performances in the novel brought to life. Anne who I love pulls off a very convincing stripper which for her is a controversial role. Kengo's character who is a gambling addict and the black sheep of an esteemed family, always getting into trouble also plays a convincing role. The film was well written and pretty well shot for a low budget. The only negative I can say about this film is that it's not for the younger viewer's as it encompasses nudity,adult situations and even rape. However those who are old enough should certainly check this out.

Leia Mais

For a moment there I was hesitant whether I should express my feelings frankly or filter them for the sake of diplomacy and respect for those who liked it. In the end, I decided for complete honesty, and for this I apologize in advance.

What an utterly stupid movie.
The premises are interesting enough: two "love swindlers" meet, and their carefully planned arts of seduction are put to the test by the experience of the other. Up to this point, everything's fine: two very good looking people are thrown into some funny situations, keeping the viewer entertained for the duration of… a quarter of an hour.
After that, all the inconsistency of this plot come to the surface. This should be a romantic comedy, but where is the romance? Unless we are to think that beauty were the one and only prerogative to love and be loved, there is absolutely nothing likable about those two. They are cynical, spoiled, prejudiced and irritating. If you expect a character development, a little something to make you empathise with one of them or both, you'll be disappointed. There is no characterization whatsoever here: why are these two disillusioned? No idea. Are they going to change, feel deeper, be taught some valuable lesson by the encounter? No.
All we see is 2 handsome people displaying all their weapons, from beginning to end. The point of a romantic comedy is to satisfy the comedic and the romance. In this movie, the comedic is repetitive and the romance non existent, since who cares about two bad people who stay bad?

I suppose the acting saves the day. Son Ye Jin is unusually feisty and plays her role very well, given the little material she was given to work with. This was my first time watching Song Il Gook on screen, but I know he's played serious roles before, so I guess he did a good job too in portraying a funnier character. Since there is no true soul in this movie though, I can't imagine they had to work hard on identifying with their characters.

Music… can't remember, I'm afraid.

No way I'm ever going to rewatch this movie, I'd rather have my foot be hit with a hammer.

Leia Mais

Gonna write this review while my mind is fresh! Seems like I've become an ambassador of movies that aren't well-known. I'll make them known! Hahaha... xD This movie was divided into three parts (Japan, Taiwan, and Shanghai, each with a different cast), so I'll address them separately where I see fit, otherwise I'll refer to the film as a whole.

This film was a collaboration between Japan, Taiwan, and Shanghai, so there's a mix of Japanese and Mandarin throughout--in fact, the foundation of this movie is [basically] the manifestation of love despite the language barrier. Now, onwards:

Story:
Japan--I found this one a little awkward, as the two characters didn't have any sort of real interaction. The theme was kind of like "chance encounter," and that shown through to a certain extent. Some parts do feel like "chance", and others, clearly not. The practical side of me is screaming at the absurdity/implausibility of it all.
Taiwan--The language barrier is very evident in this story, and it creates some pretty hilarious moments throughout. I laughed so hard my roommate thought I had problems...The theme for this one is "having someone by your side when you need them".
Shanghai--Probably the sweetest of the three, the main actor for this story showed up in the "Japan" story as well. This one might bring you to tears, if you're that type, while the first and second will probably give you hope and gratitude, respectively. This mini-story has takes a very quick jab at Shanghai's rapid industrialization, which I felt gave this story a leg up above the others (something more than just love, y'know? ...No? XD)

Acting/Cast: The entire cast did their job well (professionals, after all), nothing to complain about, though nothing totally note-worthy. I really liked Ryo Kase (actor of the "Taiwan" mini-story), and the actress in the "Shanghai" mini-story. "Japan" was a bit of a throwaway for me, in general. Cast included.

Music: A+++++. However many pluses I can add onto it. I (probably mentioned before somewhere) that I love traditional Eastern music...and I got my trad'l Ea. music, so I'm a happy bumpkin. The self-titled "biking like mad" scene in "Japan" was the first music track that made me excited to hear the rest. Make sure you listen through the credits too, that song is beautiful!

Rewatch Value: Probably not. I don't usually rewatch in the first place, so there's not much to say.

Overall: A good watch if you're looking for an interesting take on the various facets of love, though you'll have to look somewhere else if you're looking for your everyday romantic comedy because this isn't it. If you're only going to watch one mini-story, watch "Shanghai"! :)

I would've given this movie an overall score of '5', but I liked the last few seconds of "Shanghai" too much, so I added an entire point. *U*

Leia Mais

Before I have decided to write an review for this Movie here I saw that the others who wrote one as well seemed to be pretty disappointed with the outcome :)
I absolutely disagree with that! It was just awesome and it fitted exactly in the image I would have imagined for the live-action after loving the Manga and Anime so far...Sure it is my favorite Anime and I may be an little more in favour of it already before but it didn´t disappoint me^-^The actors were perfect for the roles,Miura Haruma as Kazehaya and Tabe Mikako as Sawako.I was most impressed by the actress of Sawako,she played her role very good and I could understand all her actions .What surprised me was that I was seeing the image of the Sawako in the Anime whom I loved very much before in a new whole image as before.It was stunning how I discovered habits,special ways of moving etc...in her.I got to know the same Sawako whom I knew and at the same time I found more,interesting things in her personality.Kazehaya supported her great acting and made it perfect all in all....The ending may differ an little from the Anime/Manga and therefore a few persons are disappointed but I am actually happy about the fact that it was different because it didn´t get boring because of that reason ^^
As for the music I gave an 7 because I rarely did notice it but I enjoyed to hear it as an background in some scenes*~*

Leia Mais

This movie came out in 2006, and as it's been over five years, this movie qualifies as "old" in my book. However, the movie shows no signs of age, in image quality or in content.

Story: People can argue all they like, but I think this movie's story is very original. A girl who's "too tall" and a boy who's "too short" are perfect for each other but they fail to realize it. The second half might be cliche, but aren't all romcoms at some point? The progression pace was good, and they stuck pretty darn closely to the manga-->I do disclaim that the manga itself didn't have the strongest ending, so the drama couldn't really do anything about that. It does bring closure, though. :)

Acting/Casting: The lead actor and lead actress were so perfect I'm not quite sure what to say beyond that. Though the height difference is much more drastic in the manga (too drastic to be real), these two pulled off their complexes very well. I found myself laughing at all of their interactions! They're a hilarious couple (whether they wanted to be or not)~ The other cast members weren't that memorable, but considering the story isn't about them...oh well. Risa's sister was absolutely hilarious though--so be on the watch out for her. XD

Music: I don't quite remember particular tracks, but I think that's a good thing. The music adds another dimension to the movie, and doesn't draw attention to itself. Like the backstage crew of a play...they do plenty of necessary and important work while they play is going, but doesn't distract from the play itself. Ninjas, they are.

Rewatch Value: After every romantic comedy, there will always be another romantic comedy. Truthfully, I don't even *like* romantic comedies! But this one was unique in its story, spectacular in its casting, and an overall joy to watch. I wouldn't mind watching it again--at all--though maybe I'd have some gripes about the ending, but that's all!

Overall: A very lighthearted story about two cute high schoolers who find their way to love. Lovely Complex is a movie that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, though maybe with a hint of a country accent (they're speaking in Osakan dialect and it's hilarious/adorable). Gives a new spin on romantic comedies. Manga adaptation or not, this movie holds its ground. Definitely recommended!

Leia Mais

The story may not be something 100% new but it involves you in such a way that you fall in love with the characters riht away.
It really is both romance and horror! I got chills down my spine with the ghost scenes and your are drawn to feel the pain and loneliness of the female main character.
The comic scenes are... how can i say this... the chery on top of the cake! It's brilliante, hilarius, sweet, spooky, dramatic and at the same time... addictive.
Great soundtrack, great choice of actors, outstanding preformances, the supporting cast is amazing... TOTALLY want to watch it again (with proper subs, when i find them! XD)

Leia Mais

The One Missed Call final is the third and last movie in the One Missed Call trilogy. In the main role as Asuka, starring Horikita Maki. A young girl who looses the grip on herself aswell as her own life and soul after remaining the victim of Bullying for a long time. The One Missed Call final takes place in a different way than it did in the two previous movies, And this time Mimiko chooses her victims through Asuka's computer. I'll be writing a spoilerless review.

Asuka is used to a life with nothing but bullying, Her only friend Emily as far as she knows just overlooks the fact that she is being seriously bullied. One day she has had it, After school is over she decides to end it all, She is no longer going to be the victim of people's bullying and harrasment. Slowly hanging a rope around her head and trying to commit suicide, Only to be found by the janitor and saved being partially kept alive in a coma. Little did she know, that this very event would be what triggered the awakening of a dark and somewhat possesed self she has. With the help of a ghost, She is looking for revenge and tried to kill the classmates one by one. Confronted with what she is doing, She decides to try to fight the evil powers influencing her with the help of her old friend Emily and Emily's korean boyfriend An Jinu. What started like a game filled with only revenge and fun on her behalf, Will conclude with what will be a nightmare for her aswell as for the remaining students.
True Love isn't shallow, You'll be loved despite of any disability or problems you might have. The Death Call who will lead to deeper feelings in love, tears and horror... Who will be the next victim?

This was in overall a really great movie.. I couldn't have been anymore happily surprised as to how it ended. The Only reason as to why I really checked out this movie, Was Because of Jang Keun Suk acting in it, And I am glad I did.. It made me cry my eyes out. The movie had a great soundtrack. The Themesongs really fit with the movie.. I would really recommend this movie at the highest..
Unlike the other two movies, This movie doesn't have much of the other movies in it. It feels like a alternate version.. Watching the other two first is recommended, However, It is not needed in a high degree.

Leia Mais

One Missed Call 2 is the 2nd edition to the original One Missed Call series. In the original version the character Yumi Nakamura was played by Kou Shibasaki, Here in this direct sequel to the first movie Kogure Mimura starrs as the main girl Kyoko Okudera who gets the call. I'll be writing a spoilerless review.

Kyoko Okudera is a young female with an occupation as a grade-school teacher. Her life is proceeding just like anyone elses, Until the strange event takes place. This event, The one who would change her future as she knew it then. As she herself is a bookworm and a person who spends most of her time studying to make it better, Her friends drags her out for one night by using the argument you never have any fun. A death takes place in this night suppossed to be nothing but innocent fun. the death of a close friend of her's relative.
Upon this event happening it doesn't take to long before the call forwarded to her own phone. A Call to her phone, from her own number with a ringtone she never choose herself.
Not to mention, This tone.. It sounds like something she has heard before in the past. After lots of thought she comes to remember where she heard it and how this urban legend takes place. The first victim to survive this curse, Nakamura Yumi.. She's dissapeared without a trace.
One Missed Call 2 is a story filled with horror aswell as tears, as Kyoko finds out who she really can trust in life. Maybe her true love, Was right by her side all along?..

The music in the series was great, The score was dramatic and good.. And the original soundtrack had songs filled with theme-songs who fit the series. This series is the original sequel to the original 1st movie. You'll need to have seen the first movie to be able to understand everything here..

If you are into horror movies, this movie is a mustwatch. However, It includes romance aswell so if you are a fan of romantic stories this movie is also a mustwatch... This story about the life of young Kyoko, will make you appreciate what you have in life.

Leia Mais

The Blue Flame, aka The Blue Light is a movie starring Arashi's Ninomiya Kazunari in the main role as the young boy named Shuichi Kushimori who himself has taken on the task of protecting his family against his abusive stepfather.. Shuichi Kushimori goes through a lots of lifequestioning trials withinn this movie. I'll be writing a spoilerless review.

Curled up withinn his room he is living life wondering what he should do about Sone, His abusive stepfather. Shuichi lives his life in school and in public like any other high-schooler would, But in reality his life is far from that of a normal student. His memories doesn't reach beyond a few years back without the real reason for this really being known by him, And his mother is uncapable of letting go of her abusive x-husband. He decides to take on the trial of getting rid of Sone himself. What started as nothing but a selfish wish to protect his family and himself, Will eventually turn out to be the downfall of Shuichi. From here on starts a story about Love, Hate, Cruelty and Selftorture you'd never be able to see coming. Love can be too cruel, If you do something who you'd think was for the better of your family, Reality always has a way of catching up to you in some ways.

The soundtrack for this movie was pretty good.. The instrumental melodies in the shows score made you want to cry at some points, Aswell as the songs from the original soundtrack fit into the story.

In overall I don't think I have anything to complain about regarding this movie. It is doubtlessly a movie everyone should watch as it gives you a new perspective on life itself.

Leia Mais

Just finished this movie! I'm a little surprised that this movie doesn't have that many viewers, especially since Toda Erika is the female lead...But maybe there aren't many viewers for a good reason.

Story: I think I'll clarify the plot a little, since the synopsis available here and on DramaWiki don't say much. A long time ago, the Male Black Gold Tea Clan was provoked by a Japanese man and the MBGTC went and picked a fight with the Female Black Gold Tea Clan (a "tea battle", so to speak). Things happened, the Yagi family is henceforth cursed forevers for causing chaos, and the curse can only be broken if a Yagi descendent uses the Female Black Gold Tea to defeat the Male Black Gold Tea Clan in a tea battle. Toda Erika is this descendent, as she decides to go to Taiwan from Japan to find a way to break the curse.

Now my thoughts on the story--It was rather creative, though as a person who studied tea in college, the inaccuracies were pretty off-putting. For viewers who have little/no background in tea, this won't be a big problem, just enjoy the show. :) Unfortunately the execution of this movie was extremely poor. The plot was choppy and therefore cryptic, and it really took effort to keep track of what was happening. There wasn't a clear flow of ideas, and this, I believe, is this film's greatest fail point.

The humor that broke in between the serious moments were rather precious though. :)

Acting/Cast: The cast was chosen pretty well, I believe. This movie was a collaboration between Japan and Taiwan, so there are actors and actresses from Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong (apparently). RuHua's actress and the actor who played Toda Erika's father were two of the weakest on the cast (the latter being worse than the former). Perhaps it was the way their character was written, or the way they executed it, but I didn't buy it.

Music: I wish they had used more traditional Eastern-style music, as it is a movie about tea, after all. The music had pretty large disconnect with the film as a whole, and wasn't particularly good from a standalone angle either.

Rewatch Value: Low...low...low. Maybe, a long time from now, I'll skim through the funny parts.

Overall: The film's saving grace is it's humor, and nearly everything else isn't worth a second glance. Also, half the movie is in Mandarin and the other half is in Japanese, so it definitely helps if you have some knowledge of either one of them. The subtitles aren't grammatically correct, and don't have the most accurate of translations (so you might lose out on some humor, I suppose), but there should be no problem understanding the general premise.

Leia Mais

This is a story about a a single working mother who takes her young son to live with his grandmother out in the sticks, so that she can continue to work in the city. What follows is the culture clash for this spoilt little city kid having to adjust to rural life.

What makes it special is the grandmother who is mute I understand that this woman was not an actress & was chosen specifically to play this role. All I can say is she did an amazing job.

The bulk of the film is set in the rural community showing the ups and downs between the Grandmother & Grandson, slowly he comes to realise how much she cares for him & he also starts to care for her. Its a slow paced, gentle and poignant film that will leave you with a lump in your throat. I really enjoyed it & recommend it to everyone.

Leia Mais

I first thought this was some kind of a silly movie since I saw Harumas hair...xD..So I found it on youtube one day and started watching it..And at first I thought well it's ok..And as the movie passed the more intrigued I was...I was so happy at first,and then the sad part came and i got teary..then again happy and when the end came i found myself with tishues all over and my face swallen because I cried so much...The story just hit me..it made a great impression..and I can honestly say this is not only the best japanese drama I watched but one of my favourite movies of all times..:)..The acting was amazing.I just love Haruma and Yui as a couple,both of them are beautiful,talented and not only as actors but also as singers.Yuis Heavenly Days id a beautiful song..I rewatched it 2 or 3 times and I plan on doing it a lot of times more..So if you like an outstanding love story Koizora is the best choice...

Leia Mais

When I first saw the picture for this movie and read the summary, I wasn't too interested; I thought that one had to like motorbikes and cars and fast chase scenes. Now this movie has alot of that, but it's not the only thing that it has to offer.

At first glance, it seems like your typical action movie but this one provides alot of comedy. The actors and main actress are all great and there are many scenes that will make you laugh. Even during the serious and dramatic scenes, there is always something to bring in the comedy.

Trust me on this one and give it a try!

Leia Mais