Reviews

If Only My High School Love Story Ended Like This Too

- Movie contains slight explicit scene, but no nudity.

STORY: Personally, I loved the story. I loved how it ended too. Maybe because I experienced something similar when I was in school? Anyways, I really liked how heartwarming this movie was. I wouldn't say it was a rollercoaster of emotions, but rather a slow-burning car ride. I didn't know how it would end, but I was definitely rooting for them. Just like life, you know? You don't know how it ends but you hope for the best. And as you wait, it just reveals to an ending fitting for you. It's the same for this film. Li Ran and Jianxia's story would be something most of us would hope to happen to us. When we fall in love with someone, and a sudden event leads us to be separated from them, most of the time we'd hope to see them again. And some of us would also wish that whatever we had would be revived, no matter how many years have passed. This film perfectly captures that feeling, and it's reflected so clearly in Jianxia's character. Most of all, I love how both of them developed. Yes, Jianxia may be your typical female lead, and Li Ran is most definitely the ideal man out there -- someone that waits for you (over 12 years!) and would still love you no matter how much you try to push him away. Very dreamy, really. In my opinion, this film could be seen as an 'escape from reality', as it ended so beautifully (I was smiling, grinning even, from ear to ear when Li Ran said that Jianxia should pay for their honeymoon), and gives us space to reflect on our own love stories. In life, it can end one way or another. And this film somewhat created a feeling that encapsulated the concept of getting the best outcome, the one we all want.

Another thing I liked was that aside from it's ideal romance, it sheds light on problems that occur in real life too. Take Jianxia's relationship with her family. Being born as the eldest (and as a girl nonetheless) is a tough job. On top of that, she's constantly compared to her 'good-for-nothing' little brother, who is clearly adored more because he's... well, he's a boy. No matter how much she strives for excellence, her family, especially her mother, will always have something snarky to say. Even in the present day, when she comes back home due to her father's declining health, the home setting is structured to make her feel like a guest and not an actual family member. When Susu frames her and spreads a malicious rumor that she and Li Ran slept together in the hotel, her mother blames everything on her, and is not willing to trust her, let alone listen to her side of the story. Growing up with that kind of environment has been suffocating her, making her a bit more spiky on the outside.

On the other hand, Li Ran's family isn't doing too well either. He is constantly abused by his father, and when Jianxia's mother met up with Li Ran's stepmother at school because of the rumored incident, it is seen that his stepmother could care less for his own good. Despite being born into wealth, there's no particular safe place for Li Ran aside from his grandfather (who soon passes), and being beside Jianxia. And in the present day, Li Ran is now in debt. This part reminded me of the fact that we really do not have full control of what may happen in the future. Yes, you may be rich now, but you could lose all of that overnight. The scene where Li Ran reluctantly downed the glass of alcohol while Jianxia holds his hand was painful to watch. Nonetheless, I loved the fact that he never stopped loving her. His dialogues touched me deeply, and it made me wish that my own high school love story would have ended like it.

ACTING/CAST: Acting was superb. Appearance-wise, I liked the fact that both actors naturally embodied their parts. Their acting was beautiful too. I loved the selection of the cast too. Jianxia's family, especially her mother, also gave life to the truth girls face in families like hers. Every one in the cast served.

MUSIC: The music didn't really affect me, but the main theme was so fitting for the movie! It was like the cherry on top, and made the film even better. It just gave the exact feeling of seeing an old friend-turned-lover after so many years, or the same feeling of being with someone after a long time of ups-and-downs that just make up a really foggy future. I love it.

REWATCH VALUE: Personally, I do love a good story that stems from youth to adulthood (like the Reply Series). It's endearing, heartwarming, and comforting to see these dramas, since we all go through those stages. I like watching these and reflect on my own journey in life afterwards.

OVERALL: I highly recommend this film. I think it's become one of my comfort films now. I still can't get over the confession scene in the end.. God, when is it my turn? ??

Leia Mais

A decent sequel to a decent movie

I quite enjoyed "Fantasy Magician" and this sequel is also quite nice.
You can really feel the low budget in how the story's quite small scale, not many locations, not many characters etc.
But that's fine - what's there actually looks surprisingly good. The props, costumes even the CG are solid.
The movie's also genuinely scary in places (especially at the beginning), it's well done horror.
Yeah, I'm not sure why I was surprised, but it's pretty neat. (again.)

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Leia Mais

Warning: Anime Onlies Stay Back!

Right off the bat let me just advise those that are watching the anime and have not read the manga to skip this movie. Aside from the fact that more than half of the movie is a spoiler, there are many differentiations. I have not read the manga. Kept saying I was going to and never did. I don't know which adaptation is closer to the manga if either are. However, there were scenes I was looking forward to that were skipped and character changes that are unclear to me. l will probably make some slight comparisons to the anime without giving details. If that's ok with you, read on.

For those who have no clue about Zom 100 here's a better synopsis: Akira Tendou graduated college and lands a job in his dream company. Unbeknownst to Tendou-kun, this dream company is a exploitive and treat their employees horribly. A year later the once effervescent, happy go lucky Tendou is but a shell of his former self. Without the courage to quit he lives each day dreading his job until one morning a zombie apocalypse hits and while people are running in fear Tendou is running with joy in his heart because he never has to report to that job again. The now happy Tendou has a new lease on a life and begins his bucket list of things to do before he becomes a zombie. That's it in a nutshell.

Although the anime is only on episode 3, I admit I think it's better than this movie. The movie tries to pack in too much information and moves too fast. Because of this I think little things are lost, especially some of the laughs. For instance Tendou and Kencho's escape from the roof is cut. It's completely different and no where near as amusing as it is in the anime. A few of the characters have been tweaked and or changed for reasons unknown. Honestly, I thought the Zom100 live action was a series not a movie. I would never have watched it. Even as a movie it shouldn't have outpaced the anime the way it does. They should've either held it's release or made a 2 part movie. The production quality was ok for Japan. One day I have hope that they will stop their traditionally bad habit of filming through yellow lenses. To me it cheapens their movies. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of Japanese directors that can command the budgets to film how they want and the director of Zom100 is not one of them. The makeup and special efx were pretty good. The ending was little too condensed for lack of a better word. (To be true there are a plethora of better words but at 2:30am my brain is refusing to tell them to me.) It's as if the director is saying 'we're hoping for a part 2, but if not at least it's an ending.' The thing is Zom 100 is still being published. No one knows the ending except the mangaka, maybe.

The cast was good enough...I guess. To be honest I don't feel like we got to know them well enough. Don't get me wrong Akaso Eiji was very good as Tendou, but I just didn't care about his friends. They didn't give us the backstory or the development needed to care about them. Had they not changed the end of how Tendou and Kencho escape the zombie's we would have had more background on Kencho and learned much more of his personality. At the end when Kencho reveals his dream, it comes out of no where because they skipped everything that would have let the viewer know this fact about him. Make sense? (Sometimes not using spoilers is a difficult thing.) Here's one thing that was just asinine: they changed the college sport Tendou and Kencho played in college from rugby to American football. No offense to Akaso, but he's way too scrawny to be a lineman. My grandma could blow him away and she died 30 years ago. It made me chuckle when he said it and it really made me giggle when they showed a flashback. Little leaguers are more buff than Akaso. Mind you there's a tackle scene that looks pretty damn good, but it's obviously a stuntman. Granted, rugby probably wouldn't have worked either due to this actor's build. They probably should've changed the sport to hockey, soccer, or flag football maybe.

The music is eh. It wasn't used as artfully as it could and should have been. I have no intentions of watching this again. I may re-watch a scene or 2, but there was nothing in this that excited me and made me want to see it again.

If this was a theatre, I'd tell you save your money. Since it's on Netflix, all I can say is watch the anime. Three episodes of the anime are more entertaining than 2 hours of this movie. At least wait so you don't spoil things for yourself. As an adaptation of a story I'm enjoying, this movie gets a 4.5-5. As a stand alone movie. I'd say 6 to 6.5 and that's generous.

Leia Mais

You will enjoy the movie

OMG!!! This movie is a masterpiece, I have never been a fan of zombie-horror movies, although I watch them. But this Korean movie was an exception.
The character development, the love and sacrifice of a parent (from the two fathers), and the relationships between the passengers on the train (both good and bad) all make the movie an overall GOOD movie. I definitely enjoyed the acting, pacing, and texture of the story. At the end of the movie, I realized that the real villains of the story were not the zombies but the humans. The strife between them and the philosophy of individualism, that is, to fight for yourself and sacrifice others in order to survive, is what makes humans the real villains. But this clearly portrays the reality of life, where everyone only cares about themselves and struggles for their own benefit.
If you watch this movie, you are definitely going to cry for at least 30 minutes after the movie. As I am writing this, I am still crying. So if you don't enjoy movies that make you sad, then don't watch this.

Leia Mais

This was a very entertaining series. Although the comedy aspect was minimal, the script was great. There was a slight romance element, but it was not overpowering. I love the analogy of work life and the zombie apocalypse. The main theme is to enjoy life and not let work make you into a zombie. It had a wonderful cast which did a great job portraying their characters. The cinematography, special effects, and FX make-up was outstanding.

Random Note:

Warning! There are some gory scenes, but it’s not that bad. However, my tolerance level of gore is pretty high because I grew-up watching horror films of the 80’s and 90’s.

Leia Mais

That's unexpected but this movie is a win for me

Honestly, went in for IU and Park SeoJoon but this was an unexpected delight. As much as I love Korean dramas, I have a pretty traumatizing experience with Korean movies where I always end up feeling, 'what the hell did I just watch for 2 hours?' So if a Korean movie makes sense to me, I am easily satisfied. With that being said, is this movie perfect? Far from it. But did I enjoy watching it? Hell yeah.

The plot is kind of straight to the point. It's exactly as described but what made it fun for me is the journey of watching the characters grow. It didn't exactly start with a noble intention but they didn't know that they'll find meaning in creating the team, training with the team, and playing with the team. And with those little backstories from everyone, a perfect recipe to make someone cry. It just really felt natural to me like I was part of them so this is really heartwarming to me.

Other people say this movie was overrated. I'm not too sure about the technicalities of the elements of a movie but as an audience, if you're able to capture my emotions -- make me feel excited, cry and laugh then it's a damn great movie and I'm giving credit to it definitely. Plus the iconic 'fck u' scene of IU and Park SeoJoon. I can't get enough really.

I definitely recommend this movie if you just want something lighthearted that will warm your heart as well. This is definitely one of the best Korean movies I've seen.

Leia Mais

Zhang Xin Cheng surprised me!

I've seen this actor in a few shows, and he tends to play kind of an arrogant, bratty, somewhat immature character. In this movie, his acting was very understated, and I enjoyed watching him. I loved the character he played. He liked her from the beginning and was there for her, to cheer her up and to support her. Slight spoiler here only - I loved the scene of them toward the end of the movie when they hugged. You could see the love on his face, and he held on tightly and burrowed his head into her shoulder. It was lovely to watch. -End of spoiler.

The only reason I didn't rate this higher was that there was entirely too much with the terrible mother. Believe me, I got the idea, without having to see her and hear her every few minutes. My heart broke for the FL, being raised in that household.

This is a story of first love, of idealism, of dreams realized, and dreams lost. I could really feel the pain of their youth, being trapped in the fact that they were youths, so decisions weren't theirs to make. Then, when they grew up, I could feel their longing for them to get back to the way they used to be.

Sweet ending. I understand that there is an additional scene during the credits, but YouTube cut it off right there. They made the right decision in making this a movie and not an episodic drama.

Leia Mais

A good family/slice of life movie

The storyline was superb. The acting of the casts was good. For me, the only problem is that the chemistry of the actors/siblings did not surpassed my expectations.

As I have said earlier, the storyline is somehow good and relatable. The problems are: 1) There are no chemistry between actors. It felt forced especially the confrontation scene; 2) It lacks depth and sincerity to the portrayal of their characters. Like they're just there telling their dialogue, and it doesn't feel authentic to me; and 3) The confrontation scenes felt empty. Majority of the scenes actually. If you will compare it to other successful movies with the same theme, there are relatable and became iconic like FSATW.

The movie felt like passable and has no rewatch value since the character did not bring something new to the table. That's why I rated the movie 5.0 for rewatch because this is not the kind of movie that can make you undestand or want more about their characters since they lack chemistry both as an actors and characters to the story.

Will I recommend this to other people who have not watched this? YES DEFINITELY I WILL STILL RECOMMEND THIS. I am an avid fan of Star Cinema/Pinoy films in general so I have watched hundreds of Pinoy films with the same genre. I know what movie is a remarkable one and forgettable. This movie is good but a forgettable one.

Leia Mais

Overall I found it strange that in the beginning the

Overall I found it strange that in the beginning the male lead was all against even dating a 16 years old, and the next scene without any reason he was all for marriage with said 16 (I don’t think I need to explain why I find this so problematic, especially for the fact that said male lead is 26!) I usually don’t mind age gap, but this felt very much like a propaganda of marridge ideals being shoved down our throats. I like the actor who plays the male lead, but the role he was given doesn’t put him in the best light. I feel like he had many sides to offer as an actor but was just not given a chance to. The writers really did screw up the plot and the story, with plot holes, characters acting one way in one scene and another in the next. I especially found it strange that the parents were so easy to convince into letting their child (whom apparently they love so much!) married to a grown ass man, (it feels like those who made this are trying to make us believe that this this old fashioned idea that marrying off your kid before they legal is completely fine and dandy). Things just happened for the sake of the plot to move forward without actually a proper reason. (spoiler form here on out!) Especially at the hospital scene when the parents leave their daughter with the man they just met after she was hit on the head and still unconscious. (it would make sense if they knew he was a police officer but there wasn’t indication that they had any idea!) And I could say much more that I find strange with this movie but I would be just wasting my time on something I don’t enjoy, rather than spending it on something I do enjoy.

Regardless, I’m not trying to discourage those who want to see the movie, it might come helpful if you’re trying to learn of what mistakes not to make when writing your own story, or whatever floats your boat.

Leia Mais

Came for the comedy, and stayed for the life lessons (and the zombie shark)

This movie was so funny in unexpected moments and also deep when I wasn’t prepared for it. I know it isn't that deep, and that I shouldn't take it so seriously, but I am truly fond. As someone who deeply hated my previous job (which I think a lot of people relate to), it was so touching for Akira to light up with pure joy after finding out he didn’t have to go to work, and even funnier for him to act so carefree in a zombie apocalypse as a result.

Even though every other aspect of this movie only gets an 8.0, something in my soul tells me to give it an overall 9.0. And I think it's because it hits so deeply with me in some aspects.

Even though the parallel between the zombies and Akira trudging through his job was pretty obvious, it still hit very hard when the movie directly stated and confronted it. Every adult on MDL who has ever worked a full-time job has likely struggled with work-life balance and has wished they could fall sick (or worse) so they could rest for just one day, but feel guilty and eager to be productive on days when they are actually ill. And, like in the movie, it’s often the people around us to remind us that we can’t be robots all the time and need to live life for ourselves.

The entire list Akira wrote was endearing and I’m seriously considering making one of my own (I am also one of those few people who have never made a bucket list). I love a good montage, so seeing items on the list being crossed off was satisfying. I loved the cinematography and production. The zombies were great and looked realistic (as much as zombies can be). All of the acting was great as well. The OST surprised me a lot, and I have saved some songs to my playlist. This movie WILL make you smile and laugh.

Conclusion: zombie shark — you should watch it!

Leia Mais

Hummmm…
I have a strange taste in my mouth… I want to adore this movie, but the end was long and mellow… so I just liked it…

STORY – not much of a plot. Yeo Kyung Jin is a force of nature that, because of the past, lives her sister’s life… Myung Woo meets her in a bizarre situation. He wants to see the real girl and he falls in love for the real person and not the cop. Lots of funny scenes, stupid decisions, and a feel-good chemistry.

ACTING – wonderful acting of both leading roles. The others almost do not exist.

MUSIC – beautiful and “painted” most of the scenes very well.

REWATCH – do not think so. I cannot separate the movie from that ending. Maybe one or 2 scenes.

OVERALL – I get that some people feel similarities to the movie my sassy girl. I prefer that ending much more. It is better in every way. But I think the middle of the movie and the chemistry is better in this one. Wish it was perfect to me as it was to so many!

Leia Mais

Fresh breath of air but.......

This is such a fresh breath of air. I found myself crying because I kind of relate to Mitsuomi. I mean, I feel like I am in a crisis too. The energy of Yamato uplifts me too! This is such a nice movie but I kind of wish that it was a bit longer since I feel like the ending seems rushed. I want to see some progress in their relationship, so I think it would be awesome if you will give us a sequel. I didn't think it was boring, I enjoyed it so much! I just want it to be longer so we can see how they would act as lovers. It would be nice to see their healing journey together.

Leia Mais

How to experience 'What If'

This movie was cute and reminded me the US version 'The Family Man with Nicolas Cage'. The story becomes a little detached midway but finds its pace towards the end. The FL was good in showing the edge and breakdown of one's bias through time. The ending was open-ended much like the US version which leaves hope for a better outcome in the end. The family element was interesting yet relatable. The 'purgatory' scenes felt more like references from 'Beetlejuice or Jupiter's Landing' odd, old, detached and disheveled. The overall production was okay. However, this is a solid movie worth watching.

Leia Mais

A lovingly told, soulful story based on true events. 117 uplifting minutes that´ll bring you joy

"Miracle: Letters to the President" comes across as a wonderful fairy tale. And yet it isn´t. The story arose from harsh reality. "Miracle" is a soulful KMovie about dreams come true, bathed in the bright colours of the four seasons in a remote, idyllic mountain valley. This landscape is a crucial player in its own, thus impressively contributing to the whole plot. Actually, a handkerchief or two might be helpful, even though the KMovie isn´t particularly playing on our heart strings. It's just a touching story, lovingly told.

The setting of this true story: a remote mountain village in the east of the country, that can only be reached via the trass of the railway line. However, it does not have its own train station. For the residents, this means that they have to put up with an arduous walk along the trass in order to get to the next village as quickly as possible. For example, the protagonist spends five hours each day commuting to and from school. And quite a few people have already lost their lives on this dangerous walk over this busy trass through the mountains – including the mother of the protagonist. The boy's dream: a train station for his village. The chances are low, but he does not give up.

It may help that he actually seems to have a special talent for science. Also it may help that in Rah-hee, a bright daughter from an influential family, he finds a school friend and at the same time his muse, always encouraging and inspiring him in her idiosyncratic way. Thus, "Miracle" is also a tender, unusual love story with the charm of the 1980s.

So there are wounds and wonders, as well as wonderfully staged images, yet with a challenging core. All in all, a lovingly told, soulful story based on true events. Nostalgia of the 1980s, picturesque nature and rustic mountain idyll, the slower pace of provincial life and spectacular railway lines through tunnels and over bridges in the steep foothills of the Taebaek Mountains convey "Miracle" its distinctive character. The KMovie is bathed in an all-round positive aura. 117 uplifting minutes that´ll bring you joy.










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SIDE NOTE: --- Yangwon Train Station ---
Socheon-myeon is a mountainous area in North Gyeongsan, in the east of the country.
The Korail Yeongdong Line crosses this area on its way from Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province via Taebaek Mountain to Gangneung in Gangwon Province. Since 1988, the Yangwon railway station has been the smallest and also the first private railway station in South Korea. Until then, the village was isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of a rugged valley. Even though a railway line had passed the village since 1955, the train had never stopped. There was also no road leading to the village. 3.7 km of railway line separated the villagers from the nearest Seungbu railway station and thus connections to other towns and cities. With ax, shovel, mortar and sweat, the villagers finally built their tiny train station themselves.

Leia Mais