Reviews

Target" Review: A Thrilling One-Time Watch

"Target" delivers a gripping plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With an unexpected twist revealing the identity of the stalker/killer, the movie prompts genuine shock and disbelief.

The storyline follows a suspenseful trajectory, leaving audiences questioning the safety of buying used items online. Despite its flaws, "Target" succeeds in delivering a chilling experience that leaves a lasting impression.

While not a cinematic masterpiece, "Target" is certainly worth a watch for fans of the thriller genre. Its straightforward narrative and unexpected plot twist make it an engaging choice for a one-time movie night.

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Frothy buddy assassin movie

Hitman was a light-hearted assassin movie with a high body count. A strange combination, but it worked for the most part. Jet Li was in his prime and though there was wire-work, there was also plenty of fast kung fu action.

Fu is working for a low rent gangster and applying for hitman work. The only problem? He has too kind a heart. But he’s also desperate for money. When he hears about a job that will pay handsomely for hunting down a wealthy man’s assassin, he attends the funeral of the shady Japanese businessman hoping to get hired. Petty conman Nor Lo sees Fu in action when he disables security at the funeral and takes him on as a client. Also at the funeral is Eiji, the dead man’s grandson. We know Eiji is dangerous because he usurps control of the company when he eats grandpa’s ashes in front of his father. He wants revenge and the reward. A who’s who of scuzzbag assassins are all on the hunt for the King of Killers and willing to eliminate anyone who might beat them to the prize.

Much of the acting was average. The story had some holes to the murder mystery and identity of the King of Killers. The momentum would occasionally fizzle out. The writers ham fistedly threw in an adult daughter, played by Gigi Leung, to humanize the selfish Nor Lo and maybe for a hint of romance for Fu. Even with the limitations, Jet Li and Eric Tsang had a nice buddy hitman vibe. Sato Keiji as Eiji provided the ruthless opposition for the duo despite his motivations being nebulous. Simon Yam as Officer Chan played the mysterious officer with a twinkle in his eye. Kim Yip had the pivotal role as the greedy but somewhat even-handed revenge fund officer.

With well-choreographed action and Jet Li in his prime, the fights were quite entertaining. Fu had a fight with a grenade carrying priest and a giant with disorienting laser rings all while trying to safely wheel an old man out of an apartment complex (if only we had a wheelbarrow!). An elevator fight was also exciting as well as the finale when a surprise guest showed up.

Hitman showcased a hitman that would rather be playing with children, had light comedy that didn’t veer into slapstick, heartwarming moments, and a few exhilarating fights. Nothing too memorable but not a bad way to spend 90 minutes if you are a Jet Li fan or need a break from darker martial arts flicks.

16 March 2024

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Simple story executed well

This has shown me what many individuals face everyday folding from war and oppression as they want better opportunities for themselves so they can live comfortably without stress and worry
The ML loh Kiwan story made me cry from the little things in trying to find his place in a foreign land but faced with many barriers such as friends betraying him nowhere to live and get attacked all because he isn't Belgium. The razor story made me cry the most
Marie was someone acting tough but was as broken as loh Kiwan as of her family history and getting pulled into crime to pay her debt and just needed someone to talk to
The love story was well-paced as they healed each other's wounds and found comfort in one another

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A movie that feels like a third season

This movie really fell into place with the rest of the series and I loved it!

It had multiple storylines and there was not a moment for the viewer to be bored or think "they've put this in to buy time". Everything felt like it was there for a reason.

There's development between various characters and hard-hitting stories to follow.
The camera work was great and transitions between storylines natural so it didn't feel as if it was "action-packed", but rather gave perfect amount of time for each to develop in its own right.

I truly recommend this if you've watched the previous two season; I was certainly not disappointed.

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Fast and furious kung fu action!

I watched Kung Fu Jungle aka Kung Fu Killer years ago and quite enjoyed it. Upon rewatch I enjoyed the fight scenes again, and that the film had its own version of Yes Madam with a strong female officer in control of the investigation. Not that Donnie’s character listened to her much but her subordinates did and she got her chance to shine. The fight choreography was off the charts displaying a variety of styles. One of my favorite parts of the film were the homages to actors and stuntmen from the Golden Era of kung fu movies.

Mo Hahou is serving time for accidentally killing a man in a fight when other martial arts fighters begin being murdered. He convinces Inspector Luk Yuen Sum to let him out to work on the investigation. Hahou escapes to convince his lover to go into hiding, but when Luk catches up with him agrees to let her stay with him so that he can help without being distracted. There’s no question where the story is heading, toward an epic fight between Hahou and the villain Fung Yu Sau and the movie delivers on its implied promise.

The story was thin but still managed to convey the ticking clock on men’s lives as the police and Hahou frantically tried to track Fung down and corner him. This was the perfect role for Donnie’s abilities, stern and determined. Charlie Yeung and Michelle Bai were thankfully not portrayed or written as inept (mostly) and helpless. Wang Bao Qiang brought a maniacal energy to the man obsessed with being the best and for whom kung fu meant death.

Donnie Yen choreographed fast, complex fights starting with fists and moving through kicks, grappling, and weapons. The final fight using CGI trucks was thrilling. Numerous older kung fu actors made cameos---Yuen Cheung Yan, David Chiang, Yuen Bun, Tsui Siu Ming, action choreographer Tony Leung Siu Hung, car stunt driver and choreographer Bruce Law, Tony Tam, Mang Hoi and Billy Chan to name but a few. Even Raymond Chow, the famous producer for and founder of Golden Harvest made a cameo.

Kung Fu Jungle was hard for me to rate. I’m not comparing it to Kurosawa Akira or Zhang Yi Mou films, but against other comparable films from the time. I recently watched Kill Zone and found this one to be far more entertaining. This was a bone crushing, fast moving, truck dragging bolt of energy that was fun to watch.

16 March 2024

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An appetizer, not a meal

With Ma Dong Seok as the main lead, not gonna lie, my expectations soared. And while I wasn't let down, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was so much more story to tell. A movie just didn't seem like enough; this tale deserved for a longer format, perhaps a 6 to 8 episode series, to truly dive into its depths.

I personally felt that the movie missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the aftermath of the earthquake, exploring the lives of the people affected and shedding more light on why the doctor descended into madness. The three-year time jump after the earthquake left me wanting more— craving a more thorough exploration of the characters' journeys.

Additionally, the movie could also have expanded on the mad doctor's research, providing a more detailed and scientifically grounded explanation for his actions. Perhaps I also missed a crucial detail, but I found myself confused about the significance of the laceration or whatever it was on the back of their ears. I think more explanation or context around this detail would have been helpful in understanding its importance to the story.

The part when they discussed the mission to rescue the girl, I couldn't help but anticipate one epic journey ahead. Yet, it felt a tad too short-lived. The irony wasn't lost on me when the military woman emphasized the tight security at the apartment, only for the team to effortlessly breach the building, adding a humorous twist to the situation.

Despite its brevity, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. And of course, action-wise, Ma Dong Seok always delivers, never failing to captivate the audience with his prowess on screen.

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You should never play with the emotions

I watched this movie with extreme curiosity, almost like entering a sort of tunnel/time machine that takes you to a space-time dimension that is truly touching for how far it is from current cinematic logic; It is undoubtedly a solid melodrama, with all the components of the case (starting with the usual dynamics and problems of social class) that finds, in my opinion, a winning choice in the superb locations of San Francisco
(I had to smile remembering that even alternative musicians such as Makoto Kubota of the psychedelic band
Les Rallizes Denudes lived and played in California in the early 70s, just to say...) and in Obayashi's never banal film direction choices, which finds a capacity for synthesis, as well as some sudden directional changes
(see the 'accident' that is the cause of the meeting between the protagonist and her future husband).
Everything is undoubtedly overloaded and pushed to the extreme, the protagonist couple, extraordinarily famous at the time and also a couple in life, (I later discovered) love each other and break up in a sort of flamboyant amour-fou comings and goings with repeated plane flights ( beautifully synthesised by directorial solutions that are as simple as they are absolutely effective) or by efficient narrative re-propositions (the alternative club, but also the beginning and the end along the Golden Gate) and the story would be all here, undoubtedly not dissimilar from many others but certainly not banal, thanks to an excellent direction by a master who is never ordinary, even on a theme as simple as Take Me Away! The music is also beautiful
7,5/10

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Nothing beats that ending scene

This is a rare 10/10 for me. It may be because Kiyoi and Hira are already in a established relationship that I find myself caring for the two more than I did within the two seasons of the show. But even in just presentation I feel as if the movie outclasses the series exponentially. I like the addition of Kiyoi having a friend besides Hira who he truly cares for, being Anna, and having the movie exclusive villain being her crazed stalker fan. It's a really nice contrast between obsession and love for the characters of Anna's stalker and Hira. I also like how the movie, while still focusing on the relationship between the two male leads, shows that they are indeed separate people, with their own goals and aspirations in life. None of which felt rushed or stumbled to get through, as it was all well-paced and natural. When we were reaching the last thirty minutes of the film and I started to question how Hira would solve his main dilemma of the film of not feeling like taking pictures of anything. But as soon as the idea had popped into my mind the film was able to solve it surprisingly well with less time than it took me to write this review.

The cinematography is also absolutely STUNNING in this film. The last twenty minutes or so will forever be engraved within my mind. As it calls back to their school days within the series while still reminding us about how far they've come within the present. Playfighting with the school water hose and running around classroom desk. And despite the amount of cherry blossom petals being absolute ridiculous, it just made the scene even more incredibly beautiful. The cherry on top being the fantastic music playing throughout. All in all, an exceptional scene that felt fulfilling and in my opinion, perfectly concluded the series. This probably goes without saying but I would suggest watching the first two seasons of the show before watching this film, as I feel like the experience would be a lot more rewarding. Even if you may have dropped the series. Its far beyond worth it.

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A Great Historical Experience, But Could Have Been Better

Indeed, this is a visually stunning movie that is certainly entertaining. With a big bag of popcorn (or snack of your choice) and a relaxing chair, you will thoroughly enjoy this movie. Filled with handsome men, a relatively interesting but a bit slow-plodding plot at times, elegant chorography, breathtaking cinematography, and beautiful costumes, you are in for a treat. Is it memorable? Well, no, not really, but it sure is fun to watch.

It is a story of two dancers. During a performance before officials, one is so impressive, not just for his dancing skills but also for his beauty and is asked to ‘personally perform’ for his uncle who is a high official. Khun (Apo Nattawin) and his companion Wan (Bas Asavapatr) are an interesting pair. Both young and handsome, but with Khun looking after Wan, almost like a brother. Their backstory is somewhat vague. Unfortunately, both are accused of killing the official Khun was asked to entertain even though they had attempted to intervene in the assassination. However, to gain pardons for the crime of murder that they will be charged with since they are phrai, (of the lower class), they agree to go to Siam to conduct a cloak-and-dagger operation and steal documents that are proving that the group of Chinese known as Tua Hia are plotting a rebellion.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/03/16/man-suang-movie-review/

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Very corny Western cast.

Yesterday, while watching this movie, I made an interesting self-discovery. To be blunt: I prefer Song Joong Ki's acting in movies more than in TV dramas. His acting in TV dramas is below average, and his facial expressions are the same for sadness, anger, happiness or emotion. In the movies, I see it differently; it seems that the director extracts all the artistic quality he has, and I consider that commendable. Anyway, now I have discovered what bothered me about his acting: the pasteurization that Korean TV dramas suffer. Korea is always more concerned with what the public thinks or will think than with the art itself of the product it broadcasts.

About the drama, I found the synopsis interesting and the events very well developed and dynamic. However, it is necessary to mention the terrible acting of the Western cast of the film, all acting in a very corny way and causing embarrassment in every speech. I wonder how NETFLIX selected this cast, based on what?

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"I'm not old, I'm just mature"

Return of the Deadly Blade was the equivalent of click bait for me. The cast included Kurata Yasuaki, Norman Chu, and Lo Lieh. And then it hit me with the discombobulation virus, which lasted around 90 minutes.

Master Li aka The Deadly Blade killed “Kam the Invincible Gold Rings” in a duel and then went into hiding for twenty years. Now suddenly everyone is looking for the famed bladesman. Siu Wan begins his trek to find Master Li taking on contenders as he goes. The Lonely Killer, a roguish lady’s man, is also looking for Master Li. He’s followed by a female fighter he defeated who apparently developed the kind of crush that could kill. A nobleman dressed in gold lame, which means you can’t trust him, sends out men to assassinate Lonely Killer, including a ninja. Siu Wan and LK keep crossing each other’s paths as does the lovesick warrior and a damsel in distress. All roads lead to the Tomb of the Hero and the showdown to discover, “Who’s your daddy?”

The story was convoluted and badly edited. Maybe there’s a longer version out there that tied the plot elements together better, but this version was disjointed and didn’t explain things well. Kurata Yasuaki finally had a role where he wasn’t a diabolical villain. Lonely Killer was no angel but usually Kurata played a burn down the orphanage kind of character in old kung fu movies. Kurata is skilled in karate and other forms of martial arts and his moves displayed his skill despite the limited hand-to-hand action. David Chiang as Siu Wan was David Chiang, I was never a fan of his work in these older movies. Reliable Norman Chu appeared as the wheelchair bound Master Li, a man tired of killing. Lo Lieh surfaced briefly as an umbrella fighting warrior who had to fight against Siu Wan and LK. While it saddened me that Lo was often relegated to smaller roles after the 1970’s I always enjoy seeing him on the screen. In a blink and you’ll miss him moment, Hwang Jang Lee was featured in the intro as Kam and his golden rings. Flora Cheung played both ingenue and femme fatale.

Since the writers didn’t make the story very clear, the action had to carry the movie along. Kurata had a fun fight against the Famous Four in a cave hot springs tub. Epic towel fight. He later had to face Bruce Leung in a cameo role. The three-way fight between Kurata, Chiang, and Lo Lieh was well choreographed. Later, when Kurata faced a ninja and the vengeful nobleman on a rope bridge, it felt like more could have been done with it. The grand finale fight that included quite a bit of wirework was a letdown.

Return of the Deadly Blade squandered a strong cast with a badly edited story. The most compelling reason to watch it is to see Kurata Yasuaki be able to play a lighter character than usual. Not a solid reason, but for fans of the genre a reason to try it.

15 March 2024

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Tan Song Yun and Three Labradors Made It Passed the NRTA Review

I titled my review above because I swear there is a supernatural element in this movie (will give some examples). And if you watch a lot of Chinese shows you know that NRTA (Chinese censorship agency) banned modern shows with supernatural themes and deemed it as superstitious. But the cute actress and her cute labradors (yes there are three of them) were able to wring the hearts and tears of the NRTA reviewers and viewers alike.

STORY:

The movie is based on a novel titled "Dad is a 'Dog'" written by Wang Xiao Lie. The story is simple, and the synopsis provided on MDL tells the whole plot. The native title is Good Bye, Li Ke Le (再见，李可乐). Li Ke Le is the name of the pup, so we know in the end the female lead Li Yan (Tan Song Yun) loses her dog. So no surprises here. But it is a beautiful movie about mother and daughter's mended relationship past the death of the head of the family. How to let go of regrets and attachments after pain? How to learn love and courage while growing up? When the difficulties of the past reappear, will they have a regret-free choice in their lives?

Now I want to explain why I think this drama contains a supernatural element, in which Ke Le is the incarnation of Li Yan's dad. On the day Li Yan and Mom went back from the hospital after Dad passed away, Ke Le showed up and was adamant about being adopted into the family. Ke Le's habits mimic Dad's habits, including drinking soda (although the dog definitely cannot drink soda). That's why it was named Ke Le, since 可乐 means soda. The English sub called the dog Coke or Cola. And Ke Le knows some Dad's secrets, too.

ACTING/CHARACTER:

The acting of Tan So Yun and veteran actress Yan Ni (who played Li Yan's mom) portraying the estranged relationship between mother and daughter is worth watching by itself. But the three Labradors who played Kele ought to have their introduction as well. Xiao Ke Le is the young pup who becomes Li Yan's companion during her mourning period. Ping An is the adult Ke Le. The dog also showed up in the 2023 drama "A Date With the Future". The adult Ke Le oversees the grown-up Li Yan, including her choice of a special friend who will be her future husband, and also accompanies Mom when Li Yan leaves the house to attend university. And lastly, the elderly Ke Le is played by Xiao Qi, who gives away Li Yan during her wedding.

DIRECTING/EDITING:

Kudo to the director and the editor who managed to execute a life story of Li Yan from teenager to adulthood, and of Ke Le from puppy to end of its life. There is not much dialogue as we see in dramas, but the actors and the actresses use a lot of facial expressions only well-experienced ones can show. All three dogs definitely are well-trained and able to act, including showing their facial expressions (especially Xiao Qi with its sad look).

And guess what? Wang Xiao Lie, the novel author, is also the director of this movie.

VISUALS:

I love the filming set in a small town. Wang Xiao Lie, besides being a director, is also a photographer. Thus we were able to see the simple yet beautiful cinematography captured in this movie.

OST:
The main theme is "We Have a Deal" by Diamond Zhang/Zhang Bi Chen

ENDING: (Scroll down, skip if don't want to be spoiled)
























Li Yan and Mom mended their relationship. Li Yan married her high school sweetheart Zhang Huai Jun (Jiang Long), but as usual Chinese shows, they don't date in high school but later in the university. Mom gets a new man, Uncle Zhang Ping. As for Li Ke Le, he becomes elderly, gets a brain tumor and the family has to put him to sleep. The movie ends with Li Yan snowboarding again. Dad and Ke Le are watching her from the hilltop, smiling.

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Warning: have tissues handy!

This was a fabulous movie! It made me angry (the injustice of it all...would the result have been the same if the little girl wasn't the daughter of a powerful man?), it was hard to watch at times (when he first went to prison and he kept getting beat up), it made me laugh (all of the inmates! Each had charms of their own), it warmed my heart (the relationship between Yong Gu and his daughter, as well as their relationship with everyone in the prison, including the guards!), then it broke my heart and dehydrated me (the last 20 minutes).

The acting was stellar, especially Ryu Seung Ryong as Yong Gu and Gal So Won as Ye Seung. Yong Gu was such a special character - with his disability, you felt for him when he was trying to come up with words and didn't understand things, but his innocence was what made me love him, as well as his strong, strong love for his daughter. The actor embodied the character completely. The character of Ye Seung was precious. She was innocence personified and everyone that came into contact with her came to love her. She loved her dad completely and embraced the new father figures of the other prisoners and the warden. All of the interactions were so sweet. The awards that both actors received were well-deserved.

The only weak link, for me, was Park Shin Hye. I think an actor less well-known would have been better in this role. Plus, PSH always feels like she's acting to me. I don't feel that she embodies her roles. And when she's yelling and crying, I just feel like she is overacting. She wasn't terrible, but she's just not a favorite of mine. She is beautiful, and the scenes of her outside in the snow were gorgeous.

I held off watching this for so long. If you are on the fence, please watch it. You won't be sorry you did. But don't forget my warning about tissues!

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