Reviews

"Breaking one arrow is easy, a bundle is not"

A Home with a View is a rather typical Hong Kong comedy with lots of yelling and manic action. What sets it apart is its theme about overcrowded living spaces in the densely populated city and the emotional pressure it puts on the residents crammed into their homes. The overacting and nearly constant yelling could be off-putting, but the story underneath had a current of societal desperation and sinister truth running through it.

The Lo family lives in a crowded apartment which gives them no real privacy. They are paying a large mortgage in order to have a slice of visibility of the harbor. Tempers erupt on a regular basis, but are soothed when the family clusters around the small window and drink in the tiny tranquil view of nature. They live in a building with people as crazy, er, eccentric as themselves. Unaware of their own distracting noise, the mother picks fights with the butcher (Lam Suet) who lives upstairs while the kids yell at the old man below whose tobacco smoke drifts into their apartment at dinner time. While the father seeks peace with the neighbors, sometimes in an overly generous fashion, the rest of the family pretty much finds themselves in conflict with everyone. This is not just a failing on their part, no one around them is looking for harmony with each other either. The contentious Lo family's only pressure valve is threatened when a callous neighbor erects a garish billboard with Karl Maka's face on it obstructing their view.

Wong (Louis Koo), a lonely man who feels unseen, refuses to take down the billboard, relishing the attention. The family runs up against an immovable and uncaring bureaucratic wall of paper. A fight over whether it's art or advertising ensues. Ultimately, the family is found in the right, but the process for removing the hated monstrosity could take years or even decades. They can't even sell their flat as the loss of the harbor view drastically devalued their home. Meanwhile the family is slowly descending into madness without their precious view. The film takes a dark turn as they run out of options and coping mechanisms.

There were some odd scenes thrown into the mix. A truly unique teenage pregnancy scene where it comes to light helping a schoolmate deliver a baby will earn you a demerit. You also would not want to do battle with Mama Lo over a fish in the market. Every element of society seemed on edge in the manmade cement prison.

The family was not alone in its need for something to bring them peace. The offending butcher above found nightly peace in his pork pies. The old man dying of cancer below escaped into his evening smokes and eventually into death. The Lo family dealt with their existential crisis in a decidedly permanent manner. The film explored family and the people struggling daily to survive financially and with their sanity intact in the overcrowded city. The Lo Family united first at their serene window, then in their fight against Wong, and in the end…their madness.

4/4/23

Leia Mais

Amazing.

I feel like a lot of people are disappointed in the ending, but I believe that the ending was what made this drama, likable and realistic.

I originally I saw an edit on TikTok of the last scene which is originally why I wanted to watch it so I feel like I had a giant spoiler right from the beginning but because of the ending I want to watch the entire movie.

I normally I can’t finish the movie, unless I know it’s a really good movie, but I did end up watching this entire movie without getting distracted because of how good it was.

Great acting, good storyline. 100% recommend!

Leia Mais

Kwon Yoo, my favourite anti-hero

It's April 4th, 2023, and this movie is already 5 years old. Why write a review of this film now, then? Simply because I just watched "Fabricated City" again, for the umpteenth time. I've lost count of the number of times I've watched it since its release in 2017, but easily 5 or 6 times I think. That is to say, I love this movie. And I said to myself that it well deserved that I finally give my opinion on it here.

Is it a perfect movie? No, but no movie is really perfect, I think. As with any artistic work, there is a large part of subjective opinion linked to the emotions experienced by the viewer, apart from the intrinsic qualities of an art work. However, from the first time I saw it, "Fabricated City" has always been a 10/10 for me, and I still have so much fun watching it.

I'm not particularly a fan of action movies, although I can enjoy those kinds of movies if I like the main actors or if the story is well put together. In this case, it was because I was already a big fan of Ji Chang Wook that I watched "Fabricated City". But I also remember that I was really interested by it following the movie trailer. As I put it in the title, it is especially for the character of Kwon Yoo, played by Ji Chang Wook, that I like this film. He is, for me, one of the best anti-heroes characters I have seen in a film, Asian, European or American cinemas combined.

I really like the story of "Fabricated City". Nothing very innovative or particularly original, admittedly, themes already seen through other stories, but a logical progression of the story, with good twists, perfectly executed action scenes, a little bit of well dosed humour, suspense as it should be, and above all a very successful start and a coherent plot progression that keeps you intrigued until the end.

For me, the casting is perfect. Very good actors, all consistent in their respective roles, and showing skills and talents. Of course, totally captivated by Ji Chang Wook. I think he was able to perfectly embody Kwon Yoo, who is, as I wrote before, the perfect anti-hero. We can only love and become attached to such a character, I believe. Ji Chang Wook's natural charm does the rest.

The soundtrack is just perfect for the movie. Probably not the best cinematic music around, but it goes perfectly with the movie.

To conclude, therefore, a film to watch, and to watch again without counting, in my opinion (it is clearly the case for me).

Leia Mais

once a watch

Most of the movies about killers/assassinators would be about the revenge of betrayal cause they lose something beloved. KILL BOK SON is different cause the rich have made killing into a business. Drama World can make anything into a high-profile business
and she is an ace worker who wants to quit and focus on parenting. But the company doesn't want to let her go. And the teenage daughter has her own story who eventually opens up and her insecurities, likes, and questions. It is nice to see the mother-daughter talking by the end.

It felt like watching a female replace John Wick, for its more action sequence and light family story. The many probabilities of the fight scene flowing in the head of Bok Son were nice but that created confusion in the end. She always thinks ahead which actually doesn't happen but it's represented in front of the camera so it feels real.

I don't like the minors kissing scene. was that necessary for to camera shoot, it could have been angled. maybe I am freaking out but yeah I am. This scene ruined my mood to rewatch it.

It is not boring but not excellent to make me want a rewatch it.

Leia Mais

Still action-filled less comedy and now a trio

The story is completely different from the first movie so if you can watch it even without the prequel. Pretty much the same premise where North Korea is trying to apprehend a criminal and launches a joint investigation with South Korea then FBI also comes in the picture. Then we still have the NIS poking around again to find out what is NK really up to.

There's still those doubts among each other at first but in the end they got each other's back. There's also that attempt to add a love line on the story but I find that detail a little trivial. The story will go on without it. The chemistry among the leads is a bit different since it's a trio now, it kind of meh for me. The balance of good-looking and not-so-good looking has been kind of disrupted.

Still this was a great movie to watch on a weekend filled with action but not so with the comedy part. It was still an epic movie and I love it. You should watch it too.

Leia Mais

what could have been

It's just a simple story that probably happened to millions of people on the planet, but it manages to make my heart aches. Wondering the what could have been or regretting things that have been done. IMHO, The way they pictured a coloured world when they were together and a colorless scene when they are not together, it's a very nice touch. The last scene with the dad's letter is also making my heart aches. Last, the scenes when they are crying and laughing in the car wondering and regretting what could have been, what should have been and the if only scenarios, it's just perfection. Good acting from both of the leads too.

Leia Mais

THEY DON'T MAKE EM LIKE THIS ANYMORE !!

They don't make movies like this anymore.
This is a rare gem.
It appeals to you in every manner right from the get-go.
The story is simple, but the way it has been presented, acted and directed is mind-blowing.

The chemistry is too good to be true.
There's a breeze of authenticity to everything this movie has.
The casting was spot on.
Watching Cho Seung Woo as a young naive boy was so much fun.
Similar for Soo Ye Jin, she pulled it off amazingly.

Overall, I totally loved the first 100 mins of the movie but the last 20 mins are where the problem lies.
It was messy, not needed and could've been written in a much better way.
The last 20 mins disconnect from the whole idea and the smoothness with which the movie proceeded till that point.
It leaves us with a bitter taste in the mouth when it ends coz it's too far-fetched from what started as a simple story.
That is not to say it wasn't good, but when you've honey in your mouth, eating a spoon of sugared jam doesn't sit well with the taste.

The BGMs were effective, and the songs were miraculous especially the folk dance scene.
Aww, I just love this movie.

Truly a Classic.

While watching it, I pondered why it's named ' the classic ' , thinking it was a ridiculous name for such a movie.
But by the end, I realized why it was named so.






SPOILER AHEAD:

It's named the classic, coz it's a classic love/ romance story where the ML and FML try to fight against the moral and social odds, and still don't end up together.
Hence the name 'the classic'.
Kinda cool, right?

Leia Mais

A Realistic View

I find this story very sad. The emprises has no say in her marriage to the emperor. He is gay and does not touch a women but send his men to sleep with her because he needs an heir. She has no say in the emperors order and summits to his request. She falls for the first guard and he falls for her after he has been sleeping with the emperor. The emperor get jealous because he is in love with the guard. the emperor jealousy ends his rain on the kingdoms. It is a realistic view of what the past could have been. I have to say I cry especially at the end. The performance of these actors was great. A great story.

Leia Mais

The acting is excellent

The cast and the phenomenal acting by the entire cast elevates this movie from just ok to a solid 3 stars for me. I wish there had been a more complete story but alas, there is not. We get the makings of a good story of a man learning to have faith again after the tragic death of his father as a child after already having lost his mother when she gave birth to him. He blames God and has essentially decided he has no need for Him or his faithful.

The story was rushed towards the end. The ending also implied that a sequel was forthcoming and maybe that's why the story feels incomplete. There were some genuinely good dialogue between Yong Hoo and Father Ahn. And it was believable that Yong Hoo would become fond of him even with his feelings about God.

The last fight scene was choreographed really well. PSJ should be in way more action flicks. Looking forward to seeing him on the Ms. Marvel sequel.

The worst part of the movie was the special effects. I think they could have been done a lot better. The fire looked fake.

4/3/23

Leia Mais

..WHERE BEING ALONE CAN STILL FIND HAPPINESS..

..the plot of the story is so enough for me to watch and plus factor as Kasumi roled the FL..
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..being A-LoneLY is sometime my daily routine..
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..as I watch the movie, there are some part that kinda weird for me, thinking that I won't do the same thing like her - feeding a homeless person or burying a dead bird as I once I noticed..
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..there are something that are not worth to see but for her what she is is everything..
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..another genre of empowering women that shows a bad past is not a hindrance to go forward and step for a better life - it is not the work but the attitude you shows toward other people - to stand on your what you believe what is right and fight for it - we can't please people after all..
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..and never thought the FL will do THAT kind of scenes since it my first to see on her *blush*..
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..well the runtime of the movie is kinda long but very worth to watch, I never looked bored even if the story always focus on her - just a slice of life we encounter everyday that we might relate or not yet very relaxing to watch..

Leia Mais

A box of tissues is a must!!

I was looking for a good cry and didn't want to watch any long dramas and this movie made me feel anything but disappointed in that aspect. It was heartbreaking to watch, to say the least, but I am so glad to have watched it because this is the sort of movie that has the potential to make you rethink life and look at living in a different light.
The e cast just nailed it, so much so that you won't feel like they are not actually living their life, even for a second. Even the little girl! And the fact that there are actual people that had to go through that is even more heartbreaking.
Also, some might argue that even if they didn't make it out of gwangju and told the whole world about it, someone would have. Yes, they would have and maybe the story would have been a little different but the suffering would not be any less. It's also important to talk about the people who didn't make it out - my heart goes out to them.
I hope everyone involved in that massacre finds peace. And I wish the two of them meet before either of them dies, they both deserve that - the peace.
Overall a great watch!

Leia Mais

Heartwarming Holiday Movie ♡

Did I watch a Christmas/ New Year movie in Apirl?
Yes yes I did ?
I have had this one on my list for some time now & happy I was able to watch it.
PROS:
◇The Cast! Amazing actors of all ages & some legends as well! ??
◇The chemistry it was believable and everyone did a great job!
CONS:
◇Some of the stories were slower / less interesting then others to me personally.
◇Some insta love ❤️ but it's a Christmas ? film so it wasn't surprising.

Over all I had a great time watching would probably rewatch but this time around the holidays ?

Leia Mais

Watch this movie!!

I'll admit right up front, this movie confused the heck out of me. I'm math-phobic, and time travel and space-time continuum type things relate to math, and you see my dilemma. But that's just me.

The story was beautiful and sad. I need happy endings, and unless I completely missed what was going on, this did not have a happy ending. I spent the time getting to know and love the characters, and once they knew what was going on, I could almost feel their pain in the knowledge they had gleaned. Japan knows how to do beautiful filming that is kind of "slice of life". Everyday places and everyday stories take on new and deeper meanings, and I love that.

Both actors did a wonderful job with their parts. I've only seen either of them in one other work, so I'm going to need to check out their filmography and expand on that.

Music - was there music? I wasn't paying attention to that.

Rewatch value - I'd say definitely, if for no other reason than trying to figure out the timeline.

Leia Mais

A hero origin story for the archer of myth

It's a nice little fantasy movie, revolving around a mythological figure, the archer Hou Yi. Evil demons are about to break a seal, once again threatening to take over the three realms.
The hero of the story lives as a shepherd and hunter in a rural/tribal community. He has a sister and his father is the leader of the community. The heroine is a cute fairy, who has waited 1000 years for the appearance of “the son of prophecy”, a warrior that is said to be able to stop the demons, because she wants to support him in the fight. There is no palace or officials involved, everything plays out between the tribal villagers and the demon forces.

Sets, CGI and costumes are not amazing, but decent enough to make it a colourful and entertaining performance. In some scenes, the choice of music is questionable.
If you are looking for a simple story, with a little bit of action, love and magic mixed together, this movie might suite you.

random information: Hou Yi is played by Ma Jing Han, who recently played Wu Xin's white-haired Uncle, Mo Quishi, in Wuxia-drama The Blood of Youth.

Leia Mais

Action-filled movie but not so comedy as advertised

The story is quite meh although it makes sense. A North and South Korean joint operation which initially started with different goals in mind towards the end, it becomes a really cooperative partnership. Who would've known that this two completely different detectives will find a common ground to work together despite the doubts and mistrusts at the beginning. The overall plotline is logical somehow but nothing extravagant or really big is going on. I find it linear with no much twists.

I love the action scenes which for me is executed well. Who doesn't want to see HyunBin in action? The chemistry between the two as partners while unique definitely works. I didn't expect them to complement each but they did.

It was a good weekend watch although I watched it on a weekday. It was intense yet light so I recommend it if you came across this movie on Netflix, it's worth a watch. I'm so excited to watch the sequel of this.

Leia Mais