Reviews

▯▷ Better Days Movie (2019)

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A bullied teenage girl forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious young man who protects her from her assailants, while she copes with the pressures of her final examinations.

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Zhou Dongyu Shooting Pictures
Production Company by: Shooting Pictures
Starring: Zhou Dongyu, Jackson Yee, Yin Fang, Huang Jue, Wu Yue, Zhou Ye
Language: 普通话
Country: China, Hong Kong
Release Date: 2019-10-25
Running time: 135 minutes
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Leia Mais

Saimori Miyo was the unfortunate child of a loveless, arranged marriage. After her mother died, her father brought in his lover and her own daughter, Kaya. From then on, Miyo's life was reduced to that of a mere servant. Even worse, while Kaya inherited the family's psychic abilities, Miyo had none—she was truly the daughter with no merit.

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After years of being treated like dirt, Miyo has learned to keep her head down, hide her pain, and obey every order. So, it comes as no surprise that she is arranged to be married to Kudo Kiyoka, a military captain rumored to be so cruel that he has driven away every one of his potential wives so far.

From a painful upbringing to a painful marriage, that's the future that awaits Miyo—or so she thought. Contrary to her expectations, her new husband is actually kind-hearted. What really awaits Miyo is a blissful, everlasting marriage full of happiness!

(Source: MyAnimeList)

~~ Adapted from the light novel series "Watashi no Shiawasena Kekkon" (わたしの幸せな結婚) by Akumi Agitogi (顎木あくみ).

Leia Mais

Keep walking. I will be right behind you.

This was one of the movies I had been procrastinating due to the heavy theme ─ although I heard nothing but positive reviews about it. It truly deserves recognition and praise, and no wonder has been one of the most memorable c-movies for many.

While the theme is quite heavy, it also needs a careful and realistic approach, which I think they did right. There wasn't any glorification or gaslighting. It was raw and candid. The characters, of course, had flaws ─ even the main lead because she also, like others, chose silence before becoming a victim ─ but those flaws were understandable and for some, relatable.

One of the aspects I like is that they hinted that bullies became the people they are because of their parents, but they didn't use it as an excuse to demand redemption from the audience. Because at the end of the day, it was their own choice to become that person and not a better person.

The acting was really authentic, especially when they used silence and their eyes to deliver emotions. Cinematography and soundtrack, as well as symbolism they used, were phenomenal, added another layer of depth and a fresh point of view to the story. Love the dialogues as well. They are so beautiful and meaningful.

I'm glad I finally gathered my courage to watch this movie and also glad that they gave us a glimpse of hopeful ending.


cinematography edit : https://youtu.be/QhmYcdiQM2Q

Leia Mais

Great visuals, bad plot

Was really excited for this movie, since I like Jeon Jong Seo, but was left with disappointment. The visuals are absolutely stunning, actors did a great job, but the plot (or lack thereof) was just terrible. I get what they were trying to do, but it just didn’t come out good. The action scenes were great, and I think that that’s the only thing they put effort into. It felt like something was missing, I even thought I accidentally missed a part of the movie, but the plot is just really that bad. I hope that Jong Seo’s next project will be better, because this was just a waste of her talent.

Leia Mais

Good fight scenes, but lacking in plot and character depth

I admit that the movie was shot beautifully, with lots of nice camera work and colors. However, I was a bit underwhelm with the story/plot and character development. The action scenes and the good acting were about the only reasons I gave this a decent rating. I just wanted to know more about the two main characters: Jang Ok Ju and Choi Pro. Although the “ballerina”, her best friend’s death and revenge request, was what promulgated Jang Ok Ju to action/violence, I wanted to know more about Jan Ok Ju and Choi Pro. I also didn’t quite know the timeline such as how long Jang Ok Ju and the ballerina, Choi Min Hee, had been best of friends. It seems they knew each other from middle school and met-up again as adults. So maybe Min Hee was everything to Ok Ju since it looked like Ok Ju didn’t have many friends or even family. In all honesty, I had two lingering disappointments or maybe disbeliefs. The first is that Choi Pro was really not the all powerful and independent villain since he was in a gang and reported to someone more powerful. That kind of took his evil aura and mystery away. The second is after Jang Ok Ju went and asked a former colleague in her security firm for some firearms/weapons. I was expecting this lady to hand over some cache of modern automatic rifles, etc., but she ended up dealing with an old couple in a rusty RV with even more rusty and old handguns and revolvers. I think it would’ve been better if they just cut out the whole gang and gang overlord scenes. They didn’t add any more value to the movie. Even the high school girl could be left out. Would I watch it again? No, but I did enjoy the action/fight scenes.

Leia Mais

keeps you on the edge of your seat as if you are waiting for football player score a winning goal!

Overall - 9/10

It was an extremely fun film to watch. It kept me on the edge of my seat praying that Kwon Yu would make it through his next obstacle. The plot has a lot of potential for a sequel, or trilogy, or even better - a drama. I am desperately hoping for a second film!

Cast - 9/10

The cast was the highlight of this film for me. Everyone played their parts very well. Ji Chang-Wook embodied the metamorphosis of his character. I could see Kwon Yu’s journey clearly from a unemployed gaming addict who became a powerless victim to a strategic fighter for revenge and justice. I enjoyed the age and personality diversity within the gamer team! Their team chemistry was great. Most importantly Ji Chang-Wook never disappoints especially in the action genre!

Story - 8.5/10

The story was enjoyable and easy to understand while keeping the tension strong. The gaming world touch to the film made it unique and added to the enjoyment. I would have enjoyed a little bit of context when it came to the criminal organisation and the main antagonist, especially since they played such an important role in the story. I felt that the even though the ending gave closure to story that was built, it also left somewhat of an opening ending with a lot of room for continuation. I’d love to see the sequel to this film soon! They have a lot more to explore and so much room to continue the plot. There were many stones left unturned in the first film which could be revealed in a sequel. In my opinion, the plot is highly suited for a drama. I can see myself getting hooked from start to finish if this film ever gets remade as drama.

Thanks for reading, hehe <3

Leia Mais

Heart Warming

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

This was an excellent movie with an outstanding script. What is interesting is that the script had a mixture of many different things that somehow worked. The overall theme is the importance of friendship, but also has some slight romance. It also was a tribute to a famous Thai film actor, Mitr Chaibancha. See the spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more information. This had an outstanding cast that did a great job with their characters. It also had beautiful cinematography and great music.

Random Notes:
I love watching moves/series that are set in a different generation. Although I don’t know how accurate it was, it was cool to see Thailand in the 1970’s.

I’ve only watched a few Thai movies, but this is the first one that had a solid script and great acting.





******Potential Spoiler Alert******

There was a love triangle that was resolved quickly. It was not overpowering and did not become the main focus of the movie.

Leia Mais

A Faithful Live-Action Adaptation of Anime Magic

In the depths of "As Long As We Both Shall Live," we're beckoned into the heart-wrenching life of Saimori Miyo. She's a girl born from the chilly, loveless grip of an arranged marriage, and her existence takes a cruel twist after her mother's passing. Her father's mistress and her daughter, Kaya, step into the scene, relegating Miyo to a life of servitude. In her family's eyes, she's the daughter with no merit, bereft of the psychic abilities that bless her stepsister.

Miyo's journey is one of pain, a painful marriage born from a painful upbringing. Her betrothal to Kudo Kiyoka, a military captain known for his rumored cruelty, seems like a sentence to torment. But here, expectations take a drastic turn. Miyo's new husband defies the grim rumors, revealing a heart brimming with kindness. What follows is a marriage drenched in joy and eternal bliss, defying the dire predictions.

"In As Long As We Both Shall Live," I discovered a transcendent live-action adaptation of the anime world that resides so deeply in my heart. It's a meticulous mirror, near perfectly reflecting the source material. As I ventured into this cinematic realm, it felt uncannily familiar. Lines and scenes from the anime echoed in my memory, etched as if with indelible ink.

The movie's pacing is an art form in itself. The anime's early episodes delve deeply into Miyo's life, her struggles, and her lack of psychic gifts. It carefully constructs her world and the emotional maelstrom that surrounds her, revealing supernatural aspects later on, around the fifth or sixth episode. The movie, however, unveils these wonders from the start, a clever dance that balances Miyo's quiet existence and her inner demons with the revelation of a gifted world.

Music is the movie's beating heart. It weaves seamlessly with pivotal action scenes, enhancing their emotional impact, and eases into gentle melodies during the blossoming romance between Saimori Miyo and Kudo Kiyoka. The score is more than a soundtrack; it's a guiding force, leading us into the depths of their evolving relationship.

The movie is a symphony of masterfully filmed scenes, each a visual masterpiece, leaving you entranced by their sheer beauty. Attention to detail is awe-inspiring, capturing the anime's essence and translating it into breathtaking cinematic art.

From the very first frame, the movie bewitches your senses. It's a mesmerizing dance of music and visuals, drawing you into its tender embrace. The scenes are meticulously chosen and sequenced, submerging you into the narrative's profound depths.

The storytelling in "As Long As We Both Shall Live" is a precision symphony. Action sequences, woven seamlessly into the gradual growth of a profound connection, add layers of depth to the characters. I'd love to delve into more detail, but spoilers are best left avoided.

The live-action adaptation leaves no room for doubt. The cast is impeccably chosen, embodying their characters to the core. The film's dedication to the anime is visible in every frame, transforming it into a cinematic journey that feels like a masterful recreation, in the best possible way.

Leia Mais

a well made Korean Noir film in current generation... Song Joong-ki's new side ⭐

-- Korean Neo Noir genre is one of the best genre in South Korea, it's proved again --

➠ Reminder :- Hopeless ( Hwaran) does not allow laughter or hope for a single moment. The dark and cruel scenery of the small town shown in " Hopeless" (Hwaran) and the shameful life of the human group make the audience will feel realistic story. Even the small possibility of the ending is good, so it is even more painful and refreshing.

➠ Theme :- Movies are noir in terms of genre, but the framework of the narrative is close to the story of growth.It is through irresponsible adults, young people who have become monsters themselves to escape danger, and the existence of helpers who cannot lead them to the full sun but sympathize with the pain.

➠ Intro :- " Hopeless" (Hwaran), leaves us deep afterimage in the hearts of the audience with its overwhelming immersion and stellar performance by actors, proved once again the intense ensemble of the two actors, Hong Sabin and Song Joong-ki. Hwaran", which proved to be the best movie in 2023, is a deep and intense noir drama that depicts the stories of characters living in a hopeless world in different ways with solid characterizations.

➠ the story analysis :-
" Hopeless " ( Hwaran), is a movie about shadows symbolizing darkness in art.When the light is strong, the shadow becomes longer behind it, so there is hurt in glory, sadness in joy, and pain in growth.It captures portraits of those born under shadows where light cannot be seen from birth, while at the same time implying that those living in the dark will go toward light and find their image.Rather than the grand meaning of salvation, the power of the two men who dream of rescue in a disaster-like reality is impressive...

➠ direction - cast :-
The powerful direction of the new dire"The film emphasizes that affection and loyalty between people can be the last bastion to overcome even the unbearable pain through characters living in a world without hope in different ways." the energy of the new Hong Sa-bin, who expressed it well, and Song Joong-ki's acting transformation come fresh. Attention is focusing on whether the film, which received great attention in Busan, will create a new wave in the theater district.

✰ Will SONG JOONG-KI got sucess with his transition from Protagonist to Antagonist ???
- Yes, Not all actors can effectively make the on-screen transition from hero to antagonist, so when they do,it’s truly a triumph to appreciate. Song Joong-ki who provide an intimidating, menacing, downright horrifying performance helped elevate Hwaran to the next level " Hopeless " (Hwaran)


brought by - Shinnosuk_Lee
( Personal Review )

Leia Mais

"There's more to life than ambition"

Gappa: The Triphibian Monster had a couple of unique things going for it but mostly it was a re-work of other, better Kaiju films. Humans had to re-learn the most basic lesson of nature---never approach or steal a baby animal as you will have to deal with the wrath of the mother.

A publishing CEO has decided to build Playmate Land (Hugh Hefner's use of that word has ruined it for me), a jungle paradise and experience with exotic animals. He sends a reporter, a news photographer, and a scientist to a remote island to see if there are any new species that could be brought to the attraction. The team is greeted by a primitive tribe, some unfortunately in black face. After a statue is destroyed during an earthquake a cave is revealed. Kurosaki and Koyangi discover a large egg that hatches. Tanooka, the researcher, along with Kurosaki decide to take the creature back to Japan even with the tribe begging them not to for it will make Gappa angry. No sooner have the men handed the creature over to the CEO than Big Daddy Gappa and Big Mama Gappa begin to wreak havoc in Japan searching for their offspring.

This was a lesson in the consequences of reckless ambition and greed. When Koyangi begs Kurosaki to return the baby Gappa to its parents he gives her the ‘men have to do what men have to do because we are men’ speech. She looks at him like he’s an idiot and wondering why she’d ever fancied him. Even after Kurosaki and Tanooka come to their senses the CEO refuses to accept his losses and to take responsibility for the epic disaster. While the men come to the conclusion that there is more to life than ambition and other people are important, too, Koyangi’s decision at the end to come to her senses and accept she’s an ordinary woman and needs to get married and wash diapers was eye-rollingly sexist.

The miniatures were about average for this timeframe. Despite the fact that the Gappas could fly, walk, and even breathe under water (where the Triphibian comes from) they were terribly static. They lethargically and quietly lumbered through the cities, unable to move their arms and bodies much. Other than Mothra when her besties were kidnapped and she went on a rampage to have them returned, the Gappas had the strongest motivation for destroying the humans. Even with that compelling motivation they came across as soulless. This is the first Kaiju film I’ve seen with a nuclear family and one that was anthropomorphic which should have felt more heartwarming. Small children might be more moved by it.

Gappa: The Triphibian Monster was actually a loving family of Gappas who weren’t afraid to tear down Japan to protect their own. If they’d had more mobile costumes and the film had better direction, this movie would have been raised to a higher tier in Monsterdom. As it was, Gappa didn’t lay an egg, but it didn’t soar either.

10/10/23

Leia Mais

Apprentice of Dee Renjie?

The story is similar to any Dee Renjie mystery film. Although the protagonists doesnt know any martial arts, he has a sidekick who accompanied him in all his investigations.
Low ranking official who received a letter from his mentor and upon visiting him, he found suspecting situation that caused him to investigate.
Although he has limited resorces and power, he persevered. He is witty and brave. He investigated scary places by himself and I was wondering how he will protect himself without knowing any martial arts.
The production is good. Scene sets were fitting, props were placed well and wardrobes were nicely chosen for each scene.
It is a recommended viewing for any period mystery fanatic. As to rewatch value, this is my second time watching this film. I still enjoyed it. Actually came across scenes I missed for some reason.
Enjoyed this film. Thank you to the producers.

Leia Mais

Ren Jie and Dragons

This is another good Dee Renjie film. Overall, production was great. Live the exquisite wardrobe selections and sets.
I guess if this was made into a series, the few plotholes wouldn't be there.
Theres no explanation for the child and the female on the bridge who was flirting with Renjie. What does the hallucinations with them have to do with the story?
Did Sima die? The other female fighter, who is she and why did she switch side the last minute?

I love any Di Renjie film and series. Although this is a much newer version with beautiful female casts and awesome props, the multiple plotholes made me think of the older series and films that has better story flow.

Still recommended for viewing, rewatch value is always high for me on any Dee Renjie films.

Leia Mais