Reviews

이상하게 귀여운 영화. 내가 제일 좋아하는 박찬욱 영화 중 하나.

"Please, steal my sympathy. Like Thursday."

화려한 영상미와 캐스팅은 차치하고라도 두 정신병원 환자가 각자의 독특한 소통 방식을 찾아가는 이야기는 마치 내가 한번 다시 세상을 발견한 것 같은 느낌을 준다. 분위기가 유치하고 성숙해서 소중하다.

"I didn't come with an instruction manual or a label on me anywhere. I still don't know what my purpose is. What was I made for?"

I was only 2 y.o. when this movie was released. To this day I have no idea what was I made for, but at least I know what a great time it is to be alive.
주목적은 핵폭탕이 되는 거 아니라 행복하게 사는 것이다.

Yesterday was 78 years since the bombing of Hiroshima, and we as individuals should not succumb to self-destructive behavior, we should not become our own nuclear bombs, and we as humanity must not destroy. We all should live, love, and help people around us become happier like Il Soon helped Yeong Goon.

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Learning to let the music pour out of you

Tale of a Raindrop is a coming of age story about Michiru, a young woman who is on the cusp of graduating from college, and who must confront ghosts from the past and challenges from the present in order to let the music within her pour out.

The movie opens with Michiru stating like a mantra:
"A lot has happened in the past few days. My best friend passed away. A man told me he loves me. I met my sister that I had never met before, and she is gone. And now I'm standing by a snowing beach. I came here to meet my father. I'm going to graduate college next month, and I will start working for a broadcast company. This is the story of my youth."

Chapter 1: Like Music Pouring Out from the World
Michiru was raised by a single mother, never knowing her father. One day she received a letter from an unknown younger sister. Sayuri had also been abandoned by him. She told of things their father liked, especially a book titled "Snowflake". It was a story of a snowflake who fell in love with a raindrop, but when it begat another raindrop the snowflake dissipated. At the theater where she worked a strange young man who loved silent movies mumbled nervously that he loved her. The mumbler took her to a concert in the park which entailed a friend who played the violin. Michiru watched in amazement as the mumbler and violinist danced to the music in their own joyful world.

Chapter 2: Like Music Pouring Out of Her
Michiru finally met up with her sister Sayuri, a high schooler who had turned to prostitution to earn money for herself and to support her older boyfriend's drug habit. The two sisters lived together, seemingly happy for a while, but Sayuri was bitterly disappointed to find that despite sharing an absentee father, Michiru wasn't miserable and hadn't been forced to live as harsh a life as she had. Before she left, Sayuri gave Michiru a letter from their father's old friend. Though Sayuri rejected her older sister, a special gift set her free to dance to her own music.

In anticipation that he would lead to her father, Michiru tracked down the old friend who turned out to be her age. Through him she discovered the lonely and sad life her father had lived. Afterward, as she walked along the snowy beach we returned to where the movie began with her stating her mantra over and over. The music grew louder as Michiru made peace with the past-the losses, the grief, guilt, anger, pain, and betrayals and found the music within. She realized who she was and that person was not reliant on who her father had been. As she began her new life, like the blooming cherry blossoms, she emerged from her dormancy, forgiving and refusing to carry the baggage of the past.

Chapter 3: Like Music Pouring Out from Me
"The world silently crawled inside me. I cannot stay here any longer…I will never stop dancing under the rainbow."

Tale of a Raindrop was an almost whimsical look at a young woman beginning new chapters of discovery in her life and coming to terms with losses along the way. Through her relationships, she learned how people were able to find the music in themselves in order to dance joyfully. There were times it fell into overly precious territory, almost pretentiousness, but then righted itself, as Michiru confronted the past and present. Rainbows cannot form without raindrops, and Michiru found her place in the world as a beautiful raindrop.

8/7/23

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A Live-Action Marvel: Thrilling, Indescribable, and Unbelievable!

This Live-Action adaptation is an absolute thrill ride, leaving me speechless with its incredible execution! The plot is masterfully crafted, flawlessly preserving every detail of the main anime, even in movie format. I was hooked from start to finish, and the way the story unfolds on the big screen is truly amazing.

The characters come to life with such depth and authenticity, thanks to the excellent crafting of their personalities and development. They truly feel like the beloved anime characters we know and adore.

One aspect that blew me away was the attention to detail in the costumes. They are so exquisite and true to the original anime that it feels like we've stepped into an entirely new and breathtaking world. It's hard to believe it's not an entirely new movie, given how well everything is recreated.

The fighting scenes deserve a special mention, as they are nothing short of awe-inspiring. They flow seamlessly within the storyline, never feeling forced or overwhelming. I was able to follow every move effortlessly, which made the action all the more immersive and thrilling.

I can't stop praising this Live-Action marvel; it's a dream come true for any fan. The thrilling action, captivating plot, and awe-inspiring costumes combine to create an indescribable cinematic experience.

If you're a fan of the original anime or just love an action-packed, visually stunning film, don't miss out on this incredible adventure. It's a Live-Action masterpiece that deserves all the praise it receives and more!

Please note: This marks only the beginning of an epic five-movie series.

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Broken dreams and second chances

In this film about broken dreams and second chances, a professional football player finds himself in a difficult position due to a mix of bad decisions and bad luck. He also has no real support system in his mother (who is on the run for scamming people) and his agency wants him to quit the sport to become a celebrity.

Is in this moment of his life that to rehabilitate his image he is forced to become the coach of a football team conformed by homeless men that will compete on a charity tournament.

Reluctantly, he learns the reasons why these men found themselves living in the streets. Addiction, bad decisions, abandonment, grief, among other motives. What they all have in common is that through this tournament they are looking to become a better version of themselves.

To record every moment of their journey, a documentary director (deep in student debt and stress) needs to find the right angle to have this film be a success for her and them.

It’s through teamwork and sharing their problems, that this team of odd men out find -perhaps for the first time in their lives- a real support system and even a family.

Dream is a solid comedy with really touching moments that brought some tears to my eyes. The film tries to shed some light on current social issues in South Korea through the housing problem these men are going through.

Park Seo Joon gives a good performance going from disheartened to finding a new dream and people to fight for. His chemistry with IU is hilarious to watch as they play entirely platonic teammates throwing jabs at each other, even long after they start to get along.

IU’s character as the documentary director who is forced to believe in herself into success is both fun and oh, so real.

The heart of the film, however, is Heo Joon Seok, whose character never lost hope and fought from beginning to end so the team could achieve their dream. The rest of the actors bring some emotions though the respective stories that makes the comedy more grounded.

Overall, I enjoyed this film.

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An enjoyable ending

The review is based only on the events of the film. I feel the responsibility to point this out because the manga is on going, which means the story might take a turn to any possible direction in the future.

I finally got the chance to watch this film this week, a very nice and neat conclusion to the world of competitive karuta. For those who need a little reminding, the story follows Chihaya and her friends as a team trying to win the national high school competition and, for some of them, even dream of becoming professionals. But the films also tells us about their personal struggles, sometimes on actual lines of dialogue and, other times, through out the poems been read in the karuta competitions.

The film choose to make a time jump between the second film and the third, putting the last installment of the trilogy on Chihaya’s senior year of high school. She’s only have one goal in her life: becoming the Queen of karuta but now teachers and even friends are taking different routes in life, choosing professions and paths in which they won’t be able to talk together as the tight-knit group they become, so she needs to start thinking what else lays beyond karuta.

On this point, I feel the story failed and achieved something at the same time. It was nice to see Chihaya think of things beyond her karuta bubble with the film didn’t developed properly. I like she kept her goal of becoming Queen until the very end, because at her core that’s who she truly is, but at the same time I didn’t get to see her spend enough time thinking of life outside the sport.

Other professional karuta players are shown to have their own personal and professional lives outside the competitions, so I guess I would have like to see Chihaya be a little more motivated or explicit on what other thing she might want to pursue. Whatever it tis, I’m sure it would have been with the same savage passion she has for everything she loves.

Meanwhile, Taichi finally reached a boiling point. I guess it’s fair to say Taichi has been competing his entire life: against Arata but most importantly against his own insecurities. Taichi’s biggest roadblock has always been himself, by putting others before him to a point of whatever he wants becomes irrelevant in his own life. When he first started playing karuta again, in freshman year of high school, he didn’t do it for himself. He did it for Chihaya, and unlike her his development about what he wishes to do in the future beyond the world of competitive karuta was properly developed.

Taichi finally loses to the pressure and feels forced to leave the karuta team. It’s a nice call back as to the same reasons why Arata quitted karuta in the first film. Back then, Arata lost all motivation when his grandfather had died. He was the reason why Arata started and continue to play the game and with him home he needed two films to find a reason to do it for himself.

The same thing can be said about Chihayara. She’s always played for her, a point the film makes perfectly, and because of that she’s able to support her teammates, show respect to her opponents and inspire her juniors.

If you ask me, the third film in this trilogy is Taichi’s film. It’s the conclusion to his journey and the answer his been looking for since day one. The card choice at the end, where he’s putting all his feelings out in the open, is him finally stepping forward and withholding nothing.

As for the love triangle, I would rather concentrate on the personal story of our three main characters. I believe this story is so popular because of the everyday and common struggles the characters go through that resonate with people, and not because of a love triangle.

Chihaya’s answer remained true to herself, as mentioned before, because she’s never really thought of anything beyond the karuta world. Of course, Arata put himself out there, in all the ways possible, because Arata never doubts himself once he has set his eyes on the prize. And, of course Taichi is the last man standing next to Chihaya because that’s also part of who he is.

That said, of course, I have a team I’m rooting for and personally I believe the story told in this film serve for the benefit of one team rather the other. But to get a real and final answer about Chihaya’s feelings, we will have to keep on reading the manga.

Kudos, to the amazing supporting cast who it’s as wonderful as always. Making the smallest moments incredibly funny and heart warming, even sometimes stealing the entire show from the leads. Thank you!

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Wonderful!

Flying Colors is one of my all favorite japanese films that has been released in the last few years. I don’t understand why it didn’t have more repercussion, maybe they thought it wasn’t a good enough film because it deals with what we can categorize with “first world problems”, but they are still problems. And I found the story compelling, relatable and endearing.

Let me point out that this film is based in a book that at the same time is based on the true story about a teacher and one of his students who decided on her last year of secondary school to apply for Keio University. Let me tell you, Keio is no small feat. This academic institution ranks 9th in the world in the Times Higher Education’s Alma Mater Index and the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranks it at 37 in Asia.

Whatever our leading lady made it into one of the best universities in the world or not is irrelevant. What it really matters is the incredible grit she showed through a year of hard work, the amazing mother who supported her and the teacher that made all the difference.

We usually talk or read about inspiring teachers who achieved life changing moments in their students lives. These students usually come from impoverish neighborhoods and difficult family situations, to those teachers and students who made it through and become more than anyone ever expected of them, I applaud them. They are making all the difference.

But not all “trouble” students come from a bad social-economic situation at home, and I believe that’s mostly the case in Japan. As wonderful as countries like Japan are, they also have their problems. People who are different, express themselves in a way that’s not the norm and show a certain proclivity for individuality don’t always have a good time in this kind of societies where the thought process has more weight in the collective. And if they don’t find a support system (friends, family, anything really) they ended up not finding their place in society (hikikomori, anyone?). Now, this is only my opinion and you are more than welcome to comment on it.

Kudo Sayaka is a middle class girl with a carefree lifestyle. Sayaka has never faced difficulties, hunger nor poverty but she has been treated and called trash to her face by her professors for not behaving in a “correct” way. She’s lucky to have a good group of friends who support her and a mother who is willing to go beyond for her to be happy. Sayaka’s father needs some work, since he puts all his hopes (and money) on her little brother and completely ignoring his two other daughters.

Sayaka is on her junior year when she’s suspended for an indefinite time. Her mother, always wishing the best for her, talks her into going to a preparatory school so she won’t miss classes. Is in this academy where Sayaka meets teacher extraordinaire Tsubota Yoshitaka, who manages to grab the attention of all students by connecting their personal likings and hobbies with their studies of history, english, math and so on. With this method, Tsubota manages to make the students take an interest in school and apply themselves to learn and do better, even dream to become students of universities like Keio.

I thought this film was not only good storytelling but also relatable because the problems the characters go through have a root in real life problems. The way Sayaka, the other students and Tsubota sensei built up their confidence and find a new sense of self worth is wonderful.

Sayaka is an amazing leading lady, she is strong-willed, independent and outspoken. She’s never afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly they seem and other people’s comment only fuel her inner fire. Do this comments affect her? Of course. There’s a limit to the verbal abuse you are willing to fight and some cut deeper than others, especially when they come from people we love.

I really recommend this movie. It made me laugh, cry, yell and cheer for all the characters to become better, to achieve their goals and prove themselves to be everything they ever dreamed.

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I will never understand why Netflix doesn’t promote their original productions that are actually good. Are they hoping for the word to mouth will help users find quality series and films? If yes, then here I am doing that. If not, their loss in my win because I get to talk about Call Me Chihiro without any filter from the streaming service.

The story follows a young and charming woman named Chihiro. We know from the beginning she used to be a sex worker but now lives in a small seaside city, selling bento (Japanese lunch boxes). Her outgoing personality and easy smile is infectious but it’s clear she also has a rich inner life. Chihiro goes around town making friends. A collection of lost souls, each with their own issues, brought together by her. Her life experience allows her to read a room and people with ease, and she’s mainly a listener but when he shares her thoughts you soon can see she’s wise beyond her age and is able to help others.

Despite her constant kindness towards others, Chihiro’s existence is stray-like and detached. She doesn’t shy away from relationships with others but she doesn’t exactly share herself fully. There’s a loneliness and resignation about her. She knows she is not leading a happy life but more like a collection of happy moments and that’s fine with her.

Call Me Chihiro is a fairly quiet little movie, about every day life and the people who make up our world. This isn’t a grand epic, with huge scenes of spectacle, it is very much a calm, occasionally sedate story from start to finish. At times its rhythm reminded to the waves of the ocean, constantly and endlessly reaching the shore. Sometimes calm and peaceful, others more harsh. On this, Call me Chihiro is the quintessential Japanese film about shading appreciating the small gestures and accepting everyone, no matter how poor or rich their background because in the end none of that matters. It’s your actions that speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

Arimura Kasumi remains, to me, one of the most interesting and talented Japanese actress working today. She certainly knows how to carry a story but also when to let others shine. The character of Chihiro could have easily end up being a rather flat but thanks to Arimura’s performances we easily accept her and are willing to go with her on this journey of self discovery and worth. By the final scene of the movie, we understand Chihiro’s decisions and loneliness. Most importantly why, by the end, she is ready to start anew.

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When the laughs… the Ahhh’s and Ohhhh’s turn to a silent cry

When the laughs… the Ahhh’s and Ohhhh’s turn to a silent cry and some sense of somehow… Belongingness.
Don’t we all Loved and Lost despite hoping that it would last?
The movie hit some sensitive spot in my being.
TBH if I knew ahead of time I would’ve prepare myself.
So, Trigger Warning to those who experienced/witnessed their parents drifting apart etc. ( I don’t wanna elaborate too much but prepare a lot of tissue and remember to breathe, so if you’re the type of person that can be easily affected by what they’re watching.. please have a friend with you.) The movie will take you to a journey!
I love how the story unfold and how in a short screen-time, the director was able to show us, or let us experience rather! to be the one’s wearing their shoes. Impeccable acting from all characters. Sunny and Araya, no doubt are on of the best Thai Actors out there, but let me introduce Becky Armstrong. This kid has a chill way of acting that it’s so natural that you’d just find yourself feeling her disgust, her pain, her sadness! I just found myself laughing and crying on her scenes.
I’ve been a fan on how Thai movies can show nostalgia in this captivating melancholic, cinematic way! And Long Live Love took me to this amazing ride. (I’ll keep myself from saying too much on this, i would love for you to experience that on your own)
So, please go and check out this movie if it’s available in your area!

Long Live Love to me is a movie that you’d want to always go back to from time to time.
Much more a christmas movie! Or one of those movie we watch for comfort.
I think it’s a really good family movie, or even if your at a stage where you’re about to start one.

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B-Movie, with heart.

So for movies, it's pretty B-rated. That being said, the main cast does a great job and I did root for Tendo. I took joy in his joy, and I understood his zombie-like work mentality. Some of the side actors left something to be desired. The music was nice but didn't always feel like it was used as well as it should have or could have been. While I was having a good time, the final zombie problem in the movie was very sharknado and overly ridiculous. I mean, if they made a sequel, I'd probably watch it. I do like Eiji Akaso. But the movie itself could have been better.

Also, shows keep trying to suggest Eiji Akaso is a fighter or an athlete, and I continue to laugh at his lack of muscle mass. I try to suspend disbelief, but he does not look like someone who used to be a running back in American football.

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very entertaining!!

what a movie! this is so underrated despite being so funny.. i mean i wasnt laughing till i couldn't breathe or anything but i was giggling sm you would've thought i lost it or something..

ofc the story is not very realistic- like how did the people not realise that those werent real animals,, very odd if you think about it but i just find it very funny!

this movie is simple, lighthearted, weird and delivers a message all at once so i dont regret watching it at all <3
this entertained me and i felt good after finishing it and that's what matters to me!
if you want to watch it then this is your sign!!

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When Vice Ganda leads the role, expect to cry with laughter... but today, I cried out of boredom.

Every Filipino family enjoys watching the star, Vice Ganda's films at the cinema during the Christmas season. The room is bursting out with laughter, leaving a well-deserved enjoyment. The recent film attempted to be a successful comeback for the celebrity, however, it did not even hop as one of her best filmographies.

Story-wise the main plot revolves around friendship, family, and crime. The film started strong and pretty decent not until it reached the halfway mark wherein it may have forgotten what the plot is. Physical comedy is evident, and this is the usual comedy we see in her films. But today, it did not trigger my funny bone. It just pained me. The addition of crime makes the story less cliche but still, predictable.

On the other hand, cannot deny that the actors succeeded in creating chemistry; there is not a single time they have acted awkwardly. However, their character felt like they had no development. Shoutout to the supporting actors, they definitely hard carried. #BeksSquad

Good but not enjoyable. Watch this if you want to kill time.

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Watch this movie with headphones!

Before I review the content of the movie, I encourage anyone considering watching this film to do so using headphones. The sound design for 3 specific scenes is such that using headphones will heighten the experience, and I think, give you more of a feel for what the filmmaker intended.

I found this movie to be particularly enjoyable because of the way the filmmaker has presented their messages and intent to the viewer. I didn't feel like I was being beat over with a heavy message or opinion on what I was 'supposed' to be think, but rather I was being shown in a very soft and optimistic way. There is conflict in this movie to be sure, but everything feels like the progress that is made from the conflict is much more important than the conflict itself. It's strangely refreshing in a way that really captivated me as a viewer.

The movie illuminates the frought landscape of young love, the pressure that young artists are placed under to grow and develop, platonic and romantic intimacy, and finding your place.

All in all a very enjoyable movie that I think deserves a second watch some time after your first viewing.

8.5/10

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